HAY TRAINING MACHINE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a haymaking machine in the form of a merger for swathing and / or transversely displacing crop material, with at least two merger units, each comprising a collecting conveyor for collecting the crop material from the ground and a transverse conveyor for transversely conveying the collected crop material transversely to the direction of travel, wherein the merger units are each suspended in an oscillating manner about a horizontal pendulum axis pointing in the direction of travel for ground adaptation and wherein at least one of the merger units is adjustable in suspension transversely to the direction of travel for optionally depositing a side swath or a central swath.

[0002] Mergers that can selectively deposit side swaths or a central swath are known, for example, from documents EP 2 962 540 A1 or WO 2020 / 222664 A1. The former EP 2 962 540 A1 proposes moving two cross conveyor belts laterally apart relative to a continuous pickup in order to deposit a central swath, which is fed by the two separated cross conveyor belts and directly by the central section of the pickup, which remains together. In contrast, the latter WO 2020 / 222664 A1 proposes providing a third, narrower merger unit in the middle between two lateral merger units, which can be moved upwards into an inactive position so that a central swath can then be deposited using only the two lateral merger units.Furthermore, the document EP 3066910 A1 shows a combine harvester with a harvesting attachment which has two side wings which can be pivoted upwards over a central wing via a parallelogram link suspension and can be pivoted laterally outwards next to the central wing into a working position, wherein coupling halves are rigidly mounted on the side wings on the one hand and the central wing on the other hand, which coupling halves each form an articulated connection when the side wings are moved together with the central wing.

[0003] Such mergers are usually attachments that can be mounted on a tractor and which can collect stalk- or leaf-shaped crops such as cut grass, hay or straw from the ground and deposit them in swaths. Unlike with rotary rakes, the crop is not gathered into a swath directly on the ground, but is first collected from the ground and only then conveyed crosswise to be deposited in a swath. The collection conveyor can be a tine conveyor with rotating front tines, particularly in the form of a so-called pick-up with a spiked roller, in which conveyor tines protrude between scraper plates and are driven in annular orbits in upright orbits in a controlled or uncontrolled manner. The cross conveyor of such mergers can be designed as a circulating conveyor with an endlessly circulating conveyor, particularly in the form of a belt conveyor, cf.for example, EP 3 058 804 B1 or DE 10 2010 010 862 A1. Instead of a continuously rotating conveyor belt, a conveyor floor can also be provided, over which separate conveying tools sweep in the transverse conveying direction, cf. EP 0 255 458 A1. Such mergers are characterized by high forage or crop quality, since contaminants such as stones or clods of earth are less likely to enter the swath if the crop is first lifted from the ground before being conveyed transversely.

[0004] To enable larger working widths while simultaneously enabling good ground adaptation on uneven ground and also ensuring road transport, the working width of the merger can be divided into several merger units. These are arranged next to one another transversely to the direction of travel and can tilt or swing individually to adapt to uneven ground. For road transport, the merger units can be pivoted from the horizontal working position into an upright transport position if necessary in order to maintain the permissible transport width. One or more merger units can also be raised and pivoted just far enough to allow transport. Intermediate positions can also be used for headland turns.

[0005] Secondly, the division into several merger units arranged side by side also enables the optional depositing of a side swath and a center swath. For this purpose, the merger units can be moved closer together or apart, and at least one of the merger units has a reversible conveyor drive. If a center swath is to be deposited, the two merger units are moved apart transversely to the direction of travel, creating a deposit gap between the merger units. The merger units are driven in opposite directions to each other, so that the crop is conveyed by both merger units toward the center and deposited in the deposit gap provided there.On the other hand, to form a side swath, the two merger units are moved together and driven in the same direction, so that one merger unit transfers "its" crop to the other merger unit, which then conveys the received crop – along with the crop coming from its own collection conveyor – further across the swath and then deposits it at the outer side. For example, EP 3 058 804 B1 shows a merger with crosswise adjustable merger units. DD 136917 B also shows a similar swatherer with crosswise adjustable conveyor belts.

[0006] When the combine is moved together and a side swath is to be deposited, transfer problems can arise if the merger units are individually suspended in a pendulum motion and the merger units move apart at their mutually facing end sections, which form the transfer interface, or if they bounce up and down to different degrees due to uneven ground, resulting in a step-like height offset. Such a pendulum offset at the transfer interface becomes particularly critical if the transferring merger unit is lower at the transfer interface than the receiving merger unit, as the crop to be transferred would have to be conveyed uphill, so to speak. Depending on the extent of the pendulum offset, this can lead to a transfer bottleneck or accumulation of material, but also to material loss or damage.The crop may drop if the crop being transferred does not make it onto the receiving cross conveyor but falls through the gap created underneath it.

