WO2017052375A1

WO2017052375A1 - A method of coupling an agricultural implement to a tractor, and an assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2017052375A1
Application number: PCT/NL2016/050658
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leonardus Hubertus Antonius KOPPERS
Original assignee: Koppers Leonardus Hubertus Antonius
Priority date: 2015-09-25
Filing date: 2016-09-23
Publication date: 2017-03-30
Also published as: EP3352555A1

Abstract

A method for coupling an agricultural implement to a tractor, wherein the tractor comprises a first coupling frame and a first coupling member and the agricultural implement comprises a second coupling frame and a second coupling member. The coupling frames are connected to each other for taking along the agricultural implement and the coupling members are connected to each other for driving the agricultural implement. For efficient coupling use is made of a hinging holding jaw which lifts the second coupling member and passes it to the first coupling member. The invention also comprises an assembly of a first coupling member and a second coupling member.

Description

A method of coupling an agricultural implement to a tractor, and an assembly

The present invention relates to a method of coupling an

agricultural implement to a tractor, wherein

- the tractor

- has been provided with a first coupling frame for coupling the agricultural implement to the tractor,

- comprises a drive shaft for driving the agricultural implement, and

- comprises a first coupling member;

and

- the agricultural implement

- comprises a second coupling frame for coupling the agricultural implement to the coupling frame of the tractor,

- comprises a drivable shaft,

- comprises a telescopic cardan shaft for transmitting power from the drive shaft of the tractor to the drivable shaft of the agricultural implement, and

- comprises a second coupling member, which second coupling member comprises an auxiliary shaft;

and

- the second coupling member of the agricultural implement

- comprises a bearing for the auxiliary shaft, and

- comprises a pin extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary shaft, wherein relative to the pin the auxiliary shaft is rotatable about the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary shaft;

wherein the telescopic cardan shaft

- at its first end, via a first universal joint, has been connected to the auxiliary shaft of the second coupling member comprising an auxiliary shaft and

- at its second end has been connected to the drivable shaft via a second universal joint;

wherein

- the coupling frame of the tractor is connected to the coupling frame of the agricultural implement, and

- the first coupling member of the tractor is connected to the second coupling member of the agricultural implement for

connecting the drive shaft to the drivable shaft.

A tractor is used for carrying out various operations while using an agricultural implement designed for the operation at hand. Examples may include

- scattering artificial fertilizer using a fertilizer dispenser, and

- cutting grass using a mowing machine for making hay or the like .

For the farmer's convenience, the tractor and the agricultural implement can be coupled by driving the tractor including the coupling frame to the coupling frame of the agricultural implement, and coupling of the coupling frames and of the drive shaft to the

telescopic cardan shaft takes place in a supported manner, for instance electrically or by using hydraulic cylinders.

The coupling frames serve to take along the agricultural

implement, which may or may not have been provided with wheels, wherein the coupling frames allow articulated motions between the tractor and the agricultural implement .

The coupling members serve to transmit power from the drive shaft to the drivable shaft of the agricultural implement. For allowing articulated motions between the tractor and the agricultural implement use is made of universal joints. More specifically the tractor has been provided with a telescopic cardan shaft between two universal joints and the agricultural implement has been provided with a telescopic cardan shaft between two universal joints. Both cardan shafts are connected to each other by means of the coupling members at locations where the coupling frames have been connected to each other.

EP2036421 describes a device for coupling i) an agricultural implement including a cardan shaft that has been accommodated in a coupling plate so as to rotate, to ii) a tractor comprising a drive shaft and at its rear side has been provided with a collar with locking means. The tractor has also been provided with a console comprising tumblers and locking members. The coupling plate comprises horizontal pins to which the tumblers engage and pass the coupling plate to the drive shaft for coupling the cardan shaft to the drive shaft. There is some degree of centring which facilitates coupling.

The object of the present is to provide a method of the type mentioned in the preamble, with which an agricultural implement can be coupled even more efficiently.

To this end, a method according to the preamble is characterized in that

- the first coupling member comprises a holding jaw, which holding jaw - comprises a first holding jaw section and a second holding jaw section, wherein each holding jaw section has a first end and a second end and the first holding jaw section with the first end has been attached to the tractor provided with the coupling frame and with the second end is hinged to the first end of the second holding jaw section, wherein the second end of the holding jaw section

- can be moved by means of an actuator between a relatively low first position and a relatively high second position, and

- comprises a fork for engaging onto the pin;

wherein for coupling the agricultural implement to the tractor

- the pin is received by the fork at the second end of the holding jaw in a relatively low position of the second holding jaw section, and - the second holding jaw section is moved from the relatively low position to the relatively high position, wherein the auxiliary shaft of the coupling member of the agricultural implement carried by the holding jaw is moved to the drive shaft of the tractor provided with the coupling frame, for connecting the drive shaft of the tractor to the auxiliary shaft .

