Folding harvesting attachment with swivel arms

Abstract

The invention relates to a harvesting attachment (10) for harvesting field crops. The harvesting attachment (10) comprises a frame device (12) designed for coupling with a harvesting vehicle (80) and at least three attachment segments (1, 2, 3, 4) designed for receiving the field crops, which, in a working position (I) of the harvesting attachment (10), are each connected to one another in a first position (i) in a transverse direction (QR) perpendicular to a direction of travel (FR). Furthermore, the harvesting attachment (10) comprises a transfer device (20) designed for transferring the harvesting attachment (10) from the working position (I) to a transport position (VI), in which at least one of the attachment segments (1) is arranged in a second position (ii) in which it is pivoted by more than 45° relative to its first position (i) with respect to the frame device (12).According to the invention, at least the first attachment segment (1) is movably mounted on at least one first transfer element (5) which is movably arranged on the frame device (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a harvesting header for harvesting field crops. The harvesting header comprises a frame designed for coupling to a harvesting vehicle. The harvesting header includes at least four header segments designed to receive the field crops. These are, in particular, a first, a second, a third, and a fourth header segment. In a working position of the harvesting header, the header segments are each in a first position and are connected to one another in a transverse direction perpendicular to a direction of travel. The harvesting header includes a transfer device designed to transfer the harvesting header from the working position to a transport position. In the transport position, at least one of the first header segments is arranged in a second position, in which it is pivoted by more than 45° relative to the frame device from its first position.

[0002] Such a harvesting header is known from EP 3 311 646 A1. The known harvesting header is a row-dependent corn picking header for coupling with a combine harvester. The row-dependent corn picking header comprises four header segments and must be moved into the transport position to allow it to be transported on public roads while coupled. The two middle header segments are pivotally mounted to each other by means of a pivot bearing. Disadvantages of the known harvesting header include, firstly, the necessary complex bearings, for example, the partially laterally displaceable bearing of the two outer header segments and the partially upwardly displaceable bearing of the aforementioned pivot bearing, which are costly and represent a high risk of failure. Secondly, the working width of the harvesting header is narrowly limited because the header segments are complexly and directly connected to each other.are mounted on the frame device. The pivot bearing hinders the development of the middle attachment segments to achieve optimal harvesting of the crops.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a harvesting header of the generic type that is particularly reliable and enables the largest possible working width. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a harvesting system comprising the harvesting header.

[0004] For this purpose, a harvesting attachment for harvesting field crops is created, comprising a frame device designed for coupling with a harvesting vehicle, at least four attachment segments designed to receive the field crops, which in a working position of the harvesting attachment each connect to one another in a first position in a transverse direction perpendicular to a direction of travel, and a transfer device designed to transfer the harvesting attachment from the working position to a transport position, in which at least one of the attachment segments is arranged in a second position, in which it is pivoted by more than 45° relative to the frame device from its first position.

[0005] According to the invention, at least the first attachment segment is movably mounted on at least one first transfer element. The first transfer element is movably mounted on the frame device. The first transfer element is preferably encompassed by the transfer device. The first transfer element is preferably designed as a rigid, load-bearing, and particularly elongated structural element, most preferably as a linkage. The first transfer element is not one of the attachment segments. The first transfer element is designed to hold and transfer the first attachment segment, but not itself to receive the crop.The use of the first transfer element between the first header segment and the frame device significantly increases the range of motion of the first header segment for transferring the harvesting header from the working position to the transport position, which is why the first transfer element enables significantly larger working widths of the harvesting header without restricting the possibility of transport via public roads.

[0006] Preferably, the first header segment is pivotally mounted on the first transfer element about a transfer segment pivot axis. Alternatively or additionally, the first transfer element is pivotally mounted on the frame assembly about a transfer frame pivot axis. In particular, the first transfer element is only pivotally movable about the respective axis relative to the frame assembly and / or relative to the first header segment. This results in a particularly simple and reliable header design. For a particularly practical transfer path of the first header segment, the transfer frame pivot axis is positioned further from a support plane than the transfer segment pivot axis, at least in the working position of the header, and especially also in the transport position of the header.The contact plane ideally represents the surface of a ground on which the harvesting header is operated. In particular, the harvesting header and / or the harvesting vehicle touches the contact plane during operation, preferably via a chassis.

