FR3090267A1 - Pick-up wheel with retractable and deployable fingers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a pick-up wheel (10) with retractable and deployable fingers comprising: an external member (20) rotatable about a first axis of rotation (A); an internal member (60) comprising: a body having a second axis of rotation (B), at least one finger (12) pivotally mounted on the body about a pivot axis (X) and extending through the external member so that it can slide relative to the external member (20) when the external member (20) and the internal member (60) are rotated; at least first and second spacers (30a, 30b), arranged axially between first and second elements (22,24) of the external member so that the finger extends between the two spacers. Figure of the abstract: [Fig.1]

Description

Description

Title of the invention: Pick-up wheel with retractable and deployable fingers

Technical area

The invention relates to the field of collecting plant fibers arranged on the ground, in particular in the form of strips or swaths. An example of non-limiting use is the gathering of swaths of flax or hemp stems during turning or winding operations.

The invention relates more particularly to a pick-up wheel with retractable and deployable finger, generally called "pick-up".

Prior art

Traditionally, such a pickup wheel with a retractable and deployable finger (s) ^) comprises:

- An external member provided with at least one peripheral orifice, the external member being rotatable around a first axis of rotation;

- an inner member, arranged in the outer member, the inner member having a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation and distinct from the first axis of rotation, the inner member comprising:

a body which is rotatable about the second axis of rotation, at least one finger pivotally mounted on the body about a pivot axis which is parallel to the second axis of rotation and separate from the second axis of rotation, the finger extending through the peripheral orifice of the external member so that it can slide relative to the external member when the external member and the internal member are rotated;

The pickup wheel, generally disposed at the front of the machine, is arranged to be positioned close to the ground. The function of the fingers is to pick up the rods and bring them to a conveying member, such as a spike belt, the function of which is to bring the rods to a turning or winding module.

It is understood that the fingers protrude from the external organ when they are deployed.

More specifically, during the rotation of the pick-up wheel, each of the fingers is gradually deployed to a maximum deployment position, then is retracted to a maximum retracted position in which the finger is retracted into the external organ.

To ensure efficient collection of the rods and ensure the transfer of the collected rods to the conveying member, the pick-up wheel is generally arranged so that the fingers are deployed substantially at their maximum when they extend substantially vertically towards the ground, and are totally or almost retracted at the place where the rods are collected by the conveying member, most often in the upper position of the pickup wheel.

This deployment and retraction movement of the fingers is obtained, in a manner known elsewhere, by the fact that the body is arranged eccentrically relative to the external member. The distance between the pivot axis and a given orifice varies during movement along a circular path of the orifice, as a result of which the finger moves in translation relative to the orifice during the rotation of the external member.

We therefore understand that there is a relative translational movement between each finger and the external member during the rotation of the pickup wheel.

Generally, the fingers and the external member are made of metal. To prevent fingers from coming into contact with the external member, which would have the effect of damaging the external member, it is known to place wearing parts, for example plastic or nylon, in the peripheral orifices. . These wearing parts have holes in which the fingers slide.

A drawback is that replacing the wearing parts or the fingers in the event of breakage requires completely dismantling the pick-up wheel, which is tedious, the pick-up wheels can have very many bolts.

Another disadvantage is that when the wear part is completely worn, the finger cuts the sheet of the external member, which can irreversibly damage the pickup wheel.

Statement of the invention

The invention achieves its goal by the fact that the external member comprises:

First and second elements arranged axially on either side of the finger, at least a first and a second spacer, each of the first and second spacers being disposed axially between the first and second elements so that the peripheral orifice is defined between the first and second spacers on the one hand, and between the first and second elements on the other hand.

The first and second elements constitute two shells or flanges which can be easily and quickly removed from one another in order to clean the constituent elements of the pick-up wheel, or else replace a finger or a spacer if necessary, especially in case of breakage or wear.