[0007] To avoid such transfer problems with individually oscillating merger units, document EP 2 731 414 B1 proposes connecting the adjacent merger units to one another at the transfer interface in an articulated manner, so that the cross conveyor units can no longer oscillate or rock up and down independently of one another, but are held at approximately the same height at the transfer interface. For this purpose, a finger and a fork-shaped finger holder are rigidly attached to the opposite end sections of the merger units to guide the merger units vertically toward one another at the transfer interface, while simultaneously compensating for the transverse offset caused by the oscillating movements.

[0008] However, with extendable and retractable merger units for optional center or side swath placement, such a connecting joint is cumbersome to handle. Either a joint pin must be removed for extending and then laboriously re-threaded after retracting, or the merger units must be aligned to exactly the same height level when retracting, which is almost impossible due to the pendulous suspension or requires two-person operation with an assistant on the unit.

[0009] The present invention is therefore based on the object of creating an improved haymaking machine of the aforementioned type that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art and advantageously develops them further. In particular, it is intended to enable easy conversion from a side swath to a center swath without sacrificing reliable, loss-free forage transfer in the retracted position for the side swath.

[0010] According to the invention, the stated object is achieved by a haymaking machine according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] It is therefore proposed to provide an engageable and disengageable joint with at least one adjustable coupling half between the merger units in the area of ​​the transfer interface. The joint is mounted on one of the merger units so that it can move between an engaging and a disengaging position, in order to close and open the joint connection by adjusting the coupling part relative to the merger unit to which it is attached. According to the invention, an engageable and disengageable joint with two engaging and disengaging coupling parts is provided between the merger units, of which at least one coupling part is mounted on one of the merger units so that it can move between a coupling position and an uncoupling position.The adjustable design of one coupling half makes connecting the two merger units for side swath placement significantly easier, as the connecting joint can be closed more easily, even if the merger units for side swath placement are already moved together and not completely aligned. Unlike articulated connections with two rigidly mounted joint halves, the coupling engagement position can be more easily achieved by adjusting the coupling half relative to the corresponding merger unit. Furthermore, the coupling parts can be moved out of the center swath placement area in the uncoupling position to prevent the crop to be deposited in the center swath from becoming tangled on protruding coupling parts.

[0012] In a further development of the invention, the adjustable coupling half can be motor-operated to move the coupling half from the disengaged position to the engaged position or vice versa, from the engaged position to the disengaged position. In a further development of the invention, a positioning actuator is provided for adjusting the coupling half relative to the merger unit, on which the coupling half is movably mounted. This allows the articulated connection between the merger units to be closed or separated during a reconfiguration from a center swath to a side swath or vice versa from a side swath to a center swath, without requiring significant manual effort.

[0013] Such a control actuator can fundamentally be designed in various ways, with an electric or hydraulic control actuator, for example in the form of an electric motor or a hydraulic motor, preferably being provided for adjusting the coupling half. In particular, in an advantageous development of the invention, a pressure medium actuator, in particular a hydraulic cylinder unit, can also be provided in order to be able to move or displace said coupling half between its disengaged position and its engaged position and to engage it with the other coupling half. By using a hydraulic cylinder, a simple connection to the hydraulic supply available in many haymaking machines or the tractors to which the haymaking machines are mounted can be achieved.

[0014] In principle, however, it would also be possible to provide manual adjustment of the coupling half, for which the machine operator could then dismount or an assistant could lend a hand at the transfer interface between the merger units. If necessary, such manual actuation can be provided as an additional actuation option so that the coupling can still be actuated and the articulated connection can be separated or closed in the event of a hydraulic or power supply failure. For example, the aforementioned actuating actuator can be switched to idle mode or uncoupled for this purpose. In order to avoid excessive force being exerted during such manual actuation, it can be advantageous to attach a force-translating actuating lever mechanism to the adjustable coupling part in order to be able to exert a high actuating force on the coupling part with limited manual force.

[0015] In an advantageous development of the invention, the actuator mentioned can be designed to be double-acting, allowing the adjustable coupling part to be moved actively or motor-driven into both the coupling and uncoupling positions. With the aid of such a double-acting actuator, for example, a double-acting pressure medium or hydraulic cylinder, the movably mounted coupling half can be moved or adjusted in opposite directions in a targeted and controlled manner to close or optionally open the articulated connection.

