Grain elevator for a harvesting machine

Abstract

A grain elevator for a harvester header having finger guards attached to a cutter bar. The grain elevator has a support rail having a first end for attachment to the cutter bar, a stalk elevator connected to a second end of the support rail, and a locking bar, wherein the locking bar has a support surface for bearing on one of the finger guards and can be fixed in at least two positions relative to the support rail to set the distance between the finger guards and the support rail.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application relates to an ear lifter for a mower of a harvesting machine, having finger guards attached to a cutter bar. The ear lifter has a support rail with a first end for attachment to the cutter bar, a stalk lifter connected to a second end of the support rail, and a locking lever, wherein the locking lever has a support surface for bearing on one of the finger guards and can be fixed in at least two positions relative to the support rail to set the distance between the finger guards and the support rail. BACKGROUND

[0002] In such mowers, the finger guards are distributed along the cutter bar, which guide the knife bars and act as counter knives to the cutting edges of the mower knives attached to the reciprocating knife bars. The ear lifter is used for safe mowing of curved or lodged stalks. Depending on the type or nature of the crop and the desired cutting height, different settings of the mower are required. As a result, the alignment of the ear lifter relative to the ground also changes. In order to ensure that the sliding area of the ear lifter is as parallel as possible to the ground, the area protruding beyond the end of the finger guard is raised or lowered relative to the finger guard.

[0003] For this purpose, EP 1061791 B1 discloses an ear lifter having a support rail connectable to a cutter bar and a stalk lifter connected to the support rail. A holding element attached to the support rail comprises two spaced-apart legs between which the end of a finger guard can be inserted, the holding element having a locking lever pivotably mounted about a pivot pin between the two legs. A first lever arm having a support surface can come into contact with the upper side of the finger guard for bearing, and a second lever arm has at least one latching surface. A locking element comes into contact with the locking surface of the locking lever to prevent the locking lever from moving. In order to move the locking lever to the desired position, the area of the ear lifter protruding beyond the end of the finger guard can be raised and pressed against the second arm of the locking lever to bring it into contact with the locking element. In order to release it, the locking lever must be disconnected from the locking element using a tool. SUMMARY

[0004] It can be an object to propose an ear lifter whose operation is simplified, for example by enabling height adjustment and / or disassembly without a tool, and / or enabling height adjustment and / or disassembly to be performed with one hand.

[0005] This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0006] A grain elevator for a swather of a harvesting machine having finger guards attached to a cutter bar, the grain elevator having a support rail with a first end for attachment to the cutter bar, a stalk elevator connected to a second end of the support rail, and a locking bar. The locking bar has a support surface for bearing on one of the finger guards and can be fixed in at least two positions relative to the support rail in order to set a distance between the finger guards and the support rail. According to an aspect, an elongated recess is provided on the grain elevator and the locking bar is displaceably guided in the elongated recess.

[0007] In order to set the distance between the finger guards and the support rail, a distance is set between the support surface and the support rail, wherein the at least two positions correspond to two different distances between the support surface and the support rail. One advantage is that the locking bar can be fixed in each of the positions and released therefrom by displacing the locking bar along the elongated recess, advantageously without the need to actuate further components, in particular without the need to utilize a tool.

[0008] In order to be able to be displaced relative to the support rail between the at least two positions, the locking bar can for example be held in the elongated recess in order that it can be pivoted relative to the support rail. The elongated recess can generally extend along the support rail, wherein it does not necessarily have to extend parallel to the support rail. The elongated recess can be formed on any component connected with the support rail or on the support rail itself. The elongated recess is continuous. It extends significantly further in a longitudinal direction than in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, for example at least five times further. The elongated recess can also be referred to as an elongated hole, wherein the extension transverse to the longitudinal direction does not necessarily have to be constant.

[0009] The locking bar can be designed as a plate, which can also be referred to as a plate-shaped or flat component. The plate is characterized in that it has a significantly greater extension in two spatial directions than in a third spatial direction, for example at least five times greater. The locking bar can be punched or cut from a flat material such as sheet metal. The thickness of the locking bar is adapted to the elongated recess, such that the locking bar can be arranged in the elongated recess.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the locking bar has a latching recess, one of which interacts with a latching portion on an edge region of the elongated recess in each position in order to fix the locking bar in the respective position. The latching recesses can be arranged in steps. According to an embodiment, the latching recess is groove-shaped in order to be able to enclose the latching portion on multiple sides.

[0011] According to a further embodiment provision is made that the latching portion forms an acute angle with the surface of the finger guard that interacts with the locking lever. The support rail is attached at the first end to the cutter bar and is deflected to adjust the height. Via the tension of the support rail between the support surface of the locking lever and the support on the surface of the finger guard at the first end, which tension is caused by the deflection, a spring force of the support rail is generated, which spring force essentially points in the direction of the finger guard, i.e. in the installation position directed towards the ground. This spring force is transmitted via the latching portion to the latching recess. Thus, depending on the angular dimension of the acute angle, a part of the spring force acts towards the latching recess. In this way, the latching portion is held in the latching recess by a part of the spring force, which latching recess can advantageously extend at an angle corresponding to the acute angle. This advantageously avoids the locking lever from becoming loose. The acute angle can for example open towards the first end of the support rail. In order to provide the acute angle between the latching portion and the back of the blade, the elongate recess can have a bend on its longitudinal extension, or in particular a S-shaped or Z-shaped course.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the locking lever is pivotably arranged in the elongate recess, whereby the resulting pivot axis extends transversely to the longitudinal extension of the elongate recess and is displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the elongate recess. The pivot axis in the sense of the present application is to be understood as an imaginary axis of rotation of the locking lever, which does not necessarily have to have any physical features in the sense of an axle, a bogie or a suspension. The pivot range of the locking lever can be limited, as long as it can be moved into the respective position. A rotational range of a maximum of 45° angular dimension can be provided.

