Patent Description:
In the field of agriculture and forestry, devices capable of professionally cutting grass, brush, hedges, bushes and the like have been known for some time. In particular, these cutting assemblies or cutting heads comprise at least one flail mower provided with means for cutting the plant material on which it acts. These cutting means are housed and supported in a box body and can be differently configured. Flail mowers with rotor cutting means, i.e., comprising a rotor that supports a series of knives, are, for example, widely used. These knives define a cutting plane substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the rotor. In other cases, the cutting means consist of blades rotating about a rotation axis orthogonal to the cutting plane configured by said blades.

A cutting assembly is mounted on a self-propelled vehicle (for example an agricultural tractor) typically by means of an articulated structure that allows it to assume a range of predefined positions with respect to the vehicle, both in terms of mutual distance and in terms of mutual angular positioning.

Typically, a cutting assembly is used to cut plants present on farmlands, ditches, roadsides and hedgerows; another very frequent use is that of cutting road and motorway hedgerows, which can also have considerable lengths. In order to allow such versatility, a cutting assembly must be configured so as to allow the cutting means of the flail mower to act on surfaces with different inclinations, always with the same efficacy.

In recent years, cutting assemblies comprising two flail mowers have been proposed, each of which includes cutting means that can be activated simultaneously or not simultaneously to the cutting means of the other flail mower. Obviously, the use of two flail mowers increases productivity, i.e., reduces the machine running times. In fact, with respect to the configuration with only one flail mower, the use of two flail mowers makes it possible to act on a larger surface area or, alternatively, to act simultaneously on two distinct different surfaces during the same forward movement of the self-propelled vehicle.

A first example of a cutting assembly with two flail mowers is described in the patent <CIT>. In particular, the cutting assembly is provided with an articulated arm that allows the movement of the two flail mowers with respect to the self-propelled vehicle. The two flail mowers are operatively connected by an articulated structure that allows a mutually orientation thereof. In particular, this articulated structure has an operating configuration that is not particularly versatile as it allows the cutting assembly to perform the cut only on a substantially flat surface or alternatively only on two surfaces inclined substantially in a V-shape. The configuration of the articulated structure, for example, does not allow the cutting assembly to simultaneously cut a vertical side and a horizontal side of a hedge or to simultaneously cut a first flat surface and a second surface inclined with respect to the flat surface.

It is also observed that the solution described in <CIT> can only be used in the case in which the cutting means consist of a rotating blade with an axis of limited height, of the type typically used only for cutting grass. In this case, the cutting blade rotates about an axis substantially orthogonal to the cutting plane configured by said blade. Therefore, the box body that contains the blade has a limited footprint thus compatible with the V-shaped opening/closing movement permitted by the articulated structure of <CIT>.

On the other hand, flail mowers with rotor cutting means are incompatible and hence not suitable to be installed on the articulated structure of <CIT>. In fact, in this type of flail mower the box body has a considerably large footprint, as the cutting knives have a larger diameter larger the rotor that supports them, rotor which rotates according to an axis parallel to the plane on which said knives act. During the V-shaped opening/closing movements of the two box bodies there is the risk of the two box bodies colliding or moving to far away from each other, unless other means are arranged between the two box bodies to prevent this problem.

In addition to this limited versatility, in the solution of <CIT> the conformation of the articulated structure arranged between the two flail mowers does not allow continuity to be established in the cutting edge, even when the two flail mowers are coplanar, i.e., when they act on a same flat surface. In practice, during the forward movement of the self-propelled vehicle, the cut on the flat surface is not continuous if considered along a direction orthogonal to the direction of forward movement. As a result of the conformation of the articulated structure, the cutting means do not cut in the region comprised between the two flail mowers. This condition makes it necessary to take action on the flat surface more than once in order to cut every portion thereof. Naturally, this translates into an increase in operating times. Another example of a cutting assembly with two flail mowers is described in the patent application <CIT>. In this case, the two flail mowers are mounted on a support connected to the self-propelled vehicle by means of a first quadrilateral articulated structure that allows it to move on a substantially horizontal plane. The first flail mower is rotatable with respect to this support about a first rotation axis. A second articulated structure is interposed between the first flail mower and the second flail mower to allow the second flail mower to rotate with respect to the first flail mower about a second rotation axis that, in a first possible embodiment, is parallel to the first rotation axis. In a second embodiment, described in the same document, the two rotation axes (first and second) are orthogonal to each other. Suitable actuator means allow the two flail mowers to rotate about the corresponding rotation axes defined above.

