SELF-PROPELLED FORAGE CHOKER AND METHOD FOR HARVESTING USING A FORAGE CHOKER

Description

[0001] The present application relates to a self-propelled forage harvester according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the present application relates to a method for harvesting crops by means of a forage harvester according to the preamble of claim 17.

[0002] The chopper comprises a drive device with at least one drive shaft. This drive device makes it possible to drive a processing device of the forage harvester. This device has at least two processing rollers arranged parallel to each other and associated with each other in such a way that they jointly define a working gap. Such a processing device is also referred to as a "corn cracker." It serves in particular to "press" or "squash" crops harvested by the forage harvester by guiding the crop through the working gap and grinding them between the processing rollers as a result of the counter-rotating processing rollers. This has the advantage that the biological utilization of the processed crops can proceed significantly more quickly than without processing.

[0003] For the purpose of transmitting a drive torque from the drive shaft of the drive device to the conditioning rollers of the conditioning device, the forage harvester has at least one transmission device comprising at least one belt drive. The belt drive comprises at least one drive belt that interacts with a drive pulley on the drive shaft. On the conditioning device side, the drive belt is also coupled to at least one driven pulley that is assigned to at least one of the output shafts of the conditioning rollers. Preferably, the driven pulleys of both conditioning rollers are driven by the same drive belt. The drive pulley is or can be coupled to the drive shaft assigned to it in a power-transmitting manner, while the at least one driven pulley is or can be coupled to the output shaft assigned to it of the respective conditioning roller.In this way, it is possible by means of the transmission device to transmit a torque exerted on the drive shaft by means of the drive device to at least one of the conditioning rollers of the conditioning device.

[0004] Forage harvesters of the type described above are already known in the prior art. Reference is made to German patent application DE 10 2016 211 570 A1 as an example. This document addresses the task of changing a ratio between a speed of the first output shaft of the first conditioning roller and a speed of the second output shaft of the second conditioning roller. This serves to adjust the processing intensity with which the crop is processed, i.e., effectively "ground." Depending on the harvesting conditions, the crop, and the use of the crop, different processing intensities can be advantageous. To achieve adjustability, the said document discloses a transmission device that has two separate drive belts, each driving one of the conditioning rollers.One of the drive belts can interact with a belt variator, or a so-called CVT, which can be used to change the gear ratio between the drive shaft and the output shaft associated with the respective drive belt. By changing this gear ratio, while maintaining the same gear ratio between the drive shaft and the other output shaft, the speed ratio between the two output shafts is changed. Further forage harvesters are known from the documents DE 10 2013 110 636 A1 and DE 10 2016 116 918 A1.

[0005] The well-known forage harvester is disadvantageous in that the transmission device is particularly complex in design in order to achieve the desired effect.

[0006] The present application is therefore based on the object of providing a forage harvester whose transmission device is constructed more simply than in the prior art.

[0007] The underlying object is achieved according to the invention by means of a forage harvester having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims 2 to 16.

[0008] The forage harvester according to the invention comprises a transmission device comprising at least two, preferably discrete, gear stages, by means of which a speed ratio between the output shafts of the conditioning rollers can be directly or indirectly changed. The transmission device can be switched from a driver's cab of the forage harvester.

[0009] The forage harvester according to the invention has many advantages. In particular, it is possible to change the speed ratio between the conditioning rollers by switching between the gear ratios of the transmission. At least one clutch is used for this purpose, which can be switched particularly easily from the driver's cab of the forage harvester. Furthermore, it is advantageous if such switching can take place under load, i.e., during the actual harvesting operation. An interruption of the harvesting operation is not necessary. The forage harvester operator can therefore change the processing intensity of the processing system particularly easily and adapt it, for example, to changing harvesting conditions. Automatic switching between the gear ratios is also conceivable, as explained separately below.The particularly easy change of the speed ratio between the conditioning rollers also makes it possible to adapt the energy requirement of the conditioning system to the given circumstances, so that the performance of the conditioning system is not unnecessarily high, which would result in unnecessary fuel consumption and thus make the harvest overall less efficient.

