Agricultural machine for distributing animal feed and / or bedding.

Abstract

Agricultural machine for distributing product for feeding animals and / or forming their bedding. The present invention relates to an agricultural machine for distributing product (B) for feeding animals and / or forming their bedding, said agricultural distribution machine comprising a box (1) and a loading door (2) articulated in rotation on the box (1) around a first axis of rotation (X1), a complementary element (3) articulated in rotation on the door (2) around a second axis of rotation (X2) and at least one main cylinder (4) for actuation of the door (2).It is characterized in that the main cylinder or cylinders are rotationally articulated on the housing around a third axis of rotation (X3) and on the auxiliary member (3) around a fourth axis of rotation (X4), and in that it further comprises a device for managing the rotation of the auxiliary member relative to the door (2), including the main cylinder or cylinders (4) and at least one rotation switch (5) configured to generate the rotation of the auxiliary member (3) relative to the door (2) as a function of the torque applied to the auxiliary member (3) by the main cylinder or cylinders (4). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Agricultural machine for distributing products for animal feed and / or bedding

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of agricultural machinery and more particularly to agricultural machinery for distributing products for animal feed and / or bedding. The present invention relates to such a machine.

[0002] These agricultural distribution machines are equipped with loading means in the form of a door for loading animal feed and / or bedding. These products, generally straw or hay in the form of bales produced by a baler, are loaded into a compartment of the machine for distribution. They also include wheels to allow movement on the ground.

[0003] The door is mounted to pivot around an axis located at the bottom of the machine's housing. The door is actuated by means of at least one hydraulic cylinder pivoted on the housing and the door. The door is located at the rear of the housing and pivots between a closed and an open position. The door serves, in particular, to close a loading opening in the housing, generally at the rear. The open position of the door allows products to be loaded into the dispensing machine's housing.

[0004] However, the door does not allow a bale placed on the ground to be directly lifted and placed into the container. Document FR2773947 provides a solution to this problem with a device that allows the operator to directly load a bale. The device includes an additional component that can be slid under the bale after correctly positioning the rear part of the container, in which the door is located, relative to the bale to be loaded. The additional component extends from the door in line with it when the door is resting on the ground. The additional component, in the form of an arch, is hinged around an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of the door on the container.When the door loaded with the ball is raised to its closed position to introduce the ball into the hopper, the auxiliary mechanism is actuated to be placed in an inclined position relative to the door, by means of appropriate means, to support and secure the ball and prevent it from escaping by gravity. The arms of the hoop are hinged on axes arranged laterally at the end of the door and, for one of them at the... The arms are connected by means of a lateral connecting rod to the fixed rear section of the crate so as to cause, during the door operation, a combined movement of the arch, facilitating the door's grip on the ball for insertion into the crate. The ends of each of the lateral arms are connected by lateral connecting rods to axes located on the sides of the crate, above the hinge (rotation) axes of the rear door.

[0005] However, in such a device, due to the movement of the auxiliary component, which is linked to the movement of the door and, in particular, the door cylinder, the movement of the auxiliary component is entirely dependent on the movement of the door. The device thus achieves, for each opening / closing angle of the door (or each rotation position of the door), only one position (or orientation) of the auxiliary component relative to the door. Under certain conditions, when the machine is operating in a sloping farmyard, for example, loading the bale will be more difficult because the bale will have to overcome the obstacle formed by the door or the auxiliary component, since at least one of these two elements (door and auxiliary component) will not be in a suitable position.Furthermore, due to this combined movement, when the door is closed, the auxiliary component remains in the same position as the one used to secure the bale (forming a folded position relative to the plane of the door) and extends at least into, or even above, the hopper, thus creating an obstacle to top loading. Moreover, the auxiliary component's position is fixed above the hopper when the door is closed. This position of the auxiliary component therefore increases the overall height and prevents the use of the distribution machine in some sheds where the access entrance is too low.

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing an agricultural machine for distributing products for feeding animals and / or forming their bedding, allowing greater versatility and better adaptation to the environment and to loading and usage conditions.

[0007] The agricultural machine for distributing animal feed and / or bedding according to the present invention, the agricultural distribution machine comprising a hopper and a loading gate pivoted rotationally on the hopper about a first axis of rotation, a complementary member pivoted rotationally on the gate about a second axis of rotation, and at least one main cylinder for actuating the gate, is characterized in that the main cylinder or cylinders are pivoted rotationally on the hopper about a third axis of rotation and on the complementary member about a fourth axis of rotation, and in that it further comprises a device for controlling the rotation of the complementary member relative to the gate, the control device comprising the main cylinder or cylinders and at least one rotation switch configured to generate the rotation of the auxiliary component relative to the door, depending on the torque applied to the auxiliary component by the main cylinder(s).