In addition, thanks to this arrangement, the fingers slide along the spacers but are not likely to rub against the first and second elements, even in the event of significant wear of the spacers or their fastening elements.

Preferably, the inner member is arranged at least partially inside the outer member.

Preferably, the first and second spacers are arranged so that the finger does not come into contact simultaneously with the two spacers. Thanks to this arrangement, both the wear of the spacers and the noise generated by the sliding of the fingers during the rotation of the pick-up wheel are reduced.

The finger therefore has a proximal end connected to the body so as to pivot around the pivot axis, and a distal end configured to project out of the external periphery of the external member.

The pick-up wheel is also arranged so that the distal end of the finger is preferably located between the two elements when the finger is in its maximum retracted position. An advantage is to retract the finger in order to ensure an effective transfer of the rods between the pick-up wheel and the conveying member of the machine.

Advantageously, the first and second elements of the external member are arranged axially on either side of the finger.

Advantageously, the first element has an annular shape having for axis the first axis of rotation. It is preferentially the same for the second element.

Preferably, the first element is a first ring, while the second element is a second ring.

Advantageously, the first element has a radial height defined relative to the first axis of rotation, and at least one of the first and second spacers has a radial width substantially equal to the radial height, the radial width also being defined by relative to the first axis of rotation.

Preferably, the first and second spacers have a radial width substantially equal to the radial height of the first element.

More preferably, the first and second elements have the same radial height.

Also, at least one of the first and second spacers is housed in the radial height of the first and second elements, so that the spacer does not protrude outside the internal and external peripheries of the external member.

Advantageously, the first spacer has a side edge which is opposite a side edge of the second spacer, the finger extending between the side edges of the first and second spacers.

Preferably, the finger is supported at least against the lateral edge of the first spacer or against the lateral edge of the second spacer.

It is understood that, in use, the finger deploys and retracts by sliding along at least one of the two lateral edges.

Preferably, but not exclusively, during the rotation of the pick-up wheel, the finger is arranged so as not to come to bear simultaneously against the two lateral edges.

Advantageously, at least one of the two lateral edges has a curved profile towards the other lateral edge. One advantage is to minimize the contact surface between the finger and the lateral edge. This limits wear on the spacers and reduces operating noise during deployment / retraction movements.

Preferably, considered in a plane perpendicular to the first axis of rotation, the orifice has the shape of a nozzle. An advantage is to minimize the angular play between the finger and the first and second spacer, in order to avoid an imbalance phenomenon.

Advantageously, at least one of the spacers has a wear pad.

Preferably, at least one of the spacers is made of rubber.

Preferably, at least one of the first and second spacers has a bearing, such as a ball bearing, to guide the movement of the finger. An advantage is to limit or avoid the wear of the rubber pads, the finger being arranged to be able to cooperate with the bearing.

According to a preferred embodiment, the internal member further comprises at least one stop to block the pivoting of the finger relative to the body when the finger comes to bear against the stop, the finger being disposed between the stop and the '' one or the other of the first and second spacers, whereby the rotational drive of the external member causes the rotational drive of the internal member through the contact of one or the other of the first and second spacers against the finger.

It is in fact understood that during the rotation of the external member, at least one of the first and second spacers comes into contact with the finger which passes through the orifice, which causes the pivoting of the finger relative to the body around the pivot axis until the finger presses against the stop. The finger pressing against the stop cannot rotate relative to the body, the continuation of the rotation of the external member has the effect of driving the body in rotation, and therefore the internal member, in the same direction of rotation. than the outside organ.

Preferably, the stop protrudes from the body.

According to a preferred embodiment, the inner member comprises a plurality of fingers, and the outer member comprises a plurality of spacers and peripheral orifices, each peripheral orifice being defined between two spacers, each finger passing through a peripheral orifices. Preferably, the internal member further comprises a plurality of stops, each stop being arranged to block the pivoting of one of the fingers when the latter comes to bear against the stop.

