WO2013151480A1

WO2013151480A1 - Agricultural implement, method for producing an implement for working soil and supplementary tool for agricultural implement

Info

Publication number: WO2013151480A1
Application number: PCT/SE2013/050253
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johan Karlsson; Fredrik QVARNSTRÖM; Mikael Tarland
Original assignee: Väderstad-Verken Ab
Priority date: 2012-04-03
Filing date: 2013-03-14
Publication date: 2013-10-10
Also published as: SE1250335A1

Abstract

Agricultural implement (1), comprising a frame, at least two soil tilling tools (11), which each have a respective fastening portion, the soil tilling tools (11) being secured relative to the frame such that the tools (11) are separated in a substantially horizontal direction, and a connecting part (20), which is fastened to a portion of the respective tool (11), which portion is situated at a distance from the respective fastening portion. A fastening portion of a supplementary tool (100) is fixed to the said connecting part (20).

Description

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT. METHOD FOR PRODUCING AN

IMPLEMENT FOR WORKING SOIL AND SUPPLEMENTARY TOOL FOR AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT

Technical field

The present document relates to an agricultural implement, which has a supplementary tool which can have the form of a loosening tool for loosening of compressed soil, and to a method for the tillage of soil with the aid of an agricultural implement of this kind. The document also relates to a method for the tillage of soil and to a supplementary tool for an agricultural implement. Background

In connection with soil-cultivating agricultural implements, agricultural implements for sowing or precision sowing, and/or agricultural implements for spreading of fertilizer or pesticide, which are pulled behind a towing vehicle, such as a tractor, or which have their own wheels placed in front of the cultivating tools viewed in the direction of travel of the agricultural implement, tracks can appear behind the wheels. In such tracks, the soil can be more compressed and the ground surface can also be at another, lower, vertical level than the ground surface by the side of the tracks. It is desirable to ensure that the tillage of the soil is uniform over the entire width of the implement.

EP-1 378 155 A1 shows how a row of individually height-adjustable soil-cultivating implements can be arranged along a transverse beam of the agricultural implement. By adjusting the implements which are to till the region in which the wheel track is found, such that these till deeper than other implements, it is possible to improve the tillage of a region which exhibits wheel tracks.

EP-1 487 249 A1 shows a row of soil tilling tools in the form of levelling tools connected to one another by a stabilizing bar.

RECORD COPY-TRANSLATION

(Rule 12,4) There is a need for alternative, and preferably improved, devices for the loosening of soil, and especially for the loosening of soil in respect of wheel tracks.

There is also a general need to be able under certain circumstances to achieve deeper tillage of the soil than that for which an agricultural implement is designed or standardly equipped.

Summary

One object is thus to provide a way of modifying the tilling depth of an agricultural implement over the whole or parts of its width. A specific object is to provide an agricultural implement which allows soil to be loosened in respect of wheel tracks.

The invention is defined by the appended independent patent claims. Embodiments emerge from the dependent patent claims, from the following description and from the appended drawings.

According to a first aspect, an agricultural implement, comprising a frame and at least two soil tilling tools, each having a respective fastening portion, is provided. The soil tilling tools are secured relative to the frame such that the tools are separated in a substantially horizontal direction and a connecting part is fastened to a portion of the respective tool, which portion is situated at a distance from the respective fastening portion. A fastening portion of a supplementary tool is fixed to the said connecting part. The connecting part can be configured as a substantially elongated component extending between the portions.

A simple way of adding to existing tools with one or more

supplementary tools is thus provided. In addition, a simple, space-saving and cheap solution is provided. The supplementary tools "borrow" resilience from the soil tilling tools, at the same time as the soil tilling tools are allowed to perform their job.

The supplementary tool can extend past a free portion of at least one of the two soil tilling tools, viewed in a substantially vertical direction.

Extra tilling depth can thus be achieved, for example a tilling depth which is greater than a tilling depth achieved by the tools. The supplementary tool can be configured such that an angle of attack at which a part of the supplementary tool pushes down into the soil to be tilled is variable.

By "angle of attack" is meant primarily an angle in a vertical plane which is parallel with the principal direction of travel of the agricultural implement. For example, a tool body can be settable in at least two different angular positions in relation to a fastening portion of the supplementary tool.

The angle of attack of the supplementary tool can thus be adjusted for optimal tillage and/or traction resistance. For example, the angle can be adjusted to compensate for a set angle of the first and second soil tilling tools.

