AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WITH A CUTTING BAR AND A REMOVABLE COLLECTOR AND AGRICULTURAL MACHINE COMPRISING SUCH IMPLEMENT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of agricultural machinery. It relates to an agricultural device, more particularly a haymaking device, which can be moved in a forward direction and comprises a cutting bar provided with cutting members intended to cut a standing plant product. The device also comprises a conditioner arranged behind the bar, and a grouper intended to move the product transversely to the forward direction and located, in an active position, behind the bar. A retraction actuator is configured to transpose the grouper between the active position and a passive position in which the product is deposited at the rear of the device. The invention also relates to an agricultural machine equipped with such a device, as well as a method for accessing between a conditioner and a grouper belonging to such a device.

[0002] Document FR 3 080 738 A1, which is incorporated by reference in the present application, discloses a device as described above, the conditioner of which is arranged behind the bar so as to work the product that the bar has just cut before it falls to the ground. However, it happens that the product is not correctly carried by the conditioner. Part of the product then ends up at the rear of the device, away from the windrow formed by the grouper. Subsequently, not all of the product is picked up by the harvesting machine. Over time, this residual product remaining on the ground can damage the plant cover, reducing its yield.

[0003] GB 2 088 684 A also discloses a device as described in paragraph

[0001] . In this device, a trough surrounds the grouper, thus also extending below and somewhat further in front of it. However, product may also fall to the ground below the conditioner and between the conditioner and the front of said trough. With such a device, some of the product may thus also remain on the ground and damage the plant cover, reducing the efficiency of the device.

[0004] It is also known from document WO16162862 to arrange a collector between the bar and the grouper. The collector extends under the conditioner in order to prevent the product from falling onto the ground between the bar and the grouper. The collector makes it possible to avoid product falling onto the ground. On the one hand, this product fall can involve a loss of the product since it risks not being picked up with the picking machine, thus reducing the quality of work of the machine. On the other hand, this fall can also cause suffocation of the standing plant product, which can reduce the yield of the future harvest. With the device of WO16162862, debris, such as stones and / or soil passed over the cutting bar, can end up on the collector.The accumulation of debris and / or product forms clumps on the upper surface of the collector, clumps that cause friction with moving parts, such as the cutting elements and the conditioner, or even block them. Slowing down the moving parts leads to a loss of work quality and / or requires greater power to drive the device. More seriously, the blockage of moving parts can lead to a prolonged shutdown of the agricultural worksite, or even damage to the device and therefore maintenance and repair operations. In addition, some clumps can suddenly detach from the collector and be thrown in front of the cutter bar. Such projections lay the standing product down, which is then not cut, or is cut poorly, degrading the quality of work. In addition, some debris ends up with the product deposited on the ground, altering the quality of the product.

[0005] In order to avoid the aforementioned problems, it is recommended to regularly intervene on the collector, in particular to clean it to remove the aforementioned debris. Particularly when the product is wet, several cleanings in the same day may be necessary to avoid the aforementioned drawbacks. Intervening on the collector necessarily involves accessing it. With the device of document WO16162862A1, access to the collector is difficult because it requires passing through the cutting bar and / or the grouping device, making cleaning the collector, or its upper surface respectively, tedious and difficult. In addition, passing through the bar, the grouping device and / or the conditioner leads to risks of injury, which discourages cleaning the collector.

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome at least the main drawbacks mentioned above. In particular, it aims to propose a new device whose access to the collector is facilitated, a new machine comprising such a device, as well as a method for accessing between the conditioner and the grouping unit of such a device, making it possible to promote regular and safe cleaning.

[0007] The invention is defined by the subject matter of claim 1. Other advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] Further, a method according to claim 14 is also provided.

[0009] To this end, an important feature of the invention is that the device comprises a collector which extends partially under and partially behind the conditioner in the active position of the grouper, and that a movable part of the collector is fixed to said grouper. Furthermore, in the active position, the collector and the cutting bar of the device are contiguous.

