A rotor assembly for a forage harvester, and a forage harvester assembly

Abstract

Herein is disclosed a rotor assembly (1) for a forage harvester (10), the rotor assembly (1) comprising a shaft (2) having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface (21), a plurality of flails (3) for cutting grass against a counter blade (4), and flail mounts (5) for fastening each flail (3) individually, in a removably manner, to the outer surface (21) of the shaft (2), the plurality of flails (3) are arranged in pairs (3'; 3'') so that the two flails (3) in each pair are mounted to the shaft (2) diametrically opposite of each other, and wherein each consecutive pair of flails (3) is circumferentially displaced relative to previous pair of flails (3) Furthermore, a forage harvester (10) comprising the rotor assembly (1), a forage wagon (15), and a forage harvester assembly (100) are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] A ROTOR ASSEMBLY FOR A FORAGE HARVESTER, AND A FORAGE HARVESTER ASSEMBLY

[0002] The invention concerns a rotor assembly for a forage harvester, the rotor assembly comprising a shaft having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface. The rotor assembly further comprises a plurality of flails removably connected to the outer surface by means of mounts. The flails are arranged helically around the shaft. Furthermore, the invention concerns a forage harvester comprising the rotor assembly. The invention also concerns a forage harvesting assembly comprising a forage harvester, a forage wagon and an ensilage agent container. The ensilage agent container is for adding ensilage agent to forage crop which is harvested by the forage harvester and transported in the forage wagon.

[0003] The technical field of this patent application is forage harvesters for agriculture. Forage harvesters typically comprise a crop cutter mechanism comprising a rotor provided with either knives or flails, and a rotor housing. In the flail type cutter mechanism, a ledger blade or counter blade is adapted to cooperate with the flails. Forage harvesters further comprise a duct or delivery pipe through which the cut forage is thrown into a wagon or other piece of agriculture machinery suitable for collecting forage.

[0004] An example of a prior art forage harvester comprising knives is disclosed in patent publication US3210918A. Said forage harvester comprises a frame carrying a crop cutter mechanism and an upstanding delivery pipe for the delivery of cut crop. The cutting mechanism comprises a rotary cutter cylinder and a ledger blade located below the cutter cylinder and adapted to cooperate with the knives at or near their lowest positions during rotation of the rotor. The cutter mechanism is placed beneath the delivery pipe, so that the cut crop may be thrown directly into the delivery pipe.

[0005] Rotors comprising flails are commonly used in forage harvesters known as flail choppers. The grass is cut by flat flails suspended on a rotating shaft driven by the tractor's power take-off. At the same time, air pressure created by the rotating flails blows the grass through a steerable funnel or duct into a wagon.

[0006] Typically, the forage crop is grass for use as forage to farm animals. If the grass is to be ensiled, the forage harvester will typically be fitted with equipment for mixing in acid or other ensilage agents. This equipment typically comprises a tank or container for ensilage agent, in addition to necessary hoses and a nozzle for delivering ensilage agent to the cut forage crop as it enters through the delivery pipe of the forage harvester. The ensilage agent container is typically a plastic container fastened to the forage harvester or, alternatively, to a front side of a tractor to which the forage harvester is connected during use.

[0007] Ensilage agent is a hazardous fluid, and the ensilage agent container must be handled with great care. In addition, for the overall preservation of the forage and for economic and environmental reasons, it is important to avoid or reduce the risk of spill of ensilage agent and provide a reliable and safe delivery of ensilage agent from the ensilage container to the cut grass.

[0008] The flails are arranged in rows and each flail is typically rotatably mounted to supports, such as between two mounting lugs, which are welded onto a shaft. One example of such a rotor is shown in patent publication NO155561 B, and another example is shown in Italian utility model publication number ITBO970167U1 . In both examples, the flails are arranged in rows of flails, where the supports in one row are arranged angularly equidistant from the supports in the other rows.

[0009] While rotors with knives may be more efficient than those with flails, they require a lot of maintenance. The knives need to be sharpened regularly, which can be time-consuming and costly. Moreover, the frequent sharpening process can lead to increased wear and tear on the rotor mechanism, resulting in reduced performance over time.

[0010] There are several advantages of flail technology compared to other solutions that use knives to cut the grass. Grass that is harvested for animal feed needs to be preserved in order to be used throughout the winter. One essential aspect of preservation is, as mentioned above, the reliable addition of ensilage agent, and another essential aspect of preservation is to reduce the air content of the grass. This is one of the ways in which the flail technology differs significantly from cutters comprising knives. In flail technology, the grass is struck by the flat flails, causing the grass to burst, and then cut against a counter blade. The grass is thus compressed.