The supplementary tool can be configured such that a distance by which a part of the supplementary tool pushes down into the soil to be tilled is variable. For example, a tool body can be settable in at least two different height positions in relation to a fastening portion of the supplementary tool.

Flexibility in the depth penetration of the supplementary tool is thus achieved.

The supplementary tool can comprise a tool body, providing a substantially vertical extent of the tool, and has a tillage portion.

The tillage portion can have a part which extends in at least one non- vertical direction from a substantially free end of the tool body.

The tillage portion can have a wing extending in a substantially horizontal direction from the free end of the tool body.

A tool which is suitable for soil-loosening tillage is thus provided.

The agricultural implement can comprise at least one further set of soil tilling tools and/or at least one set of devices for the sowing and/or spreading of fertilizer or pesticide.

The agricultural implement can thus be constituted by a harrow, a cultivator, a seed drill, a precision seed drill, a fertilizer spreader and/or a pesticide spreader.

The soil tilling tools can be individually or collectively resilient, or resiliently secured, relative to the agricultural implement.

The connecting part can have a horizontal length which is at least as large as a distance between two adjacent soil tilling tools. The length can be less than or substantially equal to a distance between six, five, four or three adjacent soil tilling tools.

According to a second aspect, a system for soil tillage is provided, which system comprises a towing vehicle and an agricultural implement according to that which has been described above, wherein the towing vehicle and/or the agricultural implement comprises at least one wheel, which is configured and/or placed such that it, in use, will bear against and compress the soil to be tilled in front of the said soil tilling tools, wherein the said supplementary tool is arranged to engage with a thus compressed soil portion.

According to a third aspect, a method for producing an implement for soil tilling is provided, which method comprises fixing at least two soil tilling tools to a frame of an agricultural implement such that the tools are separated in a horizontal direction, and connecting the tools with the aid of a connecting part which is fastened to a portion of the respective tool, which portion is situated at a distance from the respective fastening portion of the tools. The method further comprises fixing a fastening portion of a supplementary tool to the said connecting part, which is configured as a substantially elongated component extending between the portions.

The supplementary tool can be placed in such a way in the transverse direction of the agricultural implement that the supplementary tool will till a soil portion which exhibits wheel tracks.

The supplementary tool can be arranged to extend farther down into the soil to be tilled than at least one of the two soil tilling tools.

The supplementary tool can comprise a tool body, providing a substantially vertical extent of the tool, and a tillage portion. The tillage portion can extend in at least one substantially horizontal direction from a

substantially free end of the tool body.

The supplementary tool can be arranged rotatably in a substantially vertical plane, so that an angle at which the supplementary tool pushes down into the soil to be tilled is variable.

According to a fourth aspect, a supplementary set for an agricultural implement is provided, which supplementary set comprises a supplementary tool, which has a tool body, providing a substantially vertical extent of the tool, and has a tillage portion and a fastening portion. The set further comprises a connecting part, which, in terms of length and shape, is designed to extend substantially horizontally between at least two adjacent soil tilling tools of the agricultural implement. The fastening portion is fixed or fixable to the connecting part.

The connecting part can be configured as an elongated component, such as a pipe or a beam.

The connecting part can be fixable to a portion situated at a distance from the fastening portion of the respective soil tilling tool.

The connecting part can extend horizontally from the fastening portion by a distance which is at least half of a tool spacing distance of the

agricultural implement.

According to a fifth aspect, a supplementary unit for an agricultural implement is provided, which supplementary unit comprises a supplementary set according to that which has been described above, wherein the

supplementary tool is permanently fixed to the connecting part.

Brief description of the drawings

Figs. 1a-1d show different variants of supplementary tools.

Figs. 2a-2d show supplementary tools in different positions relative to a fastening portion.

Figs. 3a-3b show a schematic side view of a levelling tool and a supplementary tool.

Fig. 4 shows an agricultural implement in the form of a seed drill, which is provided with supplementary tools.

Description of embodiments

Figs. 1a-1d show a part of an agricultural implement 1 (Fig. 4) comprising a set of levelling tools 1 1 , which in the shown example are of a type which is marketed by the Applicant under the name CROSSBOARD™.

Each one of the levelling tools 1 1 has a fastening portion 12, a curved spring portion 13, a substantially straight portion 14 and a free end portion 15. A levelling part 16 is detachably fixed to the end portion 15 with the aid of, for example, screws, bolts or nuts. By the fastening portion 2, the levelling tools 1 1 are secured against a beam 10, which constitutes part of a frame of the agricultural implement. In the shown example, the beam 10 is arranged to extend substantially horizontally in a direction which is perpendicular to the normal direction of travel of the agricultural implement 1. The frame of the agricultural implement can be configured as a fixed frame, or as a frame comprising at least two portions which are movable relative to one another.