[0007] The frame is designed specifically for coupling with a forage harvester, combine harvester, or similar harvesting vehicle. Preferably, the header has a centrally located intake area from which the crops are drawn in, at least partially, by the harvesting vehicle, at least partially against the direction of travel. The harvesting vehicle is specifically designed for processing at least a portion of the crops. The header segments are preferably each designed to convey at least a portion of the crops into the intake area, depending on the header segment, at least partially in or against the transverse direction.

[0008] The harvesting header according to the invention must be distinguished from devices or agricultural machinery that are to be mounted on standard tractors using three-point hitches. Mounting the harvesting header according to the invention on standard tractors for operation by them is not feasible, particularly due to the intake area, which is not compatible with standard tractor hitches, at least not without further modifications.

[0009] The header segments are designed to receive the crops in such a way that at least a portion of the crop is received, at least temporarily, by the force exerted by the header segment acting on that portion and / or by the weight of the portion being absorbed, at least temporarily, by the header segment. Preferably, each header segment has at least one rotating cutting element for cutting the crops and / or at least one rotating conveying element for conveying the crops in a segment conveying direction, particularly in the direction of the intake area. The conveying element and / or the cutting element is / is designed, in particular, as a cutting chain or conveying chain that rotates around two spaced-apart deflection elements of the respective header segment during operation, or alternatively as cutting discs or conveying drums that each rotate around an axis of rotation during operation.Within the operation, the crops are preferably transferred from the conveying element of one of the conveying segments to the conveying element of an adjacent header segment. Due to the aforementioned design, the harvester header is particularly suitable for harvesting corn and grain and can thus achieve its described advantageous effects for this purpose. The term "crops" does not necessarily refer exclusively to fruits in the botanical sense, but also includes other or even all parts of the fruit-bearing plant.

[0010] The transfer device allows the header to operate at a working width exceeding the maximum permissible width for headers on public roads, without preventing its transport. In the transport position, the header has a transport width that is less than its working width. Preferably, all header segments are moved relative to the frame to transfer the header from the working position to the transport position.

[0011] To transfer the harvesting header from the working position to the transport position, at least the first header segment is pivoted relative to the frame from its first position to its second position by more than 45°. In a front view, the first header segment and / or its conveying element and / or a conveying direction fixed to the header segment, in which the header segment is designed for conveying, is preferably pivoted at least substantially by 90°. This pivoting action transfers the first header segment from a predominantly flat arrangement in the working position of the harvesting header to a predominantly vertically oriented arrangement in the transport position of the harvesting header.

[0012] The harvesting header preferably has an even number of header segments. Preferably, the harvesting header is designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal median plane, at least with respect to the header segments, and particularly preferably with respect to its entire basic structure, and especially excluding drive and auxiliary units and auxiliary and input devices. The longitudinal median plane extends perpendicular to the ground plane and in the direction of travel, i.e., perpendicular to the transverse direction, and preferably intersects the intake area. The longitudinal median plane preferably does not intersect any of the header segments in at least one position of the harvesting header. The harvesting header preferably has exactly four header segments.

[0013] The transfer device is preferably designed such that, when the harvesting header is transferred from the working position to the transport position, each of the at least four header segments, as described above particularly with regard to the first header segment, is pivoted from its respective first position to its respective second position relative to the frame by more than 45°. Adjacent header segments preferably have different pivot directions relative to the frame.The two middle header segments, particularly the first and third, are preferably pivoted from their first position to their second position such that an end of these two header segments facing the longitudinal center plane in the working position of the header, and thus in the first position, is positioned away from the ground plane in the transport position of the header, and thus in the second position. The transfer element allows the header to be free of a pivot bearing that connects the two middle header segments about a pivot axis located in the longitudinal center plane. This facilitates a better flow of crops into the intake area.The third end segment is preferably movably mounted on at least one second transition element, which is particularly symmetrical and movable with respect to the first transition element. The arrangement of the third end segment on the second transition element is preferably provided in an analogous manner to the arrangement of the first end segment on the first transition element.

[0014] The first header segment is arranged between the second and third header segments, at least in the working position of the header. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the first header segment is one of the outermost header segments, at least in the working position of the header. In this case, the first header segment is spaced from the intake area in the transverse direction or opposite to it. The second header segment is preferably pivotally mounted on the first header segment about an intermediate pivot axis. The second header segment is particularly preferably connected to the frame assembly exclusively by means of the first header segment and the first transfer element, wherein the first header segment is preferably arranged between the second header segment and the longitudinal center plane in the working position of the header.

