Combination of a towing vehicle and a loading device

Abstract

A combination of a vehicle and a loading device, wherein the vehicle has a cabin and is provided with coupling means for coupling a trailer to the vehicle on the rear side of the vehicle, the loading device comprises a take-up tool for taking up natural material on the front side of the vehicle, the loading device is at least partially connected to the vehicle pivotably about a horizontal pivot axis, extending transverse to a driving direction, between a first pivot position and a second pivot position, wherein, in the first pivot position, the take-up tool is located at a first distance above the underlying surface, and, in the second pivot position, the loading device is pivoted with respect to the first pivot position at least partially upward and the take-up tool is located at a second distance above the underlying surface, the second distance being greater than the first distance, the loading device comprises a conveying device which is designed to both in the first pivot position and in the second pivot position convey material taken up by the take-up tool from the take-up tool over the cabin in order to cause the material to fall on the rear side of the vehicle from the conveying device into a container of a trailer coupled to the vehicle, wherein the conveying device comprises two conveyor belts which are situated next to one another and each fit on their front sides with the take-up tool.

Description

[0001] Title: Combination of a towing vehicle and a loading device.

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to the loading of a trailer with natural material. This can be separated silage which is loaded into the tub of a feed-mixing wagon. As an alternative, it may for example also be clippings which are loaded into a receptacle of a trailer. These may be fresh clippings or clippings which have been separated for example with the aid of a mowing basket, such as from a ditch, and have been on the ground next to the ditch for some time, for example a few days, to dry.

[0004] Feed-mixing wagons are used in livestock farming to mix and distribute cattle feed. In general, feed-mixing wagons have a container such as a tub and, in this container, a mixing device such as an auger which mixes feed components such as silage, hay, grains, vitamins and minerals to form a uniform feed mix. In the case of feed-mixing wagons, a distinction can be made, inter alia, between self-propelled feedmixing wagons which can drive autonomously and towed feed-mixing wagons which are hung behind a towing vehicle such as typically a tractor. Furthermore, a distinction can be made between feed-mixing wagons which are provided with a loading device, the so-called self-loaders, and those which are not provided with such a loading device. Such a loading device may, for example, comprise a grabber which grabs, as it were, a determined amount of silage from a supply of silage and subsequently moves it into the container or a cutter with a conveyor belt system which moves silage that has been cut loose by the cutter into the container. A loading device with a cutter which is known to be implemented in the case of self-propelled feed-mixing wagons generally has a higher capacity than one with a grabber which is known to be used in the case of towed feed-mixing wagons. In the case of aforementioned known self-propelled feed-mixing wagons, provided on the front side and from the middle of the width of the feed-mixing wagon is a cabin having a relatively large windshield which offers an unobstructed view of the cutter which extends on the front side of the cabin. The conveyor belt system of the loading device extends next to the cabin on the other side of the width of the vehicle than where the cabin at least largely extends. It is also known that towed feed-mixing wagons are not provided with a dedicated loading device. In practice, in that case feed components, such as for example separated feed from a supply of silage, are loaded into the container of the feed-mixing wagon with the aid of a shovel. It is also known when mowing grass, such as for example at a verge, that the fresh clippings are sucked up by a suction system. A disadvantage is that possible contaminants such as PFAS are also sucked up.

[0005] The invention aims, on the one hand, to be able to load a trailer such as a feed-mixing wagon with a relatively high capacity. In the case of feed-mixing wagons, this capacity is comparable to the capacity of known self-propelled feed-mixing wagons. On the other hand, the invention aims to provide a combination which has a relatively low cost. To this end, the invention provides a combination as claimed in claim 1. It is an important advantage that such a combination makes it possible for a standard vehicle, such as in particular a tractor but alternatively for example also another type of commercially available standard vehicle such as a truck, to be able to form part of the combination in question. This allows the purchase costs and the operating costs to remain low. Furthermore, such a combination can be controlled efficiently by one person from the cabin of the vehicle, the person having a good view in front of them, from the cabin, of the take-up tool and the functioning thereof. In addition, the loading device makes it possible for a trailer, such as a feed-mixing wagon, coupled to the vehicle with the aid of the coupling means to be loaded rapidly compared with the speed with which towed feed-mixing wagons known hitherto are loaded. In general, it is noted that when use is made above or below of the word coupling or a derivative thereof, this means a mechanical coupling unless explicitly stated otherwise. A mechanical coupling of course does not rule out there also being another type of coupling. When used to load fresh clippings into a trailer, it is also possible to considerably reduce the risk of contaminants also ending up in the trailer with the fresh clippings. The combination can also advantageously be used to load a trailer with grass or reed separated from a ditch or the like which has been on the ground next to the ditch, such as at a verge. The two conveyor belts of the conveying device which are situated next to one another and each fit on their front sides, i.e. at their respective front ends, with the take-up tool can provide an increased loading capacity. An opening between the two conveyor belts can be utilized to have a view of the take-up tool from the cabin.

[0006] The two conveyor belts may be provided mirror-symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry extending parallel to the driving direction. The plane of symmetry may in this case coincide with the middle of the width of the vehicle. The two conveyor belts may extend on mutually opposite sides of the hood of the vehicle. In a further embodiment, the take-up tool is designed to distribute material taken up by the take-up tool equally over the two conveyor belts.

[0007] In a further embodiment, the two conveyor belts situated next to one another run toward one another in a direction opposite to the driving direction, i.e. rearward. Thus, on the one hand, an improved view of the take-up tool can be provided between the two conveyor belts and a relatively wide take-up tool can be used, but, on the other hand, natural material taken up by the take-up tool can be brought more toward the middle of the width of the container of a trailer towed by the vehicle of the combination in order to reliably allow the taken-up natural material to fall into the container.

[0008] The invention may be particularly advantageous if the vehicle is a tractor. For the sake of completeness, it is noted that a tractor is a vehicle designed to be able to tow or pull trailers or implements and provided with a power takeoff (PTO) for providing mechanical energy from the engine of the tractor to a trailer or implement.

[0009] The advantages of the invention are particularly relevant if the loading device is separably connected to the vehicle. Such a separable connection can, for example, be realized by means of bolts and possibly nuts and / or by means of a quickcoupling system. The vehicle can then be separated from the combination and thus be made available for other purposes, which is not possible for example in the case of a self-propelled feed-mixing wagon. It is thus also possible for the vehicle to be made (more) suitable for moving in spaces where only a limited height is available or where there is only a limited possibility for maneuvering.