[0013] According to a further embodiment provision is made that the locking lever has a connecting portion and a support portion arranged next to each other in the elongate recess, the locking lever being held at the connecting portion so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis of the elongate recess. Thus, the connecting portion and the support portion are arranged next to each other in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the elongate recess. The connecting portion and the support portion are at least partially arranged within the elongate recess and for example protrude from the elongate recess. The pivot axis runs through the connecting portion, the pivot axis being essentially fixed. This does not necessarily have to be the case with regard to the alignment with the elongate recess, as the locking lever can be held playfully in the elongate recess. The support portion can face the first end of the support rail and the connecting portion can face the second end of the support rail. The support surface and the latching recess can be formed on the support portion, wherein the latching recess is arranged at a different distance from the support surface. By pivoting the locking lever, the distance between the latching recess and the elongate recess and thus to the support rail is advantageously changed.

[0014] The locking lever can have a recess between the connecting portion and the support portion, wherein the connecting portion is connected to the support portion via a first leg. The support portion can have a second leg which is angled relative to the first leg and comprises a latching recess. For example, the first leg and the second leg can enclose an angle of about 90°. For example, the support surface is arranged on a side of the support portion facing the finger guard, and the second leg is arranged on a side of the support portion facing away from the support surface. Thus, as the locking lever is pivoted, the distance between the support surface and the elongate recess, and thus to the support rail, also changes.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the edge region of the elongate recess forming the latching portion is arranged at a rear end of the elongate recess facing the first end of the support rail. The designation of the rear end is defined as corresponding to the rear end of the harvester in the direction of travel when installed. The locking lever can be pre-tensioned in the direction of the latching portion by a tension spring (or a stretch spring).

[0016] In order to secure the locking lever in the elongate recess, various embodiments can be considered which ensure that the locking lever can be installed and ideally avoid a loss of the locking lever during operation.

[0017] A possible embodiment provides that the locking lever has a connecting recess, wherein this connecting recess is intended to receive the connecting edge region of the elongate recess. The connecting edge region of the elongate recess is arranged at an end of the elongate recess opposite the latching portion, for example facing the second end of the support rail, and can also be referred to as the front end of the elongate recess. The connecting recess is formed in a connecting region of the locking lever and is delimited by a web, the ends of which accommodate the connecting edge region between them. An opening is formed between the ends, which is at least wide enough to accommodate the connecting edge region. Behind the opening, the connecting recess widens to allow the locking lever to be rotated around the connecting region. The distance between the front end and the rear end of the elongate recess is smaller than the extension of the locking lever in the longitudinal direction of the elongate recess. The connecting recess extends deeper into the locking lever in the direction of the latching recess than the latching recess. In order to be able to insert the locking lever into the elongate recess, the minimum distance from the connecting recess to the edge of the locking lever facing the first end of the support rail is smaller than the distance between the front end and the rear end of the elongate recess. The locking lever is pre-tensioned towards the latching portion, which secures it in the elongate recess. A tension spring for generating the pre-tension can act on one of the ends of the web of the connecting recess. It is also conceivable to arrange a tension spring in the connecting recess between the front end of the elongate recess and the locking lever.

[0018] Another possible embodiment provides that the plate-shaped locking lever has two pins, which protrude from at least one of the two surfaces of the locking lever in the connection portion, i.e. in the direction of the smallest extension of the locking lever. The pins can also protrude on both sides of the locking lever. By arranging one of the pins on one side of the component comprising the elongated recess and the other pin on the opposite side, the locking lever is advantageously pivotable and displaceably held in the elongated recess. The distance between the front end and the rear end of the elongated recess is greater than the extension of the locking lever in the longitudinal direction of the elongated recess. The at least one pin can be designed as a pin that is inserted into a hole in the locking lever. After the locking lever has been inserted into the elongated recess, the pin can be inserted into the hole to advantageously provide its assembly. For example, the pin can be screwed in, pressed in, or brazed or welded into the hole. The at least one pin can be formed in one piece with the locking lever. This can be produced by a forming process or a one-time forming process, for example by cup stretching or bending a notch. The pin does not have to be cylindrical in shape.

[0019] According to another possible embodiment, the elongated recess comprises a shape that extends transversely to the longitudinal extension of the recess. This allows the locking lever with two pins to be inserted into the elongated recess. This makes it possible to design the two pins as one piece with the locking lever. By pre-tensioning the locking lever against the latch portion, the locking lever is held in the elongated recess. A tension spring for generating the pre-tensioning can act on the edge of the connection portion and can extend through the elongated recess.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the locking lever has an actuation portion for manual actuation, wherein a concave shape is formed on the actuation portion for receiving a finger of an operator. The concave shape is advantageously an ergonomic shape to ensure easy and comfortable operation with the finger and, for example, opens towards the first end of the support rail. By pulling the support rail upwards with the hand and actuating the actuation portion, for example with the thumb, in order to engage or release one of the latch recesses on the latch portion, the grain lift is able to be adjusted in the individual positions without the need for a tool for manual operation, usually also with only one hand. Unlike the connection portion and the support portion, the actuation portion is arranged outside the elongated recess, on the side of the support rail facing away from the finger guard. The actuation portion is connected to the support portion, for example on the side of the latch recess facing away from the support surface. When installed, the actuation portion is thus arranged above the support portion and thus above the elongated recess for ease of actuation by the operator. If the locking lever has a recess between the connection portion and the support portion, the actuation portion can be connected to the second leg and via the third leg to the connection portion, which results in an advantageously stable closed ring shape.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the locking lever can comprise an actuation hook for actuation by the finger guard, which is designed to embrace the end of the finger guard, so that the locking lever remains on the finger guard when the distance between the finger guard and the support rail changes, thus automatically adjusting to one of the positions. When the support rail is deflected, the distance to the surface of the finger guard increases. The locking lever is pivoted by the actuation hook reaching under the end of the finger guard. Due to the shape of the actuation hook and the ability of the locking lever to slide along the elongated recess, the actuation hook slips off the end of the finger guard under continued deflection of the support rail. The locking lever has already pivoted in advance until one of the latching recesses reaches the latching portion and, due to the pre-tensioning of the locking lever against the latching portion, it automatically engages.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the elongated recess is arranged in the support rail, for example running in the main extension direction of the support rail. The resulting pivot axis of the locking lever is thus arranged in the support rail and can be adjusted along the support rail. The support surface can be designed to come into contact with the side of the finger guard facing the support rail.

