Lifting system for mounted agricultural machinery

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mounted agricultural machine capable of occupying a working position and a raised position, comprising a frame for connection to a tractor, a mounted implement pivoting about the frame around a pivot axis and a transverse axis, two connecting rods of variable length, each forming, at its minimum length, a stop limiting the pivoting of the implement about the pivot axis, the machine being arranged so that the connecting rods tend to retract in its raised position, and at least one steering cylinder connected at one end to a point between the implement and the frame, and at the other end to a point on either the implement or the frame. In the raised position, the at least one steering cylinder is maintained at a fixed length greater than its minimum length. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Lifting system for mounted agricultural machinery

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of agricultural machinery. More particularly, the invention relates to a mounted agricultural machine capable of occupying a working position and at least one raised position, and comprising: • a frame intended to be connected to a three-point hitch on a tractor, • a tool that can rest on the ground by means of supports, the tool being mounted pivoting relative to the frame around a pivot axis, the tool also being mounted pivoting along a transverse axis, • two connecting rods of variable length, each forming, when at its minimum length, a stop to limit the pivoting of the tool around the pivot axis, the machine being arranged so that the connecting rods tend to retract to their minimum length in its raised position, • at least one steering cylinder connected at one end to one between the tool and the frame, and at the other end, to the other of the tool or the frame.

[0002] It is possible to make this machine by means of a haymaking machine which gathers into windrows the crop product lying on the ground with a raking rotor driven around a vertical axis.

[0003] A machine such as the one just described is known from document EP 2 959 759 A1 and comprises an implement with a raking rotor that can be lowered to the ground in a working position and raised in a lifted position in which the entire weight of the machine is transferred to the tractor via the three-point hitch. In a first embodiment of document EP 2 959 759 A1, each of the connecting rods is connected to the frame by means of an intermediate piece, itself articulated with the frame along a horizontal axis. The position of this intermediate piece is controlled by the position of the hitch. In the raised position of the machine, the connecting rods are at their minimum length.

[0004] In one embodiment of this document, each of the variable-length connecting rods is formed by an oblong hole in which a sliding pin is mounted, and each connecting rod is connected to the tool on one side and to a steering cylinder on the other. The steering cylinders are connected in a closed circuit with a third articulated cylinder, which is connected to the tool on one side and to the frame on the other. In the raised position of the machine, the connecting rods and steering cylinders are retracted to their minimum length. On some tractors and / or some three-point hitches, these minimum lengths in the raised position Raised heights create a dangerous distance between the implement and the ground, risking the implement hitting the ground when the tractor travels over uneven terrain, especially at high speeds. Another drawback of the machine described in this document is that it requires a significant number of parts, cylinders, and joints. This type of construction is therefore complex, expensive, and necessitates substantial modifications to the machine, particularly to the connection between the implement and the frame.

[0005] One way to reduce the risk of damage to the machine and / or the ground in the raised position would be to increase the minimum length of the connecting rods to raise the implement in the raised position. However, this would have the further consequence of reducing the pivot angle of the implement around the pivot axis in the working position, thus reducing the minimum turning radius that the tractor can make when making a tight turn. Also, the greater the minimum length of the connecting rods, the greater the risk of leaving unworked areas when making tight turns, reducing the machine's working quality when turning.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a simple solution to reduce the risk of damaging the ground and / or the machine in a raised position without losing quality of work during tight turns, and preferably in a simple and economical way.

[0007] To this end, the invention proposes that in the raised position of the machine, at least one steering cylinder is maintained at a fixed length greater than its minimum length.

[0008] Thanks to these arrangements, the distance between the machine and the ground is increased in the raised position, reducing the risks of the machine colliding with the ground and therefore of damage to the machine and / or the ground, without reducing the minimum length of the connecting rods so that the quality of work of the machine does not suffer, in a simple and economical way.

