NL1006999C2 - Folding agricultural machine as well as a method for folding up that agricultural machine from the working position to the transport position. - Google Patents

Description

FOLDABLE AGRICULTURAL MACHINE AND METHOD FOR FOLDING UP THE AGRICULTURAL MACHINE FROM THE WORKING POSITION

The invention relates to an agricultural machine which can be brought from the working position to the transport position, provided with a frame comprising a number of motor-driven working members located next to each other in the working position of the machine transverse to the usual direction of travel, the machine being provided with pivoting means, so that at least one of the working members around a first pivot axis extending at least substantially horizontally and at least substantially perpendicular to the usual direction of advancement of the machine in the working position of the machine and a transverse to said first pivot axis which second pivot axis is pivotable to the transport position, and which machine is provided with control means for controlling the angle over which it can pivot. The invention also relates to a method for bringing an agricultural machine from the working position into the transport position.

Agricultural machines with a large working width are increasingly being used, which can be folded up so that they have a smaller width in transport position, so that such machines are suitable for transport by public road. Such an agricultural machine is known from DE-U-9109324.4. It describes and shows a so-called hay tedder with in the working position six motor-driven shaking members (rotors) rotatable next to each other, arranged transversely to the usual direction of travel, and which have a working width which is considerably larger than the width of the tractor, and in which the hay tedder in the transport position has a width which almost corresponds to the width of the tractor. This machine has a central group of two rotors with a group of two rotors on either side, the side groups being pivotally mounted around the respective first pivot axis in the working position horizontal and in the direction of forward movement 1 00 69 99 2 group while the center group is pivotally attached to the frame around a horizontal pivot axis directed horizontally and perpendicular to the direction of travel. When folding from the working position to the transport position, the 5 rotors of the side groups are first pivoted upwards through 90 ° around the respective first pivot axis, after which the rotors of the middle group are pivoted up and forward around the second pivot axis, the rotors of the side groups are simultaneously pivoted forward, so that in the transport position the 10 side groups, related to the direction of forward movement of the machine, eventually extend obliquely upwards and forwards, the axes of rotation of the rotors of the side groups, related to that direction of forward direction focused.

15 By "transverse" here is meant that the pivot axes enclose an arbitrary angle with each other, by "axis" here is meant both a virtual and a material axis.

A disadvantage of this folding-up method is that during the folding-up the center of gravity of the machine is moved over a considerable height.

FR-A-2683697 discloses a shaker with a first and a second pivot axis, wherein, in contrast to the machine described in DE-U-9109324.4, for folding up from the working position to the transport position, it is first pivoted around the second pivot axis, while the number of shakers is only four, the two outermost of which are then pivoted forward to reduce the width. The end position of the working members to be reached is also comparable to that according to DE-U-9109324.4. As a result, the height over which the center of gravity is moved during folding up is smaller, but still considerable. In addition, the height of the device in the folded-up position is relatively large. Partly for this reason, working with such an apparatus requires relatively much attention. 35 There is a risk of damage from, for example, tilting the device.

The object of the invention is to at least mitigate at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art and, preferably, to completely eliminate them. On the other hand, the invention contemplates an agricultural machine that can be folded up from the working position into the transport position, with transport dimensions which are more compact compared to the working dimensions. Dimension means the length 5 and / or the width. In a further aspect, the invention contemplates that with the machine in the folded-up position and with the drive switched on, no damage is caused to the drive and the rotors. In yet another aspect, the invention contemplates a sequence of movements for the processing members to transition from the working position to the transport position, the movement sequence as natural as possible and thus with as few aids as possible, preferably by gravity and / or mass inertia determined.

The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, aimed at hay-making machines, such as so-called rakes and tedders. A tedder or rake contains large, rotating parts with rake or tine tines that must work together precisely without interfering with each other, at high rotation and forward speeds. The large dimensions of the crop working members and their drive complicate folding up the machine in the transport position, in particular when the drive of those crop working members can also be switched on in the folding position without causing damage to the machine. As such, the technology on which a tedder or rake relies cannot be compared to that of other agricultural machines, such as a weeder.

On the one hand, the agricultural machine according to the invention is characterized by the combination of measures according to claim 1. Preferably, the working members are pivoted about at least about 55 °, more preferably at least about 70 °, around the first pivot axis in the transport position. This allows the center of gravity, as well as the transport height of the machine, to remain low. The working members of the side group can be pivoted simultaneously with those of the middle group, if any.

On the other hand, the agricultural machine according to the invention is characterized by the combination of measures 1 006999 4 according to claim 4. Thus, the working members can first be pivoted forward or backward, so that one or more running or supporting wheels, if present, can continue to rest on the ground, after which they are pivoted upwards. The folding does not then have to be exactly synchronous to ensure stability, while the center of gravity also remains low.

