EP4687410A1 - Protection device for agricultural machines and related agricultural machine - Google Patents

Protection device for agricultural machines and related agricultural machine

Info

Publication number
EP4687410A1
EP4687410A1 EP23825447.8A EP23825447A EP4687410A1 EP 4687410 A1 EP4687410 A1 EP 4687410A1 EP 23825447 A EP23825447 A EP 23825447A EP 4687410 A1 EP4687410 A1 EP 4687410A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
abutment element
configuration
agricultural
protection device
machine
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23825447.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Franco Olmi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
OLMI SRL
Original Assignee
OLMI SRL
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by OLMI SRL filed Critical OLMI SRL
Publication of EP4687410A1 publication Critical patent/EP4687410A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
    • A01B39/00—Machines specially adapted for working soil on which crops are growing
    • A01B39/12—Machines specially adapted for working soil on which crops are growing for special purposes, e.g. for special culture
    • A01B39/16—Machines specially adapted for working soil on which crops are growing for special purposes, e.g. for special culture for working in vineyards, orchards, or the like
    • A01B39/163—Machines specially adapted for working soil on which crops are growing for special purposes, e.g. for special culture for working in vineyards, orchards, or the like comprising rotating tools
    • A01B39/166—Machines specially adapted for working soil on which crops are growing for special purposes, e.g. for special culture for working in vineyards, orchards, or the like comprising rotating tools actively driven
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
    • A01B39/00—Machines specially adapted for working soil on which crops are growing
    • A01B39/20—Tools; Details
    • A01B39/26—Arrangements for protecting plants, e.g. fenders
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
    • A01D34/00—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters
    • A01D34/01—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus
    • A01D34/412—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters
    • A01D34/42—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a horizontal axis, e.g. cutting-cylinders
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G17/00—Cultivation of hops, vines, fruit trees, or like trees
    • A01G17/02—Cultivation of hops or vines
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
    • A01M21/00—Apparatus for the destruction of unwanted vegetation, e.g. weeds
    • A01M21/02—Apparatus for mechanical destruction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
    • A01B59/00—Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements
    • A01B59/06—Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines mounted on tractors

