AU2013206470A1 - Scion preparation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for cutting scions from scion stock includes a cutting unit configured to receive scion stock. The cutting unit includes one or more first cutters configured to move 5 to a clamp position in which they partially penetrate the scion stock, so as to hold the scion stock in a cutting position; and one or more second cutters configured to move so as to cut a desired scion profile into the scion stock while it is held in the cutting position. After cutting of the scion profile by the second cutters, the first cutters are configured to move from the clamp position to sever the scion stock. - 0 Figure 1

Description

1 SCION PREPARATION APPARATUS FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The invention relates to a machine for preparation of grafts, in particular of scions. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Grafting is widely used in the horticulture and viticulture. Grafting involves the joining of a 10 scion (sometimes spelled "cion") onto a root stock. The root stock may range from a small seedling up to a large tree. The scion is usually a small cane or stick that will grow to become the fruit bearing part of the plant. Grafting is a skilled job, with accurate and clean formation of the cuts in both root stock 15 and scion contributing to the likelihood of a successful graft. Most grafting is currently performed by hand, with skilled workers using knives or grafting pliers to form the cuts in both root stock and scion. This is time consuming and errors lead to reduced rates of successful grafting, which has a significant impact on the commercial operation of the orchard or vineyard. 20 Some automation of the scion cutting process has been proposed. For example, the New Zealand company Scionon Limited has proposed a scion cutter that mounts to a conventional drop saw. However, this system still requires manual steps and multiple operations for formation of a cut scion. 25 There have also been various machines proposed for automated grafting of nursery stock. These machines take root stock and scions and automatically cut and graft, forming a grafted seedling. However, the present invention is not concerned with grafting nursery stock. Rather, the present invention relates to the formation of scions from woody stock; 2 such as canes or sticks. These scions will later be grafted to rootstock, which in many applications will be existing rootstock already growing in an orchard or vineyard. Reference to any prior art in this specification does not constitute an admission that such 5 prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. It is an object of the invention to provide an improved apparatus for scion preparation, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. 10 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the invention provides a scion cutting apparatus, including: a cutting unit configured to receive scion stock, the cutting unit including: one or more first cutters configured to move to a clamp position in which 15 they partially penetrate the scion stock, so as to hold the scion stock in a cutting position; one or more second cutters configured to move so as to cut a desired scion profile into the scion stock while it is held in the cutting position; the one or more first cutters configured to move from the clamp position to sever 20 the scion stock. Preferably the apparatus includes one or more guides, wherein each second cutters are constrained to move along the guides to cut the desired scion profile. Preferably the guides include one or more tracks. Preferably the one or more tracks are formed as slots 25 in a guide plate. Preferably there are two or more tracks formed in two or more guide plates. Preferably the apparatus includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the spacing between the guides. Preferably the guides form a curved path along which the second cutters move.

