String trimmer rotor

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a string trimmer rotor according to the preamble of claim 1. Technical field

[0002] The technical area in question is string trimmer heads, also known as string trimmer heads, which are used for mechanical mowing between rows in orchards or other areas. The string is a consumable material used for mowing. State of the art

[0003] From EP 2092816, a trimmer head with a thread-driven motor is known, which is equipped with a thread-carrying rotating shaft for a series of elastic threads that tend to align radially under the influence of centrifugal force and is provided with a protective cover. Threads are wound onto the thread-carrying rotating shaft within a rotatably mounted tube, or axially, the ends of said threads protrude through bores or sleeves provided in said tube, and the rotation of the tube relative to the coaxial shaft is controlled by a freewheel mechanism with a lockable or reversible direction of rotation.

[0004] US patent 2005 076 515 discloses a portable brushcutter head featuring an improved line tensioning mechanism for cutting, grass trimming, and similar applications. This patent describes a counter-rotating mechanism that allows manual line advancement when necessary.

[0005] From publication WO 2014 083550, a module is known that comprises a drive shaft with a hexagonal cross-section extending along a longitudinal axis. This device has a plurality of modules arranged around the shaft and coupled to one another in the axial direction, a plurality of anchors, each of which is coupled within a corresponding motor, and a plurality of working threads, each of which is coupled to a corresponding anchor, wound within a corresponding motor, and has two opposite ends projecting from the module. In use, they are axially engaged with each other and rotate with the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0006] From EP 3 138 376 a mower rotor is known which has a tubular shaft extending along the longitudinal axis, is driven to rotate about the longitudinal axis and has a cylindrical structure and an interchangeable protective tube arranged and designed around the cylindrical structure to slide on the ground, and has a plurality of working threads, each of which is arranged and designed inside the tubular shaft to place two corresponding end sections through two corresponding openings in the cylinder wall outside the tubular shaft.

[0007] From EP 3 056 075 a string trimmer rotor is known, in the prior art cited therein it is described that the rotating element is connected to the housing and is rotatable in a second position relative to the housing in order to allow the string to unwind.

[0008] This is only intended to allow the thread to unwind; however, the rotor is not in operation during this phase, as can be seen from the paragraph describing how the thread consumed during use is replenished in this way. Therefore, it can be deduced that the unwinding does not occur during use.

[0009] WO2016 120140 describes a string trimmer rotor where the string is replaced manually without opening the rotor. Even with this type of rotor, it is necessary to interrupt the mowing process to replace the string.

[0010] All these devices share a significant problem: the working thread needs to be pulled out during processing. This results in considerable extra work. Brief description of the invention

[0011] In the present invention, deviations of ±5% and / or ±5° are understood to be "essentially".

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a string trimmer rotor which has a continuous feed of the string during operation of the motor.

[0013] This problem is solved by a string trimmer rotor with the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 and a machine using a rotor according to the invention.

[0014] A proposed design is a line trimmer rotor formed by a receptacle, on which at least one line is wound. The receptacle is housed in a casing having at least two openings through which two line sections are guided outwards, each from a line trimmer rotor. According to the invention, the receptacle and at least one part forming the casing rotate at different speeds. Preferably, the receptacle rotates at a speed greater than the speed of a part of the casing in a direction opposite to the winding direction of the line, with both parts being driven.

[0015] In this way, continuous unwinding occurs. Advantageously, the housing rotates at 180,000 revolutions per hour and the recording rotates at 180,000 revolutions per hour + 1 to 10 revolutions per hour.

[0016] In this way, the thread is unwound at a rate of 1 to 10 revolutions per hour.

[0017] Advantageously, the two parts are driven by a single drive, but with the interposition of a gearbox.

[0018] Advantageously, the rotor rotates around a vertical axis relative to the terrain / working plane.

[0019] In a further embodiment, a cutting element and / or a device with a cutting element is arranged at a predetermined distance, which, if the thread exceeds a predetermined length, cuts it off, the device advantageously collecting the portion of the cut thread to avoid environmental pollution.

[0020] Advantageously, the thread holder can be a replaceable element.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, two threads are wound onto the receptacle, each with one end exiting through the opening in the housing of the string trimmer rotor.

[0022] The rotor according to the invention is preferably arranged on a machine which is pulled, for example, by a tractor or similar.

[0023] This machine preferably comprises four rotors according to the invention, arranged laterally in pairs.

