FOLDABLE AGRICULTURAL MACHINE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of agricultural machinery.It relates more particularly to an agricultural mowing machine for mowing standing vegetation, intended to be attached to a tractor and comprising two side units and a chassis which extends in a longitudinal direction and is fitted with two wheels, each side unit being mounted pivotally relative to the chassis via a respective longitudinal articulation around a respective folding axis parallel to a median plane of the chassis, each side unit comprising a group of tools connected to the chassis by a respective arm and being able to occupy a working position in which it rests on the ground and in which the length of the respective group of tools extends transversely to the longitudinal direction, each side unit being able to occupy a transport position in which it is away from the ground, and in which the length and width of the respective group of tools are substantially parallel to the median plane.

[0002] Such an agricultural machine is known from document EP 3 028 557 A1. This agricultural machine comprises two side units and a wheeled chassis. Each side unit includes a respective set of tools connected to the chassis by a respective arm. Each side unit is pivotally mounted relative to the chassis via a longitudinal joint around a folding axis parallel to a median plane of the chassis. For transport out of the field, the side units are folded so that the length and width of the tool sets are substantially parallel to the median plane, thus complying with road transport regulations. When transferring the side units between working and transport positions, each side unit is pivoted around its respective folding axis in the direction from the tool set to the respective arm.The tool groups are therefore located on the outside of the machine in transport position, thus moving their center of gravity away from the median plane. This characteristic creates a risk of tipping along an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction, particularly on curves and / or slopes, which can lead to damage to the machine and the tractor to which it is attached, as well as injuries to the operator or bystanders. A machine such as the one described above is also known from US documents 2014033671 A1, US2018263169 A1, and FR 2805434 A1.

[0003] The aim of the present invention is to provide an agricultural machine whose safety in the transport position of the tool groups is improved.

[0004] This objective is achieved through the articulation of at least one rocker with the chassis around at least one rocking axis oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction, and by the fact that in the transport position of the side units each group of tools is closer to the median plane than the respective arm, as well as the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0005] Thanks to this feature, in transport position, the center of gravity of each tool group is brought closer to the median plane. This makes the machine more stable in its transport position, while maintaining compact dimensions in this position to comply with road transport regulations.

[0006] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the attached drawings which represent, by way of non-limiting example, several embodiments of the agricultural machine according to the invention. Brève description des dessins

[0007] [ Fig. 1 ] represents a perspective view of a machine according to the invention in the working position of the side units and coupled to a tractor to the front of which a front-mounted implement is also attached. Fig. 2 [ ] represents a top view of a machine according to the invention in the working position of the lateral units. ] Fig. 3 ] represents a side view of a machine according to the invention in the position of transporting the side units [ Fig. 4 [ ] represents a front view of a machine according to the invention in the working position of the lateral units. ] Fig. 5 [ ] represents a front view of the machine in the maneuvering position of the side units. ] Fig. 6 [ ] represents a side view of a machine according to the invention in the working position of the side units. ] Fig. 7 [ ] represents a side view of a machine according to the invention in the transitional position of the side units. ] Fig. 8 ] represents a top view of a machine according to the invention in the position of transporting the side units.

[0008] In the following description, the terms "lower" and "upper" are defined with respect to the ground (S), and the terms "front," "rear," "in front," and "behind" are defined when viewed in a forward direction (A). In this description, unless otherwise indicated, the orientations described, particularly of axes and planes, are to be considered when the machine (1) and the tractor (2) are moving in a straight line in the forward direction (A) on a flat, horizontal surface (S), as shown in the accompanying figures.

[0009] As can be seen from the figure 1 The agricultural machine (1) is designed to be coupled to a tractor (2). It is thus part of a rolling unit composed of the machine (1) and the tractor (2). The tractor (2) is capable of moving the machine (1) in a direction of travel (A) and powering it. The machine (1) comprises a frame (3) and two side units (4). It also includes a coupling device (5) for connecting it to the tractor (2). The coupling device (5) is preferably located at the front end of the frame (3), which is positioned behind the tractor (2) when the machine (1) is coupled to it. The coupling device (5) has two lower trunnions designed to engage with the lower hitch arms of the tractor (2). The frame (3) is further articulated with the coupling device (5) around a substantially vertical coupling axis (6), which is preferably slightly inclined forward.This hitch axis (6) allows the machine (1) to follow the tractor (2) without slipping on the ground (S), which damages the plant cover and induces a significant bending force in the chassis (3).