[0023] The main extension direction of the support rail corresponds in Cartesian coordinates to the spatial direction X, which corresponds to the direction of travel of the harvester when the grain elevator is installed. The support rail does not run straight in the X direction, but has several bends in the Z direction, which corresponds to the vertical direction or the direction of gravity when the grain elevator is installed. The support rail is flat, with a greater extension in the Y direction than in the Z direction. Deflection of the support rail clamped at the first end in the Z direction thus results in a spring force acting in the direction opposite to the deflection. According to an embodiment, the locking lever can have a reinforcing effect with respect to the bending stresses on the support rail in the region of the elongated recess, which reinforcing effect is greater in a first bending direction (Z) than in a second bending direction (-Z) opposite to the first bending direction. Deflection of the support rail in the direction of gravity when the grain elevator is installed is thus counteracted more strongly than deflection against the direction of gravity. Such an advantage lies in the fact that the grain elevator is less likely to penetrate into the ground due to deflection in the ground direction, for example by stones, which can lead to plastic deformation and destruction of the grain elevator.

[0024] A holder for the finger guard can be arranged on the support rail. Another embodiment can then be provided with an elongated recess arranged in the holder. This design is useful for a grain elevator attached to the cutter bar below the finger guard and in which the holder is thus arranged on the upper side facing the finger guard.

[0025] Another aspect of the application relates to a grain elevator for a harvester's swather, with finger guards attached to a cutter bar, the grain elevator comprising a support rail with a first end for attachment to the cutter bar, a stalk elevator connected to a second end of the support rail, and a locking bar, wherein the locking bar has a support surface for bearing against one of the finger guards and can be fixed in at least two positions relative to the support rail in order to set the distance between the finger guards and the support rail, characterized in that the support surface is intended to come into contact with the side of the finger guard that faces the support rail. It is particularly advantageous that the support rail of the grain elevator can be attached to the cutter bar with the first end above the finger guards. An elongated recess can be provided in the support rail of the grain elevator, in which the locking bar is slidably guided.

[0026] Another aspect of the application relates to a swathing arrangement with finger guards and a grain elevator according to the aforementioned aspect or one of the embodiments thereof.

[0027] Another aspect of the application relates to a swather for a harvester comprising a cutter bar with finger guards attached, wherein a grain elevator is attached to the cutter bar and the grain elevator corresponds to the aforementioned aspect or one of the embodiments thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] Further features and advantages will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 A side view of an embodiment of a grain elevator is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 A side view of another embodiment of a grain elevator is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 A side view of an embodiment of a swather with a grain elevator according to Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 4 A side view of another embodiment of a swather with a grain elevator according to Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 5 A perspective view of a detail according to an embodiment of Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 6 A perspective view of a detail according to an embodiment of Figure 2 ;

[0035] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a detail according to an embodiment ofFigure 2 Details of the embodiments;

[0036] Figure 8 It shows that according to Figure 3 A view of a harvester, with multiple grain lifters in different positions;

[0037] Figure 9 Another embodiment of the grain elevator is shown with the help of details in the cross-sectional view;

[0038] Figure 10 It shows that according to Figure 9 A perspective view of an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 11 Another embodiment of the grain elevator is shown with the aid of details in the side view;

[0040] Figure 12 It shows that according to Figure 11 In one embodiment, the distance between the finger-shaped protective element and the support rail is increased;

[0041] Figure 13 The side view shows the results according to Figure 2 Details of embodiments of the grain elevator;

[0042] Figure 14 Another embodiment of the grain elevator is shown in detail with the aid of a 3D view;

[0043] Figure 15 It shows that according to Figure 14 A perspective view showing the details of the components in the embodiment;

[0044] Figure 16 Another embodiment of the grain elevator is shown with the aid of details in the side view;

[0045] Figure 17 It shows that according to Figure 16 A perspective view of an embodiment;

[0046] Figure 18 The details shown in the side view are based on Figure 16 Another embodiment of a harvester with a grain elevator;

[0047] Figure 19 A side view of another embodiment of a grain elevator on a harvester is shown;

[0048] Figure 20 It shows that according to Figure 19 A perspective view detailing an embodiment;

[0049] Figure 21 Another 3D diagram shows the results based on Figure 19 Details of the embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Figure 1 A side view of an embodiment of the grain elevator 1 is shown. A Cartesian coordinate system with three orthogonal spatial directions is indicated by arrows X and Z, pointing in the X and Z directions respectively. The third spatial direction Y corresponds to the viewing direction entering the drawing plane. The Cartesian coordinate system applies to all figures and is used for perspective views using arrows X, Z, and possibly Y. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same parts. Repeating parts with the same reference numerals do not need to be named repeatedly.

[0051] Figure 1 The grain lifter 1 of the harvester shown is intended to be attached to the cutter bar via finger guards (not shown). A support rail 5 has a first end 6 for fastening to the cutter bar. A stalk lifter 8 is arranged at a second end 7 of the support rail 5, intended to lift and cut kinked or lodged stalks. A locking lever 17, having a support surface 19 for support on one of the finger guards, can be fixed relative to the support rail in at least two positions to set the distance between the finger guard and the support rail 5. The locking lever 17 can be a plate-like component, which can be made, for example, from a sheet of metal by stamping or cutting. An elongated recess 3 is provided on the grain lifter 1, which, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, is formed on a retainer 14 for the finger guard. Details of the retainer 14 and locking lever 17 arranged in the elongated recess 3 are illustrated with the aid of further drawings. The locking lever 17 is slidably guided along the elongated recess 3. The main extension direction of the elongated recess 3 travels substantially in a plane spanned by the X and Y directions. The spring 11 can hold the locking lever 17 in the rear position, i.e., pre-tighten the locking lever 17 in the direction of the first end 6.