The invention does not affect the possibility of folding one or more working members on one or more other working members, before or after pivoting, in order to thereby reduce, for example, the length of a series of adjacent working members.

It is known per se for hay tedders to rotate the rotors in the working position of the agricultural machine by a slight angle, ie a maximum of 6 °, with respect to a horizontal plane, in order to adjust the teeth of the rotors such that they can catch on the ground. This adjustment possibility has nothing to do with folding up the agricultural machine from the working position into the transport position 20 in order to adapt the size of that agricultural machine to dimensions suitable for road transport. This adjustment option in the working position is rather intended, for example, to put the agricultural machine in a free-running position during turning in the field.

The greater the angle pivoted according to the invention, the more favorable the effect; for example, when the length and / or width dimension of the working member in the working position is greater than the height, 30 pivots about 90 ° is most preferred. The pivoting preferably takes place in such a way that the working member is out of engagement with the ground in the transport position. If, for example, the working member is supported in the working position via a running wheel on the ground, this means that the running wheel no longer rests on the ground in the transport position. If the width, and possibly also the length, of the agricultural machine is to be reduced for transport, it is preferable that the processing member is pivoted around a first pivot axis and around a second pivot axis. The pivoting can, for example, take place forwards or backwards in relation to the usual direction of travel, but also upwards or downwards. The pivoting can take place around a horizontal or around a pivoting axis which is directed downwards.

Australian folding 417056 per se discloses a folding harrow with a center frame and on either side thereof a side frame coupled to the center frame. The two side frames and the center frame are pivotable upward about a common horizontal and perpendicular to the conventional direction of advancement of the tool upwardly to assume a substantially vertical position, after which the side frames are subsequently moved around a respective horizontal, parallel to the working position. the second pivot axis running in the direction of advancement, which thus runs vertically in the folding position, forward, relative to the usual direction of advancement of the tool, can be pivoted to reduce the width of the tool in the transport position.

In the following, the invention is further elucidated on the basis of non-limiting exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

Hereby shows:

Figure 1 shows a top view of a first embodiment of an agricultural machine according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the agricultural machine shown in Figure 1, showing it both in the working position and in the partly folded-up position; Figure 3 shows a view similar to figure 2, but now in the fully folded-up transport position;

Figure 4 shows a view, partly broken away, corresponding to figure 1, with the agricultural machine in the transport position; Figure 5 shows a view corresponding with figure 3 of an agricultural machine according to the invention which can be folded up in the transport position in an alternative manner; 1000999 6

Figure 6 shows the rear view of the agricultural machine shown in Figure 5 in its transport position;

Figure 7 shows an alternative agricultural machine according to the invention, shown in the view corresponding to Figure 1;

Figure 8 shows the side view of the agricultural machine shown in Figure 7, in the transport position;

Figure 9 shows the top view of the agricultural machine shown in Figure 8, in the transport position.

The agricultural machine 1 shown in Figs. 1-4 comprises a main frame 3 which can be supported on two transport wheels 2 and which can be coupled to a tractor vehicle 4, which is only partially shown here, with which the agricultural machine 1 can be propelled. In this embodiment, the agricultural machine 15 is a hay tedder and to that end comprises a number, in this case six, in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel A, substantially in a straight line, adjacent shakers or rotors 5, each of which rotatable about an upward axis of rotation. These rotors 5 are known per se and, for example, carry a number of teeth along their circumference to engage and displace crop lying on the ground. These rotors 5 are mounted on an articulated frame beam 6, which is attached to the main frame 3 via a hinged linkage 7. A central drive shaft 8 driven by the power take-off shaft of the tractor vehicle 4 and coupled thereto, runs via a short-haired and hinged segment 9, which is equipped for this purpose, for example, with keys engaging in keyway grooves, to a transmission 30, from which a segmented drive shaft 11 running towards the respective rotors 5 is guided through the segmented frame beam 6. Said segmented drive shaft 11 is hinged at the location of the hinges in the segmented frame beam 6, for instance by means of cross-connections or gimbals. For each rotor 5 there is a transmission 12 for transferring drive power from the segmented drive shaft 11 to the respective rotor 5. The segmented frame beam 6 is designed to be pivotable at locations 13 and 14 around substantially horizontal pivot axes directed substantially in the direction of travel A (seen in the working position according to Figure 1). The drive shafts of the two rotors 5, which are located on either side of the central longitudinal axis of the agricultural machine 1, and which form the central group of rotors, are located on the two pivot axes 13. On either side of that middle group there is in each case a side group consisting of two rotors, the rotors 5 of 10 being pivotable in a side group relative to each other. Alternatively, the number of rotors belonging to a middle or side group may be more or less than the number described and shown here.

