The present invention relates to the general technical field of agricultural machinery and in particular the field of haymaking machines. It more specifically concerns an agricultural machine for processing cut plants configured to be moved in a progression's direction by a tractor vehicle, the machine including at least, in a work configuration:
This type of machine is designed to process cut plants lying on the ground, such as grass or straw. The processing consists of lifting the plants off the ground and spreading them by projecting them to the rear onto a deposition area. This processing accelerates and ensures uniformity in the drying of cut plants, thereby achieving higher-quality forage.
A machine of this type is known via the document EP 0 536 071. In a first work configuration of this machine, the rotors are located on a line substantially perpendicular to the progression's direction. In this work configuration, the machine projects the plants onto a deposition area of a width greater than the span of the machine, thereby exceeding it on either side.
The machine in the document EP 0 536 071 also includes a control element for transposing the rotors in at least a second work configuration in which the rotors are positioned on an oblique line relative to the progression's direction. The rotors project the plants diagonally relative to the progression's direction, to the side of the machine that is furthest forward, in order to move the plants towards the inside of the land. The width of the processed plant deposition area nevertheless remains substantially identical and overflows on one side.
If the width of the strip of land to be processed is less than the span of the machine, this machine projects plants outside of the land in such a way that they cannot be collected by the next machine in the agricultural operation, thereby generating losses.
If the deposition area is very wide, this may also require the subsequent machine to make more passes in the field, thereby wasting time.
One objective of the present invention is to propose a machine that does not pose the aforementioned problems. This agricultural machine must thus enable plants lying on the ground to be spread in such a way that the processed plant deposition area is smaller.
To this end, an important feature of the invention is that, in work configuration, each outer rotor and the penultimate rotor adjacent to it, driven in opposite rotational directions, form a module in which the longitudinal plane contains the driving axis of the outer rotor and the driving axis of the penultimate rotor, and that the longitudinal plane of a first module forms, together with the median plane, an acute work angle that is open to the rear, and the longitudinal plane of a second module forms an acute work angle with the median plane open to the rear.
As such, in the work configuration of this machine, the two modules are advantageously oriented obliquely and to the rear, so that the plants are moved inwards. Such an orientation of the modules enables the machine according to the invention to spread plants laying on the ground in such a way that the width of the plant deposition area is less than or equal to the span of the machine. In some cases, this machine can also enable a reduction in the number of passes that the subsequent machine makes during the agricultural operation, thereby reducing the duration of the operation.
Other features and advantages will become apparent from the claims and following description of several non-exhaustive example embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
Throughout the present document, the notions of front, rear and side are defined from the position of the rear of the machine 1 and looking in the progression's direction C.
As shown in
The machine 1 also includes, at least in its work configuration, multiple rotors 10, 13, 16 fitted with raking teeth 11. When the machine 1 is operated, the rotors 10, 13, 16 are driven in rotation around respective driving axes 10a, 13a, 16a. In the work configuration, the driving axes 10a, 13a, 16a are substantially vertical and preferably slightly tilted forwards. In this document, substantially vertical means forming an angle with the vertical of between 0° and 45°, and preferably between 0° and 20°.
At least some rotors 10, 13, 16 are distributed on either side of the median plane M. The rotors 10, 13, 16 can also be positioned such that a plane passing through the driving axes 10a, 13a, 16a of at least some rotors 10, 13, 16 forms, together with the median plane M, an acute angle open to the rear. On known machines in the state of the art, the rotors 10, 13, 16 can be positioned such that a plane passing through the driving axes 10a, 13a, 16a of all of the rotors 10, 13, 16 forms, together with the median plane M, an acute angle open to the rear.
According to an important feature, in work configuration, each outer rotor 13 and the penultimate rotor 16 form a module 8, 8′. As such, on each side of the median plane M, the outer rotor 13 and the penultimate rotor 16 form a respective module 8, 8′. The outer rotor 13 and the penultimate rotor 16 of a module 8, 8′ are driven in opposite rotational directions.
