Apparatus for harvesting stalk crops

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for harvesting stalk crops, comprising a plurality of cutting devices (3) suitable for separating the crop stalks (2), at least two corresponding conveying rotors (6, 7) which are rotatably mounted about mutually parallel axes of rotation (4, 5) and which each have a plurality of gear-like or star-shaped conveying discs (8-11) arranged congruently and coaxially one above the other, wherein the conveying discs (8-11), when viewed in the circumferential direction, have alternating projections (12) and recesses (13), such that the conveying rotors (6, 7) are designed for receiving, guiding and conveying the crop stalks (2) to a chopper (14) downstream of the apparatus (1) in relation to its direction of travel (F). The invention is characterized in that, in relation to the direction of travel (F) of the apparatus (1), two screw conveyors (17, 18), mounted rotatingly about axes of rotation (15, 16), for transferring the crop stalks (2) to the chopper (14) are arranged downstream of the conveying rotors (6, 7).

Description

[0001] Device for harvesting stalky crops

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The invention relates to a device for harvesting stemmy crops according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] Such devices are already known in very different designs, particularly for harvesting maize, and can be designed as a front attachment of a suitable motor vehicle, as a trailer, or as a self-propelled vehicle.

[0005] For example, DE 41 09 064 A1 describes a device designed as a front attachment for a vehicle for harvesting stalked crops grown in rows, in particular for harvesting maize, which has a transverse conveyor screw equipped with helixes rotating about an axis of rotation oriented transversely to the direction of travel and several cutting devices rotatably mounted below the transverse conveyor screw at different heights and overlapping in sections, about axes of rotation parallel to each other and vertically aligned to the axis of rotation of the transverse conveyor screw, the cutting radius of which extends, viewed in the direction of travel, to in front of the transverse conveyor screw.The special feature of the solution disclosed in the publication relates in particular to the specific design of the cutting devices, which are designed as disc-shaped knife carriers, with several knives of a special geometry arranged on the outer circumference of the knife carriers to improve their cutting performance. DE 10 2013 106 198 A1 further relates to a device for harvesting stalky crops with a transverse conveyor screw equipped with helixes, rotating about an axis of rotation oriented transversely to the direction of travel of the device, and with several cutting devices cooperating with the transverse conveyor screw, consisting of a cutting screw and stationary knives cooperating with the cutting screw.Furthermore, the device known from the publication has divider tips that have a geometry tapering to a point in the direction of travel, with the crop being located between two adjacent divider tips during the forward movement of the device. According to the disclosure in the publication, the helix of the cutting screw can also have a cutting edge that tapers to a point when viewed along its outer circumference.

[0006] Furthermore, EP 2 614 698 B2 discloses a mowing machine, such as those used for mowing grass, designed as a front-mounted or rear-mounted attachment for a vehicle. The mowing machine disclosed in the publication comprises a transverse auger equipped with helixes, rotating about an axis of rotation oriented transversely to the direction of travel, and several cutting devices, overlapping in sections, rotatably mounted below the transverse auger about axes of rotation parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the transverse auger. The cutting radius of these cutting devices, viewed in the direction of travel, extends to in front of the transverse auger. The transverse auger is rotatably mounted within a cylindrical surface, so that the cut crop can be conveyed laterally within this surface. Subsequently, the crop is left on the ground to the side of the mower in a swath.

[0007] From publication DE 20 2015 005 648 U1, a device suitable for harvesting stalked crops, particularly corn, is also known. This device, designed as a front attachment for a vehicle, comprises numerous chain-like conveying units rotating around two axes of rotation spaced apart from each other. According to the disclosure, several tooth-like conveying elements are arranged one above the other as components of the conveying units. The crop is captured in a space between two laterally adjacent conveying elements and transported by the conveying elements in the conveying direction. Below the conveying unit are several cutting units, offset vertically and overlapping in sections, rotatably mounted about parallel, vertically extending axes of rotation. The cutting radius of these cutting units, viewed in the direction of travel, extends to in front of the conveying unit.Viewed in the direction of travel, this device also features divider tips with a geometry that tapers towards the point of travel, transitioning into guide bars, which are referred to as guide bars in this document. Deflector elements are also provided in the overlap area (wedge area) of two adjacent cutting devices, whereby, due to the forward movement of the device, a row of the harvested material is positioned between each pair of adjacent divider tips.