[0011] In addition, there is a natural fan function as the flails rotate, which other technologies solve with additional fans. This fan function means that the grass is "sucked up" from the ground and blown up through the forage harvester's funnel and chute, also called duct and spout, for delivery to an associated forage wagon.

[0012] One problem with well-known flail technology solutions is that they have a relatively low capacity and uneven cutting effect. Disadvantages of cutters using knives and fans include that they are more complex (more elements), that the knives need to be sharpened, and that the cut grass is more voluminous / air-filled.

[0013] One object of the present invention is to provide a forage harvester assembly which provides improved forage preservation. Another object of the present invention is to provide a rotor for a forage harvester, wherein the rotor has the advantages of flail technology but is more efficient than the prior art flail solutions, while at the same time avoiding the disadvantages of rotors with knives. Even a further object of the present invention is to provide a forage harvester assembly wherein the ensilage agent is delivered in the safest and most secure way possible, for protecting both people and the environment from spills.

[0014] To achieve this, the invention first proposes a novel rotor that incorporates specific features to improve cutting efficiency, increase operational efficiency, and reduce maintenance requirements. In addition, the invention proposes a novel ensilage agent container and a forage harvesting assembly wherein the ensilage agent container is arranged in a protected manner, for reducing the risk of spill.

[0015] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a rotor assembly for a forage harvester, the rotor assembly comprising:

[0016] - a shaft having a length and an outer surface;

[0017] - a plurality of flails for cutting grass against a counter blade; and

[0018] - mounts for fastening each flail individually, in a removable manner, to the outer surface of the shaft. The plurality of flails is arranged in pairs so that the two flails in each pair are mounted to the shaft diametrically opposite of each other, and wherein each consecutive pair of flails along the length of the shaft, is circumferentially displaced, preferably in a clockwise direction, relative to the previous pair of flails. This arrangement provides several technical advantages. Firstly, the particular way the flails are arranged in pairs, each pair being displaced somewhat in the circumferential direction relative to the previous pair, leads to the plurality of flails being arranged in a helical pattern around the shaft.

[0019] One effect offered by the present invention, is that the arrangement of pairs of flails in diametrically opposite locations on the shaft, provides stability to the rotor. The displacement of each pair of flails in the circumferential direction, relative to the previous pair of flails, increases the efficiency of the rotor.

[0020] The reference to a “clockwise direction” must be understood to mean that if the shaft is viewed from an end and along a longitudinal axis, i.e. the length, of the shaft, each pair of flails may be displaced to the right, relative to the previous pair of flails. Of course, in another embodiment, the displacement could also be done in the counter-clockwise direction. What is important is that the same direction is used for displacing the flails relative to each other throughout the length of the shaft for obtaining a helical placement of the flails.

[0021] The helical pattern of the flails provides a more even distribution of cutting force around the shaft, reducing the risk of overstressing any one blade and improving the overall stability of the rotor assembly. This results in a more reliable and efficient forage harvester, with reduced wear and tear on the rotor assembly and improved performance overall.

[0022] The flails may have a width and two side faces, and each consecutive pair of flails along the length of the shaft may be arranged less than one flail width from the closest side face of the previous pair of flails in the length direction of the shaft.

[0023] Arranging the pairs of flails as close to each other as possible along the length of the shaft, leads to an overlap of flails when the rotor is in use and the flails hit the counter blade. This further increases the efficiency of the rotor and improves the cutting effect on the grass, causing a much shorter length of the cut grass than what is achieved with prior art solutions.

[0024] The rotor assembly according to this first aspect of the invention therefore offers improved efficiency, increased capacity, reduced maintenance requirements, and increased stability during use. The characteristic arrangement of the flails around the shaft allows for more coordinated movement of the flails, reducing wear and tear on individual flails while improving overall cutting performance.

[0025] The shaft may be hollow. One effect of this is reduced material consumption. By making the shaft hollow, it also becomes lighter, which in turn has a positive effect on soil health and soil protection. When the rotor is in use, it is typically rotatably mounted in a rotor housing. The mounts will be affected by the rotation of the rotor. Reduced weight will reduce the forces and therefore the wear of the mounts.

[0026] Recesses may be provided in the outer surface of the shaft, for facilitating fastening of the flail mounts. The recesses may be through openings. Having recesses in the outer surface of the shaft, has the effect that mounts, such as mounting lugs, may be arranged more accurately and with less effort. The recesses are typically laser cut with high accuracy. When recesses for the mounts are provided, the need for welding is reduced while obtaining the same level of secure fastening. Reduced use of heat treatment on the shaft is also an advantage.