[0009] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to various preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0010] [Fig-1] represents a side view of a machine attached to the rear of a tractor, in position raised, and corresponding to the state of the art;

[0011] [Fig.2] represents a top view of a machine according to the embodiment preferred of the invention, in working position;

[0012] [Fig.3] represents a side view of the machine of [Fig.2] in which the tool is partially represented;

[0013] [Fig.4] represents a top view of the machine in [Fig.2] in which the the right connecting rod is retracted and the left connecting rod is extended;

[0014] [Fig. 5] represents a top view of the machine in [Fig. 2], in position raised;

[0015] [Fig.6] represents a side view of a machine according to an embodiment in which a connecting rod is articulated with the tool, respectively with the beam, with the straight connecting rod and with at least one steering cylinder, and in which the tool is partially represented;

[0016] [Fig.7] represents a simplified diagram of the machine's hydraulics according to the mode preferred implementation linked to the tractor's hydraulics.

[0017] Figures 1 to 6 show an agricultural machine (1) comprising a frame (2) for connection to a three-point hitch (3) of an agricultural tractor (4). The hitch (3) includes a right lower arm (5) and a left lower arm (5'). The hitch (3) also includes an upper arm (6). As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the machine (1) has a right lower point (7), a left lower point (7'), and an upper attachment point (8). Each of the right lower arm (5), left lower arm (5'), and upper arm (6) is for attachment to the right lower point (7), left lower point (7'), and upper attachment point (8), respectively, of the machine (1). The line passing through the lower points (7, 7') is oriented horizontally. As will be detailed later in this description, the machine (1) can occupy a working position and at least one raised position.

[0018] As shown in [Fig. 1], the machine (1) is in a raised position. In this raised position, the machine (1) is lifted off the ground by the tractor's hitch (3). In the raised position, the entire weight of the machine (1) is transferred to the tractor (4). The machine (1) is therefore a mounted machine. The raised position of the machine (1) corresponds to a non-use position, such as a road transport position and / or a maneuvering position in the field. Preferably, the transport position and the maneuvering position of the machine (1) are identical and correspond to the raised position.

[0019] The tractor (4) is capable of moving with the machine (1) in a forward direction (A). The forward direction (A) is preferably horizontal. The tractor (4) also allows the machine (1) and its attachments to be driven, in particular by means of its power take-off and / or its hydraulic circuit (13). In this description, the terms front, rear, in front, behind, right, and left refer to the machine (1) and are defined with regard to the forward direction (A). As can be seen from the figures, the machine (1) is preferably attached to the rear of the tractor (4) so ​​as not to run over the product before processing it.

[0020] The machine (1) includes a tool (9). The tool (9) allows a product to be processed in a field. The product can be the soil of the field and / or a plant product such as grass or straw. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the tool (9) includes a rotor (10) and a beam (11).

[0021] The tool (9) can rest on the ground by means of supports (12). In the figures, these supports (12) are formed by rollers rolling on the ground. In order to improve the ground following of the tool (9), two rollers are preferably connected to each other by a rocker arm mounted to pivot about a horizontal axis relative to the beam (11). Preferably, each tool (9) thus has four rollers. Alternatively or additionally, the supports (12) could also be formed by one or more skids sliding on the ground.

[0022] In order to allow the tool (9) to follow the trajectory of the tractor (4) in the working position of the machine (1), the tool (9) is mounted to pivot relative to the frame (2) about a pivot axis (19). In the working position, the pivot axis (19) is preferably vertical. The tool (9) can pivot relative to the frame (2) about the pivot axis (19) at least in the working position of the machine (1). The tool (9) is also mounted to pivot about a transverse axis (21). At least in the working position, the transverse axis (21) is horizontal.

[0023] The machine (1) also includes two connecting rods (16, 16') of variable length. Each of the connecting rods (16, 16') connects the frame (2) to the tool (9). As can be seen from [Fig. 2], the machine (1) includes a right connecting rod (16) and a left connecting rod (16'). Each of the connecting rods (16, 16') is preferably mounted on a respective side of a median plane (17).