[0052] Figure 2 A side view of another embodiment of the grain elevator 1 is shown. The design of the grain elevator 1 differs from that of the other embodiment in the arrangement of the support rails 5 and the stalk elevator 8. Figure 1 The design is similar. And... Figure 2 The difference between the illustrated embodiments lies in the arrangement of the retainer 14 for the finger guard (not shown) on the side of the support rail 5 facing away from the stem lifter 8. Therefore, in the mounting position on the cutter bar (not shown), the retainer 14 is located below the support rail 5 or on the ground-facing side of the support rail 5. Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment of the grain lifter shown, an elongated recess 3 is formed in the support rail 5. This allows a locking lever 17, having a support surface 19, to be supported on a finger guard for adjusting the distance between the finger guard and the support rail 5 by setting the locking lever 17 at different positions relative to the support rail 5. A spring 11 preloads the locking lever 17 against the rear end of the elongated recess 3, i.e., in the direction of the first end 6.

[0053] Figure 3 It has such Figure 2 This is a side view of an embodiment of a harvester or harvester arrangement showing the grain lifter 1 and finger guard 2. The first end 6 of the support rail 5 is secured above the finger guard 2 to the cutter bar (not shown) by a fastening device 32. This illustration is used to depict the interaction between the locking lever 17 on the grain lifter 1 and the finger guard 2. The support surface 19 of the locking lever 17 (see...) Figure 2 The finger guard 2 is supported on the side 20 facing the support rail 5. This is also referred to hereinafter as the top 20 of the finger guard 2. If the locking lever 17 is fixed relative to the support rail 5 in at least one of two positions, the locking lever 17 forms a spacer between the support rail 5 and the finger guard 2. The support rail 5 is deflected upward in the negative Z direction compared to the tension-free position, and thus applies a spring force in the Z direction, which acts on the surface 20 of the finger guard 2 via the locking lever 17. The first end 6 of the support rail 5 is attached to the cutter bar above the finger guard 2. This provides more clearance in the lower section of the cutter. Therefore, the grain lifter 1 attached above the finger guard 2 has a retainer 14 on the lower side of the support rail 5 opposite to the stalk lifter 8.

[0054] Figure 4 A side view of another embodiment of a harvesting machine or harvesting arrangement is shown, wherein... Figure 1 The grain lifter 1 shown is attached to a cutter bar (not shown) together with the finger guard 2. The grain lifter 1 is positioned below the finger guard 2, such that the finger guard 2 is located between the support rail 5 and the stalk lifter 8. Therefore, the retainer 14 for the finger guard 2 is also attached to the top of the support rail 5 facing the stalk lifter 8. In this embodiment, the elongated recess 3 for retaining the locking lever 17 could, in principle, also be formed in the support rail 5. However, since the elongated recess 3 is designed in the retainer 14, an advantageously simpler design for the locking lever 17 is possible. Support surface 19 (see...) Figure 1 The locking lever 17 is supported on the upper side 20 of the finger guard 2. When the locking lever 17 is fixed in one of at least two positions relative to the support rail 5, the locking lever 17 forms a spacer between the finger guard 2 and the support rail 5. The locking lever 17 is fixed to the retainer 14, which is securely connected to the support rail 5. The spring force acting in the Z direction of the deflected support rail 5 thus acts on the finger guard 2 via the retainer 14 and the locking lever 17.

[0055] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2The two embodiments of the grain elevator 1 can be referred to as basic embodiments, which have in common that the support surface 19 is intended to be in contact with, or brought into contact with, the side 20 of the finger guard 2 facing the support rail 5. Further details of the basic embodiments are explained below with the aid of further illustrations.

[0056] Reference is made to Figure 5 to Figure 8 Further details are shown Figure 1 and Figure 2 the embodiments shown in Figure 5 Details of the grain elevator 1 according to Figure 2 are shown, which is screwed under the finger guard 2, which is a part of the support rail 5, in perspective view with the rear end 6 and a holder 14 (not shown) for the finger guard 2, which is attached to the upper side of the support rail 5. The elongated recess 3 in the holder 14 is continuous and can also be referred to as a slotted hole 3. The locking lever 17 has a plurality of latching recesses 22, one of which cooperates with a latching portion 15 at the edge region of the elongated recess 3 in order to fix the locking lever 17 in one of its positions relative to the support rail 5. The spring 11 in the form of a flat spring is connected to the support rail 5 and / or the holder 14 and can extend through the elongated recess 3 in order to pre-tension the locking lever 17 against the latching portion 15, thereby holding it in place.

[0057] Figure 6 Details of the grain elevator 1 according to Figure 1 are shown, which is screwed over the finger guard 2, which is a part of the support rail 5, in perspective view with the rear end 6 and a holder 14 (not shown) for the finger guard 2, which is attached to the lower side of the support rail 5. The elongated recess 3 in the support rail 5 is continuous. One of the latching recesses 22 on the locking lever 17 interacts with a latching portion 15 on the edge region of the elongated recess 3 in order to fix the locking lever 17. In this embodiment, the edge region of the elongated recess 3 is formed on the support rail 5. The spring 11 in the form of a helical spring is connected to the support rail 5 and can extend through the elongated recess 3 in order to pre-tension the locking lever 17 against the latching portion 15, thereby holding it in place. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The shape of the spring 11 shown in

