HARVESTING MACHINE WITH A HARVESTING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE HARVESTING MACHINE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a harvesting machine with a harvesting device on which at least one mulching unit is arranged, wherein the harvesting device has a cutting and / or conveying device for harvesting stalk-like crops, and the mulching unit has a processing tool that can be driven in rotation about a drive axis for processing plant stems remaining in a field soil during harvesting, is arranged downstream of the cutting and / or conveying device in a crop flow direction, is supported in a working position on the field soil during field operation, and is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis on a frame of the harvesting device relative to the latter, The harvesting machine comprises a control unit and at least one sensor. The present invention further relates to a harvesting device and a mulching unit for the harvesting machine, as well as a method for operating such a harvesting machine.

[0002] When harvesting stemmed crops such as corn or sunflowers, mulchers are often used to chop up the remaining plant stems in the soil. This process promotes decomposition. Furthermore, the chopped plant stems are easier to mix into the soil during subsequent tillage. This can also prevent pest infestation, such as European corn borer.

[0003] Such mulchers are typically mounted on a harvesting device, particularly a header, and are positioned downstream of a cutting tool of the harvesting device intended for harvesting the crop in the direction of crop flow. They are positioned close to the ground and therefore repeatedly come into contact with obstacles such as stones or uneven ground. Impacts on such obstacles place stress not only on the mulcher's processing tool, but also on its drive train, particularly its transmission and / or drive train clutches, which can lead to damage or at least wear.

[0004] In order to prevent significant damage to the mulching machine's drive train in the event of an unfortunate impact of a working tool on a mulching machine against an obstacle such as a stone, document EP 3 881 665 A1 discloses an overload protection device for a mulching machine, which device comprises a connecting element by which the working tool is attached to the mulching machine. If an overload occurs, the connecting element is designed to break. Although this predetermined breaking point does not damage the components of the mulching machine's drive train, the mulching machine must be repaired to continue driving in the field. In addition, the tool and its drive train are loaded until the connecting element breaks, so that wear still occurs on the tool and drive train.

[0005] Such obstacles are more common on headlands. Furthermore, due to its low-to-the-ground positioning, a mulcher can penetrate the field soil when reversing.

[0006] EP 3 391 724 B1 discloses a self-propelled harvester with a harvesting header on which a mulching device is mounted. The harvester has a speed sensor for detecting the forward speed. It is configured to move the mulching device into an inoperative position when the forward speed falls below a minimum forward speed or when the harvester is reversing. This reduces the likelihood of the mulching device becoming stuck in the field soil.

[0007] The document DE 10 2021 114 960 A1 discloses a harvesting attachment for harvesting stem-like plants with a mulching device which has a shaft which can be driven in rotation by a drive, wherein a control device is configured to change the speed of the anti-drive on the basis of signals supplied to it with regard to the propulsion speed of the harvesting attachment and / or the inclination of the shaft relative to the vertical.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a harvesting machine with a harvesting device on which a mulching unit is arranged, in which wear on the mulching unit, the drive train of the mulching unit and / or the harvesting device is reduced and / or a service life of the mulching unit, the drive train and / or the harvesting device is increased, and which is easy to handle for the driver, wherein the mulching unit can be manufactured and / or operated cost-effectively.

[0009] The object is achieved by a harvesting machine having the features of independent patent claim 1 and a method having the features of independent patent claim 16. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0010] For this purpose, a harvesting machine with a harvesting device is created, wherein at least one mulching unit is arranged on the harvesting device, wherein the harvesting device has a cutting and / or conveying device for harvesting stalk-like crops, and the mulching unit has a processing tool that can be driven in rotation about a drive axis for processing plant stems remaining in a field soil during harvesting, is arranged downstream of the cutting and / or conveying device in a crop flow direction, is supported in a working position on the field soil during field operation, and is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis on a frame of the harvesting device relative to the latter, wherein the harvesting machine comprises a control unit and at least one sensor.

[0011] The harvesting machine is characterized in that the sensor is provided for detecting an overload acting on the processing tool, and the control unit is designed to pivot the mulching unit into a raised position relative to the working position when the overload is detected.

[0012] By raising the mulching unit when an overload is detected, the mulching unit's working tool can be lifted over the obstacle upon contact with it, such as a stone or an uneven ground. This automatically lifts it out of the blockage area. Because the mulching unit is automatically lifted out of the blockage area, the overload is resolved very quickly, and the load on the harvester is only briefly applied. Furthermore, the driver does not have to intervene, can focus their attention on the ongoing harvesting process, and is not stressed or distracted by monitoring the mulching unit.

[0013] If the tillage tool has already penetrated the field soil, it is lifted out very quickly. This means that wear on the tillage tool is only very brief, thus minimizing wear and increasing its service life. Furthermore, the overload eliminates any maintenance costs in the field, as the mulching unit can continue operating after the overload occurs.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the harvesting device is a harvesting header for a harvesting machine, in particular a self-propelled one. As such, it is preferably arranged at the front of the harvesting machine. However, the mulching unit can also be used for other harvesting devices that can be attached to a tractor or mounted at the rear, for example.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is provided for detecting the overload and is designed as a speed sensor or a torque sensor arranged on the mulching unit. The overload can then be detected directly on the mulching unit, in particular on or near the processing tool. Due to the large number of speed sensors and torque sensors used in technical devices, such sensors are available very inexpensively, and the detection of the overload in the mulching unit can therefore be implemented very cost-effectively.

[0016] It is preferred that the mulching unit comprises a gearbox that is connected on the input side to a drive train of the harvesting device and / or harvesting machine, and that comprises a tool-side output for driving the processing tool, with the sensor being arranged in the gearbox. By arranging the sensor in the gearbox, the sensor is located close to the processing tool. In a preferred embodiment, a sensor that is already provided for detecting the drive speed of the gearbox or the mulching unit is used as the sensor. This eliminates the costs for an additional sensor.

