FIBROUS PLANT PROCESSING MACHINE

Abstract

The invention relates to a processing machine for fibrous plants, particularly hemp or flax. The processing machine comprises a self-propelled vehicle with a chassis on which are mounted a first and a second rear wheel positioned at substantially equal or different positions in the axial direction and at different and spaced positions in the lateral direction, and a front wheel positioned in a lateral direction substantially the same as the first rear wheel, wherein the front wheel is designed to pivot. The processing machine also includes a processing unit for collecting and transporting the fibrous plants. The vehicle's drive system is adapted to drive the first and second rear wheels independently of each other in order to improve the vehicle's handling characteristics on uneven terrain. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: MACHINE FOR PROCESSING FIBROUS PLANTS

[0001] The invention relates to a processing machine for processing fibrous plants, such as hemp or flax.

[0002] Flax, particularly textile flax, is a plant cultivated for the manufacture of linen cloth, among other things. The flax plant is generally between 80 and 120 cm tall and is harvested by pulling it from the ground. The harvested flax plant is not immediately separated from the ground. The flax is first laid flat on the ground in long rows, also called "windrows", with the stems of the harvested flax plants extending substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the windrows. This laying of the flax flat on the ground so as to form said windrows is also called "pulling" or "harvesting". When laying the flax plants in rows or windrows, a space is left between adjacent rows. These spaces are provided to prevent the windrows from tangling.

[0003] Flax plants harvested and placed flat on the ground will then rot under the influence of a combination of dew, rain and sun. Rotting flax by leaving the flax plants on the ground (i.e. in the field) for a certain period of time (about 2 weeks, depending of course on weather conditions (humidity, sunshine, etc.)) is called retting. To achieve even rotting and prevent fiber rot, flax laid flat in strips on the ground must be turned regularly. This turning of the flax laid flat on the ground is also called "returning". Returning flax is carried out with a special machine for flax processing.Such a machine is known as a (flax) turning machine or turning machine and typically comprises a pivoting support beam at the free end of which is provided a rotating pickup drum with which the lying flax is picked up, a turning conveyor for simultaneously transporting and turning the picked flax and a depositing drum with which the picked, transported and turned flax is laid flat on the ground. During turning, the flax may optionally be destemmed, which is called "destemming". The seed capsules are removed from the flax stalks. Once sufficient retting has taken place, the flax is picked up and, if necessary, wound and pressed for further processing. The flax is picked up and wound using winders or winding machines. A winder usually has a pivoting support beam and a rotating pickup drum similar to the turning machine, but has a conveyor that transports the . flax picked only from the rear of the vehicle without turning the flax. A winding mechanism is also provided to wind the flax and place the (rolled) flax on the ground.

[0004] The above-described turning machines and winding machines are available in many different designs and types. For a certain type of turning machines and winding machines, it is a self-propelled vehicle which is equipped with its own drive to be able to move self-propelled on the ground.

[0005] In some flax turning machines and winding machines, two or more wheels of the vehicle are driven by a drive system consisting of an internal combustion engine coupled to a gearbox, a drive shaft and a differential. The wheels are driven simultaneously in the same manner, which sometimes leads to reduced driving performance on difficult terrain, for example on marshy or sloping terrain or on terrain with relatively large gradients. For example, in marshy conditions, one of the wheels may slip, resulting in a loss of torque and the machine stopping.

[0006] Furthermore, vehicles are known in which the torque on the rear wheels can be adjusted in two or three discrete steps. However, this possibility of adaptation offers an insufficient opportunity to sufficiently improve the driving characteristics of the vehicle, in particular when traveling on uneven and / or marshy terrain.

[0007] In some types of turning or winding machines, the vehicle is a tricycle (i.e., a vehicle with exactly three driving wheels). Tricycles are not very stable in themselves, but in the case of turning or winding machines in which a relatively heavy support beam and a rotating pickup drum are located next to the front wheel, stability can sometimes leave something to be desired.

[0008] In known turning or winding machines, the weight distribution over the front wheel and the two rear wheels is sometimes not optimal, partly due to the relatively high construction of the support beam and the pick-up drum and the position of the motor drive. This has a negative effect on the driving characteristics of the vehicle, especially in the case of relatively large ground inclination angles and large unevenness.

[0009] An object of the invention is to provide an improved processing machine for processing fibrous plants, in which one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art are at least partially avoided.

[0010] It is a further object to provide a processing machine with improved drive properties and / or with compact dimensions and / or low weight and / or improved damping properties.

[0011] Finally, an object is to provide a processing machine which can be controlled and operated relatively easily and comfortably by a driver.

[0012] At least one of these objects and / or others are achieved at least in part in a processing machine for processing fibrous plants, in particular hemp or flax, the processing machine comprising: - a self-propelled vehicle, comprising a chassis on which are mounted:

[0013] a first and a second rear wheel positioned at substantially equal or different positions in the axial direction and at different and spaced positions in the lateral direction, the lateral direction extending transversely to the axial direction, and a front wheel positioned in a position in the lateral direction substantially the same as the first rear wheel, the front wheel being designed to pivot; - a processing installation for collecting and transporting fibrous plants;

[0014] the self-propelled vehicle further comprising a drive which is adapted to drive the first and second rear wheels independently of each other, wherein the drive comprises a hydraulic pump unit driven by a power source to which are connected: - a first drive unit coupled to the first drive wheel for driving the first rear wheel; - a second drive unit coupled to the second drive wheel, intended to drive the second rear wheel; the drive being further adapted to vary independently of each other and substantially continuously the torque transmitted by the first drive unit to the first rear wheel and the torque transmitted by the second drive unit to the second rear wheel.

[0015] The first and second drive units can therefore be adapted to vary independently of each other and continuously the torque transmitted by the first drive unit to the first rear wheel and the torque transmitted by the second drive unit to the second rear wheel. The variation here can be equivalent to transferring more or less torque to the individual rear wheels, which in a particular type of drive is achieved, for example, by controlling the displacement (stroke volume) and the adjustment plate of the drive.