[0058] The embodiments according to Figure 7 and Figure 8 are described below together with Figure 5 and Figure 6 , since the features of the locking lever 17 are identical in both embodiments. Figure 7 Details of the grain elevator 1 according to Figure 6Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal sectional view in the plane spanned by the X- and Z- directions through the grain elevator 1 of an embodiment. The locking lever 7 can also be arranged in the elongated recess 3 of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 Fig. 1. In the illustration, the latching recess 22 of the locking lever 17 engages with the latching portion 15 on the holder 14 or on the support rail 5, which is arranged closer to the support surface 19. It can be seen that in both embodiments, the distance between the support rail 5 and the finger guard 2 depends on which latching recess 22 receives the latching portion 15. The latching portion 15 is formed by the rear edge region of the elongated recess 3, which is understood to be the end of the elongated recess 3 facing the first end 6, whether it is formed on the holder 14 or on the support rail 5. The locking lever 17 is pre-tensioned in the direction of the latching portion 15 by the tension spring 11 and is thus held in the respective position. This allows the height of the grain elevator relative to the forage harvester to be adjusted, as Figure 8 indicated in Fig. 3.

[0059] In order to be able to connect one of the latching recesses 22 to the latching portion 15 alternately, the locking lever 17 is pivotably arranged in the elongated recess 3. The pivot axis 16 about which the locking lever 17 is pivoted is not an axis formed by a physical feature, since in the exemplary embodiment shown, the locking lever 17 is held in the slotted hole 3 by a pin 4. The pin 4 extends essentially in the Y-direction transversely to the main extension of the slotted hole 3 and is arranged on both sides of the component having the slotted hole 3, i.e. on both sides of the holder 14 or the support rail 5. This means that the locking lever 17 is able to move and pivot along the slotted hole 3. The pivot axis 16 extends transversely to the plane spanned by the X- and Z- directions, approximately in the Y-direction and approximately centrally between the two pins 4. The position of the pivot axis 16 is shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 ; in Figure 7 , it extends approximately in the Y-direction, perpendicular to the drawing plane, between the two pins 4. Since the mounting of the locking lever 17 in the elongated recess 3 has a play, the direction of the pivot axis 16 can differ slightly compared to the Y-direction. The pivot axis 16 is fixed compared to the connection portion 9 of the locking lever 17 on which the pins 4 are arranged, and thus the pivot axis 16 moves along the slotted hole 3 together with the locking lever 17.

[0060] The connecting portion 9 holds the locking lever 17 in the elongated recess 3 such that it can be pivoted about the pivot axis 16, which is arranged along the elongated recess 3 or is arranged at an angle in the X direction relative to the bearing portion 10 of the locking lever 17. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connecting portion 9 is connected to the bearing portion 10 via a first leg 18. The bearing portion 10 forms a bearing surface 19 facing the edge of the bearing rail 5. A latching recess 22 is also formed on the bearing portion 10, wherein the latching recess 22 is arranged at different distances from the bearing surface 19. To this end, the bearing portion 10 has a second leg 21, which is angled relative to the first leg 18 and on which the latching recess 22 is arranged. The bearing surface 19 is arranged on the side of the bearing portion 10 facing the finger guard 2 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ), while the second leg 21 or the latching recess 22 is arranged on the side of the bearing portion 10 facing away from the bearing surface 19.

[0061] The locking lever 17 can have an actuation portion 12 for manual actuation, which has a concave shape 28 for ergonomically accommodating the fingers of an operator. The concave shape 28 can be open toward the first end 6, allowing advantageous operation with the thumb, while the other fingers of the operator can reach under the bearing rail 5. This allows the locking lever 17 to be pulled in the direction of the second end 7 against the force of the spring 11 in order to release the latching recess 22 from the latching portion 15. When the fingers of the operator are grasped under the bearing rail 5, the bearing rail 5 can be adjusted to the desired height, and the locking lever 17 can be fixed to the latching section 15 again, for example with the other latching recess 22. Thus, the height can be adjusted without tools and essentially with only one hand. The actuation portion 12 is arranged on the side of the latching recess 22 or the second leg 21 facing away from the bearing surface 19, so that the actuation portion 12 advantageously protrudes upward from the slotted hole 3. The actuation portion 12 can be connected to the second leg 21, for example, and connected to the connecting portion 9 via a third leg 23, so that the locking lever 17 forms a stable ring-shaped closed shape. The two latching recesses 22 shown in the exemplary embodiment correspond to two different height settings of the bearing rail 5. In both height settings, the bearing rail 5 is deflected upward. This leads to a third height setting in which the locking rail 5 is not deflected. In this case, a surface 35 on the second leg 21 comes into contact with the latching portion 15, since the locking lever 17 does not have to be fixed in place against the spring force of the bearing rail 5. The second leg 21 has a stop 37 protruding at both ends in the direction of the first end 6, which interacts with the upper or lower side of the bearing rail 5 or the holder 14 in the region of the latching portion 15 and thus limits the range of rotation of the locking lever 17.

[0062] Figure 8A diagram of a mower with a plurality of grain lifters 1 is shown, which are arranged one after the other in the viewing direction or Y direction, or with a plurality of mower arrangements, here exemplarily with grain lifters 1 according to Figure 2 the embodiment. The three grain lifters 1 have three different height settings, in each of which the support rail 5 is arranged at a different position or at a different angle relative to the finger guard 2. Each height setting corresponds to one of the positions of the locking lever 17. With reference to Figure 3 and 4 , it can be seen that the grain lifters 1 according to Figure 4 are arranged higher than the mower by reducing the distance between the support rail 5 and the finger guard 2, while the grain lifters 1 according to Figure 3 are arranged higher than the mower by increasing the distance between the support rail 5 and the finger guard 2.

