U.S. patent application number 15/007252 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-19 for haymaking device.
This patent application is currently assigned to FORAGE INNOVATIONS B.V.. The applicant listed for this patent is FORAGE INNOVATIONS B.V.. Invention is credited to Martin ARNOLD, Cornelis Christianus Franciscus HAVERMANS.
Application Number | 20160135369 15/007252 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43033537 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160135369 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ARNOLD; Martin ; et
al. |
May 19, 2016 |
HAYMAKING DEVICE
Abstract
A haymaking device for displacing mown crop includes a frame
having a main beam which extends in a longitudinal direction and
defines a longitudinal centre line, and at least a first side arm
located on one side of the main beam, wherein the side arm carries
at least one crop processing tool, preferably rotatably driven
about a rotor centre line. The crop processing tool can be a crop
displacing tool, such as a rake. The crop processing tool is
mounted on a first pivot arm which, in the region of a first pivot
arm connection, is pivotably connected, about a substantially
horizontal centre line, to the first side arm for movement between
an operative position and a transport position. In the operative
position, the first pivot arm connection is located at a larger
distance from the main beam than the rotor centre line of the first
crop processing tool.
Inventors: |
ARNOLD; Martin; (STEINLAH,
DE) ; HAVERMANS; Cornelis Christianus Franciscus;
(ZEVENBERGEN, NL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FORAGE INNOVATIONS B.V. |
MAASSLUIS |
|
NL |
|
|
Assignee: |
FORAGE INNOVATIONS B.V.
MAASSLUIS
NL
|
Family ID: |
43033537 |
Appl. No.: |
15/007252 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13606036 |
Sep 7, 2012 |
9277690 |
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15007252 |
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PCT/NL2011/000015 |
Mar 4, 2011 |
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13606036 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
56/370 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01D 78/1028 20130101;
A01D 78/1007 20130101; A01D 78/1014 20130101; A01D 78/105
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01D 78/10 20060101
A01D078/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 8, 2010 |
NL |
1037784 |
Claims
1. A haymaking device for displacing mown crop, comprising: a frame
having a main beam extending in a longitudinal direction and
defining a longitudinal centre line, and at least a first side arm
located on one side of the main beam, wherein the side arm carries
at least one crop processing tool wherein at least a first crop
processing tool is mounted on a first pivot arm, in the region of a
first pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected, about a
substantially horizontal centre line, to the first side arm for
movement between an operative position and a transport position,
wherein in the operative position, the first pivot arm connection
is located at a larger horizontal distance from the longitudinal
centre line than the rotor centre line of the first crop processing
tool.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first pivot arm
extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal centre
line.
3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the pivot arm extends
substantially at right angles to the longitudinal centre line.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the crop processing
tool is a crop displacing tool comprising a rake.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first pivot arm is
mounted on a first satellite frame which, in the region of a first
rotational connection, is rotatably connected about a substantially
vertical centre line to the first side arm.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first satellite
frame is located at a level which differs from that of the side
arm.
7. The device according to claim 5, provided with an aligning rod
for the first satellite frame, which aligning rod is connected to
the main beam to align the first satellite frame with respect to
the side arm.
8. The device according to claim 5, wherein a second crop
processing tool is mounted on a second pivot arm which, in the
region of a second pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected
about a substantially horizontal centre line to the first satellite
frame for movement between an operative position and a transport
position, wherein, in the operative position, the second pivot arm
connection is located at a smaller horizontal distance from the
longitudinal centre line than the rotor centre line of the second
crop processing tool.
9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the first and second
pivot arms are oriented in opposite directions.
10. The device according to claim 8, wherein the second pivot arm
is located in front of the first pivot arm, when viewed in the
direction of travel.
11. The device according to claim 8, wherein the first pivot arm
connection is located at a larger horizontal distance from the
longitudinal centre line than the second pivot arm connection.
12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the first pivot arm
connection is mounted on a first satellite arm which extends
rearwardly from the first pivot connection,
13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the first satellite
arm extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre
line.
14. The device according to claim 11, wherein the second pivot arm
connection is mounted on a second satellite arm which extends
forwardly from the first pivot connection.
15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the second satellite
arm extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre
line.
16. The device according to claim 14, wherein the first satellite
arm is located at a larger horizontal distance from the
longitudinal centre line than the second satellite arm.
17. The device according to any one of claims 5, wherein the first
satellite frame is mounted at the end of the first side arm.
18. The device according to any one of claims 5, wherein the first
satellite frame is provided with a support wheel which is located
beside the crop processing tool and at the end of the side arm.
19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the support wheel is
located between the first and second crop processing tools, in the
shadow of the second crop processing tool, when viewed in the
direction of travel.
20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the support wheel is
mounted to the first satellite frame so as to be rotatable about a
substantially vertical centre line.
21. The device according to claim 20, wherein the centre line
coincides with the centre line of the first rotational connection
between the side arm and the satellite frame.
22. The device according to claim 20, further provided with setting
mechanism for setting the angle of rotation of the support wheel
with respect to the first satellite frame.
23. The device according to claim 18, wherein the device has, in
its transport position, as sole support points a hitch for a
tractor and the support wheel of the first satellite frame.
24. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first side arm is
movable between a transport position, in which it extends
substantially along the main beam, at a first angle to the main
beam, and an operative position, in which the first side arm
extends sidewardly from the main beam, at a second angle, larger
than the first angle, wherein the device is further provided with
an aligning rod for the first satellite frame, which aligning rod
forms a parallelogram mechanism with the first side arm and the
first satellite frame or a component which is rigidly connected
thereto.
25. The device according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal
distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot
arm connection is adjustable.
26. The device according to claim 25, wherein the associated pivot
arm connection is adjustable by a telescopic design of the
associated pivot arm.
27. A haymaking device for displacing mown crop, comprising: a
frame having a main beam extending in a longitudinal direction and
defining a longitudinal centre line, and at least a first side arm
located on one side of the main beam, wherein the side arm carries
at least one crop processing tool wherein at least a first crop
processing tool is mounted on a first pivot arm, in the region of a
first pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected, about a
substantially horizontal centre line, to the first side arm for
movement between an operative position and a transport position,
wherein, in the operative position, the first crop processing tool
is substantially located between the first pivot arm connection and
the longitudinal centre line.
28. The device according to claim 27, wherein the first pivot arm
extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal centre
line.
29. The device according to claim 30, wherein the pivot arm extends
substantially at right angles to the longitudinal centre line.
30. The device according to claim 27, wherein the crop processing
tool is a crop displacing tool comprising a rake.
31. The device according to claim 27, wherein the first pivot arm
is mounted on a first satellite frame which, in the region of a
first rotational connection, is rotatably connected about a
substantially vertical centre line to the first side arm.
32. The device according to claim 27, wherein the first satellite
frame is located at a level which differs from that of the side
arm.
33. The device according to claim 31, provided with an aligning rod
for the first satellite frame, which aligning rod is connected to
the main beam to align the first satellite frame with respect to
the side arm.
34. The device according to claim 31, wherein a second crop
processing tool is mounted on a second pivot arm which, in the
region of a second pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected
about a substantially horizontal centre line to the first satellite
frame for movement between an operative position and a transport
position, wherein, in the operative position, the second pivot arm
connection is located at a smaller horizontal distance from the
longitudinal centre line than the rotor centre line of the second
crop processing tool.
35. The device according to claim 34, wherein the first and second
pivot arms are oriented in opposite directions.
36. The device according to claim 34, wherein the second pivot arm
is located in front of the first pivot arm, when viewed in the
direction of travel.
37. The device according to claim 34, wherein the first pivot arm
connection is located at a larger horizontal distance from the
longitudinal centre line than the second pivot arm connection.
38. The device according to claim 37, wherein the first pivot arm
connection is mounted on a first satellite arm which extends
rearwardly from the first pivot connection,
39. The device according to claim 38, wherein the first satellite
arm extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre
line.
40. The device according to claim 37, wherein the second pivot arm
connection is mounted on a second satellite arm which extends
forwardly from the first pivot connection.
41. The device according to claim 40, wherein the second satellite
arm extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre
line.