Figure 2 shows the hinged linkage 7 for pivoting the rotors 5 more clearly. A mounting element 17 is attached to the main frame 3 about a pivot axis 16 oriented substantially horizontally and substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. The end of this element 17 opposite the pivot shaft 16 carries the segmented frame beam 6 with the rotors 5 attached thereto. An operating element 18, in this case a hydraulic piston / cylinder assembly, engages the element 17 at a distance from the pivot shaft 16. to swing it around the pivot axis 16. For the purpose of adjusting the rotors 5 over a small angle of inclination (for example 6 ° from the horizontal plane) in the working position, the segmented frame beam 6 can be pivoted about the element 17 about a pivot axis 19 running substantially parallel to the pivot axis. mounted. An actuating element 20 engaging frame bar 6, in this case a hydraulic piston / cylinder assembly, permits this adjustment in the working position. Alternatively, the frame beam is rigidly connected to the element 17 and the rotors 5 are individually adjustable over that small angle of inclination. In that adjustment in the working position it is generally the intention that the running wheels 21, of which each rotor 5 has one, remain supported on the ground. This mode of adjustment is usually limited to an angle of about 6 ° between the forwardly inclined position of the rotor 5 shown in Figure 2 and a substantially horizontal position thereof. Because each rotor 5 has its own impeller, the rotors 5 can adapt individually in the working position to the local conditions of the field.

As shown in Figure 2, the rotors 5 can be pivoted jointly about the pivot axis 16 between an operating position and a transport position by an angle of at least about 45 °, and in this exemplary embodiment for example about 90 °. The length of the agricultural machine 1 is thereby considerably reduced. Then, each side part about the respective pivot axis 13 can be pivoted forward, i.e. in the direction of the arrow A, also by an angle of, for example, about 90 °, or perhaps even considerably more, to the position shown in Figures 3 and 4 in which the width of the agricultural machine 1 has also decreased considerably. Optionally, the outer rotor 5 of a side group can be pivoted around the pivot shaft 14 relative to the more inwardly located rotor 5 of the same side group, for example in the direction of the arrow B indicated in Figure 4, for an additional length. obtain reduction. Also in the folded-up position shown in Figures 3 and 4, the drive for all rotors 5 is intact and they can also be driven in rotation in that position without harmful consequences. In this embodiment, the frame beam 6 moves around the pivot shaft 16 during pivoting.

Alternatively, the rotors 5 also pivot relative to the frame beam 6.

In another exemplary embodiment, which is not shown, an additional rotor 5 can be arranged on the outer rotor 5 in figure 4 on either side of the agricultural machine. To bring the machine into transport position, the outer two rotors 5 are pivoted about the hinge shaft 14 in the direction of arrow B in figure 4, by an angle of, for example, 25 °. In yet another alternative embodiment according to the invention, the additional rotor 5 can also be pivoted about an otherwise not shown hinge shaft which is arranged at the transmission 12 in figure 4. The additional rotors 5 can be brought into the transport position by pivoting them in the 1006999 9 direction of arrow B in figure 4 around the additional pivot axis, over an angle of preferably 45 ".

Figures 5 and 6 show a variant of the agricultural machine 5 according to the invention described above with reference to Figures 1-4. The main difference is that the pivot shafts 13 are now not oriented horizontally, but at least substantially vertically, as seen in the working position of the agricultural machine 1. When folding from the working position to the transport position (see figures 5 and 6), all rotors 5 are pivoted about the pivot axis 16, and each side group is pivoted about the respective pivot axis 13 to enter the transport position above the adjacent rotor 5 of the center group. By pivoting the outer rotor 5 of the respective side group around the pivot shaft 14 in order to reach the position shown in figure 5 in the transport position, the height increase of the agricultural machine 1 in its transport position is limited. Optionally, said outer rotor 5 can be pivoted even further around, for instance, a parallel pivot axis located at a short distance from the pivot axis 14, so as to face the backwardly situated rotor inwardly.

