Haymaking machine with a limiter

Abstract

Haymaking machine with a frame comprising a central part carrying at least two central rotors and two lateral parts carrying at least one lateral rotor, each rotor having a hub rotating around a respective axis and being equipped with several arms, each carrying a working tool having an outer tine and an inner tine connected by spirals, each tool being able to occupy a nominal configuration in which the outer tine is further from the drive axis than the inner tine, the machine being able to occupy a working position and a transport position, in which the width of the machine is less than in the working position, and at least one tool being able to occupy a narrowed configuration, in which a limiter connects the outer tine of the tool in question to an attachment point, so that a free end of the outer tine concerned is brought closer to the respective drive axis.Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Haymaking machine with a limiter

[0001] The present invention relates to a haymaking machine with a frame comprising a central part and two lateral parts, each lateral part carrying at least one lateral rotor and the central part carrying at least two central rotors, each rotor comprising a hub rotatable around a respective drive axis, the hub being provided with several arms, each carrying a working tool having an outer tooth and an inner tooth connected by turns, each tool being able to occupy a nominal configuration in which the outer tooth is further from the drive axis than the inner tooth, the machine being able to occupy a working position and a transport position, in which the width of the machine is less than in the working position.

[0002] A machine of this type is known from patent application FR 2 304 272. On this type of machine, the width in transport configuration can be determined by the distance separating the central rotors and by their diameter. In cases where these dimensions are large, it may happen that the width of the machine in transport position exceeds the road gauge permitted by certain standards.

[0003] The present invention aims to overcome this drawback. In particular, it must make it possible to reduce the width of such a machine in transport configuration, in a simple and economical manner.

[0004] To this end, an important characteristic of the invention consists in that at least one tool can occupy a constricted configuration, in which a limiter connects the outer tooth of the tool in question to an attachment point, so that a free end of the outer tooth in question is brought closer to the respective drive axis.

[0005] By placing such a limiter on the outer tooth of a central rotor in the transport position, this tooth will move closer to the middle of the machine and thus reduce the width of the machine.

[0006] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description which follows and which refers to the appended figures which represent, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of the machine according to the invention, in which:

[0007] [Fig.l] represents a top view of a haymaking machine according to the invention in working position.

[0008] [Fig.2] represents a top view of a haymaking machine in transport position, in which each of the outer tools of the right side part and of the right central rotor, seen in the direction of advance, is provided with a limiter according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0009] [Fig.3] represents a view of a rotor in a tightened configuration (solid lines) thanks to a limiter corresponding to the first embodiment of the invention, the outer tooth concerned also being shown in nominal configuration in dotted lines, this figure corresponds in particular to a front view of the right central rotor of [Fig.2],

[0010] [Fig.4] represents a sectional view of an arm and a tool in a tightened configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the invention in solid lines, the dotted lines representing the teeth of the tool in nominal configuration.

[0011] As shown in [Fig. 1], the haymaking machine according to the invention is a tedder. A tedder rakes product spread on the ground. The product is preferably a mown plant, such as mown grass or stubble for example. The machine has a frame (1) which can be coupled to a tractor. The tractor is used to move the machine in a forward direction (A). The frame (1) has a central part (11) and two side parts (2). Each side part (2) carries at least one side rotor (3). Each side part (2) can carry from one to five central rotors (12), or even more. The central part (11) carries at least two central rotors (12). Preferably, the central part (11) carries only two central rotors (12). The central part (11) has a median plane (M) in its middle. Preferably, the central part (11) is substantially symmetrical with respect to the median plane (M).Generally, the machine is also approximately symmetrical about the median plane (M).

[0012] In order to ensure good raking of the product, the rotors (3, 12) are driven in rotation in directions (B, C) so as to rotate two by two in convergence at the front. It is noted that when all the rotors (3, 12) of the machine are designated, it is not specified in this document whether these are lateral rotors (3) and / or central rotors (12). Preferably, the tractor also serves to drive the machine, in other words to drive the rotors (3, 12) in rotation. In an alternative embodiment, each rotor (3, 12) can be driven via a respective motor.

