Agricultural implement for mounting or hitching to a towing vehicle and method for setting up a road operation of an agricultural implement

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an agricultural implement, in particular a mower, for attachment to a towing vehicle, comprising a mounting frame on which a telescopic support arm is pivotably and / or slidably arranged, at least one unit articulated to the support arm, a gearbox that can be connected to a power take-off shaft of the towing vehicle, and a length-variable output shaft that is arranged to transmit power between the gearbox and the unit, wherein the unit can be repositioned by pivoting and / or sliding the support arm, and is reversibly adjustable from a field arrangement intended for field operation, in which the support arm is pivoted into a flat position approximately parallel to the ground, and is reversibly telescopically extendable from a retracted sliding position to an extended sliding position, to a transport arrangement intended for road operation, in which the support arm is pivoted into a folded position upright relative to the flat position, and is moved into the retracted sliding position, wherein the transmission is adjustable from a basic position in which it is drive-connected to or connected to the unit, to a sliding position for setting up road operation. The invention further relates to a method for setting up road operation of an agricultural implement.

[0002] In agriculture, machines and implements with increasingly wider working widths are used to meet the ever-growing demands for higher performance and economic yield. This applies particularly to attachments or implements, as well as towed agricultural machinery such as mowers or hay rakes, which are mounted on or towed by self-propelled agricultural machinery such as tractors, forage harvesters, or similar equipment, and are connected to it via a drive shaft or power take-off (PTO) shaft. To enable road transport of such machines and implements, they are typically convertible from a working position designed for field use, in which they can assume a large working width, to a compact transport position in which their dimensions comply with legal requirements for road use.Transfer mechanisms for this purpose require regular length compensation in the drivetrain during pivoting and / or sliding. Therefore, variable-length drive shafts are often used to power the implements. The aim is for the drive shafts to have a very high degree of adjustability to allow for compact dimensions in transport position and a wide working width in the field. Furthermore, the maximum adjustment range of drive shafts is limited relative to their overall length. With regard to the telescoping of the drive shafts, a larger ratio of maximum to minimum length has a correspondingly negative impact on the cost and robustness of the drive shafts. The working width of the machines and implements is therefore limited, both technically and economically, by the adjustability of the drive shafts.To meet these requirements, triple telescopic drive shafts are often used. However, these are relatively expensive.

[0003] Document WO 2011 / 112080 A1 discloses a haymaking machine in which side arms are attached to a main support beam, each carrying at least one harvesting tool. The side arms are pivotally connected to a sliding bearing that is slidable along the main support beam, allowing the side arms to be reversibly moved from a working position to a transport position. For driving the harvesting tools, the haymaking machine has a distribution gearbox to which second telescopic drive shafts are connected on the output side. The distribution gearbox is slidably mounted on a slide along support rails. When moving the side arms from the working position to the transport position, the slide and the sliding bearing are coupled together, at least in certain sections.

[0004] By shifting the transfer case, the required length compensation of the drive shafts when transferring the side arms from the working position to a transport position is reduced.

[0005] German patent application DE 10 2018 118 971 A1 discloses an agricultural implement with a distribution gearbox comprising output shafts to which drive shafts for powering working units are attached. Due to an acute-angled arrangement of the output shafts relative to an upright longitudinal center plane of the implement, the drive shafts do not extend parallel to the support arms carrying the working units, but rather at an acute angle to them. This results in smaller articulation angles when pivoting the support arms, and reduced travel distances when telescoping or longitudinally displacing the support arms, which translates into reduced changes in the length of the drive shafts.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to create an agricultural implement with a working width even greater than that of the prior art, which can be reliably transferred from a working position, in which its working width is adjustable, in particular reversibly from minimum to maximum, to a transport position in which it meets the requirements for road operation, using cost-effective technical means, and which is also very easy for the driver to operate.

[0007] The problem is solved with an agricultural implement having the features of independent claim 1, and with a method having the features of independent claim 13. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0008] For this purpose, an agricultural implement is designed for attachment to a towing vehicle. The towing vehicle can be, for example, a tractor or a self-propelled harvesting machine such as a forage harvester or the like. The agricultural implement can be a towed implement. Furthermore, it can be designed for front or rear attachment to the towing vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural implement is a mower or a haymaking machine.

[0009] The implement features a mounting frame to which a telescopic support arm is pivotably and / or slidably attached. At least one unit is articulated to the support arm. Furthermore, the implement includes a gearbox that can be connected to the power take-off (PTO) shaft of the towing vehicle. A variable-length output shaft is also arranged between the gearbox and the unit for power transmission. The unit can therefore be driven via this output shaft.

[0010] The unit is designed for harvesting and / or processing crops. In its mowing configuration, it has mowing discs or a cutter bar on which a plurality of knives are arranged, distributed across the working width of the unit. In its haymaking configuration, the unit has at least one rake with tines.

[0011] The unit's position can be changed by pivoting and / or sliding the support arm. This allows it to be reversibly adjusted from a field configuration intended for field operation, in which the support arm is pivoted into a flat position approximately parallel to the ground, and reversibly telescopically extended from a retracted sliding position to an extended sliding position, to a transport configuration intended for road operation, in which the support arm is pivoted into a folded position upright relative to the flat position and then moved into the retracted sliding position. The position of the support arm, in particular the amount by which the support arm is telescopically extended from the retracted sliding position, and the pivot angle by which the support arm is pivoted from the approximately ground-parallel flat position, therefore defines the unit's position.