[0008] Transverse screw conveyors have generally proven to be advantageous conveying devices, as they are structurally simple and require little maintenance and are less prone to malfunctions. Due to their rotational movement, they are also able to transport the harvested crop optimally, i.e., with virtually no loss. This transport typically takes place in a shredder downstream of the device, where the crop is shredded and prepared for further processing. Such a device for harvesting stalky crops, with at least two rotating transverse screw conveyors and several cutting devices, arranged in overlapping sections and rotatably mounted below the transverse screw conveyors around axes of rotation parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the transverse screw conveyors, whose cutting radius, viewed in the direction of travel, extends to in front of the transverse screw conveyors,The following is assumed: the conveying direction of the transverse augers is towards the center of the device, and each transverse auger is assigned at least one conveying rotor arranged between the transverse augers, which has at least one conveying disc rotating about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the transverse augers, so that the conveying direction of the stalks of the harvested crop changes by the transfer of the stalks of the harvested crop from the transverse augers to the assigned conveying rotor.

[0009] Such a device receives the harvested crop and conveys it almost without loss towards the conveyor rotors, which is a particular advantage of these devices. However, the transfer of the harvested crop from the conveyor rotors to the subsequent chopper is unfortunately still relatively unsatisfactory, so that some losses of the harvested crop still occur in this area, which should be avoidable.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of providing a device for harvesting stalky crops that also enables the transfer and transport of the crop from the conveyor rotors to the subsequent chopper with as little loss as possible.

[0011] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1. Further embodiments are the subject of the subsequent dependent claims.

[0012] A device for harvesting stalky crops, comprising several cutting devices suitable for separating the stalks of the crop and at least two corresponding conveying rotors rotatably mounted about parallel axes of rotation, each having several gear-like or star-shaped conveying discs arranged congruently and coaxially one above the other, which, viewed in the circumferential direction, have alternating projections and recesses, so that the conveying rotors are designed to receive, guide and convey the stalks of the crop to a chopper following the device in relation to its direction of travel, has been further developed according to the invention in such a way that, in relation to the direction of travel of the device, two conveying screws rotatably mounted about axes of rotation are arranged downstream of the conveying rotors for transferring the stalks of the crop to the chopper.

[0013] The advantages of using screw conveyors are, according to the invention, analogous to the advantages of the previously mentioned transverse screw conveyors, also utilized for transporting the harvested material between the conveyor rotor and the subsequent chopper. As already explained, such screw conveyors, which are additionally provided as transverse screw conveyors within the scope of the invention and serve in this context for receiving and transporting the harvested material to the conveyor rotor, are structurally simple and require little maintenance and are not prone to malfunctions. Due to their rotational movement, they are also able to transport the harvested material optimally, i.e., with virtually no loss.

[0014] According to a first embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the axes of rotation of the augers run parallel or at an angle to each other. In particular, the arrangement of the axes of rotation of the augers parallel to each other is especially advantageous because the design and assembly effort for this is relatively low, and the transport of the stalks of the harvested crop is thus straight and against the direction of travel, which also means that the augers have an orientation that is aligned with the direction of travel.

[0015] A particularly advantageous further development of the invention assumes that the augers are equipped with helixes whose pitch increases from the conveying rotor side towards the subsequent chopper. In metric threads, the pitch denotes the distance traveled in one revolution. This corresponds to the distance between two consecutive thread crests in mm. In other words, this means that, according to the invention, the stalks of the harvested crop are initially transported more slowly after being taken over by the conveying rotors and then, viewed in the direction of the chopper, accelerate. This measure ensures that the stalks of the harvested crop initially assume a slight incline in the direction of travel when they are taken over by the auger.In contrast, it is desirable that the stalks of the harvested crop exhibit a strong tendency to tilt in the direction of travel in the transition area to the chopper, in order to improve the transfer to the chopper. Therefore, a steeper helix angle is advantageous in this area.

[0016] A further, useful embodiment of the invention is that the augers are equipped with helixes whose outer diameter decreases or remains constant from the conveying rotor side towards the subsequent chopper. This measure also enables unimpeded transfer of the harvested material from the augers to the chopper. A larger helix diameter is advantageous in the area where the plants are transferred from the conveying rotor to the subsequent augers because it improves the transfer of the harvested material's stems from the conveying rotor to the augers. In this way, the stems receive improved support in this area due to the larger contact surface on the helixes.

