SCHWADER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a swather according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 7.

[0002] Various agricultural machines such as rakes, balers or loader wagons pick up crops lying on the ground, such as grass or hay, during field work in order to process them, transport them away or - in the case of a swather - move them and deposit them elsewhere. A pickup device or pick-up can be used to pick up the crop. This is usually located at the front of the agricultural machine and is guided a short distance above the ground. The crop is lifted from the ground by a pickup rotor that rotates about a transverse axis. The picked-up crop can be transferred directly to a downstream device. In some cases, the transfer is assisted by a second rotor. In the case of a belt swather, the crop is transferred to a cross-conveyor device, which transports the crop across the direction of travel using a conveyor belt or similar and deposits it laterally.Depending on the quantity and nature of the crop, problems can arise during the pickup, conveyance, and transfer of the crop by the pickup device. These problems can disrupt the crop flow and / or impair the quality of the crop. One problem is that the tines of the pickup rotor move against the direction of travel near the ground and only move upwards as the rotation continues and then backwards against the direction of travel. The unavoidable movement against the direction of travel can result in crop being pushed forward or thrown. An optimal transfer to the cross conveyor device is also difficult to achieve. In particular, the accumulation of crop in certain areas on the cross conveyor device and the failure of the cross conveyor device should be avoided. Various rakes are, for example,known from the following documents DE 10 2010 010862 A1, US 9 386 749 B1, WO 2013 / 034480 A1, DE 20 2017 000595 U1 and DE 10 2011 053352 A1.

[0003] The object of the invention is to enable a swather to efficiently pick up crop material and pass it on to a cross conveyor device.

[0004] The object is achieved with a swather having the features of independent patent claim 1 and with a method for operating a swather having the features of independent patent claim 7. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0005] For this purpose, a swather is provided with at least one pickup device having a pickup rotor and a transfer rotor, which are drivable in the same direction about axes of rotation that extend at least predominantly along a transverse axis, wherein the pickup rotor is designed to pick up agricultural crop from the ground by means of pickup tines, to raise it with respect to a vertical axis and to transfer it to the transfer rotor, which is arranged at least partially higher than the pickup rotor and is designed to take over the crop by means of transfer tines, to raise it at least initially with respect to the vertical axis and to transfer it to a downstream transverse conveyor device, which is arranged at least partially behind the pickup device with respect to a longitudinal axis and is designed to pick up the crop transferred by the transfer rotor on a conveyor surface,by means of a conveying element along the transverse axis and to deposit swaths on the ground, wherein the transfer rotor is designed to deliver the crop at least partially above the conveying surface with respect to the vertical axis and to drop it onto it.

[0006] The swather is used to collect agricultural crops, such as grass or hay, which are spread out flat and / or randomly on the ground, and to deposit them in swaths. Such machines are also known as mergers or haymaking machines, although their application is expressly not limited to hay. The swather typically does not have its own drive and is designed to be pulled by a tractor or possibly mounted on the front or rear of an agricultural machine as an attachment. However, a design with its own drive is conceivable.

[0007] The rake can have a main frame which can be supported by a chassis during operation. The main frame can have the chassis, which is thus part of the rake. If the rake is designed as an attachment, it is coupled to an agricultural machine which has the chassis during operation. In any case, at least part of the weight of the rake can be absorbed and supported on the ground via the main frame and the chassis. The main frame can also be designed for at least indirect connection to a tractor, whereby a drawbar used for this purpose can be considered part of the main frame. Alternatively, the main frame can have structures for connection to an agricultural machine which enable use as an attachment.

[0008] The pickup device has a pickup rotor and a transfer rotor, which can be driven in the same direction about axes of rotation that extend at least predominantly along a transverse axis. The transverse axis and the vertical and longitudinal axes mentioned below can be regarded as axes of the pickup device and / or as axes of the rake. At least in the operating state, the longitudinal axis normally runs parallel or anti-parallel to the direction of travel, while the transverse axis runs horizontally and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis runs vertically. The axes of rotation of the two rotors can in particular run parallel to one another. They extend at least predominantly along the transverse axis, i.e. they run either parallel to the transverse axis or non-parallel to it, although the main component of their direction of travel runs parallel to the transverse axis.Typically, the angle between a rotational axis and the transverse axis is a maximum of 30° or a maximum of 20°. Designs are conceivable in which each rotor is split in two with respect to the transverse axis, with the rotor halves being tiltable relative to each other. In this case, the rotational axis runs differently in the two rotor halves, but overall it extends predominantly along the transverse axis. The rotors can be driven in the same direction. One could also say that the rake and / or the pickup device are designed to drive the rotors in the same direction, i.e., in the same direction of rotation.

[0009] The pickup rotor is designed to pick up agricultural crops from the ground using pickup tines, raise them relative to the vertical axis, and transfer them to the transfer rotor. The transfer tines extend radially outwards relative to the rotational axis of the pickup rotor. They can be arranged on a common rotor core that can rotate about the rotational axis. The pickup tines are uncontrolled, meaning they are connected in a rotationally fixed manner relative to one another - for example via the rotor core - but can also be elastically deflected if necessary. The pickup tines can be made of metal, but also of other materials such as plastic or composites. In particular, they can be made of wire or rods. Alternatively, they can also be made of sheet metal or a similar flat material.The pickup rotor can be guided along the ground at a short distance, with the pickup tines gripping and carrying the crop. As the pickup rotor rotates, the crop is raised relative to its vertical axis. This is not a purely vertical movement, of course, but rather a horizontal movement superimposed on the lifting movement. Overall, however, the crop is positioned well above the ground when it is transferred to the transfer rotor.

[0010] The transfer rotor is at least partially arranged higher than the pickup rotor, i.e. at least part of the transfer rotor is positioned higher than the pickup rotor with respect to the vertical axis. The transfer rotor is designed to receive the crop by means of transfer tines, to raise it at least initially with respect to the vertical axis, and to transfer it to a downstream cross conveyor device. The statements made above with regard to the pickup tines can largely be applied to the transfer tines. However, a design made of sheet metal or another flat material is preferred for the transfer tines. In a preferred embodiment, the transfer tines of the transfer rotor are made of a plastic. Both the pickup tines and the transfer tines can be grouped into tine rings comprising a plurality of tines whose axial position coincides with respect to the axis of rotation.The transfer rotor receives the crop and transfers it to the downstream cross-conveyor device. Between the takeover and the transfer, the transfer rotor normally conveys the crop backwards relative to its longitudinal axis, i.e., opposite to the direction of travel. This horizontal movement can, in turn, be superimposed by a vertical movement. Overall, the crop is conveyed upwards and thus lifted not only by the pickup rotor, but also by the transfer rotor. "At least initially" in this context refers to the movement phase of the crop following its transfer by the transfer rotor. The advantages described above of dividing the conveyor line between two rotors naturally also apply to the upward conveying of the crop. A conveying height can be achieved in a gentle and efficient manner, which enables advantageous options for transfer to the downstream cross-conveyor device.