[0012] In the transport arrangement, in which the unit is arranged in the upright folded position, the support arm extends in a vertical upward direction or at a (small) acute angle to it in level terrain, the angle preferably not being greater than 50°, particularly preferably not greater than 35°.

[0013] In its transport configuration, with the support arm in the retracted sliding position, the unit does not exceed a permissible height for road traffic, in particular 3 meters. For a particularly large working width, the support arm must be shifted at least partially or even completely into the retracted sliding position, where the working width is minimal, compared to the extended sliding position, in which the implement reaches its maximum working width.

[0014] The gearbox can be adjusted from a basic position, in which it is either connected to or driven by the implement, to a sliding position for setting up road operation. By sliding the gearbox, an optimized ratio of maximum to minimum output shaft length is achieved, even with a very long support arm (i.e., a very large working width), while also optimizing costs and robustness of the output shaft.

[0015] The working device is characterized by the fact that a control device is provided which is designed so that, when transferring the unit from the field arrangement to the transport arrangement, the telescoping and / or pivoting of the support arm and the adjustment of the gearbox from the basic position to the displacement position take place in different sequences depending on the current positions of the support arm and a current position of the gearbox.Depending on the current position of the support arm, specifically its flat position, folded position, or an intermediate position between the flat and folded positions, and / or its retracted or extended position, or an intermediate position between the retracted and extended positions (e.g., a headland position), and / or depending on the current position of the gearbox, specifically its home position, shift position, or, if applicable, an intermediate position between the home and shift positions, the support arm and / or the gearbox are adjusted in a different sequence. For setting up road operation, the telescoping and / or pivoting of the support arm and / or the shifting of the gearbox can be performed sequentially and / or at least partially simultaneously or synchronously.

[0016] Despite the complexity of the required movements and / or the large number of adjustments required when transferring the unit from the field arrangement to the transport arrangement, the unit can be transferred from the field arrangement to the transport arrangement reliably and / or very easily for the driver, both from the retracted and from the extended sliding position.

[0017] The work device has a control unit designed to control the adjustment of the support arm and the gearbox. In principle, the control can be entirely mechanical, using, for example, a linkage or multiple linkages. Alternatively or additionally, however, it is preferred that the control be electrical, at least partially or temporarily. It is particularly preferred that the adjustment of the unit from the field position to the transport position is fully automated.

[0018] Preferably, the agricultural implement has at least one actuator, in particular a linear actuator, for folding the support arm, for telescoping the support arm, and / or for shifting the gearbox. The control device is configured to adjust the actuators. The control device preferably comprises an electrical control unit, in particular a controller. Suitable actuators include, for example, motors, in particular linear motors, hydraulic cylinders, or electro-hydraulic cylinders. The actuators for folding the support arm, for telescoping the support arm, and / or for shifting the gearbox can be operated independently of one another or can be at least partially interconnected for simultaneous operation. They enable adjustment of the implement and / or the gearbox relative to the mounting frame.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment that also solves the problem, the control device comprises at least one measuring means configured to detect the current position of the support arm and / or the current position of the gearbox. Preferably, the device includes at least one measuring means for detecting the rotation angle of the support arm relative to the flat position or the upright folded position, and for detecting the length of the support arm relative to the retracted sliding position in order to determine the current position of the support arm, as well as a measuring means for detecting the displacement position of the gearbox relative to the home position. Conventional sensors are preferably used as the measuring means. The control device is preferably configured to acquire the measured values ​​from the sensors and to control the actuators based on these measured values.

[0020] In this embodiment, the control device is configured to adjust the unit from the field arrangement to the transport arrangement, and / or the gearbox from the home position to the displacement position, depending on the detected positions. Because the control device is configured to adjust the unit and / or gearbox based on these detected positions, it can control and / or monitor the adjustment processes of the support arm and / or gearbox. In particular, this ensures that the output shaft is not unduly compressed or lengthened during telescoping due to the adjustment processes of the unit and / or gearbox. Damage to the output shaft is thus reliably prevented.Even in this embodiment, despite the large achievable working width of the implement and the associated complexity of the required movements and / or the numerous necessary adjustments, the unit can be reliably operated and / or very easily transferred from the field position to the transport position, both from the retracted and extended sliding positions. Full automation of the adjustment processes is preferred.

[0021] Preferably, the support arm can only be folded into the upright folding position when it is predominantly in the retracted sliding position, and / or retracted into the retracted sliding position when it is predominantly in the upright folding position, only when the gearbox is moved into the sliding position. The term "predominantly" here means that, when the support arm is predominantly in the retracted sliding position, it has a length that is less than or equal to a limiting length, and / or that, when the support arm is predominantly in the upright folding position, it has a pivot angle that is greater than a limiting angle. The limiting angle is the pivot angle that the support arm assumes relative to the flat position.

