Agricultural harvesting machine and method for constructing an intake channel of such a machine

Description

[0001] The present application relates to an agricultural harvesting machine according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the present application relates to a method for constructing an intake channel for an agricultural harvesting machine according to claim 14.

[0002] The agricultural harvesting machine, which can in particular be a combine harvester, is suitable for harvesting plants, especially grains such as wheat or corn. For this purpose, the harvesting machine has at least one cutting element by means of which the plants can be cut. The cutting element can, for example, be formed by an elongated knife bar in which a fixed lower blade and an oscillating upper blade interact. Furthermore, the harvesting machine has at least one conveyor element by means of which the cut plants can be conveyed towards a processing element. The conveyor element comprises at least one inclined conveyor, by means of which the cut plants can be conveyed towards downstream processing elements and can also be raised in height. Thus, the inclined conveyor runs "obliquely" upwards, hence its name.

[0003] The processing unit(s) can, in principle, be any unit suitable for further processing the cut plants. Taking a combine harvester as an example, at least one processing unit is formed by a threshing unit, by means of which the fruits of the cut plants can be separated from plant residues. Downstream of the threshing unit, a combine harvester typically also has at least one separating unit, by means of which the detached fruits can be separated from the plant residues. Taking a forage harvester as an example, at least one processing unit is formed by a chopping unit, by means of which the cut plants can be chopped.

[0004] The inclined conveyor has at least one intake channel through which the cut plants can be conveyed. For this purpose, the intake channel has a conveying chamber that is closed at the sides, top, and bottom, and is open at its opposite ends or has at least one opening. This enables the inclined conveyor to convey cut plants from a front, open end of the intake channel—relative to the direction of travel of the respective harvester—through the conveying chamber to the respective rear, open end of the intake channel.

[0005] Harvesting machines of the type described above are already known in the state of the art. Reference is made, for example, to German patent application DE 10 2016 118 637 A1. This relates to a combine harvester equipped with a reel height for feeding the crop to the cutting unit.

[0006] In known harvesting machines, the intake channel of the feederhouse is made of steel, with reinforcing profiles being arranged to strengthen the side walls. These profiles are connected, in particular welded, to the actual side wall in a force-transmitting manner. This gives the intake channel the necessary rigidity and load-bearing capacity to divert forces acting on the feederhouse into a higher-level supporting structure of the respective harvesting machine. It should be explained that a particular attachment of a particular harvesting machine, for example a cutting device, is sometimes mounted exclusively on the feederhouse, so that bearing and operating forces caused by the respective attachment must be diverted into the supporting structure of the harvesting machine via the feederhouse.Accordingly, the inclined conveyor as a whole – and especially its feed channel – is dimensioned in such a way that it can absorb considerable bearing and operating forces.

[0007] In the known harvesting machines, the inclined conveyor in particular is therefore designed to be comparatively massive, which requires a high level of material and requires a high level of effort for assembly.

[0008] The present application is therefore based on the object of providing a harvesting machine in which the feederhouse is constructed more efficiently without reducing the mechanical properties of the feederhouse.

[0009] The underlying problem is solved according to the invention by means of an agricultural harvesting machine having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims 2 to 15.

[0010] In the harvesting machine according to the invention, at least one side wall of the intake channel is provided with at least one reinforcement structure. This is characterized in that, in the region of the reinforcement structure, a wall thickness of the respective side wall of the intake channel is increased compared to regions of the side wall that lie outside the reinforcement structure. The increased wall thickness has the direct consequence that the axial and polar area moment of inertia of the side wall are increased in the region of the reinforcement structure. According to the invention, a profile of the at least one reinforcement structure is based on a result of a topology optimization.

[0011] Such topology optimization can be performed, in particular, using a finite element analysis. In one embodiment, a finite element analysis or the application of the finite element method involves modeling the intake channel in finite element software. In the harvesting machine according to the invention, at least one geometry of the intake channel and its bearing conditions are preferably specified for this purpose. Furthermore, at least one design load condition is specified for the intake channel. This can, for example, represent a torsion of the intake channel caused by an attachment mounted on the intake channel. In this case, the intake channel is subjected to a force couple that causes the intake channel to twist around its longitudinal axis.