[0015] Due to the particularly mirror-symmetrical arrangement of the first and second header segments on the one hand, and the third and fourth header segments on the other, the following description of the transfer of the first and second header segments applies preferably analogously, with the opposite direction(s), to the third and fourth header segments. The transfer device is preferably designed such that the distance, measured in the transverse direction, between the first and third header segments varies during the transfer of the harvesting header from the working position to the transport position. Preferably, the two middle header segments are temporarily spaced further apart than in the working position of the harvesting header to allow room for their respective pivoting.Preferably, the transfer device is designed such that at least one of the header segments, particularly preferably the second header segment, is arranged at least partially or predominantly in front of the first transfer element, at least in the transport position of the harvesting header in the direction of travel. This means that this header segment at least partially obscures the first transfer element in a front view of the harvesting header. In particular, the first header segment obscures the first transfer element at least partially in a front view, at least when the harvesting header is in the working position. Particularly preferably, the second header segment is spaced laterally from the first transfer element in the working position of the harvesting header.

[0016] Preferably, the transfer device includes a first actuator for pivoting the second header segment relative to the first header segment. The first actuator is preferably arranged in front of the first transfer element, at least in the working position of the header, in the direction of travel. Thus, in the working position of the header, the first actuator at least partially covers the first transfer element from the front. An end of the first actuator facing the longitudinal center plane is preferably located on an inner half of the first header segment. This ensures reliable pivoting about the intermediate segment pivot axis with advantageous weight distribution.

[0017] Preferably, the transfer device comprises a transfer arrangement for pivoting the first attachment segment relative to the first transfer element. The transfer arrangement particularly preferably includes a second actuator. The second actuator is particularly arranged on the frame device. The transfer arrangement particularly includes a transmission element that is pivotably mounted about a transmission element pivot axis relative to the first transfer element and / or relative to the frame device. The transmission element pivot axis is particularly preferably arranged coaxially with the translation frame pivot axis. The second actuator is particularly arranged on the transmission element. The transfer arrangement preferably includes a linkage element that is arranged at one end on the transmission element and at the other end on the first attachment segment.

[0018] The steering element is particularly preferably arranged near the end of the first actuator on the first header segment that faces the longitudinal center plane. The steering element is particularly preferably arranged closer to the longitudinal center plane than the first transfer element, at least in the working position of the header. The transmission element is particularly preferably designed such that a bearing point of the second actuator on the transmission element is located closer to the pivot axis of the transmission element than a bearing point of the steering element on the transmission element. The aforementioned design of the transfer arrangement allows the intended transfer to be achieved even with large working widths and thus large distances that the header segments must travel to transfer the header from the working position to the transport position.The translation element and the steering element also reduce the installation space required for the transfer device immediately adjacent to the front segments to a minimum.

[0019] The transfer device preferably includes a third actuator for pivoting the first transfer element relative to the frame. The third actuator is preferably arranged on an actuator leg of the first transfer element. This actuator leg extends from the transfer frame pivot axis away from the first header segment, and thus, in particular, away from the ground level, preferably upwards, at least in the working position of the header. The first transfer element is preferably a single, rigid piece. Arranging the third actuator on the actuator leg avoids competing space requirements for different components of the transfer device and ensures a simple design for the transfer device.

[0020] Preferably, the second actuator, the third actuator, and / or the transmission element are arranged above the first header segment, at least in the working position of the header, and at least in the front view. This means that, in the front view, the first header segment is located between the second actuator, the third actuator, and / or the transmission element and the ground plane. In particular, the first actuator, the second actuator, and / or the third actuator are arranged, at least in the working position of the header, such that their direction(s) of movement are angled at less than 45°, and in particular less than 22.5°, to the ground plane. The design described above optimally utilizes the available installation space and enables a highly reliable construction.

[0021] Preferably, the first transfer element is designed such that a section of the first transfer element surrounding the transfer frame pivot axis is arranged on one side of an auxiliary plane, and a section of the first transfer element surrounding the transfer segment pivot axis is arranged on the other side of the auxiliary plane, i.e., on the opposite side. The auxiliary plane is oriented perpendicular to the transfer frame pivot axis and / or the transfer segment pivot axis. Ideally, the first transfer element is S-shaped such that the S-shape is visible in a side view in at least one position of the harvester header.This design of the first transfer element ensures that the transfer of the harvesting header from the working position to the transport position can be guaranteed even with large working widths, without the risk of collisions between different components of the harvesting header.

