WO2010026379A9 - Aérateur à gazon - Google Patents

Aérateur à gazon Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010026379A9
WO2010026379A9 PCT/GB2009/002121 GB2009002121W WO2010026379A9 WO 2010026379 A9 WO2010026379 A9 WO 2010026379A9 GB 2009002121 W GB2009002121 W GB 2009002121W WO 2010026379 A9 WO2010026379 A9 WO 2010026379A9
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
turf aerator
turf
crank
tine
ground
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2009/002121
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2010026379A2 (fr
WO2010026379A3 (fr
Inventor
William Lyle Warke
Original Assignee
Warke William L
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 Warke William L filed Critical Warke William L
Priority to GB1105566.2A priority Critical patent/GB2476021B/en
Publication of WO2010026379A2 publication Critical patent/WO2010026379A2/fr
Publication of WO2010026379A3 publication Critical patent/WO2010026379A3/fr
Publication of WO2010026379A9 publication Critical patent/WO2010026379A9/fr

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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
    • A01B45/00—Machines for treating meadows or lawns, e.g. for sports grounds
    • A01B45/02—Machines for treating meadows or lawns, e.g. for sports grounds for aerating
    • 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
    • A01B45/00—Machines for treating meadows or lawns, e.g. for sports grounds
    • A01B45/02—Machines for treating meadows or lawns, e.g. for sports grounds for aerating
    • A01B45/023—Perforators comprising spiking tools actively driven in a reciprocating movement through a crankshaft or eccentric mechanism

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a turf aerator, in particular to a turf aerator particularly suitable for deep aerating applications.
  • Turf aerators are well known whereby tines or spikes are plunged through the turf of athletic fields, playing fields, parks, golf courses or other turf grass areas in order to decompact and aerate the soil below.
  • these types of turf aerators fall into one of two categories, namely surface aerators and deep aerators.
  • Surface aerators penetrate the top 15 cm of soil while deep aerators will penetrate down to 45 cm. It has become evident however that continued or repeated aeration of the top layer of soil can lead to or exacerbate the development of hardpan layers whereby the soil just below the aerated depth forms into a densely compacted layer.
  • Such hardpan layers are impenetrable by grass roots and so the roots tend to grow sideways across the top of the hardpan layer which results in a grass surface that is susceptible to drought or other adverse conditions.
  • deep aerator machines have been available which are capable of penetrating the soil to depths of 45 cm and greater. In order to break up existing hardpan layers and alleviate the problem of hardpan layers developing below the surface, these machines must be used on a regular basis.
  • the problem with deep-tine aerators is that traditionally they are slow and cumbersome. While a surface aerator will plunge the tines into the soil between 400 - 500 times per minute, a traditional heavy deep aerator will plunge the tines into the soil at a much slower rate between 100 - 200 times per minute.
  • the present invention provides a deep turf aerator apparatus adapted for releasable engagement with a tractor, the turf aerator apparatus comprising drive means which drives a one or more cranks which are arranged in an array comprising a crank-set or crank module, the or each crank-set or crank module being adapted to drive tines or other ground penetrating tools into the ground wherein the or each crank-set is provided with an independent shock absorbing crank driving means.
  • the independent shock absorbing crank drive means provided on each crank-set or crank module comprises a crank, a drive sprocket, a crank sprocket and a suspension sprocket, the crank being bearing mounted to the turf aerator chassis and being chain driven by drive sprocket.
  • the drive sprocket rotates in a clockwise direction so that the chain moves in a clockwise direction about the crank sprocket and the suspension sprocket, the suspension sprocket being located on the drive side of said drive sprocket.
  • the drive sprocket pulls the drive chain around the suspension sprocket from below.
  • suspension sprocket is rotatably mounted to a suspension arm, said suspension arm being pivotal Iy mounted at its lower end about a mounting pivot which is located on the chassis proximate the drive sprocket.
  • a spring damping means which connects between said suspension arm and a mounting point provided at an upper part of the chassis.
  • the mounting point comprises an adjustable pivot connection point which enables a precise amount of compression to be applied to the spring damping means so that the suspension arm applies a desired exact tension to the crank drive chain via the suspension sprocket.
  • rotary motion of the crank moves a connecting rod and tining head in upward and downward reciprocating motion so that tines mounted to the tining head are repeatedly plunged through, and removed from, the ground surface and the subsoil.
  • lateral movement of the crank, connecting rod and tining head assembly during reciprocating motion is restrained by a tining arm which is pivotal Iy connected between the turf aerator chassis and the tining head.