[0016] For example, the first and second drive elements may be powered individually so that the first rear wheel is driven in a different manner than the second rear wheel. In this way, the vehicle may be better moved on the ground, which allows better consideration of the slope of the terrain (especially in mountainous areas) and the high speed at which the machine moves.

[0017] In other embodiments, not only the rear wheels are equipped with a drive unit, but the front wheel of the vehicle is also equipped with a (third) drive unit, the third drive unit preferably being of the same type as the first and second drive units.

[0018] The drive units may, for example, comprise hydraulic motors. In this case, hydraulic energy is converted into mechanical energy to rotate the wheels. The hydraulic motors are driven via hydraulic fluid from a closed hydraulic circuit. Different types of hydraulic motors may be used. In some embodiments, the hydraulic motors are of the bent-axis piston motor type, preferably of a type in which the shaft angle is continuously variable (i.e., a variable displacement bent-axis piston motor). The displacement of these motors may be adjusted by tilting the drive plate provided therein to a greater or lesser extent or, preferably, by varying the angle between the longitudinal direction of the pistons and the longitudinal direction of the driven shaft.For this purpose, adjusting means may be provided for adjusting the angle between the direction of movement of the pistons and the longitudinal direction of the driven shaft. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, each of the hydraulic rear wheel drive motors is constituted by a variable displacement crankshaft piston motor. The adjusting means are further preferably designed to allow continuous angle adjustment and / or angle adjustment over a relatively large angular range (such as an angular range of about 0-40 degrees, (0 < a < 400). Such motors are capable of generating a high speed; in conjunction with a planetary final drive, this generates a relatively high torque.In some embodiments, the adjustment means may comprise a hydraulic adjustment mechanism, an electric adjustment mechanism, or a hydraulically operated electric adjustment mechanism, with which the position (angle) can be adjusted.

[0019] In embodiments of the invention, the power source is adapted to generate rotation, for example rotation of a shaft that drives the hydraulic pump unit. The hydraulic pump unit is in turn adapted to pressurize and circulate the hydraulic fluid in the closed hydraulic circuit. The power source may be a combustion engine such as a diesel engine, but an electric motor for driving the hydraulic pump is also possible. The hydraulic pump may be, for example, an axial piston pump. The axial piston pump may be of the variable displacement type (e.g., axial piston pumps with an adjustable drive plate, in particular an axial piston pump). closed variable circuit). The adjustment of the stroke volume is carried out by an adjustment means, for example formed by a hydraulic and / or electric actuator, preferably by an electrical adjustment.

[0020] The first and second hydraulic drive motors may be integrated with the first and second rear wheels, respectively, for example in that the first and second hydraulic drive motors are mounted on the inner side, facing the chassis, of the first and second rear wheels, respectively. This arrangement provides a compact, simple and robust construction, while it remains possible to regulate the torque transmitted to the rear wheels individually for each rear wheel.

[0021] Incidentally, in some embodiments, the processing machine comprises steering means for steering the rear wheels (coordinated with the front wheel). These steering means may for example comprise hydraulic actuators which are coupled to said hydraulic unit or to one of the other hydraulic units described below (such as open circuit pumps known per se).

[0022] In some embodiments, a separate transmission mechanism is also provided for each rear wheel, for example, a separate transmission per wheel (gear box), in particular a planetary transmission, also called a planetary gear (i.e., an "epicyclic gear" or "planetary gear"). For example, the processing machine may include a first and a second transmission mechanism, the transmission mechanisms being coupled, respectively, to (the driven shaft of) the first and second hydraulic drive motors, for transferring with a selected gear ratio the rotation of the first and second drive motors, respectively to the first and second rear wheel.Preferably, the first and second transmission mechanisms are integrated with the first and second rear wheels, respectively, and even more preferably, integrated with the respective rear wheel and the associated drive motor. A transmission mechanism may be attached to at least one side of a rear wheel. In an advantageous embodiment, however, the first and second transmission mechanisms are mounted on the outer side relative to the chassis of the first and second rear wheels, respectively, while the first and second drive motors are mounted on the opposite outer side of the first and second rear wheels. This allows for an extremely compact and relatively simple drive with uniform weight distribution.

[0023] Uniform weight distribution may also be promoted by special placement of the power source, the pump unit, or a combination of the power source and the pump unit. In the latter case, for example, the unit pump may be attached to the power source to form a combined power source pump unit. The positioning of the power source in particular is preferably substantially central in a lateral direction relative to the chassis and preferably central between the rear wheels.

[0024] By mounting the power source and the pump unit substantially centrally with respect to the chassis, a better weight distribution on the vehicle can be achieved, so that the driving characteristics are exceptionally good. Incidentally, when reference is made to "substantially", this means that the majority of the mass of the drive is placed centrally between the rear wheels. The less heavy parts of the variator can optionally be placed in one or more other locations. Certainly, in the case where the power source is a relatively heavy combustion engine, it is advantageous to fix it to the chassis in an optimal position, preferably as low as possible and / or as close as possible to the axial axis of the vehicle, in order to achieve an optimal weight distribution of the vehicle.

[0025] More generally, both the power source and the pumping unit are preferably mounted as low as possible on the chassis in order to limit the vehicle's bulk and to keep the vehicle's center of gravity low. The latter point benefits the vehicle's driving characteristics.

[0026] The processing installation of the processing machine may in particular comprise a pivoting support unit mounted at the rear of the chassis and extending forward, in particular a pivoting support beam, a rotatable picking-up element arranged at the free end of the pivoting support unit for picking up the harvested fibrous plants placed on the ground, as well as a conveyor for transporting the picked fibrous plants from the picking-up element in the axial direction to the rear of the self-propelled vehicle. One or more parts of the processing installation, such as - but not limited to - an actuator for pivoting the support unit (support beam) in the upward and downward direction and a drive motor for driving the conveyor, may be in communication with the hydraulic pump unit.In such embodiments, the actuator and the drive motor may form a hydraulic actuator and a hydraulic drive motor, respectively.