With the above-mentioned way of coupling only two universal joints may suffice if so desired. The telescopic cardan shaft spans the full distance between said universal joints, as a result of which the angle between parts separated by a universal joint can be

relatively small. The driving force can be efficiently transmitted and the risk of damage to the universal joints is reduced.

Some agricultural implements cannot be coupled with a supported system when the universal joint between the driven shaft and the telescopic shaft is situated close to the front of the agricultural implement. The present invention permits the adaptation of an existing agricultural implement by means of the coupling member according to the invention, and from that moment on to couple it in a supported manner . The order in which the coupling frames are connected to each other and the coupling members are connected to each other can be chosen as one would wish.

The first coupling member comprises a first shaft head, which is disposed on the drive shaft and remains there permanently.

The second coupling member, in particular the auxiliary shaft, comprises a second shaft head, which will also be permanently

disposed.

The first shaft head and the second shaft head can be coupled to each other, and usually are a male and a female part.

The actuator for instance is a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder.

Generally speaking: The first holding jaw section in general has a length of between 20 and 45 cm to the pivot axis. The pivot axis is situated 10-30 cm lower than the location of the centre line of the drive shaft in the mounted condition of the holding jaw. The second holding jaw section, which is bifurcated and rotatable about the pivot axis, has a length from the pivot axis to the distal end (end of the prong of the fork with which the pin 571 is lifted) of 25 to 55 cm. The shortest distance from the pivot axis to the recess between the two prongs of the fork is 10 to 50 cm.

According to a favourable embodiment, the second coupling member comprises a foot for keeping the pin at a height at a distance of between 10 cm and 50 cm to the basis.

As a result, the height of the at least one pin has become independent of the position of the cardan shaft and the cardan shaft can be picked up more easily as the pin is always situated at the same height relative to the basis on which the tractor rests. The foot preferably keeps the pin at a height of between 20 and 50 cm, such as between 25 and 40 cm.

The foot also lowers the centre of gravity of the second coupling member to amply below the pin, which after lifting the second coupling member with the holding jaw contributes to an improved accuracy of the position of the second coupling member relative to the first coupling member. It facilitates coupling.

According to a favourable embodiment, the second coupling member comprises a stop, wherein relative to the stop the auxiliary shaft is rotatable about the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary shaft, and _n

5

the second holding jaw section comprises a support section for the stop, wherein in the relatively high position the support section contacts the stop.

The stop permits that between i) a third position, situated between the first position and the second position, and ii) the second position, the orientation of a telescopic cardan shaft supported by the second holding jaw section is fixated relative to the orientation of the second holding jaw section, as a result of which an auxiliary shaft taken along by the second holding jaw section has an orientation required for coupling.

According to a favourable embodiment, the first holding jaw section is connected to the second holding jaw section so as to hinge about pivot axis, wherein the fork is defined by a recess and defines a section in which, in the relatively high position, the pin rests in the fork;

wherein when the fork is in the relatively low position

- the said section, and

- the lowest distal end of the fork

are at a height lower than the pivot axis.

Preferably the lowest distal end of the fork is situated at least

5 cm and more preferably 10 cm below the pivot axis. In that way, the second coupling member can be efficiently picked up, for instance when it sits on the bottom.

The present invention also relates to an assembly for coupling an agricultural implement to a tractor, wherein the assembly comprises

- a first coupling member for a tractor having a coupling frame, and

- a second coupling member for an agricultural implement, wherein the second coupling member of the agricultural implement

- comprises a bearing for the auxiliary shaft, and

wherein the first coupling member comprises a holding jaw, which holding jaw

- comprises a first holding jaw section and a second holding jaw section, wherein each holding jaw section has a first end and a second end and the first holding jaw section with the second end _r

b

is hinged to the first end of the second holding jaw section, wherein the second end of the second holding jaw section

- can be moved between a relatively low first position and a relatively high second position, and

- comprises a fork for engaging onto the pin.

Such a device is suitable for efficiently coupling a tractor to an agricultural implement, in particular according to the method described above. If so desired only two universal joints between the drive shaft and the drivable shaft of the machine could suffice. The telescopic cardan shaft spans the full distance between those

universal joints, as a result of which the angle between parts separated by a universal joint can be relatively small.

The first coupling member can be attached in its entirety to the drive shaft of the tractor, in which case the first coupling member will contain a bearing (such as a slide bearing but preferably a needle bearing) so that a shaft head of the first coupling member which shaft head can be attached to the drive shaft, can be rotated relative to a stationary held holding jaw. For that purpose, the holding jaw will have an arm that is kept in a fixed position by the tractor. It is possible that the holding jaw is attached in its entirety to the tractor and in that case no bearing between the holding jaw and the drive shaft will be required.