[0010] The chassis (3) is fitted with at least two wheels (7). These are mounted to pivot with the chassis (3) around a rolling axis (8) in order to transfer part of the weight of the machine (1) to the ground (S) and to facilitate its movement in the forward direction (A). The rolling axis (8) is perpendicular to the forward direction (A).

[0011] Each side unit (4) comprises a tool group (9) and an arm (10). Each tool group (9) is connected to the frame (3) by its respective arm (10). Each side unit (4), and each arm (10) respectively, is mounted to pivot relative to the frame (3) via a respective longitudinal joint (11) about a respective folding axis (12). Each tool group (9) is elongated and can be approximated as a quadrilateral, as shown in the diagrams. figures 4 And 5 .

[0012] As is apparent from the figure 2 The chassis (3) extends in the longitudinal direction (D1). The longitudinal direction (D1) is parallel to the direction of travel (A) and / or orthogonal to the rolling axis (8). The chassis (3) has a median plane (M). The median plane (M) is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction (D1) and preferably vertically and / or perpendicular to the rolling axis (8). The median plane (M) passes through the coupling axis (6). The lateral units (4) may be symmetrical with respect to the median plane (M). In this document, the term "inner" refers to a part of an element located closer to the median plane than an "outer" part.

[0013] Each lateral unit (4) can occupy a working position in which it, or the respective tool group (9), rests on the ground (S). The length (L) is the most important dimension of a tool group (9). As shown figure 2 The length (L) of a tool group (9) in the working position extends transversely, and preferably orthogonally in top view, to the longitudinal direction (D1). The width (B) of a tool group (9) is the dimension of a tool group (9) in the working position oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction (D1).

[0014] Each folding axis (12) is parallel to the median plane (M), at least in the working position of the respective side unit (4). In the preferred embodiment, each folding axis (12) is parallel to the longitudinal direction (D1), at least in the working position of the respective side unit (4). Each longitudinal joint (11) is offset to one side of the median plane (M). The longitudinal joints (11) are located between the rolling axis (8) and the hitch device (5) in a lateral view, so as to distribute the weight of the side units (4) between the tractor (2) and the wheels (7).

[0015] As it is depicted on the figure 3 Each lateral unit (4) can also occupy a transport position in which it is away from the ground (S). The length (L) of a tool group (9) in the transport position is substantially parallel to the median plane (M), and preferably substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (D1). In this position, the width (B) of the tool group (9) is substantially parallel to the median plane (M), and preferably substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (D1).

[0016] In this document, when reference is made to a working position or transport position, it refers to the position of the corresponding side unit (4). For example, the working position of a tool group (9) is the same as the working position of the respective side unit (4).

[0017] An important feature of the invention is that the machine comprises at least one rocker (13) articulated with the frame (3) around at least one rocking axis (14) oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction (D1), and that in the transport position of the side units (4), each group of tools (9) is closer to the median plane than the respective arm (10).

[0018] With this design, the center of gravity of each tool group (9) is brought closer to the median plane (M) in the transport position, thus reducing the risk of tipping around an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction (D1). Since the weight of a tool group (9) is greater than that of an arm (10), the center of gravity of each side unit (4) is also brought closer to the median plane (M) in the transport position of the tool groups (9). The machine (1) is therefore more stable when moving in the transport position of the side units (4) on curves and slopes, thus improving the safety of this type of machine (1).

[0019] At least one rocker (13) is articulated with the frame (3) along at least one rocker axis (14) oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction (D1), and preferably orthogonally to the median plane (M). At least one rocker (13) can be pivoted with at least one lateral unit (4) mounted on said rocker (13) by means of a longitudinal joint (11).

[0020] In simple terms, the machine (1) comprises a rocker arm (13) common to both lateral units (4). Each lateral unit (4) is mounted on a respective side of said rocker arm (13) (common) by means of the respective longitudinal joint (11). Pivoting the rocker arm (13) about the pivot axis (14) implies the simultaneous pivoting of the lateral units (4). According to an alternative (not shown), each lateral unit (4) could also be fixed to a respective part of the rocker arm (13), either about a respective pivot axis (14) or not.