[0008] In one variant, the agricultural machine for distributing animal feed and / or bedding according to the present invention, the agricultural distribution machine comprising a container and a product loading door articulated for rotation on the container about a first axis of rotation, a complementary element articulated for rotation on the door about a second axis of rotation, and at least one main cylinder for actuating the door articulated for rotation on the container about a third axis of rotation and on the door about a fourth axis of rotation, is characterized in that it further comprises a device for managing the rotation of the complementary element relative to the door, comprising:

[0009] - at least one supplementary cylinder separate from the main cylinder(s) and articulated in rotation on the door around a fifth axis of rotation and on the complementary component around a sixth axis of rotation, the actuation of the one or each complementary cylinder generating the rotation of the complementary component relative to the door,

[0010] - at least one control circuit for the or each additional cylinder.

[0011] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to a preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0012] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of the rear of an agricultural distribution machine, According to the present invention, with a ball loaded onto the open door, the door and the complementary component resting on the ground,

[0013] [Fig.2] shows the agricultural distribution machine shown in [Fig.1], whose door is in an intermediate position between its open position shown in [Fig.1] and its closed position, the complementary element being in a folded position allowing the bale to be held on the door,

[0014] [Fig.3] is a profile view of the door showing in dashed lines the auxiliary member and the main cylinder in the unfolded position of [Fig.1] and in solid lines the auxiliary member in its folded position,

[0015] [Fig.4] is a detail view of the rotation switch mounted on one side of the door, in an unfolded position of the auxiliary device adapted to a sloping floor,

[0016] [Fig.5] is a side view of the agricultural distribution machine shown in [Fig.1] with the door in the closed position and the auxiliary component in the folded position,

[0017] [Fig.6] shows the door shown in [Fig.5] with the complementary organ in unfolded position,

[0018] [Fig.7] shows a variant of an agricultural distribution machine in profile view of which The door is in an intermediate position.

[0019] [Fig.8] represents the control circuit of the auxiliary cylinder of the device management of the [Fig.7] in a particular form connected to the control circuit of the main cylinder.

[0020] The accompanying figures show an agricultural machine for distributing product B for animal feed and / or bedding. The agricultural distribution machine comprises a hopper 1 and a loading gate 2 pivotally articulated on the hopper 1 about a first axis of rotation XI, a complementary component 3 pivotally articulated on the gate 2 about a second axis of rotation X2, and at least one main cylinder 4 for actuating the gate 2. The gate 2 is thus able to pivot from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. In [Fig. 1], the gate 2, fixed to the rear of the hopper 1, is open and resting on the ground. In the remainder of this description, the term "product" will be used in the singular to refer, for example, to straw or hay. The product is in the form of a bale, for example, a cylindrical bale. Such a bale of product B can be loaded onto the gate 2.The complementary component 3 extends in line with the door and also rests on the ground S. In [Fig. 2], the door 2 extends into an intermediate position, in which it is raised relative to the ground S. In this intermediate position, the cylindrical ball is held in equilibrium within the door 2. This position allows, for example, the ties surrounding the ball to be cut before it enters the hopper 1 for distribution. When the door 2 moves from its open position to its closed position and vice versa, it necessarily passes through the intermediate position.

[0021] The main cylinder or cylinders 4 are rotationally articulated on the housing 1, preferably on the lower part of the housing 1, about a third axis of rotation X3. Preferably, the third axis of rotation X3 is located below the first axis of rotation XI, as can be seen in Figures 1, 2, 3, 5 to 7. In the preferred embodiment, the rotation of the door 2 is controlled by two main cylinders 4, as shown in [Fig. 2]. One main cylinder 4 is located on each side of the door 2. In an alternative not shown, the present invention may provide a single main cylinder 4 to control the door 2, which may preferably be located in the middle of the door 2 and, preferably, in the middle of the housing 1.