According to a favourable embodiment, the second coupling member comprises a stop, wherein relative to the stop the auxiliary shaft is rotatable about the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary shaft, and the second holding jaw section comprises a support section for the stop .

The stop permits that between i) a third position, situated between the first position and the second position, and ii) the second position, the orientation of a telescopic cardan shaft supported by the second holding jaw section is fixated relative to the orientation of the second holding jaw section, as a result of which an auxiliary shaft taken along by the second holding jaw section has an orientation required for coupling because in the relatively high position the support section (323) contacts the stop (372) .

According to a favourable embodiment, the first holding jaw section is connected to the second holding jaw section so as to hinge about pivot axis, wherein the fork is defined by a recess and defines a section in which in the relatively high position the pin rests in the fork;

wherein when the fork is in the relatively low position

- the said section, and

- the lowest distal end of the fork

are at a height lower than the pivot axis.

Preferably the lowest distal end of the fork is situated at least 5 cm and more preferably 10 cm below the pivot axis. Thus, the second coupling member can be efficiently picked up, for instance when it rests on the bottom.

According to a favourable embodiment, the first coupling member and the second coupling member are self-centring coupling members.

Usually one coupling member will comprise a male part and the other coupling member will comprise a complementary female part, wherein at least one of them is configured conically. Preferably both are configured conically, wherein the male part tapers over a distal part of its length and the female part widens over a distal part of its length. Preferably the parts slide over a distance of at least 4 mm, and preferably at least 8 mm with a straight (non-conical) snug fit .

According to a favourable embodiment,

- the second coupling member of the agricultural implement comprises a further pin extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary shaft, wherein the two pins are in line with each other, ₀

o

and

the holding jaw comprises two jaws, wherein each jaw comprises two hinging jaw sections wherein the first jaw sections are part of the first holding jaw section and the second jaw sections are part of the second holding jaw section, wherein the second ends of the second jaw section provide both forks with a recess for accommodating one pin of the two pins .

Thus, the auxiliary shaft can be engaged easily and efficiently. According to a favourable embodiment, the second holding jaw section is a holding jaw section widening in a direction away from the first end of the first holding jaw section.

This permits easier engagement of the second coupling member. The further the second coupling member is received between the second holding jaw sections (i.e. gets closer to the first holding jaw sections), the more centred the auxiliary shaft will be.

According to a favourable embodiment, the actuator has a first end connected to the first holding jaw section and with a second end via a first arm hinge has been connected to an arm, which arm by means of a second arm hinge has been hinged to the second holding jaw section, wherein a holding jaw hinge between the first holding jaw section and the second holding jaw section is able to function as stop for a part of the arm situated between the first arm hinge and the second arm hinge when the second holding jaw section is moved from the first relatively low position to the second relatively high position.

Thus, the second holding jaw section can be rotated over a large angle, without it reaching a dead point where the actuator is

incapable of letting the second section hinge about the holding jaw hinge. The first end has been connected to the first holding jaw section, but after mounting the coupling member it can also be directly connected to the tractor.

According to a favourable embodiment, the first coupling member comprises a first shaft head and the second coupling member comprises a second shaft head, wherein a shaft head selected from the first shaft head and the second shaft head comprises coaxial shaft pins and the other shaft head comprises coaxial recesses for accommodating the coaxial shaft pins, wherein at least one of i) the shaft pins and ii) the recesses has been configured so as to guide.

For configuring the shaft pins so as to guide, they taper at _n

y

their distal ends. For configuring the coaxial recesses so as to guide, the recesses have been configured so as to widen broadly towards the mouth. Once accommodated with the distal ends in the coaxial recesses, the shaft pins will be passed snugly and more deeply into the coaxial recesses, as a consequence of which torque can be efficiently transmitted.

According to a favourable embodiment, at least the openings of the holes are openings that overlap each other.

Thus, the risk of a pin contacting the complementary shaft head between two holes is reduced and is received in the hole.

According to a favourable embodiment, the actuator is a

double-acting cylinder and has been connected to a pressure

accumulator in which the pressure rises when the second holding jaw section is taken from the second relatively high position to the first relatively low position.

When the pressure in the actuator falls out, the second holding jaw section remains in the relatively high second position, as a result of which the agricultural implement remains coupled and does not get detached (in other words, the agricultural implement cannot be passively uncoupled) , or the second holding jaw section will not contact the ground.

The present invention also relates to a coupling member, wherein the first coupling member is as described in the preceding claims.