[0021] A transient actuator (16) is hinged to, and preferably attached to, the rocker arm (13). At its other end, the transient actuator (16) is hinged to, and preferably attached to, the frame (3). A change in the length of the transient actuator (16) pivots the rocker arm (13) around the rocker axis (14) in conjunction with the side units (4). The rocker arm (13) can thus be pivoted, preferably upwards, to reach a position in which the folding axes (12) are substantially vertical. Each side unit (4) can then be pivoted around its respective folding axis (12) in the direction, viewed from above, from the respective arm (10) towards the tool group (9), and preferably rearward. Each lateral unit (4) is therefore pivotable around the respective folding axis (12) to a position where the respective tool group (9) is closer to the median plane (M) than the respective arm (10).In the transport position of the side units (4), each group of tools (9) is thus closer to the median plane (M) than the respective arm (10).

[0022] As illustrated on the figure 2 The tilting axis (14) is located at the front or in front of the longitudinal joints (11), at least in the working position of the lateral units (4). It also follows from this figure 2 that the tipping axis (14) is located at the front, and preferably at the front end, of the tipper (13). This feature allows all the lateral units (4), and preferably the longitudinal joints (11), to be raised away from the ground (S) in their transport position, thus increasing the ground clearance (G) in this position. The ground clearance (G) is defined as the minimum distance between the ground (S) and the lateral units (4). The machine (1) can therefore advantageously cross a ditch or a speed bump of significant height without risk of damage. On the figures 2 And 3 Each longitudinal joint (11) is achieved by a pivot joint. In an alternative, each longitudinal joint (11) could also be achieved by two ball joints and allow at least one other degree of freedom between the chassis (3) and each lateral unit (4).

[0023] As seen on the figure 3 The tilting axis (14) is positioned above the wheels (7), which allows the side units (4) to be at least partially higher than the wheels (7) in their transport position, reducing the width (15) of the machine (1). The width (15) is the dimension of the machine (1) along the direction perpendicular to the median plane (M).

[0024] The agricultural machine (1) is a mowing machine (1) for cutting standing vegetation. In this case, a group of tools (9) includes at least one mowing device (18). In the embodiments shown in the figures 6 And 7Each mowing unit (18) is equipped with a plurality of rotors (19), such as discs and / or drums. When the machine (1) is powered by the tractor (2), the rotors (19) of at least one mowing unit (18) are driven to rotate about substantially vertical axes. The rotors (19) are fitted with knives that extend beyond the periphery of the rotors (19). The rotors (19) of the same mowing unit (18) are arranged at more or less regular intervals. Furthermore, the rotors (19) are arranged so that their working paths overlap. This means that the knives of one rotor (19) describe a path intersected by the path of the knives of an adjacent rotor (19). The rotors (19) are driven to rotate by means of a gear train incorporated in a sealed housing containing a lubricant. Thanks to the advance of the machine (1) and the rotation of the knives, the latter cut the plants.All the rotors (19) of one side unit (4), and preferably of both side units (4), form a line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (D1) in the working position of the tool group(s) (9). The tool group (9) could also include a mulcher, a collection device such as a pickup, or tillage implements, such as a rotary harrow.

[0025] Each tool group (9) may also include at least one conditioner (20) located, in the working position of the respective tool group (9) and viewed in the direction of travel (A), behind the mowing unit (18). The conditioner (20) accelerates the drying of the cut vegetation. It may, for example, be in the form of a finger roller, or two interpenetrating ridge rollers.

[0026] As is apparent from figures 2 And 6Each tool group (9) also includes a guard (17). Each tool group (9) is covered, at least partially, by the guard (17) in its working position. In the case of a mowing machine (1), the guard (17) covers the entire mowing unit (18), and preferably at least half of the conditioner (20), if applicable. The guard (17) may also cover, at least partially, the front and sides of each tool group (9). The guard (17) may be made of a flexible cover, for example, of plastic or carbon fiber, of sheet metal, or of a combination of these materials. As can be seen from the figure 3 In the transport position of the side units (4), the guards (17) are on the external faces of the machine (1). The guards (17) located on either side of the machine (1), preferably laterally, advantageously prevent access to the inside of the tool groups (9) by persons nearby, thus improving the safety of the machine (1) in its transport position.

[0027] Each tool group (9) includes at least one grouper (21). This grouper (21), viewed in the direction of travel (A) and in the working position, is located behind the mowing unit (18), and preferably behind the conditioner (20) if applicable. The grouper (21) moves the cut vegetation in a direction oriented transversely, and preferably perpendicularly, to the direction of travel (A). The grouper (21) gathers the cut vegetation over a width narrower than the width (B) of the tool group (9). The groupers (21) gather the vegetation between the two tool groups (9). Each grouper (21) is mounted on the tool group (9), or respectively on a frame (42), and preferably in a movable manner, at least laterally, relative to the tool group (9) in the working position.