[0017] Depending on the design of the device, there may be a height difference between the end of the augers on the chopper side and the chopper itself. To overcome such a height difference, it is suggested that the augers run at an angle to the horizontal. A special case arises when the augers run exactly horizontally, although this is also possible depending on the design. This ensures optimal transfer of the crop stems from the augers to the pre-compression rollers located in front of the chopper. This reliably prevents blockages or losses of the crop in this area.A further distinctive feature of the present invention is that one revolution of the transverse augers corresponds to the circumferential path traveled simultaneously by the return stroke of the conveyor rotor's conveyor discs, thus creating a synchronized movement between the transverse augers and the associated conveyor rotor, and this synchronization also exists between the conveyor rotors and the downstream augers. In other words, this means that the pockets of the conveyor rotors and the pockets of both the transverse augers, as well as the pockets of the conveyor rotors and the augers, are aligned congruently with each revolution, ensuring that the stalks of the harvested crop are always enclosed in the pockets and thus reliably transported.

[0018] In a manner known per se, the solution according to the invention also features, viewed in the direction of travel of the device, divider brackets with a geometry tapering to a point in the direction of travel, positioned in front of the conveying rotors. However, unlike known designs, these divider brackets transition in the area of ​​the conveying rotors into an arc-shaped section adapted to the path of the conveying rotors. This arc, together with the recesses of the conveying discs, forms pockets in which the stalks of the harvested crop are received, supported, and held during conveying. The design of these pockets effectively prevents the stalks of the harvested crop from falling out of the device and thus avoids losses.

[0019] A further, highly advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized by the presence of at least one guide bracket above the conveying rotors and / or between the conveying discs of the conveying rotors. Starting from a straight line, this guide bracket transitions into a fork on the side opposite the direction of travel of the device. According to a further development, the fork of the guide bracket has an arc-shaped geometry on its outer side, also adapted to the geometry of the conveying rotors. This arc, together with the recesses of the conveying discs, forms pockets in which the stalks of the harvested crop are received in the manner described above during the conveying of the crop.The guide bar(s) thus align the stems of the harvested crop and guide them in the circumferential direction of the conveying rotors until they can be transferred to the subsequent augers.

[0020] According to the invention, each existing guide bar has a very specific shape, consisting of a straight section that begins with a tapered section pointing in the direction of travel of the device and is inclined towards the horizontal. This section then transitions into a subsequent straight section, preferably, but not necessarily, approximately horizontal, which includes the fork. The inclined tip of the guide bar, in particular, ensures that the stems of the harvested crop are optimally divided and fed to the subsequent conveying rotors.

[0021] To improve the guidance of the crop stems in the area of ​​the guide bracket's fork, a further embodiment of the invention provides for an arc rail equidistant from the fork of the guide bracket(s), such that a guide channel for the crop stems is formed between the arc rail and the fork of the guide bracket(s). The additional arc rail ensures a clog-free material flow within the conveying rotors and thus also optimizes the transport of the crop stems.

[0022] As the foregoing explanations demonstrate, it is always advantageous to restrict the movement of the crop stems as much as possible to ensure loss-free transport. Therefore, a highly advantageous embodiment of the invention is the inclusion of a guide bar on both sides of the auger, spaced close to and parallel to the outer circumference of the auger helix. These guide bars along the auger ensure the crop stems are guided securely, allowing them to be transported safely and reliably from the conveying rotors to the subsequent chopper.

[0023] A further measure to improve the transport of the crop stems involves the addition of a top support above the augers and rotors. This support begins with an arc-shaped section, adapted to the path of the rotors, and transitions into a straight section above the augers, aligned with the direction of the crop stems' movement. This top support thus bridges the gap between the rotors and the chopper, extending above and along the entire length of the augers. The top support therefore provides additional support for the crop stems at their upper or end sections.

[0024] A further development of the invention has proven particularly advantageous, consisting of a trough arranged below the augers. This trough serves several functions. Firstly, it can catch falling pieces of the harvested crop, preventing them from being lost. Secondly, the trough guides the lower ends of the crop stems, allowing them to slide along its surface and thus be further guided.

[0025] In the device according to the invention, the augers are driven by a gearbox in a manner known per se. To ensure that both augers rotate at the same speed, they are preferably set in motion by the same gearbox.