[0016] Designs are possible in which both actuation directions are achieved, for example, hydraulically or electrically. Alternatively or additionally, mixed forms are also possible, in which one actuation direction can be achieved, for example, by spring preload, and the opposite actuation direction is achieved by the pressure medium.

[0017] In principle, it would be possible to mount both coupling parts of the joint connecting the merger units movably on the respective merger unit. However, it is advantageous to mount only one of the coupling parts movably on its merger unit, while the other coupling part is rigidly attached to its merger unit. This not only keeps the structure of the engageable and disengageable joint simple, but also simplifies the operation during engagement and disengagement.

[0018] The adjustable coupling part can be mounted on the respective merger unit in various ways to allow movement between the coupling and uncoupling positions. For example, the coupling part could be pivotably mounted on the merger unit to perform a circular or arcuate coupling movement.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the adjustable coupling part can also be linearly adjustable or displaceably mounted by means of a sliding guide in order to be coupled to or uncoupled from the other, interacting coupling part. In particular, such a sliding guide can provide an at least approximately linear displacement movement in a direction toward or away from the other coupling part. Advantageously, when the merger units are moved toward one another as intended for lateral swath deposition, the adjustable coupling part can be displaceably mounted in a direction transverse to the direction of travel.

[0020] In an advantageous development of the invention, the adjustability of the coupling can be designed to prevent the coupling parts from projecting beyond the contours of the merger unit in the uncoupling position, at least in the direction of the central swath to be deposited. In particular, the coupling parts can be arranged so as to be hidden within the contours of the associated merger units in the uncoupling position, as viewed in the direction of travel, in order not to impede the deposition of a central swath and to prevent crop material from becoming tangled in protruding coupling parts. In particular, the adjustable coupling part can be switched between a projecting coupling position, in which the coupling part projects beyond "its" merger unit toward the adjacent merger unit to be coupled, and a non-projecting uncoupling position, in which the coupling part does not project beyond its merger unit toward the deposition area of ​​the central swath.When coupled, the forward projection is not a problem, and is even necessary or at least helpful for achieving the coupling engagement, since in the coupled position the crop is transported across the interface between the merger units. However, when the merger units are moved apart, when a central swath is to be deposited between the merger units, the retracted or uncoupled position can prevent the crop deposited in the central swath from becoming tangled.

[0021] The two coupling parts are advantageously designed to interlock positively. For example, one of the coupling parts can have a coupling mouth open on one side, into which the other coupling part, which can have, for example, a coupling claw or a coupling finger, can be inserted. Such a coupling mouth can be oriented upright in the intended operating position of the two merger units for side storage, such that the mouth is open towards the opposite merger unit and the legs of the coupling mouth leading to the mouth opening are aligned horizontally, in particular arranged one above the other, so that the other coupling part interacting with it can be inserted between said legs and, in the retracted position, is caught vertically in the mouth, but has play when lying transversely to the direction of travel.

[0022] Advantageously, the coupling parts are designed such that the joint between the merger units has play in a direction transverse to the direction of travel in order to compensate for or accommodate relative movements that occur during pendulum movements of the merger units. In the vertical direction, the coupling parts can mesh with no play or with only relatively little play in order to keep the two merger units at the transfer interface at least approximately at the same height even during pendulum movements, or at least to avoid a significant height offset.

[0023] A control device for controlling the coupling and uncoupling movement can actuate the actuator fully automatically or semi-automatically, whereby such a control device can be controlled, for example, from a machine operator's station via a corresponding input device.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the control device can also operate in a sensor-controlled manner, wherein at least one sensor can detect a machine and / or operating parameter that indicates a side swath deposit and / or is present when the haymaking machine is in its retracted configuration for side swath deposit.

[0025] For example, such a sensor can detect the presence of a side swath deposited by the outer end of one of the two merger units. The sensor can be designed to operate visually, for example, or can also scan the side swath using ultrasound. Alternatively or additionally, a sensor can also be provided that detects the position of the merger units relative to one another, particularly when they are retracted. For example, such a sensor can detect the gap between the two merger units and / or, in particular, the position of the coupling parts relative to one another.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, a sensor can also be provided which detects a position and / or a pressure of the transverse adjustment device.

[0027] If a sensor signal from at least one sensor indicates that the machine is operating in side swath placement or is ready for it, the control device can control the actuator to move the coupling parts together and to connect the merger units to one another via the joint.