[0022] Preferably, the main cylinder or cylinders 4 may be a single-rod, double-acting cylinder (equipped with a single rod 41) comprising a piston 44 connected to the rod 41 and separating two chambers 42, 43, each containing a pressurized fluid, namely a small chamber 43, in which the rod 41 is located, and a large chamber 42 on the opposite side (see especially [Fig. 8]). The control circuit of such a cylinder is known and may include, in particular, an electrically controlled distributor 80 to alternately connect one of the chambers 42, 43 to the fluid source and the other chamber 42, 43 to a reservoir (not shown) containing the pressurized fluid, in order to control the movement of the piston 44 and thus of the rod 41. In this way, the main cylinder(s) 4 can be controlled so that the extension of the rod 41 causes the gate 2 to rotate in the direction of rotation towards its closed position, and the retraction of the rod 41 causes the gate 2 to rotate in the opposite direction towards its open position.

[0023] As can be seen in Figures 1, 2, 5 to 7, the casing 1 may have a loading opening 10, preferably located at the rear of the casing 1 (or the machine). Preferably, the casing 1 may have two walls at the rear of the casing delimiting a space forming the loading opening 10. The door 2 allows the loading opening 10 to be closed in a closed position. The door 2 is mounted to rotate, more particularly to tilt, between the closed position of the loading opening 10 (Figures 5, 6) and an open position. In the open position, the door 2 rests on the floor S (Figures 1, 3). The door 2 can be controlled so as to be held in an intermediate open position between the closed position and the open position resting on the floor S.In the open position resting on the ground S, a ball of product B can be loaded into the door 2 (figures 1 and 3) for introduction into the box 1 under the effect of the closing of the door 2.

[0024] Preferably, the door 2 can be mounted for rotation in the lower part of the housing 1. Preferably, the door 2 can consist of a platform 20, openwork or not, suitable for supporting the product B, particularly in the form of a bale. The platform 20 can be provided laterally with sides 21 for holding the product B on the platform 20. A side 21 extends on either side of the platform 20. The platform 20 can include a base (Figures 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7) allowing the end of the door 2 to rest on a surface S. When the base is substantially flat on a horizontal surface S, the platform 20 is then inclined relative to the surface S (see in particular [Fig. 3]). The base is located in line with the platform 20 and is oriented so as to be able to pick up a bale of product B.

[0025] The axis of rotation XI of the door 2 can be made from one or more pivot joints (or articulations), for example two pivot joints arranged on each side of the box 1.

[0026] To allow the loading of product B into door 2, the latter is equipped with the complementary element 3 which can, in a suitable rotational position called In its unfolded position, it rests on the ground S so that it can slide, with an effect similar to a shovel, under the product B, particularly under a bale of product B, for example, when the agricultural machine is moving backward. The complementary element 3 has a shape capable of retaining the bale when the door 2 is tilted. As can be seen in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 7, the complementary element 3 can be arched in shape. It can also be U-shaped, each arm 31 of which can be mounted to rotate around the respective second axis of rotation X2. Each arm 31 is, for example, hinged around a pivot forming the axis of rotation X2 and is fixed to one side of the door 2. The base 32 of the U connecting the arms 31 can form an end bar parallel to the end of the door 2 and / or to the axis of rotation XI of the door on the frame 1.The complementary component 3 also allows, in a folded position, the bale of product B to be held in the door 2, more specifically at the end of the latter, during the closing phase of the door 2, that is, while the door 2 is in a rotating position with an inclination that automatically draws the product B into the container 1 by gravity. The complementary component 3 also allows, in a folded position, the bale to be retained after the net or string surrounding it (not shown) to maintain its shape has been cut. Figure 3 shows this folded position of the complementary component 3 in solid lines. The bale of product B can be parallelepiped-shaped instead of cylindrical. In the case of a parallelepiped-shaped bale, as illustrated in dashed lines in Figure 3, the bale of product B is held in place by the net or string (not shown) to maintain its shape.3], the complementary component 3 allows the end part of the door 2 to be extended to ensure that the ball remains on the door 2 when it tilts towards the closed position and is loaded into the box 1.

[0027] Preferably, the first, second, third, and fourth axes of rotation XI, X2, X3, X4 are parallel to each other. Preferably, the first and third axes of rotation XI, X3 can extend at the level of the box 1, while the second and fourth axes of rotation X2 and X4 can extend at the level of the door 2. Preferably, the first axis of rotation XI is close to, i.e., in the vicinity of, the third axis of rotation X3 and / or the second axis of rotation X2 is close to, i.e., in the vicinity of, the fourth axis of rotation X4.

[0028] Preferably, the axis of rotation X2 of the complementary member 3 can be located near the free end of the door 2. If necessary, the axis of rotation X2 can be located near the end part of the door 2, i.e. opposite the axis of rotation XI of the door 2 on the housing 1.