Definitions

  • TITLE PROTECTION DEVICE FOR AGRICULTURAL MACHINES AND
  • the present invention relates to a protection device for agricultural machines, in particular for agricultural machines for arboriculture, e.g. viticulture.
  • the present invention also relates to an agricultural machine, in particular an agricultural machine for arboriculture, e.g. viticulture, such as, for example, a brush removal machine, a sucker removing machine or a mechanical weeding machine.
  • Agricultural machines which can be connected to vehicles, commonly called agricultural tractors, for the actuation of said agricultural machines, such as sucker removing machines, brush removal machines, mechanical weeding machines or other similar agricultural machines, which are adapted to remove weeds, small spontaneous shrubs, and suckers undesirably grown around trunks of plants, e.g. arranged in rows, e.g. vines.
  • agricultural machines such as sucker removing machines, brush removal machines, mechanical weeding machines or other similar agricultural machines, which are adapted to remove weeds, small spontaneous shrubs, and suckers undesirably grown around trunks of plants, e.g. arranged in rows, e.g. vines.
  • Agricultural machines such as brush removal machines, sucker removing machines and weeding machines may comprise a plurality of extremely flexible strings, commonly called whips, with one end connected to a rotary shaft driven pneumatically or hydraulically and adapted to rotate about its longitudinal axis.
  • whips extremely flexible strings
  • a sucker removing machine When weeds, small shrubs and suckers need to be removed along a row of plants, e.g. in a vineyard, a sucker removing machine, a mechanical weeding machine or a brush removal machine must be operated between the plants in the row by moving the agricultural machine parallel to the row and in proximity to both the soil and the plant trunks.
  • the whips just like trimmer lines, rotate and cut the vegetation against which they impact .
  • the whips may al so hit the plant trunks and cause damage thereto , e . g . undesirably cut newly planted plants .
  • Protection devices are known which can be connected to a sucker removing machine for the purpose of protecting the trunks of plants in a row from the whips of the sucker removing machine during the sucker removing process .
  • Such devices comprise a pair of shutters that are pushed and kept in an open position by the whips of the sucker removing machine as they rotate .
  • the shutters come in contact with said trunk one after the other and, turning in succession, prevent the whips from contacting the plant trunk .
  • Such devices require the use of rigid shutters made of metallic materials , which turn about hinges provided on a support structure , the latter being adapted to be associated with an agricultural machine . According to thi s solution, therefore , very heavy equipment needs to be fastened in a cantilever fashion to the agricultural machine , leading to problems which are well-known to those skilled in the art .
  • Such devices require said shutters to be able to rotate idle , and this may result in undes ired movements of the shutters on uneven ground or in the presence of weed bushes .
  • the present invention aims at solving the abovedescribed technical problems , and many other problems as well , by providing a protection device comprising at least one abutment element , which is made of deformable materials so that , when abutting against a trunk of a plant , said abutment elements will deform without causing damage to the trunk of the plant , and will position themselves between the trunk and the agricultural equipment adapted to operate around trunks of vegetable plants , thereby protecting the trunk of the plant and preventing the agricultural equipment from acting upon said plant .
  • One aspect of the present invention relates to a protection device having the features set out in the appended claim 1 .
  • a further aspect of the present invention relates to an agricultural machine having the features set out in the appended claim 13 .
  • Figure 1 shows an axonometric view of one possible embodiment of the protection device according to the present invention
  • Figures 2A and 2B show di f ferent views of one possible embodiment of the protection device ; in particular, Figure 2A shows a protection device in a plan view; Figure 2B shows a protection device in a side view;
  • Figure 3 shows a side view of one poss ible embodiment of an agricultural machine comprising a protection device according to the present invention
  • Figures 4A and 4B show di f ferent views of a protection device associated with an agricultural machine in an operating configuration, in which two abutment elements have deformed, to a di f ferent extent , upon abutting against a trunk of a vegetable plant ; in particular, Figure 4A shows the machine in an axonometric view; Figure 4B shows the machine in a plan view .
  • reference numeral 3 designates as a whole the protection device according to the present invention
  • reference numeral 2 designates as a whole the agricultural machine according to the present invention
  • Protection device 3 is particularly suitable for application to agricultural machines 2 , in particular to agricultural machines 2 for working around trunks "S" of vegetable plants .
  • an agricultural machine 2 comprises : a frame 20 , which defines a working aperture "A" ; and an agricultural equipment 22 .
  • Said agricultural equipment 22 is at least partly arranged within said frame 20 and adapted to operate around trunks "S" of vegetable plants at said working aperture "A” , defined by frame 20 , as agricultural machine 2 moves along a path in a predetermined direction "D" .
  • working aperture "A" refers to a flat surface , perpendicular to the ground, not covered by frame 20 o f agricultural machine 2 , from which agricultural equipment 22 protrudes at least partly, and which defines the safe operation area of agricultural equipment 22 of agricultural machine 2 .
  • Protection device 3 is adapted to be fastened to said frame 20 of the agricultural machine 2 .
  • said protection device 3 is fastened in a removable manner .
  • said protection device 3 is irremovably fastened, e . g . welded, to frame 20 o f agricultural machine 2 .
  • Said protection device 3 comprises at least one support structure 30 , which is adapted to be fastened to said frame 20 o f agricultural machine 2 .
  • Said protection device 3 further comprises at least one abutment element 4 .
  • Said abutment element 4 is fastened, at a first end 4A thereof , to said support structure 30 , and extends from said first end 4A along a first longitudinal extension "LI" of said abutment element 4 .
  • Said abutment element 4 has an unconstrained second end 4B, opposite to said first end 4A.
  • said abutment element 4 proj ects , e . g . in a cantilever fashion, from said support structure 30 .
  • Said abutment element 4 is made of at least one material suitable for deforming elastically when a force is applied thereto , and resuming an initial conformation when the application of such force ceases .
  • said abutment element 4 is made of at least one material suitable for resisting the action exerted thereon by agricultural equipment 22 over time , without its operation being impaired .
  • said abutment element 4 is adapted to deform elastically while also being able to resist the action of agricultural equipment 22 over time .
  • Said abutment element 4 is so shaped as to as sume a first configuration, or idle configuration, and a second configuration, or protection configuration .
  • Said second configuration or protection configuration is assumed by said abutment element 4 when said abutment element 4 abuts against a trunk "S" of a vegetable plant .
  • said abutment element 4 deforms as it switches from said first configuration to said second configuration .
  • said abutment element 4 sets itsel f , as it deforms , between said trunk "S" of the vegetable plant and said agricultural equipment 22 .
  • the present invention prevents said agricultural equipment 22 from acting upon said trunk "S" of the vegetable plant when said abutment element 4 i s in said second configuration .
  • protection device 3 may comprise a constraining device that permits at least one rotational , translational or rototranslational motion, so that said abutment element 4 can be set into the des ired position, e . g . relative to said support structure 30 and/or said working aperture "A" .
  • the present embodiment proves particularly useful when said protection device 3 i s connected to a movable portion of said frame 20 which, when moved, will cause a variation in the shape and dimensions of said working aperture "A" ; with this solution, it will be possible to position said at least one abutment element 4 appropriately .
  • said abutment element 4 has shape memory .
  • said abutment element 4 can autonomously set itsel f in a position where it can avoid any impacts against said agricultural equipment 22 ; in this manner, the service li fe of said abutment element 4 , and hence of protection device 3 and of said agricultural equipment 22 , will be extended .
  • protection device 3 in said first configuration or idle configuration said at least one abutment element 4 is arranged substantially perpendicular to said working aperture "A" , in particular to the surface defined by said working aperture "A” , and/or parallel to a portion of agricultural equipment 22 that might act upon trunks "S" of the vegetable plants , e . g . parallel to whips or strings comprised in a brush removal machine , a sucker removing machine and/or a weeding machine 2 .
  • said protection device 3 comprises a j oint adapted to allow said at least one abutment element 4 to position itsel f substantially perpendicular to said working aperture "A" , even when the portion of said frame 20 to which protection device 3 i s connected is a movable portion of said frame 20 .
  • protection device 3 is so designed that , in the first configuration or idle configuration, said abutment element 4 will position itsel f in such a way as to of fer the least possible interference with the action of said agricultural equipment 22 .
  • said abutment element 4 is so designed that , in said first configuration, it will not contact said agricultural equipment 22 when the latter is in operation, e . g . by positioning itsel f parallel to said whips or strings of a brush removal or sucker removing machine 2 .
  • said support structure 30 and the conformation of abutment element 4 are such that said at least one abutment element 4 is positioned between two operating parts of agricultural equipment 22 , so that it will not interfere with their operation during the use of agricultural machine 2 , e . g . by setting itsel f between two elements of agricultural machine 22 , e . g . between two whips , without interfering with their operation .
  • said at least one abutment element 4 proj ects , preferably for the most part of it , outside said working aperture "A" .
  • the present embodiment makes it possible to leave working aperture "A" of agricultural machine 2 unchanged, and to cause said abutment element 4 to become an extension of frame 20 o f agricultural machine 2 .
  • Such a solution simpli fies the connection of protection device 3 to an agricultural machine 2 .
  • said first end 4A of abutment element 4 is positioned inside frame 20 o f agricultural machine 2 , e . g . partly within a seat 21 that houses agricultural equipment 22 ; therefore , said first end 4A does not protrude from said working aperture "A" .
  • said at least one abutment element 4 has a second longitudinal extension "L2" , wherein said second longitudinal extension "L2" is , for example , at most equal to a vertical extension of said working aperture "A” .
  • the present embodiment makes it possible to avoid that said abutment element 4 might hit the ground and deform when unnecessary, while at the same time allowing abutment element 4 , in said second configuration, to cover most of the vertical extension, preferably the entire vertical extension, of said working aperture "A” , thereby preventing agricultural equipment 22 from contacting said trunk "S" of the vegetable plant in an area close to the ground . This problem is particularly felt when vegetable plants have not grown vertically .
  • the latter in order to be able to cover the entire vertical extension o f working aperture "A" by means of said abutment element 4 , the latter is arranged at an angle , so that abutment element 4 will cover most of the vertical extension of said working aperture "A" due to a diagonal extension of said abutment element 4 .
  • said abutment element 4 touches the ground, it may j ust undergo a local elastic deformation, thus ensuring that agricultural equipment 22 can keep operating and avoiding that , due to contact of said abutment element 4 against the soil , it might undesirably switch into said second configuration .
  • said abutment element 4 has a planar conformation, and even more preferably, it defines a substantially rectangular or quadrilateral surface . In one possible embodiment , said abutment element 4 has some rounded corners .
  • said abutment element 4 has a planar conformation, with rectangular faces parallel to each other .
  • said abutment element 4 may have a tapered shape along said first longitudinal extension "LI" , e . g . a thickness that decreases from said first end 4A towards said second end 4B .
  • abutment element 4 allows it to switch autonomously from said second configuration to said first configuration, without requiring any external forces .
  • protection device 3 comprises a plurality of abutment elements 4 .
  • Said abutment elements 4 are , advantageously, arranged s ide-by-side and parallel to one another when in said first configuration .
  • the present embodiment permits the use of multiple abutment elements 4 for acting upon one common working aperture "A" , i . e . for covering a working aperture "A" with extended width and for making the protection ef fect more selective by letting only intervene that abutment element 4 which i s actually abutting against trunk "S" of the vegetable plant , e . g . one abutment element 4 at a time .
  • said first longitudinal extension "LI" of each abutment element 4 is such that , in said second configuration, said second end 4B will reach an abutment element 4 , preferably the first end 4A of the next abutment element 4 .
  • This solution ensures operational continuity of abutment elements 4 during the movement o f agricultural machine 2 , causing abutment elements 4 to deform in succession so that no portion of working aperture "A" cannot be reached by at least one abutment element 4 , in particular during the movement of agricultural machine 2 along a path in a direction "D" .
  • the number and length o f abutment elements 4 are determined as a function o f working aperture "A" o f agricultural machine 2 .
  • said abutment element 4 is made of rubber or similar materials ensuring adequate elasticity to deform as required and sufficient strength to not deteriorate when subjected to the action of agricultural equipment 22.
  • said abutment element 4 is made of rubber or similar materials only. In one possible embodiment, said abutment element 4 is made of a single type of material, e.g. rubber.
  • said abutment element 4 is made of two or more materials, e.g. two different types of rubber, having different mechanical and elastic properties .
  • said abutment element 4 comprises at least one portion made of a material suitable to deform plastically, e.g. plastic or metallic materials.
  • Such portion is, for example, an inner core, e.g. close to said first end 4A, e.g. for greater ease of installation.