[0028] Depending on the design of the actuator, it can be operated and controlled via a switching valve, for example. If the actuator is electrically operated, it can be controlled by an electrical circuit or a switch, for example.

[0029] If necessary, the actuator can also be controlled or actuated by a sequential control system that operates depending on the pressure state of the transverse adjustment device. For example, the actuator can be connected to the pressure supply of the transverse adjustment device, in particular in such a way that when the transverse adjustment actuators experience a pressure increase upon reaching the retracted position, this pressure increase leads to the actuation of the actuator to close the coupling parts.

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail below using a preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1: a perspective rear view of a haymaking machine in the form of a merger with two merger units arranged side by side according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, wherein the two merger units are moved together for a side swath deposit and are connected to each other by a joint in the area of ​​the transfer interface, Fig. 2: a rear view of the haymaking machine from Fig. 1 , which shows the merger units coupled to one another at the same height level, Fig. 3: a perspective, partial view of the engageable and disengageable joint between the two merger units in a coupled position, and Fig. 4: a partial view of the engageable and disengageable joint between the merger units, which shows the sliding guide of a coupling part and the associated actuator for adjusting the coupling part.

[0031] As the figures show, the haymaking machine 1 can be designed as an attachment that can be attached to a tractor not specifically shown, for example by means of a headstock and a three-point linkage or also via a drawbar, wherein the haymaking machine can be supported on the ground, for example, via a chassis 2.

[0032] The haymaking machine 1 comprises several merger units 3, each of which has a collecting conveyor 4 that collects crop lying on the ground and transfers it to a cross conveyor 5, which conveys the collected crop transversely to the direction of travel 6 and deposits it back on the ground in a swath.

[0033] The merger units 3 are, viewed as a whole, oriented horizontally in the working position and extend with their elongated contour transversely to the direction of travel 6. The collecting conveyor 4 can comprise a spiked rotor that can be driven in rotation about a horizontal transverse axis, wherein the spikes can be controlled or uncontrolled along their orbit, as is known per se for pickups. The cross conveyor 5 following the collecting conveyor 4 can, for example, be designed as a belt conveyor with an endlessly circulating conveyor belt. Alternatively, the cross conveyor 5 can also have a cross conveyor auger that conveys the collected crop transversely and deposits it in a swath.

[0034] As the Figures 1 and 2show, the merger units 3 are each suspended in a pendulum manner around a pendulum axis 7, which extends approximately parallel to the direction of travel when lying down and can be provided at the level or in the area of ​​the cross conveyors 5, preferably approximately centrally, in order to enable light-footed pendulum movement and sensitive ground adaptation to inclined or undulating ground contours.

[0035] As the Figures 1 and 2 show, the suspension 8 of the merger units 3 can have support arms 10 projecting from a machine frame 9, on which the merger units 3 are suspended by means of a support frame or a suspension link 11, cf. Figure 1 .

[0036] The aforementioned support arms 10 can be tilted up and down about horizontal pivot axes approximately parallel to the direction of travel in order to move the merger units 3 from the lowered working position shown in the figures into an upright headland or road transport position. For this purpose, lifting actuators 12 can be provided, which engage the machine frame 9 and the respective support arm 10. If necessary, a weight relief device 12 can also pull the support arms 10 upward to relieve the load on the merger units and enable smooth ground adaptation.

[0037] The aforementioned suspension links 11, by which the merger units 3 are suspended from the support arms 10, can also be pivotably mounted on the support arms 10 about lying pivot axes approximately parallel to the direction of travel, in order to pivot the aforementioned suspension links 11 further inward or further outward, in order to move the merger units together for side swath depositing and to move them apart for center swath depositing. For this purpose, transverse adjustment actuators 13, for example in the form of hydraulic cylinders, can be provided, which, together with the suspension links 11, form a transverse adjustment device 14, by means of which the merger units 3 can be moved together and apart in order to deposit either a side swath or a center swath.

[0038] In order to prevent an undesirable offset between the two merger units 3 in the area of ​​the transfer interface in the retracted position for side swath deposition, a coupling and uncoupling joint 15 is provided between the merger units 3, which allows a bending of the merger units 3 relative to one another and thus pendulum movements of the merger units 3 about their respective pendulum suspension axis 7, but on the other hand prevents or limits a height offset of the merger units 3 relative to one another in the area of ​​the transfer interface 16 in order to prevent a feed blockage or even feed losses in the transfer area.

