Harvesting attachment for front mounting on a harvester with a mulching unit

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a harvesting attachment for front mounting on a harvesting machine, comprising a frame on which a cutting and / or conveying device for harvesting stalk-like crops is arranged, and a mulching unit. which is downstream of the cutting and / or conveying device in a direction of crop flow, which has a processing tool that can be driven rotating about a drive axis for processing plant stems remaining in the field soil during harvesting, which is supported in a harvesting position on the field soil in a harvesting arrangement of the harvesting attachment, and which is pivotably mounted in the harvesting arrangement about a first pivot axis relative to the frame, so that it can be pivoted reversibly from the harvesting position to a field position raised relative to the harvesting position.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a harvesting machine with such a harvesting attachment and to a method for transferring a harvesting attachment from a harvesting arrangement to a transport arrangement.

[0003] When harvesting stalky crops such as corn or sunflowers, mulching units are often used to shred the plant stalks remaining in the soil. This shredding promotes decomposition. Furthermore, the shredded plant stalks are easier to incorporate into subsequent soil cultivation. This also helps prevent pest infestations, such as those caused by the European corn borer.

[0004] Such mulching units are regularly arranged close to the ground on a harvesting machine, in particular a harvesting attachment, and are positioned downstream of a cutting tool of the harvesting machine intended for harvesting the crop in a crop flow direction.

[0005] German patent application DE 10 2020 123 243 A1 discloses a harvesting attachment with an underfloor chopper that is supported on the field ground during operation. The underfloor chopper is coupled to the housing of the harvesting attachment by means of links forming a four-bar linkage.

[0006] A harvesting header is typically operated in a harvesting configuration in the field, extending in a transverse direction approximately parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the direction of travel. This means the header cantilevers significantly on both sides relative to the harvester. To enable transport of such a header with the harvester on the road, it is designed to be foldable, featuring working sections that can be at least partially moved from an approximately ground-parallel position to an upright position relative to each other. In a transport configuration, the upright working sections then extend, for example, vertically or at a small acute angle to the ground.

[0007] When harvesters with mulching units are transferred from the harvesting configuration used in the field to the transport configuration used for road transport, these units are moved along with the working section to which they are attached. However, the mulching units increase the dimensions of the harvester, so the driver's field of vision is more restricted in the transport configuration with a harvester equipped with mulching units than with one without.

[0008] Harvesting attachments with mulching units that can be folded for road use are known from DE 10 2017 222 587 A1 and DE 10 2020 202 976 A1.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to create a harvesting attachment with a mulching unit in which the driver's field of vision during road operation is restricted as little as possible or not at all compared to a harvesting attachment without a mulching unit.

[0010] The problem is solved by a harvesting attachment with the features of independent claim 1, a harvesting machine with the features of independent claim 12, and a method with the features of independent claim 14. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0011] For this purpose, a harvesting attachment with a mulching unit is developed. The harvesting attachment is designed for front mounting on a harvesting machine. It has a frame on which a cutting and / or conveying device for harvesting stalk-like crops is mounted. The mulching unit is positioned downstream of the cutting and / or conveying device in the direction of crop flow. It features a processing tool, driven by a rotating shaft, for processing plant stalks remaining in the field soil after harvesting. Furthermore, in a harvesting configuration, the mulching unit rests on the field soil in a harvesting position. In this configuration, the harvesting attachment is guided across the field soil in a direction of travel, following the contours of the ground. It extends laterally, perpendicular to the direction of travel. Therefore, in the harvesting configuration, the mulching unit is guided across the field soil along with the harvesting attachment in the direction of travel.Furthermore, it is mounted to pivot around a first pivot axis relative to the frame of the harvesting attachment. This allows it to pivot reversibly from the harvesting position around the first pivot axis to a field position raised relative to the harvesting position. During harvesting, the mulching unit can therefore pivot back and forth around the first pivot axis between the harvesting position and the field position. This allows it to follow uneven ground.

[0012] The harvesting attachment is characterized by the fact that the first pivot axis for adjusting the mulching unit from the harvesting position to a raised transport position is designed to pivot around a second pivot axis relative to the frame.

[0013] Therefore, when adjusting the mulching unit to the transport position, it is pivoted together with the first pivot axis from the harvesting position around the second pivot axis relative to the frame.

[0014] In contrast to a mulching unit that is only pivotable about the first pivot axis on the frame of the harvesting attachment, the mulching unit according to the invention can be positioned more flexibly in space due to its additional pivotability about the second pivot axis. When the first pivot axis is pivoted about the second pivot axis, the pivot angle of the mulching unit about the first pivot axis and / or the distance of the mulching unit from the frame of the harvesting attachment changes. This allows the mulching unit to be positioned with a greater distance from the frame and with a different, preferably larger, pivot angle.The pivotability around the second pivot axis therefore allows for a modified arrangement of the mulching unit in space during transport of the harvesting attachment, which means that the driver's field of vision during road operation is only slightly or not at all restricted compared to a harvesting attachment without a mulching unit, or compared to a harvesting attachment that only allows the mulching unit to pivot around the first pivot axis.

[0015] For this purpose, the mulching unit preferably has a pivoting actuator, which is designed to pivot the mulching unit from the harvesting position to the transport position. A hydraulic or electrohydraulic cylinder or a linear motor is preferably used as the pivoting actuator. In principle, the use of a pneumatically operated actuator is also possible.