[0029] According to the present invention, the agricultural distribution machine further comprises a device for managing the rotation of the auxiliary component 3 relative to the gate 2. Thanks to this management device, the auxiliary component 3 can be placed in different positions relative to that of door 2. In this way, the dispensing machine adapts better to the environment and the conditions of use and loading are improved.

[0030] A control device is understood to be a device that allows the rotation of the auxiliary member 3 to be controlled independently of the position of the loading door 2. Thus, for at least one position of the door 2, the auxiliary member 3 can be controlled in at least two different rotation positions. For example, as shown in [Fig. 3], the auxiliary member 3 can be controlled in at least two different rotation positions when the door 2 rests on the ground S in its open position. In [Fig. 3], the auxiliary member 3, shown in solid lines, is in a folded position, ensuring, for example, the retention of the cylindrical bale, while the auxiliary member 3, shown in dashed lines, is unfolded in order to receive or load a bale of product B.Similarly, for the closed position of door 2, the auxiliary component 3 can extend into at least two different positions, see Figures 5 and 6. The auxiliary component 3 in [Fig. 6] is unfolded, while it is folded in [Fig. 5]. Folding the auxiliary component 3 as shown in [Fig. 5] reduces the height of the agricultural distribution machine, allowing access to buildings with limited headroom. The unfolded position of the auxiliary component 3 ([Fig. 6]) advantageously allows loading of the container 1 from the top, with door 2 in its closed position. The position of the auxiliary component 3 of the present invention is therefore not limited to the position of door 2, thus increasing the versatility of the distribution machine.

[0031] Figures 1 to 6 show an agricultural distribution machine according to the present invention in which the main cylinder or cylinders 4 are rotationally articulated on the housing 1 about the third axis of rotation X3 and on the auxiliary member 3 about a fourth axis of rotation X4. In this embodiment, the device for managing the rotation of the auxiliary member 3 relative to the gate 2 comprises:

[0032] - the or each main cylinder 4 and,

[0033] - at least one rotation switch 5 configured to generate the The rotation of the auxiliary component 3 relative to the door 2 depends on the torque applied to the auxiliary component 3 by the main cylinder(s) 4. Preferably, the main cylinder(s) 4 are double-acting cylinders that allow the door 2 to be tilted from an open position to a closed position and vice versa.

[0034] In this variant, the body 40 of the main cylinder or each cylinder 4 can be articulated in rotation on the housing 1 around the third axis of rotation X3 and the rod 41 of the main cylinder or each cylinder 4 can be mounted in rotation, at its end, on the member complementary 3 around the fourth axis of rotation X4. According to another embodiment not shown, the body of the or each main cylinder 4 can be articulated in rotation on the complementary member by means of the fourth axis of rotation X4 and the rod of the or each main cylinder 4 can be fixed to the casing by means of the third axis of rotation X3.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, at least one rotation switch 5 is configured to:

[0036] - generate the rotation of the complementary organ 3 relative to the door 2 when the torque applied by the main cylinder or each cylinder 4 on the auxiliary component 3 is greater than a restraining force applied by the switch(es) 5 on the auxiliary component 3 and opposing the rotation of the auxiliary component 3,

[0037] - generate the rotation of door 2 equipped with the complementary component 3 when the torque applied by the main cylinder or each cylinder 4 on the auxiliary component 3 is less than the holding force.

[0038] Preferably at least one rotation switch 5 can extend substantially in the vicinity of the second rotation axis X2. According to a preferred embodiment, a rotation switch 5 is provided on each of the sides 21 of the door 2. Only one of the rotation switches 5 (left side for an observer looking at the rear of the machine / box) is visible in the figures.

[0039] Preferably, as can be seen in Figures 1 to 6, the main cylinder or cylinders 4 can be articulated (around the fourth axis of rotation X4) on a lever arm 30 formed by a portion of the auxiliary member 3. The lever arm 30 can be integrated into the auxiliary member 3 (made as a single unit during manufacturing with the latter) or attached to it. The lever arm 30 can extend between the second axis of rotation X2 and the fourth axis of rotation X4.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation switch or switches 5 may include:

[0041] - a follower lock 50 and a spring 51 integral with the complementary member 3, respectively from gate 2, and

[0042] - a cam and indexing path 52 cooperating with the follower lock 50 and being attached to the door 2, or to the complementary member 3 respectively, comprising at least two indexing notches 520, preferably in the form of an arc, each capable of receiving, under the effect of the return force of the spring 51 exerted on the follower lock 50, an end 500 of the follower lock 50. Each indexing notch 520 thus defines a predetermined position of the complementary member 3 relative to the door 2. The return force (or preload) of the spring 51 achieves / corresponds to the holding force as mentioned above. It can be considered that the first indexing notch 520 is the one located closest to platform 20 of gate 2.