42. The device according to claim 40, wherein the first satellite
arm is located at a larger horizontal distance from the
longitudinal centre line than the second satellite arm.
43. The device according to any one of claims 31, wherein the first
satellite frame is mounted at the end of the first side arm.
44. The device according to any one of claims 31, wherein the first
satellite frame is provided with a support wheel which is located
beside the crop processing tool and at the end of the side arm.
45. The device according to claim 44, wherein the support wheel is
located between the first and second crop processing tools, in the
shadow of the second crop processing tool, when viewed in the
direction of travel.
46. The device according to claim 45, wherein the support wheel is
mounted to the first satellite frame so as to be rotatable about a
substantially vertical centre line.
47. The device according to claim 46, wherein the centre line
coincides with the centre line of the first rotational connection
between the side arm and the satellite frame.
48. The device according to claim 46, further provided with setting
mechanism for setting the angle of rotation of the support wheel
with respect to the first satellite frame.
49. The device according to claim 44, wherein the device has, in
its transport position, as sole support points a hitch for a
tractor and the support wheel of the first satellite frame.
50. The device according to claim 27, wherein the first side arm is
movable between a transport position, in which it extends
substantially along the main beam, at a first angle to the main
beam, and an operative position, in which the first side arm
extends sidewardly from the main beam, at a second angle, larger
than the first angle, wherein the device is further provided with
an aligning rod for the first satellite frame, which aligning rod
forms a parallelogram mechanism with the first side arm and the
first satellite frame or a component which is rigidly connected
thereto.
51. The device according to claim 27, wherein the horizontal
distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot
arm connection is adjustable.
52. The device according to claim 51, wherein the associated pivot
arm connection is adjustable by a telescopic design of the
associated pivot arm.
53. A haymaking device comprising a frame having a main beam
extending in a longitudinal direction and defining a longitudinal
centre line, and at least a first side arm located on one side of
the main beam, wherein the first side arm carries at least a first
crop processing tool, wherein the first side arm is movable between
a transport position, in which it extends substantially along the
main beam, at a first angle to the main beam, and an operative
position, in which the first side arm extends sidewardly from the
main beam, at a second angle, larger than the first angle, wherein
at least a first crop processing tool is mounted on a first pivot
arm which, in the region of a first pivot arm connection, is
pivotably connected, about a substantially horizontal centre line,
to the first side arm for movement between an operative position,
in which the crop processing tool can be active, and a transport
position, wherein the first pivot arm is mounted on a first
satellite frame which, in the region of a rotational connection, is
rotatably connected about a substantially vertical centre line to
the first side arm, wherein the first satellite frame is mounted at
the end of the first side arm and is provided with a support
wheel.
54. The device according to claim 53 wherein the crop processing
tool is a rake comprising a circular rake having a substantially
vertical rotor centre line in operative position.
55. The device according to claim 54, wherein the crop processing
tool is a rake.
56. The device according to claim 53, wherein the first satellite
frame is located at a level which differs from that of the side
arm.
57. The device according to claim 56, wherein the first satellite
frame is located at at a higher level than that of the side
arm.
58. The device according to claim 53, wherein, in the operative
position, the first pivot arm connection is located at a larger
horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line than the
rotor centre line of the first crop processing tool.
59. The device according to claim 57, wherein a second crop
processing tool is mounted on a second pivot arm which, in the
region of a second pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected
about a substantially horizontal centre line to the first satellite
frame for movement between an operative position, in which the
second crop processing tool can be active, and a transport
position, wherein, in the operative position, the second pivot arm
connection is located at a smaller horizontal distance from the
longitudinal centre line than the rotor centre line of the second
crop processing tool.
60. The device according to claim 53, which is provided with an
aligning rod for the first satellite frame, which aligning rod
forms a parallelogram mechanism with the first side arm and the
first satellite frame or a component which is rigidly connected
thereto.
61. The device according to claim 53, provided with a second side
arm, located at that side of the main beam that is opposite to the
first side arm, wherein the second side arm forms an arrangement
which substantially corresponds to that of the first side arm with
equipment provided thereon, mirrorwise with respect to the
longitudinal centre line.
62. The device according to claim 61, wherein both side arms are
movable between a transport position, in which they extend
substantially along the main beam, at a first angle to the main
beam, and an operative position, in which both side arms extend
sidewardly from the main beam at a second angle, larger than the
first angle, further provided with an operable mechanism for moving
both side arms simultaneously between the transport position and
the operative position and vice versa.
63. The device according to claim 61, wherein both satellite frames
are provided with a support wheel located beside the crop
processing tool.
64. The device according to claim 63, wherein each support wheel is
mounted to the satellite frame so as to be rotatable about a
substantially vertical centre line, which centre line.
65. The device according to claim 64, wherein the substantially
vertical centre line coincides with the centre line of the first
rotational connection between the side arm and the satellite
frame.
66. The device according to claim 65, further provided with setting
mechanism for setting the angle of rotation of each support wheel
with respect to the satellite frame supported thereby.
67. The device according to claim 66, wherein the setting mechanism
further sets the angles of rotation of the support wheels
independently of each other with respect to the satellite frame in
question.
68. The device according to claim 63, wherein the device, in the
transport position, has as sole support points a hitch for a
tractor and the support wheels of both satellite frames.
69. The device according to claim 53, wherein the horizontal
distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot
arm connection is adjustable.
70. The device according to claim 69, wherein the horizontal
distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot
arm connection is adjustable by a telescopic design of the
associated pivot arm.
71. A haymaking device for displacing mown crop, comprising a
primary frame part with a hitch for hitching to a tractor, wherein
the frame with the hitch defines a longitudinal centre line of the
device, which is parallel to the direction of travel or movement in
the operative position, wherein the device further comprises two
secondary frame parts, located on both sides of the primary frame
part, which are connected to the primary frame part and are each
provided with at least two crop processing tools, wherein a first
crop processing tool is mounted on a first pivot arm which, in the
region of a first pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected
about a substantially horizontal centre line to the secondary frame
part for movement between an operative position and a transport
position, wherein, in the operative position, the first crop
processing tool is substantially located between the first pivot
arm connection and the longitudinal centre line, and wherein a
second crop processing tool is mounted on a second pivot arm which,
in the region of a second pivot arm connection, is pivotably
connected about a substantially horizontal centre line, to the
secondary frame part for movement between an operative position and
a transport position, wherein, in the operative position, the
second pivot arm connection is located at a smaller horizontal
distance from the longitudinal centre line than the rotor centre
line of the second crop processing tool.
72. The device according to claim 71, wherein the crop processing
tools are rotatably driven about a rotor centre line.
73. The device according to claim 72, wherein the crop processing
tools are rakes.
74. The device according to claim 73, wherein the horizontal
distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot
arm connection is adjustable.
75. The device according to claim 74, wherein the horizontal
distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot
arm connection is adjustable by a telescopic design of the
associated pivot arm.
76. A haymaking device for displacing mown crop, comprising a
primary frame part with a hitch for hitching to a tractor, wherein
the frame with the hitch defines a longitudinal centre line of the
device, which longitudinal centre line is parallel to the direction
of travel or movement in the operative position, wherein the device
further comprises two secondary frame parts, located on both sides
of the primary frame part, which are connected to the primary frame
part and are each provided with a first and a second crop
processing tool, wherein the first and second crop processing tools
are connected to the secondary frame by a first and a second pivot
arm, respectively, for movement between an operative position and a
transport position by a pivoting movement about a substantially
horizontal pivot centre line, wherein, in the operative position,
the first and second pivot arms extend in substantially opposite
directions from the secondary frame part.
77. The device according to claim 76, wherein the crop processing
tools are rotatably driven about a rotor centre line.
78. The device according to claim 77, wherein the crop processing
tools are rakes.
79. The device according to claim 77, wherein the horizontal
distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot
arm connection is adjustable.
80. The device according to claim 79, wherein the horizontal
distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot
arm connection is adjustable by a telescopic design of the
associated pivot arm.