[0024] The median plane (17) is vertical. It preferably passes through the center of the frame (2) and / or through the upper attachment point (8). The median plane (17) is parallel to the direction of travel (A). The median plane (17) is preferably orthogonal to the line passing through the lower points (7, 7'). The median plane (17) preferably forms a plane of symmetry of the tractor (4). Finally, the median plane (17) is equidistant from the lower points (7, 7').

[0025] When at its minimum length, each of the connecting rods (16, 16') acts as a stop, limiting the pivoting of the tool (9) around the pivot axis (19). This prevents the tool (9) from contacting the tractor (4) and causing damage. Specifically, the right connecting rod (16) limits the pivoting of the tool (9) around the pivot axis (19) when at its minimum length in one direction of rotation, and the left connecting rod (16') in the other direction of rotation.

[0026] The machine (1) is further arranged so that, in its raised position, the connecting rods (16, 16') tend to retract to their minimum length. In the raised position, the connecting rods (16, 16') are thus preferentially at their minimum length, making it possible to maintain a specific orientation of the tool (9) around the pivot axis (19) in this raised position. Indeed, when the machine (1) is raised by the hitch (3), the tool (9) pivots downwards around the transverse axis (21). Preferably, it is the weight of the tool (9) that induces the pivoting of the tool (9). downwards (and forwards) around the transverse axis (21), thus retracting the connecting rods (16, 16'). In the raised position, the tool (9) is held in a specific orientation not only around the pivot axis (19) but also around the transverse axis (21). It follows from the above that, in the raised position of the machine (1), the tool (9) is preferentially held in position by its own weight.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the machine (1) also includes at least one guide cylinder (22, 22') connected at one end to the frame (2) and at the other end to the tool (9). If the machine (1) includes only one guide cylinder (22, 22'), the tool (9) or the frame (2) is attached to one end and the other end to the two connecting rods (16, 16'). If the machine (1) includes two guide cylinders (22, 22'), the tool (9) or the frame (2) is attached to one end of each of the guide cylinders (22, 22'), while the other end of each of the guide cylinders (22, 22') is attached to one end of a respective connecting rod (16, 16'). At least one cylinder (22, 22') is preferably hydraulic, like the majority of power functions on agricultural machinery. Alternatively, at least one cylinder (22, 22') could be electric.

[0028] As shown in [Fig. 4], when the machine (1) turns, one of the connecting rods (16, 16') extends and the other retracts. It is clear from [Fig. 4] that in a sharp right turn, the right connecting rod (16) is at its minimum length. Because at its minimum length, the right connecting rod (16) acts as a stop, limiting the pivoting of the tool (9) around the pivot axis (19), the left connecting rod (16') is at its maximum length when the machine (1) turns sharply to the right. Conversely, the left connecting rod (16') is at its minimum length and the right connecting rod (16) is at its maximum length when the machine (1) turns sharply to the left.

[0029] Another consequence of the fact that the connecting rods (16, 16') are at their minimum length is that, in the working position, the tool (9) is mounted pivoting relative to the frame (2) around the pivot axis (19) within a limited angular sector of pivoting (20). The extent of the angular sector of pivoting (20) depends on the minimum lengths of the connecting rods (16, 16'). In the preferred embodiment, in order to avoid leaving areas unworked by the machine (1), the angular sector of pivoting (20) is preferably greater than 30°, more preferably approximately equal to 45°.

[0030] The determined orientation of the tool (9) relative to the frame (2) around the pivot axis (19) thus depends on the minimum length of each connecting rod (16, 16'). It may be provided that the minimum length of each connecting rod (16, 16') is adjustable, allowing the angular sector of pivoting (20) to be adapted to the tractor (4), respectively to the width of the tractor (4).

[0031] An important feature is that, in the raised position of the machine (1), at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') is maintained at a fixed length greater than its minimum length. This advantageously increases the distance between the machine (1) and the ground in this position, thus reducing the risk of damaging the ground and / or the machine (1) in a simple and economical manner. Furthermore, because in the raised position both connecting rods (16, 16') are at their minimum length and at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') is maintained at a fixed length, the pivoting of the tool (9) around the pivot axis (19) is advantageously prevented. The tool (9) can therefore pivot relative to the frame (2) around the pivot axis (19) only in the working position of the machine (1).