[0027] The power source may also be connected to one or more further pump units. An example of such an additional pump unit is the pump unit which is connected to the front wheel pivot actuator (i.e. a rotary actuator) and / or to a spring structure of the wheel suspension of the front wheel of the machine. The latter spring construction may comprise a hydraulic cylinder (and one or more accumulators) connected to another pump unit. By realizing both the suspension of the front wheel and the steering (pivoting) of the front wheel hydraulically, a compact construction can be achieved. An additional advantage is that the driver's cab can be installed lower, as will be explained later.

[0028] The processing machine may further comprise an inertial reference system mounted on the self-propelled vehicle, adapted to measure the position of the self-propelled vehicle relative to a reference direction, in particular the direction of gravity, and deliver a measurement signal representative of the measured position of the vehicle. In addition, a control unit coupled to the inertial reference system and to the drive may be provided which is adapted to individually vary the drive of the first and second rear wheels as a function of the delivered measurement signal which is representative of the measured position of the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle is traveling on a steep slope and / or when a turn has to be made, the unit may intervene to ensure the stability of the vehicle.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a processing machine for processing fibrous plants, in particular hemp or flax (preferably a processing machine of the type described above), comprising a self-propelled vehicle, comprising a chassis on which is mounted a first and a second rear wheel positioned in substantially equal or different positions in the axial direction and in different and spaced positions in the lateral direction, the lateral direction extending transversely to the axial direction, and a front wheel positioned in substantially the same position in the lateral direction as the first rear wheel, in which the front wheel is adapted to be pivotable, as well as a processing installation for collecting and transporting the fibrous plants. The chassis comprises: - a first chassis part on which at least the rear wheels and the treatment installation are fixed; and - a second chassis part pivotally attached to the first chassis part to which at least the pivoting front wheel is attached, at least one hinge being provided between the first and second chassis parts and the at least one hinge being located at a substantially central position between the front wheel and the first rear wheel.

[0030] The hinge can be exactly halfway between the rear wheels and the front wheel so that the hinge point is in the middle, but another position is also possible. A spring element, whether or not provided with a shock absorber, is preferably arranged between the first and second chassis parts. In a preferred embodiment, the spring element is designed as a hydraulic spring element, for example formed by one or more hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic spring element is further preferably in communication with the aforementioned other hydraulic pump. This allows the spring characteristics of the suspension to be adjusted easily and quickly. In other embodiments, however, the spring element is designed as a mechanical spring, whether or not provided with a shock absorber, and / or as a pneumatic spring (e.g. a bellows).

[0031] The second frame portion is pivotable about one or more hinges. The hinges define a horizontal pivot axis (i.e., a horizontal pivot axis when the vehicle is installed on a flat surface), such that the second frame portion is pivotable in an upward and downward direction relative to the first frame portion. The second frame portion is preferably an elongate arm, which extends in the axial direction of the vehicle and is pivotably attached to the first frame portion in the upward and downward directions. In this case, the hinge is located at a first end of the arm and the pivoting front wheel is located at the opposite second end of the arm.

[0032] According to the above aspect of the invention, a construction (also referred to herein as a "vertical swing" chassis) is obtained with a number of important advantages. Firstly, due to the central placement of the hinges and the associated long length of the second chassis part, the construction offers a high spring travel, which is advantageous in particular on uneven terrain. The construction offers good driving characteristics, in particular with relatively large ground irregularities. The construction also offers good suspension of the driver's cab, which is mounted on the second (front) chassis part. In addition, the construction can be of a compact design, certainly more compact than the usual wheel suspensions in such machines. The construction is furthermore relatively narrow and offers better visibility for the operator who is seated in the driver's cab.The construction contains relatively few moving parts and therefore requires relatively little maintenance.

[0033] The pivoting of the pivoting front wheel (i.e. the steering of the vehicle) can be achieved by a rotary actuator provided between the second part of the chassis and (the support of) the front wheel. This rotary actuator can be of the hydraulic type, for example a hydraulic actuator, more particularly a hydraulic cylinder or a rotary hydraulic actuator, which is connected to one of the other hydraulic pump units.

[0034] It has already been mentioned above that in some embodiments, the self-propelled vehicle comprises a driver's cab positioned at a position between the first rear wheel and the front wheel. The driver's cab extends above the second chassis portion and is supported on the first chassis portion. This driver's cab may be arranged so that the processing machine is controlled by a driver, the control of the processing machine comprising at least one of the control of the rear wheel drive, the control of the pivot actuator, the control of the picking and turning installation and the control of the picking and winding installation.

[0035] The driver's cab is positioned at a position between the first rear wheel and the front wheel, preferably at a lateral position substantially equal to the first rear wheel. The driver's cab can then be positioned next to a rotating picking element so that the driver has a good overview of the progress of the picking process.

[0036] In the embodiments described herein, the vehicle may have two front wheels so that the assembly forms a four-wheeler. However, in a particular embodiment, the self-propelled vehicle is in fact a tricycle. In other words, the vehicle has only two rear wheels and a single front wheel. Since the front wheel is aligned in the axial direction with the first rear wheel, the vehicle is then in particular an asymmetrical tricycle. This asymmetry is reinforced when the support unit extends on the side opposite to that where the front wheel is located. The support unit is then preferably located at a lateral position between the lateral positions of the left and right rear wheels, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, it is possible in principle for the support unit to be aligned (axially) with the lateral position of the second rear wheel.

[0037] In these embodiments of an asymmetrical tricycle, it is advantageous to place the pickup element next to the first front wheel, preferably at the location where the second front wheel would be located in a four-wheeled vehicle. This provides a relatively uniform weight distribution, which has a positive effect on the driving characteristics.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the rotary pickup element is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises a plurality of protruding elements for picking up flax, the protruding elements extending from a common point, and the common point being non-centered relative to a point in the center of the pickup drum.