[0043] Preferably, and according to [Fig. 4], the cam and indexing track 52 has a circular arc tooth profile. The various indexing notches 520 form the circular arc tooth profile. The locking 50 is then made radially movable relative to the cam and indexing track 52. A bearing system 53 integral with the complementary member 3 ensures the guidance of the follower locking 50.

[0044] Preferably, the cam and indexing track 52 includes at least one stop 521, 522. According to the embodiment shown in [Fig. 4], the cam and indexing track 52 includes two end-of-stroke stops 521, 522, respectively an upper stop 521 and a lower stop 522. The complementary member 3 has at least one contact face 33 suitable for and intended to bear against one of the stops 521, 522. The upper stop 521 defines a rotation limit for the complementary member 3 in the folded position (Figures 2, 3, 5) and the lower stop 522 defines a rotation limit for the complementary member 3 in the unfolded position (Figures 1, 3, 4, 6). The stops 521, 522 allow the angle of rotation of the complementary member 3 to be limited relative to the door 2 and around the second axis of rotation X2.In Figures 2 and 3, the auxiliary member 3 is shown in a folded position (at the end of its stroke), retaining the ball of product B in the door 2. The door itself is in an intermediate position ([Fig. 2]) or in an open position ([Fig. 3]). The contact face 33 rests against the upper stop 521, and the end 500 of the follower lock 50 is positioned in the last notch 520 of the cam and indexing track 52. In [Fig. 5], the auxiliary member 3 is shown in its folded position, and the door 2 is in the closed position. The contact face 33 of the auxiliary member 3 rests against the upper stop 521. This end-of-stroke position can correspond to the last indexing notch 520 of the cam and indexing track 52.

[0045] The longitudinal axis of the follower lock 50 is preferably substantially parallel to the plane cutting perpendicularly the second and fourth axes of rotation X2, X4 parallel to each other.

[0046] Particularly advantageously, the pivoting of the complementary member 3 can only take place if the torque exerted on the complementary member 3 around the second axis of rotation X2 by the main cylinder 4 exceeds the restraining force, i.e. the compression force of the spring 51.

[0047] In another embodiment, not shown, the rotation switch or each 5 may consist of a friction mechanism or a cylinder and accumulator type mechanism.

[0048] The operation of the control device can be as follows, considering a control device comprising a main cylinder 4 and a rotation switch 5 on either side of the door 2:

[0049] For the closing phase of the door 2, the door 2 and the complementary member 3 rest on the floor S (see in particular Figures 1 and 4). The door 2 is in its open position and the complementary member 3 is in an extended position. In [Fig. 1], the floor S is substantially horizontal and the end 500 of the follower lock 50 is positioned in the second indexing notch 520, starting from the platform 20 of the door 2. The complementary member 3 is substantially aligned with the base of the door 2 (as shown in [Fig. 3] with dashed lines). In [Fig. 4], it can be seen that a portion of the floor S is not horizontal, but slightly sloped, and that the end 500 of the follower lock 50 is inserted into the first indexing notch 520. Thanks to this additional position (this first notch), the complementary organ can adapt freely and follow the slope of the ground S to facilitate the loading of the bale of product B.The additional position allows the base of door 2 and the complementary component 3 to rest on the floor S. With such a distribution machine, it is necessary to consider a closing phase of door 2 with a bale of product B and a closing phase of door 2 without a bale of product B.

[0050] In the absence of product B loaded on door 2, the effort to move door 2 upwards into the closed position is low.