  • said abutment element 4 deforms by flexing, e . g . by bending . This embodiment ensures that , in said second configuration or protection configuration, abutment element 4 will have the largest possible area interposed between trunk "S" of the vegetable plant and said agricultural equipment 22 .
  • said abutment element 4 is rigidly secured to said support structure 30 , but can be removed for replacement .
  • This solution makes it possible to replace said abutment elements 4 , e . g . when they are worn out , without having to separate support structure 30 from frame 20 of agricultural machine 2 .
  • said abutment element 4 and said support structure 30 are monolithic .
  • said abutment elements 4 are moulded, e . g . by inj ection moulding, onto support structure 30 .
  • said protection device 3 is a monolithic element , wherein the di f ferent parts of protection device 3 cannot be separated without impairing the structural and/or functionality characteristics of protection device 3 and/or part thereof .
  • said support structure 30 comprises a connection portion 301 .
  • Said connection portion 301 is adapted to allow protection device 3 to be connected to frame 20 of agricultural machine 2 , e . g . in proximity to said working aperture "A" .
  • the shape and structure of said connection portion 301 will depend on agricultural machine 2 and/or said frame 20 to which it will have to be connected .
  • said connection portion 301 has a planar structure .
  • Said support structure 30 comprises also a retaining portion 303 .
  • abutment elements 4 are constrained .
  • connection portion 301 and said retaining portion 303 are suitably j oined together by means of a linking piece 302 .
  • Said l inking piece 302 allows protection device 3 to be correctly fastened to frame 20 o f agricultural machine 2 via said connection portion 301 , and also makes it possible to properly position one or more abutment elements 4 relative to said working aperture "A" via said retaining portion 303 .
  • said connection portion 301 and said retaining portion 303 may be linked di f ferently, as required, by creating an adequate linking piece 302 .
  • said linking piece 302 makes it poss ible to orientate said retaining portion 303 relative to said connection portion 301 .
  • said linking piece 302 may comprise a j oint adapted to change the inclination o f said at least one abutment element 4 , and hence of said retaining portion 303 , relative to connection portion 301 .
  • said linking piece 302 contributes to the structural stability of protection device 3 .
  • said retaining portions 303 are removable from protection device 3 , e . g . from said linking piece 302 and from said connection portion 301 .
  • said retaining portions 303 cannot be removed, e . g . they are welded and/or said support structure 30 is monolithic .
  • connection portion 301 comprises a plurality of seats to which one or more retaining portions 303 , possibly comprising the respective linking pieces 302 , can be connected, e . g . in a removable manner, in order to create the most appropriate configuration, in terms of number, type and distance between said abutment elements 4 , according to speci fic requirements .
  • said retaining portion 303 is so shaped as to retain said first end 4A of abutment element 4 .
  • said retaining portion 303 retains said first end 4A of abutment element 4 along an extension which i s shorter than the second longitudinal extension "L2" of abutment element 4 , preferably for a tract not exceeding hal f the second longitudinal extension "L2" of abutment element 4 .
  • This embodiment allows abutment element 4 to deform without however reaching said second configuration in case of contact of abutment element 4 with the soil .
  • the present solution ensures that abutment element 4 will deform elastically when contacting the ground, in such a way as to avoid reaching said second configuration or protection configuration .
  • this embodiment prevents protection device 3 from suf fering any damage due to contact with the soil ; in particular, it prevents damage to said support structure 30 , in particular to said retaining portion 303 .
  • Said support structure 30 preferably at least said connection portion 301 , is made of plastic and/or metallic materials , preferably metallic materials in order to ensure adequate long-term durability, given the fact that it will have to be connected to an agricultural machine 2 , which is normally subj ect to stresses and/or shocks when in use .
  • FIG 2A one can see how an abutment element 4 can deform upon abutting against a trunk "S" of a vegetable plant , until said abutment element 4 reaches said second configuration or protection configuration .
  • said abutment element 4 is configured in such a way that , as it deforms , said second end 4B comes in contact with next abutment element 4 , which will then start deforming towards said second configuration only upon abutting, in its turn, against said trunk "S" .
  • two abutment elements 4 are still in the first configuration .
  • Figure 2B shows a side view of one poss ible embodiment of a protection device 3 according to the present invention .
  • abutment element 4 which has a first longitudinal extension "LI" between said first end 4A and said second end 4B .
  • FIG 2B a second longitudinal extension "L2" is also visible , which is perpendicular to said first longitudinal extension "LI” .
  • Figure 2B also shows retaining portion 303 , to which abutment element 4 is connected .
  • Said retaining portion 303 is connected to connection portion 301 by means of a linking piece 302 .
  • said retaining portion 303 is connected to said first end 4A of abutment element 4 for a length shorter than hal f the second longitudinal extension "L2" o f abutment element 4 .
  • Figure 2B shows only one abutment element 4 .
  • Protection device 3 is adapted for application to an agricultural machine 2 , in particular to an agricultural machine 2 for working around trunks "S" of vegetable plants .
  • Said agricultural machine 2 comprises : a frame 20 defining a working aperture "A” ; and an agricultural equipment 22 .
  • Said agricultural equipment 22 is at least partly arranged within said frame 20 and is adapted to operate around trunks "S" of vegetable plants at said working aperture "A” , defined by frame 20 , as agricultural machine 2 moves along a path in a predetermined direction "D" .
  • Agricultural machine 2 according to the present invention comprises a protection device 3 according to the present invention .
  • the present invention is useful to prevent agricultural equipment 22 from acting upon trunks "S" of the vegetable plants , due to the fact that abutment element 4 of protection device 3 is adapted to set itsel f between agricultural equipment 22 and trunks "S" .
  • Said frame or casing 20 may comprise one or more movable parts which, when moved, change the shape and dimensions of said working aperture "A" .
  • said agricultural machine 2 comprises an adj ustment system 23 , comprised in said frame 20 , which permits setting agricultural equipment 22 in the desired position relative to a connection structure 24 for connecting it , e . g . at three points , to a tractor o f agricultural machine 2 .
  • Said adj ustment system 23 and said connection structure 24 may be di f ferent according to the type of agricultural machine 2 in use .
  • said adj ustment system 23 may also shi ft one or more portions of said frame or casing 20 in order to vary the shape and dimensions of said working aperture "A" .
  • the characteristics of frame 20 , of adj ustment system 23 and of connection structure 24 will not be described herein any further, since they are known to those skilled in the art .
  • Said frame 20 may also comprise , in particular in that portion where said protection device 3 is connected, a j oint adapted to allow changing the inclination of said abutment elements 4 according to the present invention .
  • said j oint may be associated with an actuator adapted to change the inclination of said abutment elements 4 .
  • Figure 3 shows a side view of one possible embodiment of an agricultural machine 2 , consisting of a sucker removing machine , which comprises a protection device 3 according to the present invention .
  • FIG 3 illustrates one possible embodiment of a sucker removing machine 2 comprising a connection structure 24 , for connecting it to a tractor, and an adj ustment system 23 , comprising a plurality of actuators consisting of hydraulic pistons , for adj usting the position o f agricultural equipment 22 relative to connection structure 24 .
  • the embodiment of sucker removing machine 2 shown in Figure 3 comprises a frame or casing 20 that delimits , at least partially, a seat 21 and a working aperture "A" , through which said seat 21 is accessible .
  • Said agricultural equipment 22 partly arranged in said seat 21 , comprises a shaft 220 housed in said seat 21 and rotatable about a first axis of rotation, coinciding with the longitudinal axis of said shaft 220 .
  • Said agricultural equipment 22 comprises a plurality of whips 222 , each one connected, at a first end thereof , to said shaft 220 .
  • the drawing shows only one whip 222 , in the straight condition, proj ecting from said shaft 220 .
  • a protection device 3 is connected, which comprises a support structure 30 fastened to said frame 20 of sucker removing machine 2 , in particular via a connection portion 301 .
  • Said protection device 3 illustrated in Figure 3 comprises an abutment element 4 secured at a first end 4A thereof to said support structure 30 , extending therefrom along a first longitudinal extension "LI" , and having an unconstrained second end 4B, oppos ite to said first end 4A .
  • Said abutment element 4 has a substantially planar structure having substantially rectangular faces , with two rounded corners , which define a second longitudinal extension "L2" .
  • Figure 3 shows said abutment element 4 in said first configuration, in which it does not interfere with said whips 222 .
  • Figure 4A shows a protection device 3 associated with a sucker removing machine 2 in an operating configuration in which two abutment elements 4 have deformed, to a di f ferent extent , upon abutting against a trunk "S" of a vegetable plant .
  • Figure 4A i s an axonometric view of sucker removing machine 2 , which shows , in addition to the structure of sucker removing machine 2 , which comprises a connection structure 24 and an adj ustment system 23 , also a protection device 3 according to the present invention secured to frame 20 .
  • Said protection device 3 is pos itioned in front of said working aperture "A" of sucker removing machine 2 , which is defined by said frame 20 , which in turn defines seat 21 that houses , at least partly, agricultural equipment 22 comprising a shaft 220 and a plurality of whips 222 .
  • the drawing shows j ust one row of whips 222 , extending along an axis parallel to the axis of shaft 220 .
  • Said whips 222 are depicted as being straight and perpendicular to the axis o f shaft 220 .
  • protection device 3 which is fastened to frame 20 of sucker removing machine 2 via said connection portion 301 of support structure 30 , is abutting against a trunk "S" of a vegetable plant .
  • a first abutment element 4 has deformed, in particular bent , into a second configuration, thus contacting, in particular with its second end (not shown in the drawing) , neighbouring abutment element 4 .
  • said neighbouring abutment element 4 i s barely abutting against said trunk "S" .
  • said abutment element is starting to bend .
  • Figure 4A clearly shows that , in said second configuration, said deformed abutment element 4 sets itsel f in the way between trunk "S" o f the vegetable plant and whips 222 of said agricultural equipment 22 .
  • whips 222 can no longer reach said trunk "S” , so that said trunk "S” cannot be damaged .
  • Figure 4A also shows that the third abutment element 4 , which has not yet come in contact with trunk "S” as sucker removing machine 2 moves in direction "D" , is not yet deformed and does not impede the operation of whips 222 .
  • Figure 4B shows the same sucker removing machine 2 of Figure 4A in a plan view from above .
  • Figure 4B clearly shows protection device 3 , fastened to frame 20 of sucker removing machine 2 via said connection portion 301 of support structure 30 , and how protection device 3 operates in the di f ferent configurations of abutment elements 4 .
  • a first abutment element 4 is in the second configuration, in which it has set itsel f , once deformed, between whips 222 of agricultural equipment 22 and trunk "S" of the vegetable plant to prevent whips 222 from hitting said trunk "S" as shaft 220 rotates .
  • This abutment element 4 in said second configuration has deformed, and its free end has reached the next abutment element 4 .
  • This second abutment element 4 is , in its turn, abutting against trunk "S" of the vegetable plant and i s starting to bend .
  • Figure 4B also shows a third abutment element 4 in the first configuration, in which it stays parallel to whips 222 as the latter operate , rotated by said shaft 220 . In such first configuration, this abutment element does not interfere with the operation of said whips 222 .
  • the present invention makes it possible to create a very simple and l ight support structure 30 , which requires no further adj ustment elements , since said protection device 3 can be connected to the frame o f agricultural machine 2 in a simple and quick manner .
  • the present invention avoids the use of rigid abutment elements , e . g . made of metallic materials , which would have to turn on hinges provided on a support structure , resulting in a heavier protection device 3 and a heavier agricultural machine 2 .
  • the present invention provides deformable abutment elements that can be interposed between trunk "S" of the vegetable plant and agricultural equipment 22 in order to protect trunk "S” . Furthermore, the elastic properties of abutment elements 4 allow them to return into the initial configuration when, after having deformed upon abutting against a trunk "S" of a vegetable plant , the application of a force thereon ceases .
  • the present invention ensures a long service li fe of abutment elements 4 , which are very reliable in protecting trunks "S" of the vegetable plants and which ensure an ef fective removal of weeds and suckers around trunk "S" o f the vegetable plant , also on uneven ground or in the presence of weed bushes .
  • the present invention requires only limited and sporadic maintenance in the long term, e . g . for replacing one or more worn-out abutment elements 4 .
  • any impacts against uneven soil will not cause abutment element 4 to break or behave erratically, so that full operability of protection device 3 , and hence o f agricultural machine 2 , is ensured .
  • the present invention does not require any assistance from agricultural equipment 22 for keeping abutment elements 4 in said first configuration or idle configuration, so that agricultural equipment 22 can use its full force for working around trunk "S" , without losing any power .
  • the present invention ensures that neither abutment elements 4 nor agricultural equipment 22 will wear due to mutual interaction when said abutment elements are in said first configuration .
  • abutment elements 4 set themselves between trunk "S” and agricultural equipment 22 only upon coming in contact with a trunk "S" of a vegetable plant .
  • the present invention also ensures that the contact between trunk "S" and abutment elements 4 will not cause damage to trunk “S” , even when said trunk “S” has an abnormal conformation, e . g . some non-vertical sections .