81. A haymaking device comprising a frame having a primary frame
part and a front end provided with means for hitching to a tractor,
and comprising four crop processing tools, wherein the frame of the
haymaking device comprises a longitudinal centre line which is
substantially parallel to the direction of travel, wherein two crop
processing tools are located on both sides of the longitudinal
centre line, in operative position behind each other with the front
one of each pair being outwardly staggered with respect to the rear
one of said pair, wherein the rear crop processing tools are each
mounted on a respective rear, first pivot arm which is mounted, via
a first pivot connection, on or near the free end of a first frame
arm which extends per se freely rearwardly in a floating manner,
substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre line and which,
during use, is located at an intermediate distance from the
longitudinal centre line, when viewed in a direction transverse
thereto.
82. The device according to claim 81, wherein the crop processing
tools are circular rakes.
83. The device according to claim 81, wherein the front crop
processing tools are each mounted on a respective front, second
pivot arm which is mounted, via a second pivot connection, on or
near the free end of a second frame arm which extends per se freely
forwardly in a floating manner, substantially parallel to the
longitudinal centre line and which, during use, is located at an
intermediate distance from the longitudinal centre line, when
viewed in a direction transverse thereto.
84. The device according to claim 83, wherein the first and/or
second pivot centre lines are substantially parallel to the
longitudinal centre line.
85. The device according to claim 83, wherein the first pivot
centre lines are located at a horizontal distance from the
longitudinal centre line, which horizontal distance is larger than
that for the rear crop processing tools and/or wherein the second
pivot centre lines are located at a horizontal distance from the
longitudinal centre line, which horizontal distance is smaller than
that for the front crop processing tools.
86. The device according to claim 83, wherein the first and the
second frame arms form part of a secondary frame part which is
provided with a support wheel for the frame.
87. The device according to claim 86, wherein the secondary frame
part is movable to and from the longitudinal centre line via a
parallelogram mechanism active in a horizontal plane.
88. The device according to claim 83, wherein the first frame arm
is located at a horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre
line, which horizontal distance is larger than that for the second
frame arm.
89. The device according to claim 85, wherein the primary frame
part and the secondary frame parts are interconnected via side arms
whose ends are rotatably connected about substantially vertical
centre lines to the primary frame part and the secondary frame
parts, respectively.
90. The device according to claim 82, wherein the horizontal
distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot
arm connection is adjustable.
91. The device according to claim 90, wherein the horizontal
distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot
arm is adjustable by a telescopic design of the associated pivot
arm.
92. A haymaking device for displacing mown crop, comprising a
primary frame part with a hitch for hitching to a tractor, wherein
the frame with the hitch defines a longitudinal centre line of the
device, which longitudinal centre line is parallel to the direction
of travel or movement in the operative position, wherein the device
further comprises two secondary frame parts located on both sides
of the primary frame part, connected to the primary frame part and
each provided with at least, wherein the secondary frame parts are
connected to the primary frame part via a parallelogram mechanism
active in a horizontal plane, for movement between an operative
position at a distance from the primary frame part and a transport
position near the primary frame part whilst maintaining their
orientation with respect to the longitudinal centre line.
93. The device according to claim 92, wherein the first crop
processing tool is a crop displacing tool.
94. The device according to claim 93, wherein the crop processing
tool is a rake.
95. The device according to claim 92, wherein the first crop
processing tools are each mounted on a first pivot arm which is
mounted on the secondary frame part via a first pivot connection,
wherein the first pivot centre lines are located at a horizontal
distance from the longitudinal centre line, which horizontal
distance is smaller than that for the first crop processing
tools.
96. The device according to claim 95, wherein each secondary frame
part is further provided with second crop processing tools, which
are each mounted on a second pivot arm which is mounted on the
secondary frame part, behind the first pivot arm, by means of a
second pivot connection, wherein the second pivot centre lines are
located at a larger horizontal distance from the longitudinal
centre line than that for the second crop processing tools.
97. The device according to claim 96, wherein the first and second
pivot arms extend on both sides of and from the respective
secondary frame part in opposite directions.
98. The device according to claim 92, wherein the primary frame
part and the secondary frame parts are interconnected by means of
side arms whose ends are rotatably connected about substantially
vertical centre lines to the primary frame part and the secondary
frame parts, respectively.
99. The device according to claim 92, wherein the horizontal
distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot
arm connection is adjustable.
100. The device according to claim 99, wherein the horizontal
distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot
arm connection is adjustable by a telescopic design of the
associated pivot arm.
101. A haymaking device comprising a frame having a central,
primary frame part, the main part comprising a main beam extending
in longitudinal direction, and a longitudinal centre line, and two
side arms extending sidewardly on both sides of and from the
central frame part and each carrying at least one crop processing
tool, which crop processing tool is connected to the respective
side arm by means of a pivot shaft having a substantially
horizontal pivot centre line in order to be pivoted between an
operative position and an upwardly pivoted transport position,
wherein the device further comprises a hitch for hitching the
device to a tractor, and support wheels for supporting the frame in
the operative position and the transport position of the device,
wherein the support wheels are mounted to the ends of the side arms
and are each rotatable about a substantially vertical centre line,
and wherein the device further comprises setting mechanisms for
setting the position of each support wheel with respect to the
longitudinal centre line in at least one oblique position with
respect to the longitudinal centre line.
102. The device according to claim 101, wherein the crop processing
tool is rotatably driven about a rotor centre line.
103. The device according to claim 102, wherein the crop processing
tool is a rake.
104. The device according to claim 101, wherein the side arms are
pivotable about a substantially vertical pivot centre line between
one or more extended operative positions, in which they extend
sidewardly from the central, primary frame part, and an inwardly
pivoted transport position, in which they extend substantially
parallel to the longitudinal centre line, wherein the mechanisms
configured to be operated simultaneously but in opposite sense, so
that the support wheels diverge or converge at the same angle with
respect to the longitudinal centre line.
105. A haymaking device comprising a frame having a central,
primary frame part, the main part comprising a main beam extending
in longitudinal direction, and a longitudinal centre line, and two
side arms extending sidewardly on both sides of and from the
central frame part and each carrying at least one crop processing
tool, which crop processing tool is connected to the respective
side arm by means of a pivot shaft having a substantially
horizontal pivot centre line in order to be pivoted between an
operative position and an upwardly pivoted transport position,
wherein the device further comprises a hitch for hitching the
device to a tractor, and support wheels for supporting the frame in
the operative position and the transport position of the device,
wherein the support wheels are mounted to the ends of the side arms
and are each rotatable about a substantially vertical centre line,
wherein the device further comprises an adjusting mechanism for
adjusting the support wheels for the side arms into different
oblique positions with respect to the longitudinal centre line.
106. The device according to claim 105, wherein the crop processing
tool is rotatably driven about a rotor centre line.
107. The device according to claim 106, wherein the crop processing
tools is a rake.
108. The device according to claim 107, wherein the side arms are
pivotable about a substantially vertical pivot centre line between
one or more extended operative positions, in which they extend
sidewardly from the central, primary frame part, and an inwardly
pivoted transport position, in which they extend substantially
parallel to the longitudinal centre line, wherein the mechanisms
configured to be operated simultaneously but in opposite sense, so
that the support wheels diverge or converge at the same angle with
respect to the longitudinal centre line.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT application number
PCT/NL2011/000015 filed on 4 Mar. 2011, which claims priority from
Netherlands application number 1037784 filed on 8 Mar. 2010. Both
applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a haymaking device provided with at
least one crop processing tool, such as a mower, a tedder or a
rake. In particular, the invention relates to a device for
displacing mown crop, in particular mown grass. The invention
relates in particular to a crop displacing device provided with
pins, in particular a rake device.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Haymaking devices can be designed so as to have a central
frame and side arms projecting on both sides thereof, on which side
arms one or more crop processing tools are mounted.
[0006] In a commonly used rake device the side arms extend
transversely to a main beam. Adjustment of the working width can
take place by retracting/extending a part of the side arm that
carries the circular rake, see for example EP 1.095.555. When
bringing the rake device into the transport position, the outer
part of the side arm is pivoted upwardly, whereafter the circular
rake is substantially vertical and is narrow in horizontal
transverse direction. In this case, the rake pins are usually
oriented outwardly. In an alternative embodiment, see EP 2.022.316,
the upwardly pivotable outer part is mounted on a bendable arm
which can be bent outwardly/inwardly.