By virtue of the spring portion 13, a resilience is produced in the levelling tool, so that this is given an opportunity to bend out of the way upon collision with stone, for example, and to subsequently return to its original position.

To the end portion 15 of the levelling tool 1 1 can be fixed a connecting part 20, here in the form of a straight square beam. The bar 20 can be fixed to two or more tools 1 1.

in Fig. a is shown how a bar 20 is fixed to three adjacent tools 1 and two supplementary tools are fixed to the bar 20.

In Figs.1 b and 1 c is shown how a bar 20' is fixed to four adjacent tools

11.

In Fig.ld is shown how a bar 20" is fixed to two adjacent tools 1 1.

It will be appreciated that the bar 20, 20', 20" can be fixed to any chosen number of tools 11 , such as to all tools fixed to a frame portion. In the latter case, the bar can form a stabilizing bar, which can thus extend over substantially the entire width of the implement.

In Figs. 1a-1d are arranged a number of supplementary tools in the form of loosening tools 100.

With reference to Figs. 2a-2d, each one of the loosening tools 100 has a fastening portion 01 , an adjusting portion 102, a tool body 103 and a tillage portion 104.

The fastening portion 101 can comprise a pair of substantially flat parts, which are fixed or arranged to be detachably fastened to the bar 20.

The adjusting portion 102 comprises holes 1021 and/or recesses 1022, which are arranged such that the tool 1 1 can be set in at least two different vertical positions relative to the fastening portion 101 and/or in at least two different angles of attack b relative to the fastening portion 101 .

The tool body 103 can be configured to produce as little resistance as possible when it is guided through the soil to be tilled. For example, the tool body can be substantially plane and have its greatest extent in a direction which is substantially parallel with the normal direction of travel of the agricultural implement.

The tool body can have a tillage portion 105, which extends over a greater or lesser part of the tool body 103. At the free end 104 of the tool body, the tillage portion 105 can have the form of a substantially plane and horizontal part which extends laterally outwards from the tool body. The plane part can have a horizontal extent which decreases in the direction of travel. A thickness of the plane part, over at least a part of the plane part, can be decreasing in the direction of travel. Over the remaining part, the thickness can be substantially constant. In the shown example, the tillage portion 105 has the form of a wing share, i.e. a substantially horizontally oriented arrowhead or dovetail.

In Fig. 2a is shown how two supplementary tools 100 are arranged to till at the same depth and at the same angle relative to their respective fastening portion 101.

In Fig. 2b is shown how two supplementary tools 100 can be adjusted for different tilling depths, but at substantially the same angle of attack relative to their respective fastening portion 101.

In Fig. 2c is shown how supplementary tools 100 can be adjusted to till at different depths and at different angles of attack relative to their respective fastening portion 101.

In Fig. 2d are shown two supplementary tools 100, of which one has been detached from the fastening portion 101 and the second is in a mounted state corresponding to that in Fig. 2b or 2c.

In normal use, all supplementary tools can be adjusted at the same depth and angle. This applies particularly to supplementary tools which are fixed to one and the same connecting part. In Figs. 3a and 3b are shown the outer portion 105 of a levelling tool with levelling part 106 fitted, and a bar 20, 20', 20" on which is disposed a fastening portion 101 of a supplementary tool.

In Fig. 3a, the levelling tool has a first angle a1 relative to a vertical direction in a plane parallel with the principal direction of travel of the agricultural implement. The supplementary tool has an angle b relative to the vertical direction. With the aid of the holes 1021 and recesses 1022 of the adjusting portion 02, the tool body 03 of the supplementary tool, and thus an angle of attack of the supplementary tool, is adjustable relative to the fastening portion 101.

In Fig. 3b is shown the same levelling tool, but set at a steeper angle a2 relative to the vertical direction. The supplementary tool has been adjusted, however, relative to its fastening portion such that the same angle b is produced relative to the vertical direction.

In Fig. 4 is shown a seed drill 1 , which is provided with a set of levelling tools 1 situated on the front portion of the seed drill. The tools 11 are connected to a connecting part 20. Between the three outermost levelling tools 11 on the respective side of the seed drill are arranged supplementary tools 100 according to that which has been described above. This placement of supplementary tools 100 produces extra loosening of the soil in the region in which wheel tracks (not shown) from the tractor (not shown) are expected to be found.