It is therefore understood that during the rotation of the external member, the fingers are rotated about their respective pivot axes until they come into contact with the stops, thus causing the body to rotate and the internal member concomitantly and in the same direction of rotation as the external member.

Advantageously, the body comprises first and second flanges arranged on either side of the finger (s). Thanks to this arrangement, the body can be quickly and easily disassembled, which makes it possible to quickly replace a finger if necessary

The invention finally relates to a collection assembly, generally called a “pick-up”, which comprises at least one pick-up wheel according to the invention, a support and a drive device for driving the external member in rotation. , and the internal member and the external member are mounted movable relative to the support.

Advantageously, the collection assembly according to the invention further comprises a cylindrical drum mounted to rotate relative to the support around the first axis of rotation, the body being disposed in the cylindrical drum, while the external member is fixed outside the cylindrical drum. Consequently, the rotation of the drum around the first axis of rotation causes the rotation of the external member and, consequently, of the pick-up wheel.

Advantageously, the support comprises a first shaft on which the inner member is rotatably mounted. Preferably, the support further comprises a second shaft on which the external member is rotatably mounted.

Preferably, the pickup assembly includes several pickup wheels arranged parallel to each other. The drive is configured to drive the pickup wheels together.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the internal members of the pick-up wheels are freely rotatable on the first shaft.

The drum is provided with at least one hole arranged in the continuity of the orifice of the external member, the finger passing through the hole and the orifice.

Brief description of the drawings

[Fig.l]

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a pickup wheel according to the invention.

[Fig.2]

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the pickup wheel of Figure 1.

[Fig.3]

Figure 3 illustrates a finger position of the pickup wheel during clockwise rotation.

[Fig.4]

Figure 4 illustrates a next position of the finger.

[Fig.5]

FIG. 5 illustrates a following position of the finger.

[Fig.6]

FIG. 6 illustrates a following position of the finger.

[Fig.7]

FIG. 7 illustrates a next position of the finger.

[Fig.8]

FIG. 8 illustrates a next position of the finger.

[Fig.9]

FIG. 9 illustrates a next position of the finger.

[Fig.10]

Figure 10 illustrates a next position of the finger.

[Fig.ll]

Figure 11 illustrates a next finger position.

[Fig.12]

Figure 12 illustrates a next position of the finger.

[Fig.13]

FIG. 13 illustrates, in longitudinal section, a collection assembly according to the invention comprising three collection wheels such as that illustrated in FIG. 1. Description of the embodiments

In Figure 13, there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of a collection assembly 100 according to 1 'invention, intended to equip a turning or winding machine, such a machine being known elsewhere.

In the cultivation of flax, the plants are first torn from the ground and then the stems are placed on the ground, parallel to each other, in the form of strips traditionally called swaths.

The flax stalks then undergo retting.

In order to obtain a uniform retting, it is traditionally necessary to turn the flax. To do this, we use a machine called a retoumeuse.

After the rusting step, the flax stalks are recovered during a winding step which consists of winding the swaths to form round bales.

During retooling and picking up operations, it is necessary to pick up the linen in order to be able to turn it over and / or roll it up.

The purpose of the collection assembly according to the present invention is to allow this collection step. The pickup assembly 100 in this example includes three pickup wheels 10,10 ’, 10” according to the invention, the pickup wheels being arranged side by side.

In this example, the three pickup wheels 10, 10 ’and 10’ are identical so that we will limit ourselves to describing the wheel 10 using FIGS. 1 to 12.

The pickup wheel 10 is a pickup wheel with retractable and deployable fingers. In this nonlimiting example, the pick-up wheel 10 has four fingers referenced 12,14,16,18 which, as will be explained in more detail below, deploy and retract during a rotational movement. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the pick-up wheel could comprise a number of fingers greater than four.