[0012] In the finite element analysis, the simulated intake channel is divided into a finite number of planar or spatial, for example linear or quadratic, elements, at whose nodes the solution for the system of equations resulting from given boundary conditions (geometry, loading, support) is determined. This is a numerical solution that yields results only at the nodes of the elements, with a kind of interpolation taking place between the nodes. In this way, even the most complex components can be approximately calculated, i.e., in particular, the deformations occurring in the component, the strains occurring, and / or the deformation energy required for the strains or deformations, etc. In the topology optimization, an objective function is then specified under a mathematical boundary condition, in addition to the finite element analysis.Preferably, the objective function for the intake duct is to maximize the stiffness under the boundary condition that the mass of the intake duct is reduced by a specified factor, in particular 70% to 90%. The result of the topology optimization is a weighting of the elements of the intake duct with respect to their stiffness.

[0013] In this way, it is consequently possible to identify regions of the intake channel that are of overriding importance for its rigidity. The at least one reinforcement structure, preferably all reinforcement structures, of the harvesting machine according to the invention are arranged on the intake channel based on the result of such a topology optimization, wherein the reinforcement structure(s) are located in regions of the intake channel that are of overriding or above-average importance with regard to their relevance to the rigidity of the intake channel. The reinforcement structure can, in particular, be designed in the form of an inherently straight or curved, elongated thickening that extends along a surface of a respective side wall.

[0014] The invention is based on the idea that the inclined conveyor can be made lighter overall and use less material if areas of the intake channel that are particularly important for the described load transfer effect and for providing the required rigidity are specifically reinforced, while other areas of the intake channel that are of secondary importance in this regard are made less solid. With the clever arrangement of at least one reinforcement structure, preferably a plurality of corresponding reinforcement structures, the mass of the inclined conveyor can be reduced by up to 30% without any deterioration in its structural properties.For the "clever arrangement", it is important to base the result of a topology optimization described above on, by means of which areas of the intake channel can be determined that are of paramount importance for its stiffness.

[0015] For practical reasons, the result of a topology optimization typically cannot be fully transferred to a practical design of the inclined conveyor, i.e., a corresponding design of reinforcement structures on its intake channel, but can advantageously be adapted, preferably optimized, from the perspective of manufacturability and manufacturing costs. Therefore, a design of the harvesting machine according to the invention in which the at least one reinforcement structure is optimized from the perspective of manufacturability and / or manufacturing costs is particularly advantageous. Nevertheless, this does not change the fact that the reinforcement structure is fundamentally advantageously based on the result of the topology optimization.

