METHOD FOR OPERATING A COMBINE HARVESTER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a self-propelled combine harvester according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a self-propelled combine harvester according to the preamble of claim 6.

[0002] From DE 10 2019 107 840 A1, a self-propelled combine harvester is known in which the actual distribution of a residual crop flow generated by an axial separator is detected on a downstream distribution device, and a guide element in the end-side crop discharge area of ​​the axial separator is adjusted to approximate the actual distribution to a target distribution. Sensor units for detecting the residual crop flow can be provided at various points upstream of the distribution device to detect the distribution of the residual crop flow across the feed width of the distribution device.

[0003] The residual material stream, consisting primarily of straw components, is transferred from the axial separator to a downstream working element of the combine harvester, in particular a chopping unit. The residual material stream is distributed across the feed width of the chopping unit by means of at least one movable guide element. The chopping unit processes the residual material stream, specifically shredding or chopping it. This is particularly important when the residual material stream discharged from the combine harvester by the distribution unit is not intended for further use, especially if it is not to be collected from the field and applied to another purpose. Shredding the residual material stream is advantageous for accelerating biological decomposition and the associated return of nutrients to the soil.

[0004] The method known from DE 10 2019 107 840 A1 takes into account the crop distribution after the discharge of the residual crop stream when controlling the guide element in the end-discharge area of ​​the axial separator, in order to achieve the most uniform distribution possible by the distribution device during discharge from the combine harvester. External influences are disregarded in the control of the guide element. US 2011 223 979 discloses a combine harvester with a movable guide element on the axial separator. The position of this element can be changed depending on the measured wind speed.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to further develop a method for operating a self-propelled combine harvester and a self-propelled combine harvester of the type mentioned at the outset, so that an improved distribution of the residual crop flow on a field is achieved.

[0006] From a process engineering perspective, this problem is solved starting from the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with its characterizing features. From a device engineering perspective, the problem is solved starting from the preamble of dependent claim 5 in conjunction with its characterizing features.

[0007] According to claim 1, a method for operating a self-propelled combine harvester is proposed, wherein a residual material stream generated by an axial separator device is fed to a downstream distribution device which discharges the residual material stream from the combine harvester, wherein the axial separator device has at least one guide element movable by an actuator in the end-side discharge area, by which an actual distribution of the exiting residual material stream over the feed width of the distribution device is influenced, wherein the actual distribution of the residual material stream is detected by at least one sensor unit and, if a deviation from a predetermined target distribution is detected, the guide element is readjusted.To solve the problem posed at the outset, it is provided that at least one signal representing crosswind is supplied by at least one signal source of a control device and used by the control device as a disturbance variable in the automatic adjustment of the at least one guide element. In this way, the influence of crosswind as an external factor on the uniformity of the distribution of the residual crop flow by the distribution device in the field is taken into account. The term crosswind is understood to mean an airflow directed at an angle to the direction of travel of the combine harvester, where the angle is not equal to 0°. In particular, the distribution device can be designed as a spreader plate distributor.The method according to the invention is particularly advantageous in a distribution device designed as a spreader plate distributor, since in a spreader plate distributor, in contrast to a distribution device designed as an actively driven radial distributor, it is only possible to a limited extent to compensate for crosswind influences.

[0008] For this purpose, the control device can continuously receive a signal from a signal source, particularly an external one, such as an anemometer positioned at the edge of the field or an external service provider. Alternatively or additionally, at least two sensor devices can be arranged opposite each other on the outside of the combine harvester as signal sources, by means of which the occurrence of crosswinds is detected and signals representing the crosswinds are generated.

[0009] According to the invention, a distribution ratio balanced across the feed width of the distribution device is specified as the target distribution, and the control device is connected to an input / output unit of the combine harvester, which allows an operator of the combine harvester to specify a corresponding value for the target distribution. The specified target distribution can, in particular, provide for a balanced distribution ratio according to which the residual material flow is divided essentially equally, so that the distribution device is fed with the residual material flow in essentially equal proportions across its feed width. Situations in the field are conceivable that necessitate a different distribution of the residual material flow fed across the feed width by the axial separator device.This can occur, for example, if the distance between the combine harvester and a crop edge is smaller than the proportional distribution width set according to the target distribution, relative to a longitudinal axis of the combine. Using at least one sensor unit, an actual distribution that deviates from this target distribution can be detected and transmitted to the control device. The control device is configured to generate control commands based on the detected deviation of the actual distribution from the target distribution and to transmit these commands to the actuator of the at least one guide element. In this way, the guide element is adjusted so that the actual distribution is at least approximately the target distribution.Consequently, a feedback loop is created between the actual distribution of the residual material flow and the specified target distribution of the residual material flow on the working element, which is preferably performed continuously. Within this feedback loop, the crosswind detected by the sensor devices is also taken into account as a disturbance variable. The specified target distribution can then be adjusted, particularly continuously, to the influence of the crosswind.