[0013] As shown in [Fig. 1], the machine occupies a working position. In the working position, at least one rotor (3, 12) is in contact with the ground. Preferably, in the working position, all the rotors (3, 12) are in contact with the ground. However, it is possible in particular that only the central rotors (12) and the lateral rotors (3) of a single lateral part (2) are in contact with the ground in the working position. During work, the machine is in the working position, it is moved in the forward direction (A) and the rotors (3, 12) are rotated in the directions (B and C).

[0014] Each rotor (3, 12) comprises a hub (4) rotatably mounted about a respective drive shaft (5). The hubs (4) are rotatably mounted relative to the frame (1). Each drive shaft (5) is substantially vertical or inclined in the direction of advance (A) in the working position. Each rotor (3, 12) comprises at least one wheel (6) which rests on the ground at least in the working position. Each hub (4) is provided with several arms (7), each carrying at least one working tool (8). The arms (7) extend in the form of spokes around the drive axis (5). Each of these arms (7) has an inner end by which it is connected to said hub (4) and an outer end which is remote from the latter and which carries at least the tool (8).

[0015] Each tool (8) has an outer tooth (9) and an inner tooth (10). On a tedder, the teeth (9, 10) are used to rake the product lying on the ground. During its rotation, each rotor (3, 12) forms a circular trajectory around its drive axis (5). The tools (8), respectively the teeth (9, 10) then pick up the product, on the front part of the trajectory of the respective rotor (3, 12), and spread this product again at the rear, causing them to turn over and accelerating their drying. In order to ensure that the machine works over its full width, in the working position, the trajectory of a rotor (3, 12) overlaps the trajectory of any adjacent rotor (3, 12).

[0016] Preferably, each tool (8) is made of a fork having two teeth (9, 10). The outer (9) and inner (10) teeth of a tool (8) are connected by a part having turns (13). Each tooth (9, 10) has a free end (9', 10') close to the ground in the working position. The free end (9' ​​10') of each tooth (9, 10) is opposite the end connected to the turns (13). The teeth (9, 10) are directed towards the ground in the working position. The outer end of the arm (7) is engaged in the turns (13).

[0017] As shown in dotted lines in Figures 3 and 4, the tool (8) can occupy a nominal configuration in which the outer tooth (9) is further from the respective drive axis (5) than the inner tooth (10). In the nominal configuration of a tool (8), its teeth (9, 10) are furthermore substantially parallel at least in view along an axis perpendicular to a radial plane (R). The radial plane (R) of a tool (8) passes through the two teeth (9, 10) (of this tool (8)). Preferably, the radial plane (R) also passes through the drive axis (5) of the respective rotor (3, 12). In the preferred embodiment, in the nominal configuration of a tool (8), its teeth (9, 10) are substantially parallel regardless of the viewing angle.

[0018] As can be seen from [Fig. 2], the machine can also occupy a transport position. In the transport position, the width of the machine is less than in the working position. For this purpose, the side parts (2) are folded towards the middle of the machine with the side rotors (3). Between the working position and the transport position, the drive axis (5) of the side rotors (3) is pivoted relative to the central part (11). Depending on the type of machine, between the working position and the transport position, each side part (2) can pivot, together with its rotors lateral rotors (3), relative to the central part (11) along a horizontal axis and / or along a vertical axis. In the transport position, the lateral rotors (3) are folded towards the middle of the machine. Generally, the central part (11) of the frame (1) is rigid. Thus, the position of the central rotors (12) is constant relative to the central part (11), regardless of whether the machine is in the working or transport position. Therefore, the width of the central rotors (12) is equal in the transport position and in the working position.

[0019] In [Fig. 2], in the transport position, the drive axis (5) of each rotor (3, 12) is substantially perpendicular to the direction of advance (A). Conversely, the drive axes (5) of the central rotors (12) occupy the same position relative to the central part (11) in the transport position as in the working position. In the transport position, the drive axis (5) of each central rotor (12) is substantially perpendicular to the direction of advance (A).