With respect to the solution shown in <CIT>, the cutting assembly described in <CIT> allows greater functional versatility as the conformation of the two articulated structures allow the two flail mowers to reach a wider range of possible operating positions, i.e., a greater number of possible uses.

Nonetheless, the solution of <CIT> also has various problems, including the particularly complex configuration of the second articulated structure that has an impact on the footprint. In addition to this, the problem of lack of continuity of the cutting edge determined by the configuration of the second articulated structure that connects the two flail mowers, is also encountered in this case. More precisely, this lack of continuity occurs above all when the cutting edges of the two flail mowers lie on inclined planes, i.e., when the two flail mowers act on mutually inclined surfaces. <CIT> discloses a cutting assembly according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

In view of the considerations set forth above, there is the need to provide a new technical solution that allows the technical problems identified and described above to be solved.

The main aim of the present invention is to provide a cutting assembly that allows the aforementioned problems to be overcome or in any case limited. Within this aim, a first object of the present invention is to provide a cutting assembly comprising at least two flail mowers and having a configuration that allows high operational functionality, i.e., a wide range of possible uses. Another aim of the present invention is to provide a cutting assembly that allows the two flail mowers to establish a continuous cutting edge even in some configurations in which the two cutting edges are not coplanar.

A further aim of the present invention is to provide a cutting assembly in which the at least one flail mower can be oriented in space while the other maintains a fixed position. One more object of the present invention is to provide a cutting assembly that is reliable and easy to produce at competitive costs.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a cutting assembly installable on a self-propelled vehicle and comprising a first flail mower and a second flail mower, wherein each flail mower comprises a box body and plant material cutting means supported within the box body. The cutting assembly according to the invention is characterized by comprising:.

The cutting assembly according to the invention is particularly versatile from an operating point of view as it allows numerous possibilities of adjustment, above all in terms of mutual orientation between the two flail mowers. The configuration of the cutting assembly further allows an optimal cutting edge to be achieved even in the case in which the two flail mowers are not coplanar. In particular, the cutting assembly allows the length of the cutting edge to be maximized whatever the mutual orientation of the two flail mowers.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, the second frame is hinged to the first frame so that the second flail mower occupies an offset position with respect to the first flail mower, where this position is considered along a direction parallel to the first rotation axis.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, the second rotation axis is substantially parallel to the first rotation axis.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, the first frame is connected to the box body of the first flail mower in a slidable way by means of first coupling means that configure rectilinear guides defining the first displacement direction.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, the connecting element has a variable extension to allow adjustment of the position of the box body of the first flail mower with respect to the second frame.

In a possible embodiment, the second frame is rigidly connected to the box body of the second flail mower.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the second frame supports the second flail mower in a slidable way to allow said first flail mower to translate along a second displacement direction orthogonal to the second rotation axis. Preferably, the second frame is connected in a slidable way to the box body of the second flail mower by means of second coupling means that configure rectilinear guides defining the second displacement direction. In accordance with a possible embodiment, the first moving means comprise an articulated mechanism that includes a first lever hinged to the base support and a second lever hinged to the first lever and hinged to the second support frame; these first moving means further comprise an actuator connected to the first frame and at least one of the levers of the articulated mechanism.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, the second moving means comprise an articulated mechanism including:.

In accordance with an embodiment, the cutting assembly comprises a further connecting element that establishes the position, considered along said second displacement direction, of the second flail mower with respect to the second support frame.

In a possible embodiment thereof, said further connecting element is hinged to the box body of the second flail mower and to a pin defining the second rotation axis.

In a variant of embodiment, said further connecting element has a variable extension to allow adjustment of the distance between the box body of the second flail mower and the second rotation axis.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent by examining the following detailed description of some preferred, but non exclusive, embodiments of a cutting assembly, illustrated by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

The same reference numbers and letters in the figures identify the same elements or components.

With reference to the aforesaid figures, the present invention relates to a cutting assembly <NUM> installable on a self-propelled vehicle (not visible in the figures) such as a tractor, a truck or another functionally equivalent vehicle.