[0051] The resulting force in the main cylinder 4 is also low. The torque generated at the point of rotation between the auxiliary member 3 and the gate 2, i.e., around the second axis of rotation X2, remains low. The resulting contact force from this torque between the follower lock 50 and the cam and indexing track 52 is insufficient to compress the spring 51 (force less than the return force of the spring 51). Consequently, the follower lock 50 does not move; the end 500 remains in its indexing notch 520. The auxiliary member 3 does not move relative to the gate 2, which tilts upwards as the rod 41 of the main cylinder 4 extends. The door 2 and the complementary element 3 will therefore rise until the door 2 comes to rest against the threshold of the loading opening 10 of the box 1. During this tilting of the door 2, the complementary element 3 retains its position in the indexing notch 520.When the door 2 comes to rest against the threshold of the loading opening 10 ([Fig. 6]), the force in the main cylinder(s) 4 increases, causing the compressive force of the spring 51 to increase until it reaches the value of the spring's return force (or preload). This results in the compression of the spring 51 and thus the withdrawal of the follower lock 50 (more specifically its end 500) from the first or second indexing notch 520. When the force is sufficient, the follower lock 50 then moves into the first or second notch. indexing notch 520, then successively the other indexing notches 520 generating a displacement of the follower lock 50 relative to the cam and indexing path 52. This causes the complementary member 3 to pivot relative to the door 2, the complementary member 3 folds to move closer to the housing 1. If the force decreases below the preload value, the follower lock 50 inserts itself under the effect of the restoring force into the relevant indexing notch 520 and the rotational movement of the complementary member 3 relative to the door 2 ceases.

[0052] When product B is loaded onto door 2, the effort required to move door 2 is greater than when unloaded, due to the weight of the load (product B). The load, several hundred kilograms, on door 2 overcomes the restoring force of spring 51, generating a rotational movement of the auxiliary member 3 relative to door 2. The control device thus allows the auxiliary member 3 to pivot towards its folded position without moving door 2. When the main cylinder 4 is actuated to lift door 2 under load, the auxiliary member 3 pivots first thanks to the rotation switch 5. If the torque of the main cylinder 4 on door 2 increases sufficiently, door 2 lifts off the ground S by rotating around the first axis of rotation XI; otherwise, the rotational movement of the auxiliary member 3 continues until it reaches the contact face 33.When door 2 reaches its stop, the force in the main cylinder 4 increases further, which allows door 2 to be lifted in order to introduce the ball of product B into the box 1.

[0053] During the opening phase of door 2, starting from the closed position against the threshold of the loading opening 10 of the compartment 1 and from a folded position of the auxiliary member 3 at the end of its stroke, the force required to move door 2 is low. The resulting force in the main cylinder 4 is also low. The torque generated on the auxiliary member 3 around the second axis of rotation X2 therefore remains low. The resulting contact force between the follower lock 50 and the cam and indexing track 52 is insufficient to compress the spring 51 (force less than the restoring force of the spring 51). Consequently, the follower lock 50 does not move and the auxiliary member 3 maintains its position relative to door 2, which is rotated. The door 2 will therefore lower under the effect of the retraction of the rod 41 of the main cylinder 4, until it comes to rest against the ground S.When door 2 reaches its stop against the floor S, the force in the main cylinder 4 increases. This, in turn, increases the compression force of spring 51 until it reaches the spring's return force (preload). Only then does spring 51 compress, causing the follower lock 50 to retract and thus move relative to the cam and indexing track 52. This generates a rotational movement of the auxiliary component. 3 relative to door 2. When sufficient force is applied, the follower lock 50 successively advances through the indexing notches 520 until it reaches the first or second indexing notch 520. If the force decreases below the value of the restoring force (below the preload value), the rotational movement of the auxiliary component 3 ceases. In this way, the pivoting of the auxiliary component 3 is controlled. The auxiliary component 3 pivots towards the ground S until it, in turn, reaches the ground S and adapts, in particular, to the slope of the ground S. This operating mode for the opening phase of door 2 is identical whether door 2 is empty or loaded.

[0054] At its front, the machine can be equipped with a hitch system allowing it to be mounted on a tractor at its three-point hitch. Alternatively, the hopper 1 has wheels and the machine is equipped with a drawbar so that it can be pulled behind a tractor. Only the rear part of the agricultural spreading machine is shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5. The agricultural spreading machine is, for example, of the straw spreader type, allowing the product B to be loaded as a bale onto the door, transferred as a bale into the hopper 1 to be broken up and spread on the ground S as a windrow at a feeding table, or spread widely over the surface of the ground S by means of a turbine that expels the straw several meters. Generally, such a bale is loaded into the hopper 1 by means of the door 2.The bale is loaded onto gate 2 in its open position by reversing the tractor. The auxiliary component 3, and then gate 2, resting on the ground, pass successively under the bale to load it during the reversing maneuver. It is also possible to load the bale directly onto the gate platform using another tractor. Once the bale is loaded onto gate 2, which is resting on the ground, the operator folds the auxiliary component 3 as shown in [Fig. 3] (solid lines) using the rotation switch 5 and the main cylinder 4, and then raises gate 2 to an intermediate position, for example, the one shown in [Fig. 2], to cut and remove the ties around the product. Once the ties are removed, the operator gets back into the tractor to swing gate 2 into its closed position and thus transfer the bale into the container 1.

