HAY TRAINING MACHINE WITH CATCHING ELEMENT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a haymaking machine according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Haymaking machines such as tedders or rakes are used in agriculture to turn (or teed) cut grass or hay in the field and / or gather it into swaths. A common type of haymaking machine uses one or more rotating rakes, each with a plurality of tine arms rotating around a common axis. Each tine arm has a plurality of tines at the end, which can be guided close to the ground over the field and in doing so grab the stalks. The grabbed stalks are carried along by the tines for a certain distance before being thrown off or raised and landing again in the field at another location. In order to at least roughly control the deposition location, at least one catching element (e.g. a deflector screen) is often provided, which can be arranged in an active position radially outside the path of movement of the tines.While the catching element runs approximately vertically in the active position, it is connected to the frame of the haymaking machine via a support arm which runs approximately horizontally and can be connected to the frame, for example, near the axis of rotation of the rake. Usually, a bracket-like gyro guard is also connected to the support arm, which is arranged radially outside and above the path of movement of the rake in the active position to prevent the rotating tines from colliding with other objects. On the one hand, it is known to pivot the support arm with the catching element upwards into a passive position when the catching element is not required or, for example, when the width of the haymaking machine has to be reduced for road travel.Another known technique is to adjust the length of the support arm in the active position, i.e., extend or retract it, in order to position the catcher element at a different radial distance from the rotation axis. This allows, for example, the width of a swath to be varied. Today, the pivoting and extension of the support arm are motorized using two separate drive elements, e.g., hydraulic cylinders.

[0003] Document DE 692 07 987 T2 discloses a haymaking machine with a hydraulic cylinder located above a rake wheel and connected to an adjusting rod such that it can be moved to change the position of a swath former. The haymaking machine is further provided with means for pivoting the swath former when it is adjusted by means of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0004] The document DE 26 45 127 A1 discloses a haymaking machine with two adjacent rotors which can be adjusted to a position in which they convey the hay between them to the rear, and to a position in which they convey the hay along their front side and place it on a swath on an outer side next to the rear rotor.

[0005] The document DE 20 2009 003 439 U1 discloses a haymaking machine with an impact element for crop material, wherein the impact element is held in a substantially upright orientation when moving from a lowered working position to a raised transport position and / or vice versa.

[0006] The object of the invention is to propose a reliable and simplified adjusting mechanism for a catching element of a rake gyro.

[0007] The object is achieved by a haymaking machine having the features of independent patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0008] For this purpose, a haymaking machine is created, with a rake rotor and a catching element associated therewith, which is connected to a frame via a support arm, wherein a base part of the support arm is pivotally connected to the frame about a support arm axis in order to pivot the support arm between a lowered active position and a raised passive position, and a sliding part, to which the catching element is connected, is displaceable relative to the base part between an inner position and an outer position further away from the support arm axis in order to effect a length adjustment of the support arm.

[0009] The haymaking machine is generally designed to collect, turn, distribute and / or windrow stalks such as grass or hay in a field. It can in particular be designed to be pulled by a tractor. A frame of the haymaking machine can be coupled to the tractor via a drawbar. At least one rotary rake, often a plurality of rotary rakes, is arranged on the frame. Each rotary rake can rotate relative to the frame about an upward, but not necessarily vertical, axis of rotation or rotor axis. The drive power for the rotation can be transmitted from the tractor, e.g. via a PTO. The rotary rake usually has a plurality of tine arms that project outwards from the rotor axis. Each tine arm, in turn, carries a plurality of tines with which the stalks are collected. Optionally, the tine arm ora part of the tine arm to which the tines are connected must be pivotable about its longitudinal axis so that the tines can be pivoted alternately into a position close to the ground and into a position away from the ground.