It can be used in the method and for an assembly according to the invention. The invention also comprises any variety as described in the sub-claims of the assembly.

The present invention also relates to a coupling member, wherein the second coupling member is as described in the preceding claims.

Finally, the present invention relates to an agricultural implement which

- comprises a second coupling frame for coupling the agricultural implement to a first coupling frame of the tractor,

- comprises a drivable shaft,

- comprises a telescopic cardan shaft for transmitting power from the drive shaft of the tractor to the drivable shaft of the ₁ agricultural implement, and

wherein the second coupling member of the agricultural implement

- comprises a bearing for the auxiliary shaft, and

- comprises a pin extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary shaft, wherein relative to the pin the auxiliary shaft is rotatable about the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary shaft;, wherein the second coupling member

comprises a foot for keeping the pin at a height at a distance of between 10 cm and 50 cm to the basis.

The foot can be an integral part of the agricultural implement . This may for instance be particularly relevant for a fertilizer dispenser, as extension of the distance between the agricultural implement and the tractor can remain limited thus reducing the risk of imbalance due to a change in the centre of gravity as a result of scattering artificial fertilizer.

The invention also comprises any variety as described in the sub-claims of the assembly.

The present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the drawing where

Fig. 1 shows a tractor and an agricultural implement;

Fig. 2 shows a rear view in perspective of the tractor of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows a view in perspective of the coupling members of the tractor and the agricultural implement;

Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B show a view in perspective and a top view of the coupling member of the agricultural implement; Fig. 5A - Fig. 50 represent views illustrating the steps of coupling an agricultural implement;

Fig. 6 shows a detail of the first coupling member;

Fig. 7 shows a view in perspective of the coupling members of the tractor and the agricultural implement; and

Fig. 8 shows an agricultural implement with an integrated foot.

Fig. 1 shows a tractor 100 and an agricultural implement 150.

The tractor 100 has been provided with a first coupling frame 110 and comprises a drive shaft (shown in fig. 2) for driving the

agricultural implement 150.

The agricultural implement 150 comprises a second coupling frame 160. For coupling the agricultural implement 150 to the tractor 100 the first coupling frame 110 is connected to the second coupling frame 160. The first coupling frame 110 is in general hydraulically

adjustable in height, from the driver's seat of the tractor 100.

The agricultural implement 150 is an agricultural implement 150 that is driven by the drive shaft of the tractor 100. For that purpose, the agricultural implement has a drivable shaft 151, a telescopic cardan shaft 152, and an auxiliary shaft 153. The auxiliary shaft 153 has been connected to the telescopic cardan shaft 152 via a first universal joint 154, and the telescopic cardan shaft has been connected to the drivable shaft 151 via a second universal joint 155.

In the embodiment shown here, the centre line of the drive shaft of the tractor is 80 cm above the ground.

For transmitting power from the drive shaft of the tractor 100, the tractor 100 has been provided with a first coupling member 120 and the agricultural implement 150 has been provided with a second coupling member 170.

In the embodiment shown, the second coupling member 170 comprises a foot 171. The auxiliary shaft 153 has been bearing mounted therein as will be described in more detail below.

Fig. 2 shows a rear view in perspective of the tractor 100 of fig. 1, wherein also the second coupling frame 160 and the foot 171 of the second coupling member 170 are shown. Furthermore, the drive shaft 201 of the tractor 100 can be seen in this fig. 2.

The first coupling frame 110 and the second coupling frame 160 are substantially as already known in the art and generally used. The coupling frames have each been formed by two profiled members that have been welded together. For coupling, the first coupling frame 110 is accommodated in the profiled member of the second coupling frame 160.

In the shown embodiment, the foot 171 keeps the centre lines of the pins 371 approximately 35 cm above the basis on which the foot 171 rests .

Fig. 3 shows a view in perspective of the coupling members of the tractor 100 and the agricultural implement 150.

The first coupling frame 110 comprises a holding jaw 301, which comprises a first holding jaw section 310 and a second holding jaw section 320. Each holding jaw section has a first end and a second end .

The second end of the first holding jaw section 310 has been connected to the second holding jaw section 320 so as to hinge about pivot axis 302.

The second holding jaw section 320 can be moved relative to the first holding jaw section 310 by means of an actuator 303, in this case in the form of hydraulic cylinder 303. The second holding jaw section 320 comprises recess 321 as a result of which a fork 322 is formed, which is used for lifting the second coupling member 170.

The holding jaw 301 is comprised of two jaws 304, wherein each jaw comprises a first jaw section 340 and a second jaw section 350, which can hinge relative to each other about the pivot axis 302. For coupling the second coupling member 170 to the first coupling member 120, the second coupling member 170 will be accommodated between both jaws .