[0010] To determine the influence of crosswinds on the distribution, at least two sensor devices are used to independently measure wind speed and wind direction. This allows effects such as partial shading by the combine harvester itself to be compensated for. Furthermore, this increases the measurement accuracy.

[0011] In particular, the two sensor devices can be arranged in a common horizontal plane on the combine harvester. If one of the two wind measuring devices is alternately shaded by the combine harvester itself, for example after a headland turn, the same measurement conditions are always maintained, regardless of which of the two measuring devices is shaded by the combine harvester, since generally at least one of the two wind measuring devices is located on the windward side of the combine harvester.

[0012] Furthermore, signals for wind speed and wind direction generated by at least two sensor devices can be compared, with the signal from the sensor with the higher signal strength being used to compensate for the influence of crosswinds when controlling the actuator. This ensures that even if one of the two wind measuring devices is partially shaded by the combine harvester, a signal representing the actual crosswind conditions is provided. This signal, along with the deviation between the actual and target distributions, is then factored in as a disturbance variable when generating the control commands for the actuator.

[0013] Preferably, the speed of movement of at least one guide element can be continuously varied to approximate the actual distribution to the desired distribution. This allows the distribution of the residual material stream transferred from the axial separator to the shredding device to be modified before the shredding device feeds the shredded residual material stream to the distribution device.

[0014] According to the dependent claim 5, a self-propelled combine harvester is proposed, comprising an axial separator device that generates a residual crop flow and feeds it to a distribution device downstream of the axial separator device, which discharges the residual crop flow from the combine harvester, wherein the axial separator device has at least one guide element movable by an actuator in the end-side crop discharge area, by which an actual distribution of the exiting residual crop flow over the feed width of the distribution device is influenced, wherein at least one sensor unit is provided for detecting the actual distribution of the residual crop flow, and a control device configured to determine a deviation from a predetermined target distribution and, depending on the deviation, to control the actuator to readjust the at least one guide element, wherein the control device is configured toThe device is designed to receive a signal representing at least one crosswind from at least one signal source and to use it as a disturbance variable in the automatic adjustment of at least one guide element. The distribution device is particularly preferably designed as a spreader plate distributor. According to the invention, a distribution ratio balanced across the feed width of the distribution device is specified as the target distribution. The control device is connected to an input / output unit of the combine harvester, which allows an operator of the combine harvester to specify a corresponding value for the target distribution. In particular, at least two sensor devices can be arranged opposite each other on the outside of the combine harvester as signal sources, which are configured to detect the occurrence of crosswinds. The control device can be configured toto evaluate the signals from the sensor devices and use them as a disturbance variable in the automatic adjustment of the guide element.

[0015] Preferably, the at least two sensor devices are arranged above the distribution device and below the material discharge area of ​​the axial separator. This reduces their exposure to contamination. Furthermore, the sensors primarily detect wind flow conditions caused by crosswinds.

[0016] In particular, the signal sources formed by at least two opposing sensor devices can be designed as a wind plate, vane anemometer, or cup anemometer. The mechanical sensor design is simple and cost-effective. In particular, retrofitting to the combine harvester is possible.

