Haymaking device

Abstract

A haymaking device for displacing mown crop includes a frame having a main beam which extends in a longitudinal direction and defines a longitudinal centre line, and at least a first side arm located on one side of the main beam, wherein the side arm carries at least one crop processing tool, preferably rotatably driven about a rotor centre line. The crop processing tool can be a crop displacing tool, such as a rake. The crop processing tool is mounted on a first pivot arm which, in the region of a first pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected, about a substantially horizontal centre line, to the first side arm for movement between an operative position and a transport position. In the operative position, the first pivot arm connection is located at a larger distance from the main beam than the rotor centre line of the first crop processing tool.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A haymaking device for displacing mown crop, comprising:
 a frame having a main beam extending in a longitudinal direction and defining a longitudinal centre line, and at least a first side arm located on one side of the main beam, wherein the side arm carries at least one crop processing tool   wherein at least a first crop processing tool is mounted on a first pivot arm, in the region of a first pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected, about a substantially horizontal centre line, to the first side arm for movement between an operative position and a transport position, wherein in the operative position, the first pivot arm connection is located at a larger horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line than the rotor centre line of the first crop processing tool.   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first pivot arm extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal centre line. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the pivot arm extends substantially at right angles to the longitudinal centre line. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the crop processing tool is a crop displacing tool comprising a rake. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first pivot arm is mounted on a first satellite frame which, in the region of a first rotational connection, is rotatably connected about a substantially vertical centre line to the first side arm. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first satellite frame is located at a level which differs from that of the side arm. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 5 , provided with an aligning rod for the first satellite frame, which aligning rod is connected to the main beam to align the first satellite frame with respect to the side arm. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 5 , wherein a second crop processing tool is mounted on a second pivot arm which, in the region of a second pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected about a substantially horizontal centre line to the first satellite frame for movement between an operative position and a transport position, wherein, in the operative position, the second pivot arm connection is located at a smaller horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line than the rotor centre line of the second crop processing tool. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 8 , wherein the first and second pivot arms are oriented in opposite directions. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 8 , wherein the second pivot arm is located in front of the first pivot arm, when viewed in the direction of travel. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 8 , wherein the first pivot arm connection is located at a larger horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line than the second pivot arm connection. 
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 11 , wherein the first pivot arm connection is mounted on a first satellite arm which extends rearwardly from the first pivot connection, 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 12 , wherein the first satellite arm extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre line. 
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 11 , wherein the second pivot arm connection is mounted on a second satellite arm which extends forwardly from the first pivot connection. 
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein the second satellite arm extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre line. 
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein the first satellite arm is located at a larger horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line than the second satellite arm. 
     
     
         17 . The device according to any one of  claims 5 , wherein the first satellite frame is mounted at the end of the first side arm. 
     
     
         18 . The device according to any one of  claims 5 , wherein the first satellite frame is provided with a support wheel which is located beside the crop processing tool and at the end of the side arm. 
     
     
         19 . The device according to  claim 18 , wherein the support wheel is located between the first and second crop processing tools, in the shadow of the second crop processing tool, when viewed in the direction of travel. 
     
     
         20 . The device according to  claim 19 , wherein the support wheel is mounted to the first satellite frame so as to be rotatable about a substantially vertical centre line. 
     
     
         21 . The device according to  claim 20 , wherein the centre line coincides with the centre line of the first rotational connection between the side arm and the satellite frame. 
     
     
         22 . The device according to  claim 20 , further provided with setting mechanism for setting the angle of rotation of the support wheel with respect to the first satellite frame. 
     
     
         23 . The device according to  claim 18 , wherein the device has, in its transport position, as sole support points a hitch for a tractor and the support wheel of the first satellite frame. 
     
     
         24 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first side arm is movable between a transport position, in which it extends substantially along the main beam, at a first angle to the main beam, and an operative position, in which the first side arm extends sidewardly from the main beam, at a second angle, larger than the first angle, wherein the device is further provided with an aligning rod for the first satellite frame, which aligning rod forms a parallelogram mechanism with the first side arm and the first satellite frame or a component which is rigidly connected thereto. 
     
     
         25 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the horizontal distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot arm connection is adjustable. 
     
     
         26 . The device according to  claim 25 , wherein the associated pivot arm connection is adjustable by a telescopic design of the associated pivot arm. 
     