[0022] By moving the gearbox from its home position to the sliding position, the output shaft is lengthened before it is reduced or compensated for by pivoting and / or sliding the support arm. This ensures that the output shaft is not damaged by impermissible lengthening or compression when the support arm is folded and / or retracted. Furthermore, this ensures that a minimum output shaft length is not undercut when setting up for road operation. Consequently, the output shaft can be designed with a large minimum length. This allows for a large maximum output shaft length and thus a very wide working width of the implement, even exceeding conventional working widths. At the same time, the implement's transport height and / or width comply with legal regulations.Furthermore, a length ratio formed from the minimum length and the maximum length of the output shaft can be advantageously designed, so that the working device can be realized cost-effectively and robustly.

[0023] To adjust road operation, the control device is still preferably configured to control the transmission. a. to first move from the home position to the sliding position if the length of the support arm is less than or equal to the limiting length, in particular if the support arm is moved into the retracted sliding position, or b. to first move from the home position to the sliding position if the length of the support arm is greater than the limiting length and a pivot angle of the support arm relative to the flat position is greater than a limiting angle, in particular if the support arm is pivoted into the upright folding position, or c. to move from the home position to the sliding position while the support arm, in particular starting from the flat position, is pivoted into the upright folding position, if the length of the support arm is greater than the limiting length and the pivot angle of the support arm is less than or equal to the limiting angle.

[0024] By optimizing the limit length for the length of the support arm and / or the limit angle for the swivel angle of the support arm, setting up road operation can be optimized in terms of time required and / or operational reliability. By shifting the gearbox from its home position to the shift position while the support arm swivels into the upright folding position, setting up road operation is very quick. It is particularly preferred that the gearbox is in the shift position when the support arm is telescoped from a sliding position, in which it is still at least partially extended, to the retracted sliding position.

[0025] The control device is preferably further configured to switch the transmission from an operating to an out-of-service mode. In out-of-service mode, the input shaft and the output shaft(s) of the transmission are mechanically decoupled from each other. As a result, the unit is driven by the power take-off (PTO) shaft in operating mode, while it is driven by the PTO shaft in out-of-service mode. Therefore, the unit is not driven in out-of-service mode.

[0026] Preferably, switching from operating to standby mode is done manually by the driver, for example, by means of a button. Alternatively, the standby mode can be automatically activated by the control unit when setting up road operation. It is then preferred that the switch from operating to standby mode occurs when the support arm is folded into an intermediate position relative to the flat position, in particular into a headland position or higher. Setting up road operation can also be done by the driver pressing a button. It is particularly preferred that the control unit is configured to only perform the setting of road operation in standby mode. This prevents any risk to persons who are near the implement.

[0027] The implement preferably features a telescopic input shaft located between the transmission and the power take-off (PTO) shaft of the towing vehicle. The input shaft is preferably connected to the transmission via universal joints. Alternatively or additionally, the implement may have a disconnect clutch that connects the PTO shaft to the transmission in its neutral position and disconnects the PTO shaft from the transmission in its shift position. This allows for mechanical switching to the out-of-service mode. In an advantageous embodiment, the disconnect clutch may be located between the input shaft and the transmission.

[0028] Preferably, the mounting frame also includes a guide for reversibly moving the gearbox, extending in the direction of movement, particularly in a direction of travel. The gearbox can be moved back and forth along the guide. This ensures reliable gearbox movement. For example, one or more struts or rails can be used as the guide. The gearbox can move along or with these. In principle, it is also conceivable that the gearbox can be pivoted, or pivoted and moved.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the implement has two assemblies. These are preferably arranged on both sides of the mounting frame. For each assembly, the implement has an output shaft that transmits power between the gearbox and the assembly. The two assemblies are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to a median plane defined by a line extending in a direction of travel and a line extending vertically. This positions the gearbox essentially centrally between the two assemblies. Identical output shafts can then be used.

[0030] In a first preferred embodiment, the units can be adjusted independently of each other. This allows, for example, one unit to be in the folded position while the other is in the flat position. However, it is particularly preferred that the control device is at least additionally configured to change the position of both units simultaneously for adjusting road operation.

[0031] The problem is further solved by a method for setting up road operation of an agricultural implement, in particular an agricultural implement in which the position of an assembly, which is articulated to the implement via a telescopic support arm, is changed by pivoting and / or sliding the support arm, so that the assembly is reversibly changed from a field arrangement intended for field operation, in which the support arm is pivoted into a flat position approximately parallel to the ground and is reversibly telescopically extendable from a retracted sliding position to an extended sliding position, to a transport arrangement intended for road operation, in which the support arm is pivoted into a folding position upright relative to the flat position and moved into the retracted sliding position.During the transfer of the unit from the field arrangement to the transport arrangement, the telescoping and / or pivoting of the support arm and / or the displacement of the gearbox occur in different sequences depending on the current positions of the support arm and / or the current positions of the gearbox. This depends on the current position of the support arm, i.e., in particular, the flat position or the folded position, or an intermediate position between the flat position and the folded position, and / or the retracted position or the extended position, or an intermediate position between the retracted and the extended positions, for example, a headland position, and / or on the current position of the gearbox, i.e., in particular, the home position or the displacement position, or, if applicable, an intermediate position between the home and displacement positions.The support arm and / or the gearbox are adjusted in a different sequence. To adjust for road operation, the telescoping and / or pivoting of the support arm and / or the shifting of the gearbox can be carried out at least partially sequentially and / or at least partially simultaneously or synchronously.