[0028] As depicted on the figure 3 Each grouper (21) is of the endless belt conveyor type. It could also be implemented as an ejection tunnel formed by a horizontal wall in the working position of the respective side unit (4), beneath which are mounted two side walls that converge at the rear. It should be noted that the grouper (21) is lighter than the mowing device (18), or than the tool (mulcher or pickup) of the tool group (9) mounted in front of it, if applicable. It follows from the figure 3 Each grouping unit (21) is positioned above its respective tool group (9) in the transport position. Since the heaviest part of the side unit (4) is thus closer to the ground (S), the center of gravity of the machine (1) is also closer to the ground (S) when the side units (4) are in the transport position, thereby improving the stability of the machine (1) during movement, particularly when turning and / or on slopes. This characteristic significantly enhances the safety of the machine (1).

[0029] An alternative or additional solution to improve the stability of machine (1) would be to increase the track width (38) of machine (1). The track width (38) is the distance between the two wheels (7) along the rolling axis (8). Another alternative or additional solution would be to increase the width of the wheels (7), that is, their dimension along the rolling axis (8). Of course, the stability comparison is defined for the same track width (38) and the same wheel width (7).

[0030] Each lateral unit (4) includes a respective connecting means (26) that links the tool group (9) to the respective arm (10). In order to move the tool group (9) relative to the arm (10), the connecting means (26) includes at least two connecting rods (27, 28, 29) and at least one actuator (30, 32).

[0031] The connecting rods (27, 28, 29) are preferably three in number, namely an upper connecting rod (27), an inner connecting rod (28), and an outer connecting rod (29). The inner (28) and outer (29) connecting rods are also referred to as "lower connecting rods (28, 29)." Each connecting rod (27, 28, 29) is articulated with its respective arm (10) on one side, and with its respective tool group (9) on the other. All the connecting rods (27, 28, 29), taken in pairs, form a deformable quadrilateral with the respective arm (10) and tool group (9).

[0032] Each side unit (4) includes the frame (42) which connects the tool group (9) to the respective linkage device (26). The connecting rods (27, 28, 29) are directly articulated with the frame (42). The frame (42) is rigidly fixed to the respective tool group (9) and supports it.

[0033] The joints of the connecting rods (27, 28, 29) with the tool group (9), respectively with the frame (42), and the arm (10) are such that they allow at least one pivoting around axes orthogonal to the median plane (M) in the working position of the respective lateral unit (4). Il spring of the figure 6 that the upper connecting rod (27) forms with the arm (10), the tool group (9) and at least one lower connecting rod (28, 29), and preferably each one, a deformable quadrilateral called a lightening quadrilateral, in projection onto the median plane (M).

[0034] The connecting means (26) includes a relief actuator (30). Each relief actuator (30) is articulated with two sides of one of the respective relief quadrilaterals. As shown in the figure 6 In a preferred embodiment, each relief actuator (30) is articulated with the respective arm (10) and tool group (9). A variation in the length of the relief actuator (30) changes the distance between the tool group (9) and the arm (10).

[0035] Each relief actuator (30) is of fixed length in all positions except in the working position of its respective tool group (9), where it is mounted in a floating position. This floating mounting allows the tool group (9) to move vertically relative to its associated arm (10). Each tool group (9) can thus follow ground contours (S) independently of its arm (10).

[0036] Each weight-relieving actuator (30) is hydraulically connected to a pressure accumulator to dampen the movements of the respective tool group (9) in the working position relative to the associated arm (10). Each weight-relieving actuator (30) transfers at least part of the weight of the respective tool group (9) to the frame (3). In this way, each tool group (9) in the working position only partially bears weight on the ground (S), thus reducing damage to the soil cover (S).

[0037] The respective connecting rods (27, 28, 29) are parallel to each other in projection onto the median plane (M). Each relief quadrilateral is thus a parallelogram, which makes it possible to maintain the orientation of the mowing device (18) relative to the ground (S) in lateral view, during its vertical movement relative to the arm (10). This feature ensures even mowing.