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Abstract

Protection device (3) for agricultural machines (2) for working around trunks (S) of vegetable plants. The protection device (3) is adapted to be fastened to a frame (20) of an agricultural machine (2) and comprises: at least one support structure (30) adapted to be fastened to said frame (20); and at least one abutment element (4) having a first end (4A) fastened to said support structure (30), extending therefrom, and having an unconstrained second end (4B). The abutment element (4) is made of at least one material suitable for deforming elastically when a force is applied thereto and resuming an initial conformation when the application of such force ceases. The abutment element (4) is so shaped as to assume a first and a second configuration, the latter being assumed when said abutment element (4) abuts, during the movement of the agricultural machine (2), against a trunk (S) of a vegetable plant.

Description

TITLE: PROTECTION DEVICE FOR AGRICULTURAL MACHINES AND
RELATED AGRICULTURAL MACHINE.
The present invention relates to a protection device for agricultural machines, in particular for agricultural machines for arboriculture, e.g. viticulture. The present invention also relates to an agricultural machine, in particular an agricultural machine for arboriculture, e.g. viticulture, such as, for example, a brush removal machine, a sucker removing machine or a mechanical weeding machine.
Agricultural machines are known which can be connected to vehicles, commonly called agricultural tractors, for the actuation of said agricultural machines, such as sucker removing machines, brush removal machines, mechanical weeding machines or other similar agricultural machines, which are adapted to remove weeds, small spontaneous shrubs, and suckers undesirably grown around trunks of plants, e.g. arranged in rows, e.g. vines.
Agricultural machines such as brush removal machines, sucker removing machines and weeding machines may comprise a plurality of extremely flexible strings, commonly called whips, with one end connected to a rotary shaft driven pneumatically or hydraulically and adapted to rotate about its longitudinal axis.
When weeds, small shrubs and suckers need to be removed along a row of plants, e.g. in a vineyard, a sucker removing machine, a mechanical weeding machine or a brush removal machine must be operated between the plants in the row by moving the agricultural machine parallel to the row and in proximity to both the soil and the plant trunks. The whips, just like trimmer lines, rotate and cut the vegetation against which they impact . The whips may al so hit the plant trunks and cause damage thereto , e . g . undesirably cut newly planted plants .
Protection devices are known which can be connected to a sucker removing machine for the purpose of protecting the trunks of plants in a row from the whips of the sucker removing machine during the sucker removing process . Such devices comprise a pair of shutters that are pushed and kept in an open position by the whips of the sucker removing machine as they rotate . When the sucker removing machine encounters the trunk of a plant , the shutters come in contact with said trunk one after the other and, turning in succession, prevent the whips from contacting the plant trunk .
Such devices require the use of rigid shutters made of metallic materials , which turn about hinges provided on a support structure , the latter being adapted to be associated with an agricultural machine . According to thi s solution, therefore , very heavy equipment needs to be fastened in a cantilever fashion to the agricultural machine , leading to problems which are well-known to those skilled in the art .
Moreover, such devices require said shutters to be able to rotate idle , and this may result in undes ired movements of the shutters on uneven ground or in the presence of weed bushes .
The use of rigid shutters also results in the problem that , in the event of undesired contact between the shutter and the ground, the shutter will deform plastically, so that it will remain deformed, thus limiting the operability of the device , or it may even break and definitively stop working .
For these reasons , such devices require regular maintenance for bringing said shutters back to their original shape following an ( accidental ) impact against the ground .
Furthermore , such device types require the thrust force of the whips to keep the shutter open when it is not abutting against a plant . It i s actually quite likely that such shutters , since they can rotate idly, may set themselves in the configuration in which they prevent the action of the whips .
Such a solution also implies that part of the impact force of the whips is lost when they (unnecessarily) hit said shutters . Moreover, s ince said shutters are made o f metallic materials , the continual impacts of the whips against them will cause premature wear of the whips themselves .
Furthermore , since said shutters are very sti f f , when working with plant trunks not extending vertically, any impact between such shutters against such plants may cause abrasions to the bark of the plants , thus damaging them . This problem is particularly felt in vineyards .
The present invention aims at solving the abovedescribed technical problems , and many other problems as well , by providing a protection device comprising at least one abutment element , which is made of deformable materials so that , when abutting against a trunk of a plant , said abutment elements will deform without causing damage to the trunk of the plant , and will position themselves between the trunk and the agricultural equipment adapted to operate around trunks of vegetable plants , thereby protecting the trunk of the plant and preventing the agricultural equipment from acting upon said plant .
One aspect of the present invention relates to a protection device having the features set out in the appended claim 1 .
A further aspect of the present invention relates to an agricultural machine having the features set out in the appended claim 13 .
Auxiliary features of the device and machine are comprised in respective dependent claims .
The features and the advantages of the device and machine will become apparent in light of the following patent description, which will describe some possible embodiments of the present invention with reference to the annexed drawings , wherein :
• Figure 1 shows an axonometric view of one possible embodiment of the protection device according to the present invention;
• Figures 2A and 2B show di f ferent views of one possible embodiment of the protection device ; in particular, Figure 2A shows a protection device in a plan view; Figure 2B shows a protection device in a side view;
• Figure 3 shows a side view of one poss ible embodiment of an agricultural machine comprising a protection device according to the present invention;
• Figures 4A and 4B show di f ferent views of a protection device associated with an agricultural machine in an operating configuration, in which two abutment elements have deformed, to a di f ferent extent , upon abutting against a trunk of a vegetable plant ; in particular, Figure 4A shows the machine in an axonometric view; Figure 4B shows the machine in a plan view .
With reference to the above-listed figures , reference numeral 3 designates as a whole the protection device according to the present invention, whereas reference numeral 2 designates as a whole the agricultural machine according to the present invention .
Protection device 3 according to the present invention is particularly suitable for application to agricultural machines 2 , in particular to agricultural machines 2 for working around trunks "S" of vegetable plants .
By way of non-limiting example, an agricultural machine 2 comprises : a frame 20 , which defines a working aperture "A" ; and an agricultural equipment 22 . Said agricultural equipment 22 is at least partly arranged within said frame 20 and adapted to operate around trunks "S" of vegetable plants at said working aperture "A" , defined by frame 20 , as agricultural machine 2 moves along a path in a predetermined direction "D" .
For the purposes of the present description, the term working aperture "A" refers to a flat surface , perpendicular to the ground, not covered by frame 20 o f agricultural machine 2 , from which agricultural equipment 22 protrudes at least partly, and which defines the safe operation area of agricultural equipment 22 of agricultural machine 2 .
Protection device 3 according to the present invention is adapted to be fastened to said frame 20 of the agricultural machine 2 . In one possible embodiment , said protection device 3 is fastened in a removable manner . In an alternative embodiment , said protection device 3 is irremovably fastened, e . g . welded, to frame 20 o f agricultural machine 2 .
Said protection device 3 according to the present invention comprises at least one support structure 30 , which is adapted to be fastened to said frame 20 o f agricultural machine 2 .
Said protection device 3 according to the present invention further comprises at least one abutment element 4 . Said abutment element 4 is fastened, at a first end 4A thereof , to said support structure 30 , and extends from said first end 4A along a first longitudinal extension "LI" of said abutment element 4 . Said abutment element 4 has an unconstrained second end 4B, opposite to said first end 4A. In particular, said abutment element 4 proj ects , e . g . in a cantilever fashion, from said support structure 30 .
Said abutment element 4 is made of at least one material suitable for deforming elastically when a force is applied thereto , and resuming an initial conformation when the application of such force ceases .
Furthermore , said abutment element 4 is made of at least one material suitable for resisting the action exerted thereon by agricultural equipment 22 over time , without its operation being impaired . Preferably, said abutment element 4 is adapted to deform elastically while also being able to resist the action of agricultural equipment 22 over time .
Said abutment element 4 according to the present invention is so shaped as to as sume a first configuration, or idle configuration, and a second configuration, or protection configuration . Said second configuration or protection configuration is assumed by said abutment element 4 when said abutment element 4 abuts against a trunk "S" of a vegetable plant .
More particularly, during the movement of agricultural machine 2 , in particular along a path in a predetermined direction "D" , said abutment element 4 deforms as it switches from said first configuration to said second configuration . In said second configuration, said abutment element 4 sets itsel f , as it deforms , between said trunk "S" of the vegetable plant and said agricultural equipment 22 .