[0007] In another type of an embodiment of a rake device, the side
arms diverge forwardly from a hinge mounting to a main beam, see EP
1.077.595, EP 1.488.685 and EP 2.022.317, which are all hereby
incorporated by reference in their entireties. By pivoting the side
arms in a horizontal plane, the working width can be set. By means
of their own pivot arms, the circular rakes are connected to the
side arms so as to be upwardly pivotable. In the upwardly pivoted
transport position, in which both side arms are oriented parallel
to the main beam, they extend transversely outwardly together with
the rake pins.
[0008] As a result of the fact that the rake tines and the pivot
parts extending between the rake wheels extend outwardly, the width
of the rake device in transport position is fairly large. The width
of the rake device in transport position, in particular in the rear
part of the rake device, affects the maneuverability of the drawn
rake device, in particular when making turns around buildings, in
gates. In the case of a larger width, the risk of the rake pins
coming into contact with stationary objects, such as a wall or
column, increases. Said contact can result in that the rake pins or
rake arms may become damaged and need to be replaced. Moreover, the
rake pins projecting during transport constitute a danger to humans
and animals.
[0009] The pivoting movement of circular rakes to a transport
position in which rake pins are oriented inwardly is known per
se.
[0010] For example, EP 0.548.720 discloses a double rake device
mounted on the front end of a tractor, of which the two rake arms
extending forwardly from a cross beam are upwardly pivotable and
are also rotatable about their centre lines.
[0011] DE 10 2004 035 082, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety, discloses a drawn, double rake device,
the circular rakes being located on both sides of a main beam and
can each be mounted on a rod extending in longitudinal direction,
which rod is at one end rotatably mounted itself to a transverse
arm which is connected to the main beam so as to be pivotable
upwardly. In a not further described manner, when the transverse
arm is pivoted upwardly, the circular rake can be rotated about the
centre line of the longitudinal rod in such a manner that the rake
pins extend inwardly in the transport position.
[0012] EP 1.839.480 which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety, discloses a rake device provided with six circular
rakes, having two main arms each carrying three circular rakes.
Each circular rake is connected to the respective main arm by means
of an upwardly pivotable and rearwardly extending rake arm. The
main arms are pivotably connected in the horizontal plane to a
short transverse frame which is mounted to a tractor. In the
transport position, the main arms extend rearwardly from the short
transverse frame and the pivot arms are pivoted upwardly, in which
case the rake pins of all circular rakes are oriented inwardly.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is an object of the invention to provide a haymaking
device for displacing mown crop, which is provided with a main beam
and a side arm comprising a pivot arm which carries a crop
processing tool, by means of which the crop processing parts of the
crop processing tool extend inwardly in the transport position.
[0014] It is an object of the invention to provide a haymaking
device for displacing mown crop, provided with at least one crop
processing tool, by means of which it is achieved in an alternative
manner that the crop processing parts of the crop processing tool
extend inwardly in the transport position.
[0015] It is an object of the invention to provide a haymaking
device for displacing mown crop, which is provided with a main beam
and a side arm comprising a pivot arm which carries a crop
processing tool, by means of which the crop processing tool can be
given a favourable position when manoeuvring on headlands.
[0016] It is an object of the invention to provide a compact
haymaking device for displacing mown crop.
[0017] It is an object of the invention to provide a haymaking
device for displacing mown crop, which has a good
manoeuvrability.
[0018] It is an object of the invention to provide a haymaking
device for displacing mown crop, whose width is adjustable in a
favourable manner.
[0019] In order to achieve at least one of these objects, the
invention provides, from one aspect, a haymaking device, in
particular for displacing mown crop, comprising a frame having a
main beam which extends in a longitudinal direction and defines a
longitudinal centre line, and at least a first side arm located on
one side of the main beam, wherein the side arm carries at least
one crop processing tool, preferably rotatably driven about a rotor
centre line, in particular a crop displacing tool, such as a rake,
wherein at least a first crop processing tool is mounted on a first
pivot arm, which pivot arm, in the region of a first pivot arm
connection, is pivotably connected, about a substantially
horizontal centre line, to the first side arm for movement between
an operative position and a transport position, wherein, in the
operative position, the first pivot arm connection is located at a
larger horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line than
the rotor centre line of the first crop processing tool.
[0020] As an alternative, the invention provides, from another
aspect, a haymaking device, in particular for displacing mown crop,
comprising a frame having a main beam which extends in a
longitudinal direction and defines a longitudinal centre line, and
at least a first side arm located on one side of the main beam,
wherein the side arm carries at least one crop processing tool,
preferably rotatably driven about a rotor centre line, in
particular a crop displacing tool, such as a rake, wherein at least
a first crop processing tool is mounted on a first pivot arm, which
pivot arm, in the region of a first pivot arm connection, is
pivotably connected, about a substantially horizontal centre line,
to the first side arm for movement between an operative position
and a transport position, wherein, in the operative position, the
first crop processing tool is substantially located between the
first pivot arm connection and the longitudinal centre line.
[0021] When the crop processing tool is moved from an operative
position to a raised position, in particular having an orientation
corresponding to that of the transport position, it will pivot
upwardly and outwardly, the crop processing parts, such as rake
pins, then automatically assuming an inward directional component.
When pivoting upwardly to some extent, the tool parts which are
located more inwardly in the operative position, will be located at
a higher level than tool parts which are located more outwardly.
This is especially advantageous for rake devices in the case that a
central windrow has to be made in the longitudinal direction, for
example when turning on a headland.
[0022] The first pivot arm preferably extends substantially
transversely to the longitudinal centre line, i.e. at an angle of
more than 45 degrees. In a simple embodiment, the first pivot arm
extends substantially at right angles to the longitudinal centre
line.
[0023] In a further development of the device according to the
invention, the first pivot arm is mounted on a first satellite
frame which, in the region of a first rotational connection, is
rotatably connected about a substantially vertical centre line to
the first side arm. The satellite frame forms a support for at
least the first pivot arm, which support is movable together with
the side arm with respect to the main frame. The first satellite
frame can have its own orientation with respect to the side arm.
The first satellite frame can then be located at a height different
from that of the side arm, preferably thereabove, in order to
impede the mutual rotation as little as possible. In one
embodiment, the device is provided with an aligning rod for the
first satellite frame, which aligning rod is connected to the main
beam to align the first satellite frame with respect to the side
arm.
[0024] The first satellite frame can perform a function in
providing, at a distance from the main beam, a movable support for
further tools. In particular, a second crop processing tool can be
mounted on a second pivot arm which, in the region of a second
pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected about a substantially
horizontal centre line to the first satellite frame for movement
between an operative position and a transport position, wherein, in
the operative position, the second pivot arm connection is located
at a smaller horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line
than the rotor centre line of the second crop processing tool. Two
pivot arms provided with a crop processing tool thus extend from
the first satellite frame. The second pivot arms can be relatively
short in relation to their horizontal distance from the
longitudinal centre line. They can be oriented in opposite
directions. In particular, they can be substantially identical, as
a result of which the device can have an increased degree of
modularity.
[0025] In particular for rake devices, with which raking takes
place in a direction towards the main beam or the tractor, it is
advantageous if the second pivot arm is located in front of the
first pivot arm in the direction of travel.
[0026] If the first pivot arm connection is located at a larger
horizontal distance from the main beam than the second pivot arm
connection, the tools can at least partially coincide in the
transport position, when viewed in a vertical plane of projection
transverse to the longitudinal centre line, which can be
advantageous to the transverse profile of the device in the
transport position.
[0027] In one embodiment, the first pivot arm connection is mounted
on a first satellite arm which is oriented rearwardly from the
first rotational connection. In one embodiment, the second pivot
arm connection is mounted on a second satellite arm which is
oriented forwardly from the first rotational connection. The
combination thereof is advantageous for reasons of compactness and
stability.
[0028] The first satellite arm can be located at a larger
horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line than the
second satellite arm, which can be advantageous to the width in the
transport position, because of overlap in said vertical plane of
projection, and can leave space for other objects in the rear part
of the device in the transport position.
[0029] In a compact embodiment, the first satellite frame is
mounted at the end of the first side arm.