[0016] During harvesting, it is preferred that the mulching unit rests on the field surface. Preferably, the pivoting actuator is not subjected to pressure. This allows the mulching unit to pivot freely between the harvesting position and the field position, thus following uneven ground. To enable quick lifting of the mulching unit, for example in the event of a blockage of the processing tool, it is also preferred that the pivoting actuator for pivoting the mulching unit from the harvesting position to the field position can be subjected to pressure.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the pivot actuator is adjustable by retracting the mulching unit from a partially extended harvesting position to a field position in which the mulching unit pivots relative to the harvesting position into the raised field position, and the pivot actuator is retracted relative to the harvesting position. In this embodiment, raising the mulching unit from the harvesting position to the field position is achieved by retracting the pivot actuator.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the pivoting actuator can be adjusted from the partially extended harvesting position of the mulching unit to a transport position, in which the mulching unit pivots relative to the harvesting position into the raised transport position, and the pivoting actuator is extended relative to the harvesting position. In this embodiment, raising the mulching unit from the harvesting position to the transport position is achieved by extending the pivoting actuator.

[0019] The mulching unit is therefore raised from the harvesting position to the field position by retracting it, and raised from the harvesting position to the transport position by extending the swivel actuator. The distance between the mulching unit and the field ground is preferably greater in the transport position than in the field position.

[0020] The swivel actuator can be fully retracted in the field state and fully extended in the transport state. However, intermediate states are also possible in the field state and / or transport state, in which the swivel actuator is partially extended or partially retracted.

[0021] The harvesting attachment preferably has a mounting bracket with which the mulching unit is attached to the frame of the harvesting attachment. The mounting bracket comprises a fixed bracket part, which is arranged in a fixed position on the frame, and a pivotable bracket part, which is pivotably mounted on the fixed bracket part about the second pivot axis relative to the fixed bracket part. Therefore, when pivoting relative to the fixed bracket part, the pivotable bracket part also pivots relative to the frame. For this purpose, the second pivot axis preferably passes through both the fixed and the pivotable bracket parts.

[0022] The swivel actuator is preferably pivotally mounted at one end about the second pivot axis on the stationary console part, and at the other end pivotally mounted about a pivot axis on the mulching unit, preferably on a mulcher frame of the mulching unit. Due to the close proximity of the swivel actuator to the supporting frame, the forces generated when pivoting the mulching unit are easily transferred into the supporting frame. Furthermore, this arrangement is very compact and space-saving.

[0023] Preferably, the fixed console part is detachably attached to the frame, so that the mulching unit can be removed from the frame. It can then be removed from the harvesting header, for example, for maintenance purposes, or only attached to the harvesting header when needed.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the stationary console part is approximately U-shaped. Preferably, it has two opposing legs that are spaced apart and connected by a cross connector. The cross connector is preferably attached to the frame, particularly in a detachable manner. It is preferably screwed to the frame of the harvesting attachment. Furthermore, and more preferably, the pivotable console part is pivotably mounted on the two legs about the second pivot axis.

[0025] To pivot the mulching unit and the first pivot axis about the second pivot axis, the mulching unit is preferably pivotably mounted on the pivotable bracket part about the first pivot axis. It is preferred that the first pivot axis passes through the pivotable bracket part. The first and second pivot axes are preferably spaced apart from each other.

[0026] The harvesting attachment preferably has a connection arrangement with which the pivoting bracket part can be fixed to the frame. It is preferred that the pivoting bracket part is fixed to the frame during harvesting. The mulching unit is then not pivotable about the second pivot axis. A pivot radius, i.e., a distance of the mulching unit from the frame, is thus constant.

[0027] The connection arrangement preferably comprises a connecting element and a counter-connecting element that interact when the pivoting bracket part is fixed to the frame. With the connection arrangement fixed, the pivoting bracket part and the mulching unit are not pivotable about the second pivot axis.

[0028] To adjust the mulching unit from the harvesting position to the transport position, it is preferred that the connection arrangement be designed to be detachable. In the detached state of the connection arrangement, the connecting element and the locking mechanism do not interact. The pivoting bracket part and the mulching unit can then pivot about the second pivot axis.

[0029] By loosening the connection, not only the swivel angle but also the swivel radius of the mulching unit, i.e., its distance from the frame, can be changed. Furthermore, the mulching unit can be swiveled simultaneously around both the first and second pivot axes.

[0030] To enable controlled pivoting of the mulching unit to a defined position in space, it is further preferred that the mulching unit includes a steering element extending between the stationary console part and the mulching unit, which, when the connection is disengaged, guides the mulching unit into the transport position during the extension of the pivoting actuator. The steering element preferably connects the pivoting console part and the mulching unit in the manner of a linkage mechanism. Preferably, the steering element is designed as a pull cable. It is preferably attached at one end to the stationary console part, spatially offset from the second pivot axis, and at the other end to the mulching unit, preferably to the mulcher frame of the mulching unit, spatially offset from the pivot axis. Since the length of the steering element is constant, the mulching unit is raised when the pivoting actuator extends.Changes in the length of the swivel actuator are compensated for by swiveling the swiveling bracket and the mulching unit, particularly relative to each other and / or relative to the frame. The swiveling bracket is pulled towards the swivel actuator.