[0010] For the purpose of the connection, which may or may not be separable, between the vehicle and the loading device, the combination in one embodiment comprises a frame, via which frame the loading device is connected to the vehicle. The frame may be adapted to the vehicle, whereas the loading device may be of more universal design. The connection between the frame and the loading device may in use, although separable, actually nevertheless have a permanent character. The loading device could then be separated together with the frame from the vehicle so that the vehicle is (temporarily) available for other work, for which work the loading device and possibly the frame would form an obstruction.

[0011] In one embodiment, the frame is connected to the vehicle at least on the front side of the cabin. Such an embodiment may be particularly advantageous if the vehicle is a tractor, since in this way the rear side of the cabin of the tractor does not have to be used, or has to be used only to a limited extent, or does not have to be exclusively used, for the connection of the frame to the vehicle. The rear side of the vehicle can thus remain at least substantially free of provisions for the connection of the frame to the vehicle.

[0012] Particularly as regards the embodiment above, a further embodiment is distinguished in that the frame has a first frame part which extends on the front side of the cabin and is connected to the vehicle. In the case of a tractor, this connection can be effected in a suitable manner for example via the support of a front loader of the tractor. Such a support is generally a standard part of a tractor.

[0013] The first frame part may have two upright frame parts having between them a look-through opening, via which look-through opening the take-up tool can be seen from the cabin. Lower ends of the two upright frame parts may in this case be connected to the vehicle and upper ends of the two upright frame parts may be connected to one another via another part of the frame in order to provide the frame with increased stiffness.

[0014] The frame may also have a second frame part which fits with the first frame part and extends directly above the cabin and preferably also behind the front side of the cabin. This offers the possibility of possibly also connecting the frame to the vehicle on the rear side of the cabin, which can lead to a stiffer connection of the frame to the vehicle. In addition, it is thus also possible for the pivot axis to be positioned behind the front side of the cabin, which can be advantageous for reasons which will be explained in more detail.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the frame is connected to the vehicle at least on the rear side of the cabin. This could be in combination with a connection of the frame to the vehicle on the front side of the cabin, but the frame could also be connected to the vehicle exclusively on the rear side of the cabin. Thus, there is no need for the frame to extend on the front side of the cabin, and, where this is the case, the relevant part of the frame can be of more lightweight design, as a result of which the view from the cabin toward the front side of the vehicle is not obstructed, or is obstructed only to a limited extent, by the frame.

[0016] The constructional simplicity can be helped by the entire loading device being coupled pivotably about the pivot axis with respect to the vehicle. In addition, the radius of curvature of the path made by the take-up tool can thus be selected to be relatively large, as a result of which relatively straight cut surfaces can be created in a supply of feed during the pivoting of the loading device about the pivot axis.

[0017] In a practical embodiment, the conveying device is designed to convey material along at least one conveying track, wherein each conveying track has a front end situated on the front side of the vehicle and a rear end situated on the rear side of the cabin, preferably on the rear side of the vehicle. At the rear end of the conveying track, material can be thrown directly into the container of a trailer or for example into a chute which opens out in the container.

[0018] The view of the take-up tool from the cabin can be improved if, in top view, the rear end of the conveying track is situated closer to the middle of the width of the vehicle than the front end of the conveying track.

[0019] In one embodiment, the conveying track comprises a front rectilinear conveying-track part and a rear rectilinear conveying-track part which, at least in the first position of the loading device, fit with one another at an angle. Within the front conveying-track part, the conveying device of the loading device can, during operation, in the first position of the loading device convey material upward to a level above that of the upper side of the cabin, after which, within the rear conveying-track part, the material is conveyed over the cabin to the rear side of the vehicle.

[0020] In a further embodiment, at least in the first position of the loading device, the rear conveying-track part, as seen in side view, extends in a horizontal direction or encloses an angle of at most 15 degrees with a horizontal direction.

[0021] In one embodiment in which the pivot axis does not extend between the front conveying-track part and the rear conveying-track part but in which the front conveying-track part and the rear conveying-track part are actually rigidly connected to one another, the front conveying-track part and the rear conveying-track part fit with one another at the angle both in the first position and in the second position of the loading device. This can benefit the constructional simplicity of the loading device.

[0022] In a practical embodiment, the angle has a size between 120 degrees and 150 degrees.

[0023] The invention lends itself, as already specified above, particularly for use with tractors as vehicle. Within this context, according to a further embodiment, the vehicle has on the front side of the cabin a hood, which hood further preferably extends within the width of the cabin, and the two conveyor belts extend, in top view, at least partly on mutually opposite sides of the hood. In other words, the one conveyor belt extends, as seen in the driving direction, at least partly to the left of the hood and the other conveyor belt to the right at least partly to the right thereof.

[0024] Unlike in the case of known self-propelled feed-mixing wagons, in one embodiment the cabin of the vehicle is provided in the middle of the width of the vehicle, as is for example known per se in the case of tractors.

[0025] A path, which is favorable particularly when using silage, of the take-up tool, which in the case of silage may be designed as a cylindrical cutter, can be obtained if the pivot axis extends on the rear side of the cabin and / or higher than the cabin. Thus, the cut surface can be relatively straight so that no or only a limited overhang remains in the silage after the cutting.

[0026] An identical advantage may in general be relevant if the pivot axis is situated at a distance of at least 5 meters, such as for example between 6 meters and 8 meters, from the front side of the take-up tool.

[0027] The invention may advantageously be applied when preparing cattle feed. Within this context, the combination may also comprise a trailer, designed as a feed-mixing wagon, towed by the vehicle, and / or the take-up tool may comprise a separating tool. Such a separating tool may comprise a cutter body which is preferably cylindrical. Such a cutter body may also be useful for taking up clippings which originate from a ditch or the like and have been on the side of the ditch.

[0028] The invention may also advantageously be applied when mowing grass, such as at a verge. Within this context, the take-up tool may comprise a mowing mechanism such as a flail mower. The fresh clippings can then be brought directly by the mowing mechanism to the conveying device of the loading device in order to be conveyed by the conveying device into the trailer.

[0029] In one embodiment, the conveying device comprises a further conveyor belt and the two conveyor belts situated next to one another fit at respective rear ends thereof with a front end of the further conveyor belt in order to transfer material taken up by the take-up tool from each of the two conveyor belts situated next to one another to the further conveyor belt. Thus, a single conveyor belt, namely the further conveyor belt, can suffice for part of the conveying of taken-up natural material from the takeup tool to the container of the trailer.

