Cutting unit having movable sidewalls

A cutting unit (2) for attachment to a harvesting machine, the cutting unit (2) comprising:

• a frame (22) extending at least substantially across a working width (4) of the cutting unit (2), the frame (22) assembled of a plurality of frame parts (24a, 24b, 24c) that extend each across a portion of the working width (4) of the cutting unit (2) and are connected to each other in an articulated fashion about an axis (30) extending at least approximately in a working direction (A) of the cutting unit (2);
• cutting elements (6) arranged at a front side of the cutting unit (2) and connected to the frame (22);
• conveying surfaces (10) and conveying elements (8) configured to convey a cut crop away from the cutting elements (6) to a discharge location (26), wherein the conveying elements (8) include individual conveying elements (8b, 34) arranged in a vertical direction spaced apart from the conveying surface (10) and held at a shaft (8b, 32b) that extends transversely to the working direction (A) of the cutting unit (2) across at least a portion of the working width (4) of the cutting unit (2), wherein the shaft (8b, 32b) is supported by support arms (12);
• and
• sidewalls (14) connected with a bottom part (20) thereof to the frame (22) and covering lateral outer ends of the cutting unit (2), wherein the sidewalls (14) have correlated therewith stalk dividers (16) that delimit the working width (4) of the cutting unit (2), wherein the sidewalls (14) are configured to move relative to the respective correlated frame parts (24a, 24c) in a direction transverse to the working direction (A) of the cutting unit (2).