[0032] Despite the complexity of the required movements and / or the large number of adjustments required when transferring the unit from the field arrangement to the transport arrangement, the unit can be transferred from the field arrangement to the transport arrangement in a reliable and / or very simple manner for the driver, both from the retracted and from the extended sliding position.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment that also solves the problem, the working device comprises an electrical control device, the method comprising the steps of: Moving the transmission from a basic position in which it is drive-connected or connected to the unit, to a moving position, and detecting a current position of the unit and a current position of the transmission. The adjustment of the unit from the field arrangement to the transport arrangement, and / or of the transmission from the home position to the displacement position, is carried out depending on the detected positions of the support arm and / or the transmission. Since the adjustment of the unit and / or the transmission is dependent on the detected positions, the adjustment processes can be carried out automatically and in a controlled manner. Any shortening or lengthening of the output shaft resulting from the adjustment of the unit and / or the transmission can be at least partially compensated for. to avoid, in particular, impermissible compressions and / or lengthenings of the output wave.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the support arm, when predominantly in the retracted sliding position, is only folded into the upright folding position, and / or retracted into the retracted sliding position, when predominantly in the upright folding position, once the gearbox has been moved into the sliding position. Moving the gearbox from its home position to the sliding position lengthens the output shaft before it is shortened by pivoting and / or moving the support arm. This ensures that the output shaft is not damaged by excessive lengthening or compression when the support arm is folded and / or retracted.

[0035] Preferably, the telescoping and / or folding of the support arm and / or the displacement of the gearbox is performed in a sequence, particularly sequentially and / or at least partially simultaneously, which depends on the detected positions and / or locations. In particular, this allows for the optimization of the sequence in which the telescoping and / or folding of the support arm and / or the displacement of the gearbox takes place. By selecting this sequence, a very fast and also very reliable, i.e., operationally safe, transition from field operation to road operation is enabled.

[0036] The method ensures that, when setting up road operations, a minimum output shaft length is not undercut and / or a maximum output shaft length is not exceeded. Consequently, the output shaft can be designed with a ratio of minimum to maximum length that is favorable for robustness and procurement costs. The method therefore makes it possible to achieve a very large working width using cost-effective technical means.

[0037] The invention is described below with reference to figures. The figures are merely exemplary and do not limit the general concept of the invention. They show Fig. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a work device according to the invention and set up for field operation, wherein (a) the work device is shown in a perspective view, (b) a drive train of the work device is shown in a detached perspective view, and (c) a section of an underside of the work device is shown in a perspective view; Fig. 2 schematically shows the work device of the Fig. 1 , wherein a unit and / or a transmission is located in the Fig. 2 (a) - (c) are shown in various positions and / or locations; Fig. 3 schematically shows the work equipment set up for road operation. Fig. 1 , wherein (a) shows a section of the working tool in a perspective view, (b) shows a drive train of the working tool in a detached perspective view, and (c) shows a section of an underside of the working tool in a perspective view; and Fig. 4 shows a section of the drive train of the working tool Fig. 1 .

[0038] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an agricultural implement 1, which is configured here as a mowing machine. Therefore, the terms implement 1 and mowing machine will be used synonymously in the following. However, the present invention is also applicable to other agricultural implements 1, for example, haymaking machines such as tedders or rakes.

[0039] The implement 1 has a mounting frame 2, which is designed for attachment to a towing vehicle (not shown), for example, a tractor or a self-propelled harvesting machine, such as a forage harvester or a baler. The mounting frame 2 allows the implement 1 to be attached to the towing vehicle, in particular to a lifting mechanism of the towing vehicle. When attached, it is supported by the towing vehicle. The present invention is also applicable to other agricultural implements that are pulled by the towing vehicle and are, for example, coupled to it via a drawbar.

[0040] On both sides of the mounting frame 2, the working device 1 has a unit 3, which is mounted on a support arm 4. The two units 3 are arranged symmetrically about a central plane (not shown), which is defined by a line extending in a direction of travel 91 and a line extending in a vertical direction 93. The following descriptions apply to both units 3, which are described within the framework of the Fig. 1 (a) The following are initially described using only one of the assemblies 3: The support arm 4, on which the assembly 3 is arranged, is pivotally connected to the mounting frame 2 about a pivot axis 41. Furthermore, the support arm 4 is designed to be length-adjustable in an extension direction 43. For this purpose, it is telescopically designed and has, in particular, two sections that can be slid into one another.

[0041] The support arm 4 can be moved telescopically from a retracted sliding position Z1 to an extended sliding position Z3. Furthermore, it can be folded from a flat position A3, in which it is approximately parallel to the ground, into an upright folding position A1, in which it extends approximately in the vertical direction 93, or at a (small) acute angle to this, by pivoting it in the pivot direction 42 about the pivot axis 41.

[0042] In the flat position A1 of the unit 3, the support arm 4 extends essentially in a longitudinal direction 92, which is arranged transversely to the direction of travel 91 and transversely to the vertical direction 93. On level ground, it is therefore oriented approximately horizontally or at least extends only at a (small) acute angle to the horizontal. Therefore, in the flat position A3, the unit 3 is also oriented approximately parallel to the ground.