[0032] As shown in [Fig. 1], on a prior art machine (1), no steering cylinder (22, 22') compensates for the sagging of the machine (1) in its raised position when the connecting rods (16, 16') are at their minimum length. This [Fig. 1] could also correspond to a machine (1) according to the invention in the raised position with the steering cylinder(s) (22, 22') at its minimum length.

[0033] The stroke of each connecting rod (16, 16') is defined by the distance separating its minimum length and its maximum length. In order to allow the tool (9) to pivot around the pivot axis (19), in the working position and in a straight line, each connecting rod (16, 16') is preferably approximately at mid-stroke, respectively approximately at half of its stroke, as shown in [Fig.2].

[0034] If, while the machine (1) is in its working position with one of the connecting rods (16, 16') longer than the other connecting rod (16, 16') (as shown in [Fig. 4]), and the machine (1) is lifted by the hitch (3), the weight of the tool (9) will not only cause it to pivot downwards and forwards about the transverse axis (21), but also to pivot about the pivot axis (19) until the connecting rods (16, 16') reach their minimum length, respectively, until the tool (9) reaches its predetermined orientation about the pivot axis (19). Thus, in the lifted position of the machine (1), the tool (9) occupies a predetermined orientation about the pivot axis (19). In a simple and symmetrical way, in the raised position of the machine (1), the beam (11) is preferably parallel to the median plane (17) in top view, respectively seen along the pivot axis (19).

[0035] In the working position of the machine (1), at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') can be mounted in a floating position. In other words, at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') can be connected to a hydraulic reservoir so that it can extend and retract freely under the influence of an external force. In the working position of the machine (1), at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') can thus be connected to an atmospheric hydraulic reservoir, or a reservoir in which the fluid is stored at a pressure close to atmospheric pressure, like a tank (26) of the tractor (4) for example.

[0036] As illustrated in [Fig. 7], the machine (1) includes a hydraulic circuit (24). The tractor (4) is also equipped with a hydraulic circuit (13) comprising at least one reservoir (26), a pump (27), and a hydraulic distributor (28). The hydraulic circuit (24) of the machine (1) can be connected to the pump (27) or to the reservoir (26) via the distributor (28). The pump (27) can thus send pressurized oil into the hydraulic circuit (24) of the machine (1).

[0037] In simple terms, the steering cylinder(s) (22, 22') is connected to a hydraulic distributor (28) on the tractor (4), allowing for simple and economical control of its length(s) from the tractor cab (4). Furthermore, such a hydraulic connection of the steering cylinder(s) (22, 22') avoids the need for an additional cylinder between the frame (2) and the implement (9), and instead requires an additional distributor (28) and / or hydraulic valve to supply the steering cylinder(s) (22, 22') and the additional cylinder separately. Preferably, the distributor (28) connected to at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') is in the closed position in the working position. Preferably also, the distributor (28) connected to at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') is in the closed position in the raised position, allowing the at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') to be maintained simply at a fixed length (greater than its minimum length).

[0038] Another advantage of mounting at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') connected to a distributor (28) of the tractor (4) between the implement (9) and the frame (2) is that it allows adjustment of the pivoting angle (20) of the implement (9). When the machine (1) is configured as a rake and is located on (significantly) sloping ground, reducing the pivoting angle (20) of the implement (9) ensures the placement of the swath relative to the tractor (4). In other words, by extending at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') and maintaining it at a fixed length between its minimum and maximum lengths in the working position of the machine (1), it is possible to position the machine (1), and therefore the swath, relative to the tractor (4) viewed along the forward direction (A).

[0039] As can be seen from Figures 1, 3, and 6, to guide its movement in a vertical plane, the tool (9) is directly articulated with the frame (2) around a single horizontal axis, namely the transverse axis (21), thereby reducing the number of parts and joints in the machine (1). Thus, the tool (9), or the beam (11), is preferably directly articulated to the frame (2) around the transverse axis (21), making the machine (1) simpler and more economical. In other words, apart from the transverse axis (21), or a rod (21') allowing pivoting around the transverse axis (21), no intermediate parts are assembled between the tool (9) and the frame (2), respectively between the beam (11) and the frame (2). The rod (21') can be an integral part of the beam (11) or of the frame (2).