[0017] It is further preferred that the sensor for detecting the overload a speed of the machining tool is detected at the tool-side output of the gearbox, or is designed as a torque measuring hub and detects a torque on the drive side of the gearbox or at the tool-side output of the gearbox.

[0018] By locating the sensor on the tool-side output of the gearbox, the machining tool is monitored close to the tool. This ensures very precise detection. Alternatively or additionally, it is preferable to measure the input speed or input torque of the gearbox.

[0019] Preferably, the harvester comprises a plurality of mulching units, each of which is provided with a transmission, and each of the mulching units includes a sensor for detecting overload. This allows any overload occurring in each mulching unit to be detected separately.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the gearboxes of two or more of the mulching units are connected to one another by means of cardan shafts. They are thereby arranged one behind the other in a row. For this purpose, the gearboxes of the mulching units preferably each have an output for driving an adjacent gearbox of an adjacent mulching unit. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the gearboxes are each designed as T-gearboxes. For this purpose, they preferably each have a gear shaft passing through them, which can be driven at one end and is used to drive the adjacent gearbox at the other end. The gear shaft is preferably connected at its ends to the cardan shafts by means of a cardan joint in order to enable a spatial offset between the gearboxes. As a result, a mulching unit can be arranged spatially offset relative to its adjacent mulching unit or units, in particular offset in height.The cardan shafts therefore allow each of the mulching units to be raised and / or lowered independently of an adjacent mulching unit.

[0021] The harvesting device can have one or more drive trains to drive the mulching units. In a preferred embodiment, at least two mulching units that are connected to the same drive train and interconnected form a group. By grouping the mulching units in this way, the mulching units of the same group can be monitored jointly, in particular with regard to the torque and / or the speed of their processing tools. Since the mulching units of the group are drive-connected to one another, even if the sensor of one of the mulching units fails, overload detection can be carried out by the other, particularly neighboring, mulching units that are drive-connected. This essentially enables redundant overload detection. Using this type of monitoring, a failure or malfunction of a mulching unit in the group or of one of the mulching units' sensors can also be detected.

[0022] If an overload occurs on one or more mulching units, the mulching units can be raised separately, or the mulching units of a group can be raised together from the working position to the raised position, particularly depending on the available hydraulic power.

[0023] Alternatively, only one sensor can be provided to monitor the overload of the mulching units of such a group, whereby the mulching units are pivoted together from the working position to the raised position when the overload occurs.

[0024] The harvesting device of the harvesting machine preferably comprises at least two sections, with each of the sections being assigned at least two mulching units, preferably more, in particular of the same group. The mulching units of the sections are preferably arranged evenly distributed across a width of the sections. The sections of the harvesting device can be provided so as to be adjustable relative to one another, so that they can be reversibly moved from a working position to a transport position, for example by an adjustment mechanism. In this embodiment, it is particularly preferred that at least one drive train is provided for each of the sections of the harvesting device to drive the mulching units. Particularly preferably, the mulching units of each section also form a group. The harvesting device also preferably has a main gearbox which connects the drive trains to a PTO shaft of the harvesting machine in a power-receiving manner.

[0025] It is preferred that the control unit is configured to pivot, when an overload occurs on a mulching unit, this mulching unit separately or jointly the mulching units of the section in which it is arranged or jointly the mulching units of the group to which it belongs, from the working position into the raised position.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, the transmission has an overload clutch which is designed to driveably separate the tool-side output of the transmission from the rest of the drive train. As a result, if an overload occurs at the overload clutch, the processing tool is also driveably separated from all other drive trains of the harvesting device and / or harvesting machine. The overload clutch therefore not only serves to protect the overloaded mulching unit, but at the same time it also protects all other drive trains and / or transmissions of the harvesting device and / or harvesting machine that are drivingly connected to it. As a result, damage to the processing tool of the mulching unit and / or the harvesting device occurs less frequently than with conventional mulching units. The overload causes wear on the overload clutch.However, the overload clutch can be designed in such a way that the wear caused by lifting the mulching unit is very minimal.

[0027] By using a torque-maintaining overload clutch, the working tool can start up automatically once the overload or blockage is overcome. This also eliminates the driver's exposure to the overload in the event of one of the mulching units.

[0028] Reliable overload detection can be achieved using a variety of calculations. The overload is preferably detected using a threshold comparison. The control unit is preferably configured to detect the overload when a) the currently recorded speed of the processing tool, or b) a speed difference between a highest of the currently recorded speeds of at least two mulching units, in particular of the same group, and a lowest of the currently recorded speeds of the at least two mulching units, falls below a threshold value, and / or if c) the currently recorded torque of the processing tool, or d) a torque difference between a highest of the currently recorded torques of at least two mulching units, in particular of the same group, and a lowest of the currently recorded torques of the at least two mulching units, exceeds a threshold value, and / or if e) a difference between a drive speed of the harvesting device or harvesting machine and the currently recorded speed of the processing tool falls below a threshold value,or f) a difference between a drive torque of the harvesting device or harvesting machine and the torque of the processing tool exceeds a threshold value.

[0029] For the calculation, the threshold can be given as a nominal value or as a percentage value.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can also be designed to detect the overload when g) an average speed from the currently recorded speeds of at least two mulching units, in particular of the same group, or h) an average speed or a speed difference from at least two temporally successive speeds of the same mulching unit, or i) an average speed from at least two temporally successive speeds of at least two mulching units, in particular of the same group, falls below the threshold value, or j) an average torque from the currently recorded torques of at least two mulching units, in particular of the same group, or k) an average torque or a torque difference from at least two temporally successive torques of the same mulching unit, or l) an average torque from at least two temporally successive torques of at least two mulching units, in particular of the same group, exceeds the threshold. A variety of other calculation methods are possible.

[0031] The harvesting machine preferably further comprises a read-only memory in which the threshold value is stored. In a preferred embodiment, the threshold value is adjustable, in particular by the harvesting machine driver or a technician, in particular at an operator console. The control unit can also be configured to detect obstacles and store this data in the read-only memory. Preferably, at least the type of obstacle, in particular a stone or uneven ground, and its position are detected.