3 Alternatively the second cutters may be curved so as to cut the desired scion profile as they move through the scion stock. Preferably the apparatus includes an ejector configured to eject cut scions from the 5 apparatus. Preferably the ejector includes a pusher configured to push cut scions from the cutting arrangement. 10 Preferably the pusher is powered by a linear actuator. Preferably the linear actuator is a pneumatic cylinder. Preferably the first cutters are powered by a linear actuator. 15 Preferably the linear actuator is a pneumatic cylinder. Preferably the second cutters are powered by a linear actuator. 20 Preferably the linear actuator is a pneumatic cylinder. Preferably the desired scion profile includes a head portion at a first end thereof and a shoulder transitioning to a shaft portion that extends to a second end of the scion, the shaft portion being narrower than the head portion in at least one dimension. 25 Preferably the apparatus includes an adjustment mechanism enabling adjustment of the scion profile. In a second aspect the invention provides a scion formed by the apparatus of the first 30 aspect, the scion including a head portion at a first end thereof and a shoulder transitioning 4 to a shaft portion that extends to a second end of the scion, the shaft portion being narrower than the head portion in at least one dimension. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 5 The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top view of a scion cutting apparatus according to one embodiment; 10 Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a top view of the apparatus of Figure 1, with the cover removed so that the cutting mechanism can be seen; Figure 5 is a left side view of the apparatus of Figure 1, with the cover removed so 15 that the cutting mechanism can be seen; Figure 6 is a detailed view of the region marked "B" in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a further top view, with the cutting mechanism having moved from the position shown in Figure 4; Figure 8 is a detailed view of the region marked "A" in Figure 7; 20 Figure 9 is a further top view, with the cutting mechanism having moved from the position shown in Figure 7; Figure 10 shows a cut scion produced by the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 11 is a front perspective view of a scion cutting apparatus according to a further embodiment; 25 Figure 12 is a further front perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 10, with the front cover plate removed; Figure 13 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 10, with the front cover plate removed and the cutter mechanism in a raised position; Figure 14 is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 10, with the side cover removed 30 and the cutter mechanism in the position of Figure 12; 5 Figure 15 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 10, with the front cover plate removed and the cutter mechanism in a lowered position; Figure 16 is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 10, with the side cover removed and the cutter mechanism in the position of Figure 14; and 5 Figure 17 shows the profile of the blades in the apparatus of Figure 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a scion cutting apparatus 1. The apparatus 1 includes a base 2 10 supporting a machine head 3. The machine head 3 includes a cover 4 which conceals the cutting mechanism for safety reasons. A front plate 5 has an entry aperture 6 for introduction of scion stock into the cutting mechanism. A support 7 is provided beneath the entry aperture to support a user's hands. A collection container may be placed on a tray 8, for collection of the cut scions. 15 The cutting mechanism is powered by three pneumatic rams. Two rams 10, 11 can be seen in Figures 1-3. A further ram is mounted vertically within cover 13. Figure 4 is a top plan view of the apparatus 1 with the cover 4 removed. The vertical 20 arrangement of the cutting arrangement is shown in Figure 6, which is a detailed view of the region marked "B" in Figure 5. The machine head includes a plunger including a plunger head 15 and plunger shaft 16. The plunger shaft 16 is slidingly mounted in block 17 and a spring (not shown) is mounted 25 between the plunger head 15 and the block 17. The plunger is therefore biased away from the block 17 but free to move back towards the block 17, compressing the spring. The front surface of the plunger head 15 is formed with a depression that receives the end of the scion stock when it is inserted by a user through the entry aperture 6. The user 30 pushes the scion stock into the apparatus 1, compressing the plunger spring such that the 6 plunger head moves from the position in Figure 4 back towards the block 17. The plunger therefore aligns the scion stock within the cutting arrangement. When the scion stock has been inserted, the cutting sequence begins. The cutting 5 sequence may be actuated by any suitable mechanism, including manual mechanisms such as a switch, foot pedal etc, or automatic mechanisms, for example mechanisms relying on detection of the correctly positioned scion stock or detection of the depression of the plunger. 10 The scion cutting sequence has four stages. The nature of the first and second stages can be seen by comparison between Figure 4, which shows the mechanism in a neutral position, before the cutting sequence begins, and Figures 7 and 8, which show the mechanism after completion of the first and second 15 stages. Figure 8 is a detailed view of the region marked "A" in Figure 7. In the first stage first cutters 20 cut into the scion stock. This movement is actuated by the third pneumatic actuator, not shown in these figures, but positioned behind the cover 13. The first cutters 20 may be positioned near the entry aperture. However, in preferred 20 embodiments the first cutters cut only partially into the scion stock. For example, in scion stock around 12-20mm in diameter, each first cutter may cut around 3-5mm into the scion stock. This means that, rather than being cut through, the scion stock is securely gripped by the first cutters. This maintains the scion stock in position through the second stage of the scion cutting sequence. 25 In the second stage, second cutters 22 travel through a predetermined path corresponding to the desired profile of the scion for a particular type of graft. In preferred embodiments, the type of graft is a "kerf graft", in which the scion is shaped to fit a rectangular profile notch in the root stock. The notch may be formed by any suitable arrangement, including 30 saw blades, or ideally by a chainsaw-based notching tool available from the Applicant.