The second coupling member 170 comprises a pin 371 on either side which will be accommodated in the fork 322 in order to pick up the second coupling member 170.

The second coupling member 170 also comprises a stop 372 on either side, in this case also in the form of a pin. The second holding jaw section 320 comprises a support section 323 which

cooperates with the stop 372, and ensures that, at the moment of coupling the second coupling member 170, the auxiliary shaft 153 is in a wanted orientation, which orientation will in essence be horizontal.

The embodiment described here will, in terms of the dimensions of the jaw sections, be configured as follows. The first jaw section 40 has a length of 36 cm to the pivot axis 302. The pivot axis 302 is situated approximately 20 cm lower than the location of the centre line of the drive shaft in the mounted condition of the holding jaw 301.

The second jaw section 350 which is rotatable about the pivot axis 302 and which is bifurcated and comprises two prongs, has a length from the pivot axis 302 to the distal end (end of the prong with which the pin 371 is lifted) of 42 cm. The shortest distance from the pivot axis 302 to the recess between the two prongs is 30 cm.

Fig. 3 also shows a locking member 324.

Fig. 4A shows a view in perspective of the second coupling member

170 of the agricultural implement 150, and fig. 4B shows a top view of the second coupling member 170.

The pins 371 have been provided with guiding members 401 which cooperate with the second jaw sections 350 and contribute to the auxiliary shaft 153 being centred between the jaws 304.

In fig. 4B it can be seen that the auxiliary shaft 153 has been mounted in a bearing 451, and the auxiliary shaft 153 comprises a shaft head 453 cooperating with a shaft head of the drive shaft. The shaft head 453 comprises a central cavity 454 with holes 455 placed concentrically around it for accommodating pins of the shaft head of the drive shaft 201.

Fig. 5A - Fig. 50 show views of the two coupling members and illustrate the steps in coupling an agricultural implement.

Fig. 5A shows a side view of how the first coupling member 120 is moved to the second coupling member 170 which with its foot 171 rests on the floor. This is achieved by driving the tractor 100 in reverse.

The top view of fig. 5B shows that the shaft head 513 of the drive shaft 201 is not aligned with the shaft head 453 of the

agricultural implement.

It can be seen that the second holding jaw section 320, more in particular the lowermost prongs 522 of the forks 322 widen broadly. They cooperate with the guide members 401 as a result of which the second coupling member moves closer to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. This is possible due to the universal joints and the telescopic cardan shaft 152 (not shown here) .

For picking up the second coupling member 170, the second holding jaw section 320 is in a relatively low position, as shown in Fig. 5A.

Fig. 5C shows in side view that the pins 371 are accommodated in the recesses 321 of the second jaw sections 350.

The drive shaft 201 and the auxiliary shaft 153 are now more aligned with each other. The auxiliary shaft 153, however, is still not at the wanted height. For that purpose, the second holding jaw section 320 is rotated relative to the first holding jaw section 310, about pivot axis 302 using the hydraulic cylinders 303.

In the embodiment of the holding jaw described here, the holding jaw 301 is almost fully extended. In order to be able to perform the hinging motion reliably and to be able to exert sufficient force for being able to lift the second coupling member from the bottom, use has been made of an arm 530. With a first end the hydraulic cylinder 303 has been connected to the first holding jaw section 310, and with the second end via a first arm hinge 531 to a first end of the arm 530.

The second end of the arm 530 has been connected to the second holding jaw section 320 via a second arm hinge 532. The pivot axis has been provided with a ring 533 functioning as a stop for a part of the arm

530 situated between both arm hinges.

It can be seen in Fig. 5E that the second coupling member 170 is lifted using the pins 371, and that the centre line of the shaft head 453 of the agricultural implement 150 is at an angle to the centre line of the shaft head 513 of the drive shaft 201 (Fig. 5F) .

Upon rotating the second holding jaw section 320 further relative to the first holding jaw section 310, the support section 323 of the second jaw section 350 will contact the stop 372 (fig. 5G) as a result of which further rotation about the pivot axis 302 changes the orientation of the auxiliary shaft 153, which is oriented more horizontally as a result.

Fig. 5H shows that the second coupling member 170 has a little wheel 571 which by contacting a cheek 572 lifts the locking member 324. The locking member 324 comprises a hook 524 which as soon as the locking member 324 has passed by the cheek 572 of the locking member

324 remains hooked behind the wheel axle housing 573 of the little wheel 571. Automatic uncoupling will be described below in this application .

The cavity 454 of the shaft head 453 widens broadly, as a result of which the male part 515 of the shaft head 513 of the drive shaft 201 ends up in the shaft head 453.