[0031] The steering mechanism, which is fixed between the frame and the mulching unit, prevents uncontrolled rotation around the second pivot axis while the pivot actuator extends. Furthermore, the steering mechanism allows the precise transport position of the mulching unit to be set if a restricted field of vision necessitates it.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the connection arrangement includes an actuating actuator for automatically connecting the connection arrangement, in particular the connecting element, to the connecting element, and for automatically disconnecting the connection arrangement, in particular the connecting element from the connecting element. Connecting and disconnecting the connection arrangement can thus be triggered automatically, especially when moving the harvesting attachment from the harvesting arrangement to the transport arrangement or back. Alternatively or additionally, triggering by the driver is preferably possible, for example by pressing a button, preferably from the driver's cab.

[0033] The harvesting attachment preferably has at least two processing sections, and is adjustable from the harvesting arrangement, in which the processing sections extend, in particular parallel to the ground, in a transverse direction, to the transport arrangement, in which the processing sections are upright relative to the harvesting arrangement. Preferably, the processing sections in the transport arrangement extend vertically or at a (small) acute angle thereto. The vertical direction extends transversely to the direction of travel and transversely to the transverse direction.

[0034] At least one mulching unit is preferably arranged at each of the processing sections. It is particularly preferred that the mulching unit is automatically pivoted from the harvesting position to the transport position when the harvesting attachment is automatically adjusted from the harvesting position to the transport position.

[0035] The mulching unit can also be pivoted from the harvesting position to the transport position only after the harvesting header has been switched from the harvesting position to the transport position, particularly at the push of a button by the driver. Furthermore, pivoting the mulching unit from the harvesting position to the transport position can be independent of switching the harvesting header from the harvesting position to the transport position, preferably even in the harvesting position during harvesting operations, for example, triggered by the driver.

[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the harvesting header has a plurality of mulching units. It is preferred that some or all of the processing sections have a plurality of mulching units. In this embodiment, it is further preferred that the mulching units are pivoted from the harvesting position to the transport position, either individually or in groups, particularly during or after adjusting the harvesting header from the harvesting arrangement to the transport arrangement.

[0037] The mulching unit(s) can also be swung back automatically during or automatically after the harvesting attachment is returned from the transport arrangement to the harvesting arrangement.

[0038] Alternatively, it can also occur independently of that and in particular be triggered by the driver.

[0039] The task is still accomplished using a harvesting machine with such a harvesting attachment. The harvesting attachment is mounted on the front of the harvesting machine.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the harvesting machine has a control unit configured to automatically pivot the mulching unit from the harvesting position to the transport position. In a preferred embodiment, it is configured to automatically pivot the mulching unit from the harvesting position to the transport position when the harvesting header is moved from the harvesting arrangement to the transport arrangement. For this purpose, it is preferred that the control unit controls both the pivoting actuator and the actuating actuator for disconnecting and connecting the linkage. However, pivoting the mulching unit from the harvesting position to the transport position can also occur independently of adjusting the harvesting header, and / or manually, particularly by the operator. The control unit can be a component of the harvesting machine or, alternatively, of the harvesting header.

[0041] The problem is further solved by a method for transferring such a harvesting attachment from a harvesting arrangement to a transport arrangement, in which processing sections of the harvesting attachment are moved from a transverse position, in which they extend, in particular parallel to the ground, in a transverse direction, to an upright position, in which they are oriented relative to the transverse position, for example, erect. In the upright position, the harvesting attachment preferably extends in the upright direction transversely to the transverse direction and transversely to the direction of travel, or at a small acute angle thereto.

[0042] The procedure further stipulates that, while the harvesting header is being transferred from the harvesting position to the transport position, a connecting mechanism of the harvesting header is first released, allowing the mulching unit to pivot around a second axis, and that the mulching unit is then pivoted from the harvesting position to the transport position. In this procedure, the pivoting of the mulching unit is therefore performed automatically during the adjustment of the harvesting header. This prevents the operator from being burdened by the pivoting of the mulching unit.

[0043] 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 a harvesting attachment with a mulching unit in a perspective view; Fig. 2 a section of the harvesting attachment of the Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 shows a section of the mulching unit and a mounting bracket of the harvesting attachment. Fig. 1 , with which the mulching unit is attached to the frame of the harvesting header; Fig. 4in (a) and (b) each a mulching unit and its connection to a frame of the harvesting header of the Fig. 1 in different perspective views; Fig. 5 in (a) - (e) each a cross-sectional view through the mulching unit of the Fig. 4 in different positions and in (f) another perspective view of the mulching unit of the Fig. 4 ; and Fig. 6in (a) and (b) each show a section of a harvesting machine, on the front of which the harvesting attachment of the Fig. 1 is built, in a view from above.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a harvesting attachment 1 for a harvesting machine 100 (see below). Fig. 6 ) such as a forage harvester or a combine harvester. The harvesting header 1 can be mounted to the front of the harvesting machine 100. It is designed here in the form of a corn header. For mounting on the harvesting machine 100, it has a feed mechanism 23, which is located in the center of the harvesting header 1. For power transmission, the harvesting header 1 can be connected to a power take-off (PTO) shaft (not shown) of the harvesting machine 100 by means of a PTO connection 25. During harvesting operation of the harvesting machine 100, the harvesting header 100 mounted on it is driven in a direction of travel 91, following the ground over a field surface 80 (see figure). Fig. 2 ) led.