[0016] Furthermore, such a configuration of the harvesting machine according to the invention is particularly advantageous in which the course or arrangement of the at least one reinforcement structure, preferably all reinforcement structures, is optimized depending on changing or different load conditions. A respective load condition of a harvesting machine is determined on the one hand by weight forces acting as a result of its own weight and on the other hand by operating forces that occur during operation of the harvesting machine. Depending on the harvesting machine, the weight forces can be at least essentially constant or they can change. In particular, in combine harvesters, the acting weight forces change with a changing fill level in the grain tank. In addition, differences can arise as a result of changes in attachment groups, for example as a result of the use of different attachments on a combine harvester.Operating forces, on the other hand, can have very different effects and are therefore more difficult to model in a general way when optimizing the inclined conveyor. It is therefore generally advantageous to determine various loading situations and to design the position or layout of at least one reinforcement structure, preferably all reinforcement structures, on the intake chute in such a way that the latter can cope with the different load conditions in terms of its load-bearing capacity and serviceability. Consequently, it is advantageous not to optimize the position or layout of reinforcement structures exclusively based on a single design load situation, since with such a configuration, the stiffness of the intake chute could be significantly worse than intended under changing load conditions.The optimization of the reinforcement structures depending on different loading conditions is therefore advantageous.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one reinforcement structure, preferably a plurality of reinforcement structures, has a width and / or height that varies over a length of the respective reinforcement structure. The change in the width or height of the respective reinforcement structure advantageously occurs continuously, i.e., without any jumps. Particularly in the case of elongated reinforcement structures, by changing the height and / or width of a reinforcement structure, the reinforcement structures can be specifically adapted to the requirements of the intake channel in certain areas. Therefore, the optimization of the intake channel is not limited to simply providing reinforcement structures in certain areas while leaving other areas free of reinforcement structures.In addition, the reinforcement structures are varied in their characteristics to a certain extent, so that in areas that are of excessive importance for the stiffness of the intake channel, a respective reinforcement structure is designed to be "larger", while in other areas smaller dimensions of the reinforcement structure in question are sufficient to achieve a desired local stiffness of the intake channel.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the harvesting machine according to the invention, the at least one reinforcing structure of the intake channel is designed in multiple layers, at least in some regions, preferably completely. In particular, an embodiment is conceivable in which the intake channel is designed in two layers. The individual layers are connected to one another in a force-transmitting manner, for example, welded or glued together; they can in particular be formed from sheet metal. Advantageously, the connection of the layers also ensures the transmission of shear forces, so that shear stiffness is provided. In this way, reinforcing structures are particularly easy to manufacture. It is thus conceivable that the intake channel orwhose side walls are generally formed by a first sheet, while specifically inserted reinforcing structures are each formed by a second sheet, which is partially connected to the first sheet of the intake channel and connected to the first sheet in a force-transmitting manner. Advantageously, the layers of the intake channel interact in such a force-transmitting manner that, from a mechanical perspective, they form a single-piece cross-section.

[0019] The second sheet, which is arranged in areas of the reinforcement structures, can in particular be embossed, so that it deviates from a completely flat design and instead has a three-dimensional structure or relief. The embossed areas of the second sheet then form the actual reinforcement structure, which causes the "thickening" of the respective side wall of the intake channel described above. The latter, in turn, mechanically stiffens the intake channel as a whole, since the area moment of inertia of the intake channel is significantly increased in areas of the reinforcement structures. From a mechanical point of view, the embossed second sheet and the associated flat sheet act as a closed cross-section.

[0020] A particular advantage of the multi-layer design is that an outer layer of the body can be constructed without any joints, such as welds. This is particularly advantageous when the outer layer forms the reinforcement structure. The latter is then particularly robust and less susceptible to defects resulting from any joints.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the harvesting machine according to the invention, the intake channel is designed such that at least two of its side walls adjoin one another to form an edge. The side walls preferably adjoin one another all the way around, resulting in the channel shape described above, in which a conveying chamber is formed by two opposing sides and a floor and a ceiling, which are each connected to one another in an adjacent manner. With such a design, it is particularly advantageous if at least one reinforcing structure at the edge folds over from one side wall to a respective adjacent side wall or extends around the edge, wherein the reinforcing structure is preferably designed to protrude outwards at the edge.In other words, a design is advantageous in which the reinforcement structure does not end at the edge of one of the side walls and then reconnects from that edge to the adjacent side wall. Instead, the reinforcement structure wraps around the edge as such, thus increasing the wall thickness of the intake channel in the area of ​​the edge itself. With such a design, forces guided by the respective reinforcement structure can be transferred particularly well from one of the side walls to the adjacent side wall.

[0022] Particularly preferred is a configuration in which at least one reinforcing structure is designed in the form of a bearing stiffener. This is characterized by being arranged in a bearing area of ​​the intake channel, to which the intake channel or the feederhouse as a whole is connected to a higher-level support structure of the respective harvesting machine. Thus, forces acting on the feederhouse are introduced at a bearing, for example, into a body of the respective harvesting machine, with an area surrounding this bearing being understood as a "bearing area" within the meaning of the present application. This bearing area is typically subject to particularly high loads, since all forces acting on the feederhouse must be dissipated via its bearings into the higher-level support structure. Distribution between at least two bearings arranged symmetrically on the feederhouse is common.Due to the high mechanical load, the bearing area is typically the area where the greatest deformations are expected when the inclined conveyor is subjected to corresponding forces. The provision of a reinforcement structure in the form of the aforementioned bearing stiffeners contributes to specifically reducing such deformations by increasing the stiffness in the bearing area.