It will be appreciated that levelling tools 1 1 are one example of soil tilling tools, and that supplementary tools 100 can be applied to any chosen soil tilling implement, such as harrow tines (with integrated or separate harrow tip), cultivator tines (with integrated or separate cultivator tip), crust-breaking members (tooth-shaped or disc-shaped), shares, furrow openers, scrapers or holders for roller-forming parts, compactor wheels or disc harrow elements.

It will also be appreciated that loosening implements are one example of supplementary tools, and that supplementary tools 100 can have the form of other types of soil tilling implements, such as harrow tines (with integrated or separate harrow tip), cultivator tines (with integrated or separate cultivator tip), crust-breaking members (tooth-shaped or disc-shaped), shares, furrow openers, scrapers or holders for roller-forming parts, compactor wheels or disc harrow elements.

It will be appreciated that the tools to which the connecting part is fixed can, but do not have to be, substantially identical.

The connecting part can, but does not have to be, constituted by a substantially elongated component, such as a pipe or a beam. The

component can be substantially straight or possibly somewhat bent. For example, a square pipe or a pipe of substantially circular cross section can be used. The connecting part can be secured directly against the respective portion 15. For example, a part of the connecting part 20, 20', 20" can bear against the respective portion 15 of the tool 11.

The connecting part can constitute a bar, which couples together at least laterally separated and possibly adjacent tools 11.

It will be appreciated that when two or more supplementary tools are utilized, these can, but do not have to be, substantially identical.

The agricultural implement can be, as shown, a seed drill or a precision seed drill. Alternatively, the agricultural implement can be a harrow or a cultivator. As a further alternative, the agricultural implement can be a fertilizer spreader and/or a pesticide spreader. The agricultural implement can also be a combination of seed drill, precision seed drill, harrow, cultivator, fertilizer spreader and/or a pesticide spreader.

It will be appreciated that the spring portion 13 can be replaced or supplemented by a spring suspension of the tool. For example, the tool can be substantially rigid and rotatable about a joint, as well as spring-loaded and possibly also biased towards a starting position. As another alternative, the frame portion which supports the tools can be resilient or resiliently arranged relative to the agricultural implement. As yet another alternative, or supplement, the beam 10 can be resilient relative to the rest of the frame of the agricultural implement.

The fastening portion 101 of the supplementary tool can be configured as a separate part, which is detachably fixed to the connecting part 20, 20', 20". Such fixing can be realized with, for example, bolt joints, clamps, or the like. Alternatively, the fastening portion 101 can be integrated with the connecting part 20, 20', 20", for example by welding, casting or compression moulding.

The length of the connecting part 20, 20', 20" in the horizontal direction can substantially correspond to a distance between two adjacent but laterally separated soil tilling tools 11 , preferably substantially corresponding to a distance between two laterally separated soil tilling tools, with at least one intervening tool. The length can be less than or substantially equal to a distance between two laterally separated soil tilling tools, with three, two or one intervening tool(s).

By making the connecting part extend only over a part of the width of the agricultural implement, for example corresponding to 2-4 soil tilling tools, the supplementary tools can be allowed to spring more than would be possible if the connecting part extended over a greater part of the width. The soil tilling tools to which the supplementary tool is fixed are thus allowed to spring more than other soil tilling tools, which means that soil is redistributed in the lateral direction by the laterally adjacent soil tilling tools to the region in which the supplementary tools operate.

The above-described supplementary tool can form part of a

supplementary set or supplementary unit for an agricultural implement, which comprises one or more connecting parts as well as one or more

supplementary tools, which can be permanently or detachably fixed or fixable on the connecting part. Specifically, such a supplementary set or

supplementary unit can comprise a connecting part, as well as one, two, three or four supplementary tools, which are fixed or fixable on the connecting part.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Agricultural implement (1 ), comprising:

a frame ( 0),

at least two soil tilling tools (11 ), each having a respective fastening portion (12),

wherein the soil tilling tools (1 1) are secured relative to the frame ( 0) such that the tools (1 ) are separated in a substantially horizontal direction, and

a connecting part (20, 20', 20"), which is fastened to a portion (15) of the respective tool (1 1), which portion is situated at a distance from the respective fastening portion (12)

c h a r a c t e r i z e d

in that a fastening portion (101) of a supplementary tool (100) is fixed to the said connecting part (20, 20', 20"), and

in that the connecting part is configured as a substantially elongated component extending between the portions (15).