[0039] The processing machine may be a machine for turning fibers, such as a flax turning machine, or a machine for winding fibers, such as a flax winder. In some embodiments, the processing machine is both a turning machine and a winder, for example when a partially or fully interchangeable processing installation is used.

[0040] In embodiments in which the processing machine is a turning machine for turning harvested fibrous plants placed on the ground, the processing facility comprises a picking and turning facility for picking, turning and depositing fibrous plants. The picking facility and turning may then, for example, comprise the pivoting support unit attached to the rear of the chassis and extending forward, the rotating pick-up element arranged at the free end of the pivoting support unit for picking up the harvested fibrous plants placed on the ground and the conveyor for conveying the picked fibrous plants from the pick-up element in axial direction towards the rear of the vehicle. In this case, the conveyor is designed to turn the collected fibrous plants during transport. The picking and turning installation may further comprise a depositing unit provided at the rear of the vehicle, adapted to deposit the turned fibrous plants on the ground.

[0041] In some embodiments in which the processing installation is a winding machine for winding fibrous plants placed on a ground into a roll, the processing installation comprises a picking and winding installation for picking up, winding and depositing the fibrous plants. The picking and winding installation can then receive the pivoting support unit mounted at the rear of the chassis and extending forward, the rotatable picking element arranged at the free end of the pivoting support unit for picking up the harvested fibrous plants placed on the ground, and the conveyor for transporting the picked fibrous plants from the picking element in the axial direction towards the rear of the self-propelled vehicle. Furthermore, a winding unit can be provided which is adapted to wind the transported fibrous plants into a roll and deposit the fibrous plants arranged in a roll on the ground.

[0042] Other advantages, features and details of the present invention will be elucidated from the following description of certain embodiments thereof. In the description, reference is made to the figures.

[0043] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] shows a left side view of one embodiment of a processing machine, on a floor.

[0044] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows a right side view of the processing machine of [Fig.l], with certain parts removed for clarity of the figure.

[0045] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents an oblique front view of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

[0046] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows a bottom view of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3.

[0047] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] shows a part of the underside of the processing machine of the preceding figures, in particular the power source, the pump unit, the drive units and the drive transmissions of the processing machine.

[0048] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic diagram of the operation of a variable displacement bent-axis piston engine.

[0049] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a basic overview of how a planetary gear works as used in certain embodiments; and

[0050] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of the mutual arrangement of a drive unit, transmission and two rear wheels.

[0051] As mentioned previously, after harvesting the fibrous plants, the pile of harvested fibrous plants is left on the ground for a sufficient time for the microorganisms present in the soil to biologically degrade the fibrous plant until the fibrous plant is sufficiently degraded (i.e., rotten). The degree of biological degradation depends on the conditions in which the fibrous plants are located, such as humidity and the number of hours of sunlight to which the fibrous plants are exposed. These conditions also vary depending on whether the stem portion of the fibrous plant is facing the ground or outwards. Depending on the case, the fibrous plants must therefore be turned or turned more or less frequently.

[0052] [Fig.l] shows an embodiment of a processing machine 1 for processing harvested flax plants. In the embodiment shown, the processing machine 1 comprises a three-wheeled vehicle 2 which drives over a terrain (T) on which there are a number of parallel rows of fibrous plants (RP), only partially shown) of harvested fibrous plants (P). Each row of fibrous plants (RP) comprises a continuous layer of fibrous plant stems which form an elongated mound on the ground (terrain (T)). The stems of the fibrous plants extend substantially parallel to each other and transversely to the longitudinal axis of the row of fibrous plants (RP) and thus transversely to the direction of travel of the processing machine 1.In the embodiment shown, the processing machine 1 is a turning machine, which means that the vehicle 2 is provided with a picking-up and turning installation 3 which is capable of picking up the stems from the continuous layer of fibrous plants in front of the vehicle, then transporting them to the rear of the vehicle and returning them to the ground at the rear of the machine. The path traveled backwards by the stems of the fibrous plants during transport essentially describes a half-spiral so that the stems are turned about 180 degrees backwards. It is clear that the invention is not limited to turning machines. Variants of the invention can also be applied to other processing machines, such as winders and the like.

[0053] Figures 2 to 6 show the embodiment of the processing machine 1 in more detail. The figures show a processing machine 1 comprising a self-propelled vehicle 2 (i.e. a vehicle with its own drive with which it can propel itself over terrain, also referred to herein as a self-propelled vehicle). It is clear to It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that instead of being self-propelled, the vehicle may also be of a type that can be pulled or pushed by another vehicle (not shown).

[0054] A processing installation is arranged on the processing machine 1 for processing fibrous plants lying flat on a ground, such as flax, hemp plants and the like. In the embodiment shown, the processing installation 3 is the above-mentioned picking-up and turning installation 3 of a turning machine, which is specially designed for picking up harvested flax plants lying flat on the ground from the ground, for turning the flax plants and for putting the flax plants back on the ground. Furthermore, it will be clear to the person skilled in the art that the processing machine can also be a winding machine. In a winding machine, the processing installation is a picking-up and winding installation designed for picking up already turned or unturned flax plants, rolling the flax plants into a roll and placing the flax plants arranged in rolls on the ground.Such winding machines are in principle identical to the aforementioned turning machines, except for a slightly different design of the conveyor (after all, in the winding machine, the conveyor only has to transport the fibrous plants, and does not also require the turning of the fibrous plants). In addition, the winding machine will first wind the collected fibrous plants before placing them back on the ground. For the sake of simplicity of description, a separate treatment of a winding machine is therefore omitted in the following description of the figures.

[0055] The self-propelled vehicle 2 comprises a chassis 4 with three wheels, namely a right rear wheel 10, a left rear wheel 11 and a front (right) wheel 12. The chassis 4 is further provided with a driver's cab 15 closed by a window 19. In the embodiment shown, the driver's cab 15 is placed at the front right of the chassis 3, so that the driver (not shown) has an optimal view of the ground in front of the cab (i.e. in the axial direction or direction of travel of the vehicle 2) as well as of a number of crucial parts of the collection and turning installation 3 next to the cab 15.