[0030] In this case, it is possible in one embodiment for the two conveyor belts situated next to one another together with the take-up tool to be connected to the further conveyor belt pivotably about the pivot axis between the first pivot position, in which the two conveyor belts situated next to one another slope downward from the front end of the further conveyor belt, and the second pivot position, in which the two conveyor belts situated next to one another and the further conveyor belt extend parallel to one another or in which the two conveyor belts situated next to one another at least slope downward to a lesser extent than in the first position. Thus, the height of the combination in the second pivot position can remain limited.

[0031] In one embodiment which may be favorable in terms of construction, the further conveyor belt extends directly above the cabin, preferably parallel to the driving direction, and / or the rear end situated opposite the front end of the further conveyor belt is situated on the rear side of the cabin.

[0032] In one embodiment in which the two conveyor belts situated next to one another may also fit next to one another with the further conveyor belt, each of the two conveyor belts situated next to one another fits outside the middle of the width of the further conveyor belt with the further conveyor belt. In addition, the view of the takeup tool from the cabin can thus be improved.

[0033] For the purpose of a reliable transfer of taken-up natural material from the two conveyor belts situated next to one another to the further conveyor belt, in one embodiment the two conveyor belts situated next to one another slope laterally toward one another in cross section perpendicular to the driving direction.

[0034] In order for the take-up tool to not approach natural material to be taken up, such as a supply of feed, in a manner exclusively dependent on the movement of the towing vehicle, it may be preferred in a further preferred embodiment for the loading device to comprise a guide so as to be able to slide the two conveyor belts situated next to one another, the further conveyor belt and the take-up tool back and forth parallel to the further conveyor belt, wherein the guide is preferably at least partially provided directly above the cabin for constructional reasons.

[0035] According to a further aspect, the invention provides a combination as claimed in claim 30. With such a combination, it is possible to take up natural material with the aid of the combination in question and bring it into a container of a trailer efficiently and reliably. In this way, it is not necessary for material to be transferred from the one conveyor belt to a subsequent conveyor belt within the length of the conveying track. Such a transfer can result in loss of material. From the point of view of a lower cost and if the required capacity allows it, it may be advantageous if the conveying device comprises no more and no less than one conveyor belt fitting with the take-up tool.

[0036] Particularly, but not exclusively, in an embodiment in which the at least one conveyor belt comprises no more and no less than one conveyor belt fitting with the take-up tool, as described in the preceding paragraph, it may be advantageous if the loading device is connected to the vehicle rotatably about a vertical rotation axis between a first rotation position and a second rotation position. This makes it possible to increase the range of the take-up tool without needing to move the vehicle for this.

[0037] The first rotation position and the second rotation position may be mirror symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane parallel to the driving direction.

[0038] In order to make it possible to keep the orientation of the take-up tool the same irrespective of the position through which the loading device is rotated about the vertical rotation axis, in a further possible embodiment the take-up tool is connected to the conveying device hingeably about a hinge axis. This hinge axis preferably extends in the region where the loading device and the take-up tool fit with one another. For the sake of completeness, it is noted that the terms turn, rotate and hinge within the context of the present description have a comparable meaning.

[0039] Again particularly, but not exclusively, in an embodiment in which the at least one conveyor belt comprises no more and no less than one conveyor belt fitting with the take-up tool, as described in a preceding paragraph, it may be advantageous if, optionally in combination with a loading device which is rotatable about the vertical rotation axis, the loading device is connected to the vehicle slidably in a horizontal direction, which extends perpendicularly to the driving direction, between a first slide position and a second slide position. This makes it possible to increase the range of the take-up tool without needing to move the vehicle for this.

[0040] The first slide position and the second slide position may be mirror symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane parallel to the driving direction.

[0041] The invention also provides a loading device designed for use in a combination according to the invention as described above.

[0042] The invention will be explained in more detail below by means of the description of possible embodiments of combinations according to the invention with reference to the following figures: figures 1 and 2 show two different isometric views of a combination of a towing vehicle and a loading device according to a first embodiment of the invention, the loading device being in a lower position, and the combination also being combined with a feed-mixing wagon; figure 3 shows a front view of the combination according to figure 1 ; figure 4 shows a top view of the loading device of the combination according to figures 1 , 2 and 3; figure 5 shows cross section V-V in figure 4; figure 6 shows a side view of the combination according to figure 1 , the loading device being in an upper position; figure 7 shows an isometric view of a combination of a towing vehicle and a loading device according to a second embodiment of the invention, the loading device being in the lower position, and the combination also being combined with a feed-mixing wagon; figure 8 shows a detail from figure 7; figures 9a to 9c show three top views of the combination according to figure 7, the loading device being in three different rotation positions; figure 10 shows a side view of the combination according to figure 7, the loading device being in an upper position; figure 11 shows an isometric view of a combination of a feed-mixing wagon, a loading device and a towing vehicle according to a third embodiment; figure 12 shows a front view of the combination according to figure 11 ; figure 13 shows a side view of a front part of the combination according to figure 11 ; figure 14 shows a top view of the front part according to figure 13; figure 15 shows the view along line V-V in figure 14; figure 16 shows another isometric view of the combination according to figure 11 ; figure 17 shows detail VII in figure 16; figure 18 shows an isometric view of the feed-mixing wagon which forms part of the combination according to figure 11 ; figures 19 and 20 show two isometric views of the loading device which forms part of the combination according to figure 11 ; figure 21 shows a top view of the loading device according to figures 19 and 20; figure 22 shows the view along line XII-XII in figure 21 ; figure 23 shows the view along line XIII-XIII in figure 21 ; figures 24 and 25 show a side view of the combination according to figure 11 respectively in a first pivot position and in a second pivot position, the loading device being in a rear slide position in both figures; figures 26 and 27 show a side view of the combination according to figure 21 respectively in the first pivot position and in the second pivot position, the loading device being in a front slide position in both figures; figure 28 shows a side view of an alternative combination of a feedmixing wagon and a loading device according to the invention; figures 29a and 29b show the region according to detail XIX in figure 28, a relevant locking mechanism being open and closed, respectively.

[0043] Combination 201 as depicted in figures 1 to 6 comprises a towing vehicle, designed as tractor 202, a feed-mixing wagon 203 and a loading device 204.