[0026] Looking at the conveying rotors, a specific design feature is that each rotor has a receiving area and a conveying area. The receiving area, relative to the rotor's diameter, is located on the outer circumference, while the conveying area follows the receiving area towards the inner circumference. As the terms suggest, the stalks of the harvested crop are simply received in the receiving area and then transferred to the conveying area, which aligns and transports the stalks, thus enabling a loss-free harvest. In the area of ​​the augers, there is a common conveying area, so the conveying area and the receiving area of ​​the rotors merge into this shared conveying area.

[0027] Another proposed solution involves using conveyor rotors with different diameters for the conveying discs. This measure also ensures that the stems of the harvested crop are optimally aligned.

[0028] In a practical embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the cutting devices is further provided to be larger than the diameter of the conveying discs of the conveying rotors. This ensures a safe and reliable separation of the stems before they are taken over by the device and fed to further processing.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiment does not represent a limitation to the depicted variant, but merely serves to illustrate a principle of the invention. Identical or similar components are always designated with the same reference numerals. In order to illustrate the functionality according to the invention, the figures show only highly simplified schematic representations, in which components not essential to the invention have been omitted. However, this does not mean that such components are not present in a solution according to the invention.

[0030] It shows:

[0031] Figure 1: a highly simplified, schematic representation of a part of the

[0032] Device for harvesting stalky crops Figure 2: a side view of the area between the conveyor rotor and

[0033] Shredder

[0034] Figure 3: a top view of the conveyor rotors and the

[0035] augers of a device according to the invention,

[0036] Figure 4: a side view of one of the screw conveyors,

[0037] Figure 5: partial view of the area of ​​the screw conveyors and one

[0038] Conveyor rotor with stems of the harvested crop,

[0039] Figure 6: the transport of several stalks of the harvested crop within the

[0040] Device, and

[0041] Figure 7: a top view of the conveyor rotors and the

[0042] Conveyor screws with collected stems of the harvested crop.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a simplified, partial view of a section of the device 1 for harvesting stalked crops. The entire device 1 moves in the direction of travel F, so it can, for example, be designed as an attachment to an agricultural vehicle or form part of such a vehicle. The device 1 shown in Figure 1 is preferably used for harvesting corn. Such crops are arranged in rows, with the stalks 2 of these crops sometimes reaching considerable lengths. A special feature of the device 1 according to the invention is that it has two transverse augers 38 equipped with helical helixes, of which only one transverse auger 38 is shown in Figure 1.The conveying direction of the transverse screw conveyor 38 is linear and oriented towards the center of the device 1. In the central area of ​​the device 1 are two conveying rotors 6 and 7, whose axes of rotation 4 and 5, respectively, run parallel to each other and are oriented perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the transverse screw conveyors 38. Below the transverse screw conveyors 38 and the conveying rotors 6 and 7 are cutting devices 3 in the form of cutting discs, which serve to cut the stems 2 of the harvested crop during the forward movement of the device 1 in the direction of travel F. It is important to note that the conveying rotors 6 and 7 each have several conveying discs 8-11 arranged coaxially and one above the other, and that the conveying direction of the stems of the harvested crop 2 changes as the stems 2 are transferred from the transverse screw conveyors 38 to the respective conveying rotor 6 or 7.While the conveying direction of the transverse screw conveyors 38 is perpendicular to the direction of travel F, i.e., towards the center of the device 1, and is straight, the conveying direction changes to a circular motion when the stalks 2 of the harvested crop are transferred to the conveying rotors 6 and 7. The previously mentioned conveying discs 8-11 of the conveying rotors 6 and 7 each have a star-shaped geometry when viewed circumferentially, such that they alternately feature projections 12 with a pointed shape towards the outer circumference and recesses 13 adjoining each projection 12. The stalks 2 of the harvested crop are received and transported in the recesses 13, which can also be designed as recesses of any geometry.Between the conveying discs 8-11 are also divider bars 20, which are characterized by a straight, pointed section extending in the direction of travel and transitioning in the area of ​​the conveying rotors 6, 7 into an arc-shaped section 21 adapted to the geometry of the conveying rotors 6, 7. Together with the recesses 13 of the conveying discs 8-11, these form pockets that ensure the secure guidance of the stems 2 of the harvested crop. In addition, a guide bar 22 is located above and centrally between the conveying rotors 6 and 7, which also has a section 24 tapering to a point in the direction of travel F and inclined to the horizontal, so that the point 24 points towards the ground.Following this ascending section 24 of the guide bracket 22, it transitions into a straight section 25, which, in the example shown in Figure 1, runs approximately horizontally and has a fork 23 at its end. The outer surface of this fork is adapted to the geometry of the conveying rotors 6 and 7 and is therefore curved. This results in pockets being formed between the guide bracket 22 and the recesses 13 of the conveying rotors 6 and 7, which reliably guide the stems 2 of the harvested crop during the rotation of the conveying rotors 6 and 7. At a distance from the fork 23 of the guide bracket 22, a curved rail 26 is also provided above each of the conveying rotors 6 and 7. This rail serves to ensure a clog-free flow of material. A guide channel 27 for the stems 2 of the harvested crop is thus formed between the curved rails 26 and the outer surface of the fork 23.The special feature of the invention is that, with respect to the direction of travel F of the device 1, two screw conveyors 17, 18, mounted to rotate about axes of rotation 15, 16, are arranged downstream of the conveying rotors 6, 7 for transferring the stalks 2 of the harvested crop to a subsequent chopper 14. In the example shown in Figure 1, the screw conveyors 17 and 18 run parallel to each other and have helically extending helixes 19, so that when the screw conveyors 17, 18 rotate, the stalks 2 of the harvested crop are guided between the helixes 19 and transported towards the chopper 14. Figure 1 shows pre-compression rollers 37, which are typically located upstream of the chopper 14. The upper pre-compression roller is movably mounted in the direction of arrow A, and the lower pre-compression roller is fixed.To the sides of the augers 17 and 18 are guide bars 28 and 29, which, together with the helixes 19 of the augers 17 and 18, also form pocket-like geometries and thus enclose the stems 2 of the harvested crop as they are transported along the augers 17 and 18 towards the chopper 14. Below the augers 17 and 18 is a trough 33, which serves both to catch fallen plant parts, thereby reducing loss, and to guide the lower ends of the stems 2 of the harvested crop.