The cutting assembly <NUM> according to the invention comprises a first flail mower <NUM> and a second flail mower <NUM> both for cutting plant material, this expression being intended generically as grass, brush, hedges, bushes and the like. Both the flail mowers <NUM>, <NUM> comprise at least one box body 10A, 20A that supports plant material cutting means. The term "box body" generically indicates the structure of the flail mower that, in accordance with known principles, defines a volume in which the cutting means are arranged and supported. This structure is preferably open to allow the cutting means to perform their function on the plant material. The box body 10A, 20A extends mainly along a longitudinal direction Y<NUM>, Y<NUM>. The two flail mowers <NUM>, <NUM> can have the same or a different length, where this length is considered along said longitudinal direction <NUM>.

The configuration of the cutting means of the two flail mowers <NUM>, <NUM> is not important in relation to the present invention. In a possible embodiment thereof, for example, the cutting means can be of "rotor" type, i.e., comprising a rotor that supports knives about it. These knives perform a cut on a plane that is substantially parallel to the axis of the rotor. In another possible and hence not exclusive embodiment, the cutting means could be defined by rotating blades that configure a cutting plane and with a rotation axis orthogonal to this plane.

For the objects of the invention, the extension, considered along the longitudinal direction Y<NUM>, Y<NUM>, of the cutting means is instead defined as "cutting edge" L<NUM>, L<NUM>, where this extension coincides with the length, considered along the same longitudinal direction Y<NUM>, Y<NUM>, of the cut performed on the plant material.

<FIG> relate to a first embodiment of a cutting assembly <NUM> according to the invention. This assembly comprises a base support <NUM> that supports the flail mowers <NUM>, <NUM> and that is connected, directly or indirectly, to a support structure <NUM> (hereinafter also indicated with the colloquial term "third point hitch" <NUM>) integral with the self-propelled vehicle. The term "directly" indicates a condition such that a part of the base support <NUM> is fixed directly to the support structure <NUM>.

As can be seen in the figures, the base support <NUM> is however preferably connected to the support structure <NUM> by means of a connecting structure <NUM> which allows the base support <NUM> to occupy various positions with respect to the third point hitch <NUM>. These positions vary in terms of mutual distance and angular positioning.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting structure <NUM> is articulated and of the "parallelogram" type. It comprises a supporting bracket <NUM> connected to the support structure <NUM> and a pair of bars 52A, 52B hinged at a first end thereof to the supporting bracket <NUM> and at a second end thereof to the base support <NUM>. The two bars 52A, 52B are connected so as to be parallel and hence define the parallelogram shape.

As a whole, this articulated connecting structure <NUM> allows the base support <NUM> (and consequently the other components of the cutting assembly <NUM>) to move on a movement plane P1 substantially orthogonal to the hinge axes <NUM> of the bars 52A, 52B with the supporting bracket <NUM> and to the rotation axes <NUM> of the same bars 52A, 52B with respect to the base support <NUM> (see <FIG>).

For this purpose, an actuator <NUM> is provided, which determines the rotation of the two bars 52A, 52B with respect to the supporting bracket <NUM>. As can be seen, for example, from <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> preferably comprises a cylinder <NUM> (hydraulic, pneumatic or electric) inside which a piston <NUM> slides. The actuator <NUM> is operatively connected between the supporting bracket <NUM> and one of the two bars 52A, 52B. In the specific case illustrated, the cylinder <NUM> is connected to the supporting bracket <NUM>, while the end of the piston <NUM> is connected to the bar 52A in a position close to the base support <NUM>. For this installation condition, with respect to the configuration shown in the plan view of <FIG>, the retraction of the piston <NUM> in the cylinder <NUM> determines a counter-clockwise rotation (arrow W1) of the two bars 52A, 52B and consequently a movement of the base support <NUM> toward a reference plane PR<NUM> on which the support structure <NUM> extends. As a result of the parallelogram configuration of the articulated structure <NUM>, the base support <NUM> rotates and translates with respect to the supporting bracket <NUM>, maintaining the same orientation with respect thereto.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown in the figures, the connecting structure <NUM> could consist of an articulated arm, for example conceptually similar to the one shown in the document <CIT> cited above. In general, the connecting structure <NUM> could have configurations functionally equivalent to those described above.