A module 8, 8′ also has a longitudinal plane 7, 7′. The longitudinal plane 7, 7′ of a module 8, 8′ contains the respective driving axis 13a of the outer rotor 13 and the respective driving axis 16a of the penultimate rotor 16.
According to another interesting feature, in work configuration of the machine 1, the longitudinal plane 7 of a first module 8 forms, together with the median plane M, an acute work angle A open to the rear, and the longitudinal plane 7′ of a second module 8′ forms an acute work angle A′ open to the rear together with the median plane M.
The width of the plant deposition area is thus less than or equal to the span 12 of the machine 1. Depending on the subsequent machine in the agricultural operation, the number of passes to be carried out by this machine can then be advantageously reduced, thereby reducing the duration of the operation.
The span 12 of the machine 1 means the distance between the outer ends of the modules 8 and 8′, projected along a plane perpendicular to the progression's direction C when the two modules 8, 8′ are in work configuration. Preferably, parts that are less essential than the rotors 10, 13, 16, such as safety elements or sensors for example, are not taken into consideration when determining the span 12 of the machine. The span 12 of the machine 1 therefore corresponds to the distance between the tangents to the trajectories T of the outer rotors 13, oriented parallel to the median plane M and positioned as far outwards as possible. The trajectory T of a rotor 10, 13, 16 is the curve described by the outer end of the raking teeth 11 of the rotor 10, 13, 16 in question, relative to the chassis 2.
The first module 8 is positioned on the right-hand side of the chassis 2, while the second module 8′ is positioned on the left-hand side of the chassis 2. Preferably, the modules 8 and 8′ are symmetrically positioned relative to the chassis 2, that is to say, symmetrically relative to the median plane M. More preferably, the entire machine 1 is manufactured symmetrically and preferably orthogonally symmetrically relative to the median plane M. To avoid repetitions and to make this document easier to read, each first element, positioned on the right-hand side of the median plane M, has an equivalent element, known as second element, positioned on the left-hand side. Where it is necessary to distinguish between them, the second element is designated by the same reference as the equivalent first element followed by an apostrophe '.
In this document, it is understood that the machine 1 is in work configuration when the first and second modules 8 and 8′ are in work configuration. Nevertheless, it is conceivable for the machine 1 to be transposable to an intermediate configuration in which just one module 8, 8′ is in work configuration. When it is stated that a module 8, 8′ is in work configuration, this means that it is close to the soil S. In addition, when a module 8, 8′ is in work configuration, its longitudinal plane 7, 7′ is substantially vertical, or preferably slightly tilted to the rear. The outer rotor 13 is the rotor positioned the closest to the end of the machine 1 when the corresponding module 8, 8′ is in work configuration. The penultimate rotor 16 is adjacent to the outer rotor 13 of the module 8, 8′ in question. The trajectories T of the outer rotor 13 and the penultimate rotor 16 of the same module 8, 8′ overlap.
A rotor 10, 13, 16 includes several arms 19 directed substantially radially around the driving axis 10a, 13a, 16a. The arms 19 carry raking teeth 11 at their outer end. To ensure effective raking, the raking teeth 11 are preferably connected by pairs in the form of forks.
The outer rotor 13 and the penultimate rotor 16 of a module 8, 8′ are driven in opposite rotational directions. These rotational directions are indicated by the direction of the arrows R and L, in particular in
According to another feature, the work angle A, A′ is, in the work configuration of the respective module 8, 8′, preferably between 40° and 100°, more preferably between 55° and 85°, and still more preferably between 60° and 70°. Such an orientation advantageously ensures that the plants are projected onto a deposition area of a width less than or equal to the span 12 of the machine 1, while at the same time maximising this span 12, respectively, an effective working width LO, LO′ of the module 8, 8′.
Preferably, the machine 1 also includes two arms 5, 5′, each connected to the chassis 2. The module 8, 8′ is carried by a respective arm 5, 5′, preferably of an elongated form, extending laterally relative to the chassis 2 in the work configuration of the respective module 8, 8′. Each arm 5, 5′ carries at least one module 8, 8′.