[0022] The transfer segment pivot axis, the transfer frame pivot axis, the intermediate segment pivot axis, and / or the transmission element pivot axis are / are aligned at least substantially parallel to the direction of travel. This means that the aforementioned axis(s) are angled by less than 22.5° relative to the ground plane, at least in one position of the header and at least in one side view. The approximately parallel alignment of these axes facilitates the reliable assembly of the header and enables large working widths, particularly by keeping the header's center of gravity as far back as possible in the direction of travel during transfer and transport.

[0023] The harvesting header comprises at least one, and preferably several, locking devices for fixing components of the harvesting header relative to one another in the working position and / or in the transport position of the harvesting header. Preferably, the harvesting header has a frame segment locking device for fixing at least the first header segment to the frame assembly and / or to the third header segment. The frame segment locking device particularly preferably comprises a pin on the first header segment that is movable, especially in the working position, in the transverse direction, and a recess formed by the frame assembly and / or by the third header segment into which the pin can engage for locking. Fixing refers to an immovable fix that prevents at least unintentional translational movement and / or pivoting movement of the first header segment.

[0024] The harvesting header preferably has a segment locking device for fixing the first header segment relative to the second header segment, at least in the working position of the harvesting header. Alternatively or additionally, the harvesting header has a transfer segment locking device for fixing at least the second header segment to the first transfer element. The transfer segment locking device is particularly useful for fixing the harvesting header in the transport position and / or comprises a hook arranged on the first transfer element into which a bolt arranged on the second header segment engages. Preferably, the harvesting header includes a frame transfer locking device for fixing at least the first transfer element to the frame. The frame transfer locking device is used for fixing the header in the transport position.The described locking devices increase the reliability of the harvesting attachment, in particular by reliably preventing unintentional stress on the components of the harvesting attachment.

[0025] Starting from the preamble of claim 1 and not necessarily, but preferably, building upon the features of the characterizing portion of claim 1, the harvesting header preferably comprises a support wheel assembly. The support wheel assembly includes at least a first support wheel and, in particular, a second support wheel arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal median plane. The first support wheel is preferably arranged on one of the header segments, in particular on the second header segment. The support wheel assembly preferably includes a bearing arrangement by means of which the first support wheel is mounted on the header segment.The bearing arrangement is particularly preferably designed to transfer the first support wheel relative to the attachment segment from a passive position, in which the attachment segment projects beyond the support wheel in its segment conveying direction, to an active position, in which the first support wheel projects beyond the attachment segment in the segment conveying direction of the attachment segment.

[0026] The support wheel assembly preferably includes a support wheel sensor for detecting that the first support wheel is at least in the passive position. The support wheel assembly particularly comprises a support wheel actuator configured to move the first support wheel from the passive position to the active position and configured to change its length as measured in a wheel actuator direction. Preferably, the support wheel assembly includes a control device for regulating the support, comprising a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure present in the support wheel actuator and at least one valve for increasing and / or decreasing the pressure, and configured for automatically controlling the valve depending on the measured pressure.

[0027] The bearing arrangement preferably comprises at least one wheel guide element pivotably mounted on the front segment about a guide pivot axis, on which the first support wheel is rotatably mounted about a wheel rotation axis. The wheel guide element particularly preferably comprises a first wheel guide leg and a second wheel guide leg, wherein the first support wheel is at least partially arranged between the first wheel guide leg and the second wheel guide leg and is rotatably mounted about the wheel rotation axis on both the first and second wheel guide legs. The bearing arrangement includes a transmission element between the support wheel actuator and the wheel guide element, which is pivotally mounted relative to the support wheel actuator about a transmission pivot axis angled to the wheel actuator direction. This transmission pivot axis is particularly not aligned parallel to the wheel rotation axis in order to relieve stress on the bearing arrangement during cornering.

[0028] The problem is further solved by a harvesting system. The harvesting system comprises a harvesting vehicle with a chassis that includes several drive elements adjacent to the ground surface, e.g., wheels. The harvesting system also has a harvesting head as described above, which is coupled to the harvesting vehicle by means of the frame. The coupling is designed such that the harvesting vehicle drives the harvesting head during operation. The harvesting vehicle is a self-propelled, i.e., self-motorized, vehicle designed for the purpose of harvesting crops. A tractor is preferably not a harvesting vehicle as described above.

