Gang mower with reel mower cutting units

Abstract

A mower provides a frame intended to be implemented on a tractor, or to form a structure of a trailer. The mower provides a plurality of cutting units (6), at least six, generally disposed side by side, each cutting unit (6) comprising at least one roller (44) intended to roll on the ground. The mower provides a lift assembly linking the cutting units (6) to the frame and configured for articulating the cutting units (6) between a mowing position and a non-mowing position. In the mowing position, the lift assembly is configured for pressing the cutting units (6) against the ground in order to distribute, at least partially, the mower's weight on the ground via the rollers (44) of the cutting units (6). The mower provides lateral articulated beams (10) linking the cutting units (6). The beams (10) are foldable inwardly and forwardly.

Claims

1. A mower, comprising: a frame forming a structure of a trailer; a plurality of cutting units generally disposed side by side, each cutting unit comprising: at least one roller intended to roll on the ground; and a lift assembly linking the cutting units to the frame and configured for moving the cutting units between a mowing position and a non-mowing position; wherein, in the mowing position, the lift assembly is configured for pressing the cutting units against the ground in order to distribute, at least partially, the mower's weight on the ground via the rollers of the cutting units.

2. The mower according to claim 1, wherein each of the rollers extends on the width of the corresponding cutting unit, the rollers covering at least 90% of the width of the mower.

3. The mower according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of cutting units is at least eight cutting units; and wherein the cutting units are reel mowing cutting units with a set of helical blades.

4. The mower according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of cutting units is at least twelve cutting units; and wherein the cutting units are reel mowing cutting units with a set of helical blades.

5. The mower according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of cutting units is at least eighteen cutting units; and wherein the cutting units are reel mowing cutting units with a set of helical blades.

6. The mower according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of cutting units is at least twenty-three cutting units; and wherein the cutting units are reel mowing cutting units with a set of helical blades.

7. The mower according to claim 1, wherein the lift assembly links independently each of the cutting units to the frame; and wherein the lift assembly comprises: a plurality of cranks; wherein each crank is linked to the frame and to one of the cutting units.

8. The mower according to claim 1, wherein the lift assembly comprises: a plurality of actuators; wherein each actuator is linked to the frame and directly or indirectly to one of the cutting units.

9. The mower according to claim 1, wherein the majority of the cutting units are disposed in order to transversally overlap their closest neighbor, the majority of the cutting units being disposed along two axes forming a V in a top view.

10. The mower according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises: at least one beam which mainly extend transversally in the mowing position; wherein the majority of the cutting units are linked to the at least one beam; and wherein, in the mowing position, the at least one beam is mounted in a cantilever fashion.

11. The mower according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises: two beams which mainly extend transversally in the mowing position; wherein the majority of the cutting units are linked to the two beams; and wherein, in the mowing position, the beams are mounted in a cantilever fashion.

12. The mower according to claim 11, wherein each of the two beams is pivotally mounted on the frame, so as to be foldable to a position along a longitudinal axis of the frame in a forward direction and/or an inward direction.

13. The mower according to claim 11, wherein each beam comprises: a lateral portion; and a central portion; wherein the lateral portion and the central portion are aligned in the mowing position; and wherein, in a transport configuration, the lateral portion of each of the two beams is folded back over the top of the corresponding central portion.

14. The mower according to claim 11, wherein the frame comprises: a hub to which the beams are linked; and a raise mechanism for lifting the hub from the mowing position to a transport configuration; wherein at least one of the cutting units is linked to the hub.

15. The mower according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises: a longitudinal portion that mainly extends longitudinally and shows a front end and a rear end; wherein the cutting units are linked to the frame through one of the following: a rear half of the longitudinal portion; and the rear end of the longitudinal portion.

16. The mower according to claim 1, further comprising: a set of wheels rotatably fixed to the frame; wherein the mower is elongated and the wheels are fixed to the frame in the vicinity of a rear end of the frame.

17. The mower according to claim 16, wherein, in a transport configuration, the majority of the cutting units are above the wheels of the mower.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The FIG. 1 shows an aerial view of a mower according to the invention in mowing configuration.

(2) The FIG. 2 represents a lateral view of a first operation for folding the mower according to the invention.