According to the present invention, the cutting assembly <NUM> comprises a first support frame <NUM> hinged to the base support <NUM> so as to rotate about a first rotation axis <NUM>. The first support frame <NUM> supports the first flail mower <NUM> in a slidable way, i.e., so as to allow it to translate along a displacement direction orthogonal to the first rotation axis <NUM> (see, for example, <FIG>). In the figures and in the description below, this displacement direction is indicated with the reference <NUM> and is parallel to the longitudinal direction Y<NUM> along which the box body 10A of the first flail mower <NUM> mainly extends.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the box body 10A of the first flail mower <NUM> is connected in a slidable way to the first frame <NUM> by means of first coupling means that configure a pair of rectilinear guides <NUM> (indicated in <FIG>) between the two coupled components (first frame <NUM> and box body 10A). These rectilinear guides <NUM> define the displacement direction <NUM> along which the first flail mower <NUM> moves with respect to the first frame <NUM>. Alternatively, either a single guide or a number of guides greater than two could be provided. In general, the first coupling means can be different from those described and shown in the figures, as long as they are functionally equivalent, i.e., so as to allow the first flail mower <NUM> to rotate about the first rotation axis <NUM> together with the first frame <NUM>, maintaining a degree of freedom in translation along the displacement direction <NUM>.

The cutting assembly <NUM> according to the invention comprises first moving means <NUM> for rotating the first frame <NUM> with respect to the base support <NUM> about the first rotation axis <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first moving means <NUM> comprise an articulated mechanism <NUM> that includes a first lever <NUM>' hinged to the base support <NUM> and a second lever <NUM>" hinged, at opposite ends, to said first lever <NUM>' and to said first frame <NUM>. The first moving means <NUM> further comprise an actuator <NUM> connected to the first frame <NUM> and to at least one or the two levers <NUM>', <NUM>". Preferably, the actuator <NUM> is connected to the levers <NUM>, <NUM>" at their hinge axis <NUM> (indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>).

In the specific case illustrated, the actuator <NUM> comprises a cylinder <NUM> connected to the first frame <NUM> and a piston <NUM>, slidable with respect to the cylinder <NUM>, the end of which is connected to said hinge point. The movement of the piston <NUM> with respect to the cylinder <NUM> translates into the rotation of the first frame <NUM> with respect to the base support <NUM>. The first flail mower <NUM> follows the first frame <NUM> in rotation, being supported thereby by means of the first coupling means (<NUM>) indicated above.

The first moving means could be configured differently with respect to the above description. In an alternative embodiment (not shown in the figures), for example, they could comprise a motorized hinge comprising a first hinge body connected to the base support <NUM> and a second hinge body, coaxial to the first body and integral with the first frame <NUM>. A motor means allows the rotation of the second hinge body with respect to the first hinge body about the first rotation axis <NUM> configured by the coupling of the two hinge bodies.

According to the invention, the second flail mower <NUM> is associated with a second support frame <NUM> connected in a rotatable way (i.e., hinged) to the first frame <NUM> supporting the first flail mower <NUM>. In particular, the second frame <NUM> rotates, supporting the second flail mower <NUM>, about a second rotation axis <NUM> preferably, but not exclusively. parallel to the first rotation axis <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the second frame <NUM> is integral with the box body 20A of the second flail mower <NUM>. In substance, the two parts in question (second frame <NUM> and box body 20A) move together rigidly. As better described below, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the two parts (second frame <NUM> and box body 20A of the second flail mower <NUM>) are connected in a slidable way.

In general, the rotatable connection between the first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM> is defined so that the second flail mower <NUM> occupies an offset position with respect to the first flail mower <NUM> where this position is considered along a direction parallel with respect to the rotation axes <NUM>, <NUM> defined above. The term "offset" is meant to indicate a condition according to which the two flail mowers <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged on opposite sides with respect to a reference plane PR orthogonal to the first rotation axis <NUM>. This plane is indicated in <FIG>.

Preferably, the second rotation axis <NUM> is configured by a pin <NUM> integral with the first frame <NUM>. In the specific case illustrated, the pin <NUM> is placed at the end of the first frame <NUM> farthest from the first rotation axis <NUM>. The first frame <NUM> thus establishes a fixed and invariable distance between the second rotation axis <NUM> and the first rotation axis <NUM>.

The cutting assembly <NUM> comprises second moving means <NUM> for determining and controlling the rotation of the second frame <NUM>, and consequently of the second flail mower <NUM>, about the second rotation axis <NUM>. In the solution shown in the figures, the second moving means <NUM> comprise an articulated mechanism <NUM> that includes a first lever <NUM>' hinged to the first frame <NUM>. This articulated mechanism <NUM> further comprises a second lever <NUM>" with an end hinged to the first lever <NUM>' and with the opposite end hinged directly to the second frame <NUM> associated with the second flail mower <NUM>. Said second moving means <NUM> further comprise an actuator <NUM> connected to the first frame <NUM> and to the two levers <NUM>', <NUM>" at the hinge points thereof.

