GB2092421A - Haymaking machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A haymaking machine comprises rotary rakes the tines (2) of which are disposed on tine support arms (5) which are pivotable sideways and upwardly about inclined pivoting axes (21) and which, for "swathing" or "turning", are coupled in a tangential position in relation to the axis of rotation (4) to a control cam (8) having a substantially axial travel and for tedding in a radial position to the axis of rotation (4) they are uncoupled from the control cam (8) and pivoted up and positioned rigidly on the rotary frame (7), the conversion being capable of being carried out simultaneously for all tine carriers. Each tine support arm (5) is pivotable sideways to right and left in relation to the neutral position and is held rigidly in whichever is the position required. Each tine support arm (5) carries a fixing and locking lever (35) movable about a pivoting axis (34) substantially parallel with the ground and extending transversely of the longitudinal axis (10), the fixing and locking lever (35), in the "control position", fitting into a radially extending guide (37) associated with the rotary frame (7) and, during "tedding", being fixed in a bolt housing (36) situated downstream of this guide (37). A spring unit (41) assists each conversion operation. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Haymaking machine The invention relates to a haymaking machine for various operations, having at least two rotary rakes which, on a rotary frame rotatingly drivable about a substantially upright axis of rotation, with a statio narily associated and at the casing end open control cam, have a centrally adjustable tine support arm unit of which the tine support arms are in each case mounted to rotate about their longitudinal axis in a supporting member pivotable about an axis which is oblique in relation to the axis of rotation of the rotary rakes, and carry at the outer end part substantially downwardly directed tines (groups of tines) and at the inner end part are rotationally rigidly connected to a control lever which, for working with controlled tines, can be brought into operative connection with the control cam, and have a bolt for non-rotational locking on the rotary frame, the tine support arms being adapted for movement out of a first working position with a longitudinal axis extending tangentially of the rotary axis of the rotary rake and with a coupled control transmission and hence positively controlled tines, into a second working position with a longitudinal axis extending substantially radially of the rotary axis of the rotary rakes and a control transmission uncoupled by having the control lever guide part pivoted out of the control cam and a dispostion made rigid and rotationally rigid on the rotary frame.

Such a haymaking machine is already known from German Offenlegungsschrift No. 12944. The disadvantage therewith is that, beside "tedding", it only permits of "lateral swath drawing". Drawing "middle swaths" cannot be carried out because there is no possibility of reversing the direction of rotation. Therefore, this known haymaking machine cannot be used for all the necessary/desirable operations of haymaking.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved haymaking machine of the type mentioned at the outset in which at least one rotary rake can be used for both directions of rotation and all rotary rakes are in each case centrally adjustable.

According to the invention, this is resolved in that the tine support arms are supported to be pivotable out of the uncontrolled radial neutral position into a controlled tangential right or left-hand position, i.e.

Iaterallythrough a maximum of about 180 and in that on each tine support arm a fixing and locking lever which takes over the locking function is articulated in such a way as to be movable about a pivoting axis extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of the tine support arm and which, when working with uncontrolled tines, co-operates with a bolt housing associated with the rotary frame and, when working with controlled tines, is guided on/in a guide disposed in front of the bolt housing and which has its central axis (plane of symmetry) extending radially of the rotary axis of the rotary rakes.

By reason of the construction of centrally adjustable tine support arrangement according to the invention in respect of at least one of two cooperating rotary rakes, a haymaking machine which is equipped with such a rotary rake can be used for all the necessary operations, namely lateral swath drawing, middle swath drawing (possibly also controlled turning, if the control cam can be stopped in various positions of rotation) and tedding, conversion from one working position to the other being feasible extremely quickly and easily, conversion for tedding at the same time resulting in an enlargement of the working circle diameter and a change in the tine tip position in relation to In the case of a preferred embodiment, the fixing and locking levers are in each case held with their longitudinal axis substantially concordant in direction, i.e. in substantially the same longidutinal direction as that of the tines, radially of the axis of rotation of the rotary rakes, in a guide which is arcuate in its vertical extension and which is preferably formed by a slot in a convex guide plate sloping towards the ground at the outer end.

When working with controlled tines, in order to be able to minimise the frictional resistance between each guide and locking lever and the guide which is integral with the rotary frame (and thus in order to guarantee ease of movement), it is preferred to provide each fixing and locking lever with a roller (supporting roller) rolling on one of the two guide edges - particularly on the guide edge which is towards the tines of the associated tine support arms.