[0030] The first satellite frame can perform a function in
supporting the device, in which case the first satellite frame is
provided with a support wheel which is located beside the crop
processing tool and which is in particular also located at the end
of the side arm. In this case, the position of the support wheel
can be selected in such a manner that the support wheel is located
between the first and second crop processing tools, in the shadow
of the second crop processing tool, when viewed in the direction of
travel, and need not drive over not yet processed crop. The support
wheels follow the side arm when the position thereof is set, so
that the stability is enhanced.
[0031] The controllability is enhanced if the support wheel is
mounted to the first satellite frame so as to be rotatable about a
substantially vertical centre line, which centre line preferably
coincides with the centre line of the first rotational connection
between the side arm and the first satellite frame. This can also
be advantageous to the movement of the first side arm between an
operative position and the transport position in the still to be
described embodiment in which the first side arm is pivotable with
respect to the main beam. In one embodiment comprising said support
wheel, the device is further provided with means for setting the
angle of rotation of the support wheel with respect to the first
satellite frame. This makes it possible to control the first side
arm when working on a transverse slope.
[0032] In a simple embodiment, the device has, in its transport
position, as sole support points a hitch for a tractor and the
support wheel of the first satellite frame.
[0033] In one embodiment, the haymaking device is designed as the
type in which the side arm is movable between a transport position,
in which it extends substantially along the main beam, at a first
angle to the main beam, and an operative position, in which the
first side arm extends sidewardly from the main beam, at a second
angle, larger than the first angle. The aforementioned aligning rod
can then form a parallelogram mechanism with the side arm and the
satellite frame or a component which is rigidly connected thereto,
so that the orientation of the first satellite frame with respect
to the main beam is maintained in the case of the aforementioned
movement of the first side arm.
[0034] From a further aspect, the invention provides a haymaking
device comprising a frame having a main beam which extends in a
longitudinal direction and defines a longitudinal centre line, and
at least a first side arm located on one side of the main beam,
wherein the first side arm carries at least a first crop processing
tool, preferably driven in a rotating manner about a rotor centre
line, such as a rake, wherein the first side arm is movable between
a transport position, in which it extends substantially along the
main beam, at a first angle to the main beam, and an operative
position, in which the first side arm extends sidewardly from the
main beam, at a second angle, larger than the first angle, wherein
at least a first crop processing tool is mounted on a first pivot
arm which, in the region of a first pivot arm connection, is
pivotably connected, about a substantially horizontal centre line,
to the first side arm for movement between an operative position,
in which the crop processing tool can be active, and a transport
position, wherein the first pivot arm is mounted on a first
satellite frame which, in the region of a rotational connection, is
rotatably connected about a substantially vertical centre line to
the side arm, wherein the first satellite frame is mounted at the
end of the first side arm and is provided with a support wheel. A
few advantages of a haymaking device having such a first satellite
frame have already been described in the foregoing.
[0035] In the operative position, the first pivot arm connection is
located at a larger horizontal distance from the rotor centre line
than the rotor centre line of the first crop processing tool, which
enables to achieve the aforementioned advantages. Also in this
case, the first satellite frame can be utilized for a second crop
processing tool, which is mounted on a second pivot arm which, in
the region of a second pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected
about a substantially horizontal centre line to the first satellite
frame for movement between an operative position, in which the
second crop processing tool can be active, and a transport
position, wherein, in the operative position, the second pivot arm
connection is located at a smaller horizontal distance from the
longitudinal centre line than the rotor centre line of the second
crop processing tool.
[0036] This haymaking device can be designed in accordance with the
earlier described haymaking device according to the invention, with
one or more of the particularities mentioned for that device. For
example, the satellite frame or a component rigidly connected
thereto can form a parallelogram mechanism with an aligning rod and
the side arm to maintain the orientation of the satellite frame
with respect to the main beam.
[0037] In general, the haymaking device according to the invention
can be designed as a double one, in which case the device is
provided with a second side arm, located at that side of the main
beam that is opposite to the first side arm, wherein the second
side arm forms an arrangement which substantially corresponds to
that of the first side arm with equipment provided thereon,
mirrorwise with respect to the longitudinal centre line.
[0038] In an embodiment in which both side arms are movable between
a transport position, in which they extend substantially along the
main beam, at a first angle to the main beam, and an operative
position, in which both side arms extend sidewardly from the main
beam at a second angle, larger than the first angle, the haymaking
device is provided with an operable mechanism for moving both side
arms simultaneously between the transport position and the
operative position and vice versa.
[0039] Both satellite frames can be provided with a support wheel
located beside the crop processing tool. As already described
above, the support wheel can be mounted to the satellite frame so
as to be rotatable about a substantially vertical centre line,
which centre line preferably coincides with the centre line of the
first rotational connection between the side arm and the satellite
frame. As a result thereof, moving the side arms simultaneously
outwardly and inwardly with respect to the main beam is
facilitated.
[0040] In this embodiment, the device is preferably further
provided with means for setting the angle of rotation of each
support wheel with respect to the satellite frame supported
thereby, preferably for setting the angles of rotation of the
support wheels independently of each other with respect to the
satellite frame in question. Both side arms can then be adjusted in
dependence on the profile of the transverse slope on that side of
the device.
[0041] In a simple embodiment, a hitch for a tractor and the
support wheels of both satellite frames form the sole support
points for the device in the transport position.
[0042] From a further aspect, the invention provides a haymaking
device, in particular for displacing mown crop, comprising a
primary frame part with a hitch for hitching to a tractor, wherein
the frame with the hitch defines a longitudinal centre line of the
device, which is parallel to the direction of travel or movement in
the operative position, wherein the device further comprises two
secondary frame parts, located on both sides of the primary frame
part, which are connected to the primary frame part and are each
provided with at least two crop processing tools, preferably
rotatably driven about a rotor centre line, in particular crop
displacing tools, such as a rake, wherein a first crop processing
tool is mounted on a first pivot arm which, in the region of a
first pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected about a
substantially horizontal centre line to the secondary frame part
for movement between an operative position and a transport
position, wherein, in the operative position, the first crop
processing tool is substantially located between the first pivot
arm connection and the longitudinal centre line, and wherein a
second crop processing tool is mounted on a second pivot arm which,
in the region of a second pivot arm connection, is pivotably
connected about a substantially horizontal centre line, to the
secondary frame part for movement between an operative position and
a transport position, wherein, in the operative position, the
second pivot arm connection is located at a smaller horizontal
distance from the longitudinal centre line than the rotor centre
line of the second crop processing tool.
[0043] From a further aspect, the invention provides a haymaking
device, in particular for displacing mown crop, comprising a
primary frame part with a hitch for hitching to a tractor, wherein
the frame with the hitch defines a longitudinal centre line of the
device, which longitudinal centre line is parallel to the direction
of travel or movement in the operative position, wherein the device
further comprises two secondary frame parts, located on both sides
of the primary frame part, which are connected to the primary frame
part and are each provided with a first and a second crop
processing tool, preferably rotatably driven about a rotor centre
line, in particular a crop displacing tool, such as a rake, wherein
the first and second crop displacing tools are connected to the
secondary frame by a first and a second pivot arm, respectively,
for movement between an operative position and a transport position
by a pivoting movement about a substantially horizontal pivot
centre line, wherein, in the operative position, the first and
second pivot arms extend in substantially opposite directions from
the secondary frame part.
[0044] The haymaking devices described in the preceding two
paragraphs can be designed so as to have one or a plurality of the
above-mentioned features according to the invention, in particular
as described in the subclaims. The primary frame part can in
particular comprise a main beam, as described in the foregoing.
[0045] From a further aspect, the invention provides a haymaking
device comprising a frame having a primary frame part and a front
end provided with means for hitching to a tractor, and comprising
four crop processing tools, in particular circular rakes, wherein
the frame of the haymaking device comprises a longitudinal centre
line which is substantially parallel to the direction of travel,
wherein two crop processing tools are located on both sides of the
longitudinal centre line, in operative position behind each other
with the front one of each pair being outwardly staggered with
respect to the rear one of said pair, wherein the rear crop
processing tools are each mounted on a respective rear, first pivot
arm which is mounted, by means of a first pivot connection, on or
near the free end of a first frame arm which extends per se freely
rearwardly in a floating manner, in particular substantially
parallel to the longitudinal centre line and which, during use, is
located at an intermediate distance from the longitudinal centre
line, when viewed in a direction transverse thereto.