[0017] Furthermore, at least one sensor unit for determining the actual distribution can be arranged at at least one measuring point in the feed area of ​​a shredding device downstream of the axial separator and / or on a base that partially encloses a cutter drum of the downstream shredding device. Arranging the at least one sensor unit in the feed area of ​​the shredding device makes it possible to detect the distribution of the residual material flow essentially across the width of the shredding device. Alternatively or additionally, arranging the at least one sensor unit on the base of the shredding device makes it possible to detect the distribution of the residual material flow also within the shredding device itself.The combination of both sensor unit arrangements is particularly advantageous for dynamically monitoring the distribution of the residual material flow, essentially across the width of the shredding device. Specifically, the operation of the shredding device can cause migrations of the residual material flow in the lateral direction of the device, which could not be taken into account if only data concerning the actual distribution of the residual material flow, for example in the feed area of ​​the shredding device, were recorded.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one sensor unit can be configured as a measuring strip, wherein the at least one sensor unit has several spaced-apart sensor elements. Such a measuring strip comprises a plurality of spaced-apart sensor elements, which are preferably arranged equidistantly along the measuring strip. In particular, it is conceivable that the sensor unit configured as a measuring strip extends over the width of a respective monitored area, so that a transverse distribution of the residual material flow in the respective area can be detected. For example, in the case of a measuring strip arranged in the feed area of ​​the shredding device, the measuring strip can extend substantially over the width of the shredding device, with a plurality, for example five, sensor elements arranged distributed along the length of the measuring strip.Data collected in this way are particularly well suited to assessing the actual distribution of the residual material flow.

[0019] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the drawings.

[0020] They show: Fig. 1 shows a cross-section through a combine harvester; Fig. 2 shows a schematic of a transition area between an axial separator and a chopping device of the combine harvester. Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 schematically shows a transition area between the axial separation device and the chopping device of the combine harvester. Fig. 2 with a distribution device designed as a spreader plate distributor; Fig. 4 a perspective partial view of the rear area of ​​the combine harvester as well as a detail view of a sensor device for detecting crosswinds.

[0021] In Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a cross-section through a self-propelled combine harvester 1. The combine harvester 1 comprises a threshing unit 3, downstream of which is an axial separator 2. The threshing unit 3 transfers a crop flow to the axial separator 2. The threshing unit 3 processes the harvested plants, separating the grains from the remaining plant residues, primarily chaff and straw. A large proportion of the grains passes through at least one threshing concave 25 and is fed directly to a preparation floor located below the concave. From the preparation floor, the grains reach a cleaning unit 13, which includes a blower 15 and several sieves 16. The cleaning unit 13 separates short straw components and chaff from the grains.

[0022] The cleaned grains are then conveyed towards a conveyor 26, which transports them into a grain tank 27. The remaining plant residues, along with any remaining grains that could not be directly separated by the threshing device 3, are transferred to the axial separator 2. The remaining grains and the plant residues thus together form the harvested material stream supplied to the axial separator 2 for further processing. The axial separator 2 serves to separate the grains contained in the incoming harvested material stream from the plant residues, ensuring that the grains are recovered as completely as possible. By separating the grain portion, the harvested material stream is transformed into a residual material stream by the axial separator 2. The latter consists essentially of the plant residues, which are referred to as residual material.

[0023] The separation of the grains by the axial separator 2 is effected by means of at least one axial rotor 5 driven to rotate about its longitudinal axis 23, which is mounted within a housing 4 of the axial separator 2. The axial separator 2 can have one axial rotor 5 or two axial rotors 5 arranged parallel to each other, each of which is arranged in a separate housing 4.

[0024] At the rear end discharge area GA of the axial separator 2, facing away from the threshing device 3, the axial separator comprises at least one guide element 7, which here is formed by a guide plate curved to correspond to the curvature of the housing 4. The at least one guide element 7 is movable relative to the housing 4 and, for this purpose, interacts with an actuator 31, in particular an electro-hydraulic actuator, by means of which the guide element 7 can be driven, as shown in Fig. 2is shown. In the case of the axial separator device 2 with two axial rotors 5, each axial rotor 5 has a housing 4 with a guide element 7 arranged in the material discharge area GA and an actuator 31.

[0025] Instead of the separate threshing device 3 designed as a tangential threshing unit, the threshing device together with the axial separation device can be designed as a combination of axial threshing rotor and axial separating rotor.