A further variant of the agricultural machine according to the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 7-9. Contrary to the agricultural machine described and shown above, the machine according to Figs. 25-7-9 has a center group of four rotors 5 which, relative to the direction of travel A, is staggered backwards relative to the respective four rotors of each side group and wherein all rotors of the middle group are located substantially in a straight line. The rotors 5 of the middle group 30 are not all pivoted to enter the transport position. Only the two outer rotors 5 of that middle group are pivoted upward about a respective pivot axis 22. The pivot axes 22 extend substantially horizontally and substantially parallel to the direction of advancement 35 A. The center group is further raised, substantially parallel to itself, over a sufficient distance to the transport position, for example in that the center group is mounted on 1006999 10 main frame 3 via a hinged parallelogram linkage. The articulated frame beam 6 of each side group, at a distance from the main frame 3 defining the central longitudinal axis of the agricultural machine 1, has a substantially vertical pivot axis 23 and a closer pivot axis 24 extending substantially horizontally and substantially parallel to the direction of travel A. (based on the working position). Furthermore, between the two outer and two inner rotors 5 of each side group, there are two generally parallel hinge races 25 and 26 (relative to the working position), which run parallel to the pivot shaft 24 (relative to the working position). operating position, pivoted forward about the pivot axis 23, and pivoted upward about the pivot axis 24 and the two outer rotors 5 of each side group are pivoted about the pivot axes 25 and 26, pivoting about each said pivot axis 23, 24, 25, 26 about 90 ° is made. As an alternative, it is also possible for all rotors of the middle group to be pivoted, for example around a pivot axis, oriented to the working position, oriented substantially horizontally and substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel A, such as, for example, in accordance with the embodiment variant according to figure 1. Other ways in which rotors 5 are pivoted relative to each other are also possible. It should be clear that for the embodiment shown in Figs. 7-9 it is preferable to branch off drive for the middle group from the central drive, separate from the drive for the side groups.

Combinations of one or more separate measures of two or more embodiments described above and / or shown in figures 30, such as numbers of rotors, manner of pivoting and / or pivoting of those rotors, mutual arrangement of the rotors, are also contemplated by the invention. .

The working areas of the rotors will preferably overlap for use as a shaker. The rotors 35, however, could be just as well equipped as rakes, for which purpose their working areas could, for example, keep some space between themselves. Application as a harrow, for example a harrow, for the agricultural machine 1 is also possible.

1 006999 11

As a shaker, adjacent rotors will rotate against each other, as shown with arrows in Figure 1, for example. However, other directions of rotation for other applications are possible. As regards pivoting, an angular rotation of about 90 ° is preferred, but smaller or larger angles, for example about 180 °, are also possible.

1006999

Claims (36)