[0020] According to the invention, at least one tool (8) can occupy a narrowed configuration in which a limiter (15) connects the outer tooth (9) of the tool (8) in question to an attachment point (14), so that a free end (9') of the outer tooth (9) concerned is brought closer to the respective drive axis (5). Thus, with the tool (8) furthest from the median plane (M) of the central part (11) in the narrowed configuration, bringing its outer tooth (9) closer to the respective drive axis (5) makes it possible to reduce the width of the machine in the transport configuration, and, at the same time, to reduce the risk of catching an external object and / or injuring someone, thus improving the safety of the machine.It is clear from the above that in the transport position, at least the tool (8) furthest from the median plane (M) of the central part (11) occupies the narrowed configuration thanks to a limiter (15) connecting the outer tooth (9) of this tool (8) to an attachment point (14), so that the free end (9') of the outer tooth (9) concerned is brought closer to the respective drive axis (5).

[0021] As is apparent from [Fig. 4] in particular, in the narrow configuration of a tool (8), its outer tooth (9) is preferentially bent in the direction of the drive axis (5) concerned, which makes it possible to take advantage of the flexibility of the tooth (9, 10) to reduce the width of the machine. In the narrow configuration of a tool (8), the limiter (15) concerned exerts a force on the respective outer tooth (9) directed at least partially radially relative to the respective drive axis (5), and towards the respective drive axis (5). Thus, at least one tool (8) can occupy a tight configuration in which a limiter (15) connects the outer tooth (9) of the tool (8) in question to an attachment point (14) so ​​that the limiter (15) exerts a force on the outer tooth (9), inducing the approach between the free end (9') of the outer tooth (9) concerned and the respective drive axis (5).

[0022] The limiter (15) comprises or consists of a tie rod (16) which is flexible in compression and capable of transmitting a tensile force, facilitating its assembly as well as its storage (when it is in inactive mode). The tie rod (16) may for example be a chain, a cable or a string. Preferably, the tie rod (16) comprises loops, hooks, or links in order to be able to be attached and facilitate its assembly. In a simple manner, in a first embodiment shown in [Fig. 2], the tie rod (16) connects, in the tightened configuration of a tool (8), the respective external tooth (9) and the attachment point (14).

[0023] It follows from the above that, when the limiter (15) connects the respective outer tooth (9) and the attachment point (14), the limiter (15) is in an active mode. In the nominal configuration of a tool (8), the limiter (15) is in an inactive mode (on this tool (8)). In the inactive mode, the limiter (15) does not exert any force on the outer tooth (9), respectively on any outer tooth (9). In the preferred embodiment, in order to place the limiter (15) in the inactive mode, the limiter (15) is removed from the tool (8) and / or the attachment point (14). In other words, in the nominal configuration of a tool (8), the limiter (15) is preferably not connected to the respective outer tooth (9) and / or the attachment point (14).Preferably, in inactive mode, the limiter (15) is removed from the outer tooth (9) and the attachment point (14) in order to avoid catching branches or surrounding objects, in particular when the machine is working, thus avoiding damage, in particular to the machine. In the nominal configuration of an implement (8), the limiter (15) could however also be connected to the outer tooth (9) and to a point on the machine or tractor closer to the outer tooth (9) concerned than the attachment point (14). The limiter (15) can further be connected to or kept in the machine in the nominal configuration of the implement (8) in order to avoid losing it.

[0024] The attachment point (14) may be part of the machine or the tractor. In order to avoid any damage to the machine, in the tight configuration of an implement (8), the limiter (15) connects the respective outer tooth (9) and an attachment point (14) located at the hub (4). Indeed, if the attachment point (14) is not part of the hub (4) of the rotor (3, 12) carrying the implement (8) in question, and if the user forgets to place the limiter (15) in inactive mode before driving the machine, the limiter (15) will exert traction between the outer tooth (9) concerned and the attachment point (14), which may cause damage to the machine. By choosing an attachment point (14) which is part of the hub (4) and therefore also rotated around the respective drive axis (5), if the user forgets to place the limiter (15) in inactive mode before driving the machine, the limiter (15) does not risk causing damage to the machine, improving its safety.Furthermore, as illustrated in [Fig.2], in order to reduce the size of the limiter (15), the attachment point (14) is preferably located under the plate of the rotor (3, 12) considered.