[0011] The cross conveyor device is arranged at least partially behind the pickup device with respect to a longitudinal axis and is designed to pick up the crop transferred by the transfer rotor on a conveyor surface, convey it along the transverse axis by means of a conveyor element and deposit it in swaths on the ground. The conveyor element, which can also be referred to as a conveyor member, is drivable and designed to convey the crop picked up on the conveyor surface. The conveyor surface can be formed entirely or partially by the conveyor element itself, for example if this is designed as a conveyor belt or link belt, in which case one can also speak of a belt swather. However, it would also be conceivable, for example, for the conveyor surface to be partially stationary and for the conveyor element to move across the conveyor surface and in doing so collect the crop, for example in the case of a chain conveyor.In the case of a belt rake, for example, conveyor bars can protrude laterally beyond a belt body and thus capture crop that has missed the actual belt body. In this case, the conveying surface extends beyond the belt body. The conveying surface can be flat overall; normally, at least a central area of ​​the conveying surface with respect to the longitudinal axis is flat. Normally, the cross conveyor device conveys the crop parallel to the cross axis, but it could also convey it at a certain angle to the cross axis. The cross conveyor device can have a cross conveyor frame on which the conveying element is movably mounted. The cross conveyor frame gives the cross conveyor device overall mechanical stability and is normally rigid in itself. The pickup device can be connected to the cross conveyor device. In particular, it can be connected to the main frame via the cross conveyor frame.Normally, the cross conveyor device and / or the receiving device are movable relative to the main frame, in particular vertically movable at least with respect to the vertical axis. In addition to vertical mobility, mobility along the longitudinal axis and / or the transverse axis can also be provided. In addition to translational movements of the cross conveyor frame, rotational movements are also conceivable, for example, transverse oscillation (corresponding to a rotation around the longitudinal axis).

[0012] The transfer rotor is designed to deliver the crop at least partially above the conveying surface with respect to the vertical axis and to drop it onto it. This can be easily achieved because the pickup rotor transfers the crop to the higher-positioned transfer rotor. In any case, the transfer rotor extends higher than the conveying surface, or at least forms part of it. Depending on the design, it is not possible to determine exactly at which point and therefore at what height the crop is delivered by the transfer rotor. Normally, however, a typical delivery area can be identified. Particularly at a sufficiently high speed, the crop can be thrown off the transfer tines approximately tangentially. It then falls onto the conveying surface in a normally curved trajectory.

[0013] The rake can have at least one rake unit, which in turn has the pickup device and the cross-conveyor device. The rake unit can be connected at least indirectly to the main frame. Typically, either exactly one rake unit or two rake units are provided. Each rake unit can be connected to a side boom, which in turn is connected to the main frame or forms part of it. The rake unit comprises those elements of the rake that are intended to come into direct contact with the crop and transport it.

[0014] According to the invention, in at least one working position of the swather, a normal line, which runs perpendicular to a central region of the conveying surface with respect to the longitudinal axis and through a forwardmost point of the conveying element with respect to the longitudinal axis, at least touches a movement range of the transfer tines. The working position is a position in which the swather is intended to be located during field cultivation. This can differ, for example, from a transport position for road transport. It is possible for the swather to assume a plurality of working positions. The arrangement described here is present in at least one working position, and possibly in every working position. The normal line, which can also be referred to as a "normal line" or "normal," runs perpendicular to the central region of the conveying surface.In the case of a flat conveying surface, the normal line therefore runs perpendicular to the conveying surface. It also runs through a point on the conveying element that is furthest forward in relation to the longitudinal axis, or one could also say through the point furthest forward in the direction of travel. This furthest forward point marks the boundary of the area in which crop can still be directly grasped by the conveying element. The range of movement of a tine is the area through which the tine moves due to the rotational movement of the rotor. This range of movement is rotationally symmetrical to the rotor's axis of rotation. Viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation, it is circular or annular. The range of movement of the transfer tines (as a whole), to which reference is made here, is cylindrical (and centered around the axis of rotation of the transfer rotor). The normal line at least touches the range of movement. Preferably, it intersects the range of movement.It therefore does not run backwards past the movement area with respect to the longitudinal axis. This arrangement of the movement area and the normal line can be based on the fact that the transfer rotor is only a short distance from the conveying element with respect to the longitudinal axis or even overlaps it. On the other hand, it can be based on the conveying surface being inclined forwards towards the transfer device. As will be explained below, a combination of these features can be present. In any case, with this arrangement it is hardly possible for crop material that falls off or is thrown off the transfer rotor to miss the conveying surface or land in an area that is not reached by the conveying element. This in turn is advantageous for a transfer provided according to the invention, in which crop material is not pushed onto the conveying surface but is thrown onto it.While the former could cause damage to the crop, the latter is considered to be particularly gentle on the crop.

[0015] The transfer tines preferably engage between the receiving tines in such a way that the movement ranges of the transfer tines and the receiving tines overlap, viewed along the transverse axis. As already explained above, the movement range of the transfer tines is generally cylindrical. The same applies to the movement range of the receiving tines. Viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation, the respective movement ranges are circular or annular. Viewed along the transverse axis, in this embodiment the movement ranges of the transfer tines and the receiving tines overlap with one another. As explained above, the direction of the transverse axis differs only slightly or not at all from that of the axes of rotation. In relation to the overall cylindrical shape of the movement ranges, one can also speak of the movement ranges intersecting and / or penetrating one another instead of overlapping.Furthermore, it can be said that the sum of the radii of the movement ranges of a receiving tine and a transfer tine is greater than the distance between the rotation axes of the two rotors. Thus, the transfer tines engage in the gaps formed along the transverse axis between the receiving tines. Accordingly, the receiving tines engage in the gaps formed along the transverse axis between the transfer tines. By engaging in the gaps, the transfer of the crop is significantly improved. The transfer tines are capable of directly grasping crop that is still located between the receiving tines.

[0016] Advantageously, the receiving device comprises a stripping device with receiving tine stripper sections and, with respect to the transverse axis, intermediate spaces between the receiving tines, through which the receiving tines extend at least partially, as well as transfer tine stripper sections and intermediate spaces between the transfer tines, through which the transfer tines extend at least partially. The transfer tine stripper sections are designed such that the transfer tines dip between them in accordance with a rotation of the transfer rotor. The receiving tine stripper sections can be formed by individual elements or they can be subsections of a single component. They are generally made of steel and can, for example, be strip-shaped.Their function is to at least partially strip the crop from the picking tines as they move along the picking tine stripper sections during their rotary movement. The picking tines move through gaps between the picking tines and stripper sections. They protrude at least partially through these gaps. Normally, they are designed to completely immerse themselves or submerge themselves between the picking tine stripper sections in a certain area along their path of movement, i.e. to retract between them. They move away from an outer side of the stripping device, on which the crop can be retained, to an inner side. Designs in which the picking tines do not submerge completely would also be conceivable.Any crop remaining in the area of ​​the tips of the receiving tines could be removed by the transfer tines. The function of the transfer tine stripper sections with respect to the transfer tines corresponds to that of the receiving tine stripper sections with respect to the receiving tines, i.e. they strip crop from the transfer tines as they move along them. In particular, the transfer tines retract completely between the transfer tine strippers, i.e. they immerse themselves completely in the spaces between the transfer tines. This enables or even forces complete stripping of the crop. Although a distinction is made between receiving tine stripper sections and transfer tine stripper sections, a receiving tine stripper section can be directly adjacent to a transfer tine stripper section or even be formed integrally with it.The transfer tine spaces are offset from the receiving tine spaces relative to the transverse axis. This corresponds to the offset arrangement of the receiving tines and transfer tines.