An agricultural machine which can be brought from the working position to the transport position, provided with a frame (3) comprising a number of motor-driven working members (5) located next to each other in the working position of the machine transverse to the usual direction of travel, the machine is provided with pivoting means, so that at least one of the machining members around a first pivot axis (16) extending at least substantially horizontally in the working position of the machine and at least substantially perpendicular to the usual direction of advancement of the machine and transverse to that first pivot axis, second pivot axis (13) is pivotable to the transport position, and which machine is provided with control means for controlling the angle over which it is pivoted, characterized in that said control means ensure that said processing member is rotated about at least about 45 ° that first pivot axis is pivoted into the transport position. Agricultural machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said pivoting means are designed such that at least one of the working members is pivotable about a third pivot axis (23) extending upwards in the working position of the machine to the transport position. 3. Agricultural machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said pivoting means are further designed in such a way that at least that one processing member is located at least substantially horizontally and at least substantially parallel to the usual direction of movement in the transport position of the machine. the fourth pivot shaft (24) extending from the machine is pivotable to the transport position. 4. Agricultural machine provided with a frame (3) which carries a number of working members (5) located next to each other in the working position of the machine transverse to the usual direction of travel, and which machine is foldable, the machine being provided with pivoting means, so that at least one of the working members can be pivoted about a third pivot shaft (23) extending upwardly in the working position of the machine to the transport position, characterized in that said pivoting means are further designed such that at least one working member can be pivoted about a fourth pivot axis (24) extending at least substantially horizontally and at least substantially parallel to the usual direction of advancement of the machine in the transport position of the machine. Agricultural machine according to any one of the claims, characterized in that in the working position the machine comprises a central group of working members arranged on either side of the median longitudinal line of the agricultural machine. 6. Agricultural machine according to any one of the claims, characterized in that the machine in the working position comprises at least one side group arranged on the side of the central longitudinal line of the agricultural machine. Agricultural machine according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the machine comprises a middle group with at least one side group on either side thereof. Agricultural machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the working position of the machine at least a subgroup of the working members is at least substantially in a straight line. Agricultural machine according to claims 7 or 8, characterized in that in the working position of the machine the central group 25 is offset from a side group, relative to a horizontal line running perpendicular to the usual direction of advancement. Agricultural machine according to claims 7 or 8, characterized in that in the working position of the machine the center group 30 is aligned with a side group, relative to a horizontal line running perpendicular to the usual direction of advancement. Agricultural machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two working members 35 can be pivoted about a common pivot axis. Agricultural machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises drive means for driving the working members in an energized manner. 1006989 Agricultural machine according to claim 12, characterized in that there is a central drive source for driving the working members mechanically. Agricultural machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the working members are coupled to said central drive source via one or more drive shafts (8, 11), and coupling members incorporated at the location of hinge means are arranged in the drive train. Agricultural machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the working position the working members are supported on the ground by at least one running wheel (21). Agricultural machine according to claim 15, characterized in that a number of working members, for example belonging to a middle group or a side group, comprise one or more common running wheels. Agricultural machine according to claim 16, characterized in that each working member has an associated running wheel. Agricultural machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is supported in the transport position by one or more transport wheels (2) on the ground. Agricultural machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is further provided with adjusting means (20) about at least one of the working members in its working position at a small angle, for instance adjustable inclination position, forwards or backwards, based on the usual direction of locomotion. Agricultural machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame comprises coupling means for coupling to a propulsion vehicle (4). Agricultural machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame comprises a central central frame 35 (3) with transport wheels supported in the transport position on the ground, with working members coupled to that main frame, in the working position of the machine sideways running beams (6). 1 006999 Agricultural machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that working members are pivotable around a common second pivot axis. An agricultural machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the working members comprise rotatable rotors around respective pivot axes for shaking or raking crop located on the ground. Agricultural machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the working position of the machine, the distance from the central longitudinal axis of the agricultural machine to the second pivot axis (24) is at most equal to the distance between said central longitudinal axis and the first pivot axis. (23), but is preferably smaller. 25. Agricultural machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two working members have substantially the same distance from their common second pivot axis. Agricultural machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is a further pivot axis. An agricultural machine according to claim 26, characterized in that at most a subgroup of at least one of the working members pivotable about the first pivot axis is pivotable around said further pivot axis. 28. An agricultural machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame is dimensioned such that in the transport position of the device the machine can be coupled to a tractor vehicle. 29. Method for bringing an agricultural machine from the working position into the transport position as described in one or more of the preceding claims 1-28, wherein the agricultural machine is provided with a frame (3) which has a number, in the working position of the machine carries adjacent motor-driven working members (5) transversely to the usual direction of travel, and the machine is designed to be foldable in order to achieve a width reduced in the cranking position relative to the working position, the machine being provided with pivoting means, so that at least one of the working members around a first pivot axis (16) extending at least substantially horizontally and at least substantially perpendicularly to the usual direction of advancement of the machine in the working position of the machine and about a transverse to that first pivot axis 5, the second pivot axis (13) is pivotable to the transport position, first around that first pivot axis is pivoted, characterized in that said processing member is pivoted about said first pivot axis by at least about 45 °. A method according to claim 29, characterized in that said second pivot axis (13) runs at least substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis (16), relative to the working position of the machine. 31. A method according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that said second pivot axis (13) runs at least substantially parallel to the usual direction of travel, relative to the working position of the machine. A method according to any one of the preceding claims 29 - 31, characterized in that said pivoting means are designed such that at least one of the processing members can pivot around the third pivot axis (23) extending upwards in the working position of the machine to the transport position. is. 33. A method according to claim 32, characterized in that said pivoting means are further designed in such a way that at least that one processing member is arranged at least substantially horizontally and at least substantially parallel to the usual direction of movement in the transport position of the machine. the machine's fourth pivot shaft (24) is pivotable to the transport position. 34. Method for bringing an agricultural machine from the working position into the transport position as described in one or more of the preceding claims 1-28, wherein the agricultural machine is provided with a frame (3) which transverses a number in the working position of the machine in the usual direction of travel carries adjacent working members (5), and which machine is designed to be foldable, in order to achieve a width in relation to the transport position reduced in relation to the working position, the machine being provided with pivoting means so that at least 1006999 can be pivoted from the working members around a third pivot axis (23) extending upwardly in the working position of the machine to the transport position, characterized in that said pivoting means are further designed such that at least that one working member is arranged around a transport position of the machine at least substantially horizontally and at least substantially parallel to the conventional fourth pivot axis (24) extending in the direction of machine travel is pivotable to the transport position. A method according to claim 32, 33 or 34, characterized in that said processing member is first pivoted about said third pivot axis. 36. A method according to any one of the preceding claims 29 - 35, characterized in that at least one processing member is pivoted to the transport position such that after pivoting it is out of engagement with the ground. 1 u ü b ^ b y