[0043] The position of the unit 3 can be changed by pivoting and / or telescoping the support arm 4.

[0044] The Aggregate 3 is in the Fig. 1 (a) schematically depicted in a field arrangement F intended for field operation. For the sake of clarity, in the Fig. 1 (a) Only a section of unit 3 is shown.

[0045] In the field arrangement F of unit 3, the support arm 4 is pivoted into the flat position A3 and can be reversibly moved from the retracted sliding position Z1 to the extended sliding position Z3. Unit 3 is then arranged with a cantilevered side opening. In the flat position A3 of the support arm 4, it is guided across the ground to cut crop material.

[0046] When the support arm 4 is telescoping, the unit 3 is moved in the extension direction 43 towards the mounting frame 2 or away from the mounting frame 2 in the opposite direction 43. Therefore, by telescoping the support arm 4, a working width (not specified) of the implement 1 can be adjusted.

[0047] The extended sliding position Z1 refers to the position in which the support arm 4 is telescoped to its maximum length. The retracted sliding position Z1 refers to the position in which the support arm 4 is telescoped to its minimum length. This allows the implement 1, in its flat position A1, to be advantageously adjusted from its minimum working width to its maximum working width by telescoping the support arm 4 in the extension direction 43, and returned to its original length by telescoping it in the opposite direction. The support arm 4 is located in Fig. 1 (a) in the extended sliding position Z3, so that this figure shows the working device 1 at maximum working width.

[0048] Fig. 1 (b) shows a drive train of the working device 1 in a view detached from the mounting frame 2. Fig. 1 (c) shows a section of the working device 1 with the drive train on an underside (not labeled) of the mounting frame 2.

[0049] The implement 1 has a drive train for powering the units 3, which includes a gearbox 5 that can be connected to a power take-off shaft (not shown) of the towing vehicle. The gearbox 5 is designed for power transmission to the units 3 and is located essentially centrally between the units 3 on a side (not shown) of the mounting frame 2 facing away from the towing vehicle.

[0050] To connect the drive train to the power take-off (PTO) shaft, the implement 1 includes a connecting shaft 6. An input shaft 52, which is telescopically designed, connects the connecting shaft 6 to the gearbox 5. For this purpose, the gearbox 5 has a drive shaft 57 to which the input shaft 52 is connected. On the output side of the gearbox 5, the drive train has an output shaft 53 for each of the units 3, which is connected to the respective unit 3 so that it can be driven via the output shaft 53. In the present embodiment of the implement 1, the drive train has two output shafts 53 for driving the two units 3. To allow the support arm 4 to be telescopically extended, the output shafts 53 are telescopic. In a basic position G1 of the gearbox 5, the output shafts 53 extend essentially in or against the longitudinal direction 92, and therefore essentially transversely to the direction of travel 91.The gearbox 5 is designed here as a T-gearbox, in which the output shafts 53 are connected to the gearbox 5 transversely to the input shaft 52. The output shafts 53 are each connected to output shafts (not shown) of the gearbox 5. The connections of the shafts 6, 52, 57, 53 of the drive train are each formed by universal joints (not labeled). The universal joints are provided for angular compensation between the shafts 6, 52, 57, 53.

[0051] When the drivetrain is connected to the power take-off (PTO), the PTO shaft 6 and the input shaft 52 rotate when the PTO is engaged, thus driving the gearbox 5. This also causes the output shafts 53 to rotate, so that the components 3 are driven in an operating mode of the gearbox 5. The gearbox 5 can be switched to a disengaged mode in which the input shaft 57 and the output shafts of the gearbox 5 are decoupled from each other, so that the output shafts are not driven when the input shaft 57 is engaged. Instead of such a switchable gearbox 5, it is also preferred to provide a disconnect clutch (not shown) in the drivetrain, particularly in the area of ​​the input shaft 52, to decouple the output shafts 53 from the PTO.

[0052] In field operation, the gearbox 5 is arranged in the basic position G1, in which it is intended to drive the units 3. It can be manually and reversibly switched from operating mode to out-of-service mode. Furthermore, the implement 1 is designed to switch the gearbox 5 to out-of-service mode when the support arm 4 is folded up from the flat position A3 to the upright folded position A1, if it passes through an intermediate position A2, in particular a headland position.

[0053] To enable the transport of the implement 1 on the road, the units 3 can be adjusted from the field arrangement F to a transport arrangement T. To ensure that the implement 1 does not exceed the permissible width of vehicles on the road, the support arm 4 of the unit 3 is folded into the upright folding position A1 in the transport arrangement T. In the extended sliding position Z3 and the upright folding position A1 of the support arm 4, the implement 1 also exceeds the permissible height of vehicles on the road. To prevent the implement 1 from exceeding the permissible height, the support arm 4 is retracted in the transport arrangement T of the unit 3. Since the pivot axis 41 of the support arm 4 is offset from the cardan joints 50 of the output shafts 53, a length compensation of the output shafts 53 must be performed for folding up and / or retracting, which can lead to impermissible compression or lengthening of the output shafts 53.

[0054] To prevent this, the gearbox 5 can be reversibly moved relative to the mounting frame 2 in a sliding direction 51 into a sliding position G2 for setting up road operation. Fig. 1 (c) The diagram shows the drive train with the gearbox 5 slightly shifted in the direction of movement 51 compared to the basic position G1. In this representation, the gearbox 5 has therefore not yet reached the movement position G2.