The pick-up wheel 10 comprises an external member 20 which has a first axis of rotation A and which, in this example, comprises a first annular element 22 and a second annular element 24 which each extend around the first axis of rotation A.

The external member 20 also comprises a plurality of spacers 30 which are arranged axially between the first and second elements 22, 24. It can also be seen with the aid of FIG. 3 that the spacers 30 extend along the circumference of the first and second elements 22, 24, while being spaced azimuth and regularly from each other.

We also note that the spacers 30 are provided with holes 40, while the first and second elements are provided with bores 42 arranged opposite the holes 40, these holes 40 and bores 42 being intended to be arranged vis- opposite and receiving fixing elements, for example screws, in order to hold together the annular elements 20, 22, and the spacers 30.

To facilitate the description of the pickup wheel 10 according to the invention, two of the spacers 30 have been designated first and second spacers which are referenced 30a and 30b respectively.

As can be seen with the aid of FIG. 3, the first element 22 has a radial height H and the first spacer 30a has a width 1 which is substantially equal to the radial height H. Without going beyond the ambit of the present invention, the width 1 of the first spacer 30a could be slightly less than the radial height H. It is therefore understood that, according to this arrangement, the first spacer 30a is housed in the space defined between the first and second elements 22, 24 In this example, the same is true for the other spacers 30 which have shapes identical to those of the first spacer 30a.

In this example, the spacers constitute wear pads, and are made of rubber.

Using FIG. 3, it can be seen that the external member 20 comprises a plurality of peripheral orifices 50, each peripheral orifice being defined between two adjacent spacers 30 on the one hand and between the first and second elements 22, 24 on the other hand. For example, in Figure 3, there is illustrated in detail a peripheral orifice 50 defined between the first and second spacers 30a, 30b and the first and second elements 22, 24 on the other hand.

Referring again to the detail view of Figure 3, we see that the first spacer 30a has a side edge 32a which is opposite a side edge 32b of the second spacer 30b. We also note that the two sides 32a, 32b have curved profiles. In this exemplary embodiment, considered in a plane P perpendicular to the first axis of rotation A, the orifice 50 has the shape of a nozzle, the benefit of which will be explained below. According to a variant not illustrated, the first spacer (or the second spacer) could comprise a bearing disposed at the lateral edge 32a to guide the movement of the finger.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, we see that the pickup wheel 10 according to the present invention further comprises an inner member 60 which is arranged in the outer member 20. In this example, the inner member 60 comprises a body 62 which has a second axis of rotation B, parallel to the first axis of rotation A and distinct from the first axis of rotation. In other words, the body 62 is eccentric relative to the external member 20.

The internal member 60 comprises a plurality of fingers 12,14,16,18 which are mounted on the body 62 in a pivoting manner about pivot axes XI, X2, X3, X4 which are parallel to the second axis of rotation B and distinct from said second axis of rotation B. As can be understood with the aid of FIG. 2, the fingers 12, 14, 16, 18 extend through the peripheral orifices 50 of the external member. Thanks to this arrangement, the fingers 12, 14, 16, 18 can slide with respect to the external member 20 during a concomitant rotation of the external member 20 and the internal member 60.

The internal member also comprises a plurality of stops 70 which are fixed to the body 62. In this example, these stops extend around the periphery of the body 62 and project perpendicularly to the flanges 62a, 62b of the body 62. The function of these stops 70 will be explained below.

Using FIGS. 3 to 12, the movement of the finger 12 is illustrated during the rotation of the pick-up wheel 10.

In the position of Figure 3, the finger 12 is fully retracted, so that it does not protrude from the outer member 20. Furthermore, the finger 12 is in abutment against the side edge 32b of the second spacer 30b, as illustrated in the detail view of FIG. 3.