[0026] The guide element 7 is moved section by section in the circumferential direction of the housing 4 by means of the actuator 31. The residual material flow exiting the axial separator 2, which is guided spirally or helically within the housing 4 by means of guide elements 12, exits primarily at the limited material discharge area GA of the housing 4. The guide element 7 is assigned to this material discharge area GA, so that the guide element 7 can influence the flow of the residual material flow. In particular, the guide element 7 projects into a flow region of the residual material flow, so that the residual material flow can encounter the guide element 7 upon exiting the axial separator 2 and is thereby deflected. By moving the guide element 7 relative to the housing 4, the influence of the guide element 7 on the type or intensity of the deflection of the residual material flow can be changed.This results in the residual material flow being transferred to a working element downstream of the axial separator 2 in different ways, depending on the position of the guide element 7. The latter is designed here as a shredding device 6.

[0027] The chopping device 6 is arranged vertically below the axial separator 2, so that the residual material stream discharged from the axial separator 2 in the discharge area falls into the chopping device 6. The chopping device 6 has an elongated cutter drum 28, on the outer surface of which a plurality of chopping knives 29 are cantilevered. These are pivotally attached to the cutter drum 28, so that, during rotation of the cutter drum 28 about a drive axis 30 of the chopping device 6, they are flung radially outwards due to centrifugal forces. The kinetic energy generated during the rotation of the cutter drum 28 is used to shred the residual material stream falling into the chopping device 6 by means of the chopping knives 29. The cutter drum 28 of the chopping device 6 extends over a width 8, which essentially represents the working width of the chopping device 6.By means of the guide element 7, it is now possible to distribute the residual material flow across the width 8 of the chopping device 6, so that the chopping device 6 is supplied with the residual material flow as evenly as possible across its width 8. This results in the transfer of chopped residual material to a downstream distribution device 9 occurring in an equally even distribution, which in turn promotes a uniform discharge of the residual material at the rear end of the combine harvester 1.

[0028] The distribution device 9 can be designed as an actively driven radial distributor 32, as exemplified in Fig. 4The distribution device 9 is preferably designed as a spreader plate distributor 24. The distribution device 9, designed as a spreader plate distributor 24, comprises a cover component 33, on the underside of which spreader guide plates (not shown) are arranged. The spreader guide plates are each pivotably arranged on the cover component 18 about a vertical axis. Actuating means 39 are arranged inside the cover component 18, by means of which the spreader guide plates can be pivoted individually and / or in groups about the respective vertical axis. Such a spreader plate distributor is known, for example, from DE10 2018 131 432 A1.

[0029] With respect to a plane of symmetry P of the chopping device 6, the spreading guide plates, which are arranged to the left and right of the plane of symmetry P, have opposite curvatures, so that, starting from the center of the spreading device 9, designed as a spreading plate distributor 24, the residual material can be distributed essentially across the working width of the combine harvester 1. The kinetic energy imparted by the chopping device 6 during chopping is used for the distribution of the residual material. Since the actuating means or means of the spreading plate distributor 24 can only influence the deflection of the residual material flow by the spreading guide plates, but not the kinetic energy with which the residual material is spread, the influence of crosswinds on the distribution by the spreading plate distributor 24 is significantly higher than with a distribution device 9 designed as an actively driven radial distributor.

[0030] As a result, the position of the guide element 7 on the axial separator 2 indirectly influences how the residual material is distributed across the field by the distribution device 9, designed as a spreader plate 24, during its discharge from the combine harvester 1. Consequently, a change in the position of the guide element 7 relative to the housing 4 of the axial separator 2 also results in a change in the distribution of the residual material across the field.

[0031] By means of at least one sensor unit 10, which is arranged at a measuring point 11 in the feed area or inlet area 19 of the shredding device 6, it can be determined that, with respect to the axis of symmetry P, the left side L of the shredding device 6 receives a larger proportion of the residual material flow transferred from the axial separator device 2 than the right side R. The sensor unit 10 is preferably designed as a measuring bar 21 and comprises a plurality of spaced-apart sensor elements 22, which are preferably arranged equidistantly along the measuring bar 21. In particular, it is advantageous if the sensor unit 10, designed as a measuring bar 21, extends across the width of the respective monitored area, here the inlet area 19, so that a transverse distribution of the residual material in the respective area is detected.When the measuring bar 21 is arranged in the infeed area 19 of the shredding device 6, the measuring bar 21 extends substantially across the width 8 of the shredding device 6. Furthermore, the at least one sensor unit 10 for determining the actual distribution can be arranged at at least one measuring point on the base 20, which partially encloses the cutter drum 28 of the downstream shredding device 6. By arranging the at least one sensor unit 10 in the feed area or infeed area 19 of the shredding device 6, it is possible to detect the distribution of the residual material flow substantially across the width 8 of the shredding device 6. Alternatively or additionally, by arranging the at least one sensor unit 10 on the base 20 of the shredding device 6, it is possible to detect the distribution of the residual material flow also within the shredding device 6.The combination of both arrangements of the sensor units 10 can be particularly advantageous in order to dynamically track the distribution of the residual material flow essentially over the width 8 of the shredding device 6.