[0039] The said joint 15 can, in its coupled position, hold the two merger units 3 together in the vertical direction relative to each other without play or only with quite limited play, so that the conveying surfaces in the transfer area of ​​the merger units 3 are approximately at the same height level, as is the case with the Figures 3 and 4 On the other hand, the joint 15 can advantageously be designed to be flexible in a direction transverse to the direction of travel and / or in a horizontal plane, or to have play or to allow movements of the coupling halves relative to one another in order to compensate for transverse offsets occurring during the pendulum movements of the merger units 3.

[0040] As the Figures 3 and 4show, the said joint 15 comprises two coupling halves 17 and 18 or parts, which can be brought into positive engagement with one another in order to close the articulated connection between the two merger units 3, and on the other hand can be brought out of engagement in order to separate the articulated connection.

[0041] Advantageously, one of the coupling parts 17 can have a coupling fork or a coupling mouth which is open towards the opposite coupling part 18, cf. Figure 3 and 4 . The coupling mouth can be delimited on a lower side and an upper side by horizontally aligned legs, between which the opposite coupling part 18 can be inserted, which can have, for example, a coupling finger or a coupling claw, which can be inserted at least somewhat precisely into the coupling fork or the coupling mouth of the other coupling part.

[0042] One of the coupling parts 18 can be rigidly mounted on "its" merger unit 3, while the other coupling part 17 is movably mounted on "its" merger unit 3 in order to be able to be moved back and forth between a coupling and an uncoupling position.

[0043] In particular, a sliding guide 19 for the adjustable coupling part 17 can be provided on the merger unit 3 in order to be able to move the adjustable coupling part 17 toward and away from the opposite coupling part 18. The sliding guide 19 can guide the coupling part 17 in a direction transverse to the direction of travel when the two merger units 3 are in their intended, lowered working position.

[0044] As the Figures 3 and 4As shown, a control actuator 20 can be provided for adjusting the movable coupling part 17, wherein the control actuator 20 can, for example, comprise a hydraulic cylinder and / or be designed to operate hydraulically. The control actuator 20 can be hinged on the one hand to a frame part of the merger unit 3 and on the other hand to the adjustable coupling part 17 in order to be able to adjust the coupling part 17 relative to the merger unit 3.

[0045] A control device 21 for controlling the coupling and uncoupling movement can actuate the actuator 20 fully automatically or semi-automatically, wherein such a control device 21 can be controlled, for example, from a machine operator's station via a corresponding input means.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the control device 21 can also operate in a sensor-controlled manner, wherein at least one sensor 22 can detect a machine and / or operating parameter that indicates a side swath deposit and / or is present when the haymaking machine is in its retracted configuration for side swath deposit.

[0047] For example, such a sensor 22 can detect the presence of a side swath deposited by an outer end of one of the two merger units, wherein the sensor can, for example, be designed to operate visually or can also scan the side swath using ultrasound. Alternatively or additionally, a sensor 22 can also be provided which detects the position of the merger units 3 relative to one another, in particular when they are in a retracted state. For example, such a sensor 22 can detect the gap between the two merger units 3. Alternatively or additionally, a sensor 22 can also be provided which detects a position and / or a pressure of the transverse adjustment device 14.

[0048] If a sensor signal from at least one sensor 22 indicates that the machine is operating in side swath deposition or is ready for it, the control device 21 can control the actuator 20 to move the coupling parts 17 and 18 together and to connect the merger units 3 to one another via the joint 15. The control device 21 can be designed such that the coupling parts 17, 18 are only engaged when the merger units 3 have moved together. Alternatively, the control device 21 can also move the coupling parts 17, 18 into the coupling position or into the ready-to-couple position when the merger units 3 begin to move together, in which case the locking or engaging of the coupling parts 17, 18 is at least partially accomplished by the merger units 3 moving together.

[0049] Depending on the design of the actuator 20, it can be actuated and controlled, for example, via a switching valve. If electrically operated, the actuator 20 can be controlled, for example, by an electrical circuit or a switch.

[0050] If necessary, the actuator 20 can also be controlled or actuated by a sequential control system that operates depending on the pressure state of the transverse adjustment device 14. For example, the actuator 20 can be connected to the pressure supply of the transverse adjustment device 14, in particular in such a way that when the transverse adjustment actuators 13 experience a pressure increase upon reaching the retracted position, this pressure increase leads to an actuation of the actuator 20 to close the coupling parts 17 and 18.