[0024] Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These show: Figure 1: A perspective of a device according to the invention with rotors in a rest position; Figure 2: A perspective of a device with rotors in division of labor; Figure 3: A section of a device according to the invention with rotors in a rest position; Figure 4: A section of a device according to the invention with rotors in division of labor; Figure 5: A section of a rotor according to the invention; Figure 6: A section of a thread holder for a rotor according to the invention; Figure 7: A perspective of two rotors according to the invention driven by a single drive; Figure 8: A section of two rotors according to the invention driven by a single drive in a second embodiment; Figure 9: A vertical section from Figure 8 Figure 10, a perspective from Figure 8 Figure 11: A perspective from above Figure 8 Figure 12 shows a perspective of a device according to the invention with rotors in a rest position in a second embodiment; Figure 13 shows a perspective of a device made of Figure 12in extended form, Figure 14 a top view of a device Figure 12 in a withdrawn form, Figure 15 a top view of a device Figure 12 in extended form, Figure 16 a section of a device made of Figure 12 Figure 17 shows a side view of a device according to the invention in which the wheel flies onto the ground, and Figure 18 shows a side view of a device according to the invention in which the wheel is partially retracted / tilted.

[0025] In Figure 1Reference numeral 1 denotes a mowing device comprising a frame 4 to which two mowing rotors 4 according to the invention are connected on each of two sides. These rotors 100 are driven laterally by a drive. Advantageously, the drive 5 is an electric motor and / or hydraulic motor. The two rotors 100 are advantageously connected to the frame 4 of the device 1 by a connection point 3, which allows bending and thus a reduction in the width of the device 1. Advantageously, the second, outermost mowing rotor 100 is pivotable relative to the first mowing rotor about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the mowing rotor 100. Preferably, the device 1 is pulled by a tractor or similar vehicle (not shown), and the drives 5 are also powered by the towing vehicle. In a further embodiment, the entire system could also be driven by a hydraulic drive system.Advantageously, the device 1 according to the invention comprises supporting wheels 2. Advantageously, these wheels can also be used to shorten the dimensions of the device 1. Advantageously, the frame 4 of the device 1 has joints 7 which can be controlled by a piston system 6 to increase or decrease the width of the device 1. This is particularly advantageous because the mowing area can be adjusted depending on the actual situation. Since the distance between the rows often varies between trees depending on the zone and terrain, and also varies depending on the trees, plants, or other vegetation, the mowing rotors 100 are advantageously connected to each other by a belt 103, which drives both mowing rotors laterally and is itself driven by the drive 5.

[0026] The mower rotor 100 is used as in Figure 7explained, preferably in pairs with another mower rotor 100 attached to one side of a device for mowing.

[0027] However, in one embodiment the mower rotor 100 according to the invention can also be carried individually by a person, for example on the shoulder, and driven by a motor, for example an internal combustion engine.

[0028] The mower rotor 100 comprises a receptacle 105, which is housed in a casing 101. At least one thread 103, preferably at least two threads 103, is wound onto this receptacle 105, one above the other. The receptacle 105 is rotatable relative to the casing 101. The casing preferably has a circular cross-section. The receptacle 105 and the casing 101 are rotatable relative to a common axis of rotation. Preferably, this axis of rotation is perpendicular to the ground in the operating position of the mower rotor 100.

[0029] This housing 101 has openings 102, preferably at least two openings 102, extending from the interior of the housing to the outside. Thread sections 103 are guided to the outside through these openings 102. Advantageously, the two openings 102 are arranged on opposite sides of the housing 101.

[0030] Once the mower rotor 100 is in operation, a speed difference exists between the receptacle 105 and the housing 101. Preferably, the housing rotates at a speed that is lower than the direction opposite to the unwinding direction of the line 103 on the receptacle 105. In this way, the line 103 unwinds during operation of the mower rotor 100. Advantageously, the unwinding rate is limited to a few centimeters per minute, precisely the required amount that is consumed / worn during operation.

[0031] In this way, the thread is continuously unwound. Advantageously, the housing rotates at 180,000 revolutions per hour, and the take-up mechanism operates at 180,000 revolutions per hour plus an additional 1 to 10 revolutions per hour.

[0032] In this way, the thread is unwound at a rate of 1 to 10 revolutions per hour.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the unwinding speed of the thread during the mowing process can be controlled by regulating the speed of the individual parts, i.e., the intake 105 and the housing 101, e.g., via the gear ratio or the drives. This allows the unwinding speed of the thread to be changed during mowing.

[0034] The thread used, 103, is a plastic thread.

[0035] Advantageously, the drive 5 drives a belt 8, which in turn drives two mower rotors 100. The movement of the belt is transmitted via a gearbox that adjusts the speed difference between the housing 101 and the mounting 105. The mounting 101 is driven by a gear that is connected to the driven gearbox by the belt 8. Preferably, the mounting 105 is connected to a shaft 107, which is preferably rigidly connected to the mounting 105 by a separable and / or detachable connection, for example, by a screw connection or similar.