[0025] In order to ensure a minimum proximity between the free end (9') of the outer tooth (9) concerned and the respective drive shaft (5), the limiter (15) comprises or consists of a flange (17) having two bearing surfaces (18, 19), each intended to come into contact with the outer tooth (9) or the inner tooth (10) of the same tool (8) in its tightened configuration. Such a limiter (15) comprising such a flange (17) has an advantageously reduced size and bulk due to the fact that the distance between the outer tooth (9) and the inner tooth (10) of the same tool (8) is short. Thanks to this compactness, the mounting of the limiter (15) is simplified. In addition, the flange (17) respectively the limiter (15) is less likely to get caught on an obstacle such as a stone or a branch, also improving the safety of the machine.

[0026] Obviously, the distance between the bearing surfaces (18, 19) of the flange (17) is such that the distance between the teeth (9, 10) of the tool (8) in question is less when the limiter (15) is in active mode than when it is in inactive mode. Thus, the distance between the bearing surfaces (18, 19) is less than the distance between the teeth (9, 10) of the tool (8) in question when it is in nominal configuration. In the preferred embodiment of [Fig. 4], the bearing surfaces (18, 19) form an acute angle in view along an axis perpendicular to the respective radial plane (R). Such an embodiment makes it possible to produce a flange (17) by molding without a core, the tooling of which is advantageously less expensive (than by molding with a core). Furthermore, the flange (17) is preferably made of rubber or thermoplastic material in order to reduce its cost price and to give it adhesive properties.

[0027] It is clear from the above that in the tightened configuration of a tool (8), in order to ensure the position of the tie rod (16) relative to the free end (9') of the respective outer tooth (9), and consequently the position of said free end (9') relative to the respective drive axis (5), the limiter (15) connects the attachment point (14), the outer tooth (9) and the inner tooth (10) of the tool (8) in question so that said free end (9') of said outer tooth (9) is brought closer to the respective drive axis (5). In the first embodiment of [Fig. 3], in the tightened configuration of a tool (8), each of the inner tooth (10) and outer tooth (9) of said tool (8) bears on the inner surface of a link of the tie rod (16) made by a chain, so that the tie rod (16) cannot slide further towards the turns (13). As is clear from this [Fig.3], in a tightened configuration of a tool (8), the free end (9') of the outer tooth (9) can be further from the respective drive axis (5) than the free end (10') of the corresponding inner tooth (10).

[0028] In the preferred embodiment of [Fig. 4], in order to prevent the flange (17) from sliding towards the free ends (9', 10') of the teeth (9, 10) and to reduce its bulk, the limiter (15) comprises a flange (17) and a tie rod (16). The tie rod (16) connects the attachment point (14) to the outer tooth (9) via the flange (17). In order to To simplify its assembly, the tie rod (16) is preferably stretchable and elastic. Thus, the tie rod (16) can also be a spring or a tensioner. In the active mode of the limiter (15), the tie rod (16) is under stress (tensioned) in order to ensure that the flange (17) keeps the force on the respective outer tooth (9) directed at least partially radially relative to the respective drive axis (5). In the preferred embodiment of [Fig. 4], in order to place the limiter (15) in inactive mode, the flange (17) and the tie rod (16) are removed from the tool (8) concerned.

[0029] As can be seen from [Fig. 4], in the narrow configuration of a tool (8), the teeth (9, 10) of the tool (8) in question intersect near their free end (9', 10'). Such an arrangement of the teeth (9, 10) of the tool (8) in fact makes it possible to reduce its radial size relative to the respective drive axis (5), and therefore, when the tool (8) is judiciously chosen, to reduce the overall width of the machine. Furthermore, if the centers of the teeth (9, 10) of a tool (8) are brought together while its teeth (9, 10) intersect near their respective free ends (9', 10'), the free end (9') of the outer tooth (9) then moves further away from the median plane (M) of the central part (11), causing the machine to widen.Thus, when the teeth (9, 10) of a tool (8) intersect at their free ends (9' 10'), the respective rotor (3, 12) has its minimum size along the respective radial plane (R), implying the minimum width of the machine. When the teeth (9, 10) of a tool (8) intersect, they are preferably in contact.