     
         27 . A haymaking device for displacing mown crop, comprising:
 a frame having a main beam extending in a longitudinal direction and defining a longitudinal centre line, and at least a first side arm located on one side of the main beam, wherein the side arm carries at least one crop processing tool   wherein at least a first crop processing tool is mounted on a first pivot arm, in the region of a first pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected, about a substantially horizontal centre line, to the first side arm for movement between an operative position and a transport position, wherein, in the operative position, the first crop processing tool is substantially located between the first pivot arm connection and the longitudinal centre line.   
     
     
         28 . The device according to  claim 27 , wherein the first pivot arm extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal centre line. 
     
     
         29 . The device according to  claim 30 , wherein the pivot arm extends substantially at right angles to the longitudinal centre line. 
     
     
         30 . The device according to  claim 27 , wherein the crop processing tool is a crop displacing tool comprising a rake. 
     
     
         31 . The device according to  claim 27 , wherein the first pivot arm is mounted on a first satellite frame which, in the region of a first rotational connection, is rotatably connected about a substantially vertical centre line to the first side arm. 
     
     
         32 . The device according to  claim 27 , wherein the first satellite frame is located at a level which differs from that of the side arm. 
     
     
         33 . The device according to  claim 31 , provided with an aligning rod for the first satellite frame, which aligning rod is connected to the main beam to align the first satellite frame with respect to the side arm. 
     
     
         34 . The device according to  claim 31 , wherein a second crop processing tool is mounted on a second pivot arm which, in the region of a second pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected about a substantially horizontal centre line to the first satellite frame for movement between an operative position and a transport position, wherein, in the operative position, the second pivot arm connection is located at a smaller horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line than the rotor centre line of the second crop processing tool. 
     
     
         35 . The device according to  claim 34 , wherein the first and second pivot arms are oriented in opposite directions. 
     
     
         36 . The device according to  claim 34 , wherein the second pivot arm is located in front of the first pivot arm, when viewed in the direction of travel. 
     
     
         37 . The device according to  claim 34 , wherein the first pivot arm connection is located at a larger horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line than the second pivot arm connection. 
     
     
         38 . The device according to  claim 37 , wherein the first pivot arm connection is mounted on a first satellite arm which extends rearwardly from the first pivot connection, 
     
     
         39 . The device according to  claim 38 , wherein the first satellite arm extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre line. 
     
     
         40 . The device according to  claim 37 , wherein the second pivot arm connection is mounted on a second satellite arm which extends forwardly from the first pivot connection. 
     
     
         41 . The device according to  claim 40 , wherein the second satellite arm extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre line. 
     
     
         42 . The device according to  claim 40 , wherein the first satellite arm is located at a larger horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line than the second satellite arm. 
     
     
         43 . The device according to any one of  claims 31 , wherein the first satellite frame is mounted at the end of the first side arm. 
     
     
         44 . The device according to any one of  claims 31 , wherein the first satellite frame is provided with a support wheel which is located beside the crop processing tool and at the end of the side arm. 
     
     
         45 . The device according to  claim 44 , wherein the support wheel is located between the first and second crop processing tools, in the shadow of the second crop processing tool, when viewed in the direction of travel. 
     
     
         46 . The device according to  claim 45 , wherein the support wheel is mounted to the first satellite frame so as to be rotatable about a substantially vertical centre line. 
     
     
         47 . The device according to  claim 46 , wherein the centre line coincides with the centre line of the first rotational connection between the side arm and the satellite frame. 
     
     
         48 . The device according to  claim 46 , further provided with setting mechanism for setting the angle of rotation of the support wheel with respect to the first satellite frame. 
     
     
         49 . The device according to  claim 44 , wherein the device has, in its transport position, as sole support points a hitch for a tractor and the support wheel of the first satellite frame. 
     
     
         50 . The device according to  claim 27 , wherein the first side arm is movable between a transport position, in which it extends substantially along the main beam, at a first angle to the main beam, and an operative position, in which the first side arm extends sidewardly from the main beam, at a second angle, larger than the first angle, wherein the device is further provided with an aligning rod for the first satellite frame, which aligning rod forms a parallelogram mechanism with the first side arm and the first satellite frame or a component which is rigidly connected thereto. 
     
     
         51 . The device according to  claim 27 , wherein the horizontal distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot arm connection is adjustable. 
     
     
         52 . The device according to  claim 51 , wherein the associated pivot arm connection is adjustable by a telescopic design of the associated pivot arm. 
     