The present invention prevents said agricultural equipment 22 from acting upon said trunk "S" of the vegetable plant when said abutment element 4 i s in said second configuration .
The present invention avoids that , due to undes ired accidental impacts of obj ects against said at least one abutment element 4 , e . g . impacts against the ground or against poles , said abutment element 4 might break or become plastically deformed . Therefore , once the force acting upon abutment element 4 and causing it to deform, e . g . to bend, ceases , said abutment element 4 will resume its initial shape , and in particular it will return into said first configuration .
More generally, the relative di sposition of said at least one abutment element 4 and said support structure 30 will depend on the characteristics of frame 20 and the conformation of working aperture "A" of agricultural machine 2 . Moreover, the relative positions of said at least one abutment element 4 and said support structure 30 may be varied as necessary . For example , protection device 3 may comprise a constraining device that permits at least one rotational , translational or rototranslational motion, so that said abutment element 4 can be set into the des ired position, e . g . relative to said support structure 30 and/or said working aperture "A" . The present embodiment proves particularly useful when said protection device 3 i s connected to a movable portion of said frame 20 which, when moved, will cause a variation in the shape and dimensions of said working aperture "A" ; with this solution, it will be possible to position said at least one abutment element 4 appropriately .
In a preferred, but merely illustrative and nonlimiting, embodiment , said abutment element 4 has shape memory .
In one possible embodiment of protection device 3 , said abutment element 4 can autonomously set itsel f in a position where it can avoid any impacts against said agricultural equipment 22 ; in this manner, the service li fe of said abutment element 4 , and hence of protection device 3 and of said agricultural equipment 22 , will be extended .
In one possible embodiment of protection device 3 according to the present invention, in said first configuration or idle configuration said at least one abutment element 4 is arranged substantially perpendicular to said working aperture "A" , in particular to the surface defined by said working aperture "A" , and/or parallel to a portion of agricultural equipment 22 that might act upon trunks "S" of the vegetable plants , e . g . parallel to whips or strings comprised in a brush removal machine , a sucker removing machine and/or a weeding machine 2 .
In one possible embodiment , said protection device 3 comprises a j oint adapted to allow said at least one abutment element 4 to position itsel f substantially perpendicular to said working aperture "A" , even when the portion of said frame 20 to which protection device 3 i s connected is a movable portion of said frame 20 .
More generally, protection device 3 according to the present invention is so designed that , in the first configuration or idle configuration, said abutment element 4 will position itsel f in such a way as to of fer the least possible interference with the action of said agricultural equipment 22 . Preferably, said abutment element 4 is so designed that , in said first configuration, it will not contact said agricultural equipment 22 when the latter is in operation, e . g . by positioning itsel f parallel to said whips or strings of a brush removal or sucker removing machine 2 .
In one possible embodiment of protection device 3 , said support structure 30 and the conformation of abutment element 4 are such that said at least one abutment element 4 is positioned between two operating parts of agricultural equipment 22 , so that it will not interfere with their operation during the use of agricultural machine 2 , e . g . by setting itsel f between two elements of agricultural machine 22 , e . g . between two whips , without interfering with their operation .
In one possible embodiment of protection device 3 according to the present invention, said at least one abutment element 4 proj ects , preferably for the most part of it , outside said working aperture "A" . The present embodiment makes it possible to leave working aperture "A" of agricultural machine 2 unchanged, and to cause said abutment element 4 to become an extension of frame 20 o f agricultural machine 2 . Such a solution simpli fies the connection of protection device 3 to an agricultural machine 2 .
In one possible embodiment , said first end 4A of abutment element 4 is positioned inside frame 20 o f agricultural machine 2 , e . g . partly within a seat 21 that houses agricultural equipment 22 ; therefore , said first end 4A does not protrude from said working aperture "A" .
In another possible embodiment , said first end 4A of the abutment element 4 protrudes entirely outside said working aperture "A" .
More generally, said at least one abutment element 4 according to the present invention has a second longitudinal extension "L2" , wherein said second longitudinal extension "L2" is , for example , at most equal to a vertical extension of said working aperture "A" . The present embodiment makes it possible to avoid that said abutment element 4 might hit the ground and deform when unnecessary, while at the same time allowing abutment element 4 , in said second configuration, to cover most of the vertical extension, preferably the entire vertical extension, of said working aperture "A" , thereby preventing agricultural equipment 22 from contacting said trunk "S" of the vegetable plant in an area close to the ground . This problem is particularly felt when vegetable plants have not grown vertically . By way of non-limiting example , in order to be able to cover the entire vertical extension o f working aperture "A" by means of said abutment element 4 , the latter is arranged at an angle , so that abutment element 4 will cover most of the vertical extension of said working aperture "A" due to a diagonal extension of said abutment element 4 . In the present embodiment , in case said abutment element 4 touches the ground, it may j ust undergo a local elastic deformation, thus ensuring that agricultural equipment 22 can keep operating and avoiding that , due to contact of said abutment element 4 against the soil , it might undesirably switch into said second configuration .
In a preferred, but merely illustrative and nonlimiting, embodiment , said abutment element 4 has a planar conformation, and even more preferably, it defines a substantially rectangular or quadrilateral surface . In one possible embodiment , said abutment element 4 has some rounded corners .
In a preferred embodiment of protection device 3 according to the present invention, said abutment element 4 has a planar conformation, with rectangular faces parallel to each other .
In alternative embodiments , said abutment element 4 may have a tapered shape along said first longitudinal extension "LI" , e . g . a thickness that decreases from said first end 4A towards said second end 4B .
More generally, in said protection device 3 according to the present invention the structural and/or elastic properties of abutment element 4 allow it to switch autonomously from said second configuration to said first configuration, without requiring any external forces .
In one possible embodiment of protection device 3 according to the present invention, it comprises a plurality of abutment elements 4 . Said abutment elements 4 are , advantageously, arranged s ide-by-side and parallel to one another when in said first configuration . The present embodiment permits the use of multiple abutment elements 4 for acting upon one common working aperture "A" , i . e . for covering a working aperture "A" with extended width and for making the protection ef fect more selective by letting only intervene that abutment element 4 which i s actually abutting against trunk "S" of the vegetable plant , e . g . one abutment element 4 at a time . With the present embodiment , only a portion of agricultural equipment 22 will be prevented from operating, in order to avoid that it might damage said trunk "S", while the remaining part of agricultural equipment 22 will still be allowed to operate at full capacity because there will be no other abutment elements 4 interfering with the operation of such portions of agricultural equipment 22 .
In a preferred embodiment of protection device 3 according to the present invention, said first longitudinal extension "LI" of each abutment element 4 is such that , in said second configuration, said second end 4B will reach an abutment element 4 , preferably the first end 4A of the next abutment element 4 . This solution ensures operational continuity of abutment elements 4 during the movement o f agricultural machine 2 , causing abutment elements 4 to deform in succession so that no portion of working aperture "A" cannot be reached by at least one abutment element 4 , in particular during the movement of agricultural machine 2 along a path in a direction "D" .
Preferably, the number and length o f abutment elements 4 are determined as a function o f working aperture "A" o f agricultural machine 2 . The longer the hori zontal extens ion of said working aperture "A" , the greater the number and/or the first longitudinal extension "LI" of abutment elements 4.
In one possible embodiment of protection device 3 according to the present invention, said abutment element 4 is made of rubber or similar materials ensuring adequate elasticity to deform as required and sufficient strength to not deteriorate when subjected to the action of agricultural equipment 22.
In a first embodiment, said abutment element 4 is made of rubber or similar materials only. In one possible embodiment, said abutment element 4 is made of a single type of material, e.g. rubber.
In an alternative embodiment, said abutment element 4 is made of two or more materials, e.g. two different types of rubber, having different mechanical and elastic properties .
In an alternative embodiment, said abutment element 4 comprises at least one portion made of a material suitable to deform plastically, e.g. plastic or metallic materials. Such portion is, for example, an inner core, e.g. close to said first end 4A, e.g. for greater ease of installation.
More generally, the use of materials having different mechanical and elastic properties for making said abutment element 4 may provide different degrees of elasticity in order to: modify the force threshold allowing said abutment element 4 to deform; allow abutment element 4 to resume its first configuration as quickly as possible; avoid that an impact of abutment element 4 against a trunk "S" might damage it; avoid that an impact of abutment element 4 against the ground might damage it or undesirably bring it into said second configuration; and/or avoid that the action of agricultural equipment 22 upon said abutment element might cause it to wear or deteriorate quickly .