[0038] The joints of the connecting rods (27, 28, 29) with the respective tool group (9) and arm (10) are such that they allow at least one pivoting about axes substantially parallel to the median plane (M), and preferably substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (D1), in the working position of the respective tool group (9). Each joint of the connecting rods (27, 28, 29) with the respective arm (10) and with the respective tool group (9) can be of the universal joint or ball joint type. It follows from the figure 2 that each pair of connecting rods (27, 28, 29) forms with the respective arm (10) and tool group (9) a deformable quadrilateral called a cover, in projection onto a plane orthogonal to the median plane (M) and parallel to the longitudinal direction (D1).

[0039] Each connecting means (26) includes a latching actuator (32). Each latching actuator (32) is articulated with two sides of one of the respective latching quadrilaterals. As can be seen from the figure 2 Each overlay actuator (32) is preferably articulated with its associated arm (10), respectively its boom (33), and its respective outer connecting rod (29). A change in the length of the overlay actuator (32) modifies the distance between the respective tool group (9) and the bending axis (12), depending on the length of said tool group (9). The dimension of the machine (1) in the longitudinal direction (D1) can thus be reduced in the transport position.

[0040] As depicted on the figure 1 The machine (1) is preferably used in combination with a front implement (31) attached to the front of the tractor (2). The spacing (E) is the distance between each tool group (9) and the median plane (M). Adjusting the distance between the tool group (9) and its folding axis (12) also allows the spacing (E) to be adapted, for example, to the width of the front implement (31).

[0041] As depicted on the figure 2 The respective connecting rods (27, 28, 29) are parallel to each other in projection onto a plane perpendicular to the median plane (M) and parallel to the longitudinal direction (D1). Each overlapping quadrilateral is thus a parallelogram, which allows the length (L) to remain approximately orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (D1).

[0042] In an embodiment not shown, each means of connection (26) between a group of tools (9) and its arm (10) is made by a simple pivot connection with an axis substantially parallel to the bending axis (12).

[0043] In the preferred embodiment, each arm (10) comprises a boom (33) and a rocker arm (34). Each boom (33) is articulated with the rocker arm (13) about its respective folding axis (12) and connected to its respective tool group (9) by means of a connecting means (26). Each rocker arm (34) is articulated with its respective rocker arm (13) about its respective folding axis (12). The two rocker arms (34) are connected by a coupling (35) so as to distribute the pressure exerted by the tool groups (9) on the ground (S).

[0044] Each arm (10) includes a transport actuator (36) articulated with the respective boom (33) on one side and with the respective rocker arm (34) on the other, preferably around axes parallel to the bending axis (12). In the working position of the respective tool group (9), the length of the transport actuator (36) is held fixed, so that the arm (10) is rigid. Each rocker arm (34) is articulated with the rocker arm (13) around an axis parallel to the bending axis (12), and preferably around the respective bending axis (12).

[0045] The animation of machine (1) is achieved by rotating the rotors (19) of at least one group of tools (9). This animation of machine (1) is powered by the tractor's power take-off (not shown) (2). Other power sources (electric, hydraulic, etc.) are, however, possible.

[0046] The invention also relates to a method for transposing the lateral units (4) of an agricultural machine (1) between a working position and a transport position, and preferably vice versa. For the sake of simplicity, the term "transposition" in this document refers to the transposition of at least one lateral unit (4) between its working position and its transport position.

[0047] The transposition includes a step of pivoting the side units (4), relative to the frame (3), around the tilting axis (14) by a transitional angle, preferably between 75° and 145°, more preferably between 85° and 115°, and even more preferably between 90° and 100°. The pivoting of a side unit (4) by the transitional angle is carried out until its rear end (23) is facing upwards. The rear end (23) is the part located at the rear of a side unit (4) in the working position. During the pivoting of the side unit (4) by the transitional angle, the rear end (23) pivots upwards, and preferably forwards. The pivoting of the side unit (4) by the transitional angle results in the respective transitional position of the side unit (4) as shown in the diagram. figure 7 This pivoting results in a position in which the respective folding axis (12) forms, in lateral view, an angle with the longitudinal direction (D1) between 45° and 90°, and preferably between 75° and 90°.

[0048] The pivoting of the rocker (13) around the pivoting axis (14) at the transient angle transmits its pivoting to at least one lateral unit (4), and preferably to both. In the preferred embodiment, the pivoting of the lateral unit (4) at the transient angle occurs after its pivoting at the operating angle.