[0023] Advantageously, the bearing stiffener is designed such that it extends from one side wall of the intake channel, in particular the bottom wall, to the adjacent side wall on which the bearing is directly formed. This improves the flow of force from a respective side wall that does not directly interact with the bearing to the side wall that directly interacts with the bearing. Consequently, deformation of the intake channel in the region of the respective edge where the bearing stiffener extends is reduced.

[0024] With reference to the above embodiment, in which at least one side wall is designed in multiple layers in the region of at least one reinforcing structure, it can also be particularly advantageous if the bearing stiffener is formed by a stamped sheet metal that is connected, for example welded or glued, to another sheet metal in a force-transmitting manner. In this way, the intake channel is designed in at least two layers in the region of the bearing stiffener, with an inner layer preferably being formed by a flat or planar sheet metal and the outer layer by the stamped sheet metal. The flat design of the inner layer, which faces the conveying chamber of the intake channel, offers the advantage that the flow of cut plants through the conveying chamber is disrupted as little as possible by obstacles protruding into the conveying chamber.

[0025] According to the invention, at least one reinforcing structure arranged on the lower base wall is formed in a central region of the base wall in the form of a closed ring structure. This ring structure encloses the central region in a closed manner and is particularly well suited to increasing the rigidity of the base wall. In an advantageous embodiment, the base wall additionally comprises at least one reinforcing structure designed in the form of a radial structure. This extends radially outward from said ring structure, wherein the intake channel preferably has at least four radial structures, each extending from the ring structure towards a respective corner of the base wall.Thus, the bottom wall preferably has a kind of star pattern, in which the self-contained ring structure is present in the middle of the central region, as well as radial structures radiating out from the ring structure.

[0026] A further preferred embodiment is one in which at least one reinforcing structure is formed on the bottom wall in the form of a peripheral edge structure. This almost encloses the bottom wall on the outside.

[0027] The underlying problem is further solved by a method for constructing a feed channel with the method steps of claim 16. An advantageous embodiment of the method results from dependent claim 17.

[0028] The method according to the invention comprises the following process steps: a) A virtual model of the intake channel is created, with the intake channel having a plurality of side walls that circumferentially enclose a conveying chamber of the intake channel. b) At least one design load condition and support conditions are specified for the virtual model. c) A topology optimization is performed on the model under the design load condition and support conditions. d) Based on the results of the topology optimization, reinforcement structures are arranged on the intake channel.

[0029] The "virtual model" can, in particular, be a CAD model that can be processed using design software. Particularly advantageously, the virtual model can be created using finite element software, so that the model can be calculated directly using said software. Topology optimization can be performed particularly easily using such finite element software. This has already been explained above.

[0030] The design load state specified for the virtual model can be configured in various ways, with the method advantageously being iterative. In this case, a number of designs are performed, each based on a different design load state.

[0031] The harvesting machine according to the invention, or its feederhouse, can be constructed particularly easily using the method according to the invention. The resulting advantages have already been explained above. In particular, by applying topology optimization, it is possible to arrange reinforcement structures on the intake channel of the feederhouse in a manner that allows the rigidity and load-bearing capacity of the intake channel to be maintained compared to a conventional design, while reducing the mass of the intake channel and, in particular, the material required for its manufacture.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the topology optimization is performed using a finite element analysis, wherein the objective function of the topology optimization is preferably to maximize the stiffness of the intake channel under the boundary condition that the mass of the intake channel is reduced by a specified factor. Preferably, the boundary condition includes reducing the mass of the intake channel by 70% to 90%.