Furthermore, it is preferred and advantageous to support laterally, i.e. in parallel planes to the perpendicular passing through the tine support arm longitudinal axis, each fixing and locking lever in the region between its pivoting axis and the guide co-operating with it and extending transversely of the longitudinal direction of the tine support arm when working with controlled tines.

In order to ensure ease of movement when converting from "swath or turning position" to "tedding position", there is associated with each tine support arm a spring unit which supports the tine support arm in a weight-relieving manner during its upward movement and upon conversion (swinging down) to working with controlled tines, rotates the tine support arm so about its longitudinal axis that its control crank, particularly the control roller thereof which is required for the particular and corresponding direction of rotation, engages the control cam (initially runs on the guide track and then swings into the profile of the cam).In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is in each case constituted by a draw spring (particularly a metal coil spring) and is fitted at one end to that end of the fixing and locking lever which is remote from the lever pivot axis and at the other on a retaining projection provided on the tine support arm. The draw spring extends thereby outside (above) the fixing and locking lever guide which is associated with the rotary frame.

According to a further feature of the invention, considered in a radial direction each tine support arm lateral pivoting axis is provided coincident with the rotary axis of the rotary rake, being thereby inclined with its upper end in the direction of this axis of rotation, and has a rotationally rigidly disposed system of teeth meshing with an adjusting gearwheel which can be coupled with (locked at) various rotational settings on the driven rotary frame housing.

By virtue of the tooth connection between the rotary frame cover which is rotationally rigidly connected to a driving gearwheel (particularly the central plate wheel) and the lateral pivoting axis of the tine support arm, it is possible when there is no coupling (for example ratchet connection) between the rotary frame housing and the adjusting gearwheel, easily to rotate this adjusting gearwheel and achieve simultaneous sideways pivoting of all supporting members which carry a tine support arm and after the adjusting gearwheel has been fixed in the necessary (new) relative location, i.e. relative rotary setting, easily and without further aids, to achieve on the rotary frame housing an exact and positionally stable supporting of the support members and thus of the tine support arms mounted therein - in the tedding position (neutral position) or right-hand or left-hand swath position.Since otherwise conventional coupling members such as rods, rings or the like between the individual tine support arm supporting members are no longer required; it is possiblewith a reduced level of material utilisation to achieve the same result and also a lighter construction is made possible.

Further features of the invention will become evident from the other sub-claims.

The object of the invention extends not only to the features of the individual claims but also to combinations of features which arise therefrom.

An example of the embodiment of the invention will be explained in greater detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a vertical section through the drive, bearing and control portion of a rotary rake of a haymaking machine which is centrally convertible and which is intended for use with controlled tines for "swathing" or "turning" and with uncontrolled tines for "tedding", showing the tine support arm on the rotary frame locked in the tedding position and with the control roller swung out of the control cam; Figure 2 shows a cross-section through the control crank associated with each tine support arm, taken on the line ll-ll in Figure 1;; Figure 3 is a horizontal section through the hub of the rotary frame with a plan view of a lower hub flange on which there is a bolt housing and, situated in front of this, a guide for a fixing and locking lever which serves to establish the rigid position of the tine support arm and which is preferably equipped with rollers, the extreme positions of the rollers being indicated by dash-dotted lines; Figure 4 is a plan view of the rotary rake arrangement for the operation "lateral swathing", with tine support arm extending tangentially of the axis of rotation of the rotary rake;; Figure 5 is a plan view of the rotary rake arrange mentforthe operating "middie swathing" with the tine support arms extending tangetially of the axis of the rotation of the rotary rake, and Figure 6 is a plan view of the rotary rake arrangement for the operation "tedding" with tine support arms extending radially of the axis of rotation of the rotary take.

In a preferably adjustable width machine frame, not shown, a haymaking machine according to the invention preferably has two at least partially cooperating driven rotary rakes 1, 1' of which at least one is reversible in its direction of rotation so that it can therefore be used for right and left-hand running. This haymaking machine is constructed as a universal machine and can be used both for "swathing" and/or "turning" with controlled tines 2 and also for "tedding" with uncontrolled, i.e. rigidly set tines 2.By reason of the reversal of the direction of rotation of at least one rotary rake 1 and/or 1', it is possible when swathing with the same machine to draw either a middle swath or a side swath - if both rotary rakes 1, 1' are constructed so that they can be used for both directions of rotation, then according to the particular requirements of the situation, so a left or right-hand side swath can be produced.

Conversion of the tine arrangementfrom a swathing or turning position into a tedding position and vice versa takes place for each rotary rake 1, 1' in a central adjustment, i.e. all the tines 2 are adjusted at the sametime and merely by operating a single control knob.