2. Agricultural implement according to Claim 1 , wherein the supplementary tool (100) extends past a free portion (15) of at least one of the two soil tilling tools (11), viewed in a substantially vertical direction.

3. Method according to any one of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the supplementary tool (100) is configured such that an angle of attack (b) at which a part of the supplementary tool (100) pushes down into the soil to be tilled is variable.

4. Method according to any one of Claims 1-3, wherein the supplementary tool (100) is configured such that a distance by which a part of the supplementary tool (100) pushes down into the soil to be tilled is variable.

5. Agricultural implement according to any one of Claims 1-4, wherein the supplementary tool (100) comprises a tool body (103), providing a substantially vertical extent of the tool, and has a tillage portion (105). 6. Agricultural implement according to Claim 5, wherein the tillage portion has a part which extends in at least one non-vertical direction from a substantially free end (104) of the tool body (103).

7. Agricultural implement according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the tillage portion (100) comprises a wing extending in a substantially horizontal direction from the free end (104) of the tool body (103).

8. Agricultural implement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the agricultural implement comprises at least one further set of soil tilling tools and/or at least one set of devices for the sowing and/or spreading of fertilizer or pesticide.

9. Agricultural implement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the said soil tilling tools (11) are resilient, or resiliently attached, relative to the agricultural implement (1).

10. Agricultural implement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting part (20, 20', 20") has a horizontal length which is at least as large as a distance between two adjacent soil tilling tools (11).

11. System for soil tillage, comprising a towing vehicle and an agricultural implement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the towing vehicle and/or the agricultural implement (1) comprises at least one wheel, which is configured and/or placed such that it, in use, will bear against and compress the soil to be tilled in front of the said soil tilling tools (11), wherein the said supplementary tool (100) is arranged to engage with a thus compressed soil portion.

12. Method for producing an implement for soil tillage, comprising: fixing at least two soil tilling tools (11) to a frame (10) of an agricultural implement such that the tools (11) are separated in a horizontal direction, and connecting the tools (11) with the aid of a connecting part (20, 20', 20"), which is fastened to a portion (15) of the respective tool ( 1), which portion is situated at a distance from the respective fastening portion of the tools (11),

c h a r a c t e r i z e d

by fixing a fastening portion (101) of a supplementary tool ( 00) to the said connecting part (20, 20', 20"), which is configured as a substantially elongated component extending between the portions (15).

13. Method according to Claim 12, wherein the supplementary tool (100) is placed in such a way in the transverse direction of the agricultural implement (1 ) that the supplementary tool (100) will till a soil portion which exhibits wheel tracks.

14. Method according to Claim 12 or 13, wherein the supplementary tool (100) is arranged to extend farther down into the soil to be tilled than at least one of the two soil tilling tools (11 ).

15. Method according to any one of Claims 12 and 13, wherein the supplementary tool (100) comprises a tool body (103), providing a

substantially vertical extent of the tool, and a tillage portion.

16. Method according to any one of Claims 12-15, wherein the supplementary tool (100) is arranged rotatably in a substantially vertical plane, so that an angle (b) at which the supplementary tool (100) pushes down into the soil to be tilled is variable.

17. Supplementary set for an agricultural implement (1), comprising: a supplementary tool (100), which has a tool body (103), providing a substantially vertical extent of the tool, and has a tillage portion (105) and a fastening portion (101); as well as

an elongated connecting part (20, 20', 20"), which, in terms of length and shape, is designed to extend substantially horizontally between at least two adjacent soil tilling tools of the agricultural implement,

wherein the fastening portion is fixed or fixable to the connecting part.

18. Supplementary set according to Claim 17, wherein the connecting part (20, 20', 20") is configured as an elongated component, such as a pipe or a beam. 9. Supplementary set according to Claim 17 or 18, wherein the connecting part (20, 20', 20") is fixable to a portion (15) situated at a distance from the fastening portion (12) of the respective soil tilling tool.

20. Supplementary set according to any one of Claims 17-19, wherein the connecting part (20, 20', 20") extends horizontally from the fastening portion (101) by a distance which is at least half of a tool spacing distance of the agricultural implement.

21. Supplementary unit for an agricultural implement (1 ), comprising a supplementary set according to any one of Claims 17-20, wherein the supplementary tool is permanently fixed to the connecting part.