[0033] Advantageously, the method according to the invention is carried out in the following manner: i) A virtual model of the intake duct is created, wherein the intake duct has a plurality of side walls that circumferentially enclose a conveying chamber of the intake duct. ii) At least one design load condition and support conditions are specified for the virtual model. iii) A topology optimization is carried out on the model under the design load condition and the support conditions. iv) Based on the result of the topology optimization, reinforcement structures are arranged on the intake duct. v) The arrangement of the reinforcement structures is optimized taking into account manufacturability and various design load conditions. vi) At least one side wall of the intake duct is designed with two layers, wherein a first layer is formed from a flat sheet and the second layer from a embossed sheet, wherein the two layers are connected to one another in a force-transmitting manner.

[0034] The harvesting machine according to the invention and the method according to the invention are explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment shown in the figures. It shows: Fig. 1: A cross-section through an agricultural harvesting machine, which here is formed by a combine harvester, Fig. 2: A perspective view of a feederhouse according to the prior art, Fig. 3: A perspective view of a result model of an intake channel of a harvesting machine according to the invention, which represents the result of a topology optimization, Fig. 4: A perspective view of a feederhouse according to the invention, wherein the intake channel is in an intermediate state of its production, Fig. 5: The perspective view according to Figure 4 , wherein the intake channel is in a completed state, and Fig. 6: A schematic cross section through a lower bottom wall of the intake channel according to Figure 5in a middle range.

[0035] The embodiment of the present invention is described below in connection with a harvesting machine 1 explained, which here is formed by a combine harvester. The harvesting machine 1 is in Figure 1 shown in a cross-section. The harvester 1 has a cutting element at its front end 2, which here includes a knife bar. By means of the cutting element 2 are plants 29 cuttable so that they can be harvested by the harvesting machine 1 can be processed. For this purpose, the cut plants are fed into a feed roller 30 towards an inclined conveyor 4 by means of which the cut plants are transported towards a processing unit 3The latter is formed here by a threshing device, by means of which the fruits of the cut plants can be separated from the remaining plant residues. 3 Afterwards, a mixture of detached fruits and plant residues is sent to a separating organ 23 This rotor separates the detached fruits from the plant residues, so that the fruits are finally collected in a grain tank. 31 can be collected, while the plant residues are stored at the rear end of the combine 1 The harvester shown 1 has an additional processing organ in the form of a chopping organ 24, by means of which the plant residues can be chopped, thereby improving their decomposition and reabsorption of nutrients into the subsoil.

[0036] The inclined conveyor 4the combine harvester 1 includes a catchment canal 5, through which the cut plants are transported towards the processing organ 3 are eligible for extraction. Within the catchment channel 5 A plurality of conveyor beams guided on belts are arranged, which are circulating in the feed channel by means of two rollers 5 The conveyor beams are designed to be driven into the feed area of ​​the inclined conveyor 4 plants and finally through the catchment channel 5 directed diagonally upwards towards the processing organ 3 to transport. The catchment channel 5 as such, there are four side walls 6 two of which are arranged on the left and right sides, and one each at the bottom and top. In other words, the intake channel is surrounded by two opposite sides and one of our bottom walls. 17and an upper ceiling wall. On its remaining two sides, namely its opposite ends 8, 9, is the catchment channel 5 open so that the cut plants are fed into an inner conveying chamber of the intake channel 5 can be inserted and at the opposite end of the intake channel 5 can be extracted again from the same.

[0037] An inclined conveyor 4 according to the state of the art is shown by way of example in a perspective view in Figure 2 Here, the intake channel 5 of the inclined conveyor 4 visible from an obliquely lower perspective, so that the lower floor wall 17 is visible. In addition, the open rear end panels 9 and a side wall 6 recognizable. The catchment channel 5 is in a known manner from its front face 8viewed from a conical shape towards its rear end faces 9 formed. At the bottom of the intake channel 5 is the same with two intersecting, diagonally running reinforcement profiles 32 formed by rectangular steel profiles. These reinforcement profiles 32 serve to support the inclined conveyor 4 to strengthen the overall performance and thus ensure the suitability of the inclined conveyor 4 to transfer loads to a higher-level supporting structure of the combine harvester 1 to reach. The inclined conveyor 4 is in storage areas 16 in a transferable manner in such a Figure 2 not shown higher-level supporting structure of the combine harvester 1 In the example shown, all the components on the inclined conveyor 4 acting loads over the bearing areas 16 into the harvester 1This also applies to loads caused by a respective attachment that is attached to the inclined conveyor 4 In the example shown according to Figure 1 Therefore, all loads caused by the cutting element 2 are caused by the inclined conveyor 4 Accordingly, the requirements for the rigidity and load-bearing capacity of the inclined conveyor 4 are comparatively high.