[0027] The mounts for fastening the flails may comprise a tongue and groove connection. The effect of this feature is even more precise and efficient positioning of the mounts, as well as reduced need for other methods of fastening, such as welding.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the mounts for fastening the flails to the shaft, may comprise an elongated connecting portion between the two diametrically opposite flail mounts, extending through the hollow shaft.

[0029] The rotor assembly may further comprise a rotor housing provided with the counter blade against which the flails cut the grass.

[0030] The rotor housing may comprise a rear wall and a lip arranged at an angle to the rear wall, the lip extending into the rotor housing for creating an air cushion. When the rotor is in use, cut grass is blown into the duct of the forage harvester by the suction created by the rotation of the rotor with the flails. However, a small portion of cut grass will miss the duct and follow the flails around, along the rear wall of the rotor housing. It is common to lose about 3-5 % of the cut grass this way, because it falls to the ground where the rear wall ends and is left behind as the forage harvester moves forward. The effect of the lip is that the resulting air cushion in the space delimited between the rear wall, the lip and the rotating flails, forces the cut grass to change direction and instead of falling to the ground, the grass will follow the rotation of the flails and eventually be sucked into the duct. Prior art flail choppers have the disadvantage of leaving some cut crop behind in the field. This has two negative effects: firstly, there is a loss in the amount of feed at the current harvest, which in turn leads to poorer growth and lower yields for the next harvest. These two problems are solved by the lip extending from the rear wall into the rotor housing, as explained above.

[0031] It must be noted, that also disclosed herein, is a rotor housing comprising a rear wall and a lip arranged at an angle to the rear wall, the lip extending into the rotor housing for creating an air cushion, wherein said rotor housing can be used together with other flail type rotors for forage harvesters, than the ones disclosed herein. This is because the effect of the air cushion is not directly linked to the positioning of the flails to the rotor shaft but will work regardless of what kind of flail type rotor is provided in the rotor assembly for the forage harvester.

[0032] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a forage harvester comprising the rotor assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, the forage harvester comprising a duct and an adjustable spout connected to the duct for directing the cut grass into a forage wagon.

[0033] The effect of the adjustable spout is that the cut grass can be directed into the forage wagon also when the wagon and forage harvester move relative to each other. In addition, the adjustable spout may be adjusted according to the filling level of the forage wagon.

[0034] The forage harvester may further comprise a front roller. The front roller applies a certain amount of pressure to the grass to hold the grass in place to ensure an even flow of grass into the rotor housing and to contact with the rotating flails. The even flow of grass provided by the front roller contributes to an even workload and thus a correct cut of the grass. In addition, the front roller has a safety effect as it may prevent foreign objects such as stones or similar from being pushed or “shot” forward beneath the rotor housing and possibly cause damage.

[0035] The duct of the forage harvester may be adapted to extend into an upper part of the forage wagon, ideally to a position immediately below the upper frame of the wagon. The forage harvester may be adapted to be connected to a front side of a forage wagon having an upper frame, and wherein the forage harvester comprises a duct which, in a position of use, opens into an upper part of the forage wagon, immediately below the upper frame. The effect of the duct extending into an upper part of the forage wagon, is that the wagon is filled from above, but at the same time low enough to avoid grass blowing over the top of the wagon. This causes less waste of grass and better filling of the wagon.

[0036] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a forage wagon for connection with a forage harvester according to the second aspect. The forage wagon comprising an ensilage agent container. By arranging the ensilage agent container on the forage wagon instead of on the forage harvester or tractor, which is the prior art solution, the ensilage agent container is more protected and stable during forage harvesting.

[0037] The forage wagon may further comprise a base frame having an inside, wherein the ensilage agent container is arranged in connection with the inside of the base frame for providing a protected positioning of the ensilage agent container. Integrating the ensilage agent container in the structure of the forage wagon this way, may reduce the risk of spilling ensilage agent, and the ensilage agent container is protected from external influence.

[0038] In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a forage harvester assembly comprising a forage harvester and the forage wagon according to the third aspect.

[0039] The forage harvester in the forage harvester assembly may be a forage harvester according to the second aspect.

[0040] In such a forage harvester assembly where a forage harvester is connected to a forage wagon comprising an ensilage agent container, herein also referred to as an acid container, the position of the ensilage agent container may be placed on or inside a lower / base frame of the wagon and adjacent a side wall of the forage harvester duct. In prior art, the acid containers are arranged on the front side of the forage harvester duct. The effect of placing the acid tanks on the wagon frame and next to the duct, is that the acid containers are much more protected, they are out of the way, and at the same time easily accessible.