[0045] The harvesting attachment 1 is shown here in a harvesting arrangement EA, in which it extends in a transverse direction 93, oriented perpendicular to the direction of travel 91. It has two processing sections A and B. A left section A (in the plane of the drawing) and a right section B (in the plane of the drawing) extend in the transverse direction 93 in the harvesting arrangement EA and are arranged approximately parallel to the ground. In order to achieve compact dimensions for road operation, the harvesting attachment 1 is designed to be foldable, so that it can be transferred from the harvesting arrangement EA into a transport arrangement TA (see figure). Fig. 6 ) is transferable. For this purpose, the processing sections A, B are transferred from an approximately ground-parallel position to an upright position (not labeled). In the upright position, they extend, for example, in a vertical direction 92, which is oriented transversely to the direction of travel 91 and transversely to the transverse direction 93, or at a small acute angle (not shown) to it. In the transport arrangement TA, the harvesting machine 100 with the harvesting attachment 1 it carries does not exceed the dimensions permitted for road traffic.

[0046] For harvesting stalky crops (not shown), the harvesting attachment 1 has a cutting and / or conveying device 2. The crop is cut by the cutting and / or conveying device 2 and conveyed in a crop flow direction 99 towards the intake arrangement 25 and into the harvesting machine 100.

[0047] 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.

[0048] For processing the plant stems, the harvesting attachment 1 has a multitude of mulching units 3. The mulching units 3 are designed for the mechanical processing, in particular for shredding, of the plant stems (not shown) remaining in the field soil after harvesting. For this purpose, they have a processing tool 4 (see figure). Fig. 4 (b) ) They are located downstream of the cutting and / or conveying device 2 in the direction of material flow 11. Therefore, they process the plant stems with their processing tool 4 after the cutting and / or conveying device 2 has cut the harvested material.

[0049] The mulching units 3 are evenly distributed across the entire working width (not specified) of the harvesting attachment 1, so that the plant stems are processed across the entire working width of the harvesting attachment 1. The same number of mulching units 3 are provided at each processing section A, B.

[0050] The processing tool 4 is arranged on a side of a cover 19 facing the field soil 80, which prevents plant stems processed by the processing tool 4 from being thrown upwards during harvesting. This is achieved within the framework of the Fig. 4 and 5 describe further.

[0051] To drive the mulching units 3, a drive train (not designated) is provided for each of the processing sections A, B, within which the mulching units 3 arranged in the processing section A, B can be driven. The mulching units 3 are arranged in series one behind the other in their drive train. The drive train comprises a drive shaft 24 for this purpose. It also includes a gearbox 7 for each of the mulching units 3. In addition, it includes cardan shafts 8 with which the gearboxes 7 of adjacent mulching units 3 are articulated to one another. In order to allow height adjustment of the mulching units 3 relative to one another, the drive shaft 24 and the gearboxes 7 are each connected to one another by means of cardan joints 9. Fig. 1 Dust and / or splash protection agents 26 are arranged around the drive shafts 8 and cardan joints 9 in the right-hand machining section B, which are not shown in the left-hand machining section A for clarity.

[0052] The harvesting header 1 with the mulching units 3 is driven via a main gearbox (not shown). The main gearbox has a power take-off (PTO) connection 25, allowing it to be connected to the harvesting machine 100. On the output side, it is connected to the drive shafts 24 of the drive trains for driving the mulching units 3. It is also connected on the output side to a drive train (not shown) for driving the cutting and / or conveying unit 2. Additional drive trains (not shown) may be provided to drive other components of the harvesting header 1.

[0053] The mulching units 3 are arranged on a supporting frame 5 of the harvesting attachment 1 and are each pivotally mounted relative to it. Each unit has a pivoting actuator 6 for pivoting. The pivoting actuators 6 are controllable by means of a control unit 11. The control unit 11 can be a component of the harvesting attachment 1 or of the harvesting machine 100.

[0054] In harvesting position E, the pivot actuators of the mulching units 3 are not subjected to pressure. This allows the mulching units 3 to pivot freely from harvesting position E, in which they rest on the field ground 80, particularly under their own weight, into a raised field position F. In doing so, they pivot about a first pivot axis I.

[0055] The control unit 11 is configured to pivot the mulching units 3 from the harvesting position E to a raised transport position T, in which they are spaced apart from it. Their pivoting actuator 6 is used for this purpose. Additionally, the mulching units 3 can also be raised from the harvesting position E to the field position F by applying pressure to the pivoting actuators 6, for example, to overcome obstacles such as stones (not shown).

[0056] By lifting, the raised mulching unit 3 is positioned at a distance of 81, 82 (see below). Fig. 2 ) over the field floor 80. The lifting into the transport position T is mainly used in the transport arrangement TA of the harvesting attachment 1 to provide a field of vision 50 (see Fig. 6 ) of a driver driving the harvesting machine 100 (not shown) not unnecessarily restricted by the mulching units 3.

[0057] In Fig. 1 In the left processing section A, the mulch units 3 are all shown in the harvest position E, while in the right processing section B, one of the mulch units 3 is shown in the raised field position F compared to the other mulch units 3.