[0038] For more efficient design of the inclined conveyor 4 or its catchment channel 5 According to the invention, the intake channel 5 by means of a model not shown in the figures, in particular the side walls 6 of the catchment canal 5be mapped. Virtual support conditions are then defined on this model, and at least one design load condition is applied. Under these conditions, a topology optimization is performed on the model. The objective function of the topology optimization is to maximize the stiffness of the intake channel under the boundary condition that the mass of the intake channel is reduced by a specified factor. This specified factor can be, for example, 80%. The result of such a topology optimization is shown, for example, in Figure 3 based on an outcome model 25 This result was determined using a finite element analysis. In particular, two bearings 26 recognizable by the modelled catchment channel 5 The skeleton-like structure of the resulting model 25 clarifies those areas of the catchment canal 5,which are of paramount importance with regard to its stiffness. In the example shown, the topology optimization was carried out on a number of design load conditions, with the results in each case revealing at least slightly different areas that are relevant for the stiffness of the intake channel. 5 are of paramount importance.

[0039] The construction of the actual catchment channel 5 the harvesting machine according to the invention 1 is now based on such a topology optimization or its result, whereby according to the invention reinforcement structures 10, by means of which the catchment channel 5 stiffened, based on the result of the topology optimization. This is shown here as an example in Figure 3 The result shown is optimized in terms of manufacturability and production costs, so that reinforcement structures 10which occur in areas of the catchment 5 which are above average decisive for the rigidity of the finished intake channel 5 are and can be produced in a way that is relevant for practice.

[0040] An inclined conveyor 4 with a catchment channel 5 a harvesting machine 1 according to the invention is particularly well understood from the Figures 4 and 5 In both figures, the inclined conveyor 4 in a perspective view from below comparable to the representation according to Figure 2 shown so that in particular the lower floor wall 17 of the intake channel 5 is visible. In a particularly advantageous manner, the intake channel 5 multi-layered, with an inner layer 12, which effectively the side walls 6 of the catchment canal 5formed from a flat sheet. In this way, it is particularly ensured that the insides of the side walls 6 are designed to be as smooth as possible so that the conveying of plant residues through the conveying chamber is as free from resistance as possible. Furthermore, the intake channel includes 5 in areas of reinforcement structures 10 a second layer 13, Each layer is formed by an embossed sheet. The embossing of the sheet results in a three-dimensional structure and protrudes beyond its plane. This embossed design contributes significantly to the stiffening effect of the second layer. 13 so that they serve as a reinforcing structure 10 In particular, the second layer causes an increase in the polar and axial area moment of inertia of the respective side wall 6.

[0041] In the example shown according to the Figures 4 and 5 It is particularly noticeable that the two opposite storage areas 16 each with a reinforcement structure 10 which here in the form of bearing stiffeners 15 These bearing stiffeners 15 These are one-piece elements that form the "second layer" of the intake channel 5 The bearing stiffeners 15 are joined to the inner first layer in a force-transmitting manner, for example by spot welding, gluing or spot welding. In this way, the two layers 12, 13 mechanically interact, so that finally locally in the area of ​​the bearing stiffening 15 a significantly increased area moment of inertia. In particular, the layers 12, 13 from a mechanical point of view, act like a self-contained cross-section.