[0041] The placement of one or more acid containers on the wagon frame and in connection with a forage harvester, is not dependant on the kind of rotor or rotor housing the forage harvester is provided with.

[0042] Ensilage agent is a hazardous fluid, and the ensilage agent container must be handled with great care. In embodiments of forage harvesting assemblies, with or without the particular rotor disclosed herein, the ensilage agent container may be arranged in a protected manner, for reducing the risk of spill or leakage, and for making sure the ensilage agent container remains steady during refilling. Furthermore, herein is also disclosed an ensilage agent container for integration with a forage wagon a forage harvesting assembly.

[0043] For the sake of completeness, protected positioning of the ensilage agent container will in the following also be disclosed without direct relation to any particular kind of rotor assembly of the forage harvester.

[0044] As previously mentioned, one problem of prior art forage harvesting assemblies is that the ensilage agent container is vulnerable when arranged on the forage harvester, typically on the side facing a tractor to which the forage harvester is connected during use. In other prior art solutions, the ensilage agent container is placed on a rack mounted on either the tractor, the forage wagon, or on for example a bailing machine or another forage harvester machine where ensilage agent is used. This traditional positioning of the ensilage agent container is useful in that it gives the user easy access to checking the filling degree of the container, as well as easy access for re-filling and emptying the container. However, this positioning of the ensilage agent container creates a risk of damage to accessory ensilage equipment like hoses, connections and nozzles as well as to the container itself, and thereby insufficient supply of ensilage fluid to the cut crop and risk of spilling, which in worst case may cause damage to the user.

[0045] Herein is further disclosed a forage harvesting assembly comprising:

[0046] - a forage harvester;

[0047] - a forage collecting implement for receiving forage from the forage harvester, the forage collecting implement comprising a base frame having an inside; and

[0048] - an ensilage agent container; wherein the ensilage agent container is arranged in connection with the inside of the base frame for providing a protected positioning of the ensilage agent container.

[0049] By forage harvester is herein meant a farm implement for harvesting forage, i.e. either cutting and lifting cut crop for example by means of a rotor, or lifting already cut crop, into a forage collecting implement such as a forage wagon.

[0050] For simplicity, the forage collecting implement is herein called a forage wagon or just wagon. It must be understood that also a baler, for example, is a forage collecting implement. By ensilage agent container is herein meant a container or tank of any type or shape which may be used for containing ensilage agents for use in production of forage. The ensilage agent container in this connection, is a container which is arranged for being in fluid connection with the forage harvester during use of the forage harvesting assembly, for adding ensilage agent to the cut crop. The ensilage agent container may be in fluid connection with the forage harvester by means of a hose for adding ensilage agent to the crop as it travels through the forage harvester to the forage wagon.

[0051] Ensilage agents come in different categories, and one such category is acid. In particular formic acid may be used for conserving forage. The ensilage agent container may for simplicity also be called an acid tank herein. Note that this still includes tanks or containers for other ensilage agents.

[0052] Arranging the ensilage agent container in connection with the inside of the base frame of the forage collecting implement provides a protected positioning for the ensilage agent container, where, in the event of impact or collision, the ensilage agent container is protected and less prone to suffer damage.

[0053] When the forage harvesting assembly is assembled, the forage harvester is connected to the wagon. In one embodiment the ensilage agent container may be arranged so that it is at least partly protected between the forage harvester and the wagon. In prior art, the acid container or containers are arranged on the front side of the forage harvester duct. The effect of placing the acid container on the wagon frame and behind and / or next to the duct, is that the acid container is much more protected, while at the same time easily accessible.

[0054] The forage harvesting assembly may be provided with two or more ensilage agent containers.

[0055] The ensilage agent container may be arranged in a front portion of the forage collecting implement. By “front portion” is meant the portion of the forage collecting implement facing a tractor (or other machinery) pulling the forage collecting implement.

[0056] Having the ensilage agent container arranged in the front portion of the wagon, makes it easy for the user to access the container for inspection, refilling or emptying. The ensilage agent container is preferably arranged close to the forage harvester.

[0057] The ensilage agent container may be releasably connected to the base frame of the wagon. This allows for easy exchange of ensilage agent containers. In addition, it may be practical to remove the ensilage agent container if the wagon is to be used for other purposes than forage harvesting.

[0058] The base frame of the wagon may comprise two side rails defining an inner width of the forage collecting implement, and the ensilage agent container may extend over said inner width to be fastened in both side rails.