[0049] The transposition also includes a step of pivoting each side unit (4), relative to the frame (3), around its respective folding axis (12) at a major angle preferably between 80° and 140° and more preferably between 100° and 120°. When pivoting a side unit (4) at this major angle, the side unit (4) in question pivots in the opposite direction to the arm (10) around the folding axis (12). When pivoting the side unit (4) at this major angle, its outer end (25) pivots, preferably rearward, to a position in which the length (L) and width (B) of a tool group (9) are substantially parallel to the median plane (M). The outer end (25) is the part located outside a side unit (4) in the working position.It can be foreseen that the pivoting of a lateral unit (4) according to the major angle results in a position in which the length (L) of a group of tools (9) forms with the median plane (M), an angle between 0° and 25° and more precisely between 0° and 5°.

[0050] The transport actuator (36) is arranged to pivot the respective side unit (4) through the major angle. Preferably, the pivoting of the side unit (4) through the major angle is performed following the pivoting of said side unit (4) through the transient angle. In a simple embodiment, the transposition of a side unit (4) between its working position and its transport position involves only the pivoting of the side unit (4) through the major angle and through the transient angle.

[0051] In the preferred embodiment, the pivoting of the lateral unit (4) around the major angle and around the transitional angle is at least partially simultaneous, preferably at least during the final (temporal) phase of the pivoting of the lateral unit (4) around the transitional angle. This prevents the lateral units (4) from striking the ground (S) during the transposition, while also shortening the latter. The fact that the lateral units (4) do not pivot around their respective folding axes (12) until the rocker (13) has reached a certain orientation relative to the ground (S), namely at least 60°, preferably 70°, and even more preferably 80°, prevents the lateral units (4) from striking the ground (S) during their pivoting around their respective folding axes (12).

[0052] To prevent any contact between the tool groups (9) and the ground (S) when the machine (1) is moved (whether powered or not), each side unit (4), or tool group (9), is designed to be able to occupy a maneuvering position. As shown in the figure 5 , the outer end (25) of a group of tools (9) in maneuvering position is further from the ground (S) than its inner end (24).

[0053] The transposition may include a step consisting of pivoting at least one side unit (4), and preferably both, relative to the frame (3), around the respective folding axis (12) by a maneuvering angle, preferably between 5° and 45°, and more preferably between 10° and 20°, so as to arrive at its maneuvering position. It should be noted that pivoting a side unit (4) by the maneuvering angle is distinct from pivoting that same side unit (4) by the major angle.

[0054] A maneuvering actuator (40) is articulated with each rocker arm (34) and with the frame (3), or the rocker arm (13), preferably around axes parallel to the folding axis (12). A change in the length of the maneuvering actuator (40) rotates the respective side unit (4) around the respective folding axis (12). When a side unit (4) is rotated through the maneuvering angle, it pivots in the direction of the arm (10) around the folding axis (12). Rotating a side unit (4) through the maneuvering angle allows it to be transferred between its working position and its maneuvering position. In the preferred embodiment, the rotation of the side unit (4) through the maneuvering angle is the first step of the transposition process, or is performed before the rotation of the side unit (4) through the transitional angle.In this preferred embodiment, when a lateral unit (4) has completed its pivots according to the maneuvering angle, according to the transitional angle and according to the major angle, it occupies an intermediate position.

[0055] In the simple embodiment, from the working position, pivoting of a lateral unit (4) according to the transient and major angles can lead to its transport position, the intermediate position being the transport position.

[0056] To transfer some of the weight of a tool group (9) to the wheels (7), it can advantageously be provided that each side unit (4) rests on a base (41) in the transport position. The base (41) is integral with the frame (3), and preferably located above the wheels (7) in the side view of the machine (1).

[0057] To this end, the transposition may include a step, preferably the last, consisting of pivoting one or both lateral units (4) relative to the chassis (3) around the tilting axis (14) by an ultimate angle, preferably less than 30°, and more preferably less than 15°. Following the pivoting of the lateral unit (4) by the ultimate angle, it rests on the bases (41). The transient actuator (16) enables the lateral unit (4) to pivot by the ultimate angle. It should be noted that the pivoting of a lateral unit (4) by the ultimate angle is distinct from the pivoting of that same lateral unit (4) by the transient angle.

[0058] In the preferred embodiment, the lateral unit (4) is pivoted through the ultimate angle from its intermediate position. Following the pivoting of the lateral unit (4) through the ultimate angle, the lateral unit (4) is in the transport position shown in the figure 3 . In the transport position of the side units (4), each rear end (23) is oriented upwards.