[0042] The bearing stiffening is particularly advantageous 15 on a lower edge 14 of the catchment canal 5, where the side wall 6 and the lower side wall 6 (floor wall 17) adjacent to each other in such a way that the bearing stiffening 15 both on the side wall 6 as well as on the lower side wall 6 It is important that the outwardly projecting shape of the bearing stiffener 15 also in the area of ​​the edge 14 is maintained, so that the stiffening achieved is not only flat on the side walls 6 but also directly at the edge 14 or all around the edge 14 In this way, a force flow towards the bearings 26 or the storage areas 16 from the lower floor wall 17 from towards the side wall6 This particularly applies to the flow of force that occurs as a result of a load on the intake channel 5 with a torsional moment around its longitudinal axis. The representation according to Figure 4 represents an intermediate step in the production of the finished intake channel 5 in which the bearing stiffeners 15 applied and in the manner described around the respective edge 14 around to the lower floor wall 17 are conducted.

[0043] In a subsequent production step, the lower floor wall 17 as those with reinforcement structures 10 In the example shown, a one-piece stamped sheet is applied to the lower floor wall 17 applied, whereby said sheet has various reinforcement structures 10 A first reinforcement structure 10is here of a closed ring structure 18 formed a central area 7 the floor wall 17 Starting from the ring structure 18 A total of four additional reinforcement structures extend 10, which are in the form of radial structures 19 The radial structures 19 extend towards one corner each 20 the floor wall 17, so that on the floor wall 17 two main diagonals that are attached to the inner ring structure 18 are brought together. Around the outside, so to speak, the bottom wall 17 Finally, an outer edge structure is 27 The embossed sheet metal, which in this way forms the reinforcement structures 10 the lower floor wall 17 united, is as such in a force-transmitting manner with the lower floor wall 10connected, whereby a force-transmitting connection with the bearing stiffeners 15 is produced, in particular by gluing. This results from Figure 5 , which shows that the embossed sheet metal of the lower floor wall 17 with the embossed sheet of the bearing stiffener 15 an overlap area 33 To ensure a flow of force between the reinforcement structures 10 In order to improve the strength of the components, they are connected to one another in a force-transmitting manner, in particular by being glued or welded together.

[0044] The remaining side walls 6 of the catchment canal 5 can be used in the same way with reinforcement structures 10 based on the result of a topology optimization.

[0045] To illustrate the structure, Figure 6 one with reinforcement structures 10equipped side wall 6 shown schematically in a cross-section. The side wall 6 as such is formed by a flat sheet, the inside of which 21 is at least essentially flat. Outside, that is, on a conveying chamber of the intake channel 5 opposite side, this flat sheet interacts with a second, embossed sheet, by means of which the reinforcement structures 10 The two sheets, the two layers 12, 13 the side wall 6 are in the example shown in a force-transmitting manner by means of spot welding 28 connected to each other. It follows that a wall thickness 11 the side wall 6 in areas outside the reinforcement structures 10 is less than a wall thickness 11 in areas of the reinforcement structures 10. The increased wall thickness 11in areas of the reinforcement structures 10 lead to an increased axial and polar area moment of inertia of the respective side wall 6. List of reference symbols

[0046] 1Harvester 2Cutting device 3Processing device 4Feeder 5Feed channel 6Side wall 7Central area 8Front side 9Front side 10Reinforcement structure 11Wall thickness 12Layer 13Layer 14Edge 15Bearing reinforcement 16Bearing area 17Bottom wall 18Ring structure 19Radial structure 20Corner 21Inside 22Outside 23Separating device 24Chopping device 25Result model 26Bearing 27Edge structure 28Spot weld 29Plant 30Feed roller 31Grain tank 32Reinforcement profile 33Overlap area

Claims

1. An agricultural harvesting machine (1) for harvesting plants, in particular grain, comprising - at least one cutting means (2) for cutting plants, - at least one conveying means for conveying the cut plants in the direction of a processing means (3), as well as - at least one processing means (3) for processing the cut plants, wherein the conveying means comprises at least one inclined conveyor (4) which is equipped with an intake channel (5) through which cut plants can be conveyed, wherein the intake channel (5) has a plurality of side walls (6) which circumferentially surround a conveying chamber of the intake channel (5) so that cut plants can be conveyed through the conveying chamber from an open front end face (8) of the intake channel (5) to an open rear end face (9) of the intake channel (5) which is opposite the front end face (8), wherein at least one side wall (6) of the intake channel (5) has at least one reinforcing structure (10) in the region of which a wall thickness (11) of the respective side wall (6) is increased compared with regions outside the reinforcing structure (10), characterized in that a profile of the reinforcing structure (10) is based on a result of a topology optimization, wherein at least one lower bottom wall (17) of the intake channel formed by one of the side walls (6) has at least one reinforcing structure (10), wherein at least one reinforcing structure (10) is formed in the shape of a fully enclosed ring structure (18) in a central region (7) of the bottom wall (17).