[0030] In an embodiment not shown, it may be provided that the limiter (15) comprises a clamping device making it possible to modify the distance between the bearing surfaces (18, 19) of the flange (17) so that, in an active mode of the limiter (15), the flange (17) holds the tool (8) concerned in a tightened configuration, and that, in an inactive mode of the limiter (15), the flange (17) connects the two teeth (9, 10) of the tool (8) concerned also in the nominal configuration. Thus, in the event of breakage of a tooth (9, 10) of the tool (8) concerned, for example following the encounter with an obstacle, the detached tooth (9, 10) is retained by the flange (17), improving the safety of people and the machine. Furthermore, the flange (17) also prevents the tooth (9, 10) from ending up in the middle of the product, which could cause damage to the product collection machine.Finally, such a clamping device avoids having to dismantle the flange (17) from the machine during work and losing it. Obviously, the clamping device also makes it possible to maintain the distance between the support surfaces (18, 19) of the flange (17) at a constant value.

[0031] Several limiters (15) can be provided for a machine. In an embodiment not shown, each tool (8) can be associated with a limiter (15) in the transport position of the machine. However, such an embodiment requires a large number of limiters (15) and requires a lot of time for their assembly. In the embodiment shown in [Fig.2], in the transport position of the machine, a limiter (15) is associated with each lateral rotor (3) of only one of the two lateral parts (2) and a limiter (15) is associated with only one of the two central rotors (12), advantageously reducing the width of the machine and the number of limiters (15). As can be seen from [Fig.2], in the transport position of the machine, a limiter (15) is associated with each lateral rotor (3) of only one lateral part (2) and with the central rotor (12) located on the same side of the median plane (M) as the lateral part (2) concerned.

[0032] In order to further reduce the number of limiters (15), it may also be provided that a limiter (15) is arranged only on the outer tooth (9) furthest from the median plane (M) in the transport position. In particular, it may be provided that a limiter (15) is arranged, in the transport position of the machine, only on the outer tooth (9) of the central rotor (12) furthest from the median plane (M). In other words, it may be provided that in the transport position of the machine, only the tool (8) of the central rotors (12) furthest from the median plane (M) is in the tightened configuration.Indeed, it happens on certain machines that the side rotors (3) are, taken two by two, folded in such a way in the transport position that their overall width is less than that of the central rotors (12) whose drive axis (5) occupies the same position relative to the central part (11) in the transport position as in the working position. In this case, the single limiter (15) mounted on the machine makes it possible to reduce the width of the machine in the transport position, while reducing the number of limiters (15). Conversely, it is also possible to provide as many limiters (15) as there are tools (8) on the machine.

[0033] The invention also relates to a flange (17) for a haymaking machine comprising a central part (11) and two lateral parts (2), each lateral part (2) carrying at least one lateral rotor (3) and the central part (11) carrying at least two central rotors (12), each rotor (3, 12) comprising a hub (4) rotatably mounted about a respective drive axis (5) and being provided with several arms (7), each carrying a working tool (8) having an outer tooth (9) and an inner tooth (10) connected by turns (13), each tool (8) being able to occupy a nominal configuration in which the outer tooth (9) is further from the drive axis (5) than the inner tooth (10), the machine being able to occupy a working position and a transport position in which the width of the machine is less than in the working position,at least one tool (8) capable of occupying a tightened configuration in which a limiter (15) connects the outer tooth (9) of the tool (8) in question to an attachment point (14) so ​​that a free end (9') of the outer tooth (9) concerned is brought closer to the respective drive axis (5), the flange (17) having two bearing surfaces (18, 19), each intended to come into contact with the outer tooth (9) or the inner tooth (10) of the same tool (8) in its tightened configuration.