Each rotary rake 1, 1' can be supported on the ground by means of at least one supporting element 3, preferably a jockey wheel. Its axis of rotation 4 is, as is already known, capable of being inclined so that according to the particular job which is to be performed, whichever is the best (particularly more or less parallel with the ground) position of the tine tips of each group of tines which happens to be operating, in the necessary sector of the tine revolution path.

The neighbouring/co-operating rakes 1,1' can be at a fixed interval or their axes may be at a variable interval. In each case, during "middle swathing", adequate intermediate space remains between the working circles of the rotary rakes and during "tedding", inter-engagement of the tines (intersection of the circles of action) of co-operating rotary rakes will be guaranteed.

For "lateral swathing", the entire machine frame or only a part of the frame carrying the corresponding rotary rake can be pivoted/inclined in order to achieve the inclined position shown in Figure 4 for the connecting line of the rotary rake in respect of the transverse position (see Figures 5, 6).

The rotary rakes 1,1' are driven by a common main drive mounted on the machine or in the case of a dual-rotary machine, there may be associated with one rotary rake a transmission which is derived from the drive to the other rotary rake. In either case, it is guaranteed that at least one of two co-operating rotary rakes 1, 1' can be driven to rotate to both right and left.

Each rotary rake 1, 1' has substantially upright and at the top end resiliently constructed and/or spring mounted tines 2 which are disposed on tine support arms 5 which for tedding are held radially and for swathing and/or turning are held tangentially of the axis of rotation 4 of the rotary rake. At least the tines 2 of a rotary rake which can be used in either direction of rotation are capable of functioning under full load on both sides, in this respect it being preferred and advantageous for the tines 2 in the raking position/operating position to be held vertical (when viewed from the end of the tine support arm).

A particularly advantageous embodiment envisages tines 2 which can be loaded from either side, which are of symmetrical construction and which are at the top end embedded in an elastic fixing and spring mounting member, for example of rubber, a plurality of tine rods possibly being embedded in a common rubber-elastic fixing and spring mounting member (head).

The tine support arms 5 of each rotary rake 1, 1' etc., are disposed in a rotary frame 7 coupled to a drive arrangement 6 and have at their inner end which is towards the axis of rotation 4 of the rotary rake a control crank 9 which can be coupled to a rotationally immobile control cam 8 which can preferably be locked in various rotary settings.When the control transmission is coupled, i.e. when the control crank 9 is engaged into the control cam 8, then during each revolution of the rotary rake, the tine support arms 5 are so pivoted about their longitudinal axis 10 that the tines 2 are, over a large circular sector, held down in the raking position (approximately vertical), after which at a predetermined location they are swung up so that they are lifted out of the material being raked (and thereby deposit this material to form a swath or windrow) and after the swath has been laid, they swing back again into the raking position.

The drive arrangement 6 used is preferably a driving gearwheel meshing with a tapered pinion, not shown, and preferably constituted by a bevel crown wheel. This driving gearwheel 6 extends over a rotary frame housing 11 and is connected to the rotary frame 7 by means of bolts 12.

The rotary frame 7 is mounted by means of a hub 13 on a rotationally immobile axle member, preferably tubular axle 14, on which for the sake of simplicity also the control cam 8 and possibly a support element mounting shaft 15 are fixed.

The control cam 8 is designed for use for right and left-hand rotating rakes 1, 1' and is therefore of symmetrical construction. It has a vertically shaped control path, preferably with a lower raking position control zone 8a and somewhat higher up a lift-out control zone 8b. In order to guarantee an exact and positive guidance of the control crank over the entire path even without a spring loading of the control crank, the control cam 8 which has an axial stroke is preferably constructed as what is known as a "closed cam path", i.e. with two spaced-apart and equidistant cam path faces, and in particular such a cam has a C-shaped cross-sectional profile.

This (at the casing end) substantially open crosssectional profile of the control cam 8 can be inclined in respect of the rotary axis 4 of the rotary rake, in fact in such a way that the raking position control zone 8a opens upwards and the lift-out control zone opens groundwards (see Figure 1). In order to permit of simultaneous automatic insertion of the control crank by centralised adjustment, the control cam 8 is provided with corresponding insertion aids, i.e. in front of the also upwardly opening raking position control zone 8a there is, associated with the upper guide track wall, a preferably steep upper guide track 16 and in front of the also downwardly open lift-out control zone 8b and associated with the lower guide track wall a preferably steep lower guide track 17 the principle of the construction can be seen in Figure 1.