[0055] Figure 7 shows a variant of the agricultural product distribution machine B for feeding the animals and / or forming their bedding. In this variant, gate 2 and auxiliary component 3 are each controlled by at least one respective cylinder. Gate 2 is actuated by at least one main cylinder 4, articulated in rotation, on one side on the housing 1 around the third axis of rotation X3 and on the other side on the gate 2 around a fourth axis of rotation X4. Auxiliary component 3 is actuated by at least one auxiliary cylinder 6. The control device includes, on the one hand, at least one auxiliary cylinder 6 separate from the one or each The main cylinder 4 is articulated for rotation on the door 2 around a fifth axis of rotation X5 and on the auxiliary member 3 around a sixth axis of rotation X6. The actuation of the auxiliary cylinder 6 causes the auxiliary member 3 to rotate relative to the door 2. Furthermore, there is at least one control circuit 7 for the auxiliary cylinder 6. Figure 8 shows the control circuit for the auxiliary cylinder 6 connected to the control circuit of the main cylinder 4.

[0056] Preferably, the or each additional cylinder 6 may include a body 60 articulated in rotation on the door 2, preferably on one of the sides 21 of the door 2, preferably on the external face of the side 21, around the fifth axis of rotation X5 and a rod 61 articulated in rotation at its end on the additional member 3 around the sixth axis of rotation X6.

[0057] Preferably, the additional cylinder or each cylinder 6 is a single-rod double-acting cylinder (equipped with a single rod 61) comprising a piston 64 connected to the rod 61 and separating two chambers 62, 63 containing a pressurized fluid, namely a small chamber 63 in which the rod 61 is located and a large chamber 62 on the opposite side.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, as can be seen in [Fig.8], one or each control circuit 7 is configured to control the actuation of the one or each supplementary cylinder 6 according to the control pressure of the one or each main cylinder 4.

[0059] The control circuit 8 of the main cylinder or each of the main cylinders 4 may include a three-spool valve 80, a first main line 81 connecting the large chamber 42 of the main cylinder 4 to the valve 80, and a second main line 82 connecting the small chamber 43 to the valve 80. The valve 80 may have three positions: a rest position 800 (spool in the center position), a first working position 801 (spool moved to the right as shown in [Fig. 8]), and a second working position 802 (spool moved to the left). The control circuit 7 of the auxiliary cylinder or each of the auxiliary cylinders 6 may include a first additional line 70, a second additional line 71, a first pressure relief valve 72, and a second pressure relief valve 73.The first additional line 70 connects, via the first pressure limiter 72, the large chamber 62 of the supplementary cylinder 6 to the first main line 81 and the second additional line 71 connects, via the second pressure limiter 73, the small chamber 63 to the second main line 82.

[0060] More specifically, the circuit (thin lines) comprising the second main conduit 82 and additional conduit 71 allows the descent (movement towards the closed position) of the door 2 to be controlled, as well as at least several positions of the auxiliary component 3. The circuit (thick lines) comprising the first conduits main 81 and additional 70 allows control of the raising of door 2 and at least several positions of the supplementary component 3.

[0061] To raise (or close) the door 2, the distributor 80 is controlled to send pressurized oil, on the one hand, by means of the first main line 81, into the large chamber 42 of the main cylinder 4 (actuating the door 2) and, on the other hand, by means of the first auxiliary line 70, into the large chamber 62 of the auxiliary cylinder 6. If the door 2 is empty (no product B loaded), the first pressure relief valve 72 "blocks" the passage of pressurized oil to the large chamber 62 of the auxiliary cylinder 6 and the door 2 rises to its upper stop, i.e., against the threshold of the loading opening 10.When the door 2 comes to rest against the threshold of the loading opening 10, the pressure in the first additional line 70, due to its connection with the first main line 81, increases and the first pressure limiter 72 therefore "releases" the passage of pressurized oil to the large chamber 62 of the supplementary cylinder 6, which has the effect of extending the rod 61 and rotating the supplementary member 3, thus allowing it to fold.