There is an annular cavity surrounding the male part 515, which _{Λ n}

5

cavity also widens broadly, and receives the distal end of the shaft head 453 and thus centres the shaft head 453.

The centre lines of the shaft pins 514 of the shaft head 513 and the centre lines of the holes 455 of the shaft head 453 are now parallel, but the holes 455 still have to get in front of the shaft pins 514 should this not be the case yet.

In order to prevent that the first coupling member 120, which has been attached to the shaft head 513 by means of a bearing mounted bush, starts rotating relative to the tractor, the first coupling member 120 has been provided with an eye 590 and the tractor 100 comprises a blocking pin 591, wherein the latter comprises a hole for a securing member 592 in the form of a securing pin. The first coupling member 120 can therefore be mounted rapidly and easily, by sliding the first coupling member 120 onto the shaft head 513, with the blocking pin 591 through the eye 590, wherein the whole is secured using the securing pin.

Fig. 5N and Fig. 50 show in a side view and a cross-section, respectively, that a hook 524 of the locking member 324 remains hooked behind a wheel axle housing 573 of the little wheel 571 and prevents that the second coupling member 170 leaves the first coupling member 120 at an unwanted moment.

Fig. 50 also shows as separate parts the shaft head 513 and the shaft pins 514 that end up in the holes 455 of the shaft head 453 for allowing it to rotate. In existing tractors, the shaft heads 513 have key ways 556, however, in the embodiment described here they are not used. In the embodiment described here the key ways 556 have been included in the first coupling member 120. Said shaft head 453 including key ways carries the first coupling member 120 and passes the moment on to the coaxial shaft pins 514 that have been

accommodated in the holes 455 of the second coupling member 170.

The shaft pins 514 have been rounded off and therefore configured conically, as a result of which they can easily find the holes 455. In the embodiment described and tested here, there were 24 holes 455 and 8 shaft pins 514. When the shaft pins 514 have been almost entirely accommodated in the holes 455, the shaft pins 514 are snugly situated in the holes 455, as a result of which torque can be efficiently passed on.

The second holding jaw section 320 has been moved into the _{Λ r}

1 b

relatively high position, and the second coupling member 170 has been connected to the first coupling member in a locked manner.

The first coupling frame 110 can now be connected to the second coupling frame 160 in the usual manner. It is also possible to first couple the coupling frames to each other and then the coupling members .

For automatic uncoupling, the forks 322 have been configured excessively large relative to the diameter of the pins 371. In that way, when moving to the relatively low first low position, the second holding jaw section 320 is able to hinge without the pins 371 already being taken along. This allows the locking member 324 to be lifted by the first part of the motion with the distal end of the second holding jaw section 320, as a result of which the hook 524 no longer stops the second coupling member 170. When moving the second holding jaw section 320 further, the pins 371 are indeed taken along and the shaft head

453 will be separated from the shaft head 513. In order to limit wear and tear the locking member 324 can be equipped with a small bearing mounted wheel 571' (Fig. 5L) .

Fig. 6 shows a view in perspective of a part of the first coupling member 120, and in particular shows two hydraulic

double-acting cylinders. The first hydraulic cylinder 303' is provided with oil (arrow) by the tractor, as a result of which the hydraulic cylinder is filled with oil and on the side of the piston rod 603' expels oil from the hydraulic cylinder 303', which via a conduit (not shown; see arrow) is guided to the second hydraulic cylinder 303' ' . The oil expelled as a result on the side of the piston rod 603 ' ' is passed to a pressure accumulator 610 (schematically shown with an arrow) .

In order to pick up the second coupling member 170, the pressure in the pressure accumulator 610 therefore increases when the holding jaw 301 is extended. Should the tractor lose pressure, the pressure accumulator 610 exerts a force as a result of which the second holding jaw section 320 is kept in the relatively high position. In that way a reliable drive remains guaranteed.

The surface area of the piston in the second hydraulic cylinder

303 ' ' chamber equals the surface area of the piston in the first hydraulic cylinder 303' minus the surface area of the cross-section of the first piston rod 603 ' . Thus both hydraulic cylinders are able to cooperate to allow the second holding jaw section 320 to hinge efficiently and evenly.

The hydraulic cylinders 303 have been fixedly attached to an auxiliary plate 611 that has been attached to the first holding jaw section 310 (not shown) so as to hinge about axis of rotation 612, which holding jaw section is fixedly connected to the attachment plate 613, which for that purpose has been provided with two mounting holes 614 for the first holding jaw section 310. The auxiliary plate 611 allows the cylinders 303 to rotate over a slight angle, which

contributes to a smooth and easy movement of the second holding jaw section 320 between the relatively high and the relatively low position and vice versa.