[0056] The driver can sit in the cabin 15 on a seat with separate springs or not and operate the vehicle 2 and the collection and turning installation 3 using operating means. The operating means can be, for example, a steering wheel for pivoting the front wheel 12, several pedals and / or switches such as one or more joysticks for, for example, controlling the drive of the rear wheels 10 and 11 and / or the brake, a touch screen for adjusting the collection and turning installation 3.

[0057] The drive of the rear wheels 10, 11 comprises a power source in the form of a diesel engine 90 whose rotary output drive shaft 94 is coupled to a hydraulic pump unit 91. The hydraulic pump unit 91 is adapted for pressurize a hydraulic fluid and a hydraulic circuit conveying the fluid. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the diesel engine 90 is located in the lateral, axial and height direction substantially between the front and rear wheels 10, 11. The diesel engine 90 is relatively heavy and such positioning of a relatively heavy part of the drivetrain promotes good driving characteristics of the vehicle: the positioning of the diesel engine 90 allows a lowering of the center of gravity, an even distribution of weight on the left rear wheel and on the right rear wheel and / or a relatively low construction of the vehicle.

[0058] The hydraulic pump unit 91 is located just behind the diesel engine 90 (axially in a direction opposite to the usual direction of travel of the vehicle), so that the pump unit 91 also ensures an even weight distribution on the rear wheels 10, 11. The pump pressure provided by the hydraulic pump unit 91 can optionally be varied by means of adjustment means such as a hydraulic and / or electrical adjustment mechanism. The hydraulic pump unit 91 is connected via the hydraulic circuit to two separate drive units, namely a left drive unit 92 for driving the left rear wheel 11 and a right drive unit 93 for driving the right rear wheel 10.More specifically, the drive units 92, 93 are integrated into the associated rear wheel 10, 11 in such a way that the left drive unit 92 is attached to the inner side (i.e., the side facing the center of the vehicle) of the left rear wheel 11 and the right rear wheel - the manual drive unit 93 is mounted inside the right rear wheel 10. In the embodiment shown, the drive units 92, 93 are formed by axial piston hydraulic motors, but the use of other types of hydraulic motors is also possible.

[0059] The drive units 92, 93 are connected to a common electronic control unit 130 ([Fig. 8]), for example an element known as an "electronic control unit" (ECU), for controlling each of the hydraulic drive motors 101, 101'. The control unit 130 is also connected to first adjustment means 135 for adjusting the hydraulic pump unit 91, for example for adjusting a desired hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic medium in the hydraulic circuit, as well as to second adjustment means 131, 131' for adjusting each of the hydraulic drive motors 92 and 93. The control unit is also connected to the aforementioned control means, such as one or more pedals and / or switches, which are located in the driver's cab.The electronic control unit 130 is also connected to first adjustment means 131, 131' with which the engine torque provided by a hydraulic drive motor 101 or 101' can be adjusted. In embodiments in which the hydraulic drive motors are formed by pin piston motors. variable displacement crankshaft, the adjustment means 131, 131' may be arranged to adjust the angle between the pistons (i.e. the rotating cylinder block in which the pistons reciprocate) and the output (more particularly the output drive element coupled to the transmission mechanism) and thus to adjust the torque delivered by the drive motor and the rotational speed of the output shaft. In some embodiments, the adjustment means 131, 131' may comprise a hydraulic adjustment mechanism and / or an electrical adjustment mechanism with which this position (angle) can be adjusted.

[0060] The electronic control unit 130 is adapted to adjust the torque as desired when driving the relevant rear wheel. For example, the starting torque can be increased when accelerating or decelerating (braking) the vehicle. At continuous speed, said angle can also be modified in order to obtain a more efficient drive.

[0061] Outside each of the wheels 10, 11, the aforementioned transmission mechanism, in particular a reduction mechanism 110, 110' ("gear box"), can be provided to reduce the number of revolutions per unit of time of the respective rear wheel 10, 11 with one or more fixed transmission ratios selectable relative to the number of revolutions per unit of time of the relevant hydraulic drive unit 92, 93.

[0062] In some specific embodiments, the hydraulic drive motor of the hydraulic drive unit 92, 93 comprises a so-called variable displacement crankshaft piston motor 101, 101'. [Fig. 6] schematically shows the operation of such a variable displacement crankshaft piston motor 101, 101'. The hydraulic piston motor 101, 101' comprises a rotatable cylinder block 102 in which a number of cylinders 103 are provided, in which the pistons 104 can be moved back and forth under the influence of a hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid comes from the hydraulic unit 91 and is introduced into the cylinders by means of a slot-shaped inlet 105 and discharged from the cylinders 103 by a slot-shaped outlet 106. The pistons 104 bear on a drive plate 107 (which can be formed by flange on the driven output shaft 108, 108').The pressurized hydraulic fluid introduced into the successive cylinders 103 via the inlet 105 exerts an axial force on the pistons 104 provided therein. The pistons 104 in turn exert a torque on the output shaft. The angle (a) between the direction of movement 109 of the pistons 104 (and thus the axis of the cylinder block, i.e. the axial direction of the cylinder block 102) and the axial direction 112 of the output shaft 108, 108' determines the stroke volume of the drive motor 101, 101'. For a large angle (a) (and thus a large stroke volume), a relatively large torque is applied to the drive shaft 108, 108' at a relatively low revolution speed, while a relatively . low is exerted at a small angle (a) (and therefore a small stroke volume), while the rotational speed is, on the other hand, relatively large.

[0063] The position of the cylinder block 102 and therefore the torque to be transmitted to the drive shaft 108, 108' varies depending on the position of the cylinder block 102. This position can be adjusted with the adjustment means 131, 131' previously described, for example by means of the aforementioned hydraulic and / or electrical adjustment mechanism (for example a hydraulic cylinder).