[0063] With reference to the embodiments described together in Figure 9 and Figure 10 , another embodiment of the finger guard 1 is described. This embodiment is based on the basic embodiment shown in Figure 2 , but can also be transferred to the basic embodiment shown in Figure 1 by transferring the features described below relating to the elongated recess 3 and the carrier rail 5 to the elongated recess 3 on the holder 14. According to this embodiment provision, the latching portion 15 encloses an acute angle A with the surface 20 of the finger guard 2, which is only shown here. The surface 20 of the finger guard 2 is aligned approximately horizontally in the mounting position on the mower, i.e. parallel to the plane spanned by the X direction and the Y direction. The advantage of this embodiment is that the spring force acting in the Z direction of the support rail 5 and in the opposite direction to the Z direction keeps the locking lever 17 in place. The latching portion 15 acts with a portion of the spring force in the direction of the latching recess 22 depending on the angle A, which is supported on the surface 20 of the finger guard via the second leg 21 and the support surface 19. The angle A has an angular dimension of at least 10°, in particular from 20° to 30°, for example. The opening of the latching recess 22 on the second leg 21 of the support portion 10 is aligned with the latching portion 15. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the angled shape of the latching portion 15 is achieved by the elongated recess 3 having an S-shaped or Z-shaped profile in the direction of its longitudinal extension. The spring 11 exerts a spring force on the locking lever 17 in the direction of the first end 6 in the region of the connection portion 9, thereby also keeping it in place.

[0064] The locking lever 17 differs from the previously described embodiments in this exemplary embodiment also in that three latching recesses 22 are provided, which make it possible to arrange the grain lifters 1 in three different height settings. The three latching recesses 22 can be implemented in any of the embodiments described in this application.

[0065] Reference is made to Figure 11 and Figure 12 , another embodiment of a harvester or harvester arrangement will be described below. Figure 11 and Figure 12 each show a harvester or harvester arrangement comprising a finger guard 2 and a grain elevator 1, which are only partly shown. The grain elevator 1 and the finger guard 2 are attached to a not shown cutter bar by fastening means 32. The shown embodiment relates to the basic embodiment shown in Figure 2 . However, features related to the locking bar 17 can also be transferred to the basic embodiment shown in Figure 1 . In the shown exemplary embodiment, the locking bar 17 has an actuation hook 29 for actuation by the finger guard 2, wherein the actuation hook 29 is designed to surround the tip 30 of the finger guard 2, so that the locking bar 17 is displaced into one of the positions and engages when the distance between the finger guard 2 and the support rail 5 changes. In Figure 11 , the grain elevator 1 is arranged in its lowest position. For this lowest arrangement position, the locking bar 17 does not have to be fixed in one position, because the force acting in the Z direction of the support rail 5 does not act on the finger guard 2 via the locking bar 17 and the locking bar 17 does not have the function of a spacer between the grain elevator 1 and the finger guard 5. The surface 35 of the support portion 10 rests against the latching portion 15 at the rear edge of the elongated recess 3. The latching recess 22 is arranged to abut the surface 35 on the side opposite to the support surface 19. On the connection portion 9 of the locking bar 17, the actuation hook 29 is arranged, and the shape of this actuation hook 29 is such that it surrounds the finger guard tip 30 in the shown height arrangement. As a result, the grain elevator 1 is advantageously moved into one of the positions without manual actuation of the locking bar 17. When the support rail 5 is deflected upwards, i.e. against the Z direction, the distance between the support rail 5 and the surface 20 of the finger guard 2 increases. The locking bar 17 is pivoted clockwise by the actuation hook 29, which engages below the finger guard tip 30. Due to the shape of the actuation hook 29 and the displaceability of the locking bar 17 along the elongated recess 3, the actuation hook 29 slips off the finger guard tip 30 under continued deflection of the support rail 5, as shown in Figure 11 . The locking bar 17 is pivoted clockwise in advance until one of the latching recesses 22 reaches the latching area 15, and the force of the spring 11 causes the locking bar 17 to engage in one of the positions. Depending on the shape of the actuation hook 29, it can engage in the upper or lower latching recess 22. Figure 12

[0066] Figure 13 Details of an embodiment of a grain elevator 1 according to Figure 2 are shown in a side view. Reference is made to Figure 13 ​A further advantage of this embodiment, which also applies to the other embodiments, is that the locking bar 17 has a strengthening effect on the bending stresses in the region of the elongated recess 3 about the support rail 5, which is greater in the first bending direction in the Z direction than in the second bending direction opposite the first bending direction, indicated by -Z. The support rail 5 is often subjected to bending during operation. Due to uneven ground or stones protruding from the ground, the support rail 5 is often deflected upwards, i.e. in the second bending direction -Z, which is why the support rail 5 must be designed to have a corresponding flexibility to avoid causing damage. If the second end 7 of the support rail 5 protrudes into the ground, a deflection in the first bending direction Z can also occur. This is undesirable, because the grain elevator 1 can dig into the soil and be destroyed. The broken parts of a damaged grain elevator in turn can cause serious further damage to the harvester. For this reason, it is advantageous if the support rail 5 is more rigid in the first bending direction Z than in the second bending direction -Z. This strengthening effect of the locking bar 17 is given here and is illustrated by the triangle 33 drawn for illustrative purposes. The base 34 of the triangle 33 corresponds to the distance defined by the locking bar 17 between the surface 20 of the finger guard 2 and the support rail 5, more precisely to the latch portion 15. The end 36 of the triangle 33 represents the point of the fastening section 9 in which the support rail 5 is held between the pins 4 and is connected to the base 34 via the first leg 18. The section of the support rail 5 between the end 36 and the base 34 cannot be deflected downwards in the first bending direction Z, but can be deflected in the opposite second bending direction -Z.