Fig. 7 substantially corresponds with Fig. 3 and shows an advantageous embodiment thereof. Some tractors have an open housing (formed by four wall sections placed transverse to each other) within which the drive shaft 201 is situated and is screened off by the open housing. In order to provide a tractor having such an open housing with a first coupling member 120 according to the invention, it is preferred that, at the location of a part of the cylinder 303 where the piston rod protrudes from the cylinder 303, the cylinder 303, by means of a distance piece, is attached to the first holding jaw section 310 so as to hinge about axis of rotation 612' . The cylinder 303 therefore has a free end 633 at the end situated farthest from the pivot axis 302. As a result, a wall section of the open housing can be situated between the cylinder 303 and the first holding jaw section 310. In that way the first coupling member 120 of this advantageous embodiment can be mounted on a tractor without such an open housing as well as with such an open housing and therefore it can be mounted more universally without further adaptations being required.

Fig. 8 shows an agricultural implement 150 having an integrated second coupling member 170 comprising the foot 171. The second coupling member 170 is an integral part of the agricultural implement 150, as a result of which a shorter distance from the tractor to the centre of gravity of the agricultural implement 150 can be achieved.

Claims

1 o C L A I M S

1. A method of coupling an agricultural implement (150) to a tractor (100) , wherein

- the tractor (100)

- has been provided with a first coupling frame (110) for coupling the agricultural implement (150) to the tractor (100),

- comprises a drive shaft (201) for driving the agricultural implement (150), and

- comprises a first coupling member (120);

and

- the agricultural implement (150)

- comprises a second coupling frame (160) for coupling the agricultural implement (150) to the coupling frame of the tractor (100),

- comprises a drivable shaft (151),

- comprises a telescopic cardan shaft (152) for transmitting power from the drive shaft (201) of the tractor (100) to the drivable shaft (151) of the agricultural implement (150), and - comprises a second coupling member (170), which second coupling member (170) comprises an auxiliary shaft (153);

and

- the second coupling member (170) of the agricultural implement (150)

- comprises a bearing (451) for the auxiliary shaft (153), and - comprises a pin (371) extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary shaft (153), wherein relative to the pin (371) the auxiliary shaft (153) is rotatable about the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary shaft (153);

wherein the telescopic cardan shaft (152)

- at its first end, via a first universal joint (154), has been connected to the auxiliary shaft (153) of the second coupling member

(170) comprising an auxiliary shaft (153) and

- at its second end has been connected to the drivable shaft (151) via a second universal joint (155);

wherein

- the coupling frame of the tractor (100) is connected to the coupling frame of the agricultural implement (150), and

- the first coupling member (120) of the tractor (100) is connected to the second coupling member (170) of the agricultural implement (150) for connecting the drive shaft (201) to the drivable shaft (151);

characterized in that

- the first coupling member (120) comprises a holding jaw (301), which holding jaw (301)

- comprises a first holding jaw section (310) and a second holding jaw section (320), wherein each holding jaw section has a first end and a second end and the first holding jaw section (310) with the first end has been attached to the tractor (100) provided with the coupling frame and with the second end is hinged to the first end of the second holding jaw section (320), wherein the second end of the holding jaw section (320)

- can be moved by means of an actuator (303) between a relatively low first position and a relatively high second position, and

- comprises a fork (322) for engaging onto the pin (371); wherein for coupling the agricultural implement (150) to the tractor (100)

- the pin (371) is received by the fork (322) at the second end of the holding jaw (301) in a relatively low position of the second holding jaw section (320), and

- the second holding jaw section (320) is moved from the relatively low position to the relatively high position, wherein the auxiliary shaft (153) of the coupling member of the agricultural implement (150) carried by the holding jaw (301) is moved to the drive shaft (201) of the tractor (100) provided with the coupling frame, for connecting the drive shaft (201) of the tractor (100) to the auxiliary shaft (153) .

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second coupling member (170) comprises a foot (171) for keeping the pin (371) at a height at a distance of between 10 cm and 50 cm to the basis.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second coupling member (170) comprises a stop (372), wherein relative to the stop

(372) the auxiliary shaft (153) is rotatable about the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary shaft (153), and the second holding jaw section (320) comprises a support section (323) for the stop (372), wherein in the relatively high position the support section (323) contacts the stop (372) .

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first holding jaw section (310) is connected to the second holding jaw section (320) so as to hinge about pivot axis (302), wherein the fork is defined by a recess and defines a section in which, in the

relatively high position, the pin rests in the fork;

wherein when the fork is in the relatively low position

- the said section, and

- the lowest distal end of the fork

are at a height lower than the pivot axis.