[0059] The height (H) of a tool group (9) in the transport position is oriented substantially perpendicular to the median plane (M). The width (15) of the lateral units (4) in the transport position is determined by the sum of the heights (H) of the tool groups (9). Since the height (H) is the smallest of the three dimensions of a tool group (9), the width (15) is advantageously reduced in the transport position.

[0060] The transposition may include a step consisting of moving each tool group (9) relative to its respective arm (10) by a translation, at least one component of which is oriented along the height (H) of the respective tool group (9), preferably carried out in the operating position of the corresponding side unit (4). This translation further reduces the width (15) in the transport position. Moreover, in the transport position of the side units (4), the distance between each tool group (9) and the median plane (M) is repeatable.

[0061] The transposition may include a step consisting of moving each tool group (9) relative to its respective arm (10) by a translation in which at least one component is oriented along the length (L) of the respective tool group (9). In this way, the position of the tool groups (9) in the transport position along the longitudinal direction (D1) is repeatable. The translation of a lateral unit (4) in which at least one component is oriented along the length (L) is preferably carried out in the maneuvering position of the lateral unit (4), thus avoiding damage to the soil cover (S). Thanks to this translation, the length of the machine (1) is reduced in the transport position.

[0062] It should be noted that it is possible to transpose the two lateral units (4) between their respective working and transport positions simultaneously. It is also possible for a single lateral unit (4) to pivot to reach a partial working position. In the partial working position, one lateral unit (4) is in its working position and the opposite lateral unit (4) is in its maneuvering position.

[0063] The actuators (16, 30, 32, 36, 40) are preferably implemented as hydraulic cylinders connected to the tractor's hydraulic circuit (2), and preferably controlled by the tractor's hydraulic system (2). However, they can also be implemented as pneumatic cylinders, and / or hydraulic or electric motors, or even as springs.

[0064] The transfer of a lateral unit (4) between its transport position and its working position is preferably carried out by performing the steps in reverse and in the opposite order to the transposition of a lateral unit (4) from its working position to its transport position.

[0065] The machine just described is only one example of an embodiment which cannot limit the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Agricultural mowing machine (1) for mowing standing plants, designed to be coupled to a tractor (2) and comprising two side units (4) and a chassis (3) which extends in a longitudinal direction (D1) and is fitted with two wheels (7), each side unit (4) being mounted so as to pivot relative to the chassis (3) via a respective longitudinal joint (11) about a respective folding axis (12) parallel to a median plane (M) of the chassis (3), each side unit (4) comprising a tool assembly (9) connected to the chassis (3) by a respective arm (10) and capable of assuming a working position in which it rests on the ground (S) and in which the length (L) of the respective tool assembly (9) extends transversely to the longitudinal direction (D1), each side unit (4) being capable of also assuming a transport position in which it is raised off the ground (S), and in which the length (L) and width (B) of the respective tool assembly (9) are substantially parallel to the median plane (M), each tool assembly (9) comprising at least one mowing device (18) equipped with a plurality of rotors (19) driven in rotation about substantially vertical axes, the machine comprising at least one tilting mechanism (13) articulated to the chassis (3) about at least one tilting axis (14) oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction (D1), each side unit (4) being mounted on the said tilting mechanism (13) via the respective longitudinal joint (11), and, in the transport position of the side units (4), each tool assembly (9) is closer to the median plane (M) than the respective arm (10), characterised in that each tool assembly (9) comprises at least one grouping unit (21) located, as viewed in the forward direction (A) and in the working position, behind the mowing device (18), each grouping unit (21) being located above the respective tool assembly (9) in the transport position.

2. Agricultural machine according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a tilting mechanism (13) common to both side units (4).

3. Agricultural machine according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterised in that the tilting axis (14) is located in front of the longitudinal joints (11), at least when the tool assemblies (9) are in the working position.

4. Agricultural machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that each tool assembly (9) is at least partially covered by a guard (17) in its working position, and that, when the tool assemblies (9) are in the transport position, the guards (17) are located on the outer surfaces of the machine (1).

5. Agricultural machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that each side unit (4) comprises a respective connecting means (26) which connects the tool assembly (9) to the arm (10) and which comprises at least two connecting rods (27, 28, 29) and at least one actuator (30, 32).