[0059] The positioning of the container within the base frame and extending over the entire width of the base frame, allows for a larger container than prior art solutions, while at the same time not adding to the overall size of the forage harvesting assembly, in that the container does not extend beyond the width of the wagon.

[0060] The ensilage agent container may extend above and / or below the base frame. The ensilage agent container may be defined as having a top portion and a bottom portion. In one embodiment, the top portion of the ensilage agent container may be connected to the base frame so that the ensilage agent container extends below the base frame. In another embodiment, the bottom portion of the ensilage agent container may be connected to the base frame so that the ensilage agent container extends above the base frame. In yet another embodiment, a midsection of the ensilage agent container may be connected to the base frame so that the top portion extends above the base frame and the bottom portion extends below the base frame.

[0061] The ensilage agent container may in an alternative embodiment, be formed as an integral part of the base frame.

[0062] The ensilage agent container may have a rectangular, planar bottom surface.

[0063] Further, particularly in an embodiment wherein the ensilage agent container is arranged extending above the base frame and facing the forage harvester, a front face of the ensilage agent container may be inclined for corresponding to the shape of a rear surface of the forage harvester.

[0064] In an embodiment where the ensilage agent container extends above the base frame, the ensilage agent container may constitute a front wall of the forage collecting implement, i.e. the forage wagon.

[0065] Further, the ensilage agent container may connect and lock side frames of the forage collecting implement into place. In such an embodiment the ensilage agent container constitutes a constructive part of the forage collecting implement and replaces a front screen / board otherwise necessary. Also, in an embodiment wherein the forage collecting implement comprises a movable belt in a lower part of the forage collecting implement, which is dangerous and would normally be covered by a suitable cover, the ensilage agent container may serve as a cover and further simplify the construction of the forage wagon.

[0066] The ensilage agent container may comprise an easily accessible opening for f illing / ref illing the ensilage agent container. The opening may be arranged in a top portion of the ensilage agent container. The opening may comprise an access tube.

[0067] The ensilage agent container may in a bottom portion comprise a recess wherein connection means for connecting the ensilage agent container to the forage harvester, may be placed. This provides a protected area for connections, thus further increasing the safety of the ensilage agent container. Alternatively, the ensilage agent container may comprise extended side walls for providing a protected area under a bottom wall of the ensilage agent container, wherein for example the outlet may be placed.

[0068] The ensilage agent container may be made of acid-proof stainless steel. The stainless steel increases the safety of the ensilage agent container, as it is less prone to damage by the ensilage agent itself.

[0069] Herein is also disclosed an ensilage agent container for arranging on a forage wagon for a forage harvesting assembly.

[0070] In the following, the invention will be illustrated and explained by way of examples.

[0071] The accompanying drawings are described in detail below, where:

[0072] Figs. 1 a-1 c show a first embodiment of a rotor for a forage harvester;

[0073] Figs. 2a-2e show details of the positioning of the flails on the rotor shaft;

[0074] Figs. 3a-3b show a rotor shaft prepared for installation of flail mounts;

[0075] Figs. 4a-4b show the rotor shaft with flail mounts installed;

[0076] Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of a rotor with flails installed;

[0077] Fig. 6 shows a side view of a rotor assembly comprising a rotor housing, wherein a side wall of the rotor housing is removed for illustration purposes; Fig. 7 shows a rotor housing;

[0078] Fig. 8 shows a front roller for a forage harvester assembly;

[0079] Fig. 9 shows a forage harvester assembly;

[0080] Fig. 10 shows the forage harvester assembly of Fig. 9 comprising a forage wagon:

[0081] Fig. 11 shows a forage harvesting assembly in a side view;

[0082] Fig. 12 shows the forage harvesting assembly wherein parts of the wagon is removed for better view of the ensilage agent container;

[0083] Fig. 13 shows the ensilage agent container arranged in connection with the base frame of the forage wagon;

[0084] Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of the forage harvesting assembly wherein the ensilage agent container extends below the base frame;

[0085] Fig. 15 shows an ensilage agent container; and

[0086] Fig. 16 shows a further embodiment of the ensilage agent container.

[0087] Any position indications refer to the position shown in the Figures. In the Figures, same or corresponding elements are indicated with the same reference number. It must be understood that the Figures are principle sketches only. Relative proportions between elements in the Figures may be distorted. Some reference numbers may be left out from some of the figures in order not to crowd the figures with too many numbers.