[0010] Because at least the part of the collector located at the rear of the conditioner is fixed with the grouper, a space is freed at the rear of the conditioner when the grouper is in the passive position, providing direct and therefore easier access to the collector, respectively to its upper surface, while preventing, in the active position, product from being deposited away from the swath formed by the grouper, thus avoiding a drop in yield. Any intervention on the collector, respectively its upper surface, is thus made easier and faster. In particular, cleaning the collector is carried out without going through the cutter bar and / or the grouper, presenting less risk of injury. Since the plant cover is free of uncollected product, the cutting quality is improved. Finally, clearing or cleaning the collector makes it possible to lighten the device, and to reduce the power required for its operation.

[0011] The invention will be better understood on reading the description below, from which other advantages will emerge, with reference to the schematic drawings given by way of example, in which: Brief description of the drawings

[0012] [ Fig. 1 ] represents a top view of a device according to the invention forming part of a machine attached to a tractor, in the working configuration of the device and in the active position of the grouping unit, the collector being shown in dotted lines. [ Fig. 2 ] represents a side sectional view of a device according to the invention in working configuration and in the active position of the grouper and according to a first variant embodiment in which the movable part of the collector extends substantially as far as the cutting bar, the grouper and the collector also being represented in dotted lines in the passive position. Fig. 3] represents a side sectional view of a device according to the invention, in working configuration and in the active position of the grouping unit, according to a preferred embodiment. [ Fig. 4 ] represents a side sectional view of a device according to the invention, in working configuration and in the passive position of the grouping device, according to the embodiment of the figure 3 . [ Fig. 5 ] represents a top view of a machine equipped with a device according to the invention, in transport configuration. [ Fig. 6 ] represents a side sectional view of a device according to the invention, in working configuration and in the active position of the grouper, according to an embodiment in which the conditioner is produced by two drums whose conditioning means are interpenetrating.

[0013] As is clear from the figure 1, the present invention relates to an agricultural device 1 which can be moved in a direction of advance A and comprising a cutting bar 9 provided with cutting members intended to cut a standing plant product, a conditioner 22 arranged behind the bar 9, and a grouper 14 intended to move the product transversely to the direction of advance A and located, in an active position, behind the bar 9, a retraction actuator 19 being configured to transpose the grouper 14 between the active position and a passive position in which the product is deposited at the rear of the device 1.

[0014] The device 1 according to the invention is an agricultural device 1, more particularly for haymaking. The device 1 is part of a machine M. It is capable of being driven by a tractor 2 or a similar vehicle. The machine M comprises at least one beam 3 connecting the device 1 to a frame 5 of the machine M. The machine M is connected to the tractor 2 by a coupling frame 6 secured to and / or forming part of the frame 5. In a variant not shown, the device 1 is part of a self-propelled machine. The device 1 can be moved in a forward direction A, preferably by the tractor 2 or by the self-propelled machine. The forward direction A is represented by an arrow in the figures.

[0015] A central plane PC passes through the center of the coupling frame 6 and / or the tractor 2, or, where appropriate, the self-propelled machine. The central plane PC is parallel to the direction of travel A. The central plane PC is oriented vertically and / or perpendicularly to the axis of the lower journals of the coupling frame 6. The tractor 2 and / or the machine M, respectively its coupling frame 6, is substantially symmetrical with respect to the central plane PC.

[0016] In this document, the concepts "lateral", "front", "rear", "in front" and "behind" are defined by looking in the direction of advance A. The dimension "width" is to be considered perpendicular to the direction of advance A and / or to the central plane PC. Furthermore, in this document, unless otherwise indicated, any orientation is to be considered when the device 1 is in the working configuration. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, "active position" implicitly designates the active position of the grouper 14. In the same way, "passive position" refers to the passive position of the grouper 14.

[0017] As shown on the figure 1, the device 1 comprises at least one cutting bar 9 provided with cutting members intended to cut a standing plant product. The device 1 comprises at least one conditioner 22 arranged behind the bar 9, and at least one grouper 14 intended to move the product transversely to the direction of advance A and located, in an active position, behind the bar 9. The device 1 further comprises a retraction actuator 19 configured to transpose the grouper 14 between the active position and a passive position in which the product is deposited at the rear of the device 1. The bar 9 transmits the product, preferably directly, to the conditioner 22 which transmits the product, preferably directly, to the grouper 14 when the latter is in the active position.

[0018] As shown in the figures, a cutting member is for example a rotor 10. The rotors 10 are mounted on the bar 9 at more or less regular intervals. They are pivoted in rapid rotation, preferably by a train of pinions incorporated in a casing containing lubricant. Each cutting member, respectively rotor 10, is driven in rotation about a respective axis of rotation 11, preferably substantially vertical and / or slightly inclined forward. The axes of rotation 11 of the rotors 10 of the same bar 9 are aligned and contained in the same plane, preferably perpendicular to the direction of advance A. According to an alternative not shown, the axes of rotation 11 of the cutting bar 9 are not aligned. A frame 30 connects the bar 9 to the beam 3 of the machine M. The frame 30 comprises a lateral flange 30' at each of its lateral ends.

[0019] Each rotor 10 comprises blades 12 intended to cut the standing product. The standing product is a herbaceous or non-woody plant such as grass, a cereal or any stem plant. When the product is specified as “standing”, it has not yet been cut by the bar 9. Otherwise, “product” designates the product previously mown by the bar 9. The free ends of the rotors 10 describe a circular trajectory, preferably overlapping the adjacent trajectory(ies). These trajectories are contained in a cutting plane C.

[0020] An important feature of the device is that it comprises a collector 4 extending partially under the conditioner 22 and partially behind the conditioner 22 in the active position of the grouper 14. More precisely, in the active position of the grouper 14, at least three-quarters of the collector 4 are located under the axis of the conditioner 22. The collector 4 thus recovers the product falling from the conditioner 22 when the latter is unable to carry it, and keeps the plant cover clean at the rear of the device 1, in the active position. The collector 4 ensures that no product is deposited away from a windrow 20 formed by the grouper 14 in the active position, improving the working quality of the device 1. In addition, after collection, such a device 1 causes less risk of suffocation of the plant cover, avoiding reducing the yield of the plot. As is clear from figures 1 to 3, in the active position of the grouper 14, the collector 4 extends at least partially below the conditioner 22 seen in the direction of advance A, and in side view.

[0021] The device 1 is also characterized in that a movable part 15 of the collector 4, located at least partially behind the conditioner 22 in the active position of the grouping unit 14, is fixed to said grouping unit 14. Thanks to this fixing, a space is opened behind the conditioner 22 in the passive position, providing direct access to the collector 4, respectively to an upper surface 16 of the collector 4, thus facilitating and improving its cleaning. In other words, in the passive position of the grouping unit 14, the rear part of the conditioner 22 is clear. Access to the conditioner 22 is also direct and therefore facilitated by the fixing of the movable part 15 with the grouping unit 14, in the passive position. As is clear from figures 1 And 3, in the active position of the grouper 14, the movable part 15 extends partially below the conditioner 22 in side view.

[0022] As seen on the figure 1, in the active position, the grouper 14 is positioned behind the conditioner 22, so as to receive the product worked by the latter. In the active position, the grouper 14 is oriented substantially horizontally. In this position, it is driven in order to move the product transversely to the direction of advance A. The product is thus deposited in a swath 20 laterally to the device 1, respectively to the grouper 14. The passive position makes it possible to deposit the product in a wider swath. In this case, we speak of spreading the product. In the passive position, the grouper 14 is raised, preferably so as to completely free the rear of the conditioner 22. In the passive position, the grouper 14 is oriented substantially vertically. In this position, the product is deposited directly on the ground S by the conditioner 22 at the rear of the device 1.

[0023] As it appears from the figures 2 to 4in particular, the grouper 14 is transposed between its active and passive positions by the retraction actuator 19 and by pivoting about a retraction axis 21. At least in the working configuration of the device 1, the retraction axis 21 is transverse, and preferably perpendicular, to the direction of advance A and / or to the central plane PC. The pivoting makes it possible to pivot the grouper 14 relative to the bar 9. The retraction axis 21 is horizontal. In the active position, it is located at the front of the grouper 14 which makes it possible to free up more space behind the conditioner 22 in the passive position. The retraction axis 21 is further located above the conditioner 22, more precisely above the rear of the conditioner 22, so that a pivoting of 100° or less allows the grouper 14 to free up space at the rear of the conditioner 22, and preferably to be above the conditioner 22, in a passive position.It also follows from this arrangement that in the passive position, the movable part 15 of the collector 4 is further from the conditioner 22, and preferably further from the ground S, than in the active position. The grouper 14 and the movable part 15 of the collector 4 thus do not disturb the flow of product coming from the conditioner 22 in the passive position.

[0024] As shown on the figure 1, the retraction actuator 19 is produced by two retraction cylinders 19', preferably actuated from a cab of the tractor 2. The retraction actuator 19 makes it possible to transpose the grouping unit 14 between active and passive positions easily, without leaving the cab. Each of the retraction cylinders 19' is located at a lateral end of the conditioner 22, preferably attached to a lateral flange 30', ensuring the joint rotational guidance of the grouping unit 14 and the collector 4 without risk of deformation by twisting of the latter. Each retraction cylinder 19' is fixed on the one hand to the chassis 30, and on the other hand to the grouping device 14, respectively to the frame 13. It is clear from the present description that the actuation of the retraction actuator 19 makes it possible to transpose the grouping device 14 between the active and passive positions, so as to be able to access easily, and preferably directly, between the conditioner 22 and the grouping device 14.

[0025] As shown on the figure 2 , so as to bring it as close as possible to the bar 9, the front of the conditioner 22 is preferably located above the bar 9. The conditioner 22, respectively the conditioning of the product, is intended to reduce the period during which the product risks being damaged by rain. Indeed, the conditioner 22 makes it possible to reduce the overall drying time of the product. It also makes it possible to synchronize the drying of the stems and leaves of the product.

[0026] The conditioner 22 comprises at least one drum 23, preferably provided with conditioning means. During operation of the device 1, the drum 23 is driven around an axis of rotation 24. The axis of rotation 24 of the drum 23 is transverse to the direction of advance A, and preferably parallel to the retraction axis 21. According to the exemplary embodiment, the drum 23 is guided in rotation relative to the chassis 30, preferably at each of its ends in the lateral flanges 30'. In order to reduce the weight of the device 1, and as is apparent from the figure 1 in particular, the width of the conditioner 22 is slightly less than the width of the bar 9.

[0027] The drum 23 rotates in such a way that its lower end moves forward, in the direction of rotation represented by the arrow 27. The conditioner 22 thus makes it possible to lift the product over the rotation axis 24 and to place it on the grouping device 14. The action of the conditioning means of the conditioner 22, respectively of the drum 23, during its driving, makes it possible to accelerate the drying of the product.

[0028] In the preferred embodiment, the conditioner 22 comprises a single drum 23. The conditioning means are provided by fingers 28, or flails, distributed over the drum 23. The fingers 28 extend radially to the axis of rotation 24. Such an embodiment makes it possible to limit the number of elements of the conditioner 22, and thus to simplify the device 1. Each finger 28 can be articulated with the drum 23 around an axis parallel to the axis of rotation 24, so as to avoid its damage when it encounters an obstacle such as a stone.

[0029] In rotation, the drum 23, respectively the outer ends of the conditioning means, form(s) an outer trajectory T around the axis of rotation 24. Seen along the axis of rotation 24, the trajectory T is a circle.

[0030] The upper surface 16 is the surface facing the conditioner 22 in the active position. Seen along the axis of rotation 24 and in the active position, the collector 4, respectively the upper surface 16, follows the trajectory T, avoiding any catching of product and the formation of large clumps on the collector 4. In the active position, the distance between the collector 4, respectively the upper surface 16, and the trajectory T is less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, and even more preferably less than 7% of the radius of the trajectory T.

[0031] As shown on the figure 2, according to a first simple variant, the collector 4 comprises a movable part 15 which extends partially under and partially behind the conditioner 22 in the active position, and preferably from the front of the grouper 14 to the rear of the bar 9. In this first variant embodiment, the movable part 15 and the bar 9 are preferably contiguous, without any gap. The front end of the collector 4, respectively of the fixed part 17, is preferably located under the cutting plane C in the active position, and preferably also lower than the conditioner 22. In order to recover the product efficiently, the movable part 15 extends substantially over the entire width of the conditioner 22, parallel to the axis of rotation 24.

[0032] In this first embodiment variant, the mobile part 15 covers, in the active position, an angular sector 31 of at least a quarter of the trajectory T, seen along the axis of rotation 24. Such an extent of the mobile part 15 makes it possible, in the passive position, to clear a significant portion of the trajectory T, and preferably from below the conditioner 22. The grouping unit 14 must however be pivoted at an angle greater than 100° so that the mobile part 15 does not disturb, in the passive position, the flow of product coming from the conditioner 22.

[0033] The angular sector 31 is located at the rear of the conditioner 22, so that it is easy to access the conditioner 22 in the passive position, particularly when the device 1 is detached from the ground S, such as for example in a maneuvering position of the machine M. The angular sector 31 is further located at least partially under the axis of rotation 24, so that the movable part 15 does not disturb the flow of product in the active position. In the passive position, the angular sector 31 is uncovered. By "covering the angular sector 31" is meant that the movable part 15 is located close to the trajectory T. In this first variant embodiment, the collector 4 is formed solely by the movable part 15. The fixing of the movable part 15 on the frame 13 is preferably carried out by bolting, but could just as easily be carried out by welding.

[0034] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures 3And 4 , the collector 4 comprises a movable part 15 located at least partially behind the conditioner 22 in the active position, and a fixed part 17. As is apparent from the figure 3 , the movable part 15 can also extend partially under the conditioner 22. The fixed part 17 is located at least partially, and preferably entirely, under the conditioner 22. It is fixed with the bar 9, respectively with the frame 30, preferably with each of the side plates 30', and preferably by bolting. In this preferred variant, the upper surface 16 is divided between the fixed 17 and movable 15 parts.

[0035] The movable part 15 thus extends, in the direction of advance A and in the active position of the grouper 14, at least partially between the fixed part 17 and the grouper 14. The fixed part 17 ensures that in the passive position of the grouper 14, the collector 4, respectively the movable part 15, does not disturb the flow of product between the conditioner 22 and the ground S. Specifically, for a pivoting of the grouper 14 at a defined angle around the retraction axis 21, a collector 4 with a movable part 15 allows less disturbance of the flow of product coming from the conditioner 22 in the passive position of the grouper 14. This results in a more uniform swath 20, ensuring faster and more homogeneous drying of the product. In addition, the length of the device 1, respectively of the machine M, is less in the passive position. In the active position of the grouper 14, the movable part 15 extends at least partially between the conditioner 22 and the grouper 14 in the direction of advance A.In this way, no product fallout can occur between the grouper 14 and the conditioner 22 in the active position of the grouper 14. In addition, the fact that the endless belt 34 does not extend to the rear of the grouper 14 makes it possible to limit its extent, reducing the weight of the device 1, its size, as well as its complexity.

[0036] In the active position, the collector 4 and the bar 9 are contiguous, which prevents the product from falling to the ground S between them. All the product then ends up on the windrow 20 or above the collector 4, preventing the product from falling back onto the ground S. The plant cover is protected and less product loss can occur. In the preferred embodiment of the figure 3 , the fixed part 17 of the collector 4 and the bar 9 are contiguous in the active and passive position of the grouper 14. In this embodiment, the mobile part 15 and the fixed part 17 are contiguous in the active position of the grouper 14.

[0037] In the preferred embodiment, the movable part 15 covers, in the active position, an angular sector 31 of at least one eighth of the trajectory T, seen along the axis of rotation 24. The fixed part 17 extends substantially over the entire width of the conditioner 22, parallel to the axis of rotation 24, ensuring that no product falls to the ground S between the bar 9 and the movable part 15, at least in the active position. The movable 15 and fixed 17 parts are contiguous in the active position. In the preferred embodiment, the angular sector covered by the fixed part 17 is substantially equal to the angular sector 31 covered by the movable part 15, namely slightly greater than one eighth of the trajectory T seen along the axis of rotation 24. Another distribution between the angular sector covered by the fixed part 17 and the angular sector 31 covered by the movable part 15 is however possible.

[0038] The fixed part 17 is preferably made of a metal sheet. It extends substantially horizontally, or parallel to the cutting plane C. In this preferred embodiment, the movable part 15 extends substantially vertically, or slightly inclined towards the rear. Thanks to the fixing of the movable part 15 of the collector 4 on the grouping device 14, it is possible to easily access the fixed part 17 in the passive position, respectively on the upper surface 16, without the movable part 15 disturbing the flow of product coming from the conditioner 22, even with a pivoting of the grouping device 14 of less than 100°.

[0039] As is clear from the figure 2, the collector 4, respectively its upper surface 16, has a shape substantially in an arc of a circle centered on the axis of rotation 24 of the drum 23. According to the preferred embodiment, in order to avoid projections of stones or debris towards the rear of the device 1 in the passive position of the grouping device 14, the rear end of the fixed part 17 is located under the drum 23, and has, seen along the axis of rotation 24, an upper surface forming a less significant angle with the vertical than a tangent to the trajectory T of the drum 23 at the point closest to the trajectory T. Thanks to this orientation of the rear end of the fixed part 17, the stones and debris which come from the rotors 10 are ejected upwards rather than towards the rear, advantageously reducing the danger of the machine M.

[0040] Preferably, the collector 4, respectively the movable part 15, extends vertically substantially up to the height of the grouping device 14 in its active position. In other words, the upper end of the collector 4, respectively of the movable part 15, is lower than the upper end of the grouping device 14 in the active position. The grouping device 14, respectively the endless belt 34 and its drive means are thus protected from the intrusion of product or other debris. In the case of a grouper 14 with an endless belt 34, the collector 4, respectively the movable part 15, extends very slightly above the front of the upper face of the endless belt 34. Preferably, the upper end of the collector 4, respectively of the movable part 15, is substantially at the same height as the axis of rotation 24 of the conditioner 22, thus allowing the conditioner 22 to transfer product to the grouper 14. As can be seen in the figures 2 And 3, at least three-quarters of the upper surface 16 are located under the conditioner 22. More precisely, at least three-quarters of the upper surface 16 are located below the axis of rotation 24.

[0041] The retraction actuator 19 makes it possible to pivot the grouping device 14 together with the movable part 15 between its active and passive positions, by at least 60°, preferably by at least 75°, and even more preferably by at least 90°. The greater the pivoting of the grouping device 14, the easier access to the collector 4.

[0042] In order to move the product, the grouper 14 comprises at least one roller 18 driven around an animation axis that is substantially horizontal and / or parallel to the ground S, at least in the active position. As shown in the figures, the animation axis of the roller 18 is substantially parallel to the direction of advance A, and / or to the central plane PC in the active position. In the embodiments and variants shown, the grouper 14 comprises an endless belt 34. This belt 34 is driven by the roller 18. It is further tensioned by a second roller with an axis parallel to the animation axis of the first roller 18. The product rests on the belt 34 during its movement transverse to the direction of advance A. The product cannot therefore cross the belt 34. For this, it can be made of rubber or plastic, which makes it light and requires little energy for its drive.Additionally, it generally has no openings to prevent product loss from below.

[0043] The grouper 14, respectively the endless belt 34, extends along the axis of rotation 24 over at least 65% of the width of the conditioner 22. Preferably, the grouper 14, respectively the endless belt 34, extends along the axis of rotation 24 over at least 75% and even more preferably at least 85% of the width of the conditioner 22. Such dimension proportionalities advantageously make it possible to move all of the fodder carried by the conditioner 22 while reducing the width of the grouper 14, and therefore its weight. The grouper 14 also comprises a frame 13 connecting the roller 18 with the bar 9, respectively with the chassis 30. Preferably, the collector 4, or at least the movable part 15, is fixed with the grouper 14 by the frame 13.

[0044] As it is visible on the figure 3, the mobile part 15 is oriented, in the passive position, so that the product and / or debris accumulated there can fall by gravity, and preferably upper face 16 to the ground S. Advantageously, the cleaning of the mobile part 15 is limited to a transposition of the grouper 14 between its active and passive positions, preferably simply by actuating the retraction actuator 19.

[0045] In the active position, the at least one roller 18 of the grouping device 14 is driven in rotation, preferably by an auxiliary motor 25. In the passive position, the grouping device 14 does not act on the product, it is not driven in rotation, advantageously requiring less power. The energy source, whether hydraulic or electric, preferably comes from the tractor 2. Advantageously, when the grouping device 14 is transposed into the passive position, the auxiliary motor 25 is automatically stopped, for example by a stop valve or a switch.

[0046] In order to reduce the space requirement perpendicular to the direction of advance A and parallel to the ground S, the device 1 can be transposed between a working configuration, shown in the figures 1 to 4 , and a transport configuration, shown in the Figure 5. In the working configuration, the device 1 rests on the ground S, at least partially. In the transport configuration, it is further away from the ground S. In the transport configuration, the device 1 preferably extends substantially vertically. In this configuration, the rotation axis 24 is substantially parallel to the central plane PC. For the transposition between working and transport configurations, in the case of a machine M, the beam 3 is articulated with the frame 5, preferably around a folding axis articulation 7 parallel to the direction of advance A. The beam 3 can be articulated with the device 1, at least around a tracking axis 8 parallel to the folding axis 7.

[0047] The collector 4, respectively the movable 15 and fixed 17 parts, preferably do not have any openings that can allow product to pass through. However, the rotors 10 generally project the product backwards at such a distance from the bar 9 that it is possible to move the front end of the collector back so that it is slightly behind the bar 9, as shown in the figure 2 . Alternatively, the collector 4 could have small openings that do not allow any product in the form of a stem such as grass to pass through. The collector 4 could in particular be a perforated sheet metal.

[0048] In order to be able to mow the product without grouping it, it is provided that the grouper 14 is removable from the device 1, preferably with the frame 13, for example using screws. When the grouper 14 is removed, the movable part 15 of the collector 4 is also removed from the device 1, limiting its weight and its size.

[0049] In order to vary the width of the swath 20 deposited by the grouper 14 in the active position, a longitudinal actuator 33 is arranged so as to move the grouper 14 transversely, and preferably orthogonally, to the direction of advance A relative to the conditioner 22. As is apparent from the figures 2 to 4 , the collector 4 extends in front of and above the longitudinal actuator 33 in the active position, so as to protect the latter, and particularly so as to prevent product and / or debris from accumulating therein, which could hinder the operation and the service life of the longitudinal actuator 33.

[0050] As it appears from the figure 1 in particular, the machine M may comprise a single device 1. It also emerges from the figure 1that the shape of the frame 5 of the machine M is designed to be able to support an additional device, preferably identical to the device 1, and preferably symmetrical to the latter with respect to the central plane PC. In the transport configuration of the device 1, the grouping device 14 is in the active position, advantageously making it possible to reduce the width of the device 1, respectively of the machine M.

[0051] As it appears from the figures 2 to 4 , the mobile part 15 is located partially behind and partially under the conditioner 22 in the active position of the grouper 14, making it possible to provide better access to the collector 4, respectively to the upper surface 16 as well as easier passage of the product in the passive position of the grouper 14. In a variant not shown, the mobile part 15 is located only behind the conditioner 22 in the active position of the grouper 14.

[0052] According to an important characteristic, a method allows access between the conditioner 22 and the grouper 14 belonging to the device 1, this device 1 being able to be moved in a direction of advance A and also comprising a cutting bar 9 provided with cutting members intended to cut a standing plant product, the conditioner 22 being arranged behind the bar 9, and the grouper 14 being intended to move the product transversely to the direction of advance A, this grouper 14 being able to be transposed between an active position and a passive position, the method being characterized by the fact that at least one movable part 15 of a collector 4 is fixed to the grouper 14 and is located partially under and partially behind the conditioner 22 in the active position, and by the fact that the grouper 14 is transposed by the retraction actuator 19 between the active and passive positions.In this way, the transposition of the grouper 14 between active and passive positions advantageously allows the movable part 15 to move from the active position in which it is close to the collector 22 to the passive position in which it is further from the conditioner 22. This transposition thus allows easy access between the conditioner 22 and the grouper 14. Preferably, this transposition allows direct access to the collector 4, that is to say without passing through the bar 9 or the grouper 4.

[0053] In another embodiment shown in the figure 6, the conditioner 22 comprises a secondary drum driven in rotation around an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 24. The secondary drum is then located above the drum 23. The drum 23 and the secondary drum rotate in opposite directions in order to drive the product between them. The drums comprise interpenetrating conditioning means of the rib type. These ribs can in particular be longitudinal or helical.

[0054] In another embodiment not shown, the grouper 14, respectively the roller 18, comprises a worm screw and its axis of animation is substantially perpendicular to the direction of advance A. The product is then moved at least partially under the axis of animation of the roller 18, which in this case is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 24. The collector 4 then extends to the rear of the grouper 14, thus making it possible to prevent the product from falling onto the ground S from the rear of the bar 9 to the rear of the grouper 14. Finally, in another embodiment not shown, the grouper 14 is produced by the roller 18 alongside which a plurality of secondary rollers with axes parallel to the axis of animation of the roller 18 are driven in rotation.

[0055] In another embodiment not shown, the grouper 14 is connected to the chassis 30 by a four-bar mechanism, the retraction actuator 19 then translating the grouper 14 relative to the bar 9.

[0056] The bar 9, the grouper 14 and the conditioner 22 can be driven by the same energy source, and in particular by the power take-off of the tractor 2. However, one or each can also be driven separately by one or more auxiliary motors. The retraction actuator 19 could also be produced by a pneumatic cylinder, and / or a hydraulic or electric motor, also controlled remotely.

[0057] The device 1 and the machine M which have just been described are only examples of embodiments which cannot limit the field of protection defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Agricultural device (1) that can be moved in a direction of advance (A) and including a cutter bar (9) equipped with cutting elements intended to cut a standing crop product, a conditioner (22) positioned behind the bar (9), and a grouping unit (14) intended to move the product transversely to the direction of advance (A) and located, in an active position, behind the bar (9), a retraction actuator (19) being configured to transpose the grouping unit (14) between the active position and a passive position in which the product is deposited at the rear of the device (1), wherein the device (1) comprises a collecting mechanism (4) which extends, in active position of the grouping unit (14), partially under and partially behind the conditioner (22), and wherein a movable part (15) of the collecting mechanism (4) is fastened to the grouping unit (14), wherein the agricultural device (1) is characterised in that, in the active position, the collecting mechanism (4) and the bar (9) are adjacent to each other.

2. The agricultural device according to claim 1, wherein the collecting mechanism (4) comprises a fixed part (17) fastened with the bar (9) and located at least partially under the conditioner (22).

3. The agricultural device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conditioner (22) comprises a drum (23) driven in rotation around a rotation axis (24) forming a path (T), and wherein the movable part (15) covers, in the active position, an angular sector (31) of at least a quarter of the path (T), viewed along the rotation axis (24).

4. The agricultural device according to claim 3, wherein the movable part (15) covers, in the active position, an angular sector (31) of at least one eighth of the path (T) of the drum (23), viewed along the rotation axis (24).

5. The agricultural device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the grouping unit (14) can be transposed by a retraction actuator (19) between its active and passive positions by pivoting around a retraction axis (21) transverse to the direction of advance (A).

6. The agricultural device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the retraction actuator (19) allows the grouping unit (14) to be pivoted together with the movable part (15) by at least 60°, preferably by at least 75°, and even more preferably by at least 90°.

7. The agricultural device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, in the passive position, the movable part (15) is oriented in such a way that the product accumulated therein can fall through gravity.

8. The agricultural device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the movable part (15) is located partially behind and partially under the conditioner (22) in active position of the grouping unit (14).

9. The agricultural device according to one of claims 4 and 5, wherein in the active position, the distance between the collecting mechanism (4) and the path (T) is less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, and even more preferably less than 7% of the radius of the path (T), viewed along the rotation axis.

10. The agricultural device according to one of claims 3 to 9 as long as it refers to claim 3, wherein the rear end of the fixed part (17) is located under the drum (23) and has, viewed along the rotation axis (24), an upper surface forming a smaller angle with the vertical than a tangent to the path (T) of the drum (23) at the point closest to the path (T).

11. The agricultural device according to one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the grouping unit (14) comprises an endless belt (34) driven by a roller (18).

12. The agricultural device according to one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the movable part (15) extends, according to the direction of advance (A) and in active position of the grouping unit (14), at least partially between the fixed part (17) and the grouping unit (14).

13. An agricultural machine (M) which includes at least one device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A method providing access between a conditioner (22) and a grouping unit (14) belonging to an agricultural device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, the device (1) being movable in a direction of advance (A) and including a cutter bar (9) equipped with cutting elements intended to cut a standing crop product, the conditioner (22) being positioned behind the bar (9), and the grouping unit (14) being intended to move the crop transversely to the direction of advance (A), the grouping unit being (14) transposable between an active position and a passive position, method wherein at least one movable part (15) of a collecting mechanism (4) is fastened to the grouping unit (14) and is located partially under and partially behind the conditioner (22) in the active position, and the grouping unit (14) is transposed by the retraction actuator (19) between the active and passive positions.