[0044] Figure 2 shows a partial side view of the area between a conveyor rotor 7 and the shredder 14. The drive of the augers 17 and 18 by a gearbox 34 is more clearly visible here than in Figure 1. In the example shown, both augers 17 and 18 are driven by the same gearbox 34 to achieve the same rotational speed. Figure 2 shows that the divider brackets 20 extend from their tapered, front section to between the conveyor discs 9 and 10, where they transition into an arc-shaped profile adapted to the path of the conveyor rotor 7. The side view in Figure 2 also clearly shows the shape of the guide bracket 22 with its initially rising section 24, which transitions into a straight section in the area of ​​the conveyor rotor 7 and ultimately terminates in the fork 23.Below the conveyor rotor 7, a cutting disc can also be seen in Figure 2 as part of the cutting devices 3.

[0045] Figure 3 shows a top view of the conveying rotors 6, 7 and the augers 17, 18 of a device 1 according to the invention. The augers 17, 18 are shown only schematically simplified and illustrate that the helix 19 has an outer diameter that decreases from the conveying rotors 6 and 7 towards the shredder 14. In addition, the pitch of the helix 19 of the augers 17 and 18 increases from the conveying rotor side towards the downstream shredder 14.A special feature of the present invention is that one revolution of the transverse augers 38 corresponds to the circumferential path traveled simultaneously by a return stroke 13 of the conveyor discs 8-11 of the associated conveyor rotor 6 or 7, so that a timing is achieved between the transverse augers 38 and the associated conveyor rotors 6, 7, and this timing exists analogously between the conveyor rotors 6, 7 and the downstream augers 17 and 18. In other words, this means that the pockets formed by the conveyor rotors 6, 7 and the pockets of both the transverse augers 38 and the conveyor rotors 6, 7 and the augers 17, 18 are aligned congruently with each revolution, so that the stems 2 of the harvested crop are always enclosed in the pockets and thus reliably transported.Viewed from another perspective, with each revolution of the conveyor rotors 6, 7, the tips of the projections 12 directly contact the outer circumference of an associated turning ring 19 of the screw conveyors 17, 18, which also applies analogously to the conveyor rotors 6, 7 and the associated transverse screw conveyors 38. Thus, the rotational speeds of the conveyor rotors 6, 7 and the screw conveyors 17, 18, as well as of the conveyor rotors 6, 7 and the transverse screw conveyors 38, are precisely synchronized. Furthermore, the previously mentioned guide brackets 28 and 29 are located laterally next to the screw conveyors 17 and 18. The guide channels 27 between the curved rails 26 and the associated sections of the fork 23 are also more clearly visible here than in Figures 1 and 2. As can be seen in Figure 3, pockets are formed within these guide channels 27 together with the recesses 13 of the conveying discs 8-11, in which the stems 2 of the harvested crop are guided.In the front area of ​​the conveyor rotors 6 and 7, these also have a receiving area 35 and a conveying area 36 adjoining it in the opposite direction of travel F, which are indicated in the illustration of Figure 3.