[0088] Reference is first made to the Figures 1 a-1c which show, in different views, a rotor assembly 1 for a forage harvester 10 (see Fig. 9), the rotor assembly 1 comprising a shaft 2 having a length and an outer surface 21 .

[0089] A plurality of flails 3 for cutting grass against a counter blade 4 (see Fig. 6) are connected to the shaft 2 by means of mounts 5 arranged on the outer surface 21 of the shaft 2.

[0090] As is particularly clear from Fig. 1a, the flails 3 are arranged in pairs, wherein the flails 3 in each pair are arranged directly diametrically opposite of each other, meaning that they extend from the outer surface 21 of the shaft 2 in opposite directions. Two flails 3 in an example pair of flails 3, are marked with reference 3’ in the Figure. The pairs are arranged helically around the shaft 2 in that each consecutive pair of flails, seen along the length of the shaft 2 and starting from the example pair 3’, is displaced circumferentially in a clockwise direction relative to the previous pair of flails 3. For example, a second pair of flails, marked 3” in the Figure, is displaced relative to the first pair of flails 3’.

[0091] Each flail 3 has two side faces 31 and a width, W (indicated in Figure 1b).

[0092] In Figure 1 b, and also in a given example in much more detail in Figures 2a-2e, it is shown how the flails 3, when arranged in pairs and in a helical pattern, will overlap. This overlapping results in a cutter arrangement for a forage harvester which is much more efficient than prior art flail cutters.

[0093] Figure 2a shows the same rotor assembly 1 as Figure 1 a, but with a marked area A. This is to illustrate the example shown in the Figures 2b-2e wherein the rotor assembly 1 is shown in a front view and rotated in order to show how the flails 3 overlap during rotation of the shaft 2. The marked area A is not a physical feature of the rotor assembly 1 , it is simply for illustrative purposes.

[0094] In the example, the width of a flail is set to 80 mm, and any area of the counter blade 4 (shown in Fig. 6) with a width of 80 mm, will, during one rotation of the rotor, be hit multiple times by flails 3, as follows: starting with zero degrees rotation of the shaft 2, as shown in Fig. 2b, there will be 80 mm of a first flail 3 of a pair of flails 3 hitting the 80 mm area of the counter blade 4. The same area on the counter blade 4 will again be passed by 31 mm of the width of a flail 3 from a neighbouring pair of flails 3 at 90 degrees rotation of the shaft 2, as seen in Fig. 2c. At 180 degrees rotation of the shaft 2, shown in Fig. 2d, the counterpart of the flail 3 shown at 0 degrees (i.e., the other flail in the first pair of flails 3) hits the counter blade 4, this will again be over the full width of the flail 3, i.e., 80 mm, since the flails 3 are arranged diagonally opposite to each other. At 270 degrees rotation, shown in Fig. 2e, the second flail 3 of the neighbouring pair of flails 3 again hits the counter blade with 31 mm of its width in this area.

[0095] This example shows that overlap of flails 3 increases the capacity of the forage harvester in that more cuts are performed on the same portion of the counter blade during one rotation of the shaft 2, than if the flails 3 are arranged with no overlap as in prior art.

[0096] Note that in total, since, there is also a neighbouring pair of flails 3 on the other side of the example pair, which hits the counter blade 4 at different rotation from what is shown, the total hits in this example is two times the full blade width and four times the 31 mm hit (as an example, the overlap may of course be different depending on the flail width and distance between the mounts 5 along the length of the shaft 2).

[0097] Figures 3a and 3b show the shaft 2 in a hollow configuration and prepared with recesses 6 in the outer surface 21 of the shaft 2. The recesses 6, sometimes referred to as cut outs 6 in the industry, are for receiving the flail mounts 5. The recesses 6 may be through openings.

[0098] In Figure 4a the shaft 2 is shown in a front view with flail mounts 5 fastened thereon. In addition, the shaft 2 has been provided with axles 7 at the ends, for connection in a rotor housing 8 (see Fig. 6). Figure 4b shows the same shaft 2 with flail mounts 5 fastened thereon, as Figure 4a, but with one pair of flail mounts 5 not yet connected to the shaft 2. The mounts 5 in this embodiment are provided with a tongue 51 for connection with a respective recess 6 in the outer surface 21 of the shaft 2, in a tongue and groove type connection.

[0099] Figure 5 illustrates a second embodiment of a rotor assembly wherein the flail mounts 5 further comprise an elongated portion 52 extending diametrically through the hollow shaft 2 and connecting the flail 3 of a pair of flails 3.