[0046] The front crop processing tools can each be mounted on a
respective front, second pivot arm which is mounted, by means of a
second pivot connection, on or near the free end of a second frame
arm which extends per se freely forwardly in a floating manner, in
particular substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre line
and which, during use, is located at an intermediate distance from
the longitudinal centre line, when viewed in a direction transverse
thereto.
[0047] The first and/or second pivot centre lines can be
substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre line.
[0048] The first pivot centre lines can be located at a horizontal
distance from the longitudinal centre line, which horizontal
distance is larger than that for the rear crop processing tools
and/or wherein the second pivot centre lines are located at a
horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line, which
horizontal distance is smaller than that for the front crop
processing tools.
[0049] The first and, if present, the second frame arms preferably
form part of a secondary frame part which is provided with a
support wheel for the same and for the device. The secondary frame
part is in particular in accordance with the aforementioned first
or second satellite frame, is in particular mounted on the end of
the aforementioned side arms of the frame of the device.
[0050] Also in this haymaking device, the secondary frame part--or
satellite frame--can be movable to and from the longitudinal centre
line by means of a parallelogram mechanism active in a horizontal
plane.
[0051] The first frame arm can be located at a horizontal distance
from the longitudinal centre line, which horizontal distance is
larger than that for the second frame arm.
[0052] The primary frame part and the secondary frame parts can be
interconnected by means of side arms whose ends are rotatably
connected about substantially vertical centre lines to the primary
frame part and the secondary frame parts, respectively.
[0053] From a further aspect, the invention provides a haymaking
device, in particular for displacing mown crop, comprising a
primary frame part with a hitch for hitching to a tractor, wherein
the frame with the hitch defines a longitudinal centre line of the
device, which longitudinal centre line is parallel to the direction
of travel or movement in the operative position, wherein the device
further comprises two secondary frame parts located on both sides
of the primary frame part, connected to the primary frame part and
each provided with at least a first crop processing tool, in
particular a crop displacing tool, such as a rake, wherein the
secondary frame parts are connected to the primary frame part by
means of a parallelogram mechanism active in a horizontal plane,
for movement between an operative position at a horizontal distance
from the primary frame part and a transport position near the
primary frame part whilst maintaining their orientation with
respect to the longitudinal centre line.
[0054] The first crop processing tools can each be mounted on a
first pivot arm which is mounted on the secondary frame part by
means of a first pivot connection, wherein the first pivot centre
lines are located at a horizontal distance from the longitudinal
centre line, which horizontal distance is smaller than that for the
first crop processing tools.
[0055] Each secondary frame part can further be provided with
second crop processing tools, which are each mounted on a second
pivot arm which is mounted on the secondary frame part, behind the
first pivot arm, by means of a second pivot connection, wherein the
second pivot centre lines are located at a horizontal distance from
the longitudinal centre line, which horizontal distance is larger
than that for the second crop processing tools.
[0056] The first and second pivot arms can extend on both sides of
and from the respective secondary frame part, preferably in
opposite directions.
[0057] In this case, the primary frame part and the secondary frame
parts can be interconnected by means of side arms whose ends are
rotatably connected about substantially vertical centre lines to
the primary frame part and the secondary frame parts,
respectively.
[0058] The haymaking device according to the invention is in
particular a rake device, wherein the crop processing tool is a
rake comprising a circular rake having a substantially vertical
rotor centre line in operative position.
[0059] In an embodiment of the haymaking device according to the
invention having favourable possibilities of adjusting the working
width, the horizontal distance between the crop processing tool and
the associated pivot arm connection is adjustable, in particular by
a telescopic design of the associated pivot arm. This enables a
precision adjustment with respect to the adjustment by means of the
angle of the side arms.
[0060] From a further aspect, the invention provides a haymaking
device comprising a frame having a central, primary frame part,
such as a main beam extending in longitudinal direction, and a
longitudinal centre line (S), and two side arms (4a,4b) extending
sidewardly on both sides of and from the central frame part and
each carrying at least one crop processing tool, driven in a
rotating manner about a rotor centre line, such as a rake, in
particular crop displacing tools, which crop processing tool is
connected to the respective side arm by means of a pivot shaft
having a substantially horizontal pivot centre line in order to be
pivoted between an operative position and an upwardly pivoted
transport position, wherein the device further comprises hitching
means (3) for hitching the device to a tractor, and support wheels
(9a,9b) for supporting the frame in the operative position and the
transport position of the device, wherein the support wheels are
mounted to the ends of the side arms and are each rotatable about a
substantially vertical centre line, wherein means are provided for
setting the position of each support wheel with respect to the
longitudinal centre line in at least one oblique position with
respect to the longitudinal centre line.
[0061] From a further aspect, the invention provides a haymaking
device comprising a frame having a central, primary frame part,
such as a main beam extending in longitudinal direction, and a
longitudinal centre line (S), and two side arms (4a,4b) extending
sidewardly on both sides of and from the central frame part and
each carrying at least one crop processing tool, preferably driven
in a rotating manner about a rotor centre line, such as a rake, in
particular crop displacing tools, which crop processing tool is
connected to the respective side arm by means of a pivot shaft
having a substantially horizontal pivot centre line in order to be
pivoted between an operative position and an upwardly pivoted
transport position, wherein the device further comprises hitching
means (3) for hitching the device to a tractor, and support wheels
(9a,9b) for supporting the frame in the operative position and the
transport position of the device, wherein the support wheels are
mounted to the ends of the side arms and are each rotatable about a
substantially vertical centre line, wherein means are provided for
adjusting the support wheels for the side arms into different
oblique positions with respect to the longitudinal centre line.
[0062] In an embodiment in which the side arms are pivotable about
a substantially vertical pivot centre line between one or more
extended operative positions, in which they extend sidewardly from
the central, primary frame part, and an inwardly pivoted transport
position, in which they extend substantially parallel to the
longitudinal centre line, wherein the one or more setting means
(e.g., setting mechanism) is configured to be operated
simultaneously but in opposite sense, so that the support wheels
diverge or converge at the same angle with respect to the
longitudinal centre line, which is helpful in the case of extending
the side arms or pivoting the side arms inwardly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0063] The features and advantages of the invention will be
appreciated upon reference to the following drawings, in which:
[0064] FIG. 1 shows an oblique front view of an embodiment of a
haymaking device according to the invention, designed as a rake
device;
[0065] FIGS. 2A-D show an enlarged view of a left half, an enlarged
view of a right half, an enlarged view of a central part and a
detail of a part of the device of FIG. 1, respectively;
[0066] FIGS. 3A and 3B show details of the device of FIG. 1 in two
stages of transition from an operative position to a transport
position;
[0067] FIGS. 4A and 4B show a front view of the device of FIG. 1
during operation and a front view thereof during a manoeuvre on a
headland, respectively;
[0068] FIGS. 5A-5D show the operative position of FIG. 1, a
narrower operative position and a transport position of the device
of FIG. 1, a top view and an oblique top view of the device of FIG.
1, respectively, during the switching from an operative position to
the transport position;
[0069] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the device of FIG. 1 in
transport position behind a tractor; and
[0070] FIGS. 7A-C show an oblique view, a front view and a top view
of an alternative embodiment of a hub holder for a support wheel of
the device according to FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0071] The following is a description of certain embodiments of the
invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the
drawings. FIGS. 1 and 2A-C show a circular rake device 1 with
direction of travel W, comprising a main beam 2 which defines a
longitudinal centre line S of the device 1 and which, as a primary
frame part, constitutes in this example part of a frame of the
device--and a front end of which is provided with a hitch 3 for
hitching to a non-shown tractor. The hitch 3 provides three degrees
of rotation (X,Y,Z). On the main beam 2 there is provided a slide
element 5 which is slidable over/along the main beam, parallel to
the longitudinal centre line S, see arrows A.
[0072] Two side arms 4a,b, which also constitute part of the frame,
extend on both sides of the main beam 2, from the slide element 5
at equal angles alpha (.alpha.) to the longitudinal centre line S.
