A haymaking device for displacing mown crop includes a frame having a main beam which extends in a longitudinal direction and defines a longitudinal center 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 center 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 center 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 center line of the first crop processing tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

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.

2. Description of the Related Art

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.

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.

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.

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.

The pivoting movement of circular rakes to a transport position in which rake pins are oriented inwardly is known per se.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

It is an object of the invention to provide a compact haymaking device for displacing mown crop.

It is an object of the invention to provide a haymaking device for displacing mown crop, which has a good manoeuvrability.

It is an object of the invention to provide a haymaking device for displacing mown crop, whose width is adjustable in a favourable manner.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The first satellite frame can perform a function in providing, at a horizontal 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In a compact embodiment, the first satellite frame is mounted at the end of the first side arm.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The first and/or second pivot centre lines can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre line.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The first and second pivot arms can extend on both sides of and from the respective secondary frame part, preferably in opposite directions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The following is a description of certain embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the drawings. FIGS.1and2A-C show a circular rake device1with direction of travel W, comprising a main beam2which defines a longitudinal centre line S of the device1and 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 hitch3for hitching to a non-shown tractor. The hitch3provides three degrees of rotation (X,Y,Z). On the main beam2there is provided a slide element5which is slidable over/along the main beam, parallel to the longitudinal centre line S, see arrows A.

Two side arms4a,b, which also constitute part of the frame, extend on both sides of the main beam2, from the slide element5at equal angles alpha (α) to the longitudinal centre line S. At the outer ends of the side arms4a,bthere are mounted subframes or secondary frame parts, hereinafter to be called satellite frames6a,b. As will be explained hereinafter, the satellite frames6a,bare rotatable there about substantially vertical hinge centre lines with respect to the side arms. The satellite frames6a,beach carry two circular rakes7a,8aand7b,8bwith substantially vertical rotational centre lines R1,3,2,4, respectively, and are supported by frame support wheels9a,bwhich are located in the shadow of circular rakes7a,b. The two satellite frames6a,bmake the device1resemble to some extent to a catamaran.

The side arms4a,bare further connected to the main beam2(see alsoFIG. 2C) by means of holding rods10a,b, the outer ends of said holding rods10a,bbeing hingeably connected, in the region of hinges12a,b, to brackets11a,bwhich are mounted on the side arms4a,b. The inner ends of the holding rods10a,bare hingeably connected, in the region of hinges13a,b, to a bracket20a,bwhich is statically mounted on the main beam2. The inner ends of the side arms4a,bare hingeably mounted, in the region of hinges14a,b, to the slide element5via pins18a,b. The holding rods10a,band the part (here approximately ⅓) of the side arms4a,bbetween the hinges12a,band14a,bform, together with a part of the main beam2that is adjustable in length by means of the slide element5, triangles which are transformable in shape.

Aligning rods16a,bextend along the front side of the side arms4a,b, partially shielded by hoods17a,b, towards the hub holders19a,bfor the wheels9a,b. The hub holders19a,bare hingeably connected to both the outer ends of the side arms4a,b(by hinge pin81a,b, seeFIG. 2D) and to the outer ends of the aligning rods16a,b(by hinge pin82a,b, seeFIG. 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 rod16a,bis slidably connected indirectly, by means of the slide element5, to the main beam2, as well as the side arm4a,b.

Also owing to the fact that the satellite frames6a,bform a rotationally fixed unit with the hub holders19a,b(rigidly mounted on upper plate83a,b—FIG.2D—of hub holders19a,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 frames6a,bare located above the upper surface of the side arms4a,bso that the relative rotation of the side arms4a,bwith respect to the satellite frames6a,bis not impeded.

The satellite frames6a,b, see also FIGS.5A,B, each comprise a forwardly oriented satellite arm21a,band a rearwardly oriented satellite arm22a,b, which carry the circular rakes7a,band8a,b, respectively, when these are not supported by wheel sets31a,band32a,b, known per se, which carry the circular rakes in the normal operative position. The satellite arms21a,band22a,bextend parallel to the longitudinal centre line S and project in a floating manner forwardly and rearwardly, respectively, in the manner of a projecting beam.

Outwardly oriented pivot arms23a,bare mounted to the front ends of the satellite arms21a,bin a manner in which they are pivotable in a vertical plane about pivot centre lines C1,2between an operative position and one or more raised positions, in particular an upwardly pivoted transport position. They each comprise a telescopic arm33a,bwith retractable/extendable arm parts35a,band cylinders37a,bwith piston rods39a,bwhose ends are mounted to the arm parts35a,b. The arm parts35a,bcarry rotors25a,bon which rake arms27a,bwith rake pins29a,bare removably mounted in a manner known per se. In the operative position, the rotors25a,bhave substantially vertical rotor centre lines R1.2. For the pivoting movement of the pivot arms23a,b, there are provided cylinders41a,b, whose piston rods43a,bengage the telescopic arms33a,b.