[0029] The harvesting vehicle preferably has a intake device that, during operation, draws in the crops, particularly from the intake area of ​​the header, at least partially against the direction of travel. The harvesting vehicle is specifically a combine harvester or a forage harvester. In the case of a forage harvester, the intake device is preferably followed by a chopping unit and a discharge spout.

[0030] The harvesting vehicle preferably comprises a header control unit for controlling the harvesting header, which is configured to receive a signal from the support wheel sensor and has at least one function for moving at least one of the header segments such that the movement requires the receipt of a signal from the support wheel sensor indicating that the first support wheel is in the passive position. The header control unit is particularly configured to control the harvesting header such that the valve is actuated depending on a driving speed determined by a vehicle speed sensor. Particularly preferably, the first support wheel is relieved of its load by means of the support wheel actuator from a predetermined driving speed, and the support wheel actuator is particularly preferably moved into a float position.This reduces wear on the support wheel, especially when the first support wheel is not steerable, during tight turns that must be driven slowly.

[0031] Further details and advantages of the invention can be seen in the schematically illustrated figures described below; they show: Fig. 1 a front view of a simplified representation of a first harvesting attachment according to the invention in a working position, Fig. 2 a front view of the first harvesting head in a first intermediate position, Fig. 3 a front view of the first harvesting head in a second intermediate position, Fig. 4 a front view of the first harvesting head in a third intermediate position, Fig. 5 a front view of the first harvesting header in a fourth intermediate position, Fig. 6 a front view of the first harvesting header in a transport position, Fig. 7 a further simplified front view of the first harvesting header in the working position, Fig. 8 a side view of the first harvesting header according to Fig. 7, Fig. 9 a top view of the first harvesting header according to Fig. 7, Fig. 10 a swivel angle-time diagram, Fig. 11 a side view of a forage harvester with a second harvesting attachment according to the invention in the working position, Fig. 12 a top view of the forage harvester with the second harvesting head according to Fig. 11, Fig. 13 a front view of the forage harvester and the second harvesting header according to Fig. 11, Fig. 14 a side view of the forage harvester and the second harvesting head in a transport position, Fig. 15 a top view of the forage harvester and the second harvesting head according to Fig. 14, Fig. 16 a front view of the forage harvester and the second harvesting head according to Fig. 14, Fig. 17 a front view of the partially depicted second harvesting header according to Fig. 11, Fig. 17a an enlarged representation of a detail of the Fig. 17, Fig. 18 a front view of the partially shown second harvesting head in the fourth intermediate position, Fig. 18a an enlarged representation of a detail of the Fig. 18. Identical or similarly functioning or designed parts of the embodiments according to the invention are selectively provided with the same reference numerals in the figures. Features described with respect to one of these parts are to be understood as described with respect to all of these parts. Features described with respect to one of two mirror-symmetrically arranged parts are to be understood as described with respect to the other of the parts. Further developments according to the invention also result from other combinations of the described features than those shown.

[0032] The figures show different harvesting attachments 10 according to the invention, each designed for row-independent harvesting of maize. The harvesting attachments 10 each comprise a frame device 12, which is provided for coupling the respective harvesting attachment 10 to a harvesting vehicle designed as a forage harvester 80. Fig. Figures 11 to 18a show a second harvesting attachment 10 according to the invention coupled with the forage harvester 80.

[0033] The forage harvester 80 and the harvesting header 10 together form a harvesting system designed as a forage harvester system. The forage harvester 80 has a chassis with four drive elements 82, each adjacent to a support level AE. The forage harvester 80 (see Fig. 11 ff.) further features a intake device 84, which, viewed in the direction of travel FR, extends between the front drive elements 82 and then to an intake area 14 of the harvesting header 10. In the direction of crop flow, following the intake device 84 are a chopping unit (not shown) and a discharge spout 86 of the forage harvester 80, which is located in the Fig. Figures 11 ff. are simplified and each is shown in a curved transport position. In operation, the forage harvester 80 with the harvesting header 10 moves in the direction of travel FR.