Each arm 5, 5′ is connected to the chassis 2 on a respective side of the chassis by means of a folding hinge 6, 6′. This folding hinge 6, 6′ allows at least some rotors 10, 13, 16 to be moved relative to the chassis 2, and in particular the module 8, 8′, respectively, the corresponding arm 5, 5′, to be transposed between a work configuration and at least one other configuration. Preferably, the folding hinge 6, 6′ enables the module 8, 8′ to be transposed between a work configuration and a transport configuration. In its work configuration, the module 8, 8′ extends laterally relative to the chassis 2. In its transport configuration, the module 8, 8′, respectively, the arm 5, 5′, is positioned in such a way that its dimension measured horizontally and perpendicular to the progression's direction C is reduced. In a simple manner, each folding hinge 6, 6′ is of the folding axis pivot type 6a, 6a′.
The longitudinal planes 7 and 7′ of the first module 8 and second module 8′ form a wide angle B open to the rear. The bisector of the wide angle B is preferably parallel to the progression's direction C and preferably included in the median plane M.
As shown in
The rotational drive to the rotors 10, 13, 16 is preferably performed by the tractor vehicle 4. During operation, the rotors 10, 13, 16 are driven in rotation around their respective driving axes 10a, 13a, 16a and the machine 1 is also moved in the progression's direction C. In this way, when the machine 1 is operated, the rotors 10, 13, 16 move the plants lying on the soil S and present in their passage. Preferably, the displacement of the machine is also performed by the tractor vehicle 4. When the machine 1 is operated, each module 8, 8′ is therefore capable of and designed to project the plants lying on the soil S to the rear, preferably in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal plane 7, 7′.
As shown in
In certain practical cases, and as shown in
When a machine 1 according to the second embodiment processes cut plants positioned in strips N, N′, the intermediate rotors 10 rake the entire area between the strips, thereby risking damage to the plant cover of the soil S and dragging earth from this area, thus reducing the quality of the forage. The intermediate rotors 10 are therefore dispensable and thereby unnecessarily increase the costs of manufacturing, maintaining and operating the machine 1. In addition, the projections of plants respectively caused by the rotors 10, 13, 16 on each side of the chassis 2 can be disturbed, inducing an irregular deposition or even mounds of plants, thereby causing less rapid and inconsistent drying, resulting in a lower-quality final product. Lastly, with the machine 1 according to the second embodiment, the tractor 4 and the machine 1 unavoidably roll over some plants, even if these are positioned in strips N, N′ spaced sufficiently apart from each other.
In the preferred embodiment, the machine 1 exclusively includes the rotors 10, 13, 16 of the first and second modules 8 and 8′, namely two outer rotors 13 and two penultimate rotors 16. The machine 1 thus only includes four rotors 10, 13, 16, preferably mounted per module 8, 8′. The chassis 2 and the arms 5 and 5′ therefore have no rotors 10, 13, 16. Consequently, they also have no raking teeth 11. As a result of the foregoing, each penultimate rotor 16 of the first and second modules 8 and 8′ is the rotor 10, 13, 16 closest to the median plane M.
The machine 1 then includes a smaller number of rotors 10, 13, 16, thereby simplifying its production and upkeep, and thereby also reducing the manufacturing and maintenance costs, as well as reducing its consumption or the power required for its operation.
The inner rotor 10, 13, 16 is the rotor 10, 13, 16 situated closest to the median plane M on each side of the chassis 2. According to another interesting feature, in the work configuration of a module 8, 8′, the driving axis 16a of the penultimate rotor 16 is remote from the median plane M by a spacing distance K, K′.
In the preferred embodiment, each penultimate rotor 16 of the first and second modules 8 and 8′ is the rotor 10, 13, 16 closest to the median plane M, i.e. the inner rotor 10, 13, 16.