[0010] A catching element is assigned to the (or at least one) rotary rake. The catching element can be designed, for example, as a rigid plate or grid, or in particular as a flexible catching cloth or swath cloth. Its function is to limit the movement of the stalk material that is caught by the rotary rake and thrown up or away. This means that the stalk material bounces against the catching element and falls to the ground near it. This makes it possible, for example, to form a swath near the catching element. The catching element is connected to the frame via a support arm, i.e. the support arm forms the connection or suspension of the catching element in relation to the frame. A base part of the support arm is connected to the frame so that it can pivot about a support arm axis in order to pivot the support arm between a lowered active position and a raised passive position. Accordingly, in the normal operating position of the haymaking machine, the support arm axis does not run vertically, but rather, for example,horizontally or at a slight angle (less than 30°) to the horizontal. By pivoting around this support arm axis, the support arm can either be lowered into an active position, in which it can, for example, run horizontally and in which the catcher element is positioned close to the ground, or raised into a passive position, in which the catcher element is (significantly) raised from the ground. Although we are talking about "one" passive position here, it should be clear that several passive positions are possible, for example, a slightly raised position for driving through a headland and a more raised position for road travel. The base section can have a rotor guard for the rake rotor, which can be pivoted together with the base section. The rotor guard can be designed as a bracket, for example, and serves to prevent a collision between the rotating rake rotor and other objects.A sliding part, to which the catch element is connected, can be moved relative to the base part between an inner position and an outer position further away from the support arm axis. The sliding part is part of the support arm and can be moved translationally relative to the base part. In particular, the base part can have a hollow profile in which the sliding part is partially accommodated to enable a telescopic movement. Moving the sliding part adjusts the length of the support arm.

[0011] According to the invention, a linear drive acting between the frame and the sliding part allows the sliding part to be moved into the inner position and the support arm to be pivoted into the passive position, wherein a retaining mechanism is designed to hold the support arm in the active position until the sliding part has reached the inner position. The linear drive acts between the frame and the sliding part, wherein it is designed at least to generate a tensile force and pull the sliding part towards the frame. This initially results in the adjustment of the sliding part into the inner position, one could also say the retraction of the sliding part with the catch element arranged thereon. Furthermore, the tensile force also achieves the upward pivoting of the support arm into the passive position. This is based on the connection between the base part and the sliding part, wherein the linear drive generates a torque with respect to the support arm axis.To achieve this, the linear drive (or the connecting line of its points of action on the frame and the sliding part) is aligned non-radially with respect to the support arm axis. For example, the linear drive can be connected to the frame via a drive pivot axis, which is arranged above the support arm axis and above the base part. To ensure sufficient torque when the support arm is aligned vertically, the drive pivot axis should also be offset horizontally with respect to the support arm axis, specifically on a side opposite the catch element. The linear drive can in particular be designed as a cylinder or have a cylinder, e.g. a hydraulic, electro-hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

[0012] Thus, two adjustment movements are realized using a single linear drive. In order to separate these movements from each other in a comprehensible, repeatable manner for the user, the inventive retaining mechanism is provided, which holds the support arm in the active position until the sliding part has reached the inward position. This means that while the sliding part is in the outward position or between the outward and inward positions, the support arm is, in a sense, locked in the active position. This prevents unintentional pivoting of the support arm and the associated lifting of the catch element from the floor during the length adjustment of the support arm. Once the sliding part has reached the inward position, the retaining mechanism releases the support arm so that it can be pivoted into the passive position.Through the retention mechanism, the pivoting of the support arm into the passive position is causally linked to the sliding part reaching the inner position. It goes without saying that the linear actuator can generally also exert a compressive force opposite to the aforementioned tensile force, which allows the support arm to pivot from the passive position to the active position and the sliding part to be adjusted, i.e., extended, toward the outer position.

[0013] In principle, it would be conceivable to detect the position of the sliding part using a sensor, which generates a signal that, in turn, controls the retaining mechanism. However, such a design is complex and generally prone to failure. Therefore, it is preferred that the sliding part interact mechanically with the retaining mechanism. This involves a direct or indirect mechanical transmission of force from the sliding part to the retaining mechanism.