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, in the working position, the pivoting of the tool (9) relative to the frame (2) around the transverse axis (21) and the pivot axis (19) is possible around a ball joint.

[0041] In the embodiments shown in the figures, the beam (11) connects at least one rotor (10) to the frame (2). Preferably, the implement (9) comprises a single rotor (10), making the machine (1) simpler, less expensive, and more maneuverable. In the preferred embodiment, the machine (1) is a windrower. Alternatively, the machine (1) could be a tedder or a rotary harrow. In the case of a windrower, the rotor or rotors (10) are equipped with arms at the ends of which raking fingers (14) are attached. The rotor or rotors (10) can be driven to rotate about a drive shaft (15), the fingers (14) located at the front of the rotor (10) thus moving crop lying on the ground when the machine (1) is in the working position and moving in the forward direction (A).In the case of a windrower, the product is plant material, such as cut grass or cut straw, and the movement of the product allows it to be gathered into a longitudinal windrow in the direction of travel (A).

[0042] On a windrower, a cam track guides the orientation of the tines (14) according to their position around the drive shaft (15). When the rotor (10) pivots around its drive shaft (15), the tines (14) pivot along a horizontal axis substantially parallel to the respective arm. In order to rake the crop in front of each rotor (10), the tines (14) are substantially vertical when they are in front of the drive shaft (15). For this purpose, the drive shaft (15) is preferably vertical. In particular, to move the crop laterally, the tips of the tines (14) are positioned away from the ground over approximately the rear half of the rotor (10).

[0043] The greater the distance between the transverse axis (21) and the steering cylinder(s) (22, 22'), the less powerful the steering cylinder(s) (22, 22') must be. Thus, to increase the lever arm and avoid oversizing, the transverse axis (21) is preferably located on the top of the frame (2), while at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') is articulated on the bottom of the beam (11). Furthermore, the greater this lever arm, the lower the stresses in the beam (11) will be when the machine (1) is raised. If the steering cylinder (22, 22') were mounted lower, it would risk contacting the rotor (10) in the working position, the rotor (10) being preferably located below the beam (11) in the working position.

[0044] As can be seen in [Fig. 3], the machine (1) also includes a backstop (29) for limiting the pivoting of the tool (9) about the transverse axis (21). Preferably, the backstop (29) limits the pivoting of the tool (9) towards the rear and top around the transverse axis (21). As shown in Figures 3 and 6, in the working position of the machine (1), the tool (9) is held against the rear stop (29). Preferably, when the tool (9) is against the rear stop (29) and the machine (1) is in the working position, the pivot axis (19) is substantially vertical, promoting good working quality, at least when the machine (1) is a windrower. As soon as the machine (1) is lifted off the ground, and especially in the raised position, the tool (9) is no longer against the rear stop (29) and then tilts downwards and forwards, unless the steering cylinder(s) (22, 22') are supplied with power.

[0045] As shown in the figures, the backstop (29) is formed by a yoke (30) fixed to the frame (2). A vertical rod (19') guides the movement of the tool (9) around the pivot axis (19). The vertical rod (19') is movably mounted within the yoke (30). In the preferred embodiment, the yoke (30) is U-shaped and guides the pivoting of the vertical rod (19'), thus allowing the tool (9) to move around the transverse axis (21). In order not to disturb the pivoting of the tool (9) around the pivot axis (19), the backstop (29) is preferably connected to the center of the frame (2).