[0055] The input shaft 52 is rotatably mounted at its end opposite the gearbox 5 in a stationary bearing 521 on the mounting frame 2. When the gearbox 5 is moved from the home position G1 to the moving position G2, the input shaft 52 is extended by telescoping in the direction of movement 51, and when the gearbox 5 is moved back from the moving position G2 against the direction of movement 51 to the home position G1, it is shortened. In the home position G1, it is preferably retracted to its minimum intended length and is ready for power transmission via the gearbox 5 and the output shafts 53 to the units 3.

[0056] During displacement, the gearbox 5 is guided by guide elements 54 extending in the displacement direction 51. For this purpose, the guide elements 54 are designed as struts, each slidably mounted in a guide bearing 55. Here, the guide elements 54 are attached to the gearbox 5, and the guide bearings 55 to the mounting frame 2. However, an embodiment is also possible in which the guide elements 54 are arranged on the mounting frame 2, and the guide bearings 55 are arranged on the gearbox 5.

[0057] An actuator 56, implemented here as a hydraulic cylinder, is provided for moving the gearbox 5. However, another actuator 56, such as a linear motor, can also be used.

[0058] The actuator 56 is operated by an electrical control unit 8 located in the attachment 1. In principle, however, an electrical control unit 8 of the towing vehicle can also be used. The electrical control unit 8 is also designed to switch the transmission 5 from operating mode to out-of-service mode.

[0059] By moving the gearbox 5, the angle of the output shafts 53 changes relative to the output shaft of the gearbox 5 to which they are connected. This change in angle is possible due to the universal joints 50.

[0060] To ensure that the transfer of the implement 1 from field operation to road operation is safe, quick, and easy for the driver, the control unit 8 is configured to detect the current positions A1-A3, Z1-Z3 of the support arm 4 and / or the current position G1, G2 of the gearbox 5. Furthermore, the control unit 8 is configured to control the adjustment of the support arm 4 and / or the gearbox 5. When transferring the unit 3 from the field arrangement F to the transport arrangement T, the telescoping and / or pivoting of the support arm 4 and / or the adjustment of the gearbox 5 can thus be carried out in different sequences, depending on the detected positions A1, A2, A3, Z1, Z2, Z3 of the support arm 4 and / or the detected position G1, G2 of the gearbox 5. This prevents impermissible compression or elongation of the output shafts 53.The transfer can be carried out as quickly as possible and also automatically, and therefore as easily as possible for the driver. For safety reasons, the control device 8 can be configured to prevent the road operation from being stopped until the transmission 5 has been switched to out-of-service mode.

[0061] The working device 1 also includes actuators (not shown) for adjusting the unit 3, which can be controlled by the control unit 8. Furthermore, it has sensors 81, 82 for detecting the current positions A1 - A3, Z1 - Z3 of the support arm 4 and the position G1, G2 of the gearbox G.

[0062] A first sensor 81 is designed to detect the home position G1 of the gearbox 5. For this purpose, the first sensor 81 is arranged on the mounting frame 2 opposite the gearbox 5. It can, for example, be designed as a proximity sensor and detect the approach of the gearbox 5 to the mounting frame 2, for example, inductively or magnetically. A second sensor 82 is arranged on one of the guide bearings 55 and is designed to detect the displacement position G2 of the gearbox 5. This sensor 82 can also be designed as a proximity sensor and detect, for example, inductively or magnetically, whether the guide element 54 is within its proximity range or not.

[0063] The current position A1, A2, Z1, Z2 of the support arm 4 can be detected, for example, based on the displacement paths of the respective actuators, and / or by means of other sensors (not shown).

[0064] Starting from the one in the Fig. 1 (a) - (c) The depicted work equipment 1 in field operation shows the Fig. 2 (a) - (c) Adjustment procedures for transferring the work device 1 into road operation in a possible sequence. In Fig. 3 (a) The work equipment 1 is shown in road operation.

[0065] Fig. 2 The work tool 1 from the Fig. 1 , wherein the unit 3 is raised to an intermediate position A2, specifically a headland position. The headland position V allows the unit 3 to be guided over the ground without contact in the headland and / or when entering the crop. For this purpose, the support arm 4 is pivoted upwards relative to the flat position A3. This places it between the flat position A3 and the folding position A1. In this intermediate position A2, the gearbox 5 is switched to out-of-service mode, so that the unit 3 is no longer driven.

[0066] Furthermore, the support arm 4 is already at least partially retracted from the extended sliding position Z1 to an intermediate position Z2. This places it between the extended sliding position Z3 and the retracted sliding position Z1. The working device 1 remains in a configuration typical for field operation.

[0067] The intermediate positions A2 and Z2 are chosen here such that the output shaft 53 is shortened to a minimum length. To prevent the output shaft 53 from being compressed, the gearbox 5 is moved to the displacement position G2 in a subsequent step. The implement 1 with the gearbox 5 moved to displacement position G2 shows Fig. 2 (b) .

[0068] It is evident that the output shafts 53 are lengthened by adjusting the gearbox 5. This ensures that compression of the output shafts 53 is reliably prevented even when the support arm 4 is folded up further and / or pushed in.

[0069] Since the gearbox 5 is arranged here in the displacement position G2, the sequence in which the support arm 4 is subsequently adjusted is freely selectable. It can therefore be adjusted starting from the positions shown in Fig. 2 (b) In the intermediate positions A2 shown, the gearbox 5, when arranged in sliding position G2, is first folded up into the upright folding position A1. This shows Fig. 2 (c) Finally, the support arm 4 is retracted into the retracted sliding position Z1. The unit 3 is then in the transport arrangement T and the working device 1 is set up for road operation. This shows Fig. 3 (a) .

[0070] Alternatively, the support arm 4 can be positioned starting from the points shown in Fig. 2 (b) The intermediate positions A2 shown, when the gearbox 5 is arranged in the sliding position G2, can also initially be retracted into the retracted sliding position Z1, in order to finally be folded up into the upright folding position A1.

[0071] Compared to the sequence shown here, the implement 1 can be transferred even faster from field operation to road operation if the folding up of the support arm 4 and the shifting of the gearbox 5 occur at least partially simultaneously. For this to be possible, the length of the support arm 4 must be greater than a limiting length, and the pivot angle of the support arm 4 relative to the flat position A3 must be less than or equal to a limiting angle.

[0072] To set up road operation, further pivoting and / or telescoping of the support arm 4 is possible from the intermediate positions A2, Z2, in particular until the unit 3 is in the transport arrangement T (see Fig. 2 ) is adjusted. This prevents damage to the output shaft 53 from bending and / or compression.

[0073] The control device 8 is designed to select the optimal sequence based on the detected positions A1 - A3, Z1 - Z3 of the support arm 4 and the detected position G1, G2 of the gearbox 5 and to control the actuators 56 in this sequence.

[0074] Fig. 3 (a) The work equipment set up for road operation is shown in Figure 1. Fig. 3 (b) is the drive train of the work vehicle 1 designed for road operation, and in Fig. 3 (c) A section of the work device 1, configured for road operation, is shown from below. The unit 3 is in transport position T and the gearbox 5 is in the sliding position G2. In transport position T, the units 3 are upright, extending approximately in the vertical direction 93, or at a (small) acute angle thereto. In sliding position G2, the gearbox 5 is spaced apart from the mounting frame 2.

[0075] By moving the gearbox 5 to the displacement position G2, the output shafts 53 are lengthened compared to their minimum length. For this purpose, the actuator 56 is extended and the input shaft 52 is telescoped to a specific, and in particular maximum, length. During this process, the guide elements 54 are displaced within the guide bearings 55. As a result, the first sensor 81 can no longer detect the gearbox 5, and the second sensor 82 can no longer detect the guide element 54. Based on the signal from the second sensor 82, the control unit 8 determines that the gearbox has been moved to the displacement position G2.

[0076] Fig. 4 shows an enlarged section of the drivetrain of the embodiment of the Fig. 1 (c)The gearbox 5 is positioned here in a way that at least partially moves it away from the mounting frame 2. It is therefore in an intermediate position (not labeled) between the basic position G1 and the displacement position G2. The actuator 56, intended for moving the gearbox 5, is at least partially extended for this purpose.

[0077] The two guide elements 54 arranged on the gearbox 5 are visible. They are arranged in the guide bearings 55 provided for guidance so as to be displaceable relative to the mounting frame 2, and serve to guide the gearbox 5 in and / or against the direction of displacement 51.

[0078] To prevent the gearbox 5 from rotating with the input shaft 52 when it is rotated, coupling elements 71 and 72 are provided on the mounting frame 2 and on the gearbox 5. A first coupling element 71 is designed as a pin, and a second coupling element 72 as a through-hole. In the gearbox's home position G1, the pin 71 extends through the through-hole 72. This allows the gearbox 5 to be supported by the mounting frame 2. When the gearbox 5 is moved to the displacement position G2, the pin 71 is withdrawn from the through-hole 72. However, the first sensor 81 of the control unit 8 indicates the removal of the gearbox 5, so that the control unit 8 can switch it to out-of-service mode in a timely manner.

Claims

1. An agricultural implement (1), in particular a mower unit, for attachment to a towing vehicle, comprising • an attachment frame (2) on which a telescopic support arm (4) is arranged so as to be pivotable and / or slidable, • at least one unit (3) which is hinged to the support arm (4), • a gearbox (5) which can be connected to a power take-off shaft of the towing vehicle in order to receive power, and • a variable-length output shaft (53) which is arranged between the gearbox (5) and the unit (3) in order to transmit power, wherein the unit (3) can be repositioned by pivoting and / or sliding the support arm (4) and can be reversibly moved from a field arrangement (F) intended for field operation in which the support arm (4) is pivoted into a flat position (A3) approximately parallel to the ground, and can be reversibly telescoped from a retracted sliding position (Z1) into an extended sliding position (Z3), can be moved into a transport arrangement (T) intended for road operation in which the support arm (4) is pivoted into a folding position (A1) that is upright relative to the flat position (A3) and is slid into the retracted sliding position (Z1), wherein the gearbox (5) can be moved from a basic position (G1), in which it can be or is drivingly connected to the unit (3), into a relocation position (G2) in order to set up road operation, characterized in that a control device (8) is provided which is designed such that, when the unit (3) is converted from the field arrangement (F) into the transport arrangement (T), the telescoping and / or pivoting of the support arm (4) and the movement of the gearbox (5) from the basic position (G1) into the relocation position (G2) take place in different sequences depending on current positions (A1, A2, A3, Z1, Z2, Z3) of the support arm (4) and on a current position (G1, G2) of the gearbox (5).

2. The agricultural implement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (8) is additionally designed to control the movement of the support arm (4) and of the gearbox (5) hydraulically and / or electrically.

3. The agricultural implement (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (8) comprises measuring means (81, 82) which are designed to detect the current position (A1, A2, A3, Z1, Z2, Z3) of the support arm (4) and the current position (G1, G2) of the gearbox (5).

4. The agricultural implement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support arm (4) • when in the substantially retracted sliding position (Z1, Z2), can be folded into the upright folding position (A1), and / or • when in the substantially upright folding position (A1, A2), can be retracted into the retracted sliding position (Z1) only when the gearbox (5) is moved into the relocation position (G2).

5. The agricultural implement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in order to set up road operation, the telescoping and / or pivoting of the support arm (4) and / or the movement of the gearbox (5) takes place sequentially at least in part and / or simultaneously at least in part.

6. The agricultural implement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (8) is designed, in order to set up road operation, a. to first move the gearbox (5) from the basic position (G1) into the relocation position (G2) if a length of the support arm (4) is less than or equal to a limit length, in particular if the support arm (4) is moved into the retracted sliding position (Z1), or b. to first move the gearbox (5) from the basic position (G1) into the relocation position (G2) if the length of the support arm (4) is greater than the limit length and a pivoting angle of the support arm (4) is greater than a limit angle, in particular if the support arm (4) is pivoted into the upright folding position (A1), or c. to move the gearbox (5) from the basic position (G1) into the relocation position (G2) while the support arm (4) is pivoted, particularly starting from the flat position (A3), into the upright folding position (A1) if the length of the support arm (4) is greater than the limit length and the pivoting angle of the support arm (4) is less than or equal to the limit angle.

7. The agricultural implement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (8) is designed to switch the gearbox (5) from an operating mode to an inoperative mode, either by manual adjustment by a driver, or when the support arm (4) is folded into an intermediate position (A3), particularly into a headland position or higher, relative to the flat position (A3).

8. The agricultural implement (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the control device (8) is designed to carry out the setting-up of road operation only in the inoperative mode.

9. The agricultural implement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment frame (2) comprises a guide means (54) for reversibly moving the gearbox (5), which extends in the movement direction (51), particularly in a travel direction (91).

10. The agricultural implement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises in each case an actuator (56) for telescoping and / or pivoting the support arm (4) and for moving the gearbox (5), wherein the actuators (56) are a. either independently operable or b. at least partially interconnected for simultaneous operation.

11. The agricultural implement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a telescopic input shaft (52) which is arranged between the gearbox (5) and the power take-off shaft of the towing vehicle and is connected to the gearbox (5) by means of a Cardan joint (523) and / or separating clutch.

12. The agricultural implement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the implement (1) has two units (3), and in that the control device (8) is designed to change the position (A1, A2, A3, Z1, Z2, Z3) of both units (3) simultaneously.

13. A method for setting up road operation of an agricultural implement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a position of a unit (3) which is hinged to the implement (1) via a telescopic support arm (4) is changed by pivoting and / or sliding the support arm (4), so that the unit (3) is reversibly moved from a field arrangement (F) intended for field operation, in which the support arm (4) is pivoted into a flat position (A3) approximately parallel to the ground and is reversibly telescoped from a retracted sliding position (Z1) into an extended sliding position (Z3), into a transport arrangement (T) intended for road operation, in which the support arm (4) is pivoted into a folding position (A1) that is upright relative to the flat position (A3) and converted into the retracted sliding position (Z1), characterized in that wherein, during conversion of the unit (3) from the field arrangement (F) into the transport arrangement (T), the telescoping and / or pivoting of the support arm (4) and the movement of the gearbox (5) from a basic position (G1) into a relocation position (G2) take place in different sequences depending on current positions (A1, A2, A3, Z1, Z2, Z3) of the support arm (4) and current positions (G1, G2) of the gearbox (5).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the implement is an electrical control device, the method comprising the steps of: • moving the gearbox (5) from a basic position (G1), in which it can be drivingly connected to the unit (3), into a relocation position (G2), and • detecting a current position (A1, A2, A3, Z1, Z2, Z3) of the unit (3) and a current position (G1, G2) of the gearbox (5), and wherein the movement of the unit (3) from the field arrangement (F) into the transport arrangement (T), and / or the movement of the gearbox (5) from the basic position (G1) into the relocation position (G2), is carried out depending on the detected positions (A1, A2, A3, Z1, Z2, Z3) and / or positions (G1, G2).

15. The method according to any one of claims 13-14, characterized in that the support arm (4) • when in the substantially retracted sliding position (Z1, Z2), is folded into the upright folding position (A1), and / or • when in the substantially upright folding position (A1, A2), is retracted into the retracted sliding position (Z1) only when the gearbox (5) is moved into the relocation position (G2).