(3) The FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the mower according to the invention in a first intermediate step.

(4) The FIG. 4 represents a lateral view of a second operation for folding the mower according to the invention in transport configuration.

(5) The FIG. 5 is a top view of the third operation for folding the mower according to the invention.

(6) The FIG. 6 represents a lateral view of the mower according to the invention.

(7) The FIG. 7 represents a front view of a cutting unit according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(8) In the coming description the orientation used corresponds to the orientation shown by the cutting unit shows in mowing configuration. The mower is considered to stand on a flat ground.

(9) The FIG. 1 illustrates a mower 2 according to the invention. The mower 2 is seen in an aerial view. The mower may be a vehicle. The mower may be a trailer. The mower may be pulled by a tractor 4, or may eventually be an implement mounted on the frame of a tractor, the implement being carried by the tractor's wheels.

(10) The mower 2 comprises at least six cutting units 6, preferably at least eighteen cutting units 6. The cutting units 6 are generally arranged side by side. They generally form alignments. They are generally arranged on two main axes that form a kind of letter V. Some cutting units may be placed outside the alignments.

(11) The mower comprises a frame 8. The frame 8 comprises at least one beam 10, preferably two beams 10. The beams 10 principally extend transversally. They also extend longitudinally, preferably forward. The beams 10 may extend longitudinally in opposite directions, and longitudinally in the same direction. They are tilted regarding a transversal axis 11. Each beam 10 forms an angle with the transversal axis 11 that is comprised between 5 and 60, preferably comprised between 15 and 50, more preferably comprised between 30 and 40. The cutting units 6 are linked to the beams 10. Some cutting units 6 may be settled longitudinally at the level of the tractor 4. This feature increases the maneuverability of the mower 2 and the tractor. It also permits to settle forward the center of gravity of the mower.

(12) The frame comprises a longitudinal portion 12. The longitudinal portion 12 is elongated. The longitudinal portion 12 length is superior to three times the width of a cutting unit, preferably five times. The longitudinal portion 12 is transversally placed in a central position. It extends on the majority of the mower's length. The mower 2 also comprises wheels 14. It may comprise wheels 14 linked to the rear half of the longitudinal portion 12, preferably linked at the rear extremity of the elongated portion. Preferably, the gravity centers of the beams 10 are before the wheels 14.

(13) The mower 2 may comprise a hub 16 that connects the beams to the longitudinal portion 12. The mower 2 may comprise lift means for lifting the beams from a mowing configuration to a transport configuration.

(14) The hub 16 can support cutting unit(s) 6 disposed centrally as to cover at the least the width of the frame 12, or at least the width of the frame 12 and the wheels 14. This or these cutting units can be arranged at the rear of the hub 16.

(15) The mower is essentially wide, it may extend on more than ten meters. The mower is wider than the tractor 4, at least two times preferably four times. Hence, it needs to be foldable in order to reduce its width and to respect road regulation in matter of width of a vehicle. The following figures depict the steps for folding the mower in a transport configuration.

(16) The FIG. 2 is a side view of a first operation for folding the mower's frame. The mower 2 is towed by a tractor 4 that is partially represented.

(17) Each beam 10 comprises a plurality of portion. It preferably comprises a central portion 20 and a lateral portion 22 that are aligned. They may be linked to each other by pivot means 24 that may show horizontal pivot axes. The pivot means 24 may comprise a pivot junction associated with each beam 10. Each pivot junction shows a pivot axis that is perpendicular to its respective beam 10.

(18) The pivot means 24 may comprise rotary engines (not represented). Alternatively, the pivot means 24 comprises actuators, like hydraulic actuators, and are eventually completed by levers.

(19) The first operation consists in retracting the lateral portions 22 of the beams 10. The lateral portions 22 are folded up. The lateral portions 22 are switched from a forward position toward a rearward position.

(20) During the first operation, each lateral portion 22 is pivoted in respect of his respective central portion 20 of substantially a half turn. Each lateral portion 22 is pivoted of an angle comprised between 160 and 200, preferably an angle comprised between 170 and 190, more preferably an angle comprised between 175 and 185.