Outwardly oriented pivot arms24a,bare mounted to the rear ends of the arms22a,bin a manner in which they are pivotable in a vertical plane about pivot centre lines C3,4between an operative position and one or more raised positions, in particular an upwardly pivoted transport position. They each comprise a telescopic arm34a,bwith retractable/extendable arm parts36a,band cylinders38a,bwith piston rods40a,bwhose ends are mounted to the arm parts36a,b. The arm parts36a,bcarry rotors26a,bon which rake arms28a,bwith rake pins30a,bare removably mounted in a manner known per se. In the operative position, the rotors26a,bhave substantially vertical rotor centre lines R3,4. For the pivoting movement of the pivot arms24a,b, there are provided cylinders42a,b, whose piston rods44a,bengage the telescopic arms34a,b.

The pivot arms23a,band24a,bmay be composed of identical components, so that a high degree of modularity is achieved.

The distance from the satellite arms21a,bto the longitudinal centre line S is smaller than the distance from the satellite arms22a,bto the longitudinal centre line S, and the same applies to the location of the pivot centre lines C1,2with respect to the location of the pivot centre lines C3,4, see alsoFIG. 5A. The rotor centre lines R1,2are located at a distance from the longitudinal centre line S, which distance is larger than that for the pivot centre lines C1,2in the region of the pivot connection to the satellite arms21a,b. On the contrary, the rotor centre lines R3,4are located at a distance from the longitudinal centre line S, which distance is smaller than that for the pivot centre lines C3,4in the region of the pivot connection to the satellite arms22a,b. As a result thereof, the pivot arms23a,bpivot inwardly upwards, and the pivot arms24a,bpivot outwardly upwards.

During raking of a mowing field, the device1will usually touch mown grass with all circular rakes, such as indicated inFIG. 4A. After making a stroke over the terrain, the device1has 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 rakes7a,band8a,bfrom coming into contact with the grass. By using the satellite frames6a,bhaving pivot arms23a,band24a,bextending on both sides thereof, comparable conditions are created for all circular rakes. Also the outer circular rakes7a,bare raised by means of a short pivot arm, seeFIG. 4B. Moreover, the circular rakes8a,bwill 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.

For the drive of the rotors25a,band26a,b, there is provided a central gearbox50which, in a vertical plane which contains the longitudinal centre line S, is movably supported by the main beam2. The central gearbox50forms a double right-angled transmission having exits58a,bwhich are in line with each other and have an opposite transverse orientation. The entrance58cof the central gearbox50is operatively coupled, by means of a cardan coupling, to a main drive shaft51which is telescopic and whose front end can be operatively coupled, by means of a cardan coupling, an intermediate shaft51ain a bearing mounted on the front end of the main beam2and a cardan coupling, to a power take-off of a tractor. The exits58a,bare operatively coupled, by means of cardan couplings, to telescopic secondary drive shafts52a,bwhose outer ends are operatively coupled, by means of cardan couplings, to second corner gearboxes53a,b. The secondary drive shafts52a,bare continued, by short drive shafts54c,d, to third corner gearboxes55c,d. The second and third gearboxes53a,band55a,beach comprise an exit which extends obliquely forwardly and outwardly, and obliquely rearwardly and inwardly, respectively. Telescopic rotor drive shafts56a,band57a,bare operatively coupled, by means of cardan couplings, to said exits, for the drive of the rotors25a,band26a,bof the circular rakes7a,band8a,b.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1,2A-,3A and3B, the central gearbox50is mounted on a slide67which is slidable in longitudinal direction (direction E) on rails66mounted on the main beam, the front ends of said rails being interconnected by a transverse rod62which forms a stop for the slide67. The front side of the slide67is detachably connected, by means of a hook63(FIG. 3B), to a transverse section61mounted to the rear ends of two rigid pulling/pushing rods60whose front ends are mounted to the slide element5and have a substantially constant orientation. The hook63forms an integral whole with a catch64and is tiltable therewith in a vertical plane which contains the longitudinal centre line S. Below the hook63, the slide67is provided with a forwardly oriented stop surface91.

In order to move the slide element5along/over the main beam2, a cylinder70is mounted, above the main beam2, to said main beam, the piston rod71of said cylinder being mounted to the slide element5.

The working width of the device1can be set by having the side arms4a,bproject sidewardly to a greater or lesser extent in the direction D, by changing the angle alpha (α) between the side arms4a,band the main beam2. The support wheels9a,bfollow 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 cylinders37a,band38a,b, by means of which also the relative mutual position of the circular rakes7a,8aand7b,8band their rotor centre lines in transverse direction can be set.

When changing the working width of the device1and passing to the transport position (and the freight position to be described hereinafter), the aforementioned cardan couplings can assume the desired angular position.

In the position shown inFIGS. 1 and 5A, the angle alpha (α) is maximal and the holding rods10a,bare transverse to the main beam2and the side arms4a,bare at a rearwardly opening angle alpha (α) of approximately 65 degrees to the longitudinal centre line S.