[0032] In addition, it is preferred that a sensor is provided for detecting a crop flow in the harvesting machine, and the control unit is configured to pivot the mulching unit into the raised position relative to the working position when the crop flow is reduced or absent.

[0033] By detecting a decreasing or lacking crop flow, the mulching unit is only pivoted into the working position during field operation as long as crop is being harvested. When no crop is being harvested, the mulching unit is pivoted into the raised position relative to the working position, for example when the harvester is stationary or during turning maneuvers, particularly on headlands and / or when reversing. Because the mulching unit is pivoted from the working position into the raised position when the crop flow decreases or lacks, unnecessary operation of the mulching unit is avoided, thus preventing the processing tool from being overloaded in the first place. It can also be provided that the processing tool is not operated when the mulching unit is in the raised position. This reduces the power requirement of the harvester.

[0034] Since the working tool is more likely to encounter obstacles such as stones or uneven ground when turning at the headland and / or reversing, raising it in relation to the crop flow also leads to reduced wear and increased service life of the working tool and / or drive train. This extended service life also reduces the (maintenance) costs for the mulching unit, at least in the long or even medium term.

[0035] In this case, a crop flow sensor already present in the harvesting machine or harvesting device is particularly preferably used. In order to detect the reduction and / or absence of crop flow as quickly as possible, it is preferred that the sensor is arranged on the inlet side of the harvesting device or harvesting machine in the direction of crop flow. The sensor is preferably arranged in the harvesting device. It can, for example, be an NIR sensor ( N uh i nfrar The sensor can be configured as an optical sensor (OT sensor) or as an optoelectric sensor. The sensor is also preferably arranged in an intake assembly of the harvesting machine. In this embodiment, it can be provided, for example, for measuring the deflection of an intake roller. Furthermore, the sensor is preferably arranged in a discharge chute of the harvesting machine. In this case, it is configured, for example, as an NIR sensor.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit is configured to raise the mulching unit, when pivoting into the raised position, to a height above the field ground determined depending on an amount of overload and / or an operation-relevant parameter, or to a preset height above the field ground. The preset height can, for example, be a height above the field ground determined from empirical values, or a height above the field ground determined depending on the harvesting height of the harvesting device. The height above the field ground can be determined, for example, by an angle of rotation of the mulching unit about its pivot axis. It is preferably detected by means of a rotation angle sensor on a pivot bearing of the mulching unit, on which it is mounted on the harvesting device.The preset height is preferably stored in the read-only memory and is further preferably adjustable by the driver of the harvesting machine or a technician, in particular on the operator console.

[0037] Alternatively, the height of the mulching unit in the raised position can be adjustable depending on the amount of overload and / or an operation-relevant parameter. In this embodiment, the control unit is designed to calculate it when the overload occurs. Operationally relevant parameters include, for example, weather parameters, crop parameters, machine parameters, and / or other parameters. Weather parameters include, for example, temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, and / or air humidity; crop parameters include the crop type, crop flow, and / or crop moisture; and machine parameters include an operating state, speed, power consumption, or the like.

[0038] By adjusting the height of the mulching unit in the raised position depending on the amount of overload and / or the operationally relevant parameter, the set height of the mulching unit can, for example, be lower with a low overload than with a high overload. This allows the mulching unit to be pivoted back from the raised position to the working position more quickly after overcoming a low overload compared to lowering it from a greater height with a higher overload.

[0039] Furthermore, the control unit is preferably configured to pivot the mulching unit back from the raised position into the working position in a time-controlled and / or distance-controlled manner. As a result, the mulching unit is held in the raised position for a predetermined time and / or a predetermined distance when the overload is detected. After the time has elapsed and / or after the distance has been covered, the control unit pivots the mulching unit back into the working position. A position sensor, particularly a satellite-based one, can be used to detect the position of the overload and / or the distance covered. By storing the position of the obstacle in the read-only memory and / or at a remote location, an evaluation of the obstacles in the field being worked on can be carried out at a later time.Subsequent soil cultivation can anticipate the obstacle, or the field soil can be specifically reworked at a later time. To detect obstacles and store this data at the remote location, the harvester preferably has a transmitting and / or receiving unit, which transmits the data to the remote location, in particular a remote processing unit, for later retrieval and / or processing.

[0040] Furthermore, it is preferred that the harvesting device has an actuator designed to pivot the mulching unit from the working position to the raised position and back again. The actuator can advantageously be designed as a single-acting cylinder. In this embodiment, it is inexpensive to procure. The mulching unit can preferably be raised by the cylinder by applying pressure to it. By removing the pressure from the cylinder, the raised mulching unit in this embodiment can be lowered again. Advantageously, if there is no pressure in the cylinder, the mulching unit can be guided along the ground by being hinged to the pivot axis in a freely swinging manner.

[0041] The object is further achieved with a harvesting device for such a harvesting machine. The harvesting device has a cutting and / or conveying device for harvesting crops. It has at least one drive train for connecting at least one mulching unit, preferably a plurality of mulching units. The drive train is preferably connected to a main transmission of the harvesting device. As a result, the at least one mulching unit can be connected to the main transmission of the harvesting device in a power-receiving manner. Furthermore, the harvesting device preferably has a frame to which the mulching unit can be attached, in particular a (cross) support.

[0042] The at least one mulching unit is preferably detachably mounted on the harvesting device. This allows it to be retrofitted and / or removed from the harvesting device, for example, for maintenance purposes.

[0043] The problem is further solved with a mulching unit for such a harvesting device. The mulching unit has a processing tool for processing plant stems remaining in the field soil during harvesting. Furthermore, it has a sensor designed to detect an overload on the processing tool. The sensor is preferably arranged in a gearbox of the mulching unit. It can be designed, for example, as a speed sensor or a torque sensor.

[0044] The transmission is preferably connectable to a drive train of the harvesting device in a power-receiving manner. Furthermore, the mulching unit preferably has attachment means, in particular a bracket, with which it can be attached to a frame, in particular to a (cross) support of the frame, of the harvesting device. Alternatively, the attachment means, in particular the bracket, can also be arranged on the frame of the harvesting device.