For the purpose of localising the tine lift-out zone in respect of the tine rotation path and direction of travel F - for the various swathing jobs, the control cam 8 can be fixed in various rotary settings by ratchet or clamping action.

On its upright hub 13, the rotary frame 7 has in the upper and lower zones a flange 19 on/between which a plurality of supporting members 20 which in each case carry a tine support arm 5, are disposed so as to be laterally pivotable about an (in respect of the rotary axis 4 of the rotary rake) groundwards divergingly oblique pivoting axis (tine support arm lateral pivoting axis) 21.

The tine support arms 5 are mounted on the supporting members 20 in such a way as to be removable transversely of their longitudinal axis 10, being preferably adapted to be withdrawn in more or less the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the tines. They are in each case mounted in two mountings 22 which are detachably fixed on the supporting member 20 in a rotationally rigid and axially fixed fashion. These mountings fit on the bearing shaft of the tine support arms 5 and fit from underneath into a receiving pocket 23 on the relevant supporting member 20.

The cross-sectional profile of this receiving pocket 23 is U-shaped, preferably being at least in the bearing receiving zone constituted by a reverse U-shaped curved member having substantially parallel supporting arms (the arms of the U) vertical in the tine raking position. Each mounting 22 has at the casing end a preferably top fixing projection 22a such as a stud, projection or the like, which fits into a corresponding recess/aperture in the receiving pocket profile and is locked by means of a bolt 24, preferably of a screw and/or clamping element, extending transversely between the side walls (U arms) of the receiving pockets 23 and into/through the latter and also the mounting 22.

The supporting member pivoting axis 21 and longitudinal axis 10 of the tine support arms are at a right-angle to each other (see Figure 1). The axle element (bearing sleeve/bearing rod) 25 containing the pivoting axis 21 and the housing pocket 23 are connected to each other by at least one supporting strut - in the case of cast iron construction, only one supporting strut is needed but with a welded structure, a construction using two supporting struts 26, 27 is more advantageous and preferred.

This or these supporting strut(s) is/are so constructed that at the control end sufficient free space is available for the parts needed to set the tine support arms in a rigid position for "tedding" (see Figure 1).

In the case of the welded construction of supporting member illustrated, there extends between the upper end zone of the axle element (e.g. tubular axle) 25 and the outer end zone of the receiving pocket 23 which is towards the tines 2 a longitudinally substantially linear upper supporting strut 26 formed by an inverted channel profile (half shell), preferably a U-shaped or angle profile, and between the lower end zone of the axle element 25 and the inner end zone of the receiving pocket 23 which is towards the control cam 8 a longitudinally bent over (arcuate or angular) lower support strut 27 which, to a certain extent, preferably the bent-over position thereof, is also fixed on the upper supporting strut 26 -to this end it can fit into the U-shaped profile or the like.The lower supporting strut 27 is preferably flat against the lower end of the (in this case) tubular axle element 25 and can carry a bottom bearing journal 21 a as a component part of the pivoting axis 21.

At the top, the supporting member 20 is mounted by means of a bearing journal 21bwhile atthe bottom it has a bearing journal 21a. In a particularly simple way, there are constituted by a (possibly two combined into one unit) clamping sleeve extending through the axle element 25.

The upper bearing journal 21 b is thereby disposed above a toothed adjusting element 28, preferably a bevel pinion, which meshes with an adjusting gearwheel 29 disposed on the rotary frame hub 13, preferably on the upper flange 18 thereof, and adapted to be connected to the casing 11 in various rotary positions, being preferably connected by a ratchet locking arrangement.

Viewed radially of the axis of rotation 4 of the rotary rake, the pivoting axis 21 of the supporting member 20 extends coincidently with the axis of rotation 4 and, when viewed from a direction at 900 thereto, it is seen to extend at an acute angle to and downwardly diverging from the rotary axis 4 ofthe rotary rake. The angle enclosed thereby is so chosen that without varying the height of the rotary frame in relation to the ground the tines 2 of each group of tines on a tine support arm 5 can be adjusted merely by inclining the rotary axis 4 of the rotary rakes to move them out of the "swathing position" and into the "tedding position" with the tips disposed at the front more or less parallel with the ground and with at the back a favourable delivery angle (throw-out angle) and with a sufficiently generous gap between them and the ground.Particularly preferred is approximately a 20 angle for rotary axis inclination (in respect of the vertical) in the tedding position.

The central adjusting gearwheel 29 is preferably an internally toothed ring gear which is rotatably mounted on the top flange 18 of the rotary frame hub 13. The internally cut teeth are disposed thereby on an upwardly tapering bevel.