[0067] Reference is made to Figure 14 and Figure 15 for a further embodiment of the grain elevator 1. Figure 14 A further embodiment of the grain elevator 1 is shown by means of a detail of a perspective view; the embodiment shown corresponds to the basic embodiment shown in Figure 2 . The features of this embodiment relating to the elongated recess 3 and the locking bar 7 can also be transferred to the basic embodiment shown in Figure 1 . The locking bar 17, which is designed as a plate, has two pins 4 protruding from at least one surface of the plate in order to hold the locking bar 17 pivotably and displaceably in the elongated recess 3. The pins 4 can protrude in the Y direction from the surfaces of the plate on both sides of the locking bar or only from one of the surfaces. At least one pin 4 can be designed as a pin that is seated in a hole in the locking bar 17. The advantage is that at least one pin can be inserted into the locking bar 17 after the locking bar 17 has been positioned in the elongated recess 3. The locking bar 17 is then connected to the support rail 5 or the holder 14 in a positive fit in all spatial directions.

[0068] In the shown embodiment, at least one pin 4 is formed in one piece with the locking bar 17, which can be achieved, for example, by producing the pin 4 as a cup (Napf) or a notch using a forming process. The production of the pin 4 can advantageously be carried out at the same time as the production of the locking bar 17, which greatly simplifies the production of the locking bar 17. A further pin 4 can be designed as a pin, which can subsequently be inserted into the locking bar 17. If both pins 4 are formed in one piece with the locking bar 17, the production is further simplified, as shown in the shown embodiment. In this case, the elongated recess 3 is provided with an enlargement 31 extending transversely to the longitudinal extent of the elongated recess 3, which can also be referred to as a notch or widening of the elongated recess 3.

[0069] Figure 15 A perspective view of the assembly of the embodiment is shown, in which the locking bar 17 is inserted into the elongated recess 3 such that the pin 4 is inserted through the enlargement 31. Figure 14 It is shown that, when the grain elevator 1 is installed, the pin 4 cannot reach the enlargement 31 arranged in the approximate middle of the elongated recess 3 and thus cannot be lost during operation. Even on a single grain elevator 1 in the unassembled state, the locking bar 17 is firmly connected to the grain elevator 1 as soon as one of the latching recesses 22 is connected to the latching region 15 and the spring 11 exerts a force on the locking bar 17 in the direction of the first end 6.

[0070] Reference is made to Figure 16 to Figure 18 Further embodiments of the grain elevator 1 and the mower or mower arrangement are described. Figure 16 A further embodiment of the grain elevator 1 is shown by means of a detail of a side view. Figure 17 A perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 16 is shown. Figure 18 A side view of a further embodiment of the mower or mower arrangement with the grain elevator 1 is shown as shown in Figure 16 is described below together with Figure 16 to Figure 18 . This embodiment is based on the basic embodiment according to Figure 2 , wherein the distinguishing features of the elongated recess 3 and the locking bar 17 can be transferred to the basic embodiment according to Figure 1 . The locking bar 17 has a connecting recess 24, which is intended to receive a connecting edge region 25 of the elongated recess 3. The connecting recess 24 is formed on the connecting portion 9. The connecting edge region 25 is arranged at the front end of the elongated recess 3 opposite the latching region 15. The connecting edge region 25 accommodated in the connecting recess 24 provides a form-fit connection between the support rail 5 or holder 14 and the locking bar 17 in the Z direction. The pin 4 of the aforementioned embodiment can thus advantageously be omitted, which further simplifies the manufacture of the locking bar 17. In Figure 17As can be seen in the perspective view of Fig. 1 1, the elongated recess 3 has a correspondingly small extension in its main extension direction. The connecting recess 24 is delimited by a web 26, the end sections 27 of which accommodate or rest against the connecting edge region 25 between them. In the exemplary embodiment, the tension spring 1 1 does not extend through the elongated recess 3, but rather acts on one of the end sections 27 on one of the webs 26. In the embodiment shown, the locking lever 17 can also be moved along the elongated recess 3, so that the latching recess 22 can engage the latching portion 15 and be released again. The pivot axis 16 resulting from the pivotability of the locking lever 17 extends approximately parallel to the Y direction between the end sections 27.

[0071] Reference is made to Figure 19 to Figure 21 Further embodiments of the grain elevator 1 and of the mowing machine or mowing machine arrangement are described. Figure 19 A side view of a further embodiment of a mowing machine with a grain elevator 1 is shown. Figure 20 A perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 19 is shown. Figure 21 A further perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 19 is shown. The embodiments described below are described together. Figure 19 to Figure 21 This embodiment is based on the basic embodiment according to Figure 2 , wherein the distinguishing features of the elongated recess 3 and the locking lever 17 can be transferred to the basic embodiment according to Figure 1 . The locking lever 17 comprises a connecting recess 24, which is intended to receive the connecting edge region 25 of the elongated recess 3. The connecting recess 24 is formed on the connecting portion 9. The connecting edge region 25 is arranged at the front end of the elongated recess 3 opposite the latching region 15. The connecting edge region 25 accommodated in the connecting recess 24 provides a form-fit connection between the support rail 5 or holder 14 and the locking lever 17 in the Z direction. The connecting recess 24 is delimited by a web 26, the end sections 27 of which accommodate or rest against the connecting edge region 25 between them. The small connecting recess 24 compared to the embodiment according to Figure 16 to Figure 18 is delimited by a connecting web 38 opposite the opening. Between the connecting web 38 and the support portion 10, a recess 39 is provided which extends through the locking lever 17 in the Y direction, which saves mass and material of the locking lever 17.

[0072] In this exemplary embodiment, the tension spring 11 does not extend through the elongated recess 3. The tension spring 11 is a generally V-shaped leaf spring which is fastened together with the holder 14 for the finger guard, wherein one leg is arranged on the support rail 5 by means of the fastening device 32 and the second leg acts on one of the end sections 27 of one of the web sections 26. In the embodiment shown, the locking lever 17 can also be moved along the elongated recess 3, so that the latching recess 22 can engage the latching portion 15 and be released again. The pivot axis 16 resulting from the pivotability of the locking lever 17 extends approximately parallel to the Y direction between the end sections 27.