  • tension in the drive chain is equal on respective driving (lower) and non-driving (upper) sides of the drive and crank sprockets thereby eliminating backlash in the crank drive mechanism.
  • tension in the drive chain will exceed a pre-set amount as determined by the adjustment of the spring damper.
  • the resulting increased tension in the drive chain causes the suspension sprocket to be pulled upwardly which in turn causes suspension arm to rotate upwardly about the suspension arm pivot and thereby compressing the spring damping means.
  • chain retaining rollers are provided to prevent chain from rising off or jumping the drive and/or crank sprocket as slack gathers at the top non-driving side of the chain between said drive and crank sprockets.
  • each chain retaining roller is located on centreline projecting substantially orthogonal to a centreline running between the drive sprocket and the crank sprocket, each roller arranged tangentially to said drive chain thereby preventing it from rising off or jumping said sprockets.
  • a tine holder suitable for mounting to the tining head of a turf aerator, the tine holder adapted to hold a plurality of tines in releasable engagement, the tine holder comprising a body portion and a plurality of movably mounted clamp caps which are held loosely against said body portion.
  • the body portion comprises a plurality of arcuate recesses which are adapted to cooperate with complementary recesses provided on the clamp caps so as to define a substantially circular aperture through the tine holder when said caps are brought into close proximity with said body portion, the substantially circular apertures being adapted to receive and engage with the upper ends of tines inserted therein.
  • each arcuate recess on the body is further provided with a slot which holds an anti-release roll pin that is adapted to engage with a complementary groove formed around the upper end of a tine when said tine is inserted into a substantially circular aperture.
  • a release bolt or bolts which extend from the front to the rear of body portion and through a clamp barrel provides a locking means by which the tines are releasably secured to tine holder.
  • each clamp cap is provided with at least one chamfered face, the chamfered face being arranged to contact a clamp barrel.
  • each clamp cap is provided with at least one face which is arranged at an angle which extends rearward from the arcuate recess formed thereon and which in use projects away from the body portion so as to enable said clamp cap to be drawn more tightly around a tine held in the confines of the substantially circular aperture.
  • each clamp cap is provided with a cut-out section on the at least one chamfered face which enables a release bolt or bolts to pass between caps when arranged adjacent one another.
  • the provision of the cut-out sections prevents the clamp caps from rotating freely about their retaining bolts when release bolt or bolts are loosened to an extent that the spring bias means is no longer effective and barrel is not in forced contact with the chamfered faces of said clamp caps.
  • cut out sections on clamp caps having two chamfered faces prevents said caps from falling from the tine holders when release bolt or bolts are similarly loosened.
  • each release bolt is provided a collar having a recess into which the spring bias means is seated, the recess being of sufficient depth so as to fully compress the spring bias means before coming into contact with the body whereupon the release bolt can be tightened firmly in order to clamp a tine or tines with sufficient force so as to prevent movement or slippage but without imparting damage to the said spring bias means.
  • a means for manually adjusting the tine penetration depth by raising and lowering a ground roller with respect to a turf aerator chassis comprising a depth cross beam which is pivotally mounted to the chassis, the depth cross beam being manually operable by a handle so as to raise and lower ground roller legs to which the cross beam is pivotally connected and the ground roller is mounted.
  • the depth cross beam extends across the width of the aerator machine about which it is rotatably mounted at each end.
  • the depth cross beam is provided with a depth adjusting bracket that is attached at its upper end to said depth cross beam, the adjusting bracket being provided with a swivel nut that is connected to the handle by a screw so that rotation of said handle causes the depth adjusting bracket to rotate and depth cross beam to swivel about its mountings.
  • the swivel action of the depth cross beam about its mountings raises or lowers the ground roller legs.
  • each ground roller leg is maintained in a substantially upright orientation by spaced apart slide-blocks or similar suitable guides which are provided on the turf aerator.
  • the slide-blocks are arranged at a position on the ground roller legs intermediate the upper end of the leg and the ground roller end of the leg.
  • a support spring plunger that is incorporated between the ground roller and the aerator chassis, the support spring plunger being pivotally connected at its upper end and lower ends to the depth cross beam and aerator chassis, respectively, the support spring plunger acting to support the weight of the ground roller thereby relieving pressure on the depth adjusting screw and allowing the depth adjusting handle to be easily turned.
  • a means for automatically adjusting the tine penetration depth by raising and lowering a ground roller with respect to a turf aerator chassis comprising a depth cross beam which is pivotally mounted to the chassis, the depth cross beam being operable by electrically operated ram comprising a load sensing switch at its upper end which is in rolling contact with said depth cross beam, a ground roller weight sensor switch, and a roller depth sensor spring arranged so as to adjust the ground roller upwardly and downwardly according to turf conditions to maintain a specific pressure between said ground roller and the turf surface thus maintaining maximum tine penetration with maximum aerator stability.
  • Figure 1 is schematic front view of a turf aerator in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 2a and Figure 2c are schematic side elevations of the turf aerator showing the operation of a crank suspension means in accordance with the invention
  • Figure 2b and Figure 2d are side elevations of the turf aerator showing the operation of the crank suspension means when a rock or similar ground inclusion is encountered;
  • FIG 3 and Figure 4a are schematic side elevations of the turf aerator showing the function of a tine angle adjustment means in accordance with the invention, the tine angle adjustment means shown set for maximum heave, Figure 3 and Figure 4 showing the tine ground entry and ground exit positions respectively;
  • FIG. 4b and Figure 4c are detailed views of the heave spring mechanism of the tine angle adjustment means of the invention, the tine angle adjustment means set for maximum heave;
  • Figure 5 and Figure 6 are schematic side elevations of the turf aerator showing the function of the tine angle adjustment means shown set for minimum heave, Figure 5 and Figure 6 showing the tine ground entry and ground exit positions, respectively;
  • FIG. 7a, Figure 7b and Figure 7c are isometric views of a tine holder in accordance with the invention, the tine holder being adapted to releasably receive two tines;
  • Figure 8a is an isometric view of a tine holder in accordance with the invention, the tine holder being adapted to releasably receive three tines;
  • FIG. 8b to Figure Be are further detailed illustrations of showing the tine holder of Figure 8a.
  • Figure 9 is an isometric view of a tine holder in accordance with the invention, the tine holder being adapted to releasably receive six tines;
  • Figure 10 is a plan view of the tine holder shown in Figure 9;
  • FIG 11 is a detailed view of Figure 10 showing the tine holder locking means in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a detailed view of a tine holder clamp camp in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 13 is a schematic side elevation of the turf aerator showing the operation of a manual tine depth adjustment means, the tine depth adjustment means shown set for maximum tine penetration depth;
  • Figure 14 is a schematic side elevation of the turf aerator showing the operation of the manual tine depth adjustment means, the tine depth adjustment means shown set for minimum tine penetration depth;
  • Figure 15 is a schematic side elevation of the turf aerator showing the operation of an exemplary automatic tine depth adjustment means
  • Figure 16 is a schematic illustration of the tine angle geometry showing a vertical tine at the bottom of the crank stroke
  • Figure 17 is a schematic illustration of the tine angle geometry showing a vertical tine at the top of the crank stroke
  • Figure 18 is a schematic illustration of the tine angle geometry showing an angled tine at the bottom of the crank stroke
  • Figure 19 is a schematic illustration of the tine angle geometry showing an angled tine at the top of the crank stroke
  • Figure 20 is a schematic illustration of a modified tine angle adjustment means in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 21 is a schematic illustration of an adjustable means to set and maintain a desired tension in a crank drive chain
  • Figure 22 is a schematic side elevation of the turf aerator showing the operation of a modified automatic tine depth adjustment means.
  • a turf aerator in accordance with the invention comprises a chassis 1 adapted for mounting to a tractor by means of a harness having upper and lower linkage points 3 and 4 respectively, a drive means which drives a plurality of cranks 8 that are arranged in an array comprising a crank-set or crank module, each crank-set being adapted to drive tines 13 or other ground penetrating tools into the ground wherein each crank- set is provided with an independent shock absorbing crank driving mechanism.
  • the turf aerator further comprises a tine angle adjustment mechanism, a depth control system and a plurality of quick-release tine holders 12.
  • crank drive means having a shock absorbing crank driving mechanism in accordance with the invention comprises a crank 8 which is bearing mounted to chassis 1 , a drive chain 14 which extends around a drive sprocket 5, crank sprocket 6, and suspension sprocket 7, the chain being driven by drive sprocket 5 which rotates in a clockwise direction so that said chain moves in a clockwise direction about crank sprocket 6 and suspension sprocket 7 which is located on the drive side of drive sprocket 5.
  • Suspension sprocket 7 is rotatably mounted to suspension arm 16, said suspension arm being pivotally mounted at its lower end about pivot 17 which is located on the chassis proximate drive sprocket 5.
  • a spring damping means 18 which connects between said suspension arm and a mounting point 18b comprising an adjustable pivot connection point provided at an upper part of chassis 1 , the adjustable pivot connection point enabling a precise amount of compression to be applied to spring damping means 18 which in turn enables suspension arm 16 to apply a desired exact tension to crank drive chain 14.
  • crank chain 14 remains tensioned along its length under normal operating conditions with the drive chain tension equal on the driving (lower) and the non-driving (upper) side of sprockets 5 and 6 thereby eliminating any backlash in the crank drive mechanism.
  • Crank sprocket 6 is driven by drive sprocket 5 which pulls drive chain 14 around suspension sprocket 7 from below.
  • each chain retaining roller 15 is located on a centreline projecting substantially orthogonal to the centreline running between the drive sprocket 5 and the crank sprocket 6, each roller being arranged tangentially to said drive chain thereby preventing it from rising off or jumping said sprockets 5, 6.
  • Each crank module or series of crank modules are provided with their own independent suspension means and can work in the manner as described above independently of one another.
  • a stone or some other ground inclusion 23 is encountered by the tines 13 of a module, only that module is affected and the remaining modules continue operating as normal.
  • the tines which strike the ground inclusion do not have to suddenly lift or support the weight of the module or machine, or at least do not have to do so abruptly, in order for the inclusion to be cleared.
  • the machine tends to be stabilized by those tines which remain in the ground as normal.
  • the chain driving mechanism described herein enables the use of more than one driving chain 14 to drive each crank-set.
  • the machine illustrated in Figurei utilizes two three-arm crank modules mounted to chassis 1 by means of two main bearings located between the centre and the two outside tine arms.
  • Two crank sprockets 6 are located alongside the main bearings, each being driven by a drive chain.
  • Adjustment of spring damper 18 ensures that each drive chain is exerting the same driving force to each of the crank sprockets 6.
  • the resulting crank drive is more balanced and in conjunction with the crank suspension means and the elimination of backlash in the crank drive mechanism, the machine can be operated faster speeds with decreased tine and mechanism damage and less fatigue experienced by the machine operator.
  • an adjustable means to set and maintain the desired exact tension in the crank drive chain.
  • an indicator means is provided proximate spring damper 18 which is adapted to indicate when adjustment of the chain tension is required and to indicate when the correct drive chain tension is set.
  • suspension spring damping means 18 is pivotally connect at an upper end to mounting point 18B on suspension adjuster bracket 18C which protrudes though adjuster mounting plate 18D (see Detail A).
  • Adjuster mounting plate 18D is rigidly attached to the aerator chassis and provides an anchor point for the upper end of suspension spring damper 18.
  • More than one drive chain drives each crank set and the amount of pre-set tension that is applied to each chain should be equal.
  • the amount of chain tension applied is determined by the degree to which the suspension spring damper 18 is compressed. This is indicated by a measuring means which measures the distance between the respective ends of the suspension spring damper.
  • the measuring means comprises a telescopic rod and a sleeve 18J which are pivotally connected at either end of the suspension spring damper 1 at lower connection point 18H ( Figure 21, Detail B) and upper connection point 18B ( Figure 21 , Detail A), respectively.
  • the amount of adjustment required is indicated by an adjustment zone under-cut portion 18G on a tension indicator rod 18F.
  • an indicator sleeve 18J At the bottom of an indicator sleeve 18J is a lip 18L which should coincide with an adjustment zone lower step 18K provided on the tension indicator rod 18F when the correct chain tension has been reached.
  • adjustment zone under-cut 18K extends to a level or position below lip 18L, adjustment should be made to compress the suspension spring damper 18. This adjustment is effected by loosening an upper adjustment bracket lock nut 18E provided on one side of adjuster mounting plate 18D and tightening the lower lock nut 18M provided on the reverse side of adjuster mounting plate 18D.
  • the turf aerator drive train must cope with an intermittent drive as each tine set plunges into the ground.
  • a tine holder 12a adapted to hold two tines comprises a body portion 121 and a plurality of movably mounted clamp caps 122 which are held loosely against the rear of said body portion by retaining bolts 123 which pass through apertures 137 ( Figure 12) provided through said caps.
  • Body portion 121 further comprises a plurality of arcuate recesses 124 which are adapted to cooperate with complementary recesses 125 provided on clamp caps 122 so as to define a substantially circular aperture through tine holder 12 when said caps are brought into close proximity with said body portion.
  • Each recess 124 is further provided with a slot 131 A which holds an anti-release roll pin 131 that is adapted to engage with a complementary groove 132 formed around the upper end of a tine 13 (Figure 7c).
  • a release bolt 126 which extends from the front to the rear of body portion 121 via a slot 126B and through clamp barrel 127 provides the means by which tines 13 are releasably secured to tine holder 12. In use, tightening of release bolt 126 draws clamp barrel 127 towards body portion 121 and as said barrel impinges against the respective chamfered faces 128 of clamp caps 122, said caps are also drawn towards said body portion.
  • each clamp cap 122 which is arranged at an angle which extends rearward from recesses 125 and which in use project away from body portion 121 enable said clamp caps to be drawn more tightly around a tine 13 held in the confines of recesses 124 and 125.
  • FIG 10 and Figure 11 Further detail of angled faces 129 is shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11. Referring to Figure 8a and Figure 8b there is shown a tine holder 12b that operates in substantially in the same manner as tine holder 12a but which is provided with additional recess 125b so that a third tine can be accommodated.
  • tine holder 12b comprises a second release bolt 126b and clamp barrel 127b assembly and an additional clamp cap 122b which is disposed between clamp caps 122.
  • Clamp cap 122b comprises a chamfered face 128 at each side, each chamfered face 128 being adapted to engage with a clamp barrel 127, 127b so that the tine mounted in recess 125b can be firmly secured to the tine holder.
  • the arrangement of tine holder 12b is shown in greater detail in Figures 8b to 8e.
  • tine holder 12c is shown with six tines attached. Tine holder 12c operates in substantially in the same manner as tine holder 12b but with series of end caps 122, 122b provided at each side of body portion 121 so that three additional tines can be accommodated.
  • clamp barrels 127 are provided at each end of release bolts 126 so that the clamp caps 122, 122b at each side of body portion 121 are drawn towards, said body portion 121 upon tightening bolts 126.
  • the tines 13 are mounted to tine holders 12a, 12b, 12c by slightly slackening bolt 126 which loosens clamp caps 122. Each tine is then inserted upwardly from below into the aperture defined by recesses 124, 124b, 125 so that roll pin 131 engages with groove 132 formed around the upper end of said tine.
  • the provision of a bevelled edge 132a around the circumference of the upper end of the tines as indicated in Figure 7c and Figure 8e enables said tines to be snap- fitted into the tine holder with the bevelled edge allowing the top portion of the tine to overcome roll pin 131 before it engages with groove 132.
  • a spring bias means 133 acting on release bolt or bolts 126 ensures that sufficient tension is maintained in the tine holder assembly 121 , 122, 122a, 127, so that tines 13 are retained in place against roll pin 131 in advance of final tightening of release bolt 126 using a socket or spanner.
  • quick and efficient removal of a tine 13 is effected by the slight loosening of release bolt 126 and the tine pulled free from tine holder 12a, 12b, 12c.
  • other tines which are to be retained will remain mounted to the holder 12, 12b, 12c while release bolt 126 is loosened or tightened.
  • clamp caps 122, 122a are provided with a cut out section 134 on their respective chamfered faces 128 which enables release bolt or bolts 126 to pass between said caps.
  • the provision of cut out sections 134 prevents clamp caps 122 from rotating freely about retaining bolts 123 when release bolt or bolts 126 are loosened to an extent that spring bias means 133 is no longer effective and barrel 127 is not in forced contact with chamfered faces 128.
  • Cut out sections 134 on clamp caps 122a prevent said caps from falling from the tine holders 12b, 12c when release bolt or bolts 126 are similarly loosened.
  • a collar 135 provided with a recess into which spring 133 is seated, the recess being of sufficient depth so as to fully compress the spring before coming into contact with the side face of said body 121 whereupon release bolt 126 can be tightened firmly in order to clamp the tines 13 with sufficient force to prevent movement or slippage but without imparting damage to the spring.
  • Attachment of tine holders 12a, 12b, 12c to the tining heads 11 or the aerator is by means of bolts which extend through mounting plates 11b ( Figures 1 , 2a) provided on the tining heads and into threaded holes 136 provided in body portion 121 of said tine holders.
  • tining heads 11 To enable the tines 13 to tilt in this manner, tining heads 11 must tilt about pivot point 20. Provision is made to enable this tilt by the introduction of heave rod 32. With reference to Figure 4b the tilting of the tining head 11 pushes a link rod 30 forward, the angled bracket 31 in turn being tilted about its pivotal mounting point 38 thereby pulling a heave rod 32 downwards and compressing heave spring 33 thus opening up gap 42 between spring seat 44 and a plunger buffer 41 which is seated on a buffer seat 40 as shown in detail in Figure 4c. When the tines 13 exit the ground heave spring 33 snaps spring seat 44 back against buffer 41 in readiness for the next ground entry plunge.
  • Buffer 41 is made from a suitable impact absorbent material such as rubber or a similar material which is capable of cushion the impact against spring seat 44.
  • the tilting of tines 13 as they exit the ground has the effect of heaving the soil in a manner as would be achieved by pushing a spade or a fork into the ground and pulling backwards at the handle.
  • This heave as indicated by reference numerals 43 ( Figure 4a), 46 ( Figure 4b) and 45 ( Figure 6), is desirable because it helps to break up the compaction in the soil however it will also disrupts the level playing surface of a sports field so it is desirous to be able to select or alter the degree of heave imparted to the ground surface.
  • Heave arm shaft extends longitudinally across the width of the aerator and so a plurality of heave arms fixed in an array along the length of said heave arm shaft 39 enable tine angle adjustment inputs as set and controlled by tine angle adjustment handle 36 to be imparted in simultaneous synchronization to all the tining heads 11 of the aerator.
  • the rearward angle entry of the tines 13 enables said tines to exit the ground imparting reduced heaving action to the soil as indicated by reference numeral 45 in Figure 6.
  • the tine angle adjustment means as described above enables the tine entry angle to be infinitely adjustable through an effective range of approximately 35 degrees. It is particularly advantageous that the mechanism used to set the tine angle accurately maintains this selected angle throughout the plunge cycle. By maintaining this accuracy the tine is assisted in plunging straight into the soil more efficiently with reduced side friction thereby facilitating better penetration and tine lifespan.
  • tine angle accuracy is maintained by the mechanism incorporating a particular geometrical arrangement which is described as follows.
  • the geometry associated in maintaining the accuracy of tine angle setting comprises two parallel centre lines running in a substantially horizontal plane and two parallel lines running in a substantially vertical plane.
  • the horizontal parallel centrelines which are shown as dashed lines in Figures 16 to 19, run between pivot point 38 and pivot point 11A through tine arm 10 and between pivot point 3OB and pivot point 3OA through link rod 30, respectively.
  • the parallel vertical centrelines run between pivot point 38 and pivot point 3OB through angled bracket 31 and between pivot point 11A and pivot point 3OA through tining head 11 , respectively.
  • the respective parallel centrelines of each pairing remain parallel throughout the tine angle adjustment range and similarly throughout the 360 degree revolution of crank 8 thereby maintaining the selected tine plunge angle setting throughout the plunge cycle.
  • a range of tines can be fitted to the turf aerator machine for various effects on different turf surfaces.
  • heave spring 33 As these tines can vary greatly in thickness and length it is advantageous to be able to adjust the pressure exerted by heave spring 33 and so ultimately to the tines. This is achieved by tightening or loosening a heave spring pressure adjuster bolt 33c which runs through the said: heave spring and screws into the upper end of the heave rod 32.
  • the location of the said heave spring adjuster bolt is easily accessible by the operator at the top of the machine and an indicator scale is also provided (not shown) to enable the correct and equalized pressure to be exerted on each of the tining heads.
  • the tines must be allowed to pivot rearwards to enable the turf aerator to continue in forward motion while the tines are in the ground.
  • the tine angle is often referred to as the heave angle.
  • an adjustable spring damper 103 which is mounted at its upper 105 and lower 106 pivot points to heave arm 34 and angled bracket 31, respectively.
  • tine angle (i.e. heave) adjustment inputs as set and controlled by tine angle adjustment handle 36 are imparted in simultaneous synchronization to all the tining heads 11 of the aerator via tine angle adjustment screw 35 and screw pivot nut 37 substantially as described before.
  • angled bracket 30 is reversed so that the action of the tines being pulled backwards while they are in the ground imparts a compressive push rather than a pull to adjustable spring damper 103.
  • adjustment handle 36 raises or lowers upper pivot point 105 and lower pivot point 106, respectively, thereby effectively adjusting the tine angle via angled bracket 31 and link rod 30.
  • a heave adjustment locking lever 107 provided on adjustment handle 36 or on the tine angle adjustment screw 35 at a location proximate adjustment handle 36 enables the user of the aerator to both adjust the tine angle (heave) and to lock it at the desired tine angle setting.