[0034] Both the first embodiment of the harvesting header 10 and the second embodiment of the harvesting header 10 each have four header segments 1, 2, 3, 4. Each of the header segments 1, 2, 3, 4 has a plurality of cutting elements 16 that rotate during operation for cutting corn plants. In addition, each of the header segments 1, 2, 3, 4 has exactly one conveying element 18 that rotates during operation as a conveyor chain for conveying the corn plants in a segment conveying direction SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4 (see Fig. 11 and Fig. 14). The first embodiment of the harvesting attachment 10 is equipped with the Fig. Figures 1 to 9 are simplified in such a way that the cutting elements 16 and the conveying elements 18 are not shown.

[0035] Both embodiments of the harvesting attachment 10 have a transfer device 20 for transferring the respective harvesting attachment 10 from a working position I ( Fig. 1, 11 to 13) into a transport position VI ( Fig. 6, 14 to 16). In the working position, the header segments 1, 2, 3, 4 connect to one another in a transverse direction QR, which is oriented perpendicular to the direction of travel FR and parallel to the ground plane AE. In working position I, the header segments 1, 2, 3, 4 connect to one another such that their segment conveyance directions SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4 are parallel to the transverse direction QR and aligned with the intake area 14. In working position I of the harvester header 10, the header segments 1, 2, 3, 4 are arranged in a first position a. The intake area 14 is intersected by a longitudinal median plane LME perpendicular to the transverse direction QR, with which the harvester header 10 is essentially mirror-symmetrical. The segment conveyance directions SR1 and SR2 are therefore opposite to the segment conveyance directions SR3 and SR4. The first conveying segment 1 and the second conveying segment 2 extend into the catchment area 14 in working position I.

[0036] In transport position VI, the header segments 1, 2, 3, 4 are arranged such that their segment conveyance directions SR1, SR2, SR3, and SR4 are all aligned at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal center plane LME. In transport position VI of the harvesting header 10, the header segments 1, 2, 3, 4 are arranged in a second position b, in which they are pivoted approximately 90° relative to the frame assembly 12 from their first position a. In transport position VI, the first segment conveyance direction SR1 of the first header segment 1 and the third segment conveyance direction SR3 of the third header segment 3 are directed away from the ground plane AE, whereas the second segment conveyance direction SR2 of the second header segment 2 and the fourth segment conveyance direction SR4 of the fourth header segment 4 are directed towards the ground plane AE. Fig. 16). Furthermore, in transport position VI, the second extension segment 2 is arranged at least predominantly in front of the first transfer element 5 in the direction of travel FR. Similarly, in transport position VI, the fourth extension segment 4 is arranged at least predominantly in front of the second transfer element 6 in the direction of travel FR.

[0037] The first attachment segment 1 is arranged on the frame device 12 by means of a first transfer element 5. The third attachment segment 3 is mounted on the frame device 12 in a mirror-symmetrical manner by means of a second transfer element 6 ( Fig. 1) Both transfer elements 5, 6 each have an actuator leg 7 and a segment leg 8 (see. Fig. 17). The further mirror-symmetrical construction of the harvesting attachment 10 is described below by way of example only for one side of it.

[0038] The first front section segment 1 is pivotally mounted on the first transfer element 5 about a transfer segment pivot axis ÜSA. The first transfer element 5 is pivotally mounted on the frame device 12 about a transfer frame pivot axis ÜRA. The first transfer element 5 is designed such that an end of the first transfer element 5 extending about the transfer frame pivot axis ÜRA is aligned on one side with an auxiliary plane HE perpendicular to the transfer frame pivot axis ÜRA (see figure). Fig. 11) extends, whereas an end of the first transfer element 5 extending about the transfer segment pivot axis ÜSA extends on the other side to the auxiliary plane. The segment leg 8 extends between the transfer segment pivot axis ÜSA and the transfer frame pivot axis ÜRA. The second front segment 2 is pivotally mounted about an intermediate segment pivot axis ZSA on the first front segment 1.