In a preferred embodiment of protection device 3 according to the present invention, said abutment element 4 deforms by flexing, e . g . by bending . This embodiment ensures that , in said second configuration or protection configuration, abutment element 4 will have the largest possible area interposed between trunk "S" of the vegetable plant and said agricultural equipment 22 .
In one possible embodiment of protection device 3 according to the present invention, said abutment element 4 is rigidly secured to said support structure 30 , but can be removed for replacement . This solution makes it possible to replace said abutment elements 4 , e . g . when they are worn out , without having to separate support structure 30 from frame 20 of agricultural machine 2 .
In an alternative embodiment , said abutment element 4 and said support structure 30 are monolithic . For example , said abutment elements 4 are moulded, e . g . by inj ection moulding, onto support structure 30 . For example , said protection device 3 is a monolithic element , wherein the di f ferent parts of protection device 3 cannot be separated without impairing the structural and/or functionality characteristics of protection device 3 and/or part thereof .
In one possible embodiment of protection device 3 according to the present invention, said support structure 30 comprises a connection portion 301 . Said connection portion 301 is adapted to allow protection device 3 to be connected to frame 20 of agricultural machine 2 , e . g . in proximity to said working aperture "A" . The shape and structure of said connection portion 301 will depend on agricultural machine 2 and/or said frame 20 to which it will have to be connected . For example , said connection portion 301 has a planar structure .
Said support structure 30 comprises also a retaining portion 303 . To said retaining portion 303 abutment elements 4 are constrained .
Preferably, said connection portion 301 and said retaining portion 303 are suitably j oined together by means of a linking piece 302 . Said l inking piece 302 allows protection device 3 to be correctly fastened to frame 20 o f agricultural machine 2 via said connection portion 301 , and also makes it possible to properly position one or more abutment elements 4 relative to said working aperture "A" via said retaining portion 303 . Depending on the type of agricultural machine 2 , the type of agricultural equipment 22 and/or the conformation of working aperture "A" , said connection portion 301 and said retaining portion 303 may be linked di f ferently, as required, by creating an adequate linking piece 302 .
Preferably, said linking piece 302 makes it poss ible to orientate said retaining portion 303 relative to said connection portion 301 . For example , said retaining portion 303 , and hence abutment element 4 , may be arranged perpendicular to an element of connection portion 301 , which is , for example , parallel to an extension o f working aperture "A" , or may be arranged at an angle to avoid any interference with said agricultural equipment 22 when said abutment element 4 is in the first configuration .
In one possible embodiment , said linking piece 302 may comprise a j oint adapted to change the inclination o f said at least one abutment element 4 , and hence of said retaining portion 303 , relative to connection portion 301 .
More generally, said linking piece 302 contributes to the structural stability of protection device 3 .
In one possible embodiment , said retaining portions 303 are removable from protection device 3 , e . g . from said linking piece 302 and from said connection portion 301 . In an alternative embodiment , said retaining portions 303 cannot be removed, e . g . they are welded and/or said support structure 30 is monolithic .
In one possible , but merely illustrative and nonlimiting, embodiment , said connection portion 301 comprises a plurality of seats to which one or more retaining portions 303 , possibly comprising the respective linking pieces 302 , can be connected, e . g . in a removable manner, in order to create the most appropriate configuration, in terms of number, type and distance between said abutment elements 4 , according to speci fic requirements .
Preferably, said retaining portion 303 is so shaped as to retain said first end 4A of abutment element 4 . Preferably, said retaining portion 303 retains said first end 4A of abutment element 4 along an extension which i s shorter than the second longitudinal extension "L2" of abutment element 4 , preferably for a tract not exceeding hal f the second longitudinal extension "L2" of abutment element 4 . This embodiment allows abutment element 4 to deform without however reaching said second configuration in case of contact of abutment element 4 with the soil . In fact , the present solution ensures that abutment element 4 will deform elastically when contacting the ground, in such a way as to avoid reaching said second configuration or protection configuration . Furthermore , this embodiment prevents protection device 3 from suf fering any damage due to contact with the soil ; in particular, it prevents damage to said support structure 30 , in particular to said retaining portion 303 .
Said support structure 30 , preferably at least said connection portion 301 , is made of plastic and/or metallic materials , preferably metallic materials in order to ensure adequate long-term durability, given the fact that it will have to be connected to an agricultural machine 2 , which is normally subj ect to stresses and/or shocks when in use .
Figure 1 shows an axonometric view of one possible embodiment of protection device 3 according to the present invention . In the illustrated embodiment there are three abutment elements 4 suitably spaced apart . Said abutment elements 4 are all equal , and have a first longitudinal extension "LI" and a second longitudinal extension "L2" . Each abutment element 4 is secured to a respective retaining portion 303 of support structure 30 at its first end 4A, with its second end 4B unconstrained . In the present embodiment , said retaining portion 303 is connected to said first end 4A of abutment element 4 for a length shorter than hal f the second longitudinal extension "L2" of abutment element 4 . Each retaining portion 303 is linked to connection portion 301 by means of a respective linking piece 302 . Figure 1 shows said support structure 30 as including a connection portion 301 in the form of a plate adapted to be fastened to a frame 20 of an agricultural machine 2 . Figure 1 also shows abutment elements 4 in said first configuration or idle configuration; therefore , the abutment elements are not deformed . Figure 2A shows a top view of one possible embodiment of protection device 3 , wherein an abutment element 4 i s abutting against a trunk "S" o f a vegetable plant while moving in direction "D" . In Figure 2A one can see how an abutment element 4 can deform upon abutting against a trunk "S" of a vegetable plant , until said abutment element 4 reaches said second configuration or protection configuration . In Figure 2A one can also see that said abutment element 4 is configured in such a way that , as it deforms , said second end 4B comes in contact with next abutment element 4 , which will then start deforming towards said second configuration only upon abutting, in its turn, against said trunk "S" . In Figure 2A, in fact , two abutment elements 4 are still in the first configuration .
Figure 2A partly shows retaining portions 303 to which a respective abutment element 4 is secured at its first end 4A. Figure 2A also shows support structure 30 , in particular said connection portion 301 .
Figure 2B shows a side view of one poss ible embodiment of a protection device 3 according to the present invention . In Figure 2B one can see the quadrilateral conformation of abutment element 4 , which has a first longitudinal extension "LI" between said first end 4A and said second end 4B .
In Figure 2B a second longitudinal extension "L2" is also visible , which is perpendicular to said first longitudinal extension "LI" . Figure 2B also shows retaining portion 303 , to which abutment element 4 is connected . Said retaining portion 303 is connected to connection portion 301 by means of a linking piece 302 . In the present embodiment , said retaining portion 303 is connected to said first end 4A of abutment element 4 for a length shorter than hal f the second longitudinal extension "L2" o f abutment element 4 . Figure 2B shows only one abutment element 4 .
Protection device 3 according to the present invention is adapted for application to an agricultural machine 2 , in particular to an agricultural machine 2 for working around trunks "S" of vegetable plants . Said agricultural machine 2 comprises : a frame 20 defining a working aperture "A" ; and an agricultural equipment 22 . Said agricultural equipment 22 is at least partly arranged within said frame 20 and is adapted to operate around trunks "S" of vegetable plants at said working aperture "A" , defined by frame 20 , as agricultural machine 2 moves along a path in a predetermined direction "D" .
Agricultural machine 2 according to the present invention comprises a protection device 3 according to the present invention . The present invention is useful to prevent agricultural equipment 22 from acting upon trunks "S" of the vegetable plants , due to the fact that abutment element 4 of protection device 3 is adapted to set itsel f between agricultural equipment 22 and trunks "S" .
In one possible embodiment of agricultural machine 2 , according to the present invention, said agricultural machine 2 is a sucker removing machine . In an alternative embodiment , said agricultural machine 2 is a brush removal machine . In a further possible alternative embodiment , said agricultural machine 2 is a mechanical weeding machine . For simplicity, in the description that follows the term sucker removing machine will also refer to a brush removal machine or a mechanical weeding machine . In the embodiment wherein said agricultural machine 2 is a sucker removing machine , said sucker removing machine comprises a frame or casing 20 that delimits , at least partly, a seat 21 and a working aperture "A" , through which said seat 21 is accessible .
Said frame or casing 20 may comprise one or more movable parts which, when moved, change the shape and dimensions of said working aperture "A" .