Claims

1. Hay-making machine in the form of a merger for raking and / or transversely moving crops, comprising at least two merger units (3), which each comprise a collecting conveyor (4) for collecting the crops from the ground and a cross conveyor (5) for transversely conveying the collected crops transversely to the travel direction, wherein the merger units (3) are each suspended so as to swing about a horizontal swing axle (7) pointing in the travel direction to adapt to the ground, and wherein at least one of the merger units (3) is suspended to be adjustable transversely to the travel direction (6) in order to set down a side swath or a centre swath as desired, such that the two merger units (3) can be moved together and moved apart as desired, wherein, in the moved-together position, for setting down a side swath, crops can be transferred from one merger unit to the other merger unit and, in the moved-apart position, for setting down a centre swath, crops can be set down by both merger units (3) in a set-down gap between the two moved-apart merger units (3), characterised in that, between the merger units (3), at least one couplable and uncouplable joint (15) comprising two coupling parts (17, 18) that can be brought into and out of engagement is provided, of which one coupling part (17) is mounted on one of the merger units (3) so as to be movable between a coupling position and an uncoupling position such that, by adjusting the movable coupling part (17) relative to the merger unit (3) to which the movable coupling part (17) is fastened, the joint (15) is coupled and uncoupled, wherein, in the coupled state, the joint (15) allows the merger units (3) to be angled relative to one another and allows for swinging movements of the merger units (3) about their respective swing axles (7), but on the other hand prevents or at least limits a height offset of the merger units (3) relative to one another in the region of a transfer interface (16) between the two merger units (3).

2. Hay-making machine according to the preceding claim, wherein a control actuator (20) is provided for adjusting the coupling part (17) relative to the merger unit (3) on which the coupling part (17) is movably mounted.

3. Hay-making machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the control actuator (20) is configured to be double-acting for actively adjusting the coupling part (17) both into the coupling position and into the uncoupling position.

4. Hay-making machine according to any of the two preceding claims, wherein the control actuator (20) comprises at least one pressure medium cylinder and / or is configured to operate hydraulically.

5. Hay-making machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein of the two interacting coupling parts (17, 18), just one coupling part (17) is movably mounted on its merger unit (3) and the other coupling part (18) is rigidly mounted on its merger unit (3).

6. Hay-making machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the movably mounted coupling part (17) is slidably mounted on one merger unit (3) by means of a sliding guide (19), wherein said sliding guide (19) provides for sliding of the coupling part (17) in a direction towards and away from the other coupling part (18).

7. Hay-making machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the sliding guide (19) provides a sliding movement of the coupling part (17) in a direction horizontally transverse to the travel direction.

8. Hay-making machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one of the coupling parts (17) comprises coupling jaws that are open towards the other coupling part (18), into which the other coupling part (18) can be inserted by a coupling finger or coupling claw, wherein said coupling jaws have an upright opening cross section, away from which two horizontally arranged, spaced-apart jaw walls extend.

9. Hay-making machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a control device (21) is provided for automatically actuating the control actuator on the basis of a sensor signal from a sensor (22), which indicates side-swath set-down operation or readiness for side-swath set-down operation of the merger units (3).

10. Hay-making machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the sensor (22) is configured - to detect a side swath set down from an outer end of a merger unit (3), and / or - to detect a spacing between the two merger units (3), and / or - to detect an operating parameter, in particular a position and / or a pressure state, of a transverse-adjustment apparatus (17) for transversely adjusting the merger units (3).

11. Hay-making machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, for actuating the control actuator (20), a / the control device (21) is configured to only couple the coupling halves (17, 18) or bring them into the coupling-ready position when the merger units (3) are moved together for setting down a side swath.

12. Hay-making machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein sequential control is provided for actuating the control actuator (20) and is configured to couple and uncouple the coupling halves (17, 18) on the basis of a pressure medium pressure, in particular a hydraulic pressure, of a transverse-adjustment apparatus (14) for transversely adjusting the merger units (3).

13. Hay-making machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the joint (15), in particular the coupling parts (17, 18), are also configured to be flexible in a direction horizontally transverse to the travel direction in the coupled state and / or have play and are configured to transmit force in the vertical direction and hold the merger units (3) at the same height relative to one another.

14. Hay-making machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the joint (15) is arranged on a rear side of the cross conveyor (5) facing away from the collecting conveyor(4).

15. Hay-making machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling parts (17, 18) are arranged within the contour of the relevant merger unit in the uncoupling position when viewed in the travel direction and / or do not protrude transversely beyond the merger unit towards the centre swath.