[0100] Figure 6 shows a side view of a rotor assembly 1 comprising a rotor housing 8, wherein a side wall of the rotor housing 8 is removed for illustration purposes. In addition, the positioning of a front roller 9 is shown relative to the rotor housing 8. The front roller 9 is also seen from the side, along its longitudinal axis.

[0101] The rotor housing 8 comprises a rear wall 81 and a lip 82 arranged at an angle to the rear wall 81 and extending into the rotor housing 8. The angle between the rotor housing rear wall 81 and the lip 82 allows for creation of a space 83 for an air cushion. The air cushion is formed as a consequence of the rotation of the shaft 2 with the flails 3, which creates a suction in the rotor housing 8. The effect of the air cushion is to push any grass which was not thrown up into a duct 11 of the forage harvester 10 but came back down with the flails 3, onwards for a new round past the counter blade 4 and up to the duct 11 .

[0102] The force created by the air cushion is advantageously large enough to counteract the gravity working on the grass from the lowest point L of the flails 3 to the counter blade 4, i.e. the distance between the lowest point where the grass is outside of the rotor housing 8 and to the point where the cut grass again enters into the rotor housing 8 and is affected by the suction of the rotor. The dimensions of the rear wall 81 and the lip 82 can be adjusted to create a strong enough pushing force from the air cushion.

[0103] The front roller 9 is also shown in Fig. 8. The front roller 9 applies a certain amount of pressure to the grass to hold the grass in place to ensure an even flow of grass into the rotor housing 8 and to contact with the rotating flails 3. The even flow of grass provided by the front roller 9 contributes to an even workload and thus a correct cut of the grass. Uneven flow of grass can lead to uneven workload, which in turn affects the flails 3 unevenly, and thus also uneven cutting degree and power requirement from a tractor operating the forage harvester 10 (Fig. 9). An even flow of grass provides an even workload for both the tractor and the rotor assembly 1 .

[0104] The front roller 9 also has a safety function in preventing stones and any foreign objects from being pushed forward under the rotor assembly, towards the tractor and the driver.

[0105] Figure 7 shows an example of a rotor housing 8, including the rear wall 81 , the lip 82 and an opening 84 for connecting to the duct 11 of the forage harvester 10.

[0106] In Figure 9 an embodiment of a forage harvester 10 comprising the rotor assembly 1 complete with rotor housing 8 (and not shown rotor shaft 2 with flails 3), front roller 9, duct 11 and a spout 12, as well as connecting parts 14 for connecting the forage harvester 10 to a forage wagon 15.

[0107] Figure 10 shows an example of a forage harvester assembly 100 (see also Fig. 11 ) comprising the forage wagon 15 and the forage harvester 10 connected thereto. The forage harvester 10 may also be lifted from the ground for transportation. The forage harvester 10 is shown connected to a front side 151 of the forage wagon 15. The forage wagon 15 has an upper frame 152, and the duct 11 and the spout 12 of the forage harvester 10, in a position of use, open into an upper part of the forage wagon 15, below the upper frame 152.

[0108] Reference is now made to Figure 1 1 which again shows the forage harvesting assembly 100 comprising the forage harvester 10, the forage wagon 15 which may also be referred to as a forage collecting implement 15 in a more general way, as the skilled reader will understand that forage may be collected in other implements than a wagon. The forage wagon 15 is arranged for receiving forage from the forage harvester 10. In the Figures, the forage harvester 10 is shown connected to a 154 of the forage wagon 15. In this figure, the forage wagon 15 is further shown having side walls also referred to as side frames 155.

[0109] The forage harvesting assembly 100 further comprises an ensilage agent container 104 which is shown connected to a base frame 156 of the forage wagon 15. In this embodiment, the ensilage agent container 104, for simplicity called acid tank in the following, partly extends into a space between the shaft or duct 11 of the forage harvester 10 and the upper frame 152 of a front frame 153 of the forage wagon 15. In such a position, the acid tank is easily accessible for a user of the forage harvesting assembly 100. Further, this positioning of the acid tank protects the acid tank from impacts and reduces the risk of damage and spillage. Even further, this positioning of the acid tank provides increased operational reliability due to the short distance between the acid tank and the forage harvester 10. Acid, or other ensilage agent, is introduced into the forage harvester shaft 11 by means of a not shown pump and connecting means.

[0110] In Figure 12, the side walls 155 are removed to get a better view of the base frame 156 and the ensilage agent container 104 placed thereon. The acid tank comprises an opening 1041 for filling / refilling the tank. The opening is here arranged in a top portion of the tank and is provided with an access tube for controlled and easy filling of the tank.