As shown in
Advantageously, the effective working width LO, LO′ of a module 8, 8′ is arranged such that it is greater than the usual width of a strip N, N′. Preferably, the effective working width LO, LO′ is between 1.5 and 3.5 metres, and still more preferably between 2 and 3 metres.
In addition, the spacing distance K, K′ is at least equal to one third of the effective working width LO, LO′ of the module 8, 8′ in question, and more preferably to half of the effective working width LO, LO′ of the module 8, 8′ in question.
One advantage of such a spacing distance K, K′, respectively, of the distance between the modules 8 and 8′, combined with the fact that the penultimate rotor 16 is the inner rotor 10, 13, 16, is that at the usual rotational speed of the rotors 10, 13, 16, the projections of plants caused by each module 8, 8′ do not disturb each other, or not substantially so, thereby inducing a uniform deposition and faster drying of the plants, resulting in a higher-quality forage. Such a machine 1 also makes it possible to process plants disposed in two strips N and N′ simultaneously, reducing both the damage to the plant cover and the quantity of earth dragged in the area between the strips N and N′, thereby improving the quality of the forage.
Thus, the distance between the driving axis 16a of the first module 8 and the median plane M is the spacing distance K, and the distance between the driving axis 16a of the second module 8′ and the median plane M is the second spacing distance K′. Preferably, the machine 1 is designed such that the spacing distance K is equal to the second spacing distance K′.
One advantage of the fact that the spacing distances K, K′ are equal, in addition to the fact that the spacing distances K, K′ are at least equal to one third of the effective working width LO, LO′ of the module 8, 8′ in question, is that in the case of plants positioned in strips N and N′, cut plants can be processed without rolling over these plants, preferably neither with the tractor 4 nor with the machine 1.
In the preferred embodiment, at least one adjustment means 41 makes it possible to adjust the spacing distance K, K′. Thus, at least one of the spacing distances K, K′, and preferably each of the spacing distances K, K′, is adjustable without the corresponding work angle A, A′ being altered. Preferably, the spacing distance K, K′ of a module 8, 8′ is adjustable between an inner end-position (shown in
The spacing distance(s) K, K′ is/are adjusted by sliding the or each module 8, 8′ longitudinally to the respective arm 5, 5′. Advantageously, this adjustment allows the spacing distance K, K′ to be adapted to a variety of arrangements of plants lying on the soil S. In particular in the aforementioned case in which the plants are positioned in strips N, N′, at least one spacing distance K, K′ can be adjusted according to the width of the area between the strips N and N′. The machine 1 can thus adapt the spacing distance and/or distances K, K′ according to the width of the area between the two strips N and N′ that it processes simultaneously.
In order to enable the spacing K, K′ to be adjusted precisely, the adjustment means 41 allows the spacing distance K, K′ to be adjusted continuously. In the preferred embodiment, the adjustment means 41 is comprised of an adjustment cylinder 31, 31′. The or each adjustment cylinder 31, 31′ can be connected to the hydraulic circuit of the tractor 4 so that the spacing distance K, K′ can be easily adjusted from the cabin.
One advantage of the fact that the module 8, 8′ slides longitudinally relative to its respective arm 5, 5′ is that the work angle A, A′ is kept constant irrespective of the spacing distance K, K′. To be able to finely adjust the gap between the two modules 8, 8′, the first spacing distance K can conceivably be adjusted independently of the second spacing distance K′. To simplify the use of the machine 1, it can be arranged for one of the spacing distances K, K′ to be simultaneously adjustable.