[0073] According to the provision of this embodiment, the latching portion 15 forms an acute angle A with the surface 20 of the finger guard 2, as is shown in accordance with the embodiment according to Figure 9 The surface 20 of the finger guard 2 is aligned approximately horizontally, i.e. parallel to the plane spanned by the X direction and the Y direction, in the installed position on the mowing machine. The advantage of this embodiment is that the spring force acting in the Z direction of the support rail 5 and in the opposite direction to the Z direction keeps the locking lever 17 in place. The latching portion 15 acts with a portion of the spring force in the direction of the latching recess 22 which depends on the angle A, which is supported via the bearing surface 19 on the surface 20 of the finger guard 2. The angle A has an angular dimension of at least 10°, in particular from 20° to 30°, for example. The opening of the latching recess 22 of the bearing portion 10 is aligned with the latching portion 15. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the angled shape of the latching portion 15 is achieved by the elongated recess 3 having an S-shaped profile or a Z-shaped profile in the direction of its longitudinal extension. The tension spring 11 exerts a spring force on the locking lever 17 in the direction of the first end 6 in the region of the connection portion 9, thereby also keeping it in place.

[0074] List of reference signs

[0075] 1 grain lifter

[0076] 2 finger guard

[0077] 3 elongated recess

[0078] 4 pin

[0079] 5 support rail

[0080] 6 first end

[0081] 7 second end

[0082] 8 stalk lifter

[0083] 9 connection portion

[0084] 10 bearing portion

[0085] 11 spring

[0086] 12 actuation portion

[0087] 14 holder for the finger guard

[0088] 15 latching portion

[0089] 16 pivot axis

[0090] 17 locking lever

[0091] 18 first leg

[0092] 19 bearing surface

[0093] 20 side of the finger guard facing the bearing rail

[0094] 21 second leg

[0095] 22 latching recess

[0096] 23 third leg

[0097] 24 connecting recess

[0098] 25 connecting edge region

[0099] 26 web

[0100] 27 end portion

[0101] 28 concave shape

[0102] 29 actuation hook

[0103] 30 tip of the finger guard

[0104] 31 enlargement

[0105] 32 fastener

[0106] 33 triangle

[0107] 34 base

[0108] 35 surface

[0109] 36 tip

[0110] 37 stop

[0111] 38 connecting web

[0112] 39 recess

[0113] A angle

[0114] X, Y, Z spatial directions.

Claims

1. A grain elevator for a harvester's swather, having a finger guard (2) attached to a cutter bar, the grain elevator having a support rail (5) with a first end (6) for fastening to the cutter bar, a stalk elevator (8) connected to a second end (7) of the support rail, and a locking lever (17), wherein, The locking lever (17) has a bearing surface (19) for bearing on one of the finger guards (2) and can be fixed in at least two positions relative to the bearing rail (5) in order to set the distance between the finger guard and the bearing rail, characterized in that an elongate recess (3) is provided on the grain elevator and the locking lever (17) is displaceably guided in the elongate recess, wherein the locking lever (17) has a latching recess (22), one of which interacts in each position with a latching portion (15) on an edge region of the elongate recess (3) in order to fix the locking lever in the respective position.

2. The grain elevator of claim 1, wherein, The elongate recess (3) is arranged in the bearing rail (5), or wherein the elongate recess (3) is arranged in a holder (14) for the finger guard (2), which holder is arranged on the bearing rail (5).

3. The grain elevator of claim 1, wherein, The locking lever (17) is pivotably arranged in the elongate recess (3), the resulting pivot axis (16) extending transversely to the longitudinal extension of the elongate recess and being displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the elongate recess.

4. The grain elevator of claim 3, wherein, The locking lever (17) has a connecting portion (9) and a bearing portion (10) arranged next to one another in the elongate recess, the locking lever being pivotably held in the elongate recess (3) about the pivot axis (16) at the connecting portion and the bearing surface (19) and the latching recess (22) being formed on the bearing portion (10).

5. The grain elevator of claim 4, wherein, The bearing surface (19) is arranged on the side of the bearing portion (10) facing the finger guard (2) and the latching recess (22) is arranged on the side of the bearing portion (10) facing away from the bearing surface (19).

6. The grain elevator of claim 2, wherein, The locking lever (17) has a connecting recess (24) provided to receive a connecting edge region (25) of the elongate recess (3) at the end of the elongate recess (3) opposite the latching portion (15).

7. The grain elevator of claim 6, wherein, The connecting recess (24) is delimited by a web (26), end portions (27) of which receive the connecting edge region (25) therebetween.

8. The grain elevator of claim 1, wherein, The locking lever (17) is designed as a plate, wherein two pins (4) protrude from at least one surface of the plate in order to pivotably and displaceably hold the locking lever in the elongate recess (3).

9. The grain elevator of claim 2, wherein, The latching portion (15) forms an acute angle (A) with a surface (20) of the finger guard (2) which cooperates with the locking lever (17) in the mounted position.

10. The grain elevator of claim 1, wherein, The locking lever (17) has an actuation portion (12) for manual actuation, wherein a concave shape (28) is formed on the actuation portion for receiving a finger of an operator.

11. The grain elevator of claim 1, wherein, The locking lever (17) has an actuation hook (29) for actuation by the finger guard (2), which is designed to embrace the end (30) of the finger guard such that the locking lever is displaced into one of the positions when the distance between the finger guard and the support rail (5) changes.

12. The grain elevator of claim 1, wherein, The locking lever (17) has a reinforcing effect with respect to the bending stresses on the support rail (5) in the region of the elongate recess (3), the reinforcing effect of the locking lever being greater in a first bending direction (Z) than in a second bending direction (-Z) opposite the first bending direction.

13. The grain elevator of claim 1, wherein, The locking lever (17) is pre-tensioned in the direction of the latching portion (15) by a spring (11).

14. The grain elevator of claim 1, wherein, The support surface (19) is intended to come into contact with a side (20) of the finger guard (2) facing the support rail (5).

Images