The adjusting gearwheel 29 carries an upwardly spring loaded bolt (snapper) 30 which can be pressed in against a resistance and which can be interlocked with in each case one of a plurality of recesses (snapper noles) 31 provied on an arc around the rotary axis 4 of the rotary rake, in the rotary frame housing 11.

When the adjusting gearwheel 29 is rotated in relation to the housing 11, and thus in relation to the rotary frame 7, the rolling movement causes the toothed adjusting element (tooth segment/tooth pinion) 28 associated with each supporting member 20 in a rotationally rigid/motionally rigid connection to rotate about its axis so that the supporting member 20 is pivoted sideways.According to the ratchet housing 31 in which the bolt 30 snaps (is engaged), so a tine support arm is fixed in a radial or tangential (right or left-hand) arrangement - and the tine support arms 5 are thereby situated in the radial location/neutral position in the "tedding position" and in the tangential position(s) in the "swathing position" or "turning position", their longitudinal axes 10 in the "tedding position" extending on a downwardly tapering cone (truncated cone) and in the "swathing position" in one plane (plane surface).

For adjusting the position of the tine support arms, the ratchet housings 31 are provided at such an angular distance from one another and the reduction offered by the gear transmission is so chosen that already at a relatively small angle of rotation, of about 20 to 30 between the radial and tangential position, the particular position of the tine support arm required can be achieved. The gear drive (items 28 and 29) which operates thereby is of such rugged construction that no further connecting means are required between the supporting member 20 (and thus between the tine support arms 5).

According to requirements, each rotary rake 1, 1' can be constructed for right-hand swath laying, left-hand laying or for right and left-hand swath laying. With a largely identical rotary frame 7, the difference resides only in the drive and in the crank arm being equipped with one or two control rollers 32 and/or 33.

In order to use the rotary rake or rakes 1, 1' for swathing/turning operations in both directions of rotation, it is necessary only to dispose on the right and left-hand sides and at a corresponding distance from the tedding position locking point ratchet housings 31 on/in the rotary frame 7, particularly in the rotary frame housing 11, and correspondingly to equip the control crank 9 with two control rollers 32, 33 of which each fits into the control cam 8 only in one direction of rotation of the rotary rakes during swathing or turning work.

The control rollers 32,33 of the or each control crank (control lever) 9 are identical and are positioned to diverge downwardly V-wise. The crank arm 9a carrying them and supported eccentrically of the longitudinal axis 10 of the tine support arm is provided in cross-section with two upwardly diverging V-wise related wall parts/angled edges on/in which it is possible to fit/attach rectangularly disposed control roller spindles. If a rotary rake 1, 1' is intended to carry out swathing work in only one direction of rotation, the control crank 9 of each tine support arm 5 then has only the control roller 32 or 33 needed for this desired (necessary) operation.

Exceptforthe missing (of if need be easilyfitted) control roller 32,33, the tine support arm constructions are identical, which permits of economic manufacture and stock-keeping.

In order to secure, i.e. rigidify, the tine support arms 5 for the "tedding" operation in the swung-up position with their control cranks, 9 i.e. particularly with their control roller 32 or 33, moved out of the control cam 8, so that they cannot pivot about their own longitudinal axis 10, there is on each tine support arm 5, particularly on the control crank 9 thereof, and adapted for movement about a pivoting axis 34 extending transversely of the longitudinal axis 10 of the tine support arm, a fixing and locking lever 35 which in the tine support arm tedding position co-operates with a bolt housing 36 associated with the rotary frame 7, the fixing and locking lever 35 in the swathing or turning position of the tine support arm being entrained in a nonfunctioning fashion and motionally rigidly with the control crank 9, being thereby moved along a guide 37 which is situated in front of the bolt housing 36.

This fixing and locking lever 35 holds (fixes) the tin support arm 5 always in a predetermined relative position on the rotary frame 7 and to this end it fits into a slot forming the guide 37 and associated with the rotary frame hub 13, preferably its bottom flange 19, the hub-end part of the slot forming or ending in front of the bolt housing 36. The plane of symmetry of this preferably rearwardly (at the hub end) narrowing slot guide extends radially of the axis of rotation 4 of the rotary rake and furthermore coincides with the pivoting axis (tine support arm lateral pivoting axis) 21 of the supporting members.

In the machine tedding position, each fixing and locking lever 35 is vertical, at least when viewed from the outer end of the tine support arm, and extends in opposition to the control crank eccentricity, preferably with its free end above the axial extension (line) of the tine support arm longitudinal axis 10 on the cam path side.