[0014] Preferably, the retaining mechanism comprises a retaining element adjustably arranged on the frame, which engages with the base part in a locking position and releases the base part in a release position. The retaining element can in particular be formed as a single piece. The retaining element is adjustable at least between the aforementioned locking position and the release position. Normally, in the locking position, the retaining element establishes a positive connection with the base part, whereby the base part is held back or locked relative to the frame. Additionally or alternatively, the retaining element can also establish a frictional connection with the base part. The base part can interact mechanically with the retaining element indirectly or directly.

[0015] Advantageously, the retaining element is pivotably mounted on the frame. This means it can be pivoted between the locking position and the release position. The pivoting adjustment has the advantage of requiring only a pivot bearing instead of, for example, a guide rail or the like, which would be necessary for a translational adjustment.

[0016] The retaining element can advantageously be connected to the frame via a first spring element, which urges the retaining element toward the locking position. This means that, provided no other forces act on the retaining element, it is held in the locking position or moved into it by the first spring element. This also ensures reliable locking of the support arm. The first spring element can be designed, for example, as a torsion spring or a tension spring. As the inner position is approached, the spring force of the first spring element is overcome by the direct or indirect action of the sliding part.

[0017] Advantageously, the sliding part is designed to act directly on the retaining element when approaching the inner position, pushing it out of the locking position. This keeps the entire mechanism simple, as intermediate elements for force transmission between the sliding part and the retaining element are eliminated.

[0018] A preferred embodiment provides that the retaining element is partially inserted into a recess in the base part in the locking position, wherein a retaining section of the retaining element engages behind an edge section of the base part formed on the edge of the recess. The base part can, for example, have a hollow profile, within which the sliding part is also guided displaceably. The recess can be formed as an opening or cutout in a wall of the hollow profile. The retaining element is partially inserted into this recess in the locking position. An edge section is formed on the edge of the recess, which edge section the retaining element engages behind with a retaining section. Thus, the retaining section and the edge section create a positive connection between the retaining element and the base part, which leads to locking. The retaining section is normally formed as a projection on the retaining element.

[0019] Advantageously, the retaining element has a ramp section with which the base part interacts when approaching the active position in order to push the retaining element out of the locking position. The displacement of the retaining element can in particular enable insertion into the recess in the base part. The ramp section is bevelled with respect to the direction of movement of the base part such that the interaction results in a force deflection which displaces the retaining element. The base part and the ramp section slide along one another. In particular, the above-mentioned edge section and the ramp section can interact with one another. This means that the edge section initially pushes the retaining element out of the retaining position by interacting with the ramp section so that it can be inserted into the recess before it returns to the retaining position in which the retaining section engages behind the edge section.The sliding part can also cooperate with the ramp section when approaching the inner position in order to push the retaining element out of the retaining position.

[0020] While the locking mechanism prevents the support arm from pivoting upwards before the sliding part has been retracted, it generally cannot prevent the sliding part from being extended before the support arm has been pivoted downwards from the passive position into the active position. In a further development of the invention, this is counteracted in that the base part is connected to the frame via a second spring element, which urges the base part towards the active position. The second spring element generates a torque in the direction of the active position, thereby assisting the downward pivoting of the support arm. It can be designed, for example, as a torsion spring or as a tension spring. The strength of the second spring element can be selected in relation to the strength of the linear drive such that pivoting into the passive position is only insignificantly impeded.

[0021] The linear drive is preferably configured to operate at a higher speed when adjusting the sliding part than when pivoting the support arm. This means that the sliding part is adjusted comparatively quickly, while the support arm pivots more slowly. This can also be referred to as damping of the linear drive in the range corresponding to the pivoting process. If the linear drive is designed as a hydraulic cylinder, this can involve end-position damping, which can be achieved, for example, by slowing the inflow or outflow of hydraulic fluid near the end position.

[0022] The invention is described below with reference to figures. These figures are merely exemplary and do not limit the general concept of the invention.