Said agricultural equipment 22 , which is partly arranged in said seat 21 , comprises a shaft 220 housed in said seat 21 and rotatable about a first axis of rotation, preferably coinciding with the longitudinal axis of said shaft 220 . Said agricultural equipment 22 comprises a plurality of whips 222 , each one connected, at a first end thereof , to said shaft 220 . When said shaft 220 is turning about said first axis of rotation, each one of said whips 222 protrudes from said working aperture "A" , for a time interval of its revolution period, with at least a terminal tract of its longitudinal extension, including a second end of said whip 222 opposite to said first end .
More generally, in one possible embodiment said agricultural machine 2 comprises an adj ustment system 23 , comprised in said frame 20 , which permits setting agricultural equipment 22 in the desired position relative to a connection structure 24 for connecting it , e . g . at three points , to a tractor o f agricultural machine 2 . Said adj ustment system 23 and said connection structure 24 may be di f ferent according to the type of agricultural machine 2 in use . In fact , said adj ustment system 23 may also shi ft one or more portions of said frame or casing 20 in order to vary the shape and dimensions of said working aperture "A" . The characteristics of frame 20 , of adj ustment system 23 and of connection structure 24 will not be described herein any further, since they are known to those skilled in the art .
Said frame 20 may also comprise , in particular in that portion where said protection device 3 is connected, a j oint adapted to allow changing the inclination of said abutment elements 4 according to the present invention . In one possible embodiment , said j oint may be associated with an actuator adapted to change the inclination of said abutment elements 4 .
Figure 3 shows a side view of one possible embodiment of an agricultural machine 2 , consisting of a sucker removing machine , which comprises a protection device 3 according to the present invention .
Figure 3 illustrates one possible embodiment of a sucker removing machine 2 comprising a connection structure 24 , for connecting it to a tractor, and an adj ustment system 23 , comprising a plurality of actuators consisting of hydraulic pistons , for adj usting the position o f agricultural equipment 22 relative to connection structure 24 . The embodiment of sucker removing machine 2 shown in Figure 3 comprises a frame or casing 20 that delimits , at least partially, a seat 21 and a working aperture "A" , through which said seat 21 is accessible . Said agricultural equipment 22 , partly arranged in said seat 21 , comprises a shaft 220 housed in said seat 21 and rotatable about a first axis of rotation, coinciding with the longitudinal axis of said shaft 220 . Said agricultural equipment 22 comprises a plurality of whips 222 , each one connected, at a first end thereof , to said shaft 220 . For simplicity, the drawing shows only one whip 222 , in the straight condition, proj ecting from said shaft 220 . To agricultural machine 2 a protection device 3 is connected, which comprises a support structure 30 fastened to said frame 20 of sucker removing machine 2 , in particular via a connection portion 301 . Said protection device 3 illustrated in Figure 3 comprises an abutment element 4 secured at a first end 4A thereof to said support structure 30 , extending therefrom along a first longitudinal extension "LI" , and having an unconstrained second end 4B, oppos ite to said first end 4A . Said abutment element 4 has a substantially planar structure having substantially rectangular faces , with two rounded corners , which define a second longitudinal extension "L2" . Figure 3 shows said abutment element 4 in said first configuration, in which it does not interfere with said whips 222 .
Figure 4A shows a protection device 3 associated with a sucker removing machine 2 in an operating configuration in which two abutment elements 4 have deformed, to a di f ferent extent , upon abutting against a trunk "S" of a vegetable plant . Figure 4A i s an axonometric view of sucker removing machine 2 , which shows , in addition to the structure of sucker removing machine 2 , which comprises a connection structure 24 and an adj ustment system 23 , also a protection device 3 according to the present invention secured to frame 20 . Said protection device 3 is pos itioned in front of said working aperture "A" of sucker removing machine 2 , which is defined by said frame 20 , which in turn defines seat 21 that houses , at least partly, agricultural equipment 22 comprising a shaft 220 and a plurality of whips 222 . For simplicity and clarity, the drawing shows j ust one row of whips 222 , extending along an axis parallel to the axis of shaft 220 . Said whips 222 are depicted as being straight and perpendicular to the axis o f shaft 220 . In Figure 4A one can see that protection device 3 , which is fastened to frame 20 of sucker removing machine 2 via said connection portion 301 of support structure 30 , is abutting against a trunk "S" of a vegetable plant . In Figure 4A a first abutment element 4 has deformed, in particular bent , into a second configuration, thus contacting, in particular with its second end (not shown in the drawing) , neighbouring abutment element 4 . In its turn, said neighbouring abutment element 4 i s barely abutting against said trunk "S" . In particular, based on the position o f said second end 4B of abutment element 4 , it is clear that said abutment element is starting to bend .
Figure 4A clearly shows that , in said second configuration, said deformed abutment element 4 sets itsel f in the way between trunk "S" o f the vegetable plant and whips 222 of said agricultural equipment 22 . Thus , whips 222 can no longer reach said trunk "S" , so that said trunk "S" cannot be damaged . Figure 4A also shows that the third abutment element 4 , which has not yet come in contact with trunk "S" as sucker removing machine 2 moves in direction "D" , is not yet deformed and does not impede the operation of whips 222 .
Figure 4B shows the same sucker removing machine 2 of Figure 4A in a plan view from above . In addition to permit a full understanding of further details of one poss ible embodiment of frame 20 , adj ustment system 23 and connection structure 24 , Figure 4B clearly shows protection device 3 , fastened to frame 20 of sucker removing machine 2 via said connection portion 301 of support structure 30 , and how protection device 3 operates in the di f ferent configurations of abutment elements 4 .
In Figure 4B three distinct abutment elements 4 are visible . With reference to direction "D" of movement o f sucker removing machine 2 , a first abutment element 4 is in the second configuration, in which it has set itsel f , once deformed, between whips 222 of agricultural equipment 22 and trunk "S" of the vegetable plant to prevent whips 222 from hitting said trunk "S" as shaft 220 rotates . This abutment element 4 in said second configuration has deformed, and its free end has reached the next abutment element 4 . This second abutment element 4 is , in its turn, abutting against trunk "S" of the vegetable plant and i s starting to bend . The deformation undergone by this abutment element 4 is not so great as to set it into the second configuration, but suf ficient to cause this abutment element 4 to place itsel f between some whips and the vegetable plant , so that such whips 222 cannot hit trunk "S" .
Figure 4B also shows a third abutment element 4 in the first configuration, in which it stays parallel to whips 222 as the latter operate , rotated by said shaft 220 . In such first configuration, this abutment element does not interfere with the operation of said whips 222 .
In general , the present invention makes it possible to create a very simple and l ight support structure 30 , which requires no further adj ustment elements , since said protection device 3 can be connected to the frame o f agricultural machine 2 in a simple and quick manner . The present invention avoids the use of rigid abutment elements , e . g . made of metallic materials , which would have to turn on hinges provided on a support structure , resulting in a heavier protection device 3 and a heavier agricultural machine 2 .
Due to the elastic properties of abutment elements 4 , the present invention provides deformable abutment elements that can be interposed between trunk "S" of the vegetable plant and agricultural equipment 22 in order to protect trunk "S" . Furthermore , the elastic properties of abutment elements 4 allow them to return into the initial configuration when, after having deformed upon abutting against a trunk "S" of a vegetable plant , the application of a force thereon ceases .
The present invention ensures a long service li fe of abutment elements 4 , which are very reliable in protecting trunks "S" of the vegetable plants and which ensure an ef fective removal of weeds and suckers around trunk "S" o f the vegetable plant , also on uneven ground or in the presence of weed bushes .
The present invention requires only limited and sporadic maintenance in the long term, e . g . for replacing one or more worn-out abutment elements 4 .
Furthermore , any impacts against uneven soil will not cause abutment element 4 to break or behave erratically, so that full operability of protection device 3 , and hence o f agricultural machine 2 , is ensured .
The present invention does not require any assistance from agricultural equipment 22 for keeping abutment elements 4 in said first configuration or idle configuration, so that agricultural equipment 22 can use its full force for working around trunk "S" , without losing any power .
The present invention ensures that neither abutment elements 4 nor agricultural equipment 22 will wear due to mutual interaction when said abutment elements are in said first configuration . According to the present invention, in fact , abutment elements 4 set themselves between trunk "S" and agricultural equipment 22 only upon coming in contact with a trunk "S" of a vegetable plant .
The present invention also ensures that the contact between trunk "S" and abutment elements 4 will not cause damage to trunk "S" , even when said trunk "S" has an abnormal conformation, e . g . some non-vertical sections .
Any embodiments which are alternative to the embodiments illustrated and described herein, and which can be easily inferred by a person s killed in the art in the light of the technical contents of the present patent application, should be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention .
REFERENCE NUMERALS :
Agricultural machine 2
Frame 20
Seat 21
Agricultural equipment 22
Shaft 220
Whip 222
Adj ustment system 23
Connection structure 24 Protection device 3
Support structure 30
Connection portion 301
Linking piece 302 Retaining portions 303
Abutment element 4
First end 4A
Second end 4B
Working aperture "A" Direction "D"
First longitudinal extension "LI"
Second longitudinal extension "L2"
Trunk "S"