In the specific case illustrated, the actuator <NUM> comprises a cylinder <NUM> hinged to the first frame <NUM> and a piston <NUM>, inserted in a slidable way in the cylinder <NUM>, which is hinged to the second frame <NUM>. The relative motion of the piston <NUM> with respect to the cylinder <NUM> determines the rotation of the second frame <NUM>, and consequently of the second flail mower <NUM>, with respect to the first frame <NUM> and about the second rotation axis <NUM>.

In accordance with the invention, the cutting assembly <NUM> further comprises a connecting element <NUM> that operatively connects the second frame <NUM> to the box body 10A of the first flail mower <NUM>, so that a rotation of the second frame <NUM>, about the second rotation axis <NUM>, determines a corresponding translation of the first flail mower <NUM> with respect to the first frame <NUM>. In practice, the connecting element <NUM> establishes the position of the first flail mower <NUM>, with respect to the second rotation axis <NUM>, as a function of the angle of rotation of the second frame <NUM> about said second rotation axis <NUM>. Therefore, the connecting element <NUM> establishes the position taken by the first flail mower <NUM> with respect to the first frame <NUM>.

With reference, for example, to the operating configuration shown in <FIG>, with this solution it is possible to obtain a continuity in the total cutting edge LTOT of the cutting assembly <NUM> even when the cutting edges L<NUM>, L<NUM> of the two flail mowers lie on different planes. The cutting edge LTOT and its continuity are considered with respect to a rear observation point such as the one from which <FIG> derives.

In order to perform its function, the connecting element <NUM>, at a first end thereof, is hinged to the second frame <NUM> and, at a second end thereof, is hinged to the box body 10A of the first flail mower <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting element <NUM> consists of a shaped rigid bar, the length of which, considered with respect to the hinge points, is substantially invariable.

In an alternative embodiment, the connecting element <NUM> could consist of an actuator, again of the type comprising a cylinder and a piston inserted in a slidable way therein. The cylinder and the piston could be connected respectively to the frame <NUM> and to the box body 10A of the first flail mower <NUM>. In this case, the connecting element <NUM> would in practice have a variable/adjustable length. This solution introduces the possibility of adjusting the position of the first flail mower <NUM> with respect to the second rotation axis <NUM>, i.e., the possibility of adjusting the position of the first cutting edge L<NUM> with respect to the second cutting edge L<NUM>. In fact, it becomes possible to vary, according to operational requirements, the length of the total cutting edge LTOT.

In <FIG> a possible configuration of use of the cutting assembly <NUM> can be observed. The two flail mowers <NUM>, <NUM> occupy a substantially horizontal position so that the two cutting edges L<NUM>, L<NUM> are substantially coplanar, being positioned substantially at the same height from the ground. As can be seen from <FIG>, as a result of the offset position of the two flail mowers <NUM>, <NUM>, the cutting edge L<NUM> of the first flail mower <NUM> is moved farther toward the self-propelled vehicle with respect to cutting edge L<NUM> of the second flail mower <NUM>. The total cutting edge LTOT, considered along the displacement direction <NUM>, has a length substantially corresponding to the sum of the two cutting edges L<NUM>, L<NUM>.

Activation of the second moving means <NUM> can determine a clockwise rotation of the second frame <NUM> and hence of the second flail mower <NUM> associated therewith reaching, for example, the configuration of use of <FIG>. As it is hinged to the second frame <NUM>, the connecting element <NUM> is affected by this rotation and pushes, along the displacement direction <NUM>, the first flail mower <NUM> away (arrow S1 in <FIG>) from the second rotation axis <NUM>. This movement away from the axis can be observed by comparing <FIG> and <FIG> in which, the configuration of the articulated structure <NUM> being equal, a different position of the first flail mower <NUM> with respect to the third point hitch <NUM> is observed.

The relative displacement of the first flail mower <NUM> with respect to the first frame <NUM> makes it possible to limit the reduction of the length of the total cutting edge LTOT that is generated following the relative rotation between the two flail mowers <NUM>, <NUM>, i.e., following the absence of coplanarity of the cutting edges L<NUM>, L<NUM> of the two flail mowers <NUM>, <NUM>.