In addition, thanks to the sliding of the module 8, 8′ longitudinally to its arm 5, 5′, it is possible to change the spacing distance K, K′ over a wide range. As shown in
An alternative or additional solution for the means 41 to adjust the spacing distance K, K′, notably shown in
The or each module 8, 8′ is connected to the chassis 2 by an articulated device 9, 9′. Preferably, each module 8, 8′ is mounted on its respective arm 5, 5′ at the level of an articulated device 9, 9′. The articulated device 9, 9′ is offset towards the outer end of the arm 5, 5′ in question. The outer end of the arm 5, 5′ is to be considered when the corresponding arm 5, 5′ is in work configuration. The articulated device 9, 9′ allows a first swiveling of the respective module 8, 8′ around a roll axis 14, 14′. The first swiveling is carried out relative to the corresponding arm 5, 5′. Preferably, this first swiveling is free and limited in range in work configuration of the module 8, 8′ in question. Preferably, the first swiveling is advantageously blocked in the other positions of the module 8, 8′, in particular in the transport and manoeuvre positions, such that there is no unintentional movement that can cause damage to the machine 1. Thus, the module 8, 8′ and the roll axis 14, 14′ are oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal plane 7, 7′ of the module 8, 8′ in question.
The module 8, 8′ can accept different orientations around the roll axis 14, 14′ relative to the arm 5, 5′ in such a way that it adapts to uneven surfaces on the soil S. Advantageously, the orientation of the module 8, 8′ around the roll axis 14, 14′ is independent of the orientation of the chassis 2. The orientations of the first module 8 around the first roll axis 14 and of the second module 8′ around the second roll axis 14′ are preferably also independent.
Preferably, the articulated device 9, 9′, respectively, the roll axis 14, 14′, is situated substantially in the centre of the module 8, 8′ along the longitudinal plane 7, 7′. The articulated device 9, 9′ includes an equilibration device 36. To stabilise the module 8, 8′ at least when it is lifted off the soil S, and in particular when it is in a transport configuration, the equilibration device 36 enables the orientation of the respective module 8, 8′ to be maintained around the respective roll axis 14, 14′. When it is lifted off the soil, the module 8, 8′ can thus be maintained in a balanced position around the respective roll axis 14, 14′ with the aid of the equilibration device 36. A simple and inexpensive way to carry out this equilibration device 36 is to fit a spring 37 on either side of the roll axis 14, 14′. Preferably, each spring 37 is fastened on one hand to the arm 5, 5′ and another hand to the module 8, 8′, respectively, to a beam 17, 17′. Such a system makes it possible to prevent or contain potential swiveling of the module 8, 8′ around the roll axis 14, 14′ as soon as the respective module 8, 8′ is lifted off the soil S.
The articulated device 9, 9′ allows a second swiveling of the respective module 8, 8′ around a pitch axis 15, 15′. The second swiveling is carried out relative to the corresponding arm 5, 5′. The pitch axis 15, 15′ is transversely oriented relative to the progression's direction C. In addition, the pitch axis 15, 15′ is oriented parallel to the corresponding longitudinal plane 7, 7′ and preferably also parallel to the beam 17, 17′. The pitch axis 15, 15′ is furthermore contained within the longitudinal plane 7, 7′ of the module 8, 8′ in question. Lastly, the pitch axis 15, 15′ is substantially parallel to the plane of the soil S and/or substantially horizontal.
Preferably, the orientation of the module 8, 8′ around the respective pitch axis 15, 15′ can be adjusted. The orientation of the module 8, 8′ around the pitch axis 15, 15′ can be kept fixed. The orientations of the first module around the pitch axis 15 and of the second module 8′ around the second pitch axis 15′ are preferably also independent. This embodiment can advantageously enable the position of the module 8, 8′ to be adjusted relative to the soil S and more specifically the angle between the soil S and the longitudinal plane 7, 7′ of the module 8, 8′ in question. This adjustment can in particular enable the distance between the raking teeth 11 positioned in front of a rotor 10, 13, 16 and the soil S to be adjusted. The adjustment of the module 8, 8′ around the respective pitch axis 15, 15′ enables the distance between the raking teeth 11 positioned in front of the outer rotor 13 and the soil S to be equal to the distance between the raking teeth 11 positioned in front of the penultimate rotor 16 and the soil S, irrespective of the work angle A, A′. The raking is thus more uniform across the working width LO, LO′, causing less dirt on the processed plants and/or carefully treating the plant cover of the soil S, irrespective of the work angle A, A′. The articulated device 9, 9′ includes an adjustment mechanism 38. The adjustment mechanism 38 makes it possible to adjust the orientation of the respective module 8, 8′ around its pitch axis 15, 15′, respectively, the adjustment of the angle between the soil S and the longitudinal plane 7, 7′ of the module 8, 8′ in question is carried out by the adjustment mechanism 38. As shown in
As described above, the or each articulated device 9, 9′ is thus preferably made in the form of a cardan type joint in which the axes are the roll axis 14, 14′ and the pitch axis 15, 15′. Alternatively, the articulated device 9, 9′ could also be comprised of a ball joint.