     
         53 . A haymaking device comprising a frame having a main beam extending in a longitudinal direction and defining a longitudinal centre line, and at least a first side arm located on one side of the main beam, wherein the first side arm carries at least a first crop processing tool, wherein the first side arm is movable between a transport position, in which it extends substantially along the main beam, at a first angle to the main beam, and an operative position, in which the first side arm extends sidewardly from the main beam, at a second angle, larger than the first angle, wherein at least a first crop processing tool is mounted on a first pivot arm which, in the region of a first pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected, about a substantially horizontal centre line, to the first side arm for movement between an operative position, in which the crop processing tool can be active, and a transport position, wherein the first pivot arm is mounted on a first satellite frame which, in the region of a rotational connection, is rotatably connected about a substantially vertical centre line to the first side arm, wherein the first satellite frame is mounted at the end of the first side arm and is provided with a support wheel. 
     
     
         54 . The device according to  claim 53  wherein the crop processing tool is a rake comprising a circular rake having a substantially vertical rotor centre line in operative position. 
     
     
         55 . The device according to  claim 54 , wherein the crop processing tool is a rake. 
     
     
         56 . The device according to  claim 53 , wherein the first satellite frame is located at a level which differs from that of the side arm. 
     
     
         57 . The device according to  claim 56 , wherein the first satellite frame is located at at a higher level than that of the side arm. 
     
     
         58 . The device according to  claim 53 , wherein, in the operative position, the first pivot arm connection is located at a larger horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line than the rotor centre line of the first crop processing tool. 
     
     
         59 . The device according to  claim 57 , wherein a second crop processing tool is mounted on a second pivot arm which, in the region of a second pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected about a substantially horizontal centre line to the first satellite frame for movement between an operative position, in which the second crop processing tool can be active, and a transport position, wherein, in the operative position, the second pivot arm connection is located at a smaller horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line than the rotor centre line of the second crop processing tool. 
     
     
         60 . The device according to  claim 53 , which is provided with an aligning rod for the first satellite frame, which aligning rod forms a parallelogram mechanism with the first side arm and the first satellite frame or a component which is rigidly connected thereto. 
     
     
         61 . The device according to  claim 53 , provided with a second side arm, located at that side of the main beam that is opposite to the first side arm, wherein the second side arm forms an arrangement which substantially corresponds to that of the first side arm with equipment provided thereon, mirrorwise with respect to the longitudinal centre line. 
     
     
         62 . The device according to  claim 61 , wherein both side arms are movable between a transport position, in which they extend substantially along the main beam, at a first angle to the main beam, and an operative position, in which both side arms extend sidewardly from the main beam at a second angle, larger than the first angle, further provided with an operable mechanism for moving both side arms simultaneously between the transport position and the operative position and vice versa. 
     
     
         63 . The device according to  claim 61 , wherein both satellite frames are provided with a support wheel located beside the crop processing tool. 
     
     
         64 . The device according to  claim 63 , wherein each support wheel is mounted to the satellite frame so as to be rotatable about a substantially vertical centre line, which centre line. 
     
     
         65 . The device according to  claim 64 , wherein the substantially vertical centre line coincides with the centre line of the first rotational connection between the side arm and the satellite frame. 
     
     
         66 . The device according to  claim 65 , further provided with setting mechanism for setting the angle of rotation of each support wheel with respect to the satellite frame supported thereby. 
     
     
         67 . The device according to  claim 66 , wherein the setting mechanism further sets the angles of rotation of the support wheels independently of each other with respect to the satellite frame in question. 
     
     
         68 . The device according to  claim 63 , wherein the device, in the transport position, has as sole support points a hitch for a tractor and the support wheels of both satellite frames. 
     
     
         69 . The device according to  claim 53 , wherein the horizontal distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot arm connection is adjustable. 
     
     
         70 . The device according to  claim 69 , wherein the horizontal distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot arm connection is adjustable by a telescopic design of the associated pivot arm. 
     
     
         71 . A haymaking device for displacing mown crop, comprising a primary frame part with a hitch for hitching to a tractor, wherein the frame with the hitch defines a longitudinal centre line of the device, which is parallel to the direction of travel or movement in the operative position, wherein the device further comprises two secondary frame parts, located on both sides of the primary frame part, which are connected to the primary frame part and are each provided with at least two crop processing tools, wherein a first crop processing tool is mounted on a first pivot arm which, in the region of a first pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected about a substantially horizontal centre line to the secondary frame part for movement between an operative position and a transport position, wherein, in the operative position, the first crop processing tool is substantially located between the first pivot arm connection and the longitudinal centre line, and wherein a second crop processing tool is mounted on a second pivot arm which, in the region of a second pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected about a substantially horizontal centre line, to the secondary frame part for movement between an operative position and a transport position, wherein, in the operative position, the second pivot arm connection is located at a smaller horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line than the rotor centre line of the second crop processing tool. 
     