It is evident that in the case of a counter-clockwise rotation of the second frame <NUM>, the connecting element <NUM> would determine a displacement of the first flail mower <NUM> along the displacement direction <NUM> in an opposite direction to the previous one, i.e., in a direction contrary to the arrow S1 and hence moving toward the second rotation axis <NUM>.

<FIG> refer to a second embodiment of the invention, which differs from the one described above due to the fact that the second flail mower <NUM> is supported in a slidable way by the second frame <NUM>, according to a principle substantially identical to the principle of the first flail mower <NUM> supported by the first frame <NUM>. More precisely, the box body 20A of the second flail mower <NUM> is connected in a slidable way to the second frame <NUM> by means of second coupling means that allow said box body 20A to move with respect to the frame <NUM> along a displacement direction <NUM> substantially orthogonal to the second rotation axis <NUM>.

In the embodiment illustrated, the second coupling means configure a plurality of rectilinear guides <NUM> between the second frame <NUM> and the box body 20A of the second flail mower <NUM>, where these guides define the displacement direction <NUM> for the second flail mower <NUM>. In substance, the second coupling means are structurally and functionally identical to the first coupling means provided between the first frame <NUM> and the box body 10A of the first flail mower <NUM>. The displacement direction <NUM> is parallel to the direction Y<NUM> along which the box body 20A of the second flail mower <NUM> mainly extends. The scope of the present invention also includes the possibility of the second coupling means having a different configuration from the one described and shown in the figures, provided that it is functionally equivalent. Again with reference to <FIG>, the cutting assembly <NUM> comprises a further connecting element <NUM> to establish the position of the second flail mower <NUM> with respect to the second frame <NUM>, i.e., with respect to the second rotation axis <NUM>.

In the specific case illustrated in the figures, said further connecting element <NUM>, at a first end 66A thereof, is hinged to the box body 20A of the second flail mower <NUM>. At a second end 66B thereof, the connecting element <NUM> is instead hinged to the pin <NUM> defining the second rotation axis <NUM> (see <FIG>). The connecting element <NUM> is thus integral with the first frame <NUM> when it rotates about the first rotation axis <NUM> and establishes the position of the second flail mower <NUM> with respect to the second rotation axis <NUM>.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting element <NUM> has a variable extension, i.e., a configuration such as to allow adjustment of the distance of the second flail mower <NUM> from the second rotation axis <NUM>.

In the solution shown in the figures, the connecting element <NUM> comprises an actuator <NUM> that includes a cylinder <NUM> and a piston <NUM> inserted in a slidable way in the cylinder <NUM> and hinged at the free end thereof to the box body 20A of the second flail mower <NUM>. The extension of the piston <NUM> with respect to the cylinder <NUM> establishes the position of the second flail mower <NUM> with respect to the second frame <NUM> and hence the position of the second cutting edge L<NUM> with respect to the first cutting edge L<NUM> of the first flail mower <NUM>.

The possibility of adjusting the position of the second flail mower <NUM> with respect to the second frame <NUM> allows the length of the total cutting edge LTOT to be varied according to actual requirements. Considering, for example, the configuration shown in <FIG>, a total cutting edge LTOT is identified, determined by the coplanar condition of the two flail mowers <NUM>, <NUM>. Adjustment of the position of the second flail mower <NUM> with respect to the second frame <NUM> allows the length of the cutting edge LTOT to be varied with respect to the translation plane Pv of the self-propelled vehicle (plane indicated only in <FIG>). With reference now to <FIG>, it can be understood how retraction of the piston <NUM> into the cylinder <NUM> determines a displacement (indicated with S3 in <FIG> and <FIG>) of the second flail mower <NUM> toward the first flail mower <NUM> and hence a reduction of the value of the total cutting edge LTOT.

<FIG> show possible configurations of use of the cutting assembly <NUM> of <FIG> and allow the considerable operational versatility to be appreciated. <FIG> show a plan view of the cutting assembly <NUM> in an operating configuration for which the two cutting edges L<NUM>, L<NUM> of the two flail mowers <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially coplanar (same condition also shown in <FIG>). In particular, these two <FIG> make it possible to understand the function of the articulated structure <NUM> that allows the position of the two flail mowers <NUM>, <NUM> to be varied with respect to the third point hitch <NUM>, i.e., with respect to the self-propelled vehicle. Starting from the configuration of use in <FIG>, by means of activation of the actuator <NUM> it is possible to determine a counter-clockwise rotation (arrow W1) of the two bars 52A, 52B of the articulated structure <NUM>, until reaching the configuration of <FIG> in which the two flail mowers <NUM>, <NUM> occupy the lateral position farthest from the third point hitch <NUM>. The lateral position is considered as distance from the supporting bracket <NUM> along a direction of reference T orthogonal to the rotation axes <NUM>, <NUM> defined above.