[0034] In the preferred embodiment of the flange (17), it has at least one orifice (20, 21) intended to receive the teeth (9, 10) of the same tool (8). In order to mount the flange (17) on the tool (8), it is sufficient to thread each of the teeth (9, 10) of the tool (8) into one of the orifices (20, 21) at their free ends (9', 10') and to slide the flange (17) in the direction of the turns (13). In the preferred embodiment of [Fig. 4], the flange (17) has two orifices (20, 21). One orifice (20) is intended to receive the inner tooth (10) and the other orifice (21) is intended to receive the outer tooth (9). In this preferred embodiment, each orifice (20, 21) has a bearing surface (18, 19) coming into contact with the outer tooth (9) or the inner tooth (10) of the same tool (8) in its tightened configuration. As is apparent from [Fig.4], the bearing surfaces (18, 19) are preferably at an angle relative to the orientation of the teeth (9, 10) in the nominal configuration of the tool (8) in order to exert a force on the teeth (9, 10) to bring their ends (9', 10') together.

[0035] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the attached drawings. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Haymaking machine with a frame (1) comprising a central part (11) and two lateral parts (2), each lateral part (2) carrying at least one lateral rotor (3) and the central part (11) carrying at least two central rotors (12), each rotor (3, 12) comprising a hub (4) rotatably mounted around a respective drive axis (5), the hub (4) being provided with several arms (7), each carrying a working tool (8) having an outer tooth (9) and an inner tooth (10) connected by turns (13), each tool (8) being able to occupy a nominal configuration in which the outer tooth (9) is further from the drive axis (5) than the inner tooth (10),the machine being able to occupy a working position and a transport position in which the width of the machine is less than in the working position, characterized in that at least one tool (8) can occupy a narrow configuration in which a limiter (15) connects the outer tooth (9) of the tool (8) in question to an attachment point (14) so that a free end (9') of the outer tooth (9) concerned is brought closer to the respective drive axis (5).,

2. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the limiter (15) comprises or consists of a tie rod (16) flexible in compression and capable of transmitting a tensile force.

3. Machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the tightened configuration of a tool (8), the limiter (15) connects the respective outer tooth (9) and an attachment point (14) located at the hub (4).

4. Machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the limiter (15) comprises or consists of a flange (17) having two bearing surfaces (18, 19), each intended to come into contact with the outer tooth (9) or the inner tooth (10) of the same tool (8) in its tightened configuration.

5. Machine according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the tightened configuration of a tool (8), the limiter (15) connects the attachment point (14), the outer tooth (9) and the inner tooth (10) of the tool (8) in question so that said free end (9') of said outer tooth (9) is brought closer to the respective drive axis (5).

6. Machine according to claims 2 and 5, characterized in that the limiter (15) comprises a flange (17) and a tie rod (16).

7. Machine according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, in the narrow configuration of a tool (8), the teeth (9, 10) of the tool (8) in question intersect near their free end (9', 10').

8. Machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the limiter (15) comprises a clamping device making it possible to modify the distance between the bearing surfaces (18, 19) of the flange (17) so that, in an active mode of the limiter (15), the flange (17) holds the tool (8) concerned in a tightened configuration, and that in an inactive mode of the limiter (15), the flange (17) connects the two teeth (9, 10) of the tool (8) concerned also in the nominal configuration.

9. Machine according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a limiter (15) is arranged, in the transport position of the machine, only on the outer tooth (9) of the central rotor (12) furthest from the median plane (M).

10. Flange (17) for a haymaking machine comprising a central part (11) and two lateral parts (2), each lateral part (2) carrying at least one lateral rotor (3) and the central part (11) carrying at least two central rotors (12), each rotor (3, 12) comprising a hub (4) rotatably mounted about a respective drive axis (5) and which is provided with several arms (7), each carrying a working tool (8) having an outer tooth (9) and an inner tooth (10) connected by turns (13), each tool (8) being able to occupy a nominal configuration in which the outer tooth (9) is further from the drive axis (5) than the inner tooth (10), the machine being able to occupy a working position and a transport position in which the width of the machine is less than in the working position,at least one tool (8) capable of occupying a tightened configuration in which a limiter (15) connects the outer tooth (9) of the tool (8) in question to an attachment point (14), so that a free end (9') of the outer tooth (9) concerned is brought closer to the respective drive axis (5), characterized in that it has two bearing surfaces (18, 19), each intended to come into contact with the outer tooth (9) or the inner tooth (10) of the same tool (8), in its tightened configuration.,

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