[0046] Figure 4 shows a side view of one of the augers 18, while Figure 5 shows a section of the area of ​​the augers 17 and 18 and a conveying rotor 6 with stalks 2 of the harvested crop. It is evident that these stalks 2, after being received by the conveying rotor 6, have an approximately vertical orientation and, in the transfer area between the conveying rotor 6 and the subsequent auger 17 or 18, exhibit a slight inclination in the direction of travel F. During the conveying of the stalks 2 of the harvested crop along the augers 17 and 18, each stalk 2 is located between the helixes 19 of the augers 17 and 18 and is supported by the guide bars 28 and 29, respectively, thus creating a pocket-like area. In this area, the stalks 2 exhibit a greater inclination in the direction of travel F than before.This has a beneficial effect when transferring the stems 2 to the subsequent shredder 14.

[0047] Figure 6 illustrates the transport of several stalks 2 of the harvested crop within the device 1. Each pocket-like space between the helixes 19 of the augers 17 and 18 contains one stalk 2 of the harvested crop. The special feature of this illustration is that, at a height above the augers 17 and 18, an additional upper bracket 30 is present. Corresponding to the conveying rotors 6 and 7, this bracket initially has an arc-shaped section 31, which, viewed within the conveying device, transitions into a straight section 32. The upper ends of the stalks 2 of the harvested crop slide along this straight section, providing additional support.

[0048] For better illustration, Figure 7 shows another view from above of the conveying rotors 6 and 7 and the augers 17 and 18 with stems 2 of the harvested crop.

[0049] REFERENCE MARK LIST:

[0050] 1 Device

[0051] 2 stalks (of the harvested crop)

[0052] 3 cutting devices

[0053] 4 Rotation axis (conveyor rotor)

[0054] 5 Rotation axis (conveyor rotor)

[0055] 6 conveyor rotor

[0056] 7 Conveyor rotor

[0057] 8 Conveyor disc

[0058] 9 Conveyor disc

[0059] 10 Conveyor disc

[0060] 11 Conveyor disc

[0061] 12 protrusions

[0062] 13 backtracks

[0063] 14 shredders

[0064] 15 Rotation axis (of the screw conveyor)

[0065] 16 Rotation axis (of the screw conveyor)

[0066] 17 auger

[0067] 18 auger

[0068] 19 Wendel

[0069] 20 divider brackets

[0070] 21 arc-shaped section (the divider bracket)

[0071] 22 guide brackets

[0072] 23 Fork

[0073] 24 tapered section (of the guide bar)

[0074] 25 straight section (of the guide bar)

[0075] 26 curved rail

[0076] 27 Guide channel

[0077] 28 guide bars

[0078] 29 guide bars

[0079] 30 Upper bracket CONTINUED REFERENCE MARK LIST:

[0080] 31 arc-shaped section (of the upper bar)

[0081] 32 straight section (of the upper bar)

[0082] 33 bathtubs

[0083] 34 gearboxes

[0084] 35 Acceptance area

[0085] 36 Funding area

[0086] 37 pre-compression rollers

[0087] 38 transverse screw conveyors

[0088] F Direction of travel

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Device (1) for harvesting stalky crops, comprising: - several cutting devices (3) suitable for separating the stalks (2) of the crops, -at least two corresponding conveying rotors (6, 7) rotatably mounted about parallel axes of rotation (4, 5), each having several gear-like or star-shaped conveying discs (8-11) arranged congruently and coaxially one above the other, which, viewed in the circumferential direction, have alternating projections (12) and recesses (13), so that the conveying rotors (6, 7) are designed for receiving, guiding and conveying the stalks (2) of the harvested crop to a chopper (14) following the device (1) with respect to its direction of travel (F), characterized in that, with respect to the direction of travel (F) of the device (1), two conveying screws (17, 18) mounted to rotate about axes of rotation (15, 16) are arranged downstream of the conveying rotors (6, 7) for transferring the stalks (2) of the harvested crop to the chopper (14).