We also note that the body 62 has a first and a second flanges 62a, 62b which are arranged on either side of the fingers. It is therefore understood that the fingers 12, 14, 16, 18 are pivotally mounted relative to the first and second flanges 62a, 62b. To do this, the proximal ends 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a are provided with bores which define the pivot axes XI, X2, X3, X4 of the fingers relative to the body, these bores cooperate with corresponding bores provided in the first and second flanges 62a, 62b. Fasteners (not shown here) allow the first and second flanges to be fixed together while holding the fingers.

We also note that the finger 12 has a distal end 12b, which is opposite the proximal end 12a. In the position of FIG. 3, the distal end 12b is in the orifice 50, so that the finger 12 does not protrude outside the external member 20.

According to a preferred embodiment, to rotate the pick-up wheel, the outer member 20 is rotated around the first axis of rotation A. The outer member 20 is rotated clockwise has the effect that the first spacer 30a comes into contact with the finger 12, and drives the finger 12 in rotation about the pivot axis XI until the finger 12 comes into contact with the stop 70. After the finger 12 is in contact with the stop, the continued rotation of the external member has the effect that the finger 12 drives the body 62 in rotation about the second axis of rotation B. The external member 20 and the internal member 60 are therefore rotated in the same direction of rotation and have substantially the same speed of rotation.

As the clockwise rotation of the pickup wheel 10, the pivot axis XI moves away from the first axis of rotation A, as a result of which the finger 12 moves towards the periphery of the external member, which has the effect of causing the deployment of the arm 12 outside the pick-up wheel. It is therefore found that, in use, the finger 12 is deployed by sliding along the lateral edge 32a of the first spacer 30a which drives it in rotation about the second axis of rotation B. Insofar as the lateral edge 32a is curved , it is understood that the contact surface between the side 12c of the arm 12 and the lateral edge 32a is small, which has the effect of limiting friction and operating noise.

In the position of Figure 8, the pivot axis XI of the finger 12 has a maximum distance from the first axis of rotation A, so that the finger 12 has a maximum deployed position. When the rotation continues clockwise, as illustrated in Figures 9 to 12, the pivot axis XI approaches the first axis of rotation A, which has the effect of retracting the finger 12 relative to the external member 20.

In this embodiment, the finger 12 never comes to bear simultaneously with the two side edges 32a, 32b, whereby the friction and the operating noise are reduced.

Another advantage of the convex shape is that the relative movement of the spacer relative to the arm is a rolling movement without sliding, which makes it possible to substantially limit the wear of the spacers and also to reduce substantially the operating noise.

As mentioned above, the pickup assembly 100 illustrated in FIG. 13 comprises three pickup wheels 10.10 ’, 100’ according to the invention.

The collection assembly further comprises a support 102, here constituted by a first shaft 104 on which the internal members 60,60 ', 60 ”of the collection wheels 10,10' and 10” are rotatably mounted around the second rotation axis B via bearings 106,106 ', 106 ”. It is therefore understood that the shaft 104 extends along the second axis of rotation B. The support 102 further comprises holding portions 108, 110 which carry the shaft 104. It can be seen that the support 106 comprises a second shaft 112 on which a cylindrical drum 114 is rotatably mounted around the first axis of rotation A.

The cylindrical drum 114 extends along the first axis of rotation A. It can be seen that the bodies 62.62 ', 62 ”of the internal members 60.60', 60” are arranged inside the cylindrical drum 114 , while the external members 20,20 ', 20 ”, and more particularly the first 22,22', 22” and second elements 24,24 ', 24 ”, are fixed to the peripheral wall 114a of the cylindrical drum 114.

The peripheral wall 114a of the cylindrical drum 114 has holes 116 which are arranged opposite the orifices 50, 50 ', 50 ”of the external member, the holes 116 being traversed by the fingers 12, 12 ', 12 ”, 16'16', 16”.

The assembly 100 further comprises a drive device 120 for driving the pick-up wheels 10,10 ’, 10” in rotation. To do this, the drive device 120 comprises a motor 122 arranged to rotate the cylindrical drum 114 around the first axis of rotation A. In this example, the motor 122 is fixed to a side wall 114b of the cylindrical drum 114 via a flange 115. One of the holding supports 108, 110 is in turn rotatably mounted relative to the flange 115.