[0062] To bring down (or open) the door 2, the distributor 80 is controlled so as to send the oil under pressure, on the one hand by means of the second main line 82 into the small chamber 43 of the main cylinder 4 and on the other hand by means of the second additional line 71 into the small chamber 63 of the supplementary cylinder 6. With door 2 empty, the second pressure limiter 73 "blocks" the passage to the small chamber 63 of the complementary cylinder 6 and door 2 descends (or opens) until it touches the ground S. When door 2 comes into contact with the ground S, the pressure in the second additional conduit 71 increases and the second pressure limiter 73 "releases" the passage to the small chamber 63 of the complementary cylinder 6, which has the effect of retracting the rod 61 and rotating the complementary member 3 in the opposite direction, thus allowing it to unfold.

[0063] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Agricultural product distribution machine (B) for feeding animals and / or forming their bedding, the agricultural distribution machine comprising a loading box (1) and a loading door (2) rotationally articulated on the box (1) about a first axis of rotation (XI), a complementary member (3) rotationally articulated on the door (2) about a second axis of rotation (X2) and at least one main cylinder (4) for actuating the door (2), characterized in that the main cylinder or each of the main cylinders (4) is rotationally articulated on the box (1) about a third axis of rotation (X3) and on the complementary member (3) about a fourth axis of rotation (X4) and in that it further comprises a device for managing the rotation of the complementary member (3) relative to the door (2),the control device comprising the main cylinder(s) (4) and at least one rotation switch (5) configured to generate the rotation of the auxiliary member (3) relative to the door (2), as a function of the torque applied to the auxiliary member (3) by the main cylinder(s) (4).

2. Agricultural distribution machine according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one rotation switch (5) is configured to: - generate the rotation of the complementary element (3) relative to the door (2) when the torque applied by the main cylinder or each of the main cylinders (4) on the complementary element (3) is greater than a restraint force applied by the switch(s) (5) on the complementary element (3) and opposing the rotation of the complementary element (3), - generate the rotation of the door (2) equipped with the complementary element (3) when the torque applied by the main cylinder or each of the main cylinders (4) on the complementary element (3) is less than the restraint force.

3. Agricultural dispensing machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that at least one rotation switch (5) extends substantially in the vicinity of the second axis of rotation (X2).

4. Agricultural dispensing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the main cylinder or each cylinder (4) is articulated on a lever arm (30) formed by a part of the complementary member (3).

5. Agricultural distribution machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the main cylinder or each cylinder (4) comprises a body (40) articulated in rotation on the lower part of the box (1) around the third axis of rotation (X3) and a movable rod (41) articulated in rotation at its end on the complementary member (3) around the fourth axis of rotation (X4).

6. Agricultural distribution machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first, second, third and fourth axes of rotation (XI, X2, X3, X4) are parallel to each other.

7. Agricultural distribution machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the rotation switch or each of the rotation switch (5) comprises: - a follower lock (50) and a spring (51) integral with the complementary member (3), respectively with the door (2), and - a cam and indexing track (52) cooperating with the follower lock (50) and being integral with the door (2), respectively with the complementary member (3), having at least two indexing notches (520), preferably in the form of an arc, each capable of receiving, under the effect of the return force of the spring (51) exerted on the follower lock (50), an end (500) of the follower lock (50), each indexing notch (520) defining a predetermined rotation position of the complementary member (3) relative to the door (2).

8. Agricultural distribution machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the longitudinal axis of the follower lock (50) is substantially parallel to the plane intersecting perpendicularly the second and fourth axes of rotation (X2, X4) parallel to each other.

9. Agricultural product distribution machine (B) for feeding animals and / or forming their bedding, the agricultural distribution machine comprising a box (1) and a door (2) of a product loading mechanism articulated in rotation on the casing (1) around a first axis of rotation (XI), a complementary element (3) articulated in rotation on the door (2) around a second axis of rotation (X2) and at least one main cylinder (4) for actuation of the door (2) articulated in rotation on the casing (1) around a third axis of rotation (X3) and on the door (2) around a fourth axis of rotation (X4), characterized in that it further comprises a device for managing the rotation of the complementary element (3) relative to the door (2) comprising: - at least one complementary cylinder (6) separate from the main cylinder or cylinders (4) and articulated in rotation on the door (2) around a fifth axis of rotation (X5) and on the complementary member (3) around a sixth axis of rotation (X6), the actuation of the complementary cylinder or cylinders (6) generating the rotation of the complementary member (3) relative to the door (2), - at least one control circuit (7) of the or each additional cylinder (6), the at least one control circuit (7) being configured so as to control the actuation of the or each additional cylinder (6) according to the control pressure of the or each main cylinder (4).

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