In the upper end zone, each fixing and locking lever 35 has, in order to reduce friction, a roller 38 which is rotatable about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the lever and which can according to the relevant working position (tedding position or swathing position) fit either into the bolt housing 36 or into the guide (guide slot) 37. Of course, with a modified construction, the roller 38 can also be used so that it only rolls during swathing or turning, rolling then on a wall edge which defines the side of the guide slot, if another part of the fixing and locking lever 35 can be connected (in particular by ratchet action) to the bolt housing 36.

During swathing, in order to diminish the resistance at the guide 37 during upwards and downwards movement (vertical pivoting) of the fixing and locking lever 35, brought about during axial travel of the control cam 8 during each rotation of the rotary rake, it is advantageous for the wall(s) containing the guide 37 to be disposed/constructed to slope downwardly at the outer end. Particularly preferred is a construction in which the guide 37 is in each case provided in a downwardly curving guide plate 39 which is arcuately curved about the axial line of the tine support arm pivoting axis 10 as assumed in the swathing position. Furthermore, the guide edges can be convex cross-section.

During tedding, in order to ensure a non-tilting and thus stable rigid position of the tine support arms 5, i.e in order to avoid a relative movement/ tilting of the fixing and locking lever 35 in respect of the control crank 8 carrying it and nevertheless to permit of a simple, easy and inexpensive construction of the lever arrangement, each fixing and locking lever 35 is in the region between its articulation (pivoting axis 34) and the bolt location, so supported laterally, particularly in planes parallel to the vertical line passing through the longitudinal axis 10 of the tine support arm, by means of support elements (supporting webs) 40 associated with the control crank 8 that the lateral moments of the force cannot have any harmful effects.

This lateral supporting occurs substantially in the region of the plane extending through the longitudinal axis 10 of the tine support arm, preferably between the latter and the guide plate 39. For favourable distribution of forces and simple and enduring construction, the fixing and locking lever 35 is laterally flattened at least in the supporting zone and as far as the bearing journal of the roller 38 it is preferably made from square-section material.

The supporting elements 40 engaging on both sides of the fixing and locking lever 35 are advantageously connected with each other outside of the lever pivoting zone, resulting on the one hand in a stable construction and on the other in a restriction of the lever pivoting movement. In a particularly simple embodiment, a curved member is provided for this purpose, having in the middle zone a slot 40a through which passes the fixing and locking lever 35, the curved member having its two ends fixed, preferably welded, on the crank arm 9a.

To facilitate conversion, there is associated with each tine support arm 5 a spring unit 41 which during the upwards movement - during pivoting about the obliquely disposed pivoting axis 21 rotates the tine support arm in a weight-relieving fashion and, during downwards movement so rotating it about its longitudinal axis that the corresponding control roller runs onto the guide face of the control cam so guaranteeing a particularly smooth (effortless) conversion by the centralised adjustment system.

This spring unit 41 preferably consists of a draw spring, particularly a metal coil spring, one end of which is fitted to that end of the fixing and locking lever 35 which is remote from the pivoting axis 34 while its other end is secured to a retaining projection (spring holder) 42 provided on the tine support arm 5, preferably on its control crank 9. The spring unit 41 extends thereby above the guide (plate) 37 (39) associated with the rotary frame 7. It extends in a lateral direction - viewed in the tedding position substantially coincidentially with the longitudinal axis 10 of the tine support arm. During "swathing" or "turning" operations, the draw spring or the like maintains the fixing and locking lever 35, particularly the roller 38 thereof, in each case against the wall (edge) which is towards the tine carrying outer end of whichever is the relevant tine support arm 5 and of the guide slot which widens out V-wise towards its outer end when viewed in plan.

The spring unit 41 may be a draw spring also, an elastic spring element, force storage means or the like.

Furthermore, this spring element 41 may be at least partially accommodated in the tine support arm 5 or may extend substantially coaxially therewith.

The aforementioned motionally rigid connection of the individual tine support arms 5, particularly the support members 30 thereof, to one another by means of a central preferably internally toothed adjusting gearwheel 29 which meshes directly with a gear system (preferably bevel pinion or a toothed segmentwith a bevel pinion-like tooth arrangement) associated with the lateral pivoting axis of the supporting members if of fundamental importance and is not confined to a haymaking machine having the aforedescribed principle of rigidly positioning the tine supports, in other words it can be used wherever tine support arms, for adjustment of the various operations, are mounted to pivot sideways about a substantially upright axis and where all tine support arms are coupled in a synchronously adjustable fashion - even if the tine support arms do not have a pivotally articulated fixing and locking lever 35.