[0032] The uneven discharge of the residual material stream transferred by the axial separator 2 results in an asymmetric distribution of the residual material stream even at the exit of the chopping device 6 and thus at the transfer to the distribution device 9. This, in turn, affects the uniformity of the application by the distribution device 9. However, the specified target distribution aims for a uniform distribution of the residual material stream to the distribution device 9 in order to achieve the most homogeneous distribution of the residual material possible in the field. The difference between the actual distribution and the target distribution is addressed by the control device 14 by sending a control command to the actuator 31 of the guide element 7, which then moves the guide element 7.This movement is carried out in such a way that the deflection caused by the guide element 7 and the resulting distribution of the residual material flow onto the shredding device 6 are modified such that a larger proportion of the residual material flow is directed to the right side R of the shredding device 6 than before. As a direct consequence of this intervention, the actual distribution of the residual material flow is brought closer to the target distribution.

[0033] In a particularly advantageous manner, the guide element 7 is continuously moved relative to the housing 4 of the axial separator 2 in order to continuously distribute the residual material flow across the width 8 of the shredding device 6. In particular, the guide element 7 can perform a "pendulum" movement, during which it is continuously moved between opposing extreme positions. An oscillating movement of the guide element 7 is therefore particularly advantageous for continuously and uniformly feeding the shredding device 6 with residual material across its entire width 8, thereby achieving a correspondingly equal feed to the distribution device 9.

[0034] In Fig. 4Figure 1 shows a perspective partial view of the rear area of ​​the combine harvester 1 and a detailed view of a sensor device 34 for detecting crosswinds. In the illustrated embodiment, the distribution device 9 is only exemplary, designed as a radial distributor 32, which has rotors 40 arranged in pairs. The rotors 40 are driven in opposite directions. The rotors 40 are preferably driven hydraulically or mechanically.

[0035] Above the distribution device 9, at least two sensor devices 34 are arranged as signal sources to provide at least one signal representing a crosswind. The at least two sensor devices 34 are arranged above the distribution device 9, 24 and below the material discharge area GA of the axial separator 2. Thus, they are less exposed to the influence of contamination. This allows the primary detection of wind flow conditions in the area of ​​the distribution device 9 that are attributable to the crosswind.

[0036] The at least two opposing sensor devices 34 are designed as wind plates 35. Alternative designs of the sensor devices 34 can be vane anemometers or cup anemometers.

[0037] The sensor devices 34, designed as wind plates 35, are arranged on pivot arms 36 that are attached to both sides of the combine harvester 1. Each wind plate 35 has a plate-shaped element 37 that can be pivoted about a horizontal pivot axis. The pivot axis is oriented essentially parallel to the direction of travel, so that the wind has virtually no influence on the measurement. The deflection of the respective plate-shaped element 37 caused by crosswinds is detected by means of an angle sensor 38. The angle sensors 38 transmit their signals, either wired or wirelessly, to the control device 14 for evaluation.

[0038] Since crosswinds can influence the distribution of the residual material flow applied by the distribution device 9 in the field, the signals from the sensor devices 34 are transmitted to the control device 14 and evaluated by it. At least one signal representing the crosswind is provided by the sensor devices 34 as a signal source for the control device 14 and used by the control device 14 as a disturbance variable for the automatic adjustment of the guide element 7. By additionally considering the crosswind occurring during application in the adjustment of the guide element 7, the influence of the crosswind on the distribution is compensated for at an early stage, even before the residual material reaches the distribution device 9. This improves the achievement of a homogeneous distribution of the residual material on the field soil, particularly by the distribution device 9, which is designed as a spreader plate distributor 24. Reference symbol list

[0039] 1 combine harvester 33 Cover component 2 Axial separator device 34 Sensor device 3 threshing device 35 Wind plate 4 Housing 36 Swivel arm 5 Axial rotor 37 Plate-shaped element 6 shredding device 38 Angle sensor 7 Conductive element 39 operating means 8 Width 40 runner 9 Distribution device GA Goods drop-off area 10 Sensor unit P axis of symmetry 11 Measuring point L Left side of 6 12 Guide element R Right side of 6 13 Cleaning device 14 Control device 15 fan 16 Sieve 17 Line 18 Line 19 Entry area 20 Floor 21 Measuring scale 22 Sensor element 23 Longitudinal axis 24 Spreader plate distributor 25 threshing basket 26 Funding institution 27 grain tank 28 Knife drum 29 Shredder blade 30 drive axle 31 actuator 32 radial distributor

Claims

1. Method for operating a self-propelled combine harvester (1), wherein a residual flow of material generated by an axial separating device (2) is fed to a downstream distributing device (9, 24), which discharges the residual flow of material from the combine harvester (1), wherein the axial separating device (2) has in the end-side material delivery region (GA) at least one guide element (7), which can be moved by an actuator (31) and by which an actual distribution of the emerging residual flow of material over the feed width of the distributing device (9, 24) is influenced, wherein the actual distribution of the residual flow of material is sensed by at least one sensor unit (10) and, if a deviation from a specified target distribution is sensed, the guide element (7) is readjusted, wherein at least one signal representing side wind is provided by at least one signal source (34, 35) of a control device (14) and is used by the control device (14) as a disturbance variable in the automatic readjustment of the at least one guide element (7), wherein a distribution ratio balanced over the feed width of the distributing device (9, 24) is specified as the target distribution, characterized in that the control device (14) is connected to an input / output unit of the combine harvester (1) which enables an operator of the combine harvester (1) to specify a corresponding value for the target distribution.

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that wind strength and wind direction are sensed independently of one another by means of at least two sensor devices (34, 35).

3. Method according to Claim 2, characterized in that signals generated by the at least two sensor devices (34, 35) for wind strength and wind direction are compared with one another, wherein the signal of the sensor device (34, 35) with greater signal strength is taken into account for compensating the influence of the side wind.

4. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in order for the actual distribution to approach the target distribution, the speed of movement of the at least one guide element (7) is continuously changed.

5. Self-propelled combine harvester (1), comprising an axial separating device (2), which generates a residual flow of material and feeds it to a distributing device (9), in particular a spreader plate distributor (24), arranged downstream of the axial separating device (2), which discharges the residual flow of material from the combine harvester (1), wherein the axial separating device (2) has in the end-side material delivery region (GA) at least one guide element (7), which can be moved by an actuator (31) and by which an actual distribution of the emerging residual flow of material over the feed width of the distributing device (9) is influenced, wherein at least one sensor unit (10) is provided for sensing the actual distribution of the residual flow of material, and comprising a control device (14), which is designed to determine a deviation from a specified target distribution and, dependent on the deviation, activate the actuator (31) for readjusting the guide element (7), wherein the control device (14) is designed to receive at least one signal representing side wind from at least one signal source (34, 35) and use it as a disturbance variable in the automatic readjustment of the guide element (7), wherein a distribution ratio balanced over the feed width of the distributing device (9, 24) is specified as the target distribution, characterized in that the control device (14) is connected to an input / output unit of the combine harvester (1) which enables an operator of the combine harvester (1) to specify a corresponding value for the target distribution.

6. Combine harvester (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the at least two sensor devices (34, 35) are arranged above the distributing device (9) and below the material delivery region (GA) of the axial separating device (2).

7. Combine harvester (1) according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the at least two sensor devices (34), arranged opposite one another, are configured as a wind deflector (35), a vane anemometer or a cup anemometer.

8. Combine harvester (1) according to one of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the at least one sensor unit (10) is arranged at at least one measuring point (11) in the feeding region (19) of a chopping device (6), arranged downstream of the axial separating device (2), and / or on the floor (20) partially enclosing a cutter drum of the downstream chopping device (6).

9. Combine harvester (1) according to one of Claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the at least one sensor unit (10) is configured as a measuring strip (21), which has a number of spaced-apart sensor elements (22).