At the outer ends of the side arms 4a,b there are mounted subframes
or secondary frame parts, hereinafter to be called satellite frames
6a,b. As will be explained hereinafter, the satellite frames 6a,b
are rotatable there about substantially vertical hinge centre lines
with respect to the side arms. The satellite frames 6a,b each carry
two circular rakes 7a,8a and 7b,8b with substantially vertical
rotational centre lines R1,3,2,4, respectively, and are supported
by frame support wheels 9a,b which are located in the shadow of
circular rakes 7a,b. The two satellite frames 6a,b make the device
1 resemble to some extent to a catamaran.
[0073] The side arms 4a,b are further connected to the main beam 2
(see also FIG. 2C) by means of holding rods 10a,b, the outer ends
of said holding rods 10a,b being hingeably connected, in the region
of hinges 12a,b, to brackets 11a,b which are mounted on the side
arms 4a,b. The inner ends of the holding rods 10a,b are hingeably
connected, in the region of hinges 13a,b, to a bracket 20 a,b which
is statically mounted on the main beam 2. The inner ends of the
side arms 4a,b are hingeably mounted, in the region of hinges
14a,b, to the slide element 5 via pins 18a,b. The holding rods
10a,b and the part (here approximately 1/3) of the side arms 4a,b
between the hinges 12a,b and 14a,b form, together with a part of
the main beam 2 that is adjustable in length by means of the slide
element 5, triangles which are transformable in shape.
[0074] Aligning rods 16a,b extend along the front side of the side
arms 4a,b, partially shielded by hoods 17a,b, towards the hub
holders 19a,b for the wheels 9a,b. The hub holders 19a,b are
hingeably connected to both the outer ends of the side arms 4a,b
(by hinge pin 81a,b, see FIG. 2D) and to the outer ends of the
aligning rods 16a,b (by hinge pin 82a,b, see FIG. 2D), in such a
manner that a parallelogram mechanism active in a horizontal plane
is formed, in which the hub holder and the slide element form the
short sides. The aligning rod 16a,b is slidably connected
indirectly, by means of the slide element 5, to the main beam 2, as
well as the side arm 4a,b.
[0075] Also owing to the fact that the satellite frames 6a,b form a
rotationally fixed unit with the hub holders 19a,b (rigidly mounted
on upper plate 83a,b--FIG. 2D--of hub holders 19a,b), they will
maintain their orientation with respect to the longitudinal centre
line S in the case of deformation of the parallelogram mechanisms.
The satellite frames 6a,b are located above the upper surface of
the side arms 4a,b so that the relative rotation of the side arms
4a,b with respect to the satellite frames 6a,b is not impeded.
[0076] The satellite frames 6a,b, see also FIGS. 5A,B, each
comprise a forwardly oriented satellite arm 21a,b and a rearwardly
oriented satellite arm 22a,b, which carry the circular rakes 7a,b
and 8a,b, respectively, when these are not supported by wheel sets
31a,b and 32a,b, known per se, which carry the circular rakes in
the normal operative position. The satellite arms 21a,b and 22a,b
extend parallel to the longitudinal centre line S and project in a
floating manner forwardly and rearwardly, respectively, in the
manner of a projecting beam.
[0077] Outwardly oriented pivot arms 23a,b are mounted to the front
ends of the satellite arms 21a,b in a manner in which they are
pivotable in a vertical plane about pivot centre lines C1,2 between
an operative position and one or more raised positions, in
particular an upwardly pivoted transport position. They each
comprise a telescopic arm 33a,b with retractable/extendable arm
parts 35a,b and cylinders 37a,b with piston rods 39a,b whose ends
are mounted to the arm parts 35a,b. The arm parts 35a,b carry
rotors 25a,b on which rake arms 27a,b with rake pins 29a,b are
removably mounted in a manner known per se. In the operative
position, the rotors 25a,b have substantially vertical rotor centre
lines R1.2. For the pivoting movement of the pivot arms 23a,b,
there are provided cylinders 41a,b, whose piston rods 43a,b engage
the telescopic arms 33a,b.
[0078] Outwardly oriented pivot arms 24a,b are mounted to the rear
ends of the arms 22a,b in a manner in which they are pivotable in a
vertical plane about pivot centre lines C3,4 between an operative
position and one or more raised positions, in particular an
upwardly pivoted transport position. They each comprise a
telescopic arm 34a,b with retractable/extendable arm parts 36a,b
and cylinders 38a,b with piston rods 40a,b whose ends are mounted
to the arm parts 36a,b. The arm parts 36a,b carry rotors 26a,b on
which rake arms 28a,b with rake pins 30a,b are removably mounted in
a manner known per se. In the operative position, the rotors 26a,b
have substantially vertical rotor centre lines R3,4. For the
pivoting movement of the pivot arms 24a,b, there are provided
cylinders 42a,b, whose piston rods 44a,b engage the telescopic arms
34a,b.
[0079] The pivot arms 23a,b and 24a,b may be composed of identical
components, so that a high degree of modularity is achieved.
[0080] The distance from the satellite arms 21a,b to the
longitudinal centre line S is smaller than the distance from the
satellite arms 22a,b to the longitudinal centre line S, and the
same applies to the location of the pivot centre lines C1,2 with
respect to the location of the pivot centre lines C3,4, see also
FIG. 5A. The rotor centre lines R1,2 are located at a distance from
the longitudinal centre line S, which distance is larger than that
for the pivot centre lines C1,2 in the region of the pivot
connection to the satellite arms 21a,b. On the contrary, the rotor
centre lines R3,4 are located at a distance from the longitudinal
centre line S, which distance is smaller than that for the pivot
centre lines C3,4 in the region of the pivot connection to the
satellite arms 22a,b. As a result thereof, the pivot arms 23a,b
pivot inwardly upwards, and the pivot arms 24a,b pivot outwardly
upwards.
[0081] During raking of a mowing field, the device 1 will usually
touch mown grass with all circular rakes, such as indicated in FIG.
4A. After making a stroke over the terrain, the device 1 has to
make a turn of 180 degrees to choose position for the return
stroke. Said turning takes place in a strip of the terrain at the
beginning or the end of the strokes to be made, where the mown
grass is still lying on the mowing field, scattered or already in
the form of windrows. Such a strip is also called headland. In
order to prevent that the grass will be displaced unintentionally
when manoeuvring on the headland, it will be desired to prevent the
circular rakes 7a,b and 8a,b from coming into contact with the
grass. By using the satellite frames 6a,b having pivot arms 23a,b
and 24a,b extending on both sides thereof, comparable conditions
are created for all circular rakes. Also the outer circular rakes
7a,b are raised by means of a short pivot arm, see FIG. 4B.
Moreover, the circular rakes 8a,b will soon come free from a
windrow located below the middle of the device, when said windrow
is followed over a short or longer distance during manoeuvring on
the headland or on a mowing field already raked into windrows. When
the device crosses a windrow, comparable results are achieved.
[0082] For the drive of the rotors 25a,b and 26a,b, there is
provided a central gearbox 50 which, in a vertical plane which
contains the longitudinal centre line S, is movably supported by
the main beam 2. The central gearbox 50 forms a double right-angled
transmission having exits 58a,b which are in line with each other
and have an opposite transverse orientation. The entrance 58c of
the central gearbox 50 is operatively coupled, by means of a cardan
coupling, to a main drive shaft 51 which is telescopic and whose
front end can be operatively coupled, by means of a cardan
coupling, an intermediate shaft 51a in a bearing mounted on the
front end of the main beam 2 and a cardan coupling, to a power
take-off of a tractor. The exits 58a,b are operatively coupled, by
means of cardan couplings, to telescopic secondary drive shafts
52a,b whose outer ends are operatively coupled, by means of cardan
couplings, to second corner gearboxes 53a,b. The secondary drive
shafts 52a,b are continued, by short drive shafts 54c,d, to third
corner gearboxes 55c,d. The second and third gearboxes 53a,b and
55a,b each comprise an exit which extends obliquely forwardly and
outwardly, and obliquely rearwardly and inwardly, respectively.
Telescopic rotor drive shafts 56a,b and 57a,b are operatively
coupled, by means of cardan couplings, to said exits, for the drive
of the rotors 25a,b and 26a,b of the circular rakes 7a,b and
8a,b.