[0023] It shows Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a haymaking machine according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a side view of a part of the haymaking machine according to the direction II in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a sectional view of the part of the haymaking machine from Fig. 2 in a first state; Fig. 4 a sectional view of the part of the haymaking machine from Fig. 2 in a second state; and Fig. 5 a sectional view of the part of the haymaking machine from Fig. 2 in a third state.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a haymaking machine 1, in this case a rotary swather, according to the present invention. A rotary rake 2 is mounted on a frame 5 for rotation about a rotation axis or rotary axis K. The rotary axis K runs vertically in this example, but could also be inclined relative to the vertical. The rotary rake 2 has a plurality of tine arms 3, each of which in turn carries a plurality of tines 4. In this example, each tine arm 3 is pivotable about its longitudinal axis, so that during rotation about the rotary axis K, the tines 4 are pivoted alternately between an approximately vertical position and an approximately horizontal position. In the approximately vertical position, which in Fig. 1 As can be seen in the left area of ​​the rotary rake 2, the tines 4 are guided close to the ground so that they capture crops on the ground, more precisely stalks such as grass or hay, and carry them along in accordance with the rotational movement of the rotary rake 2. To prevent the crop from being thrown away in an uncontrolled manner, the haymaking machine 1 has a catching element 10, which in this case is designed as a swath cloth. Fig. 1 In the position shown, the catching element 10 extends vertically, specifically outside the rotation range of the rotary rake 2. Due to its closed, flat shape, the catching element 10 catches crop material so that it can be laid into a swath at a defined position. Details of the functioning of the haymaking machine are explained below, particularly with reference to the detailed view in Fig.2 explained and with reference to the sectional views in Fig. 3-5 , where the cutting plane is parallel to the drawing plane in Fig. 2 runs.

[0025] The catch element 10 is connected to the frame 5 via a support arm 11. The support arm 11 has a base part 12, which is pivotally connected to the frame 5 about a horizontal support arm axis A, and a sliding part 13, which is movable above the base part 12 between an inner position (which is Fig. 1 is shown) and an outer position further away from the support arm axis A. This allows the catching element 10 to be positioned at different distances from the rotor axis K and a swath width to be changed. Due to the pivoting of the base part 12, the support arm 11 can be adjusted between a Fig. 1 - 4 shown lowered active position and one in Fig. 5 shown, raised passive position. Both the movement of the sliding part 13 and the movement of the support arm 11 are effected by a hydraulic cylinder 6 acting as a linear drive. The hydraulic cylinder 6 is connected to the frame 5 via a drive pivot axis B. The drive pivot axis B runs parallel to the support arm axis A, but is offset both vertically and horizontally from it, as can be seen particularly in Fig. 2 - 5 can be seen. The hydraulic cylinder 6 has a cylinder housing 15 with an interior space 16 and a piston rod unit 17 that can be moved relative to it. While the cylinder housing 15 is connected to the frame 5 via the drive pivot axis B, the piston rod unit 17 is connected to the sliding part 13 and the catch element 10. By changing the pressure or volume of a hydraulic fluid arranged in the interior space 16, a force can be generated between the cylinder housing 15 and the piston rod unit 17. This force acts on the one hand to move the sliding part 13 relative to the base part 12, and on the other hand, it generates a torque about the support arm axis A, which acts to pivot the support arm 11.

[0026] For trouble-free operation, it is necessary to prevent the two movements from overlapping in an uncontrolled manner. In particular, the support arm 11 must be prevented from pivoting upwards from the active position into the passive position before the sliding part 13 has reached the inner position, i.e., before it has been fully retracted. To ensure this, a retaining mechanism 20 is provided, comprising a retaining element 21 that is mounted on the frame 5 so as to be pivotable about a retaining element pivot axis C. While the support arm 11 is in the active position and the sliding part 13 has not yet reached the inner position, the retaining element 21 is partially inserted into a recess 18 in the base part 12. A projecting retaining section 22 of the retaining element 21 engages behind an edge section 19 formed laterally of the recess 18. This positive connection prevents the support arm 11 from pivoting upwards relative to the frame 5.A first spring element 25, which is designed here as a helical spring, is interposed between the retaining element 21 and the frame 5, whereby the retaining element 21 is deflected in the direction of a direction shown in . Fig. 3 shown locking position is pre-tensioned. If the sliding part 13 is pulled towards the support arm axis A by the action of the hydraulic cylinder 6, the retaining element 21 initially remains in the locking position until the sliding part 13 reaches the inner position. Upon reaching the inner position, the sliding part 13 strikes the retaining element 21 and pushes it, as shown in Fig. 4 As shown, it moves from the locking position into a release position against the force of the first spring element 25. The sliding part 13 partially interacts with a beveled ramp section 23 of the retaining element 21.