[0044] Tractor 202 is designed to move in driving direction 205 over an underlying surface 200 and has a cabin 206 and on the front side of the cabin 206 a hood 207 containing thereunder the propulsion engine of tractor 202. T ractor 202 is of the type generally known to those skilled in the art. Cabin 206 and hood 207 are provided centrally in the middle of the width of tractor 202. On the front side of the hood 207, tractor 202 is also provided with a counterweight 208.

[0045] The rear side of tractor 202 is provided with a hitch via which the feedmixing wagon 203 is connected to the tractor 202 so that the feed-mixing wagon 203 can be towed in driving direction 205 by tractor 202. Feed-mixing wagon 203 comprises a container, designed as tub 221 , and a mixing device which comprises two vertical augers 222 provided in the tub 221. Figure 1 shows just the upper side of the rear of the two augers 222. Such a feed-mixing wagon is known to those skilled in the art and is sold on the market for example under the brand name Biga by Peecon. In use, the augers mix feed components to form a uniform feed mix, and are driven here by a power takeoff 229 of the tractor 202.

[0046] Loading device 204 comprises a cutter unit 271 and a conveying device

[0047] 275. The cutter unit 271 is provided at a front end of the loading device 204 and can be regarded as a separating tool and / or as a take-up tool, since the cutter unit 271 can both take up separated natural material such as clippings and separate natural material such as from a supply of silage. Cutter unit 271 comprises an elongate framework 272, the longitudinal direction of which extends transverse to the driving direction 205. Cutter unit 71 further comprises a cylindrical cutter body 273 which is fastened to the framework 272 rotatably about the center axis. Cutter body 273 has a length of around 220 cm and on its circumference two helical cutter blades 274a, 274b which are oriented oppositely to one another. Thus, during operation the cutter blades 274a, 274b cause natural material, such as material cut loose from a supply of silage, to move from the middle of the length of the cutter body 273, as seen in the driving direction 205, laterally toward the outside. The framework 272 partly forms a cover which covers approximately half of the circumference of the cutter body 273 on the rear and upper side thereof.

[0048] Conveying device 275 is designed to convey loose natural material from the cutter unit 271 into the tub 221 of the feed-mixing wagon 203 on the rear side of the tractor 202. To this end, the conveying device 275 comprises two elongate conveying units 276 which are provided mirror-symmetrically with respect to an imaginary vertically oriented plane of symmetry which extends parallel to the driving direction 205. Each of the conveying units 276 has a framework having a front elongate framework part 277 and a rear elongate framework part 278 which, at ends directed toward one another, fit with one another at an angle a of around 135 degrees and are rigidly connected to one another. The front end of each front framework part 277 fits with an end of the elongate framework 272 of the cutter unit 271 and is rigidly connected thereto. In top view (see in particular figures 3 and 4), the two conveying units 276 run toward one another in the rearward direction.

[0049] Each conveying unit 276 further comprises a number of rollers 279 which are each rotatably connected to the associated framework. Wound around respective parts of the circumference of the rollers 279 associated with each conveying unit 276 is an endless conveyor belt 280 which is associated with the relevant conveying unit 276 and the carrying run of which forms a conveying track for separated natural material originating from the cutter unit 271. Each conveying track comprises a front rectilinear conveying-track part 281 and a rear rectilinear conveying-track part 282. The conveying-track parts 281 and 282 fit with one another at an angle of around 135 degrees. The conveyor belts 280 extend, in top view, next to and on two mutually opposite sides of the hood 207.

[0050] Each of the conveying units 276 further comprises an elongate cover 284 which is fastened to the framework of the relevant conveying unit 276 and forms a tunnel for the conveying track 281 , 282 associated with the relevant conveying unit 276. The open front sides of these tunnels fit with openings in the cover, as formed by the framework 272 of the cutter unit 271 , so that during operation loose natural material is thrown by the cutter body 273 at one end thereof onto the front end of the relevant conveyor belt 280. The open rear sides of the tunnels open out above the edge of the tub 221 of the feed-mixing wagon 203 on the front side thereof so that during operation loose natural material is thrown into the tub 221 from the rear end of the conveyor belts 280 in the tub 221 in order to be subjected to the mixing action of the augers 222.

[0051] Combination 201 further comprises a frame 301 via which loading device 204 is connected to tractor 202. Frame 301 has, in side view, an angled shape and is provided with a first, upright frame part 311 and a second, horizontal frame part 312. The first frame part 311 comprises two upright leg parts 313a, 313b. Each of the two leg parts 313a, 313b is at the bottom end thereof rigidly and separably mounted on a support, associated with tractor 202, for a possible front loader. As known by those skilled in the art, such supports are provided on mutually opposite longitudinal sides of the hood 207 of the tractor 202. At their upper ends, the two leg parts 313a, 313b fit with the front ends of the second frame part 312 which extends directly above the middle of the width of the cabin 206 of tractor 202. A driver of tractor 202 is able to look through between the leg parts 313a, 313b from the cabin 206 so that they, for example, have a view of the cutter unit 271. The rear end of the second frame part 312 is located near the front side and just above the upper side of the tub 221 of the feed-mixing wagon 203.

[0052] At the respective rear ends of the second frame part 312 of frame 301 and of conveying device 275 of loading device 204, frame 301 and loading device 204 are connected to one another pivotably about pivot axis 315 between a lower pivot position (figures 1 , 2 and 3) and an upper pivot position (figure 6). In the lower pivot position, the cutter body 273 lies on the underlying surface 200. During the driving or maneuvering of combination 201 by tractor 202, during which driving cutter unit 271 is not operative, it is practical for the loading device 204 to be pivoted upward about pivot axis 279 by around 3 degrees with respect to the lower pivot position such that the cutter body 273 is located approximately 35 cm above the underlying surface 200 and the rear conveying-track part 282 extends horizontally.

[0053] For the purpose of pivoting loading device 204 about pivot axis 279, a hydraulic cylinder 317 is provided. Mutually opposite ends of cylinder 317 are connected in a hinged manner to, on the one hand, the second frame part 312 and, on the other hand, the conveying device 275 at a position between the two conveying units 276, more specifically between the bends between the respective framework parts 277 and 278 of the two conveying units 276.

[0054] During pivoting between the lower pivot position and the upper pivot position, the front side of the cutter body 273 follows an arcuate path 316, the radius of curvature of which is around 7 meters. In general, the radius of curvature in question is preferably at least 5 meters. The pivot axis 315 extends in the horizontal direction transverse to the driving direction 205 at a height of around 3 meters above underlying surface 200. In general, this height is preferably at least 2 meters and / or at most 4 meters, this being partly dependent on the height of the feed-mixing wagon 203. The cut surface that can be formed in a supply of silage during action of cutter body 273 and pivoting of the loading device 204 follows the arcuate path 316 and is thus relatively straight owing to the size of said radius of curvature of path 316 and, in the case of common silage heights, will not form an overhang, or will form barely any overhang, in the supply of silage partly owing to the height of pivot axis 315.