[0083] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2A-, 3A and 3B, the central
gearbox 50 is mounted on a slide 67 which is slidable in
longitudinal direction (direction E) on rails 66 mounted on the
main beam, the front ends of said rails being interconnected by a
transverse rod 62 which forms a stop for the slide 67. The front
side of the slide 67 is detachably connected, by means of a hook 63
(FIG. 3B), to a transverse section 61 mounted to the rear ends of
two rigid pulling/pushing rods 60 whose front ends are mounted to
the slide element 5 and have a substantially constant orientation.
The hook 63 forms an integral whole with a catch 64 and is tiltable
therewith in a vertical plane which contains the longitudinal
centre line S. Below the hook 63, the slide 67 is provided with a
forwardly oriented stop surface 91.
[0084] In order to move the slide element 5 along/over the main
beam 2, a cylinder 70 is mounted, above the main beam 2, to said
main beam, the piston rod 71 of said cylinder being mounted to the
slide element 5.
[0085] The working width of the device 1 can be set by having the
side arms 4a,b project sidewardly to a greater or lesser extent in
the direction D, by changing the angle alpha (a) between the side
arms 4a,b and the main beam 2. The support wheels 9a,b follow that
setting and maintain substantially their position with respect to
the associated circular rakes. The working width can be set further
(more precisely) by the cylinders 37a,b and 38a,b, by means of
which also the relative mutual position of the circular rakes 7a,8a
and 7b,8b and their rotor centre lines in transverse direction can
be set.
[0086] When changing the working width of the device 1 and passing
to the transport position (and the freight position to be described
hereinafter), the aforementioned cardan couplings can assume the
desired angular position.
[0087] In the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 5A, the angle alpha (a)
is maximal and the holding rods 10a,b are transverse to the main
beam 2 and the side arms 4a,b are at a rearwardly opening angle
alpha (a) of approximately 65 degrees to the longitudinal centre
line S.
[0088] If it is desired to reduce the working width (from FIG. 5A
to FIG. 5B) or to bring the device into the transport position
(FIG. 5D) (see also FIG. 5C), the cylinder 70 is activated, which
results in that the slide element 5 is moved with respect to the
bracket 20, along/over the main beam 2, in forward direction
(direction A). In the meantime, the device 1 is moved forwardly.
The base of the aforementioned triangles is then increased and the
angles made by the holding rods 10a,b and the side arms 4a,b with
said base are then reduced. When the desired working width has been
achieved (see for example FIG. 5B), the operation of the cylinder
70, and consequently the movement of the slide element 5, is
stopped. Due to the parallelogram mechanism of the aligning rods
16a,b, the hub holders 19a,b, the side arms 4a,b and the slide
element 5, the support wheels 9a,b maintain their orientation in
the direction of travel and also the satellite frames 6a,b maintain
their orientation.
[0089] In the position of minimum working width of FIG. 5B, the
slide 67 has reached a position just behind the end of the rails 66
and the slide 67 and the slide element 5 are still
interconnected.
[0090] To pass to the transport position, the pivot arms 23a,b and
24a,b are operated in the then assumed operative position, in order
to pivot the circular rakes 7a,b and 8a,b upwardly. The piston rod
71 is then extended and, via the position of FIG. 5C, the slide
element 5 is forced to the front end of the main beam 2, just
behind the coupling 3. The holding rods 10a,b then--in the
transport position of FIG. 5D--extend forwardly along the main beam
2. The side arms 4a,b now make a small angle of approximately 7
degrees with the longitudinal centre line S. The inner ends of the
side arms 4a,b are then brought as close as possible to the
coupling 3, as far as possible in front of the support wheels 9a,b,
so that a larger part of the weight thereof and of the tools
carried by the side arms can be absorbed by the coupling 3 of the
tractor 100 (FIG. 6, arrow F), which enhances the stability during
transport and limits a yawing movement. In addition, this makes it
possible to limit the length of the longitudinal girder.
[0091] In this case, the sole support points of the device 1 are
the frame support wheels 9a,b and the hitch 3 to the tractor
100.
[0092] FIG. 5D shows that, in the depicted transport position, the
rake tines 29a,b of the circular rakes 7a,b are faced outwardly and
the rake tines 30a,b of the circular rakes 8a,b are faced inwardly.
This results in that the width at the rear end of the device in
transport position can be limited to a minimum, in which situation
the rake wheels 32a,b almost touch each other. This enhances the
manoeuvrability in curves along stationary constructions, the risk
of damage of the rake tines being reduced. The largest width of the
device is defined by the frame support wheels 9a,b. The circular
rakes 7a,b, whose tines 29a,b extend outwardly, are, as it were,
screened by the support wheels 9a,b and the rear wheels of the
tractor. The circular rakes 7a,b leave between them sufficient
space for inter alia the main beam 2 and the side arms 4a,b.
[0093] When the side arms 4a,b are pivoted about the hinges 14a,b,
the distance between the second and third gearboxes 53a,b, 55c,d
and the longitudinal centre line S changes. This change should be
absorbed by the telescopic secondary drive shafts 52a,b. However,
telescopic shafts can do this only to a limited extent. By moving
the ends of the secondary drive shafts also with respect to each
other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal centre line S,
the extent to which the shortening/lengthening is required can be
limited.
[0094] For this purpose, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1,2A-C, 3A and
3B, the slide 67, and consequently the central gearbox 50, is
connected for collective movement to the slide element 5 via the
rods 60. The main drive shaft 51 is then shortened in a telescopic
manner. In this example, it has been decided not to take along the
slide 67 over the entire trajectory of the slide element 5 and to
limit the length of the rails 66, also with a view to the space
available in the transport position (see FIGS. 5D and 6). For this
purpose, at the arrival of the slide 67 at the end of the rails 66,
the catch 64 abuts against the transverse rod 62, as a result of
which the hook 63 is lifted. This means that the transverse section
61 is free from the hook 63 and the connection between the slide
element 5 and the slide 67 is disengaged. The slide 67 remains
behind at that position, while the slide element 5 can move further
forwardly.
[0095] When the side arms 4a,b are again extended to an operative
position, the piston rod 71 of the cylinder 70 is retracted and the
slide element 5 again moves rearwardly. When the transverse section
61 abuts against the hook 63, the hook 63 is lifted to some extent
and can engage again behind the transverse section 61. The
transverse section 61 abuts against the stop surface 91 of the
slide 67. The slide 67 is subsequently pushed rearwardly over the
rails 66. In the meantime, the device 1 is moved rearwardly.
[0096] FIGS. 7A-C show an alternative suspension for the hub
holder, see 19', which consists of two parts, viz. a U-shaped upper
part 85 which comprises the mounting plate 83' for the rigid
mounting of a (non-shown) satellite frame 6a,b and forms a mounting
point for the hinge pins 81' and 82' for the hinge connection with
the side arm 4a,b and the aligning rod 16a,b, respectively, and a
component 86 which carries the hub 84 for the support wheel 9a,b.
The upper part 85 and the component 86 are rotatable with respect
to each other, direction H, about a centre line Z which coincides
with the centre line of the hinge pin 81'. The upper part 85 and
the component 86 are interconnected for mutual rotatability by
means of a slide bearing 87. The rotation is effected by means of a
cylinder 88, whose casing 89 is hingeably mounted to the upper part
85 and whose piston rod 90 is hingeably mounted to the component
86. The cylinders 88 can be operated independently of each
other.
[0097] By operating the cylinder 88, direction I, the angle in the
horizontal plane of the hub 84 and consequently of the wheel
mounted thereon with respect to the longitudinal centre line S can
be set, without the orientation of the satellite frame 6a,b being
influenced. By means of this, when working on a terrain having a
transverse slope, the tendency of the device 1 to deviate in
downward direction can be compensated by giving at least the
support wheel 9a,b located at the downward side a somewhat
obliquely forward orientation. Furthermore, the folding in and out
of the side arms 4a,b can be facilitated if both wheels 9a,b are
then oriented so as to converge in the direction in which the
device 1 is then travelling.
[0098] Further modifications in addition to those described above
may be made to the structures and techniques described herein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been described,
these are examples only and are not limiting upon the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *