RU2802487C2 - Soil tillage device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: agriculture.

SUBSTANCE: soil tillage device (1) has frame (2) that carries at least one processing tool (3), at least one elastic element (4) that has first end section (5) that is connected to processing tool (3), and second end section (6), which is connected to frame (2) by means of connecting devices. The connecting devices contain at least first plate element (7) and at least second plate element (8). Second end section (6) of elastic element (4) is located between first plate element (7) and second plate element (8). Between first plate element (7) and second plate element (8), in the area of second end section (6) of elastic element (4), there is at least one separating device capable of forming at least one separation between second end section (6) and plate elements (7, 8). At least one separating device forms a cavity between first plate element and second plate element (7, 8), which is designed so that elastic element (4) can bend to/from first or second plate element (7, 8) inside the cavity itself . The separating device contains at least first profiled plate (9), which is located in contact with first plate element (7), and second profiled plate (10), which is located in contact with second plate element (8).

EFFECT: increased resistance to loads that act on processing tools that are in direct contact with the ground.

19 cl, 3 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a device for cultivating soil for use in agricultural machinery.

Agricultural machines that are commonly used for tillage can be of different types depending on the specific use for which they are intended; in particular, they may have a tractor to which is connected a towed unit, which in some cases is equipped with non-motorized wheels, and which has one or more supports or frames on which are mounted processing tools of various types depending on the particular processing operation to be performed.

With regard to agricultural machines that are intended for the soil cultivation process, the tools used are usually connected to supports or frames belonging to the towed implement through mechanical connecting elements that allow relative movement of the tool relative to the ground during the processing steps.

U.S. Patent 6,158,523 discloses a tillage disc assembly system in which each disc is attached to a beam by means of a special leaf spring. Each leaf spring is attached to both the upper end of the beam and the disk such that the disk is located at least partially adjacent to the end portion of the spring.

Document EP 1551213 describes a tillage machine comprising a frame equipped with tillage tools consisting of non-motorized rotating discs. The described system provides a safety device that allows the disk to move when the pressure applied to the disk exceeds a predetermined pressure.

The applicant noted, firstly, that tools used for cultivation operations involving tillage, being in direct contact with the ground itself, are subject to large loads that act in various possible directions.

In particular, during the movement of an agricultural machine in a certain direction, during the cultivation stage, the stresses acting on the tools used can be applied to them both in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the ground, that is, in the vertical direction, and in the directions , transverse to the direction of movement itself

agricultural machine.

In particular, the stresses resulting from the interaction between the tool and the ground as a result of the resistance of the ground and any obstacles or roughness present along the path of the tool itself create a stress component in the transverse direction with respect to the direction of advance of the tool during the machining step.

The applicant further confirmed that lateral stresses can create torque in the structures that support the tools and which, in addition, are designed to connect them to the frame structure of the towed unit.

The applicant further acknowledged that all stresses to which the tools are subjected during their individual service life involve premature wear of both the tools themselves and the structures to which they are associated.

In particular, the Applicant recognized the need to improve the resistance to the loads that act on the processing tools in relation to the elements that are designed to receive and connect the tools themselves to the towed structure.

The applicant realized that this object could be achieved by changing the design of the devices used to connect the elastic elements that are intended to receive the processing tools to the supporting frame.

Finally, the applicant has discovered that by providing suitable separating devices in the end region of the elastic members that are designed to receive the machining tools and connect them to the frame of the towed unit, the resistance to the loads acting on the machining tools is significantly increased.

In particular, in a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for cultivating soil during use in agricultural machinery, comprising a frame that carries at least one processing tool, at least one elastic element, which has a first end portion that is connected to the processing tool , and a second end portion which is connected to the frame through connecting devices.

Preferably, the connecting devices comprise at least a first plate element that is located in an upper position relative to the second end portion of the elastic element and at least a second plate element that is located in a lower position relative to the second end portion. It should be understood that the references above and below should be understood to refer to the vertical direction and condition of use under which the equipment is supported on the land being worked.

The connecting devices preferably comprise at least one separating device, which is located between the first plate element and the second plate element in the region of the second end portion of the elastic element, and which is capable of forming at least one separation between the second end portion and the plate elements, which forms a cavity between the first plate element and the second plate element, within which the elastic element can bend towards/away from the first or second plate element within the cavity itself, wherein the separating device comprises at least a first profiled plate which is positioned in contact with the first plate element, wherein the device further comprises a second profiled plate which is positioned in contact with the second plate element.

First profiled plate and/or second

the profiled plate preferably comprises a first section and two second sections, the second sections extending from the first section substantially parallel to each other.