[0055] Figures 7 to 10 relate to a second possible embodiment of the invention. Parts thereof which correspond to parts of the first embodiment according to figures 1 to 6 will be indicated by the same reference numerals. The following description of the second embodiment focuses specifically on the differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment. The second embodiment may be particularly suitable if lower loading capacities are required than can be achieved with the first embodiment.

[0056] Combination 401 as depicted in figures 7 to 10 comprises tractor 202, feed-mixing wagon 203 and a loading device 404.

[0057] Loading device 404 comprises a cutter unit 471 and a conveying device 475. Cutter unit 471 is a shorter variant of cutter unit 271 and has a length of around 125 cm. Conveying device 475 comprises only a single conveying unit 276, instead of two. Combination 401 comprises a horizontal elongate frame 451 with respect to which the loading device 404 can pivot about a pivot axis 465 between a lower position (figure 7) and an upper position (figure 10) through action of cylinder 467.

[0058] Combination 401 further comprises an upright 480 which is separably fastened to support points of the three-point linkage of tractor 202. Upright 480 could also be fastened in other ways, namely to the chassis of tractor 202 or at least to a part rigidly connected thereto. Provided at the upper end of upright 480 is a horizontal guide 481 for a platform 482 which is slidable with respect to the upright 480 in a sliding direction, which extends perpendicularly to the driving direction 205, between a right-hand slide position (figure 9a) and a left-hand slide position (figure 9c) with an intermediate neutral slide position (figure 9b). For such sliding, combination 401 is provided with a drive motor.

[0059] Provided on the platform 482 is a rotation body 483 which can be used to rotate the loading device with respect to the platform 482 about a vertical rotation axis 484 between a right-hand rotation position (figure 9a) and a left-hand rotation position (figure 9c) with an intermediate neutral rotation position (figure 9b). For such rotation, the combination is provided with a drive motor 486 which drives a toothed wheel or the like which engages with toothings 487 of rotation body 483. Due to the fact that the loading device 404 can thus both move laterally back and forth with respect to tractor 202 and rotate back and forth about rotation axis 484 with respect to platform 482, the cutter unit 471 has a range in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the driving direction 205 that extends beyond the width of tractor 202, as shown in figures 9a and 9b.

[0060] In order to keep the orientation of the cutter unit 471 with respect to tractor 202 the same during the rotation of the loading device 404 about hinge axis 484, the cutter unit 471 is fastened to the front end of conveying device 475 hingeably about a hinge axis 491. The relevant hinging can be brought about by cylinder 492.

[0061] In further variants, hinge body 483 can also be omitted and frame 451 is mounted directly on platform 482, or guide 481 can be omitted and the hinge body 483 is fastened directly to upright 480.

[0062] In yet further variants, the loading device 404 can also be supported on the tractor 202 both on the front side and on the rear side of cabin 206, instead of exclusively on the front side of the cabin 206 or on the rear side of the cabin 206 of tractor 202. In yet another variant, the combination in question comprises a mowing unit, for example of the flail mower type, instead of a cutter unit. Clippings can then be thrown directly by the mowing unit onto the conveyor belt of the relevant conveying device.

[0063] Combination 1 as depicted in figure 11 comprises a towing vehicle, designed as tractor 2, a feed-mixing wagon 3 (see also figure 18) and a loading device 4 (see also figures 19 to 23).

[0064] Tractor 2 is designed to move in driving direction 5 and has a cabin 6 and on the front side of the cabin 6 a hood 7 containing thereunder the propulsion engine of tractor 2. Tractor 2 is of the type generally known to those skilled in the art. Cabin 6 and hood 7 are provided centrally in the middle of the width of tractor 2. On the front side of the hood 7, tractor 2 is also provided with a counterweight 8. The rear side of tractor 2 is provided with a three-point linkage 9 (figure 17) that is also well known to those skilled in the art, since tractors such as tractor 2 are virtually always provided with such a three-point linkage 9 in order to mount implements such as a mower or a plough behind the relevant tractor. The implements can then be driven by the tractor via a power takeoff (PTO). The rear side of tractor 2 is also provided with a hitch 10 with ball. Such a hitch is also well known to those skilled in the art and is used to tow machines, such as a feed-mixing wagon.

[0065] Feed-mixing wagon 3 is of the towed type and the front side thereof is for this purpose provided with a drawbar 19 with coupling ball 20. Feed-mixing wagon 3 comprises a container, designed as tub 21 , and a mixing device which comprises two vertical augers 22 (not clearly visible in figure 11) provided in the tub. Such a feedmixing wagon is known to those skilled in the art and is sold on the market for example under the brand name Biga by Peecon. In use, the augers mix feed components to form a uniform feed mix. The front side of feed-mixing wagon 3 has been adapted to a limited extent in order to make it suitable for use in combination 1. The adaptations will be explained in more detail below on the basis of in particular figures 17 and 18. A bridge 25 is provided on drawbar 19. On the upper side of bridge 25, the latter is provided with a pair of eyes 26 which serve as vertical hinge for an end of a hydraulic cylinder 27 which is coupled at the opposite end thereof horizontally hingeably to pair of eyes 28. Power takeoff 29 extends under the bridge and is coupled at one end to the tractor 2 and at the opposite end to the feed-mixing wagon 3. Loading device 4 comprises a fixed framework 41 and a pivotable framework 42 which is connected to the fixed framework 41 pivotably about pivot axis 43 (figures 23 to 27) between a first position according to figures 24 and 26 and a second position according to figures 25 and 27. The fixed framework comprises two uprights 44 which, in front view, are inclined toward one another and, in side view, slope slightly forward. The two uprights 44 are connected to one another at their lower ends via an elongate connecting part 45, between the lower ends and the upper ends via a connecting part 46, and at the upper ends via a horizontal framework part 47 of the fixed framework 41. The fixed framework further comprises a sub-framework 48, mutually opposite ends of which are provided with deflector rollers around which an endless conveyor belt 49 is wound. One of the deflector rollers is drivable by means of drive motor 52. Loading device 4 further comprises a cover 53 which forms a tunnel for the conveyor belt 49 and is rigidly connected to the sub-framework 48.