[0027] By adjusting the retaining element 21 into the release position, in which the positive connection between the retaining section 22 and the edge section 19 is cancelled, the support arm 11 can be pivoted upwards into the passive position, following the torque mentioned above, which Fig. 5 is shown. The hydraulic cylinder 6 has end position damping which ensures that the hydraulic fluid can leave the interior 16 or enter it less quickly when the piston rod unit 17 is in the region of its end position, i.e. in the greatest proximity to the drive pivot axis B. The end position damping ensures that the pivoting of the support arm 11 takes place comparatively slowly, while the displacement of the displacement part 13 between the inner position and the outer position takes place comparatively quickly.

[0028] The pivoting of the support arm 11 from the passive position back to the active position is achieved on the one hand by the hydraulic cylinder 6 and on the other hand by a second spring element 26, which is also designed as a helical spring and acts between the frame 5 and the base part 12 of the support arm 11. This second spring element 26 generates an additional torque that urges the support arm 11 toward the active position. This assists pivoting into the active position and effectively prevents the sliding part 13 from moving toward the outer position before the support arm 11 has reached the active position. Upon reaching the active position, the edge section 19 of the base part 12 interacts with the ramp section 23.A force deflection takes place, whereby the said sections 19, 23 slide past each other and the retaining element 21 is deflected from the locking position so that it can again be inserted into the recess 18 before it returns to the locking position following the tension of the first spring element 25, as in . Fig. 3 shown.

Claims

1. Haymaking machine (1) comprising a rotary rake (2) and a catching element (10) associated therewith, which is connected to a frame (5) via a support arm (11), wherein a base part (12) of the support arm (11) is connected to the frame (5) so as to be pivotable about a support arm axis (A) in order to pivot the support arm (11) between a lowered active position and a raised passive position, and a moving part (13), to which the catching element (10) is connected, is movable relative to the base part (12) between an inner position and an outer position further away from the support arm axis (A), in order to effect a length adjustment of the support arm (11), wherein the moving part (13) can be moved into the inner position and the support arm (11) can be pivoted into the passive position by a linear drive (6) acting between the frame (5) and the moving part (13), characterized in that a retaining mechanism (20) is designed to hold the support arm (11) in the active position until the moving part (13) has reached the inner position, wherein the support arm (11) is locked in the active position while the moving part (13) is in the outer position or between the outer position and the inner position.

2. Haymaking machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the moving part (13) interacts mechanically with the retaining mechanism (20).

3. Haymaking machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining mechanism (20) has a retaining element (21) which is adjustably arranged on the frame (5) and which engages with the base part (12) in a locking position and releases it in a release position.

4. Haymaking machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the retaining element (21) is pivotally arranged on the frame (5).

5. Haymaking machine according to any of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the retaining element (21) is connected to the frame (25) via a first spring element (25) which loads the retaining element (21) in the direction of the locking position.

6. Haymaking machine according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the moving part (13) is designed to act directly on the retaining element (21) when approaching the inner position and to push said retaining element out of the locking position.

7. Haymaking machine according to any of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the retaining element (21), in the locking position, is partially inserted into a recess (18) in the base part (12), wherein a retaining portion (22) of the retaining element (21) engages behind an edge portion (19) of the base part (12) that is formed on the edge of the recess (18).

8. Haymaking machine according to any of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the retaining element (21) has a ramp portion (23) with which the base part (12) interacts when approaching the active position in order to push the retaining element (21) out of the locking position.

9. Haymaking machine according to any of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the base part (12) is connected to the frame (5) via a second spring element (26) which loads the base part (12) in the direction of the active position.

10. Haymaking machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the linear drive (6) is designed to operate at a higher control speed when adjusting the moving part (13) than when pivoting the support arm (11).