[0046] In order to raise the tool (9) as far as possible from the ground in the raised position, at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') is preferably dimensioned so that the tool (9) is in contact with the rear stop (29) when the steering cylinder(s) (22, 22') is extended. More specifically, in order to raise the tool (9) as far as possible from the ground in the raised position while avoiding damage to the rear stop (29), the stroke of at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') is preferably dimensioned so that the tool (9) is in contact with the rear stop (29) when at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') is at its maximum length.An advantage of such an arrangement is also that when both connecting rods (16, 16') are at their minimum length and at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') at its maximum length, the pivoting of the tool (9) around the transverse axis (21) is also blocked, further reducing the risk of damaging the ground and / or the machine (1) in the raised position.

[0047] As previously specified in this description, in the working position, each of the connecting rods (16, 16') is at mid-stroke. Therefore, in order to avoid damaging the rear stop (29) by extending the length of at least one steering cylinder (22, 22'), the stroke of at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') is preferably less than three-quarters of the stroke of each connecting rod (16, 16'), or three-quarters of the stroke of the connecting rod (16, 16') with the shortest stroke. More preferably, the stroke of at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') is substantially equal to half of the stroke of each connecting rod (16, 16'), respectively at half the stroke of the connecting rod (16, 16') with the smallest stroke.

[0048] Each connecting rod (16, 16') is articulated with the frame (2) by a respective front joint (31, 31'). In order to allow movement of the tool (9) on the one hand around the pivot axis (19), and on the other hand around the transverse axis (21), each front joint (31, 31') is preferably a ball joint. Alternatively, each front joint (31, 31') can be a universal joint.

[0049] In a first embodiment, at least one connecting rod (23, 23') is associated with the connecting rods (16, 16'). The connecting rod(s) (23, 23') is articulated on one side with the tool (9), respectively with the beam (11), and on the other side with at least one steering cylinder (22, 22'), and also with at least one of the connecting rods (16, 16'). As shown in [Fig. 6], in this first embodiment, in order to guide the movement of the tool (9), the steering cylinder(s) (22, 22') and / or the connecting rod(s) (23, 23'), the connecting rod(s) (23, 23') is articulated with the beam (11) along an axis parallel to the transverse axis (21), thus preventing unwanted movement of the tool (9) that could impair the quality of the work. For the same reason, the connecting rod(s) (23, 23') is articulated with the steering cylinder(s) (22, 22') along an axis parallel to the transverse axis (21).To further prevent unwanted movement of the tool (9), the steering cylinder(s) (22, 22') is preferably articulated with the tool (9) along an axis parallel to the transverse axis (21). In the first embodiment, to allow movement of the tool (9) both around the pivot axis (19) and around the transverse axis (21), the connecting rod(s) (23, 23') is preferably articulated with the connecting rod (16, 16'), or with one of the connecting rods (16, 16'), via a ball joint or a universal joint.

[0050] In the preferred embodiment, as can be seen in particular in Figures 2 and 4, a right-hand steering cylinder (22) is mounted on the right side of the tool (9) and a left-hand steering cylinder (22') on the left side.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment not shown, each steering cylinder (22, 22') is directly fixed at one end to the frame (2) and at its other end to the tool (9), without an intermediate part such as a connecting rod (16, 16'), for example. However, such an embodiment has the disadvantage of requiring longer, heavier, and therefore more expensive steering cylinders (22, 22').

[0052] In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') is fixed at one end to at least one of the connecting rods (16, 16') and at its other end to one between the tool (9) and the frame (2). Preferably, one end of the right steering cylinder (22) is fixed to the right connecting rod (16), respectively, to one end of the right connecting rod (16). Symmetrically, one end of the left steering cylinder (22') is fixed to the left connecting rod (16'). respectively with one end of the left connecting rod (16'). Thus, each connecting rod (16, 16') is associated with a respective steering cylinder (22, 22'). The right steering cylinder (22) and right connecting rod (16) assembly is preferably identical and symmetrical with the left steering cylinder (22') and left connecting rod (16') assembly with respect to the median plane (17), in a straight line. In order to reduce the number of components and / or cylinders and lines of the machine (1), only two steering cylinders (22, 22') preferentially connect the frame (2) to the tool (9), respectively the tool (9) and the respective connecting rod (16, 16').