[0066] At the mutually opposite ends of the connecting part 45, the fixed framework 41 is provided with two coupling pins 39 which are situated in the longitudinal direction of the connecting part 45 and in line with one another. The front side of the connecting part 46 is provided with a pair of eyes 36 and the rear side thereof is provided with the pair of eyes 28. Also provided on the connecting part 45 is a coupling arm 81 which extends parallel to the driving direction 5, a front end of which is provided with a coupling ball 82 which has the same shape and dimensions as coupling ball 20 of feed-mixing wagon 3, and the rear end of which is provided with a ball 83 which has the same shape and dimensions as the ball of hitch 10 of tractor 2. Furthermore, near the lower ends of uprights 44, the fixed framework 41 is provided with two extendable legs 37.

[0067] On the sides facing toward the sub-framework 48, the horizontal framework part 47 is provided with guide wheels 50 which each extend within the legs of horizontal U-shaped guide profiles 51 which form part of the sub-framework 48. By means of drive means that are not shown in any more detail, the sub-framework 48 can be slid back and forth, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt 49 and during operation to driving direction 5, with respect to the fixed framework 41 , more specifically with respect to the horizontal framework part 47 thereof, between a front slide position as depicted in figures 26 and 27 and a rear slide position as depicted in figures 24 and 25; in both positions, the rear end of the conveyor belt 49 opens out above the tub 21. The pivotable framework 42 is actually formed by two framework parts 42a and 42b which are provided mirror-symmetrically with respect to one another. Provided at the mutually opposite ends of each of the framework parts 42a, 42b are deflector rollers around which an endless conveyor belt 61 is wound for each framework part 42a, 42b. As seen in front view, the deflector rollers slope toward one another, as a result of which the two conveyor belts 61 also slope toward one another (figure 15). The conveyor belts 61 fit at their rear ends, outside the middle of the conveyor belt 49, with the front end of conveyor belt 49 so that during operation loose material is transferred from each of the conveyor belts 61 , also owing to the aforementioned slope of the conveyor belts 61 , predominantly to one half of the width of conveyor belt 49, as will become clearer from the text below. For each of the conveyor belts 61 , the loading device 3 is provided with a cover 54a, 54b which each form a tunnel for the associated conveyor belt 61 and are rigidly connected to the associated framework part 42a, 42b.

[0068] Furthermore, the framework parts 42a and 42b and therefore also the conveyor belts 61 associated with the framework parts 61 form, in the front view according to figure 12, an inverted truncated V, i.e. in top view the respective front ends of the conveyor belts 61 are closer to the middle of the width of tractor 2 than the respective rear ends of the conveyor belts 61. The framework parts 42a, 42b and therefore also the conveyor belts 61 extend, in top view, just on the outer sides of two mutually opposite longitudinal sides of the hood 7. Between the two framework parts 42a, 42b there is a free space which in the first position of the pivotable framework 42 according to figures 11 , 24 and 26 offers a driver in the cabin 6 of tractor 2 the possibility of looking through between the two framework parts 42a, 42b.

[0069] Loading device 4 further comprises a cutter unit 71 at the front ends of the conveyor belts 61. Cutter unit 71 comprises an elongate framework 72, the longitudinal direction of which extends transverse to the driving direction 5. The front ends of the framework parts 42a, 42b are rigidly connected to the respective mutually opposite ends of the framework 72. Cutter unit 71 further comprises a cylindrical cutter body 73 which is fastened to the framework 72 rotatably about the center axis. Cutter body 73 has on its circumference two helical cutter blades 74a, 74b which are oriented oppositely to one another. Thus, the cutter blades 74a, 74b cause loose cut material to move from the middle toward the outside so that the material is fed to the front ends of the two conveyor belts 61. The framework 72 forms a cover which covers approximately half of the circumference of the cutter body 73.

[0070] In use, the driver in cabin 6 of tractor 2 can, while the sub-framework 48 is in the rear slide position, drive toward a supply of silage 65 until the cutter unit 71 is a short distance from the silage 65 (figures 24 and 25). Subsequently, with tractor 2 at a standstill, the sub-framework 48 can be moved to the front slide position, as a result of which the cutter body 73 comes into contact with the silage 65 and can cut loose a desired amount therefrom. Subsequently, this silage that has been cut loose is taken up by the conveyor belts 61 and transferred to the conveyor belt 49 by the conveyor belts 61 .

[0071] In order to cause the pivotable framework 42 to pivot about pivot axis 43 between the first position and the second position, the loading device 4 is provided with a pivoting device which comprises two pull rods 66 which each engage, by means of one end, with the framework 72 of the cutter unit 71 and, by means of the opposite end, near a first end of pivot rod 67 which extends between the rear ends of the conveyor belts 61. At the opposite second end of pivot rod 67, pivot rod 67 is rigidly connected to the pivotable framework 42. The sub-framework 48 is provided with a transverse rod 58 which extends just on the upper side of cover 43. The pivoting device further comprises a hydraulic cylinder 59 which is operatively connected between the first end of pivot rod 67 and transverse rod 58. Suitable actuation of cylinder 59 will cause the pivotable framework 42 and all the components rigidly connected thereto to pivot about pivot axis 43 with respect to the sub-framework 48.

[0072] Loading device 4 is coupled to the tractor 2, more specifically on the front side of uprights 44. This coupling relates to supporting the loading device 4, via the coupling pins 39, at the free ends of the two lower arms 38 of the three-point linkage 9 where the lower arms 38 are provided with U-shaped hooks. Figure 17 shows only one of these two arms 38. The coupling also relates to a separable connection between the central upper central arm 39 of the three-point linkage 9 and the pair of eyes 36. In the coupled state, the three-point linkage 9 is thus capable of moving the loading device 4 up and down. The coupling also relates to hitch 10 being coupled to coupling ball 82.

[0073] Loading device 4 is also coupled to the feed-mixing wagon 3, more specifically on the rear side of the uprights 44. This coupling relates to ball 83 being coupled to coupling ball 20 so that a movement of tractor 2 in or counter to driving direction 56 and an involved pushing or pulling force exerted by tractor 2 via the coupling between hitch 10 and coupling ball 82, coupling arm 81 and the coupling between ball 83 and coupling ball 20 is transmitted to the feed-mixing wagon 3 so that the latter, together with the loading device 4, can be moved along by tractor 2. The coupling between loading device 4 and feed-mixing wagon 3 also relates to the coupling via hydraulic cylinder 27.