[0064] [Fig. 7] shows a planetary transmission 110, 110', also referred to herein as a planetary gear transmission. In the specific embodiment illustrated, the planetary transmission 110, 110' comprises a drive shaft (e.g. the aforementioned output shaft 108, 108' of the motor 101, 101'), a rotating sun gear 111 coupled to the drive shaft, a trio of, four, five or more rotating planet gears 113- 116 which are rotatably mounted on a carrier 112 and which carrier is rotatable relative to the drive shaft 108, 108', as well as a rotating planet gear 117. The planet gear 117 forms an outer rim which is connected to another output shaft 120 or a similar coupling which is directly or indirectly coupled to the respective rear wheel (see [Fig. 8]).

[0065] The teeth of the planet gears 113-116 mesh with the teeth of the sun gear 111, while the teeth of the planet gear 117 mesh with the teeth of the planet gears 113-116. The number of planet gears is four, but in other versions there may also be fewer planet gears (two or three) or more planet gears (five or more). The gear ratio of the transmission 110 may be changed to hold some parts and drive another. For example, the sun gear 111 may be driven while the satellite 117 is held, so that the movement is unhooked from the planet carrier 112. This results in a speed reduction (e.g. a reduction of 1:25). The sun gear 111 can be driven while holding the planet carrier 112, the movement being removed from the planet gear 117.The sun gear 111 is then driven by the drive shaft 108, 108' with the planet carrier 112 and the movement is removed from the planet gear 117. This produces a 1:1 transmission. The advantages of such a planetary transmission 110 are that it takes up relatively little space and is therefore easy to build in and that (certainly in relation to the limited dimensions) a relatively large transmission ratio can be achieved.

[0066] [Fig.8] also shows the mutual arrangement of each of the variable displacement crankshaft piston motors 101, 101', the planetary gears 110, 110' and the respective rear wheel 10, 11 in a particular embodiment. In this embodiment, the planetary gear 110, 110' is mounted on the respective inner side of the wheel 10, 11 (i.e. at a lateral position between that of the wheel 10, 11 and the drive motor 101). In other embodiments, the planetary gear 110,110' is mounted outside the wheel 10,11 (thus, the wheel 10,11 being located between the drive motor 101,101' and the planetary gear 110,110'). In this latter embodiment, the drive can be made even more compact (in the lateral direction).

[0067] With the illustrated construction, the two rear wheels 10, 11 can be steered completely independently of each other. In other words, the engine torque transmitted to each of the rear wheels by the respective drive motor can vary over time per rear wheel. The engine torque can be adjusted by the driver via the actuation of the previously described driver's cab controls and the electronic control unit (ECU) and / or by vehicle stability systems that allow the vehicle to be optimally propelled under varying driving conditions.

[0068] The aforementioned inertial unit may be part of such a vehicle stability system. This system comprises an inertial sensor 140 mounted in the center of the chassis (shown schematically in [Fig. 8]) which can measure the instantaneous position of the chassis and thus of the vehicle relative to a reference coordinate system (for example a coordinate system in which one of the main reference directions is the direction of gravity). The sensor continuously or periodically provides a measurement signal representative of the measured position of the vehicle. On the basis of this measurement signal a control unit 130 can determine whether, as a function of the momentary position (or a change in the position over time) and possibly one or more additional variables, such as the speed of the vehicle, the treatment facility is switched on or off, etc., if the torque on one or more of the rear wheels 10, 11 is to be adapted to ensure certain driving characteristics, for example to ensure sufficient stability of the vehicle or to prevent the vehicle from getting stuck. For this purpose, the control unit is connected to the respective hydraulic drive units, so that the torque to be transmitted to each of the rear wheels can be adapted individually each time.

[0069] Incidentally, in addition to the aforementioned hydraulic pump unit for circulating a hydraulic fluid with which the rear wheels of the vehicle can be driven, it is also possible to provide one or more other hydraulic pump units driven by the same power source or a separate power source. These other hydraulic pump units ensure the circulation of hydraulic fluids in one or more other hydraulic circuits which are connected to other units, such as actuators for adjusting the height of a support beam of a processing plant, for pivoting the front wheel, for adapting the spring characteristics of the trailing arm suspension at the front of the chassis, etc. Each of these actuators can, for example, be controlled by the driver from the driver's cab.

[0070] As mentioned above, the processing installation of the processing machine may comprise a picking-up and turning installation 3. In the embodiment shown, the picking-up and turning installation 3 comprises a pivoting support unit 20 attached to the rear of the frame and extending forward. With particular reference to [Fig. 3], it is shown that the pivoting support unit 20 comprises an elongated support beam 23, extending substantially in the axial direction (PA) forward, at the free end 24 of which a rotatable picking-up element 60 is arranged. The support beam 23 can be lifted by means of a linear actuator 100 ([Fig.4]), for example a hydraulic lifting cylinder, for example when the vehicle is moved without having to use the pick-up element 60 and the support unit is pivoted into an inactive position.The support beam 23 has a lying attachment portion 21 at the end opposite the free end 24. The lying attachment portion 21 of the elongated support beam is connected by respective axes 51 and 53 of a left hinge 52 and a right hinge 54 to vertical cheeks 48, 49 of the chassis 4 of the vehicle 2. The hinges 52 and 54 allow the free end 24 of the support beam 23 and the rotatable pickup element 60 attached thereto to be moved up and down so that the pickup element 60 can follow the ground on which the vehicle 2 is moving. In the figures, and in particular in [Fig.l], it is further shown that the support beam 23 is provided on the front left side with a fixing bracket 88, on which a number of flax guiding elements 65 are arranged, with which the flax can be better picked up by the pick-up drum 60.

[0071] In the embodiment shown, the pickup element 60 is a pickup drum (in other words, the pickup element has a substantially cylindrical shape). Around the radial circumferential surface 96 of the pickup drum, more precisely in the center thereof, is wound an endless conveyor belt 73 of the conveyor 69 which will be described in more detail below, with which the pickup drum rotates around the substantially horizontal axis 95. As indicated by an arrow in [Fig. 3], the pickup drum 60 rotates in the direction opposite to the wheels of the vehicle 2. The rotational speed can vary, but is generally higher (e.g. 20 to 30% higher) than the rotational speed of the vehicle wheels.