2. Device (1) for harvesting stemmy crops according to claim 1, characterized in that the axes of rotation (15, 16) of the augers (17, 18) run parallel and in the direction of travel or at an angle to each other.

3. Device (1) for harvesting stalky crops according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying screws (17, 18) are equipped with helixes (19) whose pitch increases from the conveying rotor side towards the following chopper (14).

4. Device (1) for harvesting stalky crops according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying screws (17, 18) are equipped with helixes (19) whose outer diameter decreases or remains constant from the conveying rotor side towards the following chopper (14).

5. Device (1) for harvesting stemmy crops according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying screws (17, 18) run horizontally or at an angle of inclination (a) to the horizontal.

6. Device (1) for harvesting stemmy crops according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one revolution of the transverse conveyor screws (38) corresponds to the circumferential distance traveled simultaneously by a return stroke (13) of the conveyor discs (8-11) of the conveyor rotor (6, 7), such that there is a timing between the transverse conveyor screws (38) and the associated conveyor rotor (6, 7) and this timing also exists between the conveyor rotors (6, 7) and the downstream conveyor screws (17, 18).

7. Device (1) for harvesting stemmy crops according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, viewed in the direction of travel (F) of the device (1), divider brackets (20) with a geometry tapering to a point in the direction of travel (F) are arranged in front of the conveying rotors (6, 7), which in the area of ​​the conveying rotors (6, 7) extend into an arc-shaped section adapted to the course of the conveying rotors (6, 7). (21) pass over, which together with the return steps (13) of the conveying discs (8-11) form pockets in which stems (2) of the harvested crop are received during the conveying of the harvested crop.

8. Device (1) for harvesting stalky crops according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one guide bracket is located above the conveying rotors (6, 7) and / or between the conveying discs (8-11) of the conveying rotors (6, 7). (22) is located, which, starting from a straight course, transitions on its side opposite the direction of travel (F) of the device into a fork (23).

9. Device (1) for harvesting stalky crops according to claim 8, characterized in that the fork (23) of the guide brackets (22) has an arc-shaped geometry on its outside which, together with the recesses (13) of the conveying discs (8-11), forms pockets in which stalks (2) of the crops are received during the conveying of the crops.

10. Device (1) for harvesting stemmy crops according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the straight course of the guide bracket (22) begins with a tapered section (24) pointing in the direction of travel (F) of the device (1) and runs at an inclination to the horizontal, and transitions into a subsequent straight and approximately horizontal section (25) which has the fork (23).

11. Device (1) for harvesting stemmy crops according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that at least one curved rail (26) is arranged equidistant from the fork (23) of the guide bracket(s) (22), such that between the curved rail (26) and the fork (23) of the guide bar(s) (22) a guide channel (27) is designed for the stems (2) of the harvested crop.

12. Device (1) for harvesting stemmy crops according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a guide bar (28, 29) runs on both sides of the conveyor screws (17, 18) at a small distance and parallel to the outer circumference of the helix (19) of the conveyor screws (17, 18).

13. Device (1) for harvesting stemmy crops according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an upper bracket (30) is provided at a height distance above the augers (17, 18) and the rotors (6, 7), which transitions from an arc-shaped section (31) adapted to the course of the rotors (6, 7) into a straight section (32) adapted to the conveying direction of the stems (2) of the crop by the augers (17, 18) and extending above the augers (17, 18).

14. Device (1) for harvesting stemmy crops according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a trough (33) is arranged below the conveying screws (17, 18).

15. Device (1) for harvesting stalky crops according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the augers (17, 18) are driven by a gearbox (34) and rotate at the same speed.

16. Device (1) for harvesting stemmy crops according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying rotors (6, 7) each have a receiving area (35) and a conveying area (36), wherein the receiving area (35), with respect to the diameter of the conveying rotors (6, 7), is located on the outer circumference and the conveying area (36), viewed in the direction of the inner circumference, follows the receiving area (35).

17. Device (1) for harvesting stemmy crops according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying discs (8-11) of the conveying rotors (6, 7) have different diameters.

18. Device (1) for harvesting stemmy crops according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diameter of the cutting devices (3) is larger than the diameter of the conveying discs (8-11) of the conveying rotors (6, 7).

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