The second portions preferably have side surfaces that face each other and are separated by a separation distance.

The separation distance is preferably between 66.5 mm and 86.5 mm.

The elastic element preferably has a transverse dimension whose extent is less than the separation distance at least in the immediate vicinity of the second end portion.

The transverse dimension is preferably between 60 mm and 80 mm.

The ratio of the lateral size to the separation distance is preferably from 1.11 to 1.08.

The first portion and second portions of the first profiled plate and/or the second profiled plate and plate elements preferably have through holes that can receive fasteners.

The separating device preferably contains at least two spacer elements, which are located between the profiled plates.

The spacers preferably have through holes capable of receiving fasteners.

The spacer elements are preferably located between the first profiled plate and the second profiled plate adjacent to mutual through holes that are formed at the end portions of the second portions.

The spacer elements are preferably cylindrical in shape.

A distance is preferably formed between the spacer elements which essentially corresponds to the transverse dimension of the elastic element.

The frame preferably extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of advance of the agricultural machine, and carries a plurality of processing tools.

The separating device is preferably configured to permit torsional movements about an axis that is substantially parallel to the direction of advancement, and flexion movements about a substantially horizontal axis that is perpendicular thereto, of the second portion of the elastic element within the cavity, while preventing flexion movements around essentially a vertical axis.

The agricultural machine is preferably a disc harrow.

The connecting devices are preferably located below the frame and connected to it such that a portion of the upper surface of the first plate element is in contact with the frame.

The first plate element is preferably located, during use when the device is supported on the ground, in an upper position relative to the second end portion of the elastic element, and the second plate element is located, during use, in a lower position relative to the second end portion.

The second end portion preferably comprises a portion which, during use, faces, in the region of opposing surfaces, the first plate element and the second plate element, respectively, wherein two zones are formed in the portion facing the plate elements, the second end portion is held against the plate elements in the region of one of the zones, and wherein a separation space is formed between the surface of the second end portion and the plate element to which the corresponding surface faces in the region of the other zone.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, which is illustrated by non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view detailing a preferred embodiment of a soil treatment apparatus according to the present invention;

fig. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a towed implement that is equipped with a soil cultivation device according to the present invention.

Initially with reference to FIG. 3 generally 200 indicates a towed unit which, in a preferred embodiment, is capable of supporting the processing tools 3, which are illustrated in FIG. 1, and ensure their movement while the tractor is moving (not shown in the drawings), to which it can be connected with the possibility of detachment.

In particular, the towed unit 200 contains a soil cultivation device 1 according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the towed unit 2 00 may have a central element 2 01, which is located longitudinally relative to the advance direction A, which essentially constitutes its supporting structure, and which, in the region of a separate end, has a connecting device 202 that is capable of connecting the towed unit 200 to the tractor.

In some embodiments, the central member 201 may support, near the end opposite that provided by the coupling device 202, a shaft 203 to which a preferably non-motorized wheel assembly 204 is attached, allowing movement of the towed unit 200 as the tractor moves toward A. It should be understood that the present application may also be used in tillage devices that are not equipped with wheels.

The central element 201 further supports at least one frame 2, which is located in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central element 201 itself, the frame 2 being configured to support and support at least one processing tool 3, as can be seen in FIG. 1.

Preferably, the frame 2 supports a plurality of processing tools 3, which may also differ from each other according to specific work requirements.

Alternatively, the central element 201 may support different frames 2 that are arranged in series.

Fig. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of a towed unit 200 comprising a pair of frames 2 that are connected to a central member 201 near its center.

The frame 2 includes means for supporting the processing tools 3, which are preferably arranged adjacent to each other in a direction substantially parallel to the movement direction A.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, for use in tillage operations, the tillage tools 3 are non-motorized rotating discs that are connected to the disc harrow frame 2.

Preferably, the discs have a concave surface facing the hub that supports them.

The discs may have a peripheral edge equipped with recesses of a certain shape, which can improve the tillage process.

Preferably, the disks are inclined relative to the ground at an angle between 25° and 17°.

Now with specific reference to FIG. 1, in order to provide support for the processing tools 3 and allow them to move relative to the ground, an elastic element 4 is provided, which extends from the frame 2 to the tool, and which can be connected to it, preferably adjacent to its first end portion 5.

With regard to the preferred embodiment, each disk is preferably located on a corresponding hub, which is connected to the elastic element 4 adjacent to the above-mentioned first end portion 5.

Each elastic element 4 is further connected to the frame 2 adjacent to a separate second end portion 6 by means of suitable connecting devices.

The elastic element 4 can be formed by an elongated element with a polygonal cross-section, preferably in the shape of a parallelepiped, which is manufactured according to various possible profiles; optionally it is substantially U-shaped.

Preferably, the elastic element 4 is a leaf spring.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting devices, which allow the elastic element 4 to be connected to the frame 2, comprise a first plate element 7, which is located in an upper position relative to the second end section 6 of the elastic element 4.

The connecting devices additionally contain a second plate element 8, which is located in a lower position relative to the second end section 6.

The plate elements 7, 8 may, for example, consist of metal plates or other non-flexible material and have through holes 15 into which suitable fasteners 16 can be engaged.

Additionally, at least one separating device 100 is provided, which is located between the first plate element 7 and the second plate element 8, and which forms a separation between the second end portion 6 and the plate elements 7, 8.

In particular, the separating device 100 allows a cavity 101 to be formed between the plate elements, so that the elastic element 4 can bend towards/away from the first or second plate element within the cavity 101 itself.

In this way, the resistance of the device is increased in relation to the stresses generated by the interaction of the tool with the ground during the processing step, in particular by significantly reducing the torque acting on the elastic element 4.

According to one aspect of the invention, the second end portion 6 includes a portion that, during use, faces the first plate element 7 and the second plate element 8 on opposite surfaces, respectively. In this area, two zones are formed facing the plate elements 7, 8. In one of these zones, the second end section 6 is held against the plate elements 7, 8, while in the other zone a separation space is formed between the surface of the second end section 6 and the plate element that corresponds to the facing surface.

According to some embodiments, such as the one shown in the illustrated example, the separating device 100 includes a first shape plate 9 and a second shape plate 10. The profiled plates are arranged in contact with the first plate element and the second plate element, respectively.

Preferably, the profiled plates 9, 10 have an equivalent shape that includes a first section 12 and two second sections 13 of elongated shape that extend from the first section 12 substantially parallel to each other. In this way, profiled plates 9, 10 are produced which have a section which is preferably U-shaped.

Preferably, the two second portions 13 are designed to have side surfaces 14 that face each other and are separated by a separation distance d.

Preferably, this distance d is between 66.5 mm and 86.5 mm.

Thus, a separation is created between the second end portion 6 of the elastic element 4 and the plate elements 7, 8, which forms a cavity 101 between the first plate element and the second plate element.

However, the elastic element 4 has a transverse dimension D, the value of which is less than the value of the distance d at least near the separate second end portion 6, and is between 60 mm and 80 mm.

Preferably, the D/d ratio is from 1.11 to 1.08.

This particular shape provides a given freedom of movement of the elastic element 4, which can therefore bend towards/away from the plate elements 7, 8.

Two spacer elements 11 are also preferably located between the profiled plates.

Preferably, the spacer elements 11 have a thickness h that is greater than or equal to the thickness H of the elastic element 4 measured near the second end portion 6.

The spacer elements 11 may advantageously be made of a deformable, rigid material to partially absorb the stresses to which the spacer device 100 is subjected during the tillage steps.

In a preferred embodiment, the spacer elements 11 are made of steel. In any case, it should be understood that different materials, such as plastic or rubber, can also be used for the spacer elements 11.

In some embodiments, the spacers 11 are cylindrical in shape.

Preferably, a distance D' is formed between the spacer elements 11, which essentially corresponds to the transverse dimension D of the elastic element.

Based on an aspect of the invention, torsional movements about an axis that is substantially parallel to the advance direction A, and bending movements about a substantially horizontal axis that is perpendicular thereto, of the second portion 6 of the elastic element 4 inside the cavity 101 are permissible, but bending movements are prevented. movement around a substantially vertical axis. In the assembled configuration of the soil treatment device 1, as shown in FIG. 2, the first plate element 7 is placed in an upper position in contact with the first profiled plate 9, to which it is connected by means of fastening elements 16, which are engaged in through holes 15. These through holes are preferably formed as in the end portions of the elongated second portions 13, and in the first section 12 of the first profiled plate 9, as well as in the first plate element 7, in a sense adjacent to the corresponding holes 15, which are present in the first profiled plate 9.

In contrast to the elements described above, the second plate element 8 is placed in a lower position in contact with the second profiled plate 10, to which it is connected by means of fastening elements 16, which are engaged in through holes 15. These through holes are preferably designed as in the end portions of elongated the second sections 13, and in the first section 12 of the second profiled plate 10, as well as in the second plate element 8, in some sense adjacent to the corresponding holes 15, which are present in the second profiled plate 10.

In this configuration, the spacer elements 11 are located between the first and second profiled plates 9, 10 adjacent to mutual through holes 15, which are formed in the end portions of the second elongated portions 13.

The connecting devices are preferably located under the frame 2 and connected to it so that a portion of the upper surface of the first plate element 7 is in contact with the frame 2 itself.

Preferably, the portion of the upper surface in contact with the frame 2 constitutes at least 50% of the total surface of the very first plate element 7.

Preferably, the portion of the upper surface in contact with the frame 2 constitutes less than 90% of the total surface of the first plate element 7 itself.

The invention has been described with reference to a number of preferred embodiments. Various modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments while remaining within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (24)

1. Device (1) for soil cultivation, containing: a frame (2) that carries at least one processing tool (3); at least one elastic element (4), which has a first end section (5), which is connected to the processing tool (3), and a second end section (6), which is connected to the frame (2) by means of connecting devices; the connecting devices contain: at least a first plate element (7) and at least a second plate element (8), wherein the second end section (6) of the elastic element (4) is located between the first plate element (7) and the second plate element (8); at least one separating device (100), which is located between the first plate element (7) and the second plate element (8) in the region of the second end portion (6) of the elastic element (4), and which is capable of forming at least one separation between a second end portion (6) and plate elements (7, 8), which forms a cavity (101) between the first plate element and the second plate element (7, 8), which is designed so that the elastic element (4) can bend towards/away the first or second plate element (7, 8) inside the cavity (101) itself, while the separating device (100) contains at least a first profiled plate (9), which is located in contact with the first plate element (7), and the device additionally contains a second profiled plate (10), which is located in contact with the second plate element. 2. Device (1) according to claim 1, in which the first profiled plate (9) and/or the second profiled plate (10) contains (contain) a first section (12) and two second sections (13), wherein the second sections ( 13) extend from the first section (12) essentially parallel to each other. 3. Device (1) according to claim 2, in which the second sections (13) have side surfaces (14) that face each other and are separated by a separation distance (d). 4. Device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the separation distance (d) is between 66.5 mm and 86.5 mm. 5. Device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, in which the elastic element (4) has a transverse dimension (D), the extent of which is less than the separation distance (d), at least in the immediate vicinity of the second end portion (6 ). 6. Device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the transverse dimension (D) is between 60 mm and 80 mm. 7. Device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the ratio of the transverse dimension (D) and the separation distance (d) is from 1.11 to 1.08. 8. Device (1) according to any one of paragraphs. 2-7, in which the first section (12) and the second sections (13) of the first profiled plate (9) and/or the second profiled plate (10) and plate elements (7, 8) have through holes (15) that can receive fastening elements (16). 9. Device (1) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, in which the separating device (100) contains at least two spacer elements (11), which are located between the profiled plates (9, 10). 10. Device (1) according to claim 9, in which the spacer elements (11) have through holes (15) capable of receiving fasteners (16). 11. Device (1) according to claim 10, in which the spacer elements (11) are located between the first profiled plate (9) and the second profiled plate (10) next to mutual through holes (15), which are formed in the end sections of the second sections ( 13). 12. Device (1) according to any one of paragraphs. 9-11, in which the spacer elements (11) have a cylindrical shape. 13. Device (1) according to any one of paragraphs. 9-12, depending on item 5, in which a distance (D') is formed between the spacer elements (11), which essentially corresponds to the transverse dimension (D) of the elastic element (4). 14. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (2) extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the advancing direction (A) of the agricultural machine and carries a plurality of processing tools (3). 15 Device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the separating device (100) is configured to provide torsional movements about an axis that is substantially parallel to the advancing direction (A) and bending movements about a substantially horizontal axis that is perpendicular to it , the second portion (6) of the elastic element (4) inside the cavity (101), but bending movements around a substantially vertical axis are prevented. 16. Device (1) according to claim 14, in which the agricultural machine is a disc harrow. 17. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the connecting devices are located below the frame (2) and are connected to it so that a portion of the upper surface of the first plate element (7) is in contact with the frame (2). 18. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the first plate element (7) is located, during use, when the device is supported on the ground, in an upper position relative to the second end portion (6) of the elastic element (4) , and the second plate element (8) is located, during use, in a lower position relative to the second end portion (6). 19. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end portion (6) comprises a portion that, during use, faces in the region of opposing surfaces toward the first plate element (7) and the second plate element (8), respectively , while in the area facing the plate elements (7, 8), two zones are formed, and the second end section (6) is held opposite the plate elements (7, 8) in the area of one of the zones, and a separation space is formed between the surface a second end portion (6) and a plate element to which the corresponding surface faces in the region of the other zone.

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