[0074] While the coupling between the loading device 4 and the feed-mixing wagon 3 will in practice have a permanent or semi-permanent character, the coupling between the loading device 4 and the tractor 2 will in practice actually be separated regularly, for example daily, so that tractor 2 can also be used for purposes.

[0075] For the purpose of decoupling loading device 4 and tractor 2, proceeding from a coupled state according to figure 25 in which the sub-framework 48 is in the rear slide position, the three-point linkage 9 will lift the loading device 4 upward until the coupling ball 39 comes loose from the hitch 10. Subsequently, the legs 37 are extended downward until they come to rest on the ground. Subsequently, the coupling between the three-point linkage 9 and the loading device 4 can be undone, the power takeoff 29 can be decoupled at the end facing toward tractor 2 from tractor 2, and cabling and / or hydraulic lines between the tractor 2 on the one hand and the feedmixing wagon 3 and the loading device 4 on the other can also be decoupled, after which tractor 2 can drive away under the horizontally extending pivotable framework part 42. The weight of the feed-mixing wagon 3 and the action of the hydraulic cylinder 27, which may possibly be secured by a mechanical coupling, prevent loading device 4 from tipping forward after the described decoupling. The hydraulic cylinder 27, but also inter alia the legs 37 and the three-point linkage 9, can be considered to be part of a locking mechanism for preventing loading device 4 from tipping over once loading device 4 and tractor 2 have been decoupled from one another.

[0076] In order to further limit the last-mentioned risk, it is also possible to in one variant provide loading device 4 with two support legs, such as foldable ones, which for example in the situation according to figure 25 extend downward from framework 72 of the cutter unit 71. The support legs would then have to offer sufficient space between them for tractor 2 to pass between them. To this end, the framework 72 could also be of longer design.

[0077] The subsequent re-coupling of the loading device 4 and tractor 2 can be effected in a reversed manner. Figures 28, 29a and 29b relate to an alternative combination 101 of a feed-mixing wagon 103 and a loading device 104. This combination 101 can be used in combination with a towing vehicle such as tractor 2. Feed-mixing wagon 103 and loading device 104 will be explained in more detail below as regards the differences with feed-mixing wagon 3 and loading device 4, respectively. These differences are in particular in region XIX in figure 28, as shown in figure 29a and 29b.

[0078] Feed-mixing wagon 103 comprises a locking mechanism for preventing loading device 104 from tipping forward as soon as it is decoupled from a towing vehicle. The locking mechanism comprises a locking jaw 105 which is slidable back and forth with respect to an elongate, in this exemplary embodiment tubular, drawbar part 106 of feed-mixing wagon 103. Locking jaw 105 comprises an upper locking-jaw finger 105a and a lower locking-jaw finger 105b, the respective free ends of these fingers 105a, 105b being directed forward toward the loading device 104. At the free end of the elongate drawbar part 106, the feed-mixing wagon 103 is provided with a coupling ball 120, corresponding to coupling ball 20. In order to cause the locking jaw to slide back and forth, the feed-mixing wagon 103 is also provided with a hydraulic cylinder 107, the piston rod 108 of which is movable between a retracted position (figure 29a) and an extended position (figure 29b). Cylinder 107 is supported on the chassis of feed-mixing wagon 103 or at least on a part rigidly connected thereto such as the chassis. The free end of piston rod 108 is connected to locking jaw 105 on the lower side thereof.

[0079] Loading device 104 differs from loading device 4 in that the part 111 situated on the front side of the ball of the hitch 110 is tubular. The upper side of this tubular part 111 is virtually aligned with the side of the upper locking-jaw finger 105a facing toward the lower locking-jaw finger 105b, and the lower side of the tubular part 111 is virtually aligned with the side of the lower locking-jaw finger 105b facing toward the upper locking-jaw finger 105a, the distance between those sides of the locking-jaw fingers 105a, 105b which are directed toward one another being slightly, for example 2 mm, greater than the height of the tubular part 111.

[0080] The locking mechanism functions as follows: When setting up, the feedmixing wagon 103 is coupled to the loading device 104 by placing coupling ball 120 on the ball of hitch 110 while the locking jaw 105 is in the retracted position according to figure 29a. Subsequently, cylinder 107 is actuated so that the locking jaw is moved to the extended position according to figure 29b, as a result of which the tubular part 111 of hitch 110 of loading device 104 is trapped between the locking-jaw fingers 105a, 105b with limited play in the vertical direction. This trapping prevents the loading device 104 from being able to tip at least to a substantial extent about a tipping axis perpendicular to the plane of figures 28, 29a and 29b. As depicted in figure 28, this prevents loading device 104 from tipping over after decoupling of a towing vehicle and after the legs 37 of the loading device 103 have been extended until they come to rest on the underlying surface. The weight of that part of the combination of the feed-mixing wagon 103 and the loading device 104 which is situated on the rear side of the legs 37 is greater than the weight of the combination in question on the front side of the legs 37. The aforementioned trapping of tubular part 111 by locking jaw 105 does not restrict the feed-mixing wagon 103 from being able to pivot to the left and right about a vertical pivot axis which extends through the ball of hitch 110. Thus, the feed-mixing wagon 103 is capable of following steering movements of a towing vehicle. The limited play between the locking-jaw fingers 105a, 105b and the tubular part 111 additionally makes it possible for a limited degree of pivoting about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing according to figures 28, 29a and 29b to be possible, which is advantageous if the combination 101 is towed by a towing vehicle over hills or rough terrain.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A combination of a towing vehicle and a loading device, wherein the vehicle is designed to move in a driving direction over an underlying surface, has a cabin and is provided with coupling means for coupling a trailer comprising a container for holding natural material therein to the vehicle on the rear side of the vehicle, the loading device comprises a take-up tool for taking up natural material on the front side of the vehicle, the loading device is at least partially connected to the vehicle pivotably about a horizontal pivot axis, extending transverse to the driving direction, between a first pivot position and a second pivot position, wherein, in the first pivot position, the take-up tool is located at a first distance above the underlying surface, and, in the second pivot position, the loading device is pivoted with respect to the first pivot position at least partially upward and the take-up tool is located at a second distance above the underlying surface, the second distance being greater than the first distance, the loading device comprises a conveying device which is designed to both in the first pivot position and in the second pivot position convey material taken up by the takeup tool from the take-up tool over the cabin in order to cause the material to fall on the rear side of the vehicle from the conveying device into the container of a trailer coupled to the vehicle, wherein the conveying device comprises two conveyor belts which are situated next to one another and each fit on their front sides with the take-up tool.