<FIG> shows the same operating configuration as <FIG>, but from a substantially opposite observation point. In this configuration, the two cutting edges L<NUM>, L<NUM> are coplanar and define a total cutting edge LTOT given by their sum. In particular, the two cutting edges L<NUM>, L<NUM> lie on the same plane parallel to a horizontal reference plane P<NUM> defined by the support structure <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an operating configuration in which the two cutting edges L<NUM>, L<NUM> are still coplanar, but lie on a cutting plane PT inclined with respect to the reference plane P<NUM> defined above. Starting from the configuration of <FIG>, the configuration of <FIG> can be reached by activating the first moving means <NUM>, i.e., determining a rotation of only the first frame <NUM> with respect to the base support <NUM> about the first rotation axis <NUM>. This rotation will be of an amplitude equal to that of the angle α between the cutting plane PT and the reference plane P<NUM>.

The operating configuration of <FIG> can be provided, for example, for cutting plant material along the escarpment of a road, while the self-propelled vehicle moves along said road. Advantageously, the cut can be made with the maximum length of the total cutting edge LTOT or with a smaller cutting edge suitably chosen according to requirements.

The operating configuration shown in <FIG> is instead useful for cutting plant material placed on two different planes, such as those configured by the wall of a ditch and by the ground on which the self-propelled vehicle moves. The configuration of <FIG> can be obtained, starting from the configuration of <FIG>, by activating the second moving means <NUM> and then causing counter-clockwise rotation (with respect to the observation point of <FIG>) of the second frame <NUM> and of the second flail mower <NUM> about the second rotation axis <NUM>. The rotation angle β coincides substantially with the angle between the planes on which the plant material to be cut is located. As a result of this rotation, the first flail mower <NUM> moves in the direction indicated by the arrow S1 (in <FIG>) so as to maximize the total cutting edge LTOT according to principles already set forth above.

If required, the total cutting edge LTOT (dashed line in <FIG>) can be reduced by varying the position of the second cutting edge L<NUM> of the second flail mower <NUM>. In fact, by acting on the actuator <NUM> it is possible to move the second flail mower <NUM> with respect to the second frame <NUM> in the direction indicated by the arrow S3 along the displacement direction <NUM>.

The operating configuration of <FIG> is reached by means of a clockwise rotation (again with respect to the observation point of <FIG>) of the second frame <NUM> and of the second flail mower <NUM> about the second rotation axis <NUM> starting from the configuration of <FIG>. This configuration with an angle γ<NUM> equal to <NUM>° can be used, for example, for simultaneously cutting the wall of a hedge and for cutting grass on the ground along which the self-propelled vehicle moves. The amplitude of the angle γ<NUM> is advantageously adjustable by means of the second moving means <NUM> so as to establish the operating configuration time by time most suitable for the operating condition required.

The operating configuration shown in <FIG> is particularly useful for cutting plant material on the grassy banks of a ditch, where these grassy banks are substantially V-shaped. Starting from the configuration of <FIG>, the configuration of <FIG> can be reached by taking action only on the first moving means <NUM> so as to determine a rotation (angle β<NUM>) of the first frame <NUM> and of the first flail mower <NUM> about the first rotation axis <NUM>. The two cutting edges L<NUM>, L<NUM> maintain the same mutual orientation (angle γ<NUM>). It can be easily observed how the operating configuration shown in <FIG> can be reached starting from any of the other operating configurations described above activating the first moving means <NUM> and/or the second moving means <NUM>, as the case may require.

The operating configurations shown in <FIG> are particularly suitable for cutting vertical walls of hedges or similar. The configuration of <FIG> can be reached starting from the configuration of <FIG> activating the first moving means <NUM> so as to determine a clockwise rotation (by an angle α<NUM> substantially equal to <NUM>°).