[0039] To pivot the second header segment 2 about the intermediate segment pivot axis ZSA, the header 10 has a first actuator 22 between the first header segment 1 and the second header segment 2, which, at least in the working position I of the header 10, is arranged in the direction of travel FR in front of the first transfer element 5. To pivot the first header segment 1 about the transfer segment pivot axis ÜSA, the header 10 has a second actuator 28 between the frame assembly 12 and a transmission element 24 that is pivotable about the transfer frame pivot axis ÜRA. A link 26, pivotally mounted on both sides, is arranged between the transmission element 24 and the first header segment 1. To pivot the first transfer element 5 about the transfer frame pivot axis ÜRA, the harvesting attachment 10 has a third actuator 30 between the frame device 12 and the first transfer element 5.The actuator leg 7 extends between the third actuator 30 and the transfer frame pivot axis ÜRA. In the working position I of the header 10, the second actuator and the third actuator 30 extend above the first header segment 1. With respect to the header segments 1, 2, 3, 4, the transfer elements 5, 6, the actuators 22, 28, 30, the transmission elements 24, the links 26 and the frame device 12, the header 10 is mirror-symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center plane LME.

[0040] The actuators 22, 28, 30 of the harvester header 10 enable a transfer procedure to move the harvester header 10 from working position I to transport position VI. During the transfer, the harvester header 10 passes through four intermediate positions II to V between working position I and transport position VI, which are defined by the Fig. Figures 2 to 5 illustrate the effects of actuators 22, 28, and 30 during the transfer process. The diagram shows the effects of these actuators. Fig. 10 illustrated.

[0041] According to the transfer method according to the invention, a first pivoting A of the second attachment segment 2 relative to the first attachment segment 1 begins (time i), before a further pivoting C, D of the first attachment segment 1 relative to the frame device 12 begins in a first pivoting direction R1 (time iii). The first pivoting A takes place in a second pivoting direction R2, which is opposite to the first pivoting direction R1. In the front view according to the Fig. From 1 to 6, the second pivot direction R2 corresponds to a clockwise direction and the first pivot direction R1 is counterclockwise.

[0042] A second pivoting B of the first attachment segment 1 relative to the frame device 12 in the second pivoting direction R2 begins and ends (time points ii, iii) before the further pivoting C, D. The second pivoting B comprises a pivoting of the transfer element 5 relative to the frame device 12 about the transfer frame pivot axis ÜRA. The second pivoting B begins during the first pivoting A (time point ii).

[0043] The first pivoting movement A ends (time v) before the subsequent pivoting movement C, D ends (time vi). The subsequent pivoting movement C, D comprises a third pivoting movement C and a fourth pivoting movement D. During the third pivoting movement C, the first attachment segment 1 pivots relative to the transfer element 5 about the transfer segment pivot axis ÜSA. During the fourth pivoting movement D, the transfer element 5 pivots relative to the frame device 12 about the transfer frame pivot axis ÜRA. The third pivoting movement C begins and ends (times iii, iv) before or during the fourth pivoting movement D begins (time iv). The second pivoting movement B and the third pivoting movement C end before the first pivoting movement A ends (time v). The fourth pivoting movement D begins (time iv) before the first pivoting movement A ends (time v).

[0044] The Fig. Figures 7 to 9 are different views of one half of the first harvest header 10 according to the Fig. 1 to 6, the representation being further simplified in part from the representation according to the Fig. 1 to 6 differs. The Fig. Figures 7 to 9 contain angle specifications to illustrate the position of the transfer frame pivot axis ÜRA, the transfer segment pivot axis ÜSA and the intermediate segment pivot axis ZSA.

[0045] The Fig. Figures 11 to 16 illustrate support wheels 32 and 34. A first support wheel 32 is arranged on the second attachment segment 2. The first support wheel 32 is mounted on the second attachment segment such that, in transport position VI, one axis of rotation of the first support wheel 32 is aligned parallel to the support plane AE. In operating position I, the axis of rotation is angled relative to the support plane AE by an angle corresponding to the angle at which the segment conveying direction SR2 of the second attachment segment 2 is angled to the support plane AE in transport position VI. The second support wheel 34 is arranged symmetrically to the first support wheel 32 on the fourth attachment segment 4.

[0046] Fig. Figure 13 illustrates the conveying elements 18 of the header segments 1, 2, 3, 4 in the working position I of the harvesting header 10. Each header segment 18 is designed to convey maize plants via a header segment-specific segment conveying path SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4. In the illustrated embodiment, the segment conveying paths SW1 and SW3 are larger than the segment conveying paths SW2 and SW4. Particularly in harvesting headers 10 according to the invention with larger working widths than those of the illustrated embodiments, the segment conveying paths SW2 and SW4 are preferably larger than the segment conveying paths SW1 and SW3.