     
         72 . The device according to  claim 71 , wherein the crop processing tools are rotatably driven about a rotor centre line. 
     
     
         73 . The device according to  claim 72 , wherein the crop processing tools are rakes. 
     
     
         74 . The device according to  claim 73 , wherein the horizontal distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot arm connection is adjustable. 
     
     
         75 . The device according to  claim 74 , wherein the horizontal distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot arm connection is adjustable by a telescopic design of the associated pivot arm. 
     
     
         76 . A haymaking device for displacing mown crop, comprising a primary frame part with a hitch for hitching to a tractor, wherein the frame with the hitch defines a longitudinal centre line of the device, which longitudinal centre line is parallel to the direction of travel or movement in the operative position, wherein the device further comprises two secondary frame parts, located on both sides of the primary frame part, which are connected to the primary frame part and are each provided with a first and a second crop processing tool, wherein the first and second crop processing tools are connected to the secondary frame by a first and a second pivot arm, respectively, for movement between an operative position and a transport position by a pivoting movement about a substantially horizontal pivot centre line, wherein, in the operative position, the first and second pivot arms extend in substantially opposite directions from the secondary frame part. 
     
     
         77 . The device according to  claim 76 , wherein the crop processing tools are rotatably driven about a rotor centre line. 
     
     
         78 . The device according to  claim 77 , wherein the crop processing tools are rakes. 
     
     
         79 . The device according to  claim 77 , wherein the horizontal distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot arm connection is adjustable. 
     
     
         80 . The device according to  claim 79 , wherein the horizontal distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot arm connection is adjustable by a telescopic design of the associated pivot arm. 
     
     
         81 . A haymaking device comprising a frame having a primary frame part and a front end provided with means for hitching to a tractor, and comprising four crop processing tools, wherein the frame of the haymaking device comprises a longitudinal centre line which is substantially parallel to the direction of travel, wherein two crop processing tools are located on both sides of the longitudinal centre line, in operative position behind each other with the front one of each pair being outwardly staggered with respect to the rear one of said pair, wherein the rear crop processing tools are each mounted on a respective rear, first pivot arm which is mounted, via a first pivot connection, on or near the free end of a first frame arm which extends per se freely rearwardly in a floating manner, substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre line and which, during use, is located at an intermediate distance from the longitudinal centre line, when viewed in a direction transverse thereto. 
     
     
         82 . The device according to  claim 81 , wherein the crop processing tools are circular rakes. 
     
     
         83 . The device according to  claim 81 , wherein the front crop processing tools are each mounted on a respective front, second pivot arm which is mounted, via a second pivot connection, on or near the free end of a second frame arm which extends per se freely forwardly in a floating manner, substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre line and which, during use, is located at an intermediate distance from the longitudinal centre line, when viewed in a direction transverse thereto. 
     
     
         84 . The device according to  claim 83 , wherein the first and/or second pivot centre lines are substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre line. 
     
     
         85 . The device according to  claim 83 , wherein the first pivot centre lines are located at a horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line, which horizontal distance is larger than that for the rear crop processing tools and/or wherein the second pivot centre lines are located at a horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line, which horizontal distance is smaller than that for the front crop processing tools. 
     
     
         86 . The device according to  claim 83 , wherein the first and the second frame arms form part of a secondary frame part which is provided with a support wheel for the frame. 
     
     
         87 . The device according to  claim 86 , wherein the secondary frame part is movable to and from the longitudinal centre line via a parallelogram mechanism active in a horizontal plane. 
     
     
         88 . The device according to  claim 83 , wherein the first frame arm is located at a horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line, which horizontal distance is larger than that for the second frame arm. 
     
     
         89 . The device according to  claim 85 , wherein the primary frame part and the secondary frame parts are interconnected via side arms whose ends are rotatably connected about substantially vertical centre lines to the primary frame part and the secondary frame parts, respectively. 
     
     
         90 . The device according to  claim 82 , wherein the horizontal distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot arm connection is adjustable. 
     
     
         91 . The device according to  claim 90 , wherein the horizontal distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot arm is adjustable by a telescopic design of the associated pivot arm. 
     
     
         92 . A haymaking device for displacing mown crop, comprising a primary frame part with a hitch for hitching to a tractor, wherein the frame with the hitch defines a longitudinal centre line of the device, which longitudinal centre line is parallel to the direction of travel or movement in the operative position, wherein the device further comprises two secondary frame parts located on both sides of the primary frame part, connected to the primary frame part and each provided with at least, wherein the secondary frame parts are connected to the primary frame part via a parallelogram mechanism active in a horizontal plane, for movement between an operative position at a distance from the primary frame part and a transport position near the primary frame part whilst maintaining their orientation with respect to the longitudinal centre line. 
     