[0072] Furthermore, two rows of projecting pins 611 and 612 are provided on the radial circumferential surface 96 of the pickup drum 60, near the two side surfaces 97 and 98 thereof. The projecting pins extend from a common point, this common point being non-centered with respect to a central point of the picking drum. As a result, the pins 611 and 612 protrude from the radial circumferential surface 96 when they are located on the underside and at the front of the picking drum 60 and are fully or partially retracted at other rotational positions of the picking drum 60. The protruding pins are therefore eminently suitable for picking up the (horizontally) lying stems of the fibrous plants on the ground and for lifting them from the ground, while the fibrous plants remain in a horizontal position.

[0073] The figures further show that the picking and turning installation 3 comprises a conveyor 69 for transporting the flax picked up at the front of the vehicle 2 by the rotating picking element 60, towards the rear of the vehicle. In the embodiment shown, the conveyor 69 comprises a crossed endless conveyor belt 73 which is rotated by a rotating drive roller 81 at the rear of the vehicle. The upper part of the conveyor belt 73 moves in an axial direction from front to back (PT, [Fig. 3]). As shown in the figures, the position of the rear conveyor belt 73 in the vicinity of the distribution unit 80 (which will be described later) is rotated by approximately 180 degrees with respect to the front position of the conveyor belt 73 in the vicinity of the rotating picking element 60.As a result, the fibrous plants that have been picked up from the ground by the picking-up element 60 in a lying position essentially pass through a semi-helical shape when transported from front to back and are thus completely overturned. The stems of the fibrous plants can now be placed on the ground with the side opposite to the side on which the stems were originally resting on the ground, in order to promote uniform rotation of the fibrous plants.

[0074] The endless conveyor belt 73 of the conveyor 69 is driven by the aforementioned rotary drive roller 81 mounted at the rear on the frame 4. In turn, the movement of the endless conveyor belt 73 drives the rotation of the rotary pickup element 60.

[0075] Finally, as indicated above, the picking and turning installation 3 comprises a depositing unit 80 arranged at the very rear of the chassis 4. This depositing unit 80 receives the flax picked up by the picking element 60 and then the flax transported by the conveyor 69 and guides it downwards in a controlled manner so that the upturned flax is carefully placed on the ground behind the vehicle 2. The distribution unit 80 comprises a first and a second endless conveyor belt 83, 84, both driven by the same drive roller 81. The two conveyor belts 83, 84 are provided with projections 85 which support the flax in a lying position when it is guided towards the ground.

[0076] The figures show that the pivoting support unit 20, in particular the free end 24 of the support beam 23 thereof, comprises two support elements rotatable in the form of a first support wheel 70 and a second support wheel 72. The support wheels 70, 72 are attached to the support beam via a suitable wheel suspension 71. Preferably, the wheel suspension 71 is designed such that the wheels can steer to some extent (passively), but a fixed wheel suspension is also an option.

[0077] In the embodiment shown, the processing device 1 comprises height adjustment means in the form of an actuator 89, preferably a hydraulic cylinder, for adjusting the height of the free end 24 of the pivoting support beam 23 relative to the at least one support wheel 70, 72 and thus the height of the rotary pickup element 60 fixed to the support beam 23 relative to the ground (T). This actuator may be an electric or hydraulic actuator, for example a linear or rotary actuator, which may be coupled to another hydraulic pump unit. In addition, the wheel suspension of each of the support wheels 70, 72 is designed to be able to steer passively to improve the driving characteristics of the processing machine.

[0078] As described above, the vehicle 2 comprises a chassis 4. As is clear in particular from Figures 2 and 4, the chassis 4 comprises a first chassis part 6 to which at least the rear wheels 10, 11, the processing installation and the driver's cab are attached, and a second chassis part 7 which is pivotally attached to the first chassis part 6 via a hinge 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the second chassis part is a pivot arm which can only pivot via the hinge 5 upwards and downwards. The pivoting arm 7 extends between two parallel projecting profiles 25, 26 ([Fig. 4]) which are provided at their respective free ends with sliding bearings 27 for laterally guiding the pivoting arm 7. The profiles 25, 27 with sliding bearings 27 thus ensure that the pivoting arm 7 remains locked on the sides (in the lateral direction) but can move freely up and down..

[0079] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 2], the hinge 5 is provided in an axial position behind the middle of the vehicle 2. This means that the second pivoting frame part 7 is relatively long. The length is typically more than half of the total length of the frame 4. Between the pivoting arm 7 and the first frame part 6, a spring element is provided, for example the hydraulic spring 35, which is pivotally attached via a first bracket 36 to the pivoting arm 7 and via a second bracket 37 to the first frame part 6. The wheel suspension 29 of the front wheel 12 is pivotally attached to the end 37 of the pivoting arm which is opposite the hinge 5 and which is curved upwards. The pivoting of the front wheel 12 is effected by means of a rotary actuator 28 which is positioned between the wheel suspension 29 of the front wheel 12 and the ends 37 of the pivoting arm 7. This rotary actuator 28 may comprise a hydraulic motor which is connected via a hydraulic line circuit to one of the aforementioned (other) hydraulic pumps. The actuator 28 may be actuated via the steering wheel in the driver's cab 15.

[0080] The invention is not limited to the embodiments thereof described herein. The claimed rights are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which numerous modifications are conceivable.