  • An electrically operated power ram can be incorporated to replace the tine-angle adjuster handle 36 and/or locking lever enabling the operator to adjust the tine angle (heave) from the tractor seat.
  • a threaded adjustment means 104 provided on each adjustable spring damper 103 provides means for individually adjusting or fine tuning individual dampers. Threaded adjustment means 104 allows the distance between the spring damper upper pivot (105) and the spring damper lower pivot (106) to be extended or shortened so that any physical variations between the dampers (e.g. as a result of wear or other factors) can be compensated thereby ensuring that all the tining heads, and thus all the tines, are at the exactly same angle or as near as possible thereto.
  • a mechanism for manually setting the depth of tine ground penetration which is achieved by adjusting ground roller 2 upwards or downwards with respect to the aerator chassis 1.
  • ground roller 2 is placed onto and lifted from the ground, respectively.
  • ground roller 2 comes into contact with the turf surface 21 whereby it substantially supports the weight of the turf aerator.
  • Ground roller 2 is attached at both ends of its axle by means of bearings which are fixed to the bottom of ground roller legs 71 which are located towards opposing sides of the aerator chassis 1.
  • Each ground roller leg 71 is pivotally connected at its upper end 71 A to depth cross beam 70.
  • Spaced apart slide-blocks or similar suitable guides 72 which are provided on the chassis support each ground roller leg 2 at a position along the leg intermediate upper end 71 A and ground roller 2.
  • Guides 72 which are arranged at each side of a respective leg 71 , maintain said roller legs 71 in a substantially upright orientation and prevent movement other than that in a vertical direction.
  • Depth cross beam 70 extends across the width of the aerator machine about which it is rotatably mounted at each end at pivot points 7OA.
  • a swivel nut 75 pivotally connected to the lower end of a depth adjusting bracket 73 that is attached at its upper end to the depth cross beam 70 provides means by which said cross beam is rotated and roller 2 thereby raised and lowered.
  • Tine penetration depth is manually set by turning a depth-adjusting handle 76 which rotates depth adjusting screw 74 thereby moving pivot nut 75 fore or aft which in turn causes depth adjusting bracket 73 to rotate and depth cross beam to swivel about pivot point 7OA.
  • the tining depth can be adjusted when the machined is raised from a working position and for ease of adjustment a support spring plunger 77 is incorporated between ground roller 2 and the aerator chassis 1 , the support spring plunger being pivotally connected at its upper end and lower ends to depth cross beam 70 and aerator chassis 1 , respectively.
  • support spring plunger supports the weight of the ground roller 2 thereby relieving pressure on the depth adjusting screw 74 and making the depth adjusting handle 76 easier to turn.
  • the turf aerator will often be set to a penetration depth setting which is in excess of the maximum depth to which the aerator is actually capable of penetrating.
  • ground roller 2 will lift off the ground and the turf aerator will effectively be 'dancing' on its tines.
  • the machine becomes unstable and additional, excessive stresses are placed on the machine, the tines and the operator. It is therefore desirable to maintain a certain degree of roller pressure on the ground at all times during operation.
  • an automatic depth control systems as shown in by way of example in Figure 15 and Figure 22.
  • an electric ram 80 suitable for operating off the tractor electrical circuit is installed to the aerator in a similar manner as the support spring plunger 77 of Figures 13 and 14.
  • the electrically powered ram 80 linkage further comprises a load sensing switch 81 at its upper end which is in rolling contact with depth cross beam 70.
  • the ground roller weight sensor switch 81 is double-acting with twin circuitry and in conjunction with the roller depth sensor spring 82 provides the ground roller electric ram with forward and reverse current to adjust the ground roller upwardly and downwardly according to turf conditions to maintain a specific pressure between said ground roller and the turf surface 21 thus maintaining maximum tine penetration with maximum aerator stability.
  • an electric ram 80 suitable for operating off the tractor electrical circuit is attached at its lower end to the aerator chassis at pivotal connection 80B and at its upper end at the pivotal connection 80A, which links it to depth cross beam 70 via linking roller leg 71.
  • Load sensor switch 81 is also provided at pivotal connection 8OA and it is activated, via load sensor spring 82, by roller 2 moving in or out of contact with the ground 21.
  • Load sensor switch 81 is double acting and is connected with twin circuitry to provide the electric ram with forward and reverse current to adjust the ground roller 2 upwardly and downwardly according to turf conditions to maintain a specific pressure between said ground roller and the turf surface 21 thus maintaining maximum tine penetration with maximum aerator stability.