     
         93 . The device according to  claim 92 , wherein the first crop processing tool is a crop displacing tool. 
     
     
         94 . The device according to  claim 93 , wherein the crop processing tool is a rake. 
     
     
         95 . The device according to  claim 92 , wherein the first crop processing tools are each mounted on a first pivot arm which is mounted on the secondary frame part via a first pivot connection, wherein the first pivot centre lines are located at a horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line, which horizontal distance is smaller than that for the first crop processing tools. 
     
     
         96 . The device according to  claim 95 , wherein each secondary frame part is further provided with second crop processing tools, which are each mounted on a second pivot arm which is mounted on the secondary frame part, behind the first pivot arm, by means of a second pivot connection, wherein the second pivot centre lines are located at a larger horizontal distance from the longitudinal centre line than that for the second crop processing tools. 
     
     
         97 . The device according to  claim 96 , wherein the first and second pivot arms extend on both sides of and from the respective secondary frame part in opposite directions. 
     
     
         98 . The device according to  claim 92 , wherein the primary frame part and the secondary frame parts are interconnected by means of side arms whose ends are rotatably connected about substantially vertical centre lines to the primary frame part and the secondary frame parts, respectively. 
     
     
         99 . The device according to  claim 92 , wherein the horizontal distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot arm connection is adjustable. 
     
     
         100 . The device according to  claim 99 , wherein the horizontal distance between the crop processing tool and the associated pivot arm connection is adjustable by a telescopic design of the associated pivot arm. 
     
     
         101 . A haymaking device comprising a frame having a central, primary frame part, the main part comprising a main beam extending in longitudinal direction, and a longitudinal centre line, and two side arms extending sidewardly on both sides of and from the central frame part and each carrying at least one crop processing tool, which crop processing tool is connected to the respective side arm by means of a pivot shaft having a substantially horizontal pivot centre line in order to be pivoted between an operative position and an upwardly pivoted transport position, wherein the device further comprises a hitch for hitching the device to a tractor, and support wheels for supporting the frame in the operative position and the transport position of the device, wherein the support wheels are mounted to the ends of the side arms and are each rotatable about a substantially vertical centre line, and wherein the device further comprises setting mechanisms for setting the position of each support wheel with respect to the longitudinal centre line in at least one oblique position with respect to the longitudinal centre line. 
     
     
         102 . The device according to  claim 101 , wherein the crop processing tool is rotatably driven about a rotor centre line. 
     
     
         103 . The device according to  claim 102 , wherein the crop processing tool is a rake. 
     
     
         104 . The device according to  claim 101 , wherein the side arms are pivotable about a substantially vertical pivot centre line between one or more extended operative positions, in which they extend sidewardly from the central, primary frame part, and an inwardly pivoted transport position, in which they extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre line, wherein the mechanisms configured to be operated simultaneously but in opposite sense, so that the support wheels diverge or converge at the same angle with respect to the longitudinal centre line. 
     
     
         105 . A haymaking device comprising a frame having a central, primary frame part, the main part comprising a main beam extending in longitudinal direction, and a longitudinal centre line, and two side arms extending sidewardly on both sides of and from the central frame part and each carrying at least one crop processing tool, which crop processing tool is connected to the respective side arm by means of a pivot shaft having a substantially horizontal pivot centre line in order to be pivoted between an operative position and an upwardly pivoted transport position, wherein the device further comprises a hitch for hitching the device to a tractor, and support wheels for supporting the frame in the operative position and the transport position of the device, wherein the support wheels are mounted to the ends of the side arms and are each rotatable about a substantially vertical centre line, wherein the device further comprises an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the support wheels for the side arms into different oblique positions with respect to the longitudinal centre line. 
     
     
         106 . The device according to  claim 105 , wherein the crop processing tool is rotatably driven about a rotor centre line. 
     
     
         107 . The device according to  claim 106 , wherein the crop processing tools is a rake. 
     
     
         108 . The device according to  claim 107 , wherein the side arms are pivotable about a substantially vertical pivot centre line between one or more extended operative positions, in which they extend sidewardly from the central, primary frame part, and an inwardly pivoted transport position, in which they extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal centre line, wherein the mechanisms configured to be operated simultaneously but in opposite sense, so that the support wheels diverge or converge at the same angle with respect to the longitudinal centre line.