As shown in
Such an orientation of the folding axis 6a, 6a′ enables the modules 8 and 8′ to be transposed, preferably jointly with the arm 5 and 5′, to a transport configuration. In the transport configuration, the dimension of the machine 1, measured horizontally and perpendicular to the progression's direction C, is considerably reduced.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Each module 8, 8′ includes a beam 17, 17′ that connects the outer rotor 13 and the penultimate rotor 16 to one another. The beam 17, 17′ also connects the outer rotor 13 and the penultimate rotor 16 to the corresponding arm 5, 5′, respectively, to the corresponding articulated device 9, 9′. The beam 17, 17′ is oriented parallel to the longitudinal plane 7, 7′ of the module 8, 8′ in question. It is in addition horizontally oriented. Preferably, the beam 17, 17′ is not articulated. This means that, at least during operation, the driving axis 13a of the outer rotor 13 and the driving axis 16a of the penultimate rotor 16 are fixed relative to each other.
The machine 1 is preferably driven by the tractor vehicle 4, this action being transmitted to the rotors 10, 13, 16 via a transmission chain. This transmission chain in particular includes a power take-off shaft positioned nearby the hitching device 3. The beam 17, 17′ contains a shaft and gears that form part of the transmission chain.
The transmission chain also includes a lateral transmission shaft 18, 18′ specific to each module 8, 8′. As shown in
On the chassis 2, the lateral transmission shaft 18, 18′ is connected to an angle transmission 40. In order for a module 8, 8′ to be released, it can also be arranged for a clutch to be fitted between each module 8, 8′ and the angle transmission 40.
To enable it to adapt to uneven surfaces on the soil S, a rotor 10, 13, 16 can be fitted with at least one caster. Preferably, the rotor 10, 13, 16 is fitted with a tandem 20 that has at least one front caster 22 and one rear caster 23 mounted in a swiveling manner on a rocker 21. The axis 22a of the front caster 22 and the axis 23a of the rear caster 23 are preferably substantially horizontal and substantially perpendicular to the progression's direction C, in the work configuration.
The rocker 21 is connected to the beam 17, 17′ by means of a post 24 rigidly fastened to the beam 17, 17′. The rocker 21 is mounted in a swiveling manner together with the beam 17, 17′ of the module 8, 8′, preferably around a rocker axis 21a substantially horizontal and substantially perpendicular to the progression's direction C. The rocker 21 can swivel around this rocker axis 21a, preferably with a limited amplitude. In the work configuration, at least one of the front caster 22 and rear caster 23 rests on the soil S in order to maintain the raking teeth 11 at a substantially constant distance from the soil S. The rocker axis 21a is situated between the axis 22a of the front caster 22 and the axis 23a of the rear caster 23.
To facilitate the displacement of the machine 1, it can be arranged to equip the chassis 2 with at least one wheel. Preferably, the chassis 2 is equipped with at least one wheel set 25. Each wheel set 25 includes a rocker 26 mounted in a swiveling manner with the chassis 2, preferably at its rear end. The wheel set 25 is mounted in a swiveling manner with the chassis 2 around a substantially horizontal and substantially perpendicular to the progression's direction C axis 26a of a rocker 26. The rocker 26 can swivel around this axis 26a of a rocker 26 with a limited amplitude.