  • an override switch prevents the automatic depth control from adjusting the roller beyond that set depth.
  • a ground roller adjusting sensor switch 84 having an adjusting sensor rod 83 which extends substantially outwardly and rearwards from the sensor switch and which has a curved portion at its terminal end is fixed to the ground roller leg 71.
  • the curved terminal portion of sensor rod 83 rests in a skid-like manner on the turf surface 21 proximate or alongside tines 13 when the aerator machine is lowered into an operational position with the ground roller in contact with the ground.
  • the ground roller depth sensor switch is double acting with twin circuitry to provide forward and reverse current to the ground roller adjusting electric ram.
  • the ground roller adjusting sensor rod 83 detects any forward or backward tilt of the chassis relative to the turf surface and adjusts the electric ram up or down a proportional amount to maintain a constant depth of tine penetration.
  • the depth setting can be adjusted up or down by an operator from the tractor driver compartment via a cable or cordless remote control or similar communication means having suitable switching to provide the ground roller adjusting electric ram 80 with forward and reverse current in order to raise or lower the ground roller.
  • the automatic ground roller weight and depth sensor systems can also be activated or de-activated by the operator remotely.
  • load sensor switch 81 is incorporated at the top link connection point. The top link is subjected to a tension force when lifting the machine and remains in compression when the roller is on the ground and when the roller is lifted from the ground by the tines encountering a hard surface.
  • Load sensor switch 81 is thus able to detect the difference between the different states and so it is operable to disable the automatic depth control in order to prevent the ground roller from being adjusted downwardly when the turf aerator is raised by the operator,
  • the power to operate the ground roller can also be provided by hydraulic rams with the electric circuitry operating solenoid hydraulic control valves.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Soil Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Soil Working Implements (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un aérateur à gazon conçu pour se fixer sur un tracteur et s'en séparer. Cet aérateur à gazon comprend un organe d'entraînement qui anime un ou plusieurs vilebrequins formant un dispositif constitué d'un ensemble ou d'un module de vilebrequins. Le ou les ensembles ou modules de vilebrequins sont conçus pour faire pénétrer dans le sol des dents ou d'autres outils de pénétration dans le sol. En l'occurrence, l'ensemble ou chacun des ensembles de vilebrequins est pourvu d'un organe indépendant d'entraînement des vilebrequins amortissant les chocs.
PCT/GB2009/002121 2008-09-03 2009-09-03 Aérateur à gazon WO2010026379A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1105566.2A GB2476021B (en) 2008-09-03 2009-09-03 A turf aerator

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0816102.8 2008-09-03
GBGB0816102.8A GB0816102D0 (en) 2008-09-03 2008-09-03 A turf aerator

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010026379A2 WO2010026379A2 (fr) 2010-03-11
WO2010026379A3 WO2010026379A3 (fr) 2010-04-29
WO2010026379A9 true WO2010026379A9 (fr) 2010-06-24

Family

ID=39888750

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2009/002121 WO2010026379A2 (fr) 2008-09-03 2009-09-03 Aérateur à gazon

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (2) GB0816102D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2010026379A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202012010495U1 (de) * 2012-11-05 2014-02-14 Redexim Handel- En Exploitatie Maatschappij B.V. Bodenbearbeitungsvorrichtung zum Erzeugen von Hohlräumen in einem Boden
US10779454B2 (en) 2018-01-30 2020-09-22 Exmark Manufacturing Company, Incorporated Soil penetrating apparatus with depth control
AT16146U3 (de) * 2018-07-04 2019-04-15 Foidl Alfred Kompensierende Spundeinheit für Bodenbelüftungsmaschinen

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1505862B1 (fr) * 2002-05-15 2009-10-14 Wiedenmann GmbH Appareil de travail du sol
DE102005055289B3 (de) * 2005-11-21 2007-03-22 Wiedenmann Gmbh Bodenbearbeitungsgerät mit Kurbelschutz
NL1031747C2 (nl) * 2006-05-04 2007-11-06 Redexim Handel En Expl Mij Bv Beluchtingsinrichting.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0816102D0 (en) 2008-10-15
WO2010026379A2 (fr) 2010-03-11
GB201105566D0 (en) 2011-05-18
GB2476021A (en) 2011-06-08
WO2010026379A3 (fr) 2010-04-29
GB2476021B (en) 2012-08-29

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