[0017] Designs are conceivable in which the spaces between the receiving tines and the transfer tines are separate from one another. However, it is preferred that at least one receiving tine space merges into a transfer tine space in a transition region. The two spaces thus form sub-regions of a continuous space. The transition region can be assigned to the receiving tine space and / or the transfer tine space, although the assignment is often not clear. Typically, a receiving tine in the transition region retracts to the inside of the stripping device, while a transfer tine emerges there to the outside. In the transition region, or at least close to it, a transfer of crop material between the rotors therefore takes place. This transfer is facilitated by the fact that the spaces merge into one another instead of being separate from one another.

[0018] One embodiment provides that a dipping area, in which the transfer tines fully dip between the transfer tine scraper sections, is arranged vertically above the conveying surface in at least one working position of the swather. The dipping area is the area in which the dipping of the transfer tines is complete. Any crop still adhering to the transfer tines is scraped off by the transfer tines at the latest in the dipping area, which can also be referred to as the retraction area. This normally corresponds to the lowest point from which crop can fall. This dipping area is arranged vertically, i.e. perpendicularly, above the conveying surface. This creates a drop for the crop from the dipping area to the conveying surface. The height of this drop can, for example, be at least 10% or at least 15% of the diameter of the movement range of the transfer tines.Since the immersion area is positioned above the conveyor surface in the direction of the vertical axis, even crop falling vertically from the immersion area still lands on the conveyor surface and is therefore not lost. This arrangement is present in at least one working position; preferably, it can be present in any working position.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred that the immersion area is offset by more than 70° with respect to a rotational axis of the transfer rotor compared to an uppermost point of the movement range of the transfer tines. The immersion area corresponds to the last point at which crop material is still being delivered. In this embodiment, this occurs in a relatively late phase of rotation. At the uppermost point of the movement range, the transfer tines move horizontally, normally parallel to the longitudinal axis. After a further rotation of 70°, they move predominantly vertically downwards. The immersion area here is therefore in a region in which the transfer tines move downwards, although they may have a slight movement component in the horizontal direction. The crop material can be carried along by the transfer tines for a relatively long distance, provided it has not been detached beforehand by centrifugal force.The immersion area can further preferably be offset by more than 80°, particularly preferably more than 90°, from the uppermost point. In the latter case, the transfer tines have already passed a reversal point with respect to the horizontal movement component when they reach the immersion area.

[0020] One embodiment provides that, in at least one working position of the swather, a tangential line to the movement area of ​​the transfer tines, which runs through the foremost point of the conveying element with respect to the longitudinal axis, forms a first angle with a horizontal plane, which, measured from the horizontal plane in the direction of rotation of the transfer rotor, is at least 60°. Preferably, the first angle can be at least 70° or at least 80°. The tangential line runs in the rotation plane of the transfer tines, i.e., perpendicular to the rotation axis of the transfer rotor. As the term "tangential" indicates, it touches the movement area without intersecting it. It runs through the foremost point of the conveying element described above. If the angle to the tangential line is measured from a horizontal plane, specifically in the direction of rotation of the transfer rotor, this angle is at least 60°.You could also say that the tangential line in the direction of rotation of the transfer rotor is rotated by at least 60° relative to the horizontal plane. Since the foremost point of the conveying element marks the front edge of the part of the conveying surface that can still be directly reached, crop material that is thrown off tangentially by the transfer rotor can still land in this area even if it has already covered 60° compared to the highest point of the transfer tines' path of movement. This applies under the assumption that the crop is moving in a straight line to the conveying surface, which is not exactly correct, but can be used as an estimate. In particular, it must be taken into account that at an angle of at least 60° beyond the highest point, the transfer tines are already moving proportionally mainly downwards, while the horizontal movement component is comparatively small. Therefore, the crop thrown off here is only slightly deflected by gravity.In any case, this design ensures that even crops that are still carried by the transfer tines for a comparatively long time are safely captured by the cross-conveying direction.

[0021] In this context, it is considered an independent invention to provide a swather according to the preamble of claim 1, in which in at least one working position of the swather a tangential to the range of movement of the transfer tines, which runs through a point of the conveying element which is the foremost point with respect to the longitudinal axis, encloses a first angle with a horizontal plane which, measured from the horizontal plane in the direction of rotation of the transfer rotor, is at least 60°.

[0022] One embodiment provides that the transverse conveyor device can be arranged at least in such a way that the conveying surface is inclined towards the receiving device relative to the horizontal plane. This can apply in particular to the central region of the conveying surface. This means that the conveying surface (or at least the central region) is either permanently inclined accordingly or various arrangements of the transverse conveyor device are possible, wherein the conveying surface is inclined towards the receiving device in at least one of the aforementioned arrangements. The conveying surface therefore does not run horizontally but is inclined towards the receiving device, i.e. generally forwards in the direction of travel. The angle of inclination relative to the horizontal plane (hereinafter also: second angle) can in particular be between 5° and 35°, preferably between 10° and 30°, more preferably between 15° and 25°.Regardless of whether the conveying surface is inclined as described here, a retaining device, in particular a baffle plate, can be arranged on a side of the conveying surface opposite the receiving device. This can have a significantly steeper forward inclination in the direction of travel compared to the horizontal plane (e.g., more than 70°) and can even have overhanging areas that protrude upward in the direction of travel.

[0023] The design with two rotors helps to prevent an excessively high pile of crop from accumulating in front of the pickup rotor. This effect can be enhanced even further. According to a corresponding design, the rake (preferably the rake unit) has a crop hold-down device. The crop hold-down limits the upward movement of the crop. It can apply pressure to the crop from above before it is picked up by the pickup rotor, thus preventing it from piling up excessively. It can also apply pressure to the crop already picked up by one of the rotors and / or limit its movement. Depending on its position relative to the rotors, it can also determine the earliest point at which the crop can leave the transfer rotor.

[0024] The hold-down device preferably has a rotatable hold-down roller arranged at least partially in front of the pickup rotor with respect to the longitudinal axis, and a guide cover arranged at least partially behind it with respect to the longitudinal axis, which guide cover defines a conveying channel for the crop between itself and at least one of the rotors. The hold-down roller, which can have a smooth or profiled surface, is rotatable about an axis of rotation that normally runs parallel to the transverse axis. In particular, it exerts vertical pressure on the crop in front of the pickup rotor and thus limits the crop from piling up. At the same time, depending on the design, it can also act as a counter-holder for crop that has already been picked up by the pickup rotor. The hold-down device also has a guide cover that is arranged at least partially behind the hold-down roller with respect to the longitudinal axis. It can be connected to the hold-down roller at a certain distance.The guide cover can in particular have at least one guide plate or be designed as such. It is preferably impermeable to crop material and has a closed surface. However, designs would also be conceivable in which it has, for example, a plurality of spaced-apart guide elements, which can in particular be curved. The guide cover could also be referred to as a guide hood. It forms, optionally in addition to the hold-down roller, a counter-holder for the crop material and limits its freedom of movement. Thus, a conveying channel for the crop material is defined between the guide cover and at least one of the rotors. This can essentially prevent any loss of crop material and / or allow the crop material to be conveyed more effectively by the corresponding rotor.

[0025] The hold-down device is preferably suspended via at least one hold-down support in such a way that it is at least vertically movable relative to the rotors. The hold-down support can in turn be connected directly or indirectly to the vehicle body or a main frame of the swather. According to one embodiment, the hold-down support is movably connected to a cross-conveyor frame of the cross-conveyor device. In particular, it can be pivotally connected to this. In any case, the hold-down support ensures a suspension of the hold-down device that enables at least a vertical movement relative to the rotors. The vertical movement can be superimposed by a movement in the horizontal direction. A spring element, for example a hydraulic cylinder, can define a rest position for the hold-down support, from which it can be deflected, for example if the hold-down roller has to move upwards due to a large amount of crop in front of the pickup rotor.The same applies to any possible need to evade the guide cover.

[0026] Although appropriate vertical mobility of the hold-down device as a whole is advantageous, it can be provided in addition to this or possibly as an alternative that the hold-down roller and / or the guide cover are individually adjustable relative to the hold-down device carrier. Both the hold-down roller and the guide cover can be vertically and / or horizontally adjusted. With regard to the hold-down roller, this can be arranged on a roller carrier which can be translationally adjustable and / or pivotable relative to the hold-down device carrier. Manual adjustability is possible, whereby the selected position can be secured by tightening a locking screw. However, actuator-based adjustability would also be conceivable.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the rake unit has a plurality of guide tines which extend along the longitudinal axis and direct the crop delivered by the transfer rotor towards the cross conveyor device, wherein an inclination of the guide tines relative to the longitudinal axis in the direction of the transverse axis and / or an inclination of the guide tines in the direction of the vertical axis is adjustable. The guide tines are generally spaced apart from one another with respect to the transverse axis, i.e. there are gaps between them. The guide tines can be made of metal, but optionally also of other materials such as plastic or composites. They can be made of wire or rods. Alternatively, a design from sheet metal or a similar flat material would also be possible. The guide tines extend along the longitudinal axis, but generally do not run parallel to it.However, at least one position is preferably provided in which the guide tines run parallel to the longitudinal plane, i.e. to the plane spanned by the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis. In particular, the hold-down device can have the guide tines. The guide tines can be connected to the guide cover. For example, they can be movably, in particular pivotably, connected to the guide cover. The guide tines can partially define an intermediate space between themselves and one of the rotors, in particular the transfer rotor. This space can be connected to the above-mentioned conveyor channel or can also be regarded as part of it. In contrast to the guide cover, the guide tines are generally spaced such that crop material could pass between them. However, this is normally less problematic in the area in which the guide tines are arranged.In particular, in this area there is generally only a low risk of crop being lost entirely, i.e. falling back to the ground. Normally, even crop that passes between the guide tines still reaches the downstream device, in particular the cross conveyor device. However, it would also be conceivable to provide a cover above the guide tines, which could also be designed as part of the guide cover. In this way, the loss of crop can be practically completely prevented. Preferably, the guide tines are arranged at least partially above the transfer rotor. The guide tines can direct the crop delivered by the transfer rotor towards the cross conveyor device.

[0028] The guide tines determine a direction of movement through their path, which the crop can follow with minimal resistance. In general, the crop does not move exactly parallel to the direction of the guide tines, but they still exert a guiding or steering effect on the crop. This can be exploited by adjusting the inclination of the guide tines towards the transverse axis. This means that the guide tines can be inclined to different degrees (or not at all) to the side. As a result, the crop, which is driven by the transfer rotor essentially in the direction of the longitudinal axis and in the direction of the vertical axis, experiences a lateral deflection. You could also say that a speed component in the direction of the transverse axis is impressed on the crop. Accordingly, it is thrown onto the conveying surface more centrally or to one side with respect to the transverse axis.Alternatively or additionally, the inclination of the guide tines can be adjusted relative to the longitudinal axis in the direction of the vertical axis. One could also say that an inclination relative to the horizontal plane is adjusted here. This can, in particular, change the throwing distance of the transfer rotor. If the guide tines are inclined more downwards - seen from front to back - the crop is directed downwards faster and / or more far, which equates to a shorter throwing distance. If the guide tines are inclined more upwards, the result is a greater throwing distance. Individual adjustment of individual guide tines is possible. Advantageously, however, all guide tines can also be arranged on one tine carrier, which can be pivoted together with the guide tines. The inclination can be adjusted manually, as in many cases it can be kept constant for the cultivation of a field. Optionally, it could also be adjustable using an actuator.

[0029] The invention further provides a method for operating a swather. The swather has the features of the preamble of claim 1. In particular, the swather can be designed according to the invention, i.e., in at least one working position of the swather, a normal line running perpendicular to a central region of the conveying surface with respect to the longitudinal axis and through a forwardmost point of the conveying element with respect to the longitudinal axis can at least touch a movement region of the transfer tines. In any case, the swather has at least one swather unit having the pickup device and the transverse conveying device. The method according to the invention provides that at least one operating parameter of the swather unit is adjusted in order to influence a distribution of the crop on the conveying surface.The distribution refers to the proportion of the crop distributed across different areas of the conveying surface. This can refer to both a distribution along the longitudinal axis and a distribution along the transverse axis. In the method according to the invention, at least one operating parameter is adjusted to influence this distribution. "Adjust" can particularly mean "adjust," whereby the value of the operating parameter is precisely defined (except for unavoidable and negligible inaccuracies). In some cases, the operating parameter cannot be precisely defined, but it can be qualitatively adjusted, for example, by increasing or decreasing it.

[0030] An adjustment of at least one operating parameter is generally useful or necessary because the distribution can be influenced by various factors outside the rake unit. Possible relevant influences include the quantity, type and condition of the crop, moisture, wind strength and direction, and the speed of the rake. Factors within the rake unit can also make an adjustment of the operating parameter necessary, for example, if one operating parameter has to be changed because another operating parameter has changed. Ideally, the attempt is made to achieve a specific distribution, but this is hardly possible due to numerous factors that depend in particular on the type and condition of the crop. The parameter can be adjusted before the rake is put into operation.Alternatively or additionally, it can also occur during operation, whereby operation can continue without interruption under certain circumstances. The operating parameter can be adjusted manually or by actuators. The latter can occur automatically or based on user input. The adjustment can be based on empirical values ​​or a calculation. In the simplest case, it is performed by observing the distribution resulting during operation and adjusting at least one parameter to change the distribution as needed.

[0031] It is preferably provided that the distribution of the crop is detected by at least one sensor and that at least one operating parameter is adjusted depending on the detected distribution. The sensor preferably operates without contact, so that neither the crop nor the sensor itself is influenced or impaired by the measurement. In particular, it can be an optical sensor, for example a camera that detects visible light and / or infrared light. However, other sensors could also be used, which could detect the crop on the conveying surface using radar, lidar, or ultrasound, for example. The adjustment can be made by a user based on the detected distribution. However, it would also be possible for the adjustment to take place at least partially automatically.

[0032] In particular, the at least one parameter can be adjusted to ensure that the crop is at least partially deposited in the central region of the conveying surface with respect to the longitudinal axis. Such central depositing prevents crop material from piling up in the front or rear region of the conveying surface or even falling off the conveying surface to a large extent. For example, an attempt can be made to achieve a distribution in which the greatest crop density (i.e. crop mass per unit area) occurs in the central region of the conveying surface, while it is lower in the regions in front of and behind it. One aim in particular can be to utilize the entire extent of the conveying surface along the longitudinal axis so that all regions (e.g. front, middle and rear regions) are at least partially covered with crop material.

[0033] It is advantageous to adjust the speed of the transfer rotor to influence the distribution. A higher speed (other conditions remaining the same) means that the crop leaves the transfer rotor earlier and is thrown further up or closer down. This in turn has a direct influence on the throwing distance and thus on the distribution on the conveying surface. In qualitative terms, the distribution shifts further back when the speed is increased and shifts further forward when the speed is decreased. In addition, a higher speed of the transfer rotor, with the speed of the pickup rotor remaining the same, results in the crop being removed more quickly by the transfer rotor. This means that the transfer rotor conveys a faster, but less dense crop flow.This may result in fewer clumps forming within the crop, which in turn can affect how well the crop releases from the transfer rotor and how it behaves in flight between the transfer rotor and the conveying surface.

[0034] One embodiment provides that a second angle, by which at least the middle region of the conveying surface is inclined relative to the horizontal plane towards the receiving device, is adjusted in order to influence the distribution. At least the middle region of the conveying surface (advantageously the conveying surface as a whole) does not run horizontally, but can be inclined towards the receiving device, i.e. generally forwards in the direction of travel. In this embodiment, the angle of inclination relative to the horizontal plane is adjusted in order to influence the distribution of the crop. The inclination of the conveying surface prevents crop, which is thrown off the transfer rotor at considerable speed, from moving too far backwards. If a smaller second angle is set, the crop can move more towards the rear part of the conveying surface.If a larger second angle is set, the conveyor surface is tilted forward, so to speak, and tends to hold the crop back, so that it remains more in the front part of the conveyor surface. In particular, a sufficient inclination can prevent the crop from accumulating only in the rearmost area of ​​the conveyor surface and potentially piling up there. Typically, a second angle can be set between 5° and 35°, preferably between 10° and 30°, and more preferably between 15° and 25°.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the method, the rake unit has a crop hold-down device, wherein at least one position of the crop hold-down device is adjusted relative to the rotors in order to influence the distribution. The crop hold-down device has already been described above. As already mentioned, it can, among other things, determine the earliest point at which the crop can leave the transfer rotor depending on its position relative to the rotors. In this method variant, at least one position of the crop hold-down device is adjusted, which includes the possibility that this can be a position of an element of the crop hold-down device. This can be a position relative to the longitudinal axis, relative to the vertical axis and / or an angular position, i.e. an inclination. The latter means that the crop hold-down device or an element thereof can be inclined in different ways.

[0036] The hold-down device preferably has a rotatable hold-down roller arranged at least partially in front of the pickup rotor with respect to the longitudinal axis, and a guide cover arranged at least partially behind it with respect to the longitudinal axis, which guide cover defines a conveying channel for crop material between itself and at least one of the rotors, wherein a position of the guide cover is adjusted and thereby the geometry of the conveying channel is changed in order to influence the distribution. The hold-down roller and the guide cover and their possible designs have already been described above. In this embodiment, a position of the guide cover relative to the rotors is adjusted, which affects the dimensions of the conveying channel. If the conveying channel is opened wider, crop material can under certain circumstances be thrown off the transfer rotor earlier than if the conveying channel is less open.This results in a greater throwing distance, meaning the crop lands further back on the conveyor surface along its longitudinal axis. In particular, the position of the guide cover can be adjusted independently of the crop press roller. This can be possible, for example, if both the guide cover and the crop press roller are mounted on a crop press support described above, and the guide cover is individually adjustable relative to the crop press support.

[0037] Preferably, a vertical position of the guide cover is adjusted to influence the distribution. This can, in particular, be a vertical position relative to the rotors. It can also be a vertical position relative to the hold-down support. Changing the vertical position, in particular, changes the extent of the conveyor channel. If the guide cover is adjusted downwards, a narrower conveyor channel results; if it is adjusted upwards, a wider conveyor channel results.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the rake unit has a plurality of guide tines which extend along the longitudinal axis and direct the crop delivered by the transfer rotor towards the cross conveyor device, wherein an inclination of the guide tines relative to the longitudinal axis in the direction of the cross axis and / or an inclination of the guide tines in the direction of the vertical axis is adjusted in order to influence the distribution. The guide tines and possible designs thereof have already been described above. In the present embodiment, on the one hand, the inclination of the guide tines towards the cross axis can be adjusted. This means that the guide tines can be inclined to different degrees (or not at all) to the side, thereby adjusting any lateral deflection of the crop. Accordingly, it is discharged on the conveying surface more centrally or more to one side with respect to the cross axis.Alternatively or additionally, the inclination of the guide tines can be adjusted relative to the longitudinal axis in the direction of the vertical axis.

[0039] Another option is to adjust the conveyor speed of the cross-conveyor device to influence the distribution. For example, the rotational speed of a conveyor belt can be adjusted. If the cross-conveyor device moves faster, the crop is transported sideways correspondingly faster, which reduces the risk of crop piling up or piling up on the conveyor surface, especially with large crop volumes. In terms of quality, a higher conveyor speed thins out the crop, while a lower conveyor speed results in a denser crop.

[0040] 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 is a perspective view of a swather according to the invention designed as a swather; Fig. 2 is a side view of a swather unit of the swather from Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a side sectional view of a part of the rake unit from Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 a perspective view of a receiving device of the rake unit from Fig.2 ; Fig. 5 a perspective view of a part of the rake unit from Fig.2 ; Fig. 6A, 6B Side views of part of the rake unit from Fig.2 ; and Fig. 7 a perspective view of part of a hold-down device of the rake unit from Fig. 2 .

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a swather 1 according to the invention, which is intended to be pulled by a tractor (not shown here). The swather 1 has a main frame 2, which can be supported on a ground 70 via two wheels of a chassis 4. In addition, the main frame 2 has a drawbar 3 pointing forward in a direction of travel F and extending along a longitudinal axis X, via which it is coupled to the tractor. Two side booms 5 extend parallel to a transverse axis Y on both sides of the main frame 2, each of which has a swather unit 8 arranged on it. The two swather units 8 and their connection to the main frame 2 are identical or mirror-symmetrical, which is why only one swather unit 8 will be considered below.

[0042] The swather unit 8 has a pickup device 10 and a transverse conveyor device 30 arranged behind it with respect to the longitudinal axis X. When the swather 1 is pulled in the direction of travel F, the pickup device 10 picks up crop from the ground 70 and transfers it to the transverse conveyor device 30. The transverse conveyor device 30 has a transverse conveyor frame 31 and a conveyor belt 32 that can be driven in rotation thereon. The crop is picked up on a conveyor surface 36, conveyed sideways with respect to the transverse axis Y by the conveyor belt 32, and deposited in swaths on the ground 70. Fig. 1 shows a configuration of the swather 1 which is intended for depositing the crop inwards, i.e. towards the central plane of the swather 1. The two swather units 8 are clearly spaced apart along the transverse axis Y and the conveyor belts 32 are operated in such a way that they each convey the crop towards the center. In an alternative working configuration not shown here, the swather units 8 can be adjusted towards the center on the side booms 5 so that they are arranged directly adjacent to one another. The swather unit 8 is movably suspended relative to the main frame 2 in a manner not fully explained here. As can be seen in Figs. 5A and 5B, the cross conveyor frame 31 is connected via an upper link actuator 61, two lower links 62 and two lower link actuators 63 to a suspension frame 6, which in turn is arranged on the side boom 5.In particular, the rake unit 8 is height-adjustable and can scan and follow the profile of the ground 70 via ground guide elements 39.

[0043] The pickup device 10 has a pickup rotor 11 which is driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation A and is guided along the ground 70 close to the ground, as well as a transfer rotor 14 which is driven to rotate in the same direction about a second axis of rotation B and which is offset rearwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis X and upwardly with respect to a vertical axis Z relative to the pickup rotor 11. In the figures, the axes of rotation A, B run parallel to the transverse axis Y, which corresponds to the orientation on a flat, horizontally oriented ground 70. Due to the aforementioned mobility of the rake unit 8, the orientation of the axes of rotation A, B can temporarily differ from the transverse axis Y, but normally by a particularly small angle of at most 20°.It is also possible for not only the rake unit 8 to be movable as a whole, but also for the receiving device 10 to be divided along the transverse axis Y into two sub-units that can tilt against each other to adapt to uneven ground. In this case, each of the rotation axes in the two sub-units can run differently, although this typically also results in deviations of less than 20°.

[0044] The function of the pickup device 10 is to pick up crop from the ground 70 and transfer it to the cross conveyor device 30. More precisely, the pickup rotor 11 picks up the crop and transfers it to the transfer rotor 14, which in turn transfers it to the cross conveyor device 30. The pickup rotor 11 has a plurality of pickup tines 12, which in this case are formed from spring wire. They are mounted on a Fig. 2 visible rotor core 13. As for example in Fig. 4 and 5 As can be seen, the receiving tines 12 are grouped in a plurality of tine rings spaced along the transverse axis Y. The transfer rotor 14 has a plurality of transfer tines 15, which can be formed by segments made of sheet metal or plastic. These are also grouped in tine rings and arranged on a rotor core 16. Fig. 1 For reasons of clarity, only the cylindrical movement areas C, D are shown instead of the respective tines 12, 15. As can be seen from Fig. 3 As can be seen, a first movement range C of the receiving tines 12 overlaps in the direction of the transverse axis Y (which is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in Fig. 3 runs) with a second movement range D of the transfer tines 15. This is made possible by the fact that the transfer tines 15 are arranged offset in the direction of the transverse axis Y relative to the receiving tines 12 and can thus engage in the spaces between the respective receiving tines 12. This fact is particularly evident from Fig. 4 out.

[0045] The receiving device 10 further comprises a stripping device 20 formed from metallic stripping elements 21, 22. The stripping device 20 defines receiving tine stripping sections 23 arranged along the transverse axis Y between the receiving tines 12, as well as transfer tine stripping sections 24 arranged along the transverse axis Y between the transfer tines 15. In this embodiment, the respective receiving tine stripping section 23 is essentially formed by a first stripping element 21, while the respective transfer tine stripping section 24 is essentially formed by a second stripping element 22, each of which adjoins a first stripping element 21 almost seamlessly. However, other configurations would also be possible. The receiving tines 12 each move through receiving tine spaces 25 which are formed between two receiving tine scraper sections 23.The transfer tines 15 move through transfer tine spaces 26, which are formed between two transfer tine stripper sections 24. In each case, a receiving tine space 25 merges into a transfer tine space 26 in a transition region 27. During their rotational movement, the receiving tines 12 retract to an inner side of the stripping device 20 in the transition region 27, while the transfer tines 15 move from the inner side of the stripping device 20 to the outer side in the transition region 27. At the transition region 27, the stripping device 20 has a leading edge 28, which delimits the receiving tine space 25. This leading edge 28 is inclined relative to a rotation plane perpendicular to the first rotation axis A of the receiving rotor 11 in the direction of the adjacent transfer tine space 26 towards the rotation axis A.Thus, crop material located between the receiving tine 12, which dips to the inside, and the leading edge 28 is directed laterally toward the transfer tine gap 26 and thus toward the transfer rotor 14. In a dipping area 29, which is arranged rearward of the stripping device 20 with respect to the longitudinal axis X, the transfer tines 15 retract again between the transfer tine stripper sections 24.

[0046] Since the transfer rotor 14 is at least partially arranged higher than the pickup rotor 11, the crop is lifted in two stages relative to the vertical axis Z. The crop, which lies on the ground 70 in a certain thickness, is first grasped by the pickup tines 12 and conveyed upwards and partially backwards along the longitudinal axis X. It is partly stripped off by the stripping device 20, but partly it is also taken over directly by the transfer tines 15 of the transfer rotor 14. In any case, the crop is ultimately taken over by the transfer rotor 14, which in turn lifts the crop relative to the vertical axis Z and conveys it backwards relative to the longitudinal axis X.Overall, the crop can be brought to a comparatively great height above the ground 70, while the pickup rotor 11 is comparatively small, with the movement range C of a pickup tine 12 having, for example, a diameter of 60 cm. This in turn results in the pickup tines 12 grasping the crop in a movement phase in which they are already moving predominantly upwards and not primarily forwards in the direction of travel F. This at least largely prevents the pickup rotor 11 from hurling the crop forwards or merely pushing it in front of it. The overall high conveying height thus achieved is in turn advantageous for transferring the crop to the cross conveyor device 30. The conveying height is also achieved by arranging the transfer rotor at least partially above the conveying surface 36.

[0047] As from Fig. 2 , 3 and 4As can be seen, the conveyor belt 32 has a flexible belt body 33 and a plurality of rigid conveyor bars 34 that are connected to the belt body 33. In this exemplary embodiment, the conveyor bars 34 partially project forward beyond the belt body and form a frontmost point 38 of the conveyor belt 32 with respect to the longitudinal axis X. This point is arranged above a side plate 35, which is rigidly connected to the cross conveyor frame 31 and is partially arranged below the belt body 33 and supports it. Since crops in this area are also caught by the conveyor bars 34, this area - together with the belt body 33 - forms part of the conveying surface 36. As in Fig.3 As can be seen, a normal line N, which runs perpendicular to a central region 37 of the conveying surface 36 and through the foremost point 38, intersects the movement range D of the transfer tines 15. In addition, a tangential line T to the movement range D, which runs through the foremost point 38, is inclined by a first angle α of approximately 87° with respect to a horizontal plane E. This first angle α is measured starting from the horizontal plane E in the direction of rotation of the transfer rotor 14. Both the arrangement of the normal line N and the steep inclination of the tangential line T are indications that the crop can be carried relatively far by the transfer tines 15 and yet is safely picked up on the conveying surface 36. A further aspect in this context is that the immersion area 29 is offset by approximately 93° with respect to a point P of the movement range D which is the highest point with respect to the vertical axis Z.This immersion area 29, in which any crop still adhering to the transfer tines 15 is finally stripped off, is arranged vertically above the conveying surface 36. This means that even this crop normally lands reliably on the conveying surface 36. It is thrown off and not simply pushed or pressed onto the conveying surface 36. Throwing off reduces the risk of damage compared to pushing or shoving.

[0048] Within the scope of a method according to the invention, various operating parameters of the swather unit 8 can be adjusted to optimize the distribution of the crop on the conveying surface 36. The primary goal is to ensure that the crop is at least partially discharged onto the central area 37. A uniform distribution of the crop on the conveying surface 36 is also desirable to prevent accumulation, which could potentially lead to damage to the crop. The current distribution can be recorded via a sensor 58, in this case a camera. Various options for adjusting operating parameters are available, which are explained below.

[0049] Both the speed of the pickup rotor 11 and that of the transfer rotor 14 can be adjusted independently of one another. The speed of the pickup rotor 11 can be adjusted, in particular, depending on the travel speed of the swather 1 as well as the quantity and, if applicable, nature of the crop on the ground 70. The speed of the pickup rotor 11 normally results in a sensible minimum speed of the transfer rotor 14, which is necessary to transport the received crop quickly enough. Furthermore, the speed of the transfer rotor 14 can be selected depending on other factors, in particular to influence the distribution of the crop on the conveying surface 36. It can be selected such that the crop can partially detach from the transfer rotor 14 due to centrifugal force and is thus not simply stripped off, but thrown or hurled.In this way, the crop does not simply fall down, where it would land on an area of ​​the conveying surface 36 adjacent to the receiving device 10, i.e., near the foremost point 38. Rather, the crop is also, and particularly preferably, thrown predominantly toward the central area 37 of the conveying surface 36 and also partially toward the end opposite the receiving device 10. In general, the distribution of the crop shifts further rearward relative to the longitudinal axis X when the speed of the transfer rotor 14 is increased.

[0050] In order to prevent the crop from moving too far backwards relative to the longitudinal axis X, the conveying surface 36 is inclined forwards relative to the horizontal plane E in the direction of the receiving device 10, wherein the swather unit 8 has a baffle plate 60 as an additional measure at the rear of the transverse conveying device 30. As can be seen from Fig. 6A und 6B As can be seen, a second angle β of the conveying surface 36 relative to the horizontal plane E can be adjusted by controlling the upper link actuator 61 and the lower link actuators 63 differently. Fig. 6A shows a second angle β of about 22°, while Fig. 6B an inclination angle of approximately 17°. In Fig. 6B are compared to Fig. 6A the upper link actuator 61 is retracted and the lower link actuators 63 are extended, whereby the lower links 62 pivot downwards. The larger second angle β in Fig. 6A qualitatively leads to the distribution of the crop being shifted forward in the direction of travel F.

[0051] To support the efficient collection and conveying of the crop, the swather unit 8 also has a crop press 40. This is connected to the cross conveyor frame 31 via a crop press support 55. Fig. 1 The hold-down device 40 and the hold-down device carrier 55 are shown only schematically, while their exact structure Fig. 2 , 3 and 7The hold-down device 40 has a hold-down roller 41 which is rotatably mounted on a roller carrier 42, which in turn is connected to the hold-down carrier 55 via an intermediate element 44. The position of the roller carrier 42 on the hold-down carrier 55 can be changed. For this purpose, a first adjustment guide 44 is provided, which consists of an elongated hole in the roller carrier 42 and a screw passed through this hole and connected to the intermediate element 43. By loosening the screw, the roller carrier 42 can be pivoted relative to the intermediate element 43, whereby the position of the hold-down roller 41 can essentially be changed in the direction of the longitudinal axis X before the screw is tightened again. The intermediate element 43, together with the roller carrier 42 and the hold-down roller 41, can be adjusted in height via a second adjustment guide 45.The hold-down roller 41 ensures, on the one hand, that the crop cannot pile up too high in front of the pickup rotor 11. On the other hand, it acts as a counter-holder for crop already collected by the pickup rotor 11. Above and behind the hold-down roller, with respect to the longitudinal axis X, is a guide cover 46, which is designed as a guide plate. The guide cover 46 is impermeable to crop and defines a conveying channel 18 between itself and the rotors 11, 14. It prevents crop from detaching prematurely from one of the rotors 11, 14.

[0052] The guide cover 46 is also adjustably connected to the hold-down device carrier 55, for which third adjustment guides 47 are provided. Finally, the hold-down device carrier 55, together with the hold-down device 40, can be pivoted about a pivot axis G relative to the cross conveyor frame 31. Its pivot position can be influenced via a hydraulic cylinder 56. This allows, for example, adaptation to the current crop quantity or condition. The range of movement of the hold-down device carrier 55 can be adjusted via a pivot limiter 57, which is arranged between the hold-down device carrier 55 and the cross conveyor frame 31. The width of the conveyor channel 18 can be influenced both by adjusting the pivot position of the hold-down device carrier 55 and the associated change in the position of the hold-down device 40 as a whole, and by adjusting the position, in particular the vertical position, of the guide cover 46.This can also influence the distribution of the crop on the conveyor surface 36.

[0053] Connected to the guide cover 46 are a plurality of guide tines 48, which extend rearward relative to the longitudinal axis X. They can be made of wire, for example, spring wire. They are arranged as a whole on a tine carrier 49, which can be pivoted relative to the guide cover about a pivot axis H running parallel to the transverse axis Y. This is achieved by fourth adjustment guides 50. By changing the inclination of the guide tines 48 relative to the horizontal plane E, the throwing distance of the crop can be significantly influenced. Fig. 2 A solid line represents a minimum inclination, which produces the shortest throwing distance with all other parameters remaining the same, and a dotted line represents a maximum inclination, which results in a maximum throwing distance. The appropriate setting depends on various parameters, in particular the speed of the transfer rotor 14 and the nature of the crop. The inclination can be adjusted to influence the distribution of the crop on the conveying surface 36.

[0054] Due to their parallel, elongated structure, which is Fig. 7 As can be clearly seen, the guide tines not only limit the trajectory of the crop with respect to the vertical axis Z, but they also influence the movement of the crop along the transverse axis Y. In Fig. 6Each guide tine 48 is arranged parallel to a longitudinal plane spanned by the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Y. However, its inclination in the direction of the transverse axis Y can be changed. In the embodiment shown here, two adjacent guide tines 48 are connected to one another in one piece and fastened to the tine carrier 49 via a hose clamp 51. The hose clamp 51 can be pivoted about a pivot axis I. Each guide tine 48 is guided on the one hand through an elongated hole 52 formed on the tine carrier 49 and extending parallel to the transverse axis Y, and on the other hand through a hole (not visible in the figures) in an adjusting plate 53 which can be locked to the tine carrier 49 via screws. By moving the adjusting plate 53 parallel to the transverse axis Y, the inclination of a plurality of pairs of guide tines 48 can be adjusted simultaneously.The inclination can be adjusted to the currently selected conveying direction of the cross conveyor device 30. This means that if the cross conveyor device 30 is currently conveying to the left in the direction of travel F, the inclination of the guide tines 48 is adjusted so that their tips shift to the left. In this way, the crop receives a speed component in the intended direction even before reaching the conveying surface 36, which supports and accelerates its transport by the cross conveyor device 30. In any case, the inclination of the guide tines 8 to the transverse axis Y influences the distribution of the crop on the conveying surface 36.

[0055] A further possibility for influencing the distribution of the crop on the conveying surface 36 is to adjust a conveying speed of the conveyor belt 32. If the conveyor belt 32 moves faster, the crop is transported sideways correspondingly faster, which reduces the risk of crop accumulating or piling up on the conveying surface 36, particularly with large quantities of crop.

Claims

1. Swather (1) comprising at least one pick-up device (10) which has a pick-up rotor (11) and a transfer rotor (14), which can be driven in the same direction about rotation axes (A, B) extending at least predominantly along a transverse axis (Y), the pick-up rotor (11) being designed to pick up agricultural crop from the ground (70) by means of pick-up tines (12), to raise the crop with respect to a vertical axis (Z) and to transfer the crop to the transfer rotor (14), which is arranged at least partially higher than the pick-up rotor (11) and is designed to receive the crop by means of transfer tines (15), to raise the crop at least initially with respect to the vertical axis (Z) and to transfer the crop to a downstream, transverse conveying device (30) which is arranged at least partially behind the pick-up device (10) with respect to a longitudinal axis (X) and is designed to receive the crop transferred by the transfer rotor (14) on a conveying surface (36), to convey the crop by means of a conveying element (32) along the transverse axis (Y) and to deposit the crop in swaths on the ground (70), the transfer rotor (14) being designed to dispense the crop at least partially above the conveying surface (36) with respect to the vertical axis (Z) and to drop the crop onto the conveying surface, characterized in that in at least one working position of the swather (1), a normal line (N), which extends perpendicularly to a central region (37) of the conveying surface with respect to the longitudinal axis (X) and through a foremost point (38) of the conveying element (32) with respect to the longitudinal axis (X), at least touches a movement region (D) of the transfer tines (15).

2. Swather according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer tines (15) engage between the pick-up tines (12) in such a way that the movement regions (C, D) of the transfer tines (15) and of the pick-up tines (12) overlap, as seen along the transverse axis (Y).

3. Swather according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pick-up device (10) has a stripping device (20) comprising pick-up tine stripper portions (23) and pick-up tine gaps (25) formed therebetween with respect to the transverse axis (Y), through which the pick-up tines (12) at least partially protrude, and transfer tine stripper portions (24) and transfer tine gaps (26) formed therebetween, through which the transfer tines (15) at least partially protrude, the transfer tine stripper portions (24) being designed in such a way that the transfer tines (15) are immersed between them in accordance with a rotation of the transfer rotor (14).

4. Swather according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that an immersion region (29), in which the transfer tines (15) are completely immersed between the transfer tine stripper portions (24), is arranged vertically above the conveying surface (36) in at least one working position of the swather (1).

5. Swather according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the immersion region (29) is offset with respect to a rotation axis (B) of the transfer rotor (14) by more than 70° relative to an uppermost point (P) of the movement region (D) of the transfer tines (15).

6. Swather according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in at least one working position of the swather (1), a tangential line (T) to the movement region (D) of the transfer tines (15), which extends through a foremost point (38) of the conveying element (32) with respect to the longitudinal axis (X), encloses a first angle (α) with a horizontal plane, which is at least 60°, measured from the horizontal plane in the direction of rotation of the transfer rotor (14).

7. Method for operating a swather according to the preamble of claim 1 or any of the preceding claims, the swather (1) comprising at least one swather unit (8) which has the pick-up device (10) and the transverse conveying device (30), characterized in that at least one operating parameter of the swather unit (8) is adjusted in order to influence a distribution of the crop on the conveying surface (36).

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the distribution of the crop is detected by at least one sensor (58), and the at least one operating parameter is adjusted depending on the detected distribution.

9. Method according to either claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that the at least one parameter is adjusted to ensure that the crop is at least partially deposited in a central region (37) of the conveying surface (36) with respect to the longitudinal axis (X).

10. Method according to any of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that a speed of the transfer rotor (14) is adjusted in order to influence the distribution.

11. Method according to any of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that a second angle (β), by which at least the central region (37) of the conveying surface (36) is tilted toward the pick-up device (10) relative to the horizontal plane, is adjusted in order to influence the distribution.

12. Method according to any of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the swather unit has a hold-down device (40), at least one position of the hold-down device (40) relative to the rotors (11, 14) being adjusted in order to influence the distribution.

13. Method according to any of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the hold-down device (40) has a rotatable hold-down roller (41) arranged at least partially in front of the pick-up rotor (11) with respect to the longitudinal axis (X), and a guide cover (46) which is arranged at least partially behind it with respect to the longitudinal axis (X) and defines a conveying channel (18) for the crop between itself and at least one of the rotors (11, 14), a position of the guide cover being adjusted and the geometry of the conveying channel (18) being changed as a result, in order to influence the distribution.

14. Method according to any of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that a vertical position of the guide cover (46) is adjusted in order to influence the distribution.

15. Method according to any of the preceding claims 7 to 14, characterized in that the swather unit has a plurality of guide tines (48) which extend along the longitudinal axis (X) and direct the crop dispensed by the transfer rotor (14) in the direction of the transverse conveyor device (30), an inclination of the guide tines (48) relative to the longitudinal axis (X) in the direction of the transverse axis (Y) and / or an inclination of the guide tines (48) relative to the longitudinal axis (X) in the direction of the vertical axis (Z) being adjusted in order to influence the distribution.