Claims (1)

Claims [Claim 1] Pick-up wheel (10) with retractable and deployable finger (s) comprising: - an external member (20) provided with at least one peripheral orifice (50), the external member being rotatable about a first axis of rotation (A); - an internal member (60) having a second axis of rotation (B) parallel to the first axis of rotation (A) and distinct from the first axis of rotation (A), the internal member comprising: a body having a second axis of rotation (B), at least one finger (12) pivotally mounted on the body about a pivot axis (X) which is parallel to the second axis of rotation (B) and distinct from the second axis of rotation (B), the finger (12) extending through the peripheral orifice of the external member so that it can slide relative to the external member (20) when the external member (20) and the member are rotated interior (60); characterized in that the external member (20) comprises: - a first and a second element (22,24) arranged axially on either side of the finger (12,14,16,18), - At least a first and a second spacer (30a, 30b), said first and second spacers being arranged axially between the first and second elements (22,24) so that the peripheral orifice (50) is defined between the first and second spacers (30a, 30b) on the one hand, and between the first and second elements (22,24) on the other hand. [Claim 2] Pick-up wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that the first element (22) has an annular shape having its axis the first axis of rotation (A). [Claim 3] Pick-up wheel according to claim 2, characterized in that the first element (22) has a radial height (H), and in that at least one of the first and second spacers (30a, 30b) has a width ( 1) substantially equal to the radial height (H). [Claim 4] Pick-up wheel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first spacer (30a) has a lateral edge (32a) which is opposite a lateral edge (32b) of the second spacer ( 30b), the finger extending between the lateral edges (32a, 32b) of the first and second spacers (30a, 30b). [Claim 5] Pick-up wheel according to claim 4, characterized in that the finger (12) bears against at least one of the two lateral edges (32a, 32b). [Claim 6] Pick-up wheel according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that at least one of the two lateral edges (32a, 32b) has a curved profile towards the other lateral edge (32a, 32b). [Claim 7] Pick-up wheel according to any one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, in use, the finger (12) deploys and retracts by sliding along at least one of the two lateral edges (32a, 32b). [Claim 8] Pick-up wheel according to any one of Claims 4 to 7, characterized in that, considered in a plane perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (A), the orifice (50) has the shape of a nozzle. [Claim 9] Pick-up wheel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the spacers (30a, 30b) has a wear pad. [Claim 10] Pick-up wheel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the spacers (30a, 30b) is made of rubber. [Claim 11] Pick-up wheel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal member also comprises a stop to block the pivoting of the finger relative to the body when the spacer is in contact with the finger (12). [Claim 12] Pick-up wheel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal member (60) has a plurality of fingers (12,14,16,18), in that the external member (20) has a plurality of spacers (30,30a, 30b) and peripheral orifices (50), each peripheral orifice (50) being defined between two spacers, each finger (12,14,16,18) passing through one of the peripheral orifices (50 ). [Claim 13] Pick-up wheel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body comprises first and second flanges (62a, 62b) arranged on either side of the finger (12). [Claim 14] Pick-up wheel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the first and second spacers (30a, 30b) has a bearing to guide the movement of the finger. [Claim 15] Pickup assembly (100) characterized in that it comprises at least one pickup wheel (10,10 ', 10 ”) according to any one of the preceding claims, a support (102) and a drive device for driving in rotation the outside organ 60, and in that the organ interior (60,60 ’, 60”) and the external member (20,20 ’, 20”) are mounted movable relative to the support. [Claim 16] Collection assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises a cylindrical drum (114) rotatably mounted relative to the support around the first axis of rotation, the body being disposed in the cylindrical drum (114 ), while the external member is fixed outside the cylindrical drum (114).