[0111] Figure 13 shows the ensilage agent container 104 arranged on the base frame 156 in the front portion 154 of the forage wagon. The base frame 156 in this embodiment comprises two side rails 157 which delimit an inner width, W, of the base frame 156. The ensilage agent container 104 is here shown connected to both side rails 157 and thus extending over the full inner width, W, of the base frame 156.

[0112] Figure 14 shows the forage harvesting assembly 100 wherein the ensilage agent container 104 is arranged extending below the base frame 156 of the forage collecting implement 15.

[0113] Figure 15 shows an embodiment of the ensilage agent container 104 comprising the filling opening 1041 provided with an access tube and a recess 1042 for integration of connection means (not shown) for fluid connection between an outlet 1043 of the ensilage agent container 104 and the forage harvester 10. A front wall 1044 of the ensilage agent container 104 is here shown inclined to correspond to the shape of the shaft or duct 11 of the forage harvester 10.

[0114] Figure 16 shows another embodiment of the ensilage agent container 104. The filling opening 1041 is here shown without an access tube. A tube 1045 is provided for housing a pump, such as for example a gear type pump (not shown). In this embodiment a space is provided under the ensilage agent container 104 by extending the side walls of the container. This way, the outlet 1043 may be placed in a protected way, between the bottom of the ensilage agent container 104 and the forage collecting implement 15, such as the forage wagon 15.

[0115] Note that the shown shape of the ensilage agent container 104 is adapted to a traditional setup with a forage harvester connected to a forage wagon 15. However, when the ensilage agent container 104 is to be used, or integrated, with another forage collecting implement, such as a baler, the shape may be adapted to said forage collecting implement. The ensilage agent container will in any case keep the main features of an easily accessible filling opening, a protected outlet, and the ensilage agent container being adapted to a base frame of the relevant forage collecting implement.

[0116] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

[0117] Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

Claims

C l a i m s1 . A rotor assembly (1 ) for a forage harvester (10), the rotor assembly (1 ) comprising:- a shaft (2) having a length and an outer surface (21 );- a plurality of flails (3) for cutting grass against a counter blade (4); and- mounts (5) for fastening each flail (3) individually, in a removable manner, to the outer surface (21 ) of the shaft (2), the plurality of flails (3) is arranged in pairs (3’; 3”) so that the two flails (3) in each pair (3’; 3”) are mounted to the shaft (2) diametrically opposite of each other, and wherein each consecutive pair of flails (3) along the length of the shaft (2), is circumferentially displaced relative to the previous pair of flails (3).

2. The rotor assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the flails (3) have a width and two side faces (31 ), and wherein each consecutive pair of flails (3) along the length of the shaft (2) is arranged less than one flail width from the closest side face (31 ) of the previous pair of flails (3) in the length direction of the shaft (2).

3. The rotor assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shaft (2) is hollow.

4. The rotor assembly (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein openings (6) or recesses are provided in the outer surface (21 ) of the shaft (2), for facilitating fastening of the flail mounts (5).

5. The rotor assembly (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the mounts (5) for fastening the flails (3) comprise a tongue and groove connection.

6. The rotor assembly (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising a rotor housing (8) provided with the counter blade (4) against which the flails (3) cut the grass.

7. The rotor assembly (1 ) according to claim 6, the rotor housing (8) comprising a rear wall (81 ) provided with a lip (82) arranged at an angle to the rear wall (81 ) for creating an air cushion.

8. A forage harvester (10) comprising the rotor assembly (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising a duct (11 ) and an adjustable spout (12) connected to the duct (11 ) for directing the cut grass into a forage wagon9. The forage harvester (10) according to claim 8, further comprising a front roller(9).

10. The forage harvester (10) according to claim 9, wherein the forage harvester(10) is adapted to be connected to a front side (151 ) of the forage wagon (15), the forage wagon (15) having an upper frame (152), and wherein the duct (11 ) and the spout (12), in a position of use, open into an upper part of the forage wagon (15), below the upper frame (152).

11. A forage wagon (15) for connection with a forage harvester (10) according to any one of claims 8 -10, the forage wagon (15) comprising an ensilage agent container (104).

12. The forage wagon (15) according to claim 11 , further comprising a base frame (156) having an inside; wherein the ensilage agent container (104) is arranged in connection with the inside of the base frame (156) for providing a protected positioning of the ensilage agent container (104).

13. A forage harvester assembly (100) comprising a forage harvester and a forage wagon (15) according to claim 11 or claim 12.

14. The forage harvester assembly (100) according to claim 13, wherein the forage harvester is a forage harvester (10) according to any one of claims 8-10.

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