(21) In the meantime, the cutting units 6 are placed in a non-mowing position. The non-mowing position may be a rest position. They are away from the ground 26. They no longer engage the ground 26. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cutting units 6 may reach their non-mowing position before or after the lateral portions are pivoted.

(22) The FIG. 3 shows a side view of the mower 2 in a first intermediate step during the folding of the frame 8.

(23) At this moment, the lateral portions 22 are placed back over the top of their respective central portions 20. Then, these portions (20, 22) are stacked. The portions are still in a V configuration. The stacked portions are still disposed laterally to the wheels 14. They are at the height of the wheels 14. The lateral portions extend along the central portions.

(24) The FIG. 4 represents a second operation for folding mower 2 which is seen laterally.

(25) The mower 2 is represented with his longitudinal portion 12, the hub 16 and the raise mechanism 18, the beams are not represented. At least one cutting unit 6 is linked to the raise mechanism 18 and/or at least one cutting unit 6 is linked to the hub 16. Preferably, the mower 2 comprises one cutting unit linked to the hub 16 transversally in a central position, and two cutting units linked also to the hub 16 and transversally disposed laterally to the central cutting unit of the raise mechanism. These three cutting units 6 are not settled in the general alignment of the cutting units 6 linked to the beams 10.

(26) The hub 16 is linked to the longitudinal portion 12 by the raise mechanism. For this purpose, the later comprises a set of arms 28 that are pivotally linked to the longitudinal portion 12 and to the hub 16. The arms 28 may be substantially parallel. During the second operation, the arms 28 are pivoted upwardly of at least 10, preferably at least 30, more preferably at least 60.

(27) The raise mechanism 18 may comprise a lower arm 28 and an upper arm 28. The upper arm and the lower arm may show a trapezoidal shape or a rectangular shape. Each arm 28 presents a width in the continuity of the longitudinal portion and of the hub respectively.

(28) The raise mechanism 18 also comprises an actuator 30, like a hydraulic actuator. When the actuator retracts 30, the hub 16 is lifted. This actuator 30 may be relied to the arms 28. It can eventually be linked to the longitudinal portion 12 at one end, and to the hub at the other end. The raise mechanism 18 is configured for lifting the beams 10 whilst generally keeping their orientation.

(29) The raise mechanism 18 permits to lift the beams 10 above the wheels 14. In particular, the central portions 20 are lifted above the wheels 14. More peculiarly, the cutting units 6 linked under the central portions 20 are lifted above the wheels. At the end of the second operation, the mower 2 still extends on a broad area.

(30) The FIG. 5 shows a third operation for folding the beams 10. The mower 2 is seen in a top view.

(31) In this operation, the central portions 20 of the beams 10 are pivoted inwardly. They are pivoted in a forward direction. The central portions 20 are linked to the hub through rotation means 32. The rotation means 32 may rotate around generally vertical axis. These axes may be substantially tilted forwardly in order to bring down the forward extremities of the central portions 20. The rotation means 32 advantageously comprise actuators (not represented), like hydraulic actuators.

(32) During the third operation, each central portion 20 is pivoted inwardly of an angle comprised between 5 and 90, preferably an angle comprised between 20 and 70, more preferably an angle comprised between 40 and 60. At the end of this operation, the mower 2 reaches the transport configuration.

(33) The FIG. 6 presents a side view of the transport configuration of the mower 2.

(34) In this configuration, the beams 10 as a whole are placed above the wheels 14. The cutting units linked to the beams are also above the wheels. As we can notice on this picture, the fact that the beams comprise several portions permits to reduce the overall length of the mower 2 in its transport configuration. Then, the mower 2 is easier to pull. It also requires less area for parking.

(35) The raise mechanism 18 for lifting the hub 16 may be configured to slightly incline the stacked portions 22 and 20. The forward extremity of the stacked portions may be inclined downwardly in order to lower the center of gravity of the mower 2. Consequently, the stability of the mower is increased in spite of its height.

(36) In the transport configuration, the mower 2 is less than 2.50 m width. Its height is less than 4.00 m, preferably less than 3.50 m high, more preferably less than 2.50 m high.

(37) The FIG. 7 represents a cutting unit 6 according to the invention.