Each wheel set 25 has at least one front wheel 27 and one rear wheel 28 mounted in a swiveling manner on the rocker 26. The axis 27a of the front wheel 27 and the axis 28a of the rear wheel 28 are preferably substantially horizontal and substantially perpendicular to the progression's direction C. The axis 26a of a rocker 26 extends between the axis 27a of the front wheel 27 and the axis 28a of the rear wheel 28.
In the transport configuration, and preferably also in the work configuration, at least one of the front wheel 27 and rear wheel 28 rests on the soil in order to maintain the chassis 2 at a substantially constant distance from the soil S.
In order to not disturb the flow of plants projected by the rotors 10, 13, 16, the latter are advantageously positioned, in work configuration, behind the wheel set 25. In addition, each lateral articulation 6 and 6′ is preferably positioned in front of the wheel set(s) 25.
Such a design prevents plants being projected onto the wheel set 25, even if there is a small spacing distance K, K′, while at the same time minimising, in its transport configuration, the dimension of the machine 1 measured parallel to the progression's direction C. The deposition of the plants is more regular and they dry more quickly and uniformly, which improves the quality of the forage.
The module 8, 8′ is coupled to a deployment actuator 29, 29′ that makes it possible to swivel the respective module 8, 8′ relative to the chassis 2. Preferably, the deployment actuator 29, 29′ is mounted between the chassis and the arm 5, 5′ and can swivel the module 8, 8′ together with the arm 5, 5′ around the folding axis 6a, 6a′. The deployment actuator 29, 29′ therefore enables the module 8, 8′ in question to be transposed between the transport configuration and the work configuration, and potentially a manoeuvre configuration. Where applicable, when transitioning between the work and manoeuvre configurations, the module 8, 8′ is lifted off the soil thanks to the arm 5, 5′ swiveling around the folding axis 6a, 6a′ of an amplitude less than the swiveling of the arm 5, 5′ when transitioning between the work and transport configurations.
Preferably, in the work configuration of the respective module 8, 8′, the deployment actuator 29, 29′ is mounted in a “floating” manner. Thereby, each module 8, 8′ can freely swivel around the lateral articulation 6, 6′ in order to adapt to potential uneven surfaces on the soil S. In work configuration, the extension of the deployment actuator 29, 29′ can be restrained or limited, such that the swiveling around the folding axis 6a, 6a′ is restricted.
In the embodiment shown in
According to the preferred embodiment, the deployment actuator 29, 29′ and the operating actuator 30, 30′ are hydraulic cylinders connected to the hydraulic circuit of the tractor vehicle 4 in such a way that they can be activated by the latter. Preferably, the deployment actuator 29, 29′ and the operating actuator 30, 30′ have a shared rod. The cylinder of the deployment actuator 29, 29′ is fastened to the chassis 2, preferably directly and preferably substantially in the middle of its longitudinal dimension. The cylinder of the operating actuator 30, 30′ is fastened to the corresponding arm 7, 7′, preferably directly. The fastenings of the deployment actuator 29, 29′ and of the operating actuator 30, 30′ are preferably comprised of ball joint articulations.
To minimise the dimensions of the machine 1 in transport configuration, and in particular longitudinally relative to the progression's direction C, it can be arranged for the adjustment cylinder 31, 31′ to position the respective module 8, 8′ in an inner position. Thus, in transport configuration, the spacing distance K, K′ is adjusted to an end inner position.
In a third embodiment, shown in
To ensure that the extension of the telescopic lateral transmission shaft 18, 18′ remains below a critical length, a sequencing of the activation of the actuators can be arranged, namely of the deployment actuator 29, 29′, of the operating actuator 30, 30′ and of the adjustment cylinder 31, 31′. Preferably, the sequencing of the actuators is in the following chronological order:
It is clear that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the attached drawings. Modifications are possible, particularly concerning the composition of the various elements or by substituting technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection as defined in the claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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18 55314 | Jun 2018 | FR | national |