[0045] The mulching unit preferably further comprises an actuator with which the mulching unit can be raised from a working position to a raised position in the event of an overload and / or a decreasing or lacking crop flow. It is preferred that the actuator extends between the attachment, in particular the console, and a mulching frame of the mulching unit.

[0046] The problem is further solved by a method for operating such a harvesting machine, in which at least one rotational speed and / or at least one torque of a processing tool of a mulching unit of the harvesting machine is measured, and an overload occurring on the machining tool is detected, in particular by a threshold value comparison, and in which the machining tool is pivoted from the working position into a raised position when the overload occurs.

[0047] An overload of the working tool can occur if it penetrates the field soil or encounters an obstacle such as a stone. This procedure lifts the mulching unit affected by the overload from the field soil or over the obstacle causing the overload. The loading of the working tool and its drive components only occurs for a very short time. The resulting wear is therefore minimal. By lifting the mulching unit, this procedure allows the overload to be reduced or eliminated very quickly. The service life of the working tool and / or the mulching unit is therefore extended compared to conventional mulching units.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the method can further provide that a crop flow in the harvesting machine is measured, and a reduced or absent crop flow is detected, in particular by a threshold value comparison, and in which the processing tool is pivoted from the working position into a raised position when the crop flow decreases or fails.

[0049] By detecting a decreasing or lacking crop flow, the mulching unit is only pivoted into the working position during field operation while crops are being harvested. Since the mulching unit pivots from the working position to the raised position when the crop flow decreases or stops, unnecessary operation of the mulching unit is avoided. Since obstacles are increasingly encountered on headlands and / or when reversing and / or the working tool can penetrate the ground, raising the mulching unit in response to the crop flow also leads to reduced wear and increased service life of the working tool and / or the drive train.

[0050] The harvesting machine preferably has at least two mulching units, wherein the occurrence of the overload is further preferably detected when either a speed difference between a highest of the currently detected speeds of the mulching units and a lowest of the currently detected speeds of the mulching units falls below a threshold value, and / or a torque difference between a highest of the currently detected torques of the mulching units and a lowest of the currently detected torques of the mulching units exceeds a threshold value. Numerous other calculation methods for detecting the overload are also possible.

[0051] In particular, the speeds and / or torques of all associated mulching units can be taken into account when detecting overload. The mulching unit(s) can be pivoted back in a time-controlled and / or distance-controlled manner.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, when an overload occurs on a mulching unit, this mulching unit or the mulching units of the section in which it is arranged and / or the group to which it is assigned are pivoted from the working position into the raised position.

[0053] The object is further achieved by a method for operating such a harvesting machine with a harvesting device on which at least two or more mulching units are arranged, which are arranged in a section of the harvesting device and / or are assigned to a group of mulching units, in which the sensors of the mulching units each measure a speed or a torque, the occurrence of an overload is detected, in particular using one of the calculation methods mentioned under sub-points a) - m), in particular if either a speed difference between a highest of the currently detected speeds of the mulching units and a lowest of the currently detected speeds of the mulching units falls below a threshold value, or a torque difference between a highest of the currently detected torques of the mulching units and a lowest of the currently detected torques of the mulching units exceeds a threshold value, and in which, when an overload occurs on one of the several mulching units, this one mulching unit or the mulching units of the section and / or the group to which it is assigned, from the working position to the raised position.

[0054] The invention is described below with reference to figures. The figures are merely exemplary and do not limit the general concept of the invention. They show Fig. 1 schematically shows a harvesting device for a harvesting machine according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 2 schematically shows in (a) and (b) each a section of the harvesting device of the Fig. 1 in various perspective views, and in (c) a mulching unit arranged on the harvesting device in a sectional view; and Fig. 3 in (a) and (b) each show a sectional view of various embodiments of a transmission for the mulching unit of the Fig. 2 (c) .

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the rear of a harvesting device 1 for harvesting crops. The harvesting device 1 is designed here as a harvesting attachment and is constructed in the style of a corn header. In the following, the terms "harvesting device 1" and "harvesting attachment" are used synonymously.

[0056] The harvesting header 1 can be mounted in a conventional manner on the front of a harvesting machine (not shown), for example a forage harvester or a combine harvester, and is guided over a field (not shown) during field operation. The harvesting machine has a lifting mechanism configured to adjust a height and / or inclination of the harvesting header 1 relative to the field ground. The harvesting header 1 can further have one or more detection means, for example sensors, for detecting its height and / or inclination relative to the field ground. The lifting mechanism of the harvesting machine can be controlled based on the detected height and / or inclination.

[0057] Furthermore, the harvesting header 1 comprises several sections 13, 14. A left section 13 (in the plane of the drawing) and a right section 14 (in the plane of the drawing) are arranged in a field position during field operation in which they are aligned approximately horizontally to the field ground. Fig.1 shows the harvesting header 1 in the field position intended for field operation. To achieve compact dimensions during road transport, the harvesting header 1 can be transferred from the field position to a transport position (not shown). For this purpose, the left section 13 and the right section 14 are adjustable relative to each other and to a frame (not shown) of the harvesting header 1.

[0058] During field operation, the harvesting header 1 is guided in a direction of travel 91 over the field soil, wherein a cutting and / or conveying device 2 cuts stalk-like crop and conveys it to an intake arrangement (not shown) of the harvesting machine.

[0059] It has proven advantageous to shred, crush, and / or shred the plant stems remaining in the field soil after cutting, for example, to promote decomposition of the plant stems. To process the plant stems, the harvesting attachment 1 has at least one mulching unit 4, which is designed to shred the plant stems remaining in the field soil. The mulching unit 4 is arranged downstream of the cutting and / or conveying device 2 in a crop flow direction 11. The mulching unit 4 processes the plant stems with a processing tool 41 (see Fig. 2 (b) and (c) ) mechanically, after the cutting and / or conveying device 2 has cut the crop, in particular close to the ground.

[0060] In order to enable the plant stems to be processed over the entire working width of the harvesting header 1, the harvesting header 1 has a plurality of mulching units 4 which are arranged in a transverse direction 92, which extends transversely to the direction of travel 91, and are evenly distributed over a width of the harvesting header 1.

[0061] To drive the mulching units 4, a drive train 3 is provided for each of the sections 13, 14, within which the mulching units 4 arranged on the respective section 13, 14 can be driven. The drive train 3 comprises a drive shaft 31 in the harvesting attachment 1. Furthermore, it comprises a gearbox 7 for each of the mulching units 4. In addition, it comprises cardan shafts 72, with which the gearboxes 7 of adjacent mulching units 4 are articulated to one another. Fig. 1 In the right section 14, dust and / or splash protection means (not designated) are arranged around the cardan shafts 72, which are not shown in the left section 13 for clarity.

[0062] The harvesting header 1 with the mulching units 4 is driven via a main gearbox 8. The main gearbox 8 has a PTO connection 81, with which it can be connected to the harvesting machine in a power-receiving manner. On the output side, it is connected to the two drive shafts 31 of the drive trains 3 for driving the mulching units 4. Furthermore, on the output side, it is connected to a drive train (not shown) for driving the cutting and / or conveying device 2. Further drive trains (not shown) may be provided for driving other components of the harvesting header 1.

[0063] In order to protect the mulching units 4, the gearboxes 7, 8 and / or the drive trains 3 from overload, the harvesting header has sensors 6 (see also Fig. 3 ) which are provided for detecting an overload occurring on one of the mulching units 4. In the present exemplary embodiment, each of the gears 7 provided for driving one of the mulching units 4 has a sensor 6.

[0064] Furthermore, the harvesting machine and / or the front harvesting attachment 1 can have a sensor 6' designed as a crop flow sensor for detecting a crop flow in the front harvesting attachment 1 and / or in the harvesting machine. The sensor 6' is arranged here in the front harvesting attachment 1. It can be designed as an NIR sensor or as an optoelectric sensor. Alternatively or additionally, a sensor for detecting a deflection of an intake roller, which is arranged in an intake arrangement of the harvesting machine, can also be used as a crop flow sensor. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, a sensor arranged in a discharge arch of the harvesting machine and designed, for example, as an NIR sensor, can also be used to detect the crop flow.

[0065] The sensors 6, 6' are connected to a control unit 5, which is configured to pivot the mulching units 4 from a working position S1 to a raised position S2 upon detection of an overload and / or a reduced or absent crop flow. For this purpose, the mulching units 4 each have an actuator 44.

[0066] In the working position S1, the mulching units 4 rest on the field soil, particularly with their weight, while in the raised position S2 they are spaced apart from it. By raising the mulching unit 4, or several mulching units 4, they are guided at a certain height above the field soil. This allows uneven ground and / or obstacles to be overcome without overloading the front harvesting attachment 1, the mulching units 4, and / or the drive train 3.

[0067] In the event of a reduced or absent crop flow, all mulching units 4 of the harvesting header 1 are raised. This prevents unnecessary operation of the mulching units 4, so that an overload on the processing tool 41 cannot occur in the first place.

[0068] In Fig. 1 The mulching units 4 in the left section 13 are all shown in the working position S1, while in the right section 14 one of the mulching units 4 is shown in the raised position S2 relative to the others. The pivoting of the mulching unit 4 is explained below using the Fig. 2 explained in more detail.

[0069] Fig. 2 (a) shows a section of the right section 14 of the harvesting header 1 of the Fig. 1 in a perspective view.

[0070] During field operation, the mulching unit 4 rests on the field soil by means of a skid 45. The mulching unit 4 rests on the field soil with its weight. It is then arranged in the working position S1.

[0071] The mulching unit 4 is pivotally mounted on the frame 12 of the front harvesting attachment 1 about a pivot axis S. Pivoting the mulching unit 4 about the pivot axis S enables the mulching unit 4 to be lifted from the field soil. The pivot axis S extends in a transverse direction 92 transverse to the direction of travel 91. By lifting, the mulching unit 4 is spaced from the field soil in the raised position S2 in a vertical direction 93, which extends transverse to the transverse direction 92 and transverse to the direction of travel 91. For lifting, the mulching unit 4 has the actuator 44. The actuator 44 extends between the front harvesting attachment 1 and the mulching unit 4. This is shown in Fig. 2 (c) described in more detail. The drive of the mulching unit 4, in particular of the processing tool 41, can be provided so that it can be switched off, in particular automatically, in the raised position S2.

[0072] For processing the plant stems, the mulching unit 4 has the processing tool 41. The processing tool 41 is arranged below a cover 47 of the mulching unit 4, viewed in the vertical direction 93 (see Fig. 2 (b) and (c) ). The cover 47 prevents the machining tool 41 (see Fig. 2 (b) and (c) ) processed plant stems are thrown up.

[0073] It can be seen that the drive shaft 72 of the drive train 3 extends between the mulching unit 4 arranged in the raised position S2 and the adjacent mulching unit 4 arranged in the working position S1 at an angle (not designated) to the transverse direction 92. The transmissions 7 of these mulching units 4 are thus offset from one another in the vertical direction 93. This is possible because the drive shafts 72 between the transmissions 7 of the mulching units 4 are each connected to the transmission shafts 76 of the transmissions 7 by means of cardan joints 78.

[0074] In the drive train 3, the transmissions 7 are arranged in series (not designated) one behind the other and are connected to one another by the drive shafts 72. For this purpose, the transmissions 7 are designed as T-transmissions and each have the transmission shaft 76 (see Fig. 3 ) through which they pass. On the drive side, the gear shaft 76 of the first gear unit 7 in the row is connected to the drive shaft 31 of the harvesting header 1 or to a spur gear (not designated) upstream of the gear unit 7. The gear shafts 76 of the downstream gear units 7 are each connected on the drive side to the gear shaft 76 of the adjacent, upstream gear unit 7. On the output side, the gear shafts 76 of the gear units 7, with the exception of the last gear unit 7 in the row, are each intended to drive the adjacent, downstream gear unit 7. The cardan shafts 72 are also linked to the gear shafts 76 of the downstream gear unit 7 by means of cardan joints 78. This linkage enables the spatial offset between the gear units 7, so that the mulching units 4 can each be raised relative to their adjacent mulching units 4.

[0075] Fig. 2 (b) shows a section of the harvesting header 1 of the Fig. 2 (a) in a perspective view, in which a bottom side (not labeled) of the harvesting header 1 with several mulching units 4 is visible. The processing tools 41 of the mulching units 4 are visible, each of which is rotatably driven about a drive axis 42 by its gear 7. The drive axes 42 of the processing tools 41 are aligned transversely to the gear shaft 76 of the gear 7 (see also Fig. 3 ).

[0076] The machining tool 41 is connected to a tool-side output 71 (see Fig. 3 ) of the gear 7 is fastened in a rotationally fixed manner, for example screwed on, so that the impact body 43 can rotate about the drive axis 42.

[0077] Here, it has a blunt impact body 43 designed to work the plant stems in the field soil. To avoid imbalance, a plurality of impact bodies 43, particularly of identical construction, are arranged evenly distributed around the drive shaft 42. An embodiment with two impact bodies 43 is shown here. However, three or more impact bodies 43 can also be used. Furthermore, blades can also be provided instead of the impact bodies 43.

[0078] The mulching unit 4 further comprises a mulching frame 48 and a cover 47. The cover 47 is arranged above the processing tool 41. It prevents processed plant stems or disturbed field soil from being thrown upwards by the rotating processing tool 41. The cover 47 can be designed as a sheet metal. The cover is attached to the mulching frame 48, which is formed in particular from webs and ribs. Furthermore, the transmission 7 is arranged on the top side of the mulching unit, on a side of the cover 47 facing away from the processing tool 41. The cover 47 extends in the crop flow direction 11 to one end, to which the skid 45 is attached.

[0079] The sliding skid 45 can be adjusted relative to the cover 47 and / or relative to the processing tool 41 by means of a hole pattern and / or an elongated hole. Not shown here, but also within the scope of the invention, the sliding skid 45 can also be designed to be adjustable by means of an adjustment actuator (not shown), wherein the adjustment actuator is articulated at one end to the mulcher frame 48 and / or the cover 47 of the mulching unit 4 and at another end to the sliding skid 45. By adjusting the sliding skid 45, the height of the processing tool 41 relative to the field soil can be adjusted in the working position S1.

[0080] In Fig. 2(b) The cutting and / or conveying device 2 is also shown. The cutting and / or conveying device 2 comprises a plurality of cutting elements 22 and a plurality of conveying elements 23. The cutting elements 22 are designed as rotating, drivable cutting discs and are evenly distributed across the working width of the front harvesting attachment 1. However, a cutter bar or the like can also be used instead of these cutting elements 22 to cut the plant stems.

[0081] A circulating, driven endless conveyor (not shown) is used to convey the crop. Each section 13, 14 of the harvesting header 1 has at least one such endless conveyor. Conveyor elements 23 are arranged on the endless conveyor. Each of the conveyor elements 23 has a plurality of conveyor tines 24, which are provided for carrying the crop cut by the cutting element 23. Alternatively, a cross conveyor in the form of a screw, rotating conveyor drums, or the like can also be used as the conveyor element 23.

[0082] Fig. 2(c) shows a side view of a sectional view of the mulching unit 4 arranged on the harvesting header 1. In addition to the mulching unit 4, the linkage of the mulching unit 4 to the frame 12 of the harvesting header 1 can be seen.

[0083] The frame 12 of the harvesting header 1 comprises a cross member 15 extending in the transverse direction 92, to which a bracket 16 is screwed. The bracket is therefore detachably attached to the cross member 15 and can be removed by unscrewing it. Other fastening means (not shown) may also be provided, with which the bracket is detachably attached, for example by snapping or clamping, or permanently attached, for example by gluing, welding, or riveting, to the frame 12 of the harvesting header 1.

[0084] The mulcher frame 48 is pivotally mounted on the bracket 16 about the pivot axis S. The pivot axis S can, for example, extend along a pivot shaft (not shown) formed by a pin joint. In the working position S1, the mulching unit 4 is suspended from the pivot axis S in a freely swinging manner, is guided over the field soil by its weight, and can therefore follow the contours of the field soil. The skid 45 is provided for support on the field soil.

[0085] The actuator 44 for pivoting the mulching unit 4 extends between the harvesting header 1, here the bracket 16, and the mulcher frame 48. It is fastened to the bracket 16 and to the mulcher frame 48, for example by means of a bolt 441, 442, in particular about the respective bolt axes (not designated), so as to be rotatable.

[0086] The actuator 44 here is a pneumatic and / or hydraulic cylinder, and in particular is designed to be single-acting. By retracting a piston rod 443 of the actuator 44, the mulching unit 4 is raised relative to the field soil from the working position S1 to the raised position S2.

[0087] The gear 7 is attached to an upper side (not designated) of the cover 47, in particular to the mulcher frame 48 and / or the cover 47. Therefore, when the mulching unit 4 is pivoted about the pivot axis S, it is lifted together with the mulching unit.

[0088] The gear shaft 76 of the gear 7 is visible. On the tool side, the gear 7 has an output 71 (see Fig. 3 ) which extends in the direction of the drive axis of the machining tool 41 and is rotatably driven by the gear shaft 76. The machining tool 41 is non-rotatably attached to the output 71 and is therefore driven about the drive axis 42 when the gear 1 is driven.

[0089] The sensor 6 for detecting the overload is located in the gearbox 7. This is done within the Fig. 3 described.

[0090] The overload occurs when the processing tool 41 encounters an obstacle, such as a stone or the field soil, on the processing tool 41 of the mulching unit 4. The processing tool 41 is decelerated or blocked. The torque acting on the processing tool increases and the speed decreases. By designing the sensor 6 as a speed sensor 61 or a torque sensor 62, such an impact with the obstacle and the resulting overload can be measured.