If it is desired to reduce the working width (fromFIG. 5AtoFIG. 5B) or to bring the device into the transport position (FIG. 5D) (see alsoFIG. 5C), the cylinder70is activated, which results in that the slide element5is moved with respect to the bracket20, along/over the main beam2, in forward direction (direction A). In the meantime, the device1is moved forwardly. The base of the aforementioned triangles is then increased and the angles made by the holding rods10a,band the side arms4a,bwith said base are then reduced. When the desired working width has been achieved (see for exampleFIG. 5B), the operation of the cylinder70, and consequently the movement of the slide element5, is stopped. Due to the parallelogram mechanism of the aligning rods16a,b, the hub holders19a,b, the side arms4a,band the slide element5, the support wheels9a,bmaintain their orientation in the direction of travel and also the satellite frames6a,bmaintain their orientation.

In the position of minimum working width ofFIG. 5B, the slide67has reached a position just behind the end of the rails66and the slide67and the slide element5are still interconnected.

To pass to the transport position, the pivot arms23a,band24a,bare operated in the then assumed operative position, in order to pivot the circular rakes7a,band8a,bupwardly. The piston rod71is then extended and, via the position ofFIG. 5C, the slide element5is forced to the front end of the main beam2, just behind the coupling3. The holding rods10a,bthen—in the transport position of FIG.5D—extend forwardly along the main beam2. The side arms4a,bnow make a small angle of approximately 7 degrees with the longitudinal centre line S. The inner ends of the side arms4a,bare then brought as close as possible to the coupling3, as far as possible in front of the support wheels9a,b, so that a larger part of the weight thereof and of the tools carried by the side arms can be absorbed by the coupling3of the tractor100(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.

In this case, the sole support points of the device1are the frame support wheels9a,band the hitch3to the tractor100.

FIG. 5Dshows that, in the depicted transport position, the rake tines29a,bof the circular rakes7a,bare faced outwardly and the rake tines30a,bof the circular rakes8a,bare 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 wheels32a,balmost 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 wheels9a,b. The circular rakes7a,b, whose tines29a,bextend outwardly, are, as it were, screened by the support wheels9a,band the rear wheels of the tractor. The circular rakes7a,bleave between them sufficient space for inter alia the main beam2and the side arms4a,b.

When the side arms4a,bare pivoted about the hinges14a,b, the distance between the second and third gearboxes53a,b,55c,dand the longitudinal centre line S changes. This change should be absorbed by the telescopic secondary drive shafts52a,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.

For this purpose, in the embodiment of FIGS.1,2A-C,3A and3B, the slide67, and consequently the central gearbox50, is connected for collective movement to the slide element5via the rods60. The main drive shaft51is then shortened in a telescopic manner. In this example, it has been decided not to take along the slide67over the entire trajectory of the slide element5and to limit the length of the rails66, also with a view to the space available in the transport position (seeFIGS. 5D and 6). For this purpose, at the arrival of the slide67at the end of the rails66, the catch64abuts against the transverse rod62, as a result of which the hook63is lifted. This means that the transverse section61is free from the hook63and the connection between the slide element5and the slide67is disengaged. The slide67remains behind at that position, while the slide element5can move further forwardly.

When the side arms4a,bare again extended to an operative position, the piston rod71of the cylinder70is retracted and the slide element5again moves rearwardly. When the transverse section61abuts against the hook63, the hook63is lifted to some extent and can engage again behind the transverse section61. The transverse section61abuts against the stop surface91of the slide67. The slide67is subsequently pushed rearwardly over the rails66. In the meantime, the device1is moved rearwardly.

FIGS. 7A-Cshow an alternative suspension for the hub holder, see19′, which consists of two parts, viz. a U-shaped upper part85which comprises the mounting plate83′ for the rigid mounting of a (non-shown) satellite frame6a,band forms a mounting point for the hinge pins81′ and82′ for the hinge connection with the side arm4a,band the aligning rod16a,b, respectively, and a component86which carries the hub84for the support wheel9a,b. The upper part85and the component86are rotatable with respect to each other, direction H, about a centre line Z which coincides with the centre line of the hinge pin81′. The upper part85and the component86are interconnected for mutual rotatability by means of a slide bearing87. The rotation is effected by means of a cylinder88, whose casing89is hingeably mounted to the upper part85and whose piston rod90is hingeably mounted to the component86. The cylinders88can be operated independently of each other.

By operating the cylinder88, direction I, the angle in the horizontal plane of the hub84and consequently of the wheel mounted thereon with respect to the longitudinal centre line S can be set, without the orientation of the satellite frame6a,bbeing influenced. By means of this, when working on a terrain having a transverse slope, the tendency of the device1to deviate in downward direction can be compensated by giving at least the support wheel9a,blocated at the downward side a somewhat obliquely forward orientation. Furthermore, the folding in and out of the side arms4a,bcan be facilitated if both wheels9a,bare then oriented so as to converge in the direction in which the device1is then travelling.

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.