Claims

1. Claims Processing machine for processing fibrous plants, in particular hemp or flax, the processing machine comprising: - a self-propelled vehicle, comprising a chassis on which are mounted: - a first and a second rear wheel positioned at substantially equal or different positions in the axial direction and at different and spaced positions in the lateral direction, the lateral direction extending transversely to the axial direction, and a front wheel positioned in a position in the lateral direction substantially the same as the first rear wheel, the front wheel being designed to pivot; - a processing facility for the collection and transport of fibrous plants; the self-propelled vehicle further comprising a drive which is adapted to drive the first and second rear wheels independently of each other, wherein the drive comprises a hydraulic pump unit driven by a power source to which are connected: - a first drive unit coupled to the first drive wheel intended to drive the first rear wheel; - a second drive unit coupled to the second drive wheel, intended to drive the second rear wheel; the drive being further adapted to vary independently of each other and substantially continuously the torque transmitted by the first drive unit to the first rear wheel and the torque transmitted by the second drive unit to the second rear wheel. the machine further comprising: - an inertial unit arranged on the self-propelled vehicle, adapted to measure the position of the self-propelled vehicle relative to a reference direction, in particular the direction of gravity, and to deliver a measurement signal representative of the measured position of the vehicle - a control unit coupled to the inertial unit and the drive and adapted to vary individually driving the first and second rear wheels as a function of the delivered measurement signal representative of the measured position of the vehicle.

2. A processing machine according to claim 1, wherein the power source is adapted to generate rotation which drives the hydraulic motor pump unit and / or wherein the power source comprises a combustion engine, such as a diesel engine, and / or an electric motor.

3. A processing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second drive units comprise a first hydraulic drive motor and a second hydraulic drive motor, respectively.

4. A processing machine according to claim 3, wherein each of the hydraulic drive motors is a variable displacement bent-axis piston motor.

5. A processing machine according to claim 4, comprising adjusting means for adjusting the angle (a) between the direction of movement of the pistons and the longitudinal direction of the driven shaft.

6. A processing machine according to claim 5, wherein the adjusting means comprises a hydraulic adjusting mechanism.

7. A processing machine according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the first and second hydraulic drive motors are integrated with the first and second rear wheels, respectively, and / or wherein the first and second hydraulic drive motors are mounted on the chassis-facing inner sides of the first and second rear wheels, respectively.

8. A processing machine according to any preceding claim, comprising first and second transmission mechanisms, the transmission mechanisms being coupled to the driven shaft of the first and second hydraulic drive motors, respectively, for transmitting rotation of the first and second gears at least one selected transmission ratio, a second drive motor to the first and second rear wheels respectively.

9. A processing machine according to claim 8, wherein each of the gear mechanisms comprises a planetary gear.

10. A processing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second transmission mechanisms are integrated with the first and second rear wheels, respectively, and / or wherein the first and second transmission mechanisms are fixed on the outer side relative to the chassis of the first and second rear wheels, respectively.

11. A processing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the drive power source and / or the hydraulic unit are positioned substantially laterally centrally relative to the chassis and preferably centrally between the rear wheels.

12. A processing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the processing installation comprises: - a pivoting support unit attached to the rear of the chassis and extending forward, in particular a pivoting support beam; - a rotating picking-up element arranged at the free end of the pivoting support unit for picking up the harvested fibrous plants placed on the ground; - a conveyor for transporting the picked fibrous plants from the picking-up element in the axial direction towards the rear of the self-propelled vehicle.

13. A processing machine according to claim 12, wherein the processing machine is a machine for turning fibrous plants harvested and placed on a ground, the processing installation comprising a picking-up and turning-over installation for picking up, turning over and depositing fibrous plants, the picking-up and turning-over installation comprising: - the pivoting support unit fixed to the rear of the frame and extending forward; - the rotating picking-up element arranged at the free end of the pivoting support unit for picking up the fibrous plants harvested and placed on the ground; - a conveyor for transporting the fibrous plants picked up from the picking-up element in the axial direction towards the rear of the vehicle, the conveyor being configured to invert the collected fibrous plants during transport; and - a deposit unit provided at the rear of the vehicle, intended to deposit the inverted fibrous plants on the ground.

14. A processing machine according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the processing machine is a winding machine for winding fibrous plants placed on a ground into a roll, the processing installation comprising a picking-up and winding installation for picking up, winding and depositing fibrous plants, the picking-up and winding installation comprising: - the pivoting support block fixed to the rear of the chassis and extending forward; - the rotating picking-up element arranged at the free end of the pivoting support unit for picking up the harvested fibrous plants placed on the ground; - a conveyor for transporting the picked-up fibrous plants from the picking-up element in the axial direction towards the rear of the self-propelled vehicle; - a winding unit for winding the transported fibrous plants into a roll and depositing the fibrous plants arranged in a roll on the ground.

15. A processing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second rear wheels are positioned at a substantially equal position in the axial direction.

16. Processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which the vehicle is a tricycle, in particular an asymmetrical tricycle.

17. A processing machine for processing fibrous plants, in particular hemp or flax, preferably a processing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, the processing machine comprising: - a self-propelled vehicle, comprising a chassis on which are mounted: - a first and a second rear wheel positioned at substantially equal or different positions in the axial direction and at different and spaced positions in the lateral direction, the lateral direction extending transversely to the axial direction, and a front wheel positioned at a position in the lateral direction substantially the same as the first rear wheel, the front wheel being designed to be pivotable; - a processing installation for collecting and transporting the fibrous plants; the chassis comprising: - a first chassis part to which at least the rear wheels and the processing installation are fixed; and - a second chassis part pivotally fixed to the first chassis part to which at least the pivotable front wheel is fixed, wherein at least one hinge is provided between the first and second chassis parts and wherein the at least one hinge is located at a substantially central position between the front wheel and the first rear wheel.

18. A processing machine according to claim 17, wherein a spring element is disposed between the first and second frame portions.

19. Processing machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivoting front wheel is coupled via a rotary actuator to the frame, preferably to the second frame part of the frame, wherein the rotary actuator is adapted to control the front wheel.

20. A processing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the self-propelled vehicle comprises a driver's cab positioned at a position between the first rear wheel and the front wheel and / or wherein the driver's cab extends above the second chassis portion and is supported on the first chassis portion.

21. A processing machine according to any preceding claim, comprising steering means for steering the rear wheels.

22. Use of the processing machine according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images