[0010] Advantageously, the transmission device can be used to change a gear ratio between the input shaft and precisely one of the output shafts. Such a change automatically changes the speed ratio between the two output shafts, provided the speed of the other output shaft remains unchanged or is changed in a different way than the speed of the first output shaft. For the sake of simplicity, it is advantageous if the gear ratios are assigned to only one of the output shafts, while the gear ratio between the input shaft and the other output shaft remains fixed. Nevertheless, it is conceivable that the gear ratios between the input shaft and each of the output shafts can be changed independently of one another.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, the gear ratios are assigned to only one of the two rear conditioner rollers. The distinction between a "rear conditioner roller" and a "front conditioner roller" is made based on the forage harvester's direction of travel. Equipping the rear conditioner roller with gear ratios is advantageous in that the power consumption of the rear conditioner roller is typically lower.

[0012] Advantageously, the speed ratio between the output shafts in a first gear stage of the transmission device is 1:1.05. In a second gear stage of the transmission device, the speed ratio is preferably at least 1:1.10, more preferably at least 1:1.15, and even more preferably at least 1:1.20. Within the specified range, the processing of fruit for various scenarios is particularly well possible.

[0013] In particular, an output shaft of a post-accelerator of the forage harvester can serve as the drive shaft. The latter is typically located downstream of the processing device and serves to accelerate the processed crop so that it can be ejected from the forage harvester using a discharge spout. The post-accelerator is driven by the drive device, wherein the post-accelerator has an output shaft on which a working element of the post-accelerator is mounted. In an advantageous embodiment, this output shaft of the post-accelerator is preferably designed to be somewhat extended so that the output shaft can serve as the drive shaft for the processing device by mounting a drive pulley. This eliminates the need for a separate drive shaft for the processing device.Since the post-accelerator is typically located in close proximity to the processing device, the necessary torque transmission from the drive shaft (or the output shaft of the post-accelerator) to the output pulleys of the processing rollers can easily be achieved by means of at least one drive belt.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the forage harvester according to the invention, the transmission device comprises at least one spur gear arranged on at least one of the output shafts of the conditioning rollers. Advantageously, exactly one of the output shafts is equipped with a corresponding spur gear. The latter is suitable for interacting with the associated output pulley of the respective output shaft. The spur gear preferably comprises at least two gear stages, so that a transmission ratio between a speed of the output pulley and a speed of the output shaft can be varied. The spur gear thus engages between the output pulley and the output shaft. This means that the speed of the drive shaft can remain unchanged, since the gear stages according to the invention are implemented in the spur gear, which is directly assigned to the respective conditioning roller.

[0015] When using such a spur gear, it is particularly advantageous if it includes at least one clutch, which can be designed in the form of a friction clutch. Such a clutch makes it particularly easy to switch between the gear stages of the spur gear and thus change the gear ratio between the speed of the output pulley and the speed of the output shaft as desired. This change ultimately leads to the desired change in the gear ratio between the input shaft and the respective output shaft, as well as ultimately to the desired change in the speed ratio between the two output shafts.

[0016] As an additional configuration for a transmission device comprising a spur gear as described above, it can be particularly advantageous if the diameter of at least one output pulley of the transmission device is variable. Such an output pulley can be formed, in particular, by a so-called "segment variator," which has a plurality of segments distributed over its circumference, which are movable, preferably synchronously, in the radial direction relative to the output shaft. The radial movement of the individual segments thus leads to a change in the effective diameter of the output pulley, thereby changing the transmission ratio between the input shaft and the associated output shaft.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the forage harvester according to the invention, the belt transmission of the transmission device comprises at least two drive belts, which are jointly assigned to at least one of the output shafts. In this case, it is conceivable for the two drive belts to be assigned to exactly one output shaft or to both output shafts of the processing device. In this embodiment, at least one of the output shafts interacts with at least two driven belt pulleys, wherein the number of driven belt pulleys arranged on the respective output shaft is preferably identical to the number of drive belts provided by the belt transmission. The two driven belt pulleys of the same output shaft have different diameters, wherein each of the driven belt pulleys is assigned to at least one drive belt of the belt transmission.The driven pulleys are designed to alternately engage the corresponding output shaft, transmitting power. This allows the gear ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft to be switched: When a first driven pulley is connected to the output shaft, the gear ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft depends on the diameter ratio between the drive pulley and the currently active driven pulley. When switching to the other driven pulley on the same output shaft, which has a different diameter, the diameter ratio between the drive pulley and the driven pulley inevitably changes, and thus the gear ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft changes.

[0018] The described embodiment is particularly advantageous when the transmission device comprises at least one clutch arranged between the drive pulleys and suitable for alternately coupling them to the output shaft in a power-transmitting manner. The respective output pulley that is decoupled is preferably nevertheless driven by the respective associated drive belt; due to the lack of connection to the output shaft, the respective output pulley nevertheless remains ineffective. To simplify the transmission device, it is accordingly advantageous if both drive belts are continuously coupled to the drive pulley.

[0019] Regardless of the design of the transmission, the forage harvester according to the invention has at least one control unit that can be connected to at least one actuator of the transmission. The actuator serves to switch between the gear stages of the transmission. The actuator interacts with a clutch that is moved between different gear stages. Thus, the actuator can be designed hydraulically, for example, whereby actuation of the actuator pressurizes a working fluid, thereby driving a coupling element.

[0020] When using such an actuator, it can also be particularly advantageous if the forage harvester has at least one sensor device by means of which data relating to at least one harvesting parameter and / or at least one operating parameter of the forage harvester can be recorded. The data thus recorded can then be transmitted to the control unit, by means of which a switching command can be generated depending on the data. This is then transmitted to the actuator, which then changes the gear stage of the transmission device. Using such a configuration, it is conceivable that the gear stages of the transmission device can be switched automatically, i.e. without the intervention of a forage harvester operator, with each switching command being given depending on the prevailing harvesting parameters and / or operating parameters of the forage harvester.In this way, the processing intensity of the processing facility can be continuously maintained at the best possible level.

[0021] Advantageously, the forage harvester according to the invention also has an operating unit in its driver's cab, by means of which the machine operator can generate a shift command that can then be transmitted to the actuator. Such an operating unit thus enables the machine operator to manually influence the gear ratio of the transmission. Such a possibility can be implemented in addition to or as an alternative to automated control of the gear ratios as described above. Thus, it is conceivable that the machine operator would like to select a specific gear ratio of the transmission in opposition to a shift command generated by the control unit, which he is able to do using the operating unit.

[0022] From a process engineering perspective, the underlying problem is solved according to the invention by means of a method having the features of claim 17. Advantageous embodiments emerge from subclaims 18 to 20.

[0023] The method according to the invention relates to a transmission device which is switched from a driver's cab of the forage harvester, wherein the switching stages of the transmission device correspond to different speed ratios between the output shafts.

[0024] The method according to the invention can be carried out particularly easily using the forage harvester according to the invention. The resulting advantages have already been explained above. In particular, it is readily possible to change the aforementioned speed ratio during ongoing operation of the forage harvester, thus quickly and easily adjusting the processing intensity of the processing device.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, a gear ratio between the drive shaft and precisely one output shaft of one of the conditioning rollers is changed by switching between the gear stages of the transmission device. Changing this gear ratio directly results in a change in the speed ratio between the speeds of the output shafts of the conditioning rollers. Changing the gear ratio between the drive shaft and one of the output shafts is relatively easy, for example, using one of the embodiments described above.

[0026] Furthermore, it can be particularly advantageous if the gear ratios of the transmission are shifted manually and / or automatically as a result of a control unit located in the forage harvester's cab. While automatic gear shifting of the transmission particularly prevents incorrect operation and also relieves the operator's workload, manual gear shifting by operating the control unit can correct a potentially unfavorable control command from a control unit. It is also conceivable that a forage harvester in a simpler configuration may only have a manual control unit, making automatic gear shifting impossible.

[0027] Finally, a method in which data relating to at least one harvesting parameter and / or at least one operating parameter of the forage harvester is recorded by at least one sensor device is particularly advantageous. This data is then forwarded to a control unit, which, depending on the recorded data, generates a shift command and transmits it to an actuator of the transmission. The actuator then changes the gear ratio of the transmission as a result of the shift command. This procedure makes automated shifting of the transmission particularly easy.

[0028] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures. It shows: Fig. 1: A cross-section through a forage harvester according to the invention, Fig. 2: A schematic view of a processing device in cooperation with an associated transmission device, Fig. 3: A schematic detail of an output shaft of a conditioning roller of the processing device according to Figure 2 , which is equipped with a spur gear, Fig. 4: A schematic view of the processing device according to Figure 2 in conjunction with an alternative transmission device, Fig. 5: A schematic view of the processing device according to Figure 2 in cooperation with a further alternative transmission device and Fig. 6: A schematic cross section through two driven pulleys, which with a common output shaft drive a conditioning roller of the conditioning device according to Figure 5 work together.

[0029] In the Figures 1 to 6various embodiments relating to different configurations of transmission devices are illustrated, each of which comprises a forage harvester according to the invention 1 Such a forage harvester according to the invention 1 is particularly evident in Figure 1 . This includes a drive device 2, which here is formed by an internal combustion engine. The forage harvester 1 also has a corn head 37, by means of which corn plants 38 from a field. The cut plants are transported by means of an inclined conveyor 38 towards a chopping device 26 which chops the cut plants. Downstream of the threshing unit 26 there is a processing facility 4, the two conditioning rollers 5, 6 The conditioning rollers 5, 6are each mounted so as to be able to rotate and are arranged in such a way that they extend parallel to each other and thus together form a working gap 10 The chopped crop is passed through this working gap 10 and in the process between the conditioning rollers 5, 6 processed, whereby in particular individual grains of the harvested plants are pressed or between the processing rollers 5, 6 Finally, the harvested material processed in this way is conveyed downstream of the processing device 4 arranged post-accelerator 27 accelerated and through a discharge spout 39 from the forage harvester 1 ejected.

[0030] The drive device 2 acts at least indirectly with a drive axle 28 rotary drive shaft 3This is connected here to an output shaft of the accelerator 27 which is located in the immediate vicinity of the processing plant 4 The drive shaft thus formed 3 works with a drive pulley 12 In the examples shown here, this is independent of the respective design of a transmission device 7 particularly well based on the Figures 2 , 4 and 5 The separate embodiments explained below deal with different designs of the respective transmission device 7, by means of which a power transmission between the drive shaft 3 and respective output shafts 8, 9 the conditioning rollers 5, 6 is carried out.

[0031] In a first version, which was published in the Figures 2 and 3shown, the transmission device includes 7 a drive belt 11, one with the drive shaft 3 interacting drive pulley 12, one with a first output shaft 8 interacting driven pulley 13 and one with the second output shaft 9 interacting driven pulley 14. Furthermore, the transmission device comprises 7 a belt tensioner 29, by means of which the drive belt 11 Finally, the transmission device includes 7 a pulley 40 for guiding the drive belt 11. As can be seen from the guide of the drive belt 11 Here both conditioning rollers 5, 6 using the same drive belt 11 driven. A drive of the conditioning rollers 5, 6 independent of each other is equally conceivable.

[0032] In the example shown, the rear output shaft 9 with a spur gear 16 the transmission device 7 together. These spur gears 16, which is particularly evident from the schematic representation according to Figure 3 acts directly between the driven pulley 14 and the associated output shaft 9. In the example shown, the spur gear comprises 16 two separate gear stages, between which a clutch 17 This is designed in the form of a friction clutch with opposing friction surfaces 33, 34 In this way, it is possible to use the clutch 17 alternately between the two gear stages of the spur gear 16 to shift. The clutch 17 is by means of a Figure 3 actuator not shown 23in a direction parallel to an output axis 31 the output shafts 9 movable and in this way between the friction surfaces 33, 34 switchable. The actuator 23 can, for example, act mechanically, hydraulically or electrically.

[0033] In the first gear, in which the clutch 17 engages with the first friction surface 33 the clutch couples 17 the driven pulley 14 directly with the output shaft 9, so that a speed of the output shaft 9 in the operation of the processing facility 4 identical to a speed of the driven pulley 14 The driven pulleys have 13, 14 the two conditioning rollers 5, 6 in the example shown such different diameters 41 that when setting the first gear stage, the speed ratio between the conditioning rollers5, 6 In the example shown, the ratio is 1:1.05. This speed ratio can also take a different value.

[0034] To switch the transmission 7 the clutch 17 parallel to the output axis 31 moved and with the opposite friction surface 34 This enables a power transmission between the driven pulley 14 and the output shaft 9 over a gear ratio 30. This includes a gear ratio 32 rotating spur gear 42, which is achieved by means of frontal gearing 35 with the drive shaft 9 is coupled. By means of the translation stage 30 the driven pulley 14 "into the speed" so that the speed of the output shaft 9 the speed of the driven pulley 14Since at the same time the gear ratio between the drive shaft 3 and the output shaft 8 the other conditioner roller 5 not changed, is in the second gear stage of the transmission 7 finally, a changed speed ratio between the output shafts 8, 9 the two conditioning rollers 5, 6 The gear ratio of the spur gear 16 In the second gear ratio, the ratio is approximately 1:1.15. This speed ratio can also take a different value.

[0035] In an alternative design of the transmission device 7, which in Figure 4 As shown, the output shaft 9 the rear conditioner roller 6 with a driven pulley 14 together, whose diameter 18 is variable. The driven pulley 14is designed here in the form of a segment variator, which has a plurality of individual segments distributed over its circumference. These segments are each radially aligned in one direction relative to the output shaft. 9 movable, so that as a result of the movement of the individual segments the diameter 18 the driven pulley 14 As a result of such a change in diameter 18 compared to a diameter 43 the other driven pulley 13 This immediately results in a changed speed ratio between the driven pulleys 13, 14 and thus the output shafts 8, 9. A particular advantage is the speed ratio between the output shafts 8, 9 the conditioning rollers 5, 6can be changed virtually continuously using a segment variator shown, since with the movement of the individual segments the gear ratio between the drive shaft 3 and the output shaft 9 is changed.

[0036] In a third example, which is derived from the Figures 5 and 6 The transmission device includes 7 two separate drive belts 11, 19, which here each with both conditioning rollers 5, 6 the processing facility 4 work together and each with its own belt tensioner 29 In particular, both drive belts 11, 19 directly with the drive pulley 12 the drive shaft 3 and the driven pulley 13 the front conditioner roller 5 together. The rear conditioner roller 6 Meanwhile, it includes two different driven pulleys14, 20, which have different diameters. This is particularly evident in the illustration according to Figure 6 . The two driven pulleys 14, 20 are alternately connected to the associated output shaft 9 the rear conditioner roller 6 can be coupled, whereby they are connected with a coupling 21 This coupling 21 is alternately provided with friction surfaces 33, 34 of the two driven pulleys 14, 20 connectable. The coupling 21 In the example shown, it works with a hydraulically acting actuator 23 together, by means of which a fluid chamber is 36 The working fluid present, in particular a hydraulic oil, is pressurized. As a result of the pressure, the clutch 21 against the spring force of several compression springs 44 in a direction parallel to the output axis 31 the output shaft 9moves and thereby engages with the friction surface 33 the driven pulley 20 whose diameter is smaller than that of the driven pulley 14. The actor 23 can be connected in particular by means of a cable or wirelessly to a control unit 22 interact in a driver's cab 15 the forage harvester 1 This is explained separately below.

[0037] By switching between the two driven pulleys 14, 20 a gear ratio is created between the drive shaft 3 and the output shaft 9 changed. The gear ratio between the drive shaft 3 and the other output shaft 8 the front conditioner roller 5 remains unchanged. Therefore, switching between the two driven pulleys 14, 20to the desired change in the speed ratio between the two output shafts 8, 9.

[0038] Regardless of the design of the transmission 7 is the inventive forage harvester 1 in the example shown with a control unit 22, a sensor device 24 and a control unit 25 The control unit 22 is in the driver's cab 15 the forage harvester 1 arranged and connected to the sensor device via a data line or wirelessly 24 In addition, the control unit 22 via a data line or wirelessly with a respective actuator 23 connected, by means of which, depending on the design of the respective transmission device 7 for example a clutch 17, 21 switchable and / or a diameter of the output pulley 14 is changeable. The sensor device24 In the example shown, the inclined conveyor 38 and is suitable for recording the throughput of harvested plants. The data collected in this way is sent to the control unit 22 which - if a need for action is identified regarding the speed ratio between the conditioning rollers 5, 6 - generates a control command and sends it to the actuator 23 The latter then becomes active and causes the gearshift to switch from one gear to another. 7, whereby the speed ratio between the conditioning rollers 5, 6 is changed at least indirectly in the direction of the desired speed ratio.

[0039] Alternatively or in addition to the sensor device shown 24 There are additional sensor devices at various points on the forage harvester 1conceivable, the various harvesting parameters and / or operating parameters of the forage harvester 1 The generation of a control command by means of the control unit 22 can be carried out in particular depending on characteristic maps which are stored, for example, on a data memory of the control unit 22 In addition or alternatively to the output of control commands via the control unit 22 It is equally conceivable that the operator of the forage harvester 1 via the control unit 25 a control command to the respective actuator 23 consequently the gear stage of the transmission 7 is changed. List of reference symbols

[0040] 1Forage harvester 2Drive unit 3Drive shaft 4Processing unit 5Conditioner roller 6Conditioner roller 7Gearbox 8Output shaft 9Output shaft 10Working gap 11Drive belt 12Drive pulley 13Driven pulley 14Driven pulley 15Driver's cab 16Spur gear 17Coupling 18Diameter 19Drive belt 20Driven pulley 21Coupling 22Control unit 23Actuator 24Sensor device 25Operating unit 26Chopping element 27Accelerator 28Drive axle 29Belt tensioner 30Transmission stage 31Output axle 32Transmission axle 33Friction surface 34Friction surface 35Toothing 36Fluid chamber 37Maize header 38Elevator 39Discharge spout 40Deflection pulley 41Diameter 42Spur gear 43Diameter 44Compression spring

Claims

1. A self-propelled forage harvester (1), comprising - a drive device (2), which has at least one drive shaft (3), - a processing device (4), which has at least two processing rollers (5, 6), as well as - a gear device (7), which has at least one belt gear, wherein the processing rollers (5) respectively comprise a driven shaft (8, 9) and are disposed parallel with respect to each other, so that they together delimit a working gap (10), wherein the belt gear has at least one driving belt (11) as well as at least one driving belt pulley (12) associated with the drive shaft (3) and at least one driven belt pulley (13, 14) associated with at least one of the driven shafts (8, 9), wherein the drive shaft (3) is connected to the driven belt pulley (13, 14) in a power-transmitting manner by means of the driving belt (11), characterized in that the gear device (7) comprises at least two gear shift stages, by means of which a speed ratio between the driven shafts (8, 9) of the processing rollers (5, 6) can be varied directly or indirectly, wherein the gear device (7) can be shifted from a driver's cabin (15) of the forage harvester (1), wherein the self-propelled forage harvester (1) comprises at least one control unit (22) which can be connected to at least one actuator (23) of the gear device (7), by means of which the gear device (7) can be shifted between the gear shift stages, wherein the actuator (23) cooperates with a clutch (17, 21) which is configured for movement between the gear shift stages.

2. The forage harvester (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a transmission ratio between the drive shaft (3) and exactly one of the driven shafts (8, 9) can be varied by means of the gear device (7).

3. The forage harvester (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that in a first gear shift stage of the gear device (7), the speed ratio between the driven shafts (8, 9) is 1:1.05.

4. The forage harvester (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a second gear shift stage of the gear device (7), the speed ratio between the driven shafts (8, 9) is at least 1:1.10, preferably at least 1:1.15, more preferably at least 1:1.20.

5. The forage harvester (1) according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that the speed ratios can be adjusted by means of different belt pulleys which have different diameters.

6. The forage harvester (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gear shift stages are associated with a rearward - when viewed in the direction of travel of the forage harvester (1) - of the two processing rollers (5, 6).

7. The forage harvester (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive shaft (3) is formed by a driven shaft of a post-accelerator (27), by means of which chopped harvested material can be accelerated prior to it being ejected from the forage harvester (1).

8. The forage harvester (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gear device (7) comprises at least one spur gear (16) which is disposed on at least one of the driven shafts (9) of the processing rollers (6) and cooperates with the associated driven belt pulley (14).

9. The forage harvester (1) according to claim 8, characterized by the clutch (17) in the form of a friction clutch in order to be able to shift between the gear shift stages.

10. The forage harvester (1) according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterized in that a diameter (18) of at least one driven belt pulley (14) of the gear device (7) can be varied, wherein the driven belt pulley (14) is preferably formed by a segmental variable speed transmission.

11. The forage harvester (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the driven belt pulley (14) has a plurality of segments which can be synchronously moved onto the associated driven shaft (9) with respect to the radial direction.

12. The forage harvester (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the belt gear of the gear device (7) has at least two driving belts (11, 19) and at least two driven belt pulleys (14, 20) which are associated with the same driven shaft (9) and have different diameters, wherein a respective driving belt (11, 19) is associated with one of the driven belt pulleys (14, 20) and the driven belt pulleys (14, 20) can be brought in alternation into power-transmitting engagement with the associated driven shaft (9).

13. The forage harvester (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the clutch (21) is disposed between the driven belt pulleys (14, 20) and can be brought in alternation into engagement with the two driven belt pulleys (14, 20).

14. The forage harvester (1) according to claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that both driving belts (11, 19) are permanently coupled to the driving belt pulley (12).

15. The forage harvester (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one sensor device (24), by means of which data relating to at least one harvest parameter and / or at least one operating parameter of the forage harvester (1) can be detected and can be directed to the control unit (22), so that by means of the control unit (22), as a function of the detected data, a gear shift command can be generated and can be directed to the actuator (23).

16. The forage harvester (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an operating unit (25) disposed in the driver's cabin (15), by means of which a driver of the machine can generate a gear shift command which can then be directed to the actuator (23).

17. A method for harvesting fruits by means of a forage harvester, wherein the fruits are processed by means of a processing device (4), which has at least two processing rollers (5, 6) which can be driven in rotation and which are disposed parallel with respect to each other, together delimiting a working gap (10), wherein the fruits are fed through the working gap (10) for processing, during which they are crushed between the processing rollers (5, 6), wherein at least one of the processing rollers (5, 6) is driven directly or indirectly by means of a drive device (2), wherein a drive torque of a drive shaft (3) is coupled to a driven shaft (8, 9) of the processing roller (5, 6) in a power-transmitting manner by means of a gear device (7), characterized in that the gear device (7) is shifted between at least two gear shift stages from a driver's cabin (15) of the forage harvester (1), wherein the gear shift stages correspond to speed ratios between the driven shafts (8, 9) which are different with respect to each other, wherein the forage harvester (1) comprises at least one control unit (22) which can be connected to at least one actuator (23) of the gear device (7), by means of which it is possible to shift between the gear shift stages of the gear device (7), wherein the actuator (23) cooperates with a clutch (17, 21) which is moved between the gear shift stages.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that a transmission ratio between the drive shaft (3) and exactly one driven shaft (8, 9) of one of the processing rollers (5, 6) is varied by means of shifting between the gear shift stages of the gear device (7).

19. The method according to claim 17 or claim 18, characterized in that the gear shift stages of the gear device (7) are shifted as a consequence of manual operation of an operating unit (25) located in the driver's cabin (15) and / or are shifted automatically.

20. The method according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that by means of at least one sensor device (24), data concerning at least one harvest parameter and / or at least one operating parameter of the forage harvester (1) are detected, which are directed to the control unit (22), wherein by means of the control unit (22), as a function of the detected data, a gear shift command is generated and directed to the actuator (23) of the gear device (7), by means of which, as a consequence of the gear shift command, the gear shift stage of the gear device (7) is shifted.