The operating configuration of <FIG> allows, for example, cutting of the plant material of a first side, substantially vertical, of a hedge with the first flail mower <NUM> and cutting of the plant material on a second side inclined with respect to the first, with the second flail mower <NUM>. The configuration of <FIG> can be easily reached by determining, through the second moving means <NUM>, a counter-clockwise rotation of the second frame <NUM> and of the second flail mower <NUM> (about the second rotation axis <NUM>) starting from the operating configuration of <FIG>. This rotation determines the inclination of the cutting edge L<NUM> of the second flail mower <NUM> with respect to the cutting edge L<NUM> of the first flail mower <NUM> (inclination identified by the angle β<NUM>). In <FIG> it can be observed how following this counter-clockwise rotation, as a result of the connecting element <NUM>, the first flail mower <NUM> assumes a lower position closer to the ground with respect to the position occupied in <FIG> with the advantage of offsetting the reduction of the total cutting edge LTOT determined by the inclination of the second flail mower <NUM> with respect to the first flail mower <NUM>.

In the operating configuration of <FIG>, the first flail mower <NUM> is inclined by an angle γ<NUM> with respect to the reference plane P<NUM> defined above. The second flail mower <NUM> is inclined by an angle equal to <NUM>° with respect to the first flail mower <NUM> so that the two cutting edges L<NUM>, L<NUM> are orthogonal to each other. This configuration can also be used to cut the plant material on a substantially vertical side of a hedge, where this cut is carried out only by the first flail mower <NUM>. The second flail mower <NUM> occupies a position substantially retracted toward the ground so as to minimize the footprint of the cutting assembly. Advantageously, due to the limited footprint, the operating configuration of <FIG> can be used as configuration for transporting the cutting assembly <NUM> by road via the self-propelled vehicle, intending to indicate a condition in which the cutting assembly <NUM> is only transported, but not used.

In a possible embodiment, not shown in the figures, the cutting assembly according to the invention could also comprise a third flail mower arranged in a position substantially opposite the second flail mower <NUM>. In other words, in this embodiment, the first flail mower <NUM> would be intermediate between the other flail mowers <NUM>, <NUM> with respect to an observation point behind the self-propelled vehicle. In this case, the first flail mower <NUM> could be connected to the base support <NUM> connected to the third point hitch similarly to the solutions already described. The connection between the first flail mower <NUM> and the third flail mower could be produced in the same way as the connection between the first flail mower <NUM> and the second flail mower <NUM> providing a connecting pin between a further support frame associated with the first flail mower and another frame associated with the third flail mower.

In general, in a solution with three or more flail mowers, these could be connected to one another according to the same principle applied to connect the two flail mowers <NUM>, <NUM> of the solutions described above. A support frame of any one of the three flail mowers can instead be connected in a rotatable way to the support base, again according to the principles set forth above. Moreover, a connecting element (with fixed or variable length) can be arranged between two adjacent flail mowers for the purposes set forth above.

Claim 1:
A cutting assembly (<NUM>) installable on a self-propelled vehicle and comprising a first flail mower (<NUM>) and a second flail mower (<NUM>), wherein each flail mower (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a box body (10A, 20A) and plant material cutting means supported within said box body (10A, 20A), said cutting assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
- a base support (<NUM>) connectable, directly or indirectly, to said self-propelled vehicle;
- a first support frame (<NUM>) hinged to said base support (<NUM>) so as to rotate about a first rotation axis (<NUM>);
- first moving means (<NUM>) for rotating said first frame (<NUM>) about said first rotation axis (<NUM>);
- a second frame (<NUM>) connected to said second flail mower (<NUM>) and hinged to said first frame (<NUM>) so as to rotate about a second rotation axis (<NUM>);
- second moving means (<NUM>) for rotating said second frame (<NUM>), with respect to said first frame (<NUM>), about said second rotation axis (<NUM>);
characterised in that
said first support frame (<NUM>) supports said first flail mower (<NUM>) in a slidable way to allow said first flail mower (<NUM>) to translate along a first displacement direction (<NUM>) orthogonal to said first rotation axis (<NUM>); and in that said cutting assembly (<NUM>) comprises:
- a connecting element (<NUM>) that operatively connects said second frame (<NUM>) to said box body (10A) of said first flail mower (<NUM>), so that a rotation of said second frame (<NUM>) about said second rotation axis (<NUM>) determines a corresponding translation of said first flail mower (<NUM>), with respect to said first frame (<NUM>), along said first displacement direction (<NUM>).