[0053] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, in the preferred embodiment, each connecting rod (16, 16') is directly articulated with its respective steering cylinder (22, 22'). In other words, in the preferred embodiment, no intermediate part connects a connecting rod (16, 16') and its respective steering cylinder (22, 22'), thus reducing the number of components and joints of the machine (1), making it simpler and more economical. In the preferred embodiment, in order to allow movement of the tool (9) around the pivot axis (19) and around the transverse axis (21), each lifting cylinder (22, 22') is articulated with the tool (9), or with the beam (11), respectively, via a rear joint (32, 32') in the form of a ball joint or a universal joint.

[0054] It is also apparent from Figures 2, 4, and 5 that in the preferred embodiment, each steering cylinder (22, 22') is aligned with its respective connecting rod (16, 16'). Thus, each steering cylinder (22, 22') is fixed to its respective connecting rod (16, 16') so as to be in line with it regardless of the position of the machine (1). This feature simplifies the construction of the machine (1). Furthermore, the fact that each steering cylinder (22, 22') is constantly aligned with its respective connecting rod (16, 16') means that it requires less stroke to bring the tool (9) against the backstop (29), reducing the weight and cost of the machine (1). Another advantage of a smaller cylinder is that it is faster to transpose it between its minimum and maximum length, thus saving time for the user.It follows from the above that each steering cylinder (22, 22') is constantly parallel to the respective connecting rod (16, 16').

[0055] In a second alternative embodiment compatible with the first embodiment, only one steering cylinder (22, 22') is mounted on the machine (1). In order for its extension actuation to compensate for the retraction of the connecting rods (16, 16') in the raised position, the single steering cylinder (22, 22') is articulated at one end with the two connecting rods (16, 16') and at its other end with the tool (9), respectively with the beam (11). In this second embodiment, in order to prevent the actuation of the single steering cylinder (22, 22') from inducing a torque on the tool (9) around the pivot axis (19), the single steering cylinder (22, 22') is arranged so as to remain parallel to the beam (11). As shown in [Fig. 6], the machine (1) may comprise only a single steering cylinder (22, 22') articulated with a single connecting rod (23, 23') attached to the connecting rods (16, 16'). The steering cylinder (22, 22') may also be articulated with two connecting rods (23, 23'), each attached to a respective connecting rod (16, 16').

[0056] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, to prevent jolts when the connecting rods (16, 16') reach their minimum length, a damping means (33, 33') may be provided. Preferably, each connecting rod (16, 16') is associated with a respective damping means (33, 33') arranged to dampen the retraction of the associated connecting rod (16, 16'). As shown in [Fig. 6], each damping means (33, 33') may be implemented by a compression spring that is compressed by a stop when the associated connecting rod (16, 16') reaches a certain length.

[0057] In the preferred embodiment, each connecting rod (16, 16') is achieved by a hydraulic stabilizer cylinder (34, 34'). Preferably, each damping means (33, 33') is then achieved by a hydropneumatic accumulator (35, 35'). Each accumulator (35, 35') is arranged to slow the retraction of the hydraulic cylinder (34, 34'). Preferably, each stabilizer cylinder (34, 34') is single-acting and connected in a closed circuit to its respective accumulator (35, 35'). As can be seen from [Fig.7], in order to promote the actuation, respectively the extension, of the steering cylinder (22, 22') relative to the stabilizing cylinder (34, 34') of the associated connecting rod (16, 16'), the diameter of the piston of the steering cylinder (22, 22') is preferentially greater than that of the stabilizing cylinder (34, 34') of the associated connecting rod (16, 16').Thus, if, in the working position, a force tends to move the front joint (31, 31') away from the respective rear joint (32, 32'), the steering cylinder (22, 22') will tend to extend before the stabilizer cylinder (34, 34') of the associated connecting rod (16, 16'). Each damping means (33, 33') can be implemented by an accumulator (35, 35') and / or a spring. Alternatively, each connecting rod (16, 16') can be implemented by two telescopic bars, or by a system with a sliding axis in an oblong hole.