[0047] Fig. Figure 12 illustrates two support wheels 32 and 34. A first support wheel 32 is enclosed by a support wheel assembly 58. The support wheel assembly 58 also includes a support wheel actuator 56, the length of which is variable in a wheel actuator direction AR. Furthermore, the support wheel assembly 58 includes a wheel guide element 54, which is pivotably arranged on the second attachment segment 2. A second support wheel 34 is mounted on the fourth attachment segment 4 in the same manner and mirror-symmetrically to the first support wheel 32.

[0048] The Fig. 17 and Fig. Figure 18 partially depicts the second harvesting header 10 in working position I, insofar as, for example, no cutting elements and no conveying elements are shown, in order to better illustrate the components described below. Fig. Figure 17 is a front view of one half of the second harvester header 10. Fig. Figure 17 illustrates a frame transfer locking device 48 for fixing the second transfer element 6 to the frame device 12 when the harvester header is in transport position VI. The frame transfer locking device 48 comprises a first locking partner 50 on the frame device 12 and a second locking partner 52 on the second transfer element 6, which are spaced apart from each other in the working position I of the harvester header 10 shown and are engaged with each other in transport position VI.

[0049] Reference numeral 17a indicates in the Fig. 17 an area of ​​the front view which is in Fig. Figure 17a shows an enlarged view. The area shows a frame segment locking device 36 for fixing the third header segment 3 to the frame device 12 when the header is in the working position. The frame segment locking device 36 comprises a first locking partner 38 on the frame device 12, a second locking partner 40 on the third header segment 3, and a further second locking partner 40 on the first header segment 1 (see Figure 17a). Fig. 18). The first locking partner 38 is designed as a recess open in the opposite direction QR. The second locking partner 40 is designed as a pin extending in the transverse direction QR.

[0050] The Fig. Figure 18 shows the second harvesting header 10 partially in the fourth intermediate position. The reference symbol 18a indicates in the Fig. 18 an area of ​​the front view which is in Fig. Figure 18a shows an enlarged view. The area shows a transfer segment locking device 42 for fixing the fourth header segment 4 to the second transfer element 6 when the header is in the transport position VI. The transfer segment locking device 42 comprises a first locking partner 44 on the second transfer element 6 (see also Figure 18a). Fig. 17) and a second locking partner 46 on the fourth front segment 4. The first locking partner 44 is designed as a hook. The second locking partner 46 is designed as a bolt to be hooked into place. Reference symbol list 1 first prefrontal segment 2 second pre-segment 3 third pre-segment 4 fourth prefrontal segment 5 first transfer element 6 second transfer element 7 actuator legs 8 segment legs 10 Harvesting attachment 12 Frame device 14 catchment area 16 cutting element 18 Conveyor element 20 Transfer equipment 22 first actuator 24 translation element 26 handlebar element 28 second actuator 30 third actor 32 first support wheel 34 second support wheel 36 Frame segment locking device 38 first locking partner 40 second locking partner 42 Transition segment locking device 44 first locking partner 46 second locking partner 48 Frame transfer locking device 50 first locking partner 52 second locking partner 54 Wheel control element 56 Support wheel actuator 58 Support wheel device 80 harvesting vehicles 82 Driving element 84 Collection device 86 Ejection manifold i Beginning of the first swerve ii Beginning of the second swerve iii Beginning of the third pivot / End of the second pivot iv Beginning of the fourth pivot / End of the third pivot v End of the first swerve vi End of the fourth swerve I Working position II first intermediate position III second intermediate position IV third intermediate position V fourth intermediate position VI Transport position a first position b second position A first swerve B second pivot C third pivot The fourth pivot AE Insurgency Level AR Radiator Direction FR direction of travel HE Auxiliary level LME Longitudinal median plane QR transverse direction R1 first swivel direction R2 second swivel direction SR1 Segment conveying direction of the first pre-segment SR2 Segment conveying direction of the second attachment segment SR3 Segment conveying direction of the third attachment segment SR4 Segment conveying direction of the fourth attachment segment SW1 Segment conveying path of the first pre-segment SW2 Segment conveying path of the second attachment segment SW3 Segment conveying path of the third attachment segment SW4 Segment conveying path of the fourth attachment segment ÜRA transfer frame swivel axle ÜSA transfer segment swivel axle ZSA Intermediate Segment Swivel Axis QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 311 646 A1

[0002]

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