[0091] When the overload is detected, the sensor 6 sends a signal to the control unit 5, which causes the actuator 44 to pivot the mulching unit 4 from the working position S1 to the raised position S2. In In the raised position S2, the processing tool 41 is lifted over the obstacle causing the overload and / or lifted out of the field soil.

[0092] The control unit 5 is configured to raise the mulching unit 4 to a preset overload height. Alternatively, the height to which the mulching unit 4 is raised in the raised position S2 can also be adjusted depending on the amount of overload.

[0093] The control unit 5 is further configured to pivot the mulching unit 4 back from the raised position S2 to the working position S1 in a time-controlled and / or distance-controlled manner. Here, too, the time control and / or distance control when pivoting the mulching unit 4 back from the raised position S2 to the working position S1 can be carried out with preset or presettable amounts for the time and / or distance, or depending on the amount of overload.

[0094] Multiple mulching units 4 can also be assigned to a group. In this embodiment, it can be provided that the control unit 5 pivots all mulching units 4 of the group from the working position S1 to the raised position S2 upon detecting an overload on one of the mulching units 4 of the group. In particular, the mulching units 4 of each of the sections 13, 14 of the front harvesting attachment 1 and / or those mulching units 4 that are connected to the same drive train 3 can be assigned to a group and pivoted together from the working position S1 to the raised position S2.

[0095] Fig. 3 shows in (a) and (b) various embodiments of a transmission 7 for such a mulching unit 4.

[0096] The gearboxes 7 are each designed as T-gears. They each have a housing 77 through which the gearbox shaft 76 passes. The gearbox shafts have opposing open ends 761, 762. The open ends 761, 762 can each be connected, in particular by means of the cardan joints 78 and drive shafts 72, on the drive side to the drive shaft 31 of the front harvesting attachment 1 or to the gearbox 7 of the mulching unit 4 arranged upstream of them, and on the output side to the gearbox 7 of the mulching unit 4 arranged downstream of them.

[0097] Each of the gears 7 comprises a bevel gear pair 74, 75 with a first bevel gear 74 that completely surrounds the gear shaft 76, and a second bevel gear 75 that forms a tool-side output 71. The two bevel gears 74, 75 each have a toothing (not designated) that mesh with each other, so that the second bevel gear 75 is driven when the first bevel gear 74 is driven. The machining tool 41 is mounted, in particular at a fastening point 49, on the tool-side output 71. As a result, the machining tool 41 is also driven when the first bevel gear 74 is driven. The drive shaft 42 (see Fig. 2 (c) ) of the machining tool 41 is aligned transversely to the gear shaft 76.

[0098] The transmission 7 has an overload clutch 73, which is designed here, for example, as a ratchet clutch. The overload clutch 73 is provided to driveably disconnect the drive train 3 from the tool-side output 71 of the mulching unit 4 when an overload occurs on the mulching unit 4. For this purpose, it has engagement means (not shown) which, in an engaged state (not labeled) of the overload clutch 73, are spring-loaded into engagement with counter-engagement means (not shown) of the transmission shaft 76, in particular with recesses in the transmission shaft 76, and which, when an engagement force is exceeded, disengage from the counter-engagement means, so that the overload clutch 73 is uncoupled from the transmission shaft 76. The overload clutch 73 then slips on the transmission shaft 76.

[0099] The first bevel gear 74 is mounted on the overload clutch 73 in a rotationally fixed manner. When the overload clutch 73 is engaged, it rotates with the gear shaft 76. If an overload occurs on the machining tool 41, it is braked or even blocked, so that the second bevel gear 75 is braked. This also brakes the first bevel gear 74. Depending on the force acting on the first bevel gear 74, i.e., when the engagement force is exceeded, the overload clutch 73 slips, so that the machining tool 41 is drivingly separated from the gear shaft 76, and thus from the drive train 3. This protects the drive train 3 from damage if the machining tool 41 is overloaded.

[0100] In the gearbox 7 of the Fig. 3 (a) Sensor 6 is designed as a speed sensor 61. The speed sensor 61 is mounted in the housing 77 and detects the speed of the first bevel gear 74. Since the two bevel gears 74, 75 mesh with each other, the speed of the tool-side output 71 is also detected. The occurrence of an overload is detected when the speed of the tool-side output 71 falls below a threshold value.

[0101] If several mulching units 4 are assigned to a group, the occurrence of the overload can alternatively be detected if a speed difference between a highest of the currently detected speeds of the mulching units 4 of the group and a lowest of the currently detected speeds of the mulching units 4 of the group falls below a threshold value.

[0102] The speed sensor 61 or the speed sensors 61 send their measured value to the control unit 5, which carries out the threshold value comparison and, if an overload is detected, pivots the mulching unit 4 or the mulching units 4 of the group from the working position S1 to the raised position S2.

[0103] Fig. 3 (b) shows an embodiment of the transmission 7 in which the sensor 6 for detecting the overload is designed as a torque sensor 62. The torque sensor 62 is implemented here in the form of a torque measuring hub 62. Therefore, the terms torque sensor 62 and torque measuring hub 62 are used synonymously below.

[0104] In this embodiment, too, the two bevel gears 74, 75 each have a toothing (not labeled) that meshes with each other, so that the second bevel gear 75 is driven when the first bevel gear 74 is driven. However, no overload clutch 73 is visible here. Nevertheless, the transmission 7 preferably also has the overload clutch 73 in order to disconnect the tool-side output 71 from the drive train 3. The overload clutch can, for example, be integrated into the torque measuring hub 62.

[0105] The torque sensor 62 detects the torque applied to the first bevel gear 74. Since the first and second bevel gears 74, 75 are in mesh with each other, the torque applied to the machining tool 41 is thereby detected. The occurrence of an overload is detected by a threshold comparison, specifically when the torque exceeds a threshold.