Claims (31)

1. Haymaking machine for various operations, having at least two rotary rakes which, on a rotary frame rotatingly drivable about a substantially upright axis of rotation, with a stationarily associated and at the casing end open control cam, having a centrally adjustable tine support arm unit of which the tine support arms are in each case mounted to rotate about their longitudinal axis in a supporting member pivotable about an axis which is oblique in relation to the axis of rotation of the rotary rakes and carry at the outer end part substantially downwardly directed tines (groups of tines) and atthe inner end part are rotationally rigidly connected to a control lever which, for working with controlled tines, can be brought into operative connection with the control cam, and have a bolt for non-rotational locking on the rotary frame, the tine support arms being adapted for movement out of a first working position with a longitudinal axis extending tangentially of the rotary axis of the rotary rake and with a coupled control transmission and hence positively controlled tines, into a second working position with a longitudinal axis extending substantially radially of the rotary axis of the rotary rakes and a control transmission uncoupled by having the control lever guide part pivoted out of the control cam and a disposition made rigid and rotationally rigid on the rotary frame, characterised in that the tine support arms (5), are supported to be pivotable out of the uncontrolled radial neutral position into a controlled tangential right or left-hand position, i.e. laterally through a maximum of about 1800 and in that on each tine support arm (5) a fixing and locking lever (35) which takes over the locking function is articulated in such a way as to be movable about a pivoting axis (34) extending transversely of the longitudinal axis (10) of the tine support arm and which, when working with uncontrolled tines (2), co-operates with a bolt housing (36) associated with the rotary frame (7) and, when working with controlled tines (2), is guided on/in a guide disposed in front of the bolt housing (36) and which has its central axis (plane of symmetry) extending radially of the rotary axis (4) of the rotary rakes.

2. Haymaking machine according to Claim 1, characterised in that the guides (37) for the fixing and locking lever (35) extend substantially radially of the axis of rotation (4) of the rotary rakes and are in the extent of their height, constructed insubstantial- ly arcuate fashion.

3. Haymaking machine according to Claim 1, characterised in that the guides (37) as well as the bolt housing (36) are in each case formed by a slot in an outwardly and downwardly curved (arcuate) guide strip (39) of the rotary frame (7).

4. Haymaking machine according to Claim 3, characterised in that the guides (37) are in each case formed by a slot guide which narrows in the direction of the bolt housing.

5. Haymaking machine according to Claim 3, characterised in that the guide strip (39) is more or less arcuately curved about an axis which extends transversely of the longitudinal axis (10) of the tine support arm and more or less parallel with the ground.

6. Haymaking machine according to Claim 1, characterised in that the guides (37) have crosssectionally convex guide edges.

7. Haymaking machine according to Claim 1, characterised in that the tine support arms (5) are fitted with tines (2) which can be loaded on both sides.

8. Haymaking machine according to Claim 1, characterised in that each fixing and locking lever (35) has its longitudinal axis (10) extending substantially in the same plane (according to direction) as the tine fixing axis.

9. Haymaking machine, particularly according to Claim 1, characterised in that acting on each tine support arm (5) is a spring unit (41) which relieves the weight thereof during conversion to the "tedding position", and during conversion for working with controlled tines, i.e. swathing/turning, so rotating the tine support arm (5) about its own longitudinal axis (10) that its control crank (9), particularly the control roller (32/33) which happens to be required thereof, is moved into a position for incorporation into the control cam (8).

10. Haymaking machine according to Claim 9, characterised in that each spring unit (41) extends outside of and preferably above the guide (37) for the fixing and locking lever (35) which is associated with the rotary frame (7).

11. Haymaking machine according to Claim 10, characterised in that each spring unit (41) is on the one hand fixed at the end of the fixing and locking lever (35) which is remote from the lever pivoting axis (34) and on the other on a spring holder such as a retaining projection (42) which is provided rigidly on the tine support arm (5).

12. Haymaking machine according to Claim 1, characterised in that the pivoting travel of each fixing and locking lever (35) is limited.

13. Haymaking machine according to Claim 1 and/or 12, characterised in that in the region between its pivot axis (34) and the guide coperating with it and during operation with control tines (2) (in the "control position") extending transversely of the longitudinal direction of the tine support arm, i.e. in parallel planes to the perpendicular passing through the longitudinal axis of the tine support arm.

14. Haymaking machine according to Claim 12 and/or 13, characterised in that each fixing and locking lever (35) fits into a slotted guide (40a) extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the tine support arm (5) with which it is associated.