7 The second stage movement is created as follows. The second cutters 22 are mounted in cutter holders 23. Each cutter holder 23 is mounted so as to ride in a track 24 in a guide plate 25. Each cutter holder 23 is connected to the block 17 by a connecting plate 26, 5 which is pivotally connected to both the block 17 and the cutter holder 23. The block is connected to the rod 27 of the first pneumatic cylinder 10. Retraction of the rod 27 causes movement of the block 17 from the position of Figure 4 to the position of Figure 7. This motion is transmitted by the connecting plates 26 to the cutter holders 23, which ride along the tracks 24 from the position in Figure 4 to the position in Figures 7 and 8. As the block 10 moves, the biased plunger remains stationary. The guide tracks 24 are curved from a broad width near the first cutters to a narrow width at a distal end of the tracks. This curvature defines the desired scion shape, with the second cutters moving along the track, producing a scion of the shape discussed below 15 with reference to Figure 10. A lever 28 allows the width of the scion cut to be adjusted. This lever is connected to the underside of the two guide plates 25 and allows the spacing between those two plates, and therefore between the two tracks and the second cutters, to be adjusted. 20 In the embodiment shown the second cutters 22 project upwards from the cutter holders 23, as can be seen in Figure 6. This means that the cutter holders 23, guide plates 25 etc sit beneath the scion stock during operation. 25 Following completion of the second stage, the cutting arrangement is therefore in the position shown in Figure 7, with the scion now shaped by the second cutters. In the third stage, the first cutters complete their inwards motion to sever the finished scion from the scion stock. The length of the finished scion depends on the length from the 8 block 17 (in its Figure 4 position) to the first cutters. The Applicant's apparatus therefore produces scions of uniform length. In the fourth stage, a pusher 30 that is powered by the second pneumatic cylinder 11 5 extends as shown in Figure 9 to push the finished scion from the cutting arrangement into a container supported by the tray 8. Following completion of the fourth stage, the apparatus rests to the position shown in Figure 4, ready to receive a further length of scion stock. 10 Figure 10 shows a scion cut 34 using the apparatus described above. The scion extends from a first end 35 to a second end 36. At least the first end will have been formed by the first cutters 20. The second end will usually also have been formed by the first cutters 20, unless the scion is the first scion cut from a length of scion stock. 15 The scion includes a tick head portion 37 adjacent the first end 35. This will generally be the full thickness of the scion stock. The scion also includes a thinner shaft section 38 with a shoulder 39 forming the transition between the head portion 37 and shaft section 38. The shaft section may be formed with a slight taper from a narrow width at the second end 20 36 to greater widths along the shaft section 38 towards the shoulder 39. In one embodiment the scion width may be around 5mm at the second end, tapering to about 6.5 mm around 45 mm from the second end. The taper angle may be adjustable by suitable adjustment of the angle of the two guide plates. This gentle taper allows a very tight fit of the scion into a kerf in the root stock. As shown, the shoulder 39 and shaft section are 25 formed as a continuous curve formed by one cut or motion of the second cutters. This continuous curve contributes to the strength of the cut scion. In the transverse plane the shaft preferably extends across the full width of the scion.