[0058] It is evident that the drive shaft 8 of the drive train extends between the mulching unit 3 arranged in the raised field position F and the adjacent mulching unit 3 arranged in the harvesting position E at an angle (not specified) to the transverse direction 93. The gearboxes 7 of these mulching units 3 are thus offset from each other in the vertical direction 92. This is possible by connecting the drive shafts 8 between the gearboxes 7 of the mulching units 3 to gearbox shafts 70 (see figure) by means of universal joints 9. Fig. 3 ) are connected to gearbox 7.

[0059] In the drive train, the gearboxes 7 are arranged in series (not labeled) and connected to each other by the drive shafts 8. For this purpose, the gearboxes 7 are designed as T-gear units and each has a drive shaft 70 through which it passes. On the input side, the drive shaft 70 of the first gearbox 7 in the series is connected to the drive shaft 24 of the harvesting attachment 1 or to a spur gear unit upstream of the gearbox. The drive shafts 70 of the downstream gearboxes 7 are each connected on the input side to the drive shaft 70 of the upstream gearbox 7 adjacent to them. On the output side, with the exception of the last gearbox 7 in the series, they are therefore each intended to drive the downstream gearbox 7 adjacent to them. The drive shafts 8 are articulated to the drive shafts 70 of the downstream gearbox 7 by means of the universal joints 9.This linkage allows for spatial offset between the gearboxes 7, so that the mulching units 3 can each be raised relative to their neighboring mulching units 3.

[0060] Fig. 2 shows a section of the harvesting attachment 1 of the Fig. 1 in the harvesting arrangement EA. The right processing section B of the harvesting attachment 1 is shown. For the sake of simplicity, the intake arrangement 23 and some of the drive shafts 8 and cardan joints 9 connecting the mulching units 3 are not shown in the illustration.

[0061] The figure shows a mulch unit 3 raised into transport position T at an outer end (not labeled) of the processing section B, a mulch unit 3 raised into field position F adjacent to it, and several mulch units 3 arranged in harvest position E adjacent to this.

[0062] The mulching units arranged in harvesting position E rest directly on the field surface 80 during harvesting operation E. They are supported on the field surface 80 by means of a skid (not labeled). Their weight rests on the field surface 80.

[0063] The mulching unit 3 in field position F is arranged at a first distance 81 from the field ground 80. The mulching unit 3 in transport position T is arranged at a second distance 82 from the field ground 80. It is evident that the first distance 81 of the mulching unit 3 in field position F is smaller than the second distance 82 of the mulching unit 3 in transport position T. Furthermore, the spatial arrangements of the mulching units 3 differ between field position F and transport position T. This is illustrated in the following section. Fig. 5 explained.

[0064] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a mounting bracket 13 and a section of the mulching unit 3 of the harvesting attachment 1, showing the cover 19, gearbox 7, and parts of a supporting mulching frame 18 of the mulching unit 3. The cover 19 can be made of sheet metal. It is attached to the mulching frame 18. The gearbox 7 is also located on the upper side of the cover 19. The gearbox shaft 70 passes through the gearbox 7. It extends in the direction of a gearbox axis IV, about which it is rotatable.

[0065] The mulching unit 3 is attached to the frame 5 of the harvesting attachment 1 by means of the mounting bracket 13. The mounting bracket 13 is permanently attached to the frame 5 of the harvesting attachment 1. For this purpose, it comprises a fixed bracket section 131. The fixed bracket section 131 is U-shaped. It has two spaced-apart legs 17, which are connected to each other by a cross connector 28. It is also detachably attached to the frame 5 by means of the cross connector 28, here by means of screws (not shown). This allows the mulching unit 3 and the mounting bracket 13 to be removed from the harvesting attachment 1, for example for maintenance purposes, or attached to it only when needed.

[0066] Furthermore, the mounting bracket 13 includes a pivotable bracket section 132. The mulching unit 3 is designed to pivot about the first pivot axis I in and against a first pivot direction 30. For this purpose, the mulching unit 3 includes the mulcher frame 18, with which it is mounted on the pivotable bracket section 132. The first pivot axis I passes through the mulcher frame 18 as well as the pivotable bracket section 132.

[0067] The pivotable bracket part 132 is mounted on the stationary bracket part 131, specifically on the legs 17 of the stationary bracket part 131, so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis II in and against a second pivot direction 33. The second pivot axis II is spaced apart from the first pivot axis I. For this purpose, the pivotable bracket part 132 comprises two pivot arms (not labeled) that are spaced apart from each other, particularly in the transverse direction 93, so that each is arranged near one of the legs 17. The second pivot axis II passes through the stationary bracket part 131 and the pivotable bracket part 132, specifically the legs 17 and the pivot arms.

[0068] The pivoting console part 132 is pivoted relative to the fixed console part 131 and the frame 5 when pivoted about the second pivot axis II. Since the first pivot axis I passes through the pivoting console part 132 and the mulching unit 3 is pivotably mounted on the pivoting console part 132 about the first pivot axis I, pivoting the pivoting console part 132 about the second pivot axis II also pivots the mulching unit 3 and, with it, the first pivot axis I about the second pivot axis II.

[0069] The swivel actuator 6 is provided for the automatic swiveling of the mulching unit 3. It is rotatably mounted at one end about the second swivel axis II on the fixed console part 131. Furthermore, it is pivotally mounted at the other end about a steering axis V (see figure). Fig. 4 (a) and Fig. 5 (b) ) rotatably mounted on the mulching unit 3, here on the mulcher frame 18.

[0070] When the pivoting console part 132 is swivelled about the second pivot axis II, the mulching unit 3 can simultaneously be pivoted relative to the frame 5 about the first pivot axis I. This changes not only the pivot angle 84, by which the mulching unit 3 is pivoted about the first pivot axis I, but also the pivot radius 83, that is, the distance of the mulching unit 3 from the frame 5.

[0071] In harvesting position E, the pivoting console part 132 is fixed to the frame 5. Therefore, it cannot be pivoted about the second pivot axis II. This is shown by the Fig. 5 (a) und (b) . To fix the swiveling console part 132, the harvesting attachment 1 has a connection arrangement 12 (see. Fig. 4 (b) as well as 5 (a) - (e)). The swivel radius 83 is then constant.

[0072] To move the mulching unit 3 into the transport position T, the connecting arrangement 12 can be released. This shows Fig. 5 (c) .

[0073] The swiveling console part 132 can then be pivoted about the second pivot axis II. This is shown by the Fig. 5 (d) - (f) .

[0074] To ensure controlled pivoting of the mulching unit 3 to a defined position in space when the connection arrangement 12 is released, the mulching unit 3 has a steering device 20. The effect of the steering device 20 is described within the framework of the Fig. 5 (d) - (f) described.

[0075] To limit the pivoting of the mulching unit 3 when the connecting arrangement 12 is detached, the mounting arrangement 13 also has a stop 16. This stop is formed by a web that extends through the stationary bracket part 131, specifically the legs 17. When the connecting arrangement 12 is detached, the mulching unit 3 can pivot about the second pivot axis II until counter-stops 15 abut the stop 16. These counter-stops 15 are formed by projections on the pivot arms of the pivoting bracket part 132.

[0076] Fig. 4 Figures (a) and (b) show the mulching unit 3 and its connection to a frame 5 of the harvesting attachment 1 in different perspective views. The illustrations show the mulching unit 3 in the harvesting position E, in which it rests on the field surface 80. The pivoting actuator 6 is in a partially extended harvesting state J in the harvesting position E of the mulching unit 3. It is not under pressure, so that the mulching unit 3 can pivot freely about the first pivot axis I to follow uneven ground.

[0077] The mulching unit 3 has the processing tool 4 for processing the plant stems. The processing tool 4 is in Fig. 4 (b) It is shown. Viewed in the vertical direction 92, it is located below the cover 19. Furthermore, it is fixedly attached to a tool-side output (not shown) of the gearbox 7, for example by screws, so that when the gearbox 7 is driven, it rotates about an output axis III of the output. The output axis III of the machining tool 4 is oriented transversely to the gearbox shaft IV of the gearbox 7.

[0078] The processing tool 4 has, in particular to avoid imbalance, a plurality of identical impact elements 41, which are arranged evenly distributed around the output axis III. An embodiment with two impact elements 41 is shown here. However, three or more impact elements 41 can also be used. In addition, blades can be provided instead of the impact elements 41. The impact elements 41 are designed to crush the plant stems in the field soil.

[0079] In Fig. 4 (b) The locking arrangement 12 is visible, which secures the pivotable bracket part 132 to the frame 5 of the harvesting attachment 1. The pivotable bracket part 132 has a retaining bracket 10 in which a locking means 121 is arranged. The locking means 121 is designed here as a through-hole. In the following, the terms locking means 121 and through-hole are used synonymously.

[0080] The through-hole 121 acts with a locking countermeasure 122 (see Fig. 5 (a) - (e) ) together, which is arranged in frame 5. Frame 5 has a square tube for this purpose. In the following, the terms frame 5 and square tube are used synonymously. The locking countermeasure 122 is a pin that passes through the through-hole 121 in a locked state Z1. The terms locking countermeasure 122 and pin are used synonymously in the following. The pin 122 is pressed into the through-hole 121 against the force of a spring (not shown).

[0081] To release the locking arrangement 12, it has an actuating strut 21 extending in a longitudinal direction (not shown) of the square tube 5, on which a ramp (not shown) is arranged. By moving the actuating strut 21, the ramp is displaced so that the pin 122 is pulled out of the through-hole 121 by the force of the spring.

[0082] The locking arrangement 12 is then in a released state Z2 (see Fig. 5 (c) - (f) In the released state Z2, the retaining bracket 10 can be removed from the frame 5. The pivoting console part 131 can then pivot about the second pivot axis II.

[0083] The movement of the actuating strut 21 is schematically represented here by an arrow extending in a sliding direction 35. An actuating actuator (not shown) can be provided for moving the actuating strut 21. Here, one actuating actuator is provided for each pair of mulching units 3 to release their pivotable bracket parts 132 from the frame 5.

[0084] In principle, each of the mulching units 3 of the harvesting attachment 1 could be designed to be raised and lowered separately, requiring a separate actuating actuator for each mulching unit 3. However, to save costs and effort, the mulching units 3 are grouped together.

[0085] The Fig. 5 in (a) - (e) each show a cross-sectional view through the mulching unit 3 of the Fig. 4 in various positions E, F, T and in Fig. 5 (f) another perspective view of mulching unit 3 of the Fig. 4 .

[0086] Fig. 5 (a) The mulching unit 3 is shown in field position F. In field position F, the mulching unit 3 is opposite the harvesting position E, which Fig. 5 (b) The indicator shows that it is raised. The swivel actuator 6 is retracted into the field position.

[0087] The harvesting attachment 1 is in the harvesting arrangement EA during harvesting operations, that is, it is aligned in the transverse direction 93 and is guided in the direction of travel 91, following the ground over the field floor 80.

[0088] The pivoting bracket part 132 of the mounting bracket 13 is fixed to the square tube 5 by the retaining bracket 10, so that the connection assembly 12 is in the locked position Z1. The pin 122 passes through the through-hole 121. In the harvesting position E and in the field position F, the mulching unit 3 can therefore only pivot about the first pivot axis I.

[0089] In harvesting configuration EA, the mulching unit 3 rests on the field surface 80, and the pivoting actuator 6 is not subjected to pressure. This allows the pivoting actuator 6 to extend and retract freely. The mulching unit 3 pivots back and forth between the harvesting position E and the raised field position F. The pivoting actuator 6 is then either in a partially extended harvesting state J or in the field position F of the mulching unit 3 in the retracted field position K.

[0090] When the mulching unit 3 is lifted, it pivots in the first pivot direction 30, thereby being lifted so that in the field position F it is at the first distance 81 from the field ground 80. Since the pivoting bracket part 132 is fixed to the frame 5, only the pivot angle 84 about the first pivot axis I changes, while the pivot radius 83 (see figure) remains constant. Fig. 5 (e) ) does not change.

[0091] In Fig. 5 (c) The mulching unit 3 is still in the harvesting position E. However, the connecting arrangement 12 is already detached, so that it is in the unlocked state Z2 and the pin 122 no longer passes through the through-hole 121. As a result, the pivoting bracket part 132 can pivot about the second pivot axis II relative to the stationary bracket part 131.

[0092] Fig. 5 (d) Figure 3 shows the mulching unit 3 in an intermediate position (not labelled) when pivoting around the second pivot axis II into a second pivoting direction 33.

[0093] The steering element 20 extends between the stationary console part 131 and the mulching unit 3. It is attached at one end to the stationary console part 131 spatially offset from the second pivot axis II, and at the other end spatially offset from the pivot axis V on the mulcher frame 18. It is designed as a pull cable and has a constant length. Due to its constant length, the steering element 20 steers the mulching unit 3 into the transport position T when pivoting about the second pivot axis II.

[0094] When the swivel actuator 6 extends, the mulching unit 3 is raised. Any change in the length of the swivel actuator 6 is compensated for by pivoting the mulching unit 3 about the first pivot axis I in the first pivot direction 30, and by pivoting the pivotable bracket part 132 about the second pivot axis II in the second pivot direction 33. The pivotable bracket part 132 is thereby pulled towards the swivel actuator 6. The first pivot axis I thus moves towards the swivel actuator 6.

[0095] The mulching unit 3 can be pivoted about the second pivot axis II until the shaped element 15, arranged on the pivoting console part 132, rests against the stop 16. The mulching unit 3 is then in the transport position T. The pivoting actuator 6 is then in a transport position L that is either fully or fully extended. This is shown by the Fig. 5 (e) und (f) .

[0096] When the pivoting console part 132 is swivelled about the second pivot axis II, the mulching unit 3 is swivelled away from the frame 5. This changes the swivel radius 83 of the mulching unit 3, i.e., its distance from the frame 5, when swivelling from the harvesting position E to the transport position T.

[0097] Furthermore, the mulching unit 3 is pivoted by a larger swivel angle 84 about the first pivot axis I than when pivoting from the harvesting position E to the field position F. Therefore, when the mulching unit 3 is pivoted from the harvesting position E to the transport position T in the harvesting arrangement EA of the harvesting attachment 1, this results in a greater second distance 82 of the mulching unit 3 from the field ground 80 than in the field position F.

[0098] The larger change in the swivel angle 84 and the change in the swivel radius 83 results in an arrangement of the mulching unit 3 in space that only very slightly or not at all restricts the field of vision 50 of a driver (not shown) operating the harvesting machine 100 in the transport arrangement TA. This shows Fig. 6 .

[0099] Fig. 6 Figures (a) and (b) each show a section of the harvesting machine 100, on the front of which the harvesting attachment 1 is mounted. Fig. 1 The harvesting attachment 1 is shown in a top view. It is located in a transport arrangement TA, in which processing sections A and B are in the upright position. This ensures that the harvesting machine 100 with the harvesting attachment 1 does not exceed the permissible dimensions for road operation.

[0100] However, the driver's field of vision 50 is restricted by the raised processing sections A, B of the harvesting attachment 1. The field of vision 50 is schematically represented here by a circle around an assumed eye position 51 of the driver.

[0101] In the Fig. 6 (a) und (b) A mulching unit 3 is shown as an example on the right-hand processing section B. The mulching unit 3 is in Fig. 6 (a) adjusted to the less raised field position F, and in Fig. 6 (b) into transport position T. The restricted field of vision 50 is schematically illustrated by lines (not labelled) extending in a direction of view of the driver, and touching outer corners (not labelled) of the processing section B equipped with the mulching unit 3 at the driver's eye level.

[0102] It is evident that the restriction 55 of the field of vision 50 caused by the mulching unit 3 in the field position F is greater than that caused by the mulching unit 3 in the transport position T. The swivel angle 84 of the mulching unit 3 in the transport position T extends approximately in the direction of the driver's gaze. Furthermore, the mulching unit 3 in the transport position T is positioned such that it lies within a space (unlabeled) defined by components (unlabeled) of the harvesting header 1, which would restrict the driver's field of vision even without the mulching unit 3. Therefore, in the transport position T, the mulching unit 3 does not restrict the driver's field of vision any further than it would be restricted by the harvesting header 1 without the mulching unit 3.

Claims

1. Harvesting attachment (1) for frontal attachment to a harvesting machine (100), comprising a frame (5) on which a cutting and / or conveying device (2) for harvesting stalk-like crops is arranged, and comprising a mulching unit (3), • which is arranged downstream of the cutting and / or conveying device (2) in a crop flow direction (99), • which has a processing tool (4) which can be driven so as to rotate about a drive axis (III) for processing plant stems remaining in field soil during harvesting, • which is supported on the field soil in a harvesting position (E) in a harvesting arrangement (EA) of the harvesting attachment (1), and • which is mounted so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis (I) relative to the frame (5), so that it can be pivoted reversibly from the harvesting position (E) to a field position (F) that is raised relative to the harvesting position (E), characterized in that the first pivot axis (I) is provided for adjusting the mulching unit (3) from the harvesting position (E) to a raised transport position (T) so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis (II) relative to the frame (5).

2. Harvesting attachment (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mulching unit (3) has a swivel actuator (6) for swiveling the mulching unit (3) from the harvesting position (E) into the transport position (T).

3. Harvesting attachment (1) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the swivel actuator (6) • can be adjusted by retracting from a partially extended harvesting state (J) in the harvesting position (E) of the mulching unit (3) into a field state (K), in which the mulching unit (3) swivels into the raised field position (F) relative to the harvesting position (E), and the swivel actuator (6) is retracted relative to the harvesting state (J), and • can be adjusted by extending from the partially extended harvesting state (J) in the harvesting position (E) of the mulching unit (3) into a transport state (L), in which the mulching unit (3) swivels into a transport position (T) relative to the harvesting position (E), and the swivel actuator is extended relative to the harvesting state, a distance of the mulching unit (3) from field soil being greater in the transport position (T) than in the field position (F).

4. Harvesting attachment (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a fastening bracket (13) with which the mulching unit (3) is fastened to the frame (5) of the harvesting attachment (1), the fastening bracket (13) comprising a fixed bracket part (131) which is arranged in a fixed position on the frame (5) and a pivotable bracket part (132) which is mounted on the fixed bracket part (131) so as to be pivotable about the second pivot axis (II) relative to the fixed bracket part (131).

5. Harvesting attachment (1) according to any of the preceding claims , characterized in that the swivel actuator (6) is hinged at one end to the fixed bracket part (131) so as to be rotatable about the second pivot axis (II), and hinged at the other end to the mulching unit (3), in particular to a mulcher frame (18) so as to be rotatable about a hinge axis (V).

6. Harvesting attachment (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a connecting arrangement with which the pivotable bracket part (132) can be secured to the frame (5).

7. Harvesting attachment (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting arrangement (12) is released in the transport position (T), so that the pivotable bracket part (132) and / or the mulching unit (3) can be pivoted about the second pivot axis (II).

8. Harvesting attachment (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mulching unit (3) comprises a steering means (20) which extends between the fixed bracket part (131) and the mulching unit (3) and that the mulching unit (3) steers into the transport position (T) when the connecting arrangement (12) is released during the extension of the swivel actuator (6).

9. Harvesting attachment (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering means (20) is fastened at one end to the fixed bracket part (131) so as to be spatially offset from the second pivot axis (II), and is fastened at the other end to the mulching unit (3), in particular to the mulcher frame (18), so as to be spatially offset from the hinge axis (V).

10. Harvesting attachment (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting arrangement (12) has a connecting means (121) and a connecting counter-means (122), and an operating actuator for automatically interconnecting the connecting means (121) and the connecting counter-means (122) and releasing them from one another.

11. Harvesting attachment (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least two processing portions (A, B), the harvesting attachment being able to be adjusted from a harvesting arrangement (EA), in which the processing portions (A, B) extend in a transverse direction (93), to a transport arrangement (TA), in which the processing portions (A, B) are adjusted relative to the harvesting arrangement (EA), at least one mulching unit (3) being arranged on each of the processing portions (A, B).

12. Harvesting machine having a harvesting attachment (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

13. Harvesting machine according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a control unit (11) which is designed to swivel the mulching unit (3) automatically from the harvesting position (E) to the transport position (T), in particular when the harvesting attachment (1) is transferred from the harvesting arrangement (EA) to the transport arrangement (A).

14. Method for transferring a harvesting attachment (1) according to any of claims 1-12 from a harvesting arrangement (EA) to a transport arrangement (TA), in which method processing portions (A, B) of the harvesting attachment (1) are adjusted from a transverse position, in which they extend in a transverse direction (93), to an elevated position, in which they are upright relative to the transverse position, a connecting arrangement (12) of the harvesting attachment (1) being initially released during the transfer of the harvesting attachment (1) from the harvesting arrangement (EA) to the transport arrangement (TA), so that the mulching unit (3) can be pivoted about a second pivot axis (II), and the mulching unit (3) then being swiveled from the harvesting position (E) to the transport position (T).