2. The combination as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the two conveyor belts are provided mirror-symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry extending parallel to the driving direction.

3. The combination as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the take-up tool is designed to distribute material taken up by the take-up tool equally over the two conveyor belts.

4. The combination as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the two conveyor belts situated next to one another run toward one another in a direction opposite to the driving direction.

5. The combination as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle is a tractor.

6. The combination as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading device is separably connected via a frame, preferably by means of a quick-coupling system, to the vehicle, preferably at least on the front side of the cabin thereof.

7. The combination as claimed in claim 6, wherein the frame has a first frame part which extends on the front side of the cabin and is connected to the vehicle, wherein the first frame part has two upright frame parts having between them a look- through opening, via which look-through opening the take-up tool can be seen from the cabin.

8. The combination as claimed in claim 7, wherein the frame has a second frame part which fits with the first frame part and extends directly above the cabin and preferably also behind the front side of the cabin.

9. The combination as claimed in one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the frame is connected to the vehicle at least on the rear side of the cabin.

10. The combination as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the entire loading device is coupled pivotably about the pivot axis with respect to the vehicle.

11. The combination as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying device is designed to convey material along at least one conveying track, wherein each conveying track has a front end situated on the front side of the vehicle and a rear end situated on the rear side of the cabin, preferably on the rear side of the vehicle.

12. The combination as claimed in claim 11 , wherein, in top view, the rear end of each conveying track is situated closer to the middle of the width of the vehicle than the front end of the conveying track.

13. The combination as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein each conveying track comprises a front rectilinear conveying-track part and a rear rectilinear conveying-track part which, at least in the first pivot position of the loading device, fit with one another at an angle which preferably has a size between 120 degrees and 150 degrees.

14. The combination as claimed in claim 13, wherein, at least in the first pivot position, the rear conveying-track part extends in a horizontal direction or encloses an angle of at most 15 degrees with a horizontal direction.

15. The combination as claimed in claims 13 and 14, wherein the front conveying-track part and the rear conveying-track part fit with one another at an angle both in the first pivot position and in the second pivot position of the loading device.

16. The combination as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle has on the front side of the cabin a hood, which preferably extends within the width of the cabin, and the two conveyor belts extend, in top view, on opposite sides of the hood.

17. The combination as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the cabin is provided in the middle of the width of the towing vehicle.

18. The combination as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot axis extends on the rear side of the cabin and / or higher than the cabin.

19. The combination as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot axis is situated at a distance of at least 5 meters from the front side of the take-up tool.

20. The combination as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the combination also comprises a trailer, preferably designed as a feed-mixing wagon, towed by the vehicle.

21. The combination as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the take-up tool comprises a separating tool.

22. The combination as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the separating tool comprises a, preferably cylindrical, cutter body.

23. The combination as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the take-up tool comprises a mowing mechanism.

24. The combination as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying device comprises a further conveyor belt and the two conveyor belts situated next to one another fit at respective rear ends thereof with a front end of the further conveyor belt in order to transfer material taken up by the take-up tool from each of the two conveyor belts situated next to one another to the further conveyor belt.

25. The combination as claimed in claim 24, wherein the two conveyor belts situated next to one another together with the take-up tool are connected to the further conveyor belt pivotably about the pivot axis between the first pivot position, in which the two conveyor belts situated next to one another slope downward from the front end of the further conveyor belt, and the second pivot position, in which the two conveyor belts situated next to one another and the further conveyor belt extend parallel to one another or in which at least the two conveyor belts situated next to one another slope downward to a lesser extent than in the first position.

26. The combination as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the further conveyor belt extends directly above the cabin, preferably parallel to the driving direction, and the rear end situated opposite the front end of the further conveyor belt is situated on the rear side of the cabin.

27. The combination as claimed in claim 24, 25 or 26, wherein each of the two conveyor belts situated next to one another fits outside the middle of the width of the further conveyor belt with the further conveyor belt.

28. The combination as claimed in at least one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the two conveyor belts situated next to one another slope laterally toward one another in cross section perpendicular to the driving direction.

29. The combination as claimed in one of claims 24 to 28, wherein the loading device comprises a guide so as to be able to slide the two conveyor belts situated next to one another, the further conveyor belt and the take-up tool back and forth parallel to the further conveyor belt, wherein the guide is preferably at least partially provided directly above the cabin.

30. A combination of a vehicle and a loading device, wherein the vehicle is designed to move in a driving direction over an underlying surface, has a cabin and is provided with coupling means for coupling a trailer comprising a container for holding natural material therein to the vehicle on the rear side of the vehicle, the loading device comprises a take-up tool for taking up natural material on the front side of the vehicle, the loading device is at least partially connected to the vehicle pivotably about a horizontal pivot axis, extending transverse to the driving direction, between a first pivot position and a second pivot position, wherein, in the first pivot position, the take-up tool is located at a first distance above the underlying surface, and, in the second pivot position, the loading device is pivoted with respect to the first pivot position at least partially upward and the take-up tool is located at a second distance above the underlying surface, the second distance being greater than the first distance, the loading device comprises a conveying device which is designed to both in the first pivot position and in the second pivot position convey material taken up by the takeup tool from the take-up tool over the cabin in order to cause the material to fall on the rear side of the vehicle from the conveying device into the container of a trailer coupled to the vehicle,wherein the conveying device is designed to convey material along at least one conveying track, wherein each conveying track has a front end situated on the front side of the vehicle and a rear end situated on the rear side of the cabin, preferably on the rear side of the vehicle, and wherein the conveying device comprises a single conveyor belt which extends over a complete conveying track.

31. The combination as claimed in claim 30, wherein the conveying device comprises no more and no less than one conveyor belt fitting with the take-up tool.

32. The combination as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading device is connected to the vehicle rotatably about a vertical rotation axis between a first rotation position and a second rotation position.

33. The combination as claimed in claim 32, wherein the first rotation position and the second rotation position are mirror symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane parallel to the driving direction.

34. The combination as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the take-up tool is connected to the conveying device rotatably about a further vertical rotation axis.

35. The combination as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading device is connected to the vehicle slidably in a horizontal direction, which extends perpendicularly to the driving direction, between a first slide position and a second slide position.

36. The combination as claimed in claim 35, wherein the first slide position and the second slide position are mirror symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane parallel to the driving direction.

37. A loading device for use in a combination as claimed in one of the preceding claims.

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