2. The harvesting machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the profile and / or the design of at least one reinforcing structure (10), preferably all of the reinforcing structures (10), is optimized with respect to manufacturability and / or with respect to manufacturing costs.

3. The harvesting machine (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the profile of at least one reinforcing structure (10), preferably all of the reinforcing structures (10), is optimized as a function of varying load conditions.

4. The harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least a portion of the reinforcing structure (10) is disposed in those regions of the at least one side wall (6) which have an above-average proportion of the stiffness of the intake channel (5).

5. The harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that for at least one reinforcing structure (10), the at least one side wall (6) is constructed in multiple layers, in particular in two layers, at least in regions, wherein the layers (12, 13) are connected together in a force-transmitting manner.

6. The harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a first layer (12) of the side wall (6) is formed by a flat sheet and a second layer (13) is formed by a stamped sheet.

7. The harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least two side walls (6) of the intake channel (5) border each other with the formation of an edge (14), wherein at least one reinforcing structure (10) at the edge (14) of one of the side walls (6) is turned over onto the respective bordering side wall (6), wherein preferably, the reinforcing structure (10) is configured to protrude outwards at the edge (14).

8. The harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a reinforcing structure (10) is configured in the form of a bearing reinforcement (15) which is disposed in a bearing region (16) of the intake channel (5), wherein preferably, the bearing reinforcement (15) of one side wall (6) turns over onto a bordering side wall (6) of the intake channel (5).

9. The harvesting machine (1) according to claims 6 and 8, characterized in that the bearing reinforcement (15) is formed from a stamped sheet which is connected together with a further sheet in a force-transmitting manner, so that the intake channel (5) is configured with at least two layers in the region of the bearing reinforcement (15).

10. The harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one reinforcing structure (10) extends radially outwards from the ring structure (18) in the form of a radial structure (19), wherein preferably, at least four radial structures (19) extend outwards from the ring structure (18) in the direction of a respective corner (20) of the bottom wall (17).

11. The harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one reinforcing structure (10) is formed in the shape of an edge structure (27) running around the edge of the bottom wall (17).

12. The harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a conveying chamber-facing inside (21) of at least one side wall (6), preferably all of the side walls (6), is flat in configuration.

13. The harvesting machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that an outside (22) facing away from the conveying chamber of at least one side wall (6), preferably all of the side walls (6), is configured to protrude outwards in the region of at least one reinforcing structure (10), preferably all of the reinforcing structures (10).

14. A method for constructing an intake channel (5) of an inclined conveyor (4) of an agricultural harvesting machine (1), in particular a machine according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps of the method: a) a virtual model of the intake channel (5) is generated, wherein the intake channel (5) has a plurality of side walls (6) which circumferentially surround a conveying chamber of the intake channel (5), b) at least one design load condition as well as bearing conditions are specified to the virtual model, c) a topology optimization is carried out on the model under the design load condition as well as the bearing conditions, d) based on the result of the topology optimization, reinforcing structures (10) are disposed on the intake channel (5), wherein at least one lower bottom wall (17) of the intake channel (5) formed by one of the side walls (6) has at least one reinforcing structure (10), wherein at least one reinforcing structure (10) is formed in a central region (7) of the bottom wall (17) in the shape of a fully enclosed ring structure (18).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the topology optimization is carried out by means of a finite element analysis, wherein preferably, a maximization of the stiffness of the intake channel (5) is specified to the topology optimization as the target function under the boundary condition that a mass of the intake channel (5) is reduced by a set factor, in particular 70% to 90%.