[0036] The shaft 107 is preferably driven by a gear connected to the driven transmission by the belt 8. In this way, the receptacle 105 can be removed and inserted within the housing 101. The housing 101 can be closed by a cover at the bottom or opened towards the bottom to allow for easier replacement of the receptacle 105, in which case the receptacle 105 forms the bottom of the housing 101.

[0037] Advantageously, the receiver 105 can be sold as a recharge for the mower rotor 100 according to the invention.

[0038] In this way, reloading can be carried out quickly and accurately, ensuring a predetermined unwinding, as the winding of the plastic thread 103 was monitored.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the rotor and / or a cutting device 106 are connected to the device outside the housing 101. This cutting device 106 is preferably arranged on the device 1 and positioned between two mowing rotors 100 according to the invention. In this way, the length of the line 103 is adjusted. As soon as the line exceeds a predetermined length due to continuous unwinding, it encounters the cutting device 106 during rotation. In this way, the line 103 is cut by a cutting element, for example, one or more blades arranged in the cutting device 106. Advantageously, the cutting device 106 is designed such that the cut line 103 is collected in a container.

[0040] In Figure 9The cutting device 106 is shown in a preferred embodiment. In this device, two knives 106a with a U-shaped cross-section are arranged, in which the opening of the U is oriented against the direction of rotation of the thread 103. Preferably, the cutting device 106 includes a suction element. In this way, the entire cut thread is sucked up and collected, since, due to the small dimensions of the thread, deflection and therefore environmental pollution are to be feared at the speed of the thread and due to the small dimensions of the cut thread segments. With a suction device arranged in or near the cutting device, all and / or most of the thread segments are collected.

[0041] A suction pipe can easily be arranged near the cutting device.

[0042] Preferably, two mower rotors 100 driven by a single drive 5 are rotatably connected to each other about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the mower rotor 100. The connection can be made via an arm 10. To control the position, a control piston 110 can be arranged between the first mower rotor 100 and the second mower rotor 101, which sets the position between the two mower rotors 100.

[0043] In Figures 17 and 18 A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown, from which it can be seen that the height of the wheels 2 is adjustable and / or tiltable relative to the terrain. In this way, the cutting height can be adjusted and / or the device according to the invention can also be used to perform a cut on sloping terrain.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the connection between the first and second rotors 100 can be controlled by means of a spring 12 and a chain. In this way, the second rotor retracts upon impact with an object and then returns to its position after overcoming the obstacle. This system can also be combined with a control piston 110. Key to reference numbers

[0045] 1 Device 2 Wheels 3 Connection point 4 Frame 5 Drive 6 Piston system 7 Joints 8 Belt 10 Arm 12 Spring 100 Mower rotor 101 Housing 102 Opening 103 Thread 105 Receptacle 106 Sliding devices 107 Shaft 110 Control piston

Claims

1. A trimmer mower rotor (100) formed by a holder (105) on which at least one plastic thread (103) is wound, wherein the holder is rotatably mounted in a housing (101) and the holder (105) and the housing (101) are rotatable about a single axis, the housing (101) having at least one opening through which a section of thread (103) is guided to the outside, characterized in that the holder (105) and at least one part forming the housing having the opening are driven at different speeds and rotate at different speeds, and the receptacle rotates at a speed greater than that of the part of the housing (101) having the opening (102) in a direction away from the winding direction of the thread on the receptacle (105).

2. A trimmer mower rotor according to claim 1, characterized in that the two parts are driven by a single drive, but with a gearbox interposed.

3. A trimmer mower rotor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (101) has a substantially circular cross-section and at least two openings substantially facing away from each other, and in that at least two thread sections are guided through the openings (102) or one thread section (103) per opening.

4. A trimmer mower rotor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (101) having the opening through which the thread section is guided rotates at 180,000 revolutions per hour and the receptacle rotates at 180,000 revolutions per hour (+) 1 to 10 revolutions per hour.

5. A trimmer mower rotor (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the unwinding speed of the string can be changed during mowing.

6. Mowing device pulled by a machine, comprising at least two mowing rotors (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

7. Mowing device according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises at least two mowing rotors for each side of the machine.

8. Mowing device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the mowing device is adjustable in width.

9. Mowing device according to claim 6, 7, or 8, characterized in that it comprises a cutting device (106) for the thread (103).

10. Mower according to claim 9, characterized in that the cutting device (106) is located between two mowing rotors (100) and that the cutting device comprises a suction / collection device.