5. An assembly for coupling an agricultural implement (150) to a tractor (100), wherein the assembly comprises

- a first coupling member (120) for a tractor (100) having a coupling frame, and

- a second coupling member (170) for an agricultural implement (150), wherein the second coupling member (170) of the agricultural implement (150)

- comprises a bearing (451) for the auxiliary shaft (153), and

- comprises a pin (371) extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary shaft (153), wherein relative to the pin (371) the auxiliary shaft (153) is rotatable about the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary shaft (153);

characterized in that the first coupling member (120) comprises a holding jaw (301), which holding jaw (301)

- comprises a first holding jaw section (310) and a second holding jaw section (320), wherein each holding jaw section has a first end and a second end and the first holding jaw section (310) with the second end is hinged to the first end of the second holding jaw section (320), wherein the second end of the second holding jaw section (320)

- comprises a fork (322) for engaging onto the pin (371) .

6. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein the second coupling member (170) comprises a foot (171) for keeping the pin (371) at a height at a distance of between 10 cm and 50 cm to the basis.

7. The assembly according to any of the claims 5 or 6, wherein the second coupling member (170) comprises a stop (372), wherein relative to the stop (372) the auxiliary shaft (153) is rotatable about the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary shaft (153), and the second holding jaw section (320) comprises a support section (323) for the stop (372 ) .

8. The assembly according to any of the claims 5 to 7, wherein the first holding jaw section (310) is connected to the second holding jaw section (320) so as to hinge about pivot axis (302), wherein the fork is defined by a recess and defines a section in which in the

relatively high position the pin rests in the fork;

wherein when the fork is in the relatively low position

- the said section, and

- the lowest distal end of the fork

are at a height lower than the pivot axis.

9. The assembly according to any of the claims 5 to 8, wherein the first coupling member (120) and the second coupling member (170) are self-centring coupling members.

10. The assembly according to any of the claims 5 to 9, wherein

- the second coupling member (170) of the agricultural implement (150) comprises a further pin (371) extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary shaft (153), wherein the two pins (371) are in line with each other,

and

the holding jaw (301) comprises two jaws (304), wherein each jaw comprises two hinging jaw sections (350) wherein the first jaw sections (350) are part (515) of the first holding jaw section (310) and the second jaw sections (350) are part (515) of the second holding jaw section (320), wherein the second ends of the second jaw section (350) provide both forks (322) with a recess (321) for accommodating one pin (371) of the two pins (371) .

11. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein the second holding jaw section (320) is a holding jaw section widening in a direction away from the first end of the first holding jaw section (310) .

12. The assembly according to any of the claims 5 to 11, wherein the actuator (303) has a first end connected to the first holding jaw section (310) and with a second end via a first arm hinge (531) has been connected to an arm (530), which arm (530) by means of a second arm hinge (532) has been hinged to the second holding jaw section (320), wherein a holding jaw hinge between the first holding jaw section (310) and the second holding jaw section (320) is able to function as stop (372) for a part (515) of the arm (530) situated between the first arm hinge (531) and the second arm hinge (532) when the second holding jaw section (320) is moved from the first

relatively low position to the second relatively high position.

13. The assembly according to any of the claims 5 to 12, wherein the first coupling member (120) comprises a first shaft head and the second coupling member (170) comprises a second shaft head, wherein a shaft head selected from the first shaft head and the second shaft head comprises coaxial shaft pins (514) and the other shaft head comprises coaxial recesses (321) for accommodating the coaxial shaft pins (514), wherein at least one of i) the shaft pins (514) and ii) the recesses (321) has been configured so as to guide.

14. The assembly according to any of the claims 5 to 13, wherein at least the openings of the holes (455) are openings that overlap each other .

15. The assembly according to any of the claims 5 to 14, wherein the actuator (303) is a double-acting cylinder (303) and has been

connected to a pressure accumulator (610) in which the pressure rises when the second holding jaw section (320) is taken from the second relatively high position to the first relatively low position.

16. A coupling member, characterized in that the first coupling member is as described in the preceding claims.

17. A coupling member, characterized in that the second coupling member is as described in the preceding claims.

18. An agricultural implement which

- comprises a second coupling frame (160) for coupling the agricultural implement (150) to a first coupling frame of the tractor (100),

- comprises a drivable shaft (151),

- comprises a telescopic cardan shaft (152) for transmitting power from the drive shaft (201) of the tractor (100) to the drivable shaft (151) of the agricultural implement (150), and

- comprises a second coupling member (170), which second coupling member (170) comprises an auxiliary shaft (153);

wherein the second coupling member (170) of the agricultural implement (150)

- comprises a bearing (451) for the auxiliary shaft (153), and

characterized in that the second coupling member (170) comprises a foot (171) for keeping the pin (371) at a height at a distance of between 10 cm and 50 cm to the basis.