15. Haymaking machine according to Claim 13 and/or 14, characterised in that each fixing and locking lever (35) passes through a slot (40a) in a curved member (40) associated with the tine support arm (5).

16. Haymaking machine according to Claim 1, characterised in that each fixing and locking lever (35) is mounted eccentrically of the longitudinal central axis (10) through the tine support arm (5).

17. Haymaking machine according to Claim 1 and/or 16, characterised in that each fixing and locking lever (35) is articulated on a crank (drive or control crank) (9) carrying at least one support roller (38).

18. Haymaking machine according to Claim 17, characterised in that from its pivoting axis (34) outwardly, each fixing and locking lever (35) extends in opposition to the crank eccentricity.

19. Haymaking machine according to Claims 16 to 18, characterised in that each fixing and locking lever (35) is articulated on a crank part (9a) provided eccentrically of the longitudinal central axis (10) through the tine support arm and extends from its pivoting axis (34) outwards in a transverse position in relation to the tine support arm (5) and preferably projects beyond the latter (Figure 1).

20. Haymaking machine according to Claim 1 and/or 17, characterised in that the drive or control cranks (9) have on the eccentric part (crank arm) (9a) and on either side of its plane of symmetry, A-wise disposed and (with rigidly positioned tine support arms (5)) downwardly diverging roller connections, preferably bearing pins carrying threaded bores for control rollers (32,33).

21. Haymaking machine according to Claim 1, characterised in that the fixing and locking lever (35) is provided with a roller (support roller) (38) which fits into the guide (37) and the axis of rotation of which extends in the longitudinal direction of the lever.

22. Haymaking machine according to Claim 1, characterised in that the control cam (8) is of symmetrical construction and has impact faces (16, 17) for the control rollers (32,33).

23. Haymaking machine particularly according to Claim 1, characterised in that each tine support arm lateral pivoting axis (21) extends in a radial direction more or less coincident with the axis of rotation (4) of the rotary rakes, while its upper end is obliquely inclined in the direction thereof and has a rotationally rigid arrnngement of teeth (28) which mesh with a central adjusting gearwheel (29).

24. Haymaking machine according to Claim 23, characterised in that the adjusting gearwheel (29) can be rotationally rigidly locked in at least one predetermined angle of rotation in relation to a rotary frame cover (11) which is in turn rotationally rigidly connected to a central rotary rake drive wheel (6) disposed coaxially of the rotary axis (4) of the rotary rakes.

25. Haymaking machine according to Claim 23, characterised in that the adjusting gearwheel (29) is internally toothed.

26. Haymaking machine according to one or more of Claims 23 to 25, characterised in that the adjusting gearwheel (29) is formed by a centred ring gear rotatable on the hub (13) of the rotary frame and having internal teeth located on an upwardly tapering truncated cone.

27. Haymaking machine according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterised in that the lateral pivoting axis (21) of each support member (20) which accommodates a tine support arm (5) is mounted at both ends in/on a retaining part (18, 19) associated with the rotary frame hub (13), preferably at the top end in/on a flange (18) centring and connected to the adjusting gearwheel (29) and at the bottom end in/on a flange (19) carrying the guides (37) for the guide and locking lever (35).

28. Haymaking machine according to one or more of the preceding Claims, characterised in that each support member lateral pivoting axis (21) and pivoting axis (34) of the fixing and locking lever (35) associated with each tine support arm (5) is intersectingly disposed, preferably on a common oblique plane.

29. Haymaking machine according to Claim 1, characterised in that each supporting member (20) has, disposed on an inclined pivoting axis (21), an axle element (25) as well as, with its longitudinal axis extending at a right-angle thereto, a laterally and/or groundwards open receiving pocket (23) which is connected to the axle element (25) by at least one supporting strut (26, 27) and accommodates the tine support arm (5) in such a way that this latter can be (transversely) movable, countable and detachable in a radial direction, i.e. parallel with its longitudinal direction.

30. Haymaking machine according to Claim 29, characterised in that each supporting member (20) has an upper supporting strut (26) which in crosssection has an at least partially, on the groundwards side, open profile and extending from the upper zone of the axle element (25) to the outer (tine end) zone of the receiving pocket (26) (sic!), and in that a (bent and/or angled-over) lower supporting strut (27) curved in its longitudinal extension and extending from the lower zone of the axle element (25) to the inner (rotary axis or cam end) zone of the receiving pocket (26) fits into the said upper supporting strut.

31. Haymaking machine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.