Claims

CLAIMS :
1. Protection device (3) for agricultural machines (2) for working around trunks (S) of vegetable plants, said agricultural machine (2) comprising: a frame (20) defining a working aperture (A) ; and an agricultural equipment (22) which is at least partly arranged within said frame (20) and adapted to operate around trunks (S) of vegetable plants at said working aperture (A) , defined by the frame (20) , as the agricultural machine (2) moves along a path in a predetermined direction (D) ; said protection device (3) being adapted to be fastened to said frame (20) of the agricultural machine (2) ; said device (3) comprising: at least one support structure (30) adapted to be fastened to said frame (20) of the agricultural machine (2) ;
- at least one abutment element (4) having a first end (4A) fastened to said support structure (30) , extending from said first end (4A) along a first longitudinal extension (LI) of the same abutment element (4) , and having an unconstrained second end (4B) opposite to said first end (4A) ; said abutment element (4) being made of at least one material suitable for
- deforming elastically when a force is applied thereto, and resuming an initial conformation when the application of such force ceases;
- resisting the action exerted on it by the agricultural equipment (22) over time, without its operation being impaired; said abutment element (4) being so shaped as to assume a first configuration, or idle configuration, and a second configuration, or protection configuration, the latter being assumed when said abutment element (4) abuts against a trunk (S) of a vegetable plant; during the movement of the agricultural machine (2) , said abutment element (4) deforms as it switches from said first configuration to said second configuration; in said second configuration, said abutment element (4) sets itself, as it deforms, between said trunk (S) of the vegetable plant and said agricultural equipment (22) .
2. Protection device according to claim 1, wherein in said first configuration or idle configuration said at least one abutment element (4) is arranged substantially perpendicular to said working aperture (A) .
3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one abutment element (4) projects outside said working aperture (A) .
4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the first configuration or idle configuration said abutment element (4) positions itself in such a way as to cause the least possible interference with the action of said agricultural equipment (22) .
5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the structural and/or elastic properties of the abutment element (4) allow it to switch autonomously from said second configuration to said first configuration, without requiring any external force.
6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of abutment elements (4) arranged side-by-side and parallel to one another when in said first configuration or idle configuration. . Device according to claim 6, wherein said first longitudinal extension (LI) of each abutment element (4) is such that in said second configuration said second end (4B) can reach a next abutment element (4) .
8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said abutment element (4) is made of rubber.
9. Device according to claim 8, wherein said abutment element (4) is rigidly fixed to said support structure
(30) , being however removable for replacement.
10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said abutment element (4) deforms by flexing.
11. Device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein said protection device (3) is a monolithic element.
12. Device according to claim 2, comprising a joint adapted to allow said at least one abutment element (4) to position itself substantially perpendicular to said working aperture (A) . 13. Agricultural machine (2) for working around trunks (S) of vegetable plants, comprising:
- a frame (20) defining a working aperture (A) ;
- an agricultural equipment (22) at least partly arranged within said frame (20) and adapted to operate around trunks (S) of vegetable plants at said working aperture (A) , defined by the frame (20) , as the agricultural machine (2) moves along a path in a predetermined direction (D) ;
- a protection device (3) ; said agricultural machine (2) is characterized in that said protection device (3) is a protection device (3) according to claim 1.
14. Agricultural machine according to claim 13, wherein said agricultural machine is a sucker removing machine, a brush removal machine or a mechanical weeding machine.
/EB
EP23825447.8A 2023-04-04 2023-11-14 Protection device for agricultural machines and related agricultural machine Pending EP4687410A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT202023000001389U IT202300001389U1 (en) 2023-04-04 2023-04-04 PROTECTION DEVICE FOR AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AND RELATED AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY
PCT/IB2023/061464 WO2024209259A1 (en) 2023-04-04 2023-11-14 Protection device for agricultural machines and related agricultural machine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4687410A1 true EP4687410A1 (en) 2026-02-11

Family

ID=89224029

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23825447.8A Pending EP4687410A1 (en) 2023-04-04 2023-11-14 Protection device for agricultural machines and related agricultural machine

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4687410A1 (en)
CN (1) CN121358328A (en)
AR (1) AR132298A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2023442924A1 (en)
CL (1) CL2025003020A1 (en)
IT (1) IT202300001389U1 (en)
PY (1) PY2426082A (en)
UY (1) UY40700A (en)
WO (1) WO2024209259A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4328660A (en) * 1980-10-02 1982-05-11 Simmons Neil J Grapevine suckering tool
IT1201279B (en) * 1985-04-19 1989-01-27 Riccardo Tamburini STRIPPING MACHINE FOR ROWS OF VINES AND OTHER CULTURES, WITH HORIZONTAL AXIS ROTOR AND RADIAL FILAMENTS
IT1236382B (en) * 1989-10-30 1993-02-25 Berti Macchine Agricole S.R.L. Cleaner for narrow grassy areas
ITVI20120325A1 (en) * 2012-11-30 2014-05-31 Berti Macchine Agricole S P A HEAD OF WEEDER
DE102020120329A1 (en) * 2020-07-31 2022-02-03 Ilmer Maschinenbau GmbH trimming device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AR132298A1 (en) 2025-06-11
AU2023442924A1 (en) 2025-11-13
UY40700A (en) 2024-10-31
PY2426082A (en) 2025-02-18
IT202300001389U1 (en) 2024-10-04
WO2024209259A1 (en) 2024-10-10
CL2025003020A1 (en) 2026-02-20
CN121358328A (en) 2026-01-16

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