(38) The cutting unit 6 may be a reel mower cutting unit. The cutting unit 6 comprises a casing 36 that forms a shell. The cutting unit also comprises a cylinder 38 provided with at least one blade 40, preferably several blades 40 that are distributed around the cylinder 38. The blade or the blades 40 show a helicoidally shape. This shape describes a spiral around the cylinder. The bladed cylinder 38 may be hollow. It is pivotally articulated with respect to the casing 36. The width of the bladed cylinder 38 is at least 60 cm, preferably at least 80 cm, more preferably at least 100 cm.

(39) Each blade 40 shows a sharp outer edge. During mowing, the bladed cylinder 38 turns in a way that throws mowed lawn backward. The skilled person in the art is able to recognize the mowing direction of the mower considering the blades' sharp edges.

(40) The casing 36 covers at least partially the bladed cylinder 38 for stopping projections of stones or particles present in the grass. It prevents injuries for people or damages for the mower itself.

(41) The cutting unit 6 also comprises an engine 42 that rotates the bladed cylinder 38. The engine may be placed laterally, outside the casing 36. It may be driven electrically or hydraulically. The engine 36 is plugged by wires or pressure ducts (not represented). The wires or the pressure ducts may extend inside the beams 10.

(42) The cutting unit also comprises rolling means like a roller 44. The rolling means are adapted to engage the ground in a cutting configuration. They are configured for bearing at least the weight of the corresponding cutting unit 6. The rolling means permit to maintain an even cutting eight. They avoid cutting turf too shortly. The rolling means may comprise a single roller 44 disposed in a rear or in a front position of cutting unit 6. The rolling means may eventually comprise a front roller and a rear roller. Each roller 44 extends transversally on the majority of the bladed cylinder 38, preferably at least on the whole width of the bladed cylinder 38. The roller 44 is designed for withstanding chocks due to a stone lying in the grass.

(43) The weight of the cutting unit is superior to 10 kg. The cutting unit 6 may be heavier than 30 kg. The cutting unit 6 may be heavier than 60 kg.

(44) According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cutting unit may comprise a horizontal blade turning around a vertical axis. This horizontal blade may replace the cylinder.

(45) The cutting unit 6 is linked to a beam of the mower. The mower comprises lift means that link the cutting unit 6 to the beam 10. The lift means may be articulating means. The lift means are configured for articulating the cutting unit 6 between a mowing position, in which the roller 44 may engage the ground, and a non-mowing position in which the roller is above the ground. Preferably, in the non-mowing position the roller is above the ground of at least 5 cm, preferably of at least 15 cm, more preferably of at least 40 cm.

(46) The lift means comprise a crank 46 linked to the beam 10 and to the casing 36 of the cutting unit 6. Each extremity of the crank 46 presents a pivot link. Each pivot link essentially comprises a single degree of freedom. The pivot axis of each pivot link is preferably longitudinally oriented. The cutting unit 6 is free to rotate at the extremity of the crank 46. Then, it may flip in order to follow the shape of the ground when the mower is going on. This feature is interesting when the ground shows concave or convex surfaces

(47) The lift means also comprise an actuator 48. The actuator 48 may be activated electrically or hydraulically. The actuator 48 may be a linear actuator, preferably a linear hydraulic actuator. The actuator 48 may be linked to the crank 46 at one end and to the beam at the other end.

(48) The lift means are configured for applying a load on the cutting unit 6. Then, the beam 10 and more generally the mower rely on the roller 44 of the cutting unit 6.

(49) In an advantageous aspect of the invention, the mower comprises a plurality of lift means. Each cutting unit 6 is linked to the frame throw independent lift means. Independent lift means are configured for applying a load on each cutting unit 6. Then the frame's weight is distributed on all rollers of the cutting units. In the case drawn on FIG. 1, the frame's weight is distributed on 16.00 m width. All rollers act as a single roller that engages the ground and supports the mowers. Since the mower's wheels are longitudinally placed in the vicinity of the roller, the pressure applied by the wheels on the ground is reduced. In the case where the mower is an implement directly mounted on the frame of a tractor, the rollers will be able to support a part of the weight of the tractor.