[0106] In this embodiment of the sensor 6, the overload can also be detected alternatively in the case of grouped mulching units 4 if a torque difference between a highest of the currently detected torques of the mulching units 4 of the group and a lowest of the currently detected torques of the mulching units 4 of the group exceeds a threshold value.

[0107] The torque sensor 61 or the torque sensors 61 send their measured value to the control unit 5, which carries out the threshold value comparison and, when an overload is detected, pivots the mulching unit 4 or the mulching units 4 of the group from the working position S1 to the raised position S2.

[0108] In both Fig. 3In the embodiments described above, the pivoting back of the mulching unit 4 or mulching units 4 from the raised position S2 to the working position S1 occurs automatically, in particular in a time-controlled and / or distance-controlled manner. Automatic lowering of the mulching unit 4 or mulching units 4 is also conceivable, depending on the speed or torque of the processing tool 41 or the processing tools 41.

[0109] The currently recorded measured values, in particular the speed or torque, of sensor 6 and / or the occurrence of an overload can be displayed to the operator on an operator console, for example, in a driver's cab of harvester 1. Alternatively or additionally, an acoustic signal can be emitted to the driver when an overload occurs.

[0110] In addition, if an overload occurs, navigation data, in particular from a GPS receiver (not shown) of the harvesting machine 1, can be stored in order to be able to subsequently process the field soil in a targeted manner.

Claims

1. A harvester (1) having a harvesting device (1) on which at least one mulching unit (4) is arranged, wherein • the harvesting device (1) has a cutting (2) and / or conveying apparatus (3) for harvesting stalk-like crops, and • the mulching unit (4) has a processing tool (41) that can be driven in rotation about a drive axis (42) for processing plant stalks that remain in a field ground during harvesting, is arranged downstream of the cutting (2) and / or conveying apparatus (3) in a crop flow direction (11), is supported on the field ground in a working position (S1) during field operation, and is mounted on a frame (12) of the harvesting device (1) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (S) relative to said harvesting device, wherein the harvester comprises a control unit (5) and at least one sensor (6), characterized in that the sensor (6) is provided for detecting an overload acting on the processing tool (41), and the control unit (5) is configured to pivot the mulching unit (4) into a raised position (S2) relative to the working position (S1) when the overload is detected.

2. The harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (6) is provided for detecting the overload and is a speed sensor (61) or a torque sensor (62) arranged on the mulching unit (4).

3. The harvester according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mulching unit (4) comprises a transmission (7) that is connected on the input side to a drive train (13) of the harvesting device (1) and / or the harvester and comprises a tool-side output (71) for driving the processing tool (41), wherein the sensor (6) for detecting the overload is arranged in the transmission (7) and • detects a speed of the processing tool (41) at the tool-side output (71) of the transmission, or • is designed as a torque measuring hub and detects a torque on the drive side of the transmission (7) or on the tool-side output (71) of the transmission.

4. The harvester according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a plurality of mulching units (4), wherein a transmission (7) is provided for each of the mulching units (4), wherein each of the mulching units (4) comprises a sensor (6) for detecting the overload.

5. The harvester according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmissions (7) of the mulching units (4) are connected to each other by means of Cardan shafts (72).

6. The harvester according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two mulching units (4) connected to the same drive train (8) form a group.

7. The harvester according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the harvesting device comprises at least two portions (13, 14), wherein each of the portions (13, 14) is assigned at least two mulching units (4), in particular of the same group, which are arranged evenly distributed over a width of the portions (13, 14).

8. The harvester according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (5) is configured to pivot this mulching unit (4) or the mulching units (4) of the portion (13, 14) of this mulching unit (4) or the mulching units (4) of the group of this mulching unit (4) from the working position (S1) to the raised position (S2) when the overload on a mulching unit (4) is detected.

9. The harvester according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission (7) has an overload clutch (73) that is configured to disconnect the drive train (8) of the harvesting device and / or the harvester from the tool-side output (71) of the transmission.

10. The harvester according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (5) is configured to detect the overload when a) the currently detected speed of the processing tool (41), or b) a speed difference between a highest of the currently detected speeds of at least two mulching units (4), in particular of the same group, and a lowest of the currently detected speeds of the at least two mulching units (4) falls below a threshold value, and / or when c) the currently detected torque of the processing tool (41), or d) a torque difference between a highest of the currently detected torques of at least two mulching units (4), in particular of the same group, and a lowest of the currently detected torques of the at least two mulching units (4) exceeds a threshold value, and / or when e) a difference between a drive speed of the harvesting device (1) or the harvester and the currently detected speed of the processing tool (41) falls below a threshold value, or f) a difference between a drive torque of the harvesting device (1) or the harvester and the torque of the processing tool (41) exceeds a threshold value.

11. The harvester according to claim 1, characterized in that a sensor (6') is provided for detecting the crop flow, and the control unit (5) is configured to pivot the mulching unit (4) into the raised position (S2) relative to the working position (S1) when a reduced or absent material flow is detected.

12. The harvester according to claim 11, characterized in that the sensor (6') for detecting the crop flow is arranged in the harvesting device (1), in an intake arrangement of the harvester or in a discharge spout of the harvester.

13. The harvester according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (5) is configured to raise the mulching unit (4), when pivoting into the raised position (S2), to a height determined depending on an amount of overload and / or an operation-relevant parameter, or to a preset overload height.

14. The harvester according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (5) is configured to pivot the mulching unit (4) back from the raised position (S2) into the working position (S1) in a time-controlled or path-controlled manner.

15. The harvester according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the harvesting device (1) has an actuator (45) that is intended to pivot the mulching unit (4) from the working position (S1) into the raised position (S2) and vice versa.

16. A method for operating a harvester according to any of the preceding claims, in which at least one speed and / or at least one torque of a processing tool (41) of a mulching unit (4) of the harvester (1) is measured, an overload occurring on the processing tool (41) is detected by a threshold value comparison, and the processing tool (41) is pivoted from the working position (S1) into a raised position (S2) when the overload occurs.