[0058] As arranged, the weight of the tool (9) allows the machine (1) to be moved from its raised position to its working position. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the steering cylinders (22, 22') are preferably single-acting, reducing the number of lines required and the cost of the machine (1). In a simplified manner, the steering cylinders (22, 22') are connected to breather ports. Preferably, the steering cylinder or cylinders (22, 22') are arranged to retract under the weight of the tool (9). Supplying at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') thus extends it and allows the tool (9) to be moved away from the ground. Retracting the steering cylinders (22, 22') thus involves connecting them to the reservoir (26) using the distributor (28). As shown in [Fig. 7], in the preferred embodiment, this allows for easy adjustment of the length of the steering cylinders (22, 22') and of to reduce the number of distributors (28) required, the steering cylinders (22, 22') are hydraulically connected to the same hydraulic distributor (28).

[0059] As can be seen from Figures 2 to 5, in order to prevent unwanted rotation about its axis of translation, each steering cylinder (22, 22') can be equipped with a guide (36, 36'). Preferably, each guide (36, 36') comprises a plate integral with the rod of the respective steering cylinder (22, 22'), with an oblong hole parallel to the axis of translation of the respective steering cylinder (22, 22'), and in which a shaft integral with the cylinder of the respective steering cylinder (22, 22') is mounted to slide.

[0060] In order to allow the machine (1) to adapt well to the tractor (4) on uneven or rough ground during forward movement, each point (7, 7') can move vertically relative to the frame (2). Preferably, the frame (2) has two levers, each articulated with a respective point (7, 7') around a horizontal axis, which may or may not be separate. In the preferred embodiment, in order to absorb ground irregularities, the hitch (3) is mounted in a floating position on the tractor (4) so ​​that the machine (1) can move freely vertically (with the hitch (3)).

[0061] The invention is not limited to the embodiments and variants described and shown in the figures. Modifications remain possible with regard to the construction of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A mounted agricultural machine (1) capable of occupying a working position and at least one raised position, the machine (1) comprising: • a frame (2) intended to be connected to a three-point hitch (3) of a tractor (4), • an implement (9) capable of resting on the ground by means of supports (12), the implement (9) being mounted pivotally relative to the frame (2) about a pivot axis (19), the implement (9) also being mounted pivotally about a transverse axis (21), • two connecting rods (16, 16') of variable length, each forming, when at its minimum length, a stop allowing the pivoting of the implement (9) about the pivot axis (19) to be limited, the machine (1) being arranged so that the connecting rods (16, 16') tend to retract to their minimum length in its raised position, • at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') connected at one end with one between the tool (9) and the frame (2), and,at the other end with the other of the tool (9) or of the frame (2), machine characterized in that, in the raised position, at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') is maintained at a fixed length greater than its minimum length.

2. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the or each steering cylinder (22, 22') is connected to a distributor (28) of the tractor (4) and in that, in the working position of the machine (1), at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') is maintained at its minimum length or mounted floating.

3. Machine according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the tool (9) is directly articulated on the frame (2) around the transverse axis (21).

4. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the machine (1) has a backstop (29) allowing the pivoting of the tool (9) to be limited around the transverse axis (21), and in that at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') is dimensioned so that the tool (9) is in contact with the backstop (29) when the or each steering cylinder (22, 22') is extended.

5. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each connecting rod (16, 16') is associated with a respective steering cylinder (22, 22'), and in that each connecting rod (16, 16') is directly articulated with the respective steering cylinder (22, 22').

6. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each connecting rod (16, 16') is associated with a respective damping means (33, 33') arranged to dampen the retraction of the associated connecting rod (16, 16').

7. Machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the steering cylinders (22, 22') are single acting and hydraulically connected to the same hydraulic distributor (28).

8. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the tool (9) comprises a rotor (10) and a beam (11), and in that the transverse axis (21) is located on the top of the frame (2) while at least one steering cylinder (22, 22') is articulated on the bottom of the beam (11).

9. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each connecting rod (16, 16') is associated with a respective steering cylinder (22, 22'), and in that each steering cylinder (22, 22') is aligned with the respective connecting rod (16, 16').

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