9 In use, the second end is inserted into a notch cut in rootstock. The notch preferably has a generally rectangular cross-section matching the shape of the shaft 38. The scion may be securely inserted into the notch by tapping gently on the first end 35 with a small hammer or other suitable tool. The shape of the head portion 37 and shoulder 39 provide the 5 necessary strength to the scion for this tapping not to damage the scion. Using the Applicant's apparatus, lengths of scion stock can be cut into a number of scions. For example, kiwifruit scion stock is sometimes provided in lengths around 800mm. This stock can be cut to provide 7 to 8 scions each around 100mm in length, each having one 10 or more buds. The Applicant's apparatus is extremely time efficient, with a single scion being cut in around 1 to 2 seconds. Furthermore, no skilled labour is required. The operator is only required to push the scion stock into the apparatus, with the end pushing against the 15 plunger head 15. All cutting and alignment steps are automatic. The scion wood is cut with a sharp knife edge, limiting damage to the scion and in particular to the cambium layer that is important in graft formation. The scions produced are consistently and accurately formed, with the apparatus being suitable for production on a commercial scale. 20 Furthermore, the use of the first cutters to hold the scion stock prevents damage to the cambium layers through the use of clamps or similar holding devices. While the apparatus has been described in relation to scions shaped for kerf grafting, the apparatus may be adapted for other graft types. For example, the guide tracks may be 25 shaped for any required graft type. The apparatus is suited to formation of scions for kiwifruit grafts. However, the apparatus may be used for scion cutting in any suitable stock, including apple stock, grape stock or other suitable stock. The apparatus is suitable for scion formation for grafting to existing 30 root stock (i.e. root stock that is already established in an orchard or vineyard etc, often 10 root stock that has been in place for five or more years). The scion stock is preferably around 8-22 mm, more preferably 13-19 mm in diameter. The apparatus may be formed from any suitable materials. Stainless steel is preferred for 5 many components for hygiene reasons. The apparatus is lightweight and portable, and can be used in the field or in a building. The mechanism is adjustable, allowing the width of the cut scion shaft to be altered as necessary. 10 Figures 11 to 17 show a further embodiment of scion-preparation apparatus 1. In this embodiment the apparatus 1 may be suited for bench mounting, with a base 100 including holes 101 for optionally securing the apparatus 1 to a bench. Side plates 102, which also form side covers to conceal the cutting mechanism, are mounted to the base 100. A top 15 plate 103 is mounted across the tops of the two side plates 102 and provides support to a pneumatic cutting mechanism, as will be discussed below. A front cover 104 is also provided. The front cover completes an enclosure such that the cutting mechanism is safely separated from the user. An actuator 105 may be provided on 20 the front cover 104., Further, an aperture 106 is provided, allowing an operator to introduce scion stock into the apparatus 1. For illustrative purposes the front plate 104 is omitted in Figures 12, 13 and 15. A rear cover 107 may also be provided. In this embodiment the cutting mechanism includes a number of formed blades 109. A top 25 view of the blades is shown in Figure 17. Each blade 109 is curved in order to form the desired scion profile, similar to that shown in Figure 10. The position of the blades 109 can also be seen in the side views of Figures 14 and 16. The cutting edge 109a of the blades 109 may be formed on an angle, when viewed from the side. The blades are carried by a carriage 110 that is mounted to the rod 111 if a pneumatic cylinder 112 or 30 other suitable actuator. This allows the blades to be moved from, a raised (i.e. withdrawn) 11 position as shown in Figures 13 and 14 to the lowered position of Figures 12, 15 and 16. This downwards cutting movement takes place quickly and causes the blades 109 to cut the required profile in the scion stock, which the operator has inserted into the machine. During the cutting motion, the scion is supported by a surface that extends horizontally just 5 below the aperture 106. In this embodiment the cutting movement is straight down, with the profile being formed by the curved shape of the blades 109. This is a slightly different mechanism to the first embodiment described above, where the profile was formed by the blades following a 10 curved path. Any suitable arrangement of connectors 115 may be used to supply pneumatic pressure to the apparatus. 15 The skilled reader will understand that many features of the first embodiment may also be used with the apparatus of Figures 11 to 17. In particular, one or more first cutters may be added, to provide the clamping action and cutting of the scions to length, as discussed above in relation to the first embodiment. Further, an ejector may be provided to eject cut scions from the apparatus. An adjustment mechanism may be provided allowing the blade 20 positions to be adjusted, for example to alter the separation of the blades 109. An alignment plunger may be used to assist alignment of the scion stock within the apparatus. While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of 25 the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit 30 or scope of the Applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims (19)

1. A scion cutting apparatus, including: a cutting unit configured to receive scion stock, the cutting unit including: 5 one or more first cutters configured to move to a clamp position in which they partially penetrate the scion stock, so as to hold the scion stock in a cutting position; one or more second cutters configured to move so as to cut a desired scion profile into the scion stock while it is held in the cutting position; 10 the one or more first cutters configured to move from the clamp position to sever the scion stock.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further including one or more guides, wherein each second cutters are constrained to move along the guides to cut the desired scion 15 profile.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the guides include one or more tracks.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more tracks are formed as 20 slots in a guide plate.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein there are two or more tracks formed in two or more guide plates. 25

6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, further including an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the spacing between the guides.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the guides form a curved path along which the second cutters move. 30 13

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second cutters are curved so as to cut the desired scion profile as they move through the scion stock.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further including an ejector configured 5 to eject cut scions from the apparatus.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the ejector includes a pusher configured to push cut scions from the cutting arrangement. 10

11. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first cutters are powered by a linear actuator.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the linear actuator is a pneumatic cylinder. 15

13. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second cutters are powered by a linear actuator.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the linear actuator is a pneumatic 20 cylinder.

15. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the desired scion profile includes a head portion at a first end thereof and a shoulder transitioning to a shaft portion that extends to a second end of the scion, the shaft portion being narrower than 25 the head portion in at least one dimension.

16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, including an adjustment mechanism enabling adjustment of the scion profile. 14

17. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim further including an alignment arrangement positioned such that scion stock can be placed into or against the alignment arrangement to ensure correct positioning of the scion stock in the apparatus. 5

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the alignment arrangement includes a biased plunger.

19. A scion formed by the apparatus of any preceding claim, the scion including a head 10 portion at a first end thereof and a shoulder transitioning to a shaft portion that extends to a second end of the scion, the shaft portion being narrower than the head portion in at least one dimension. 15