WO2014025308A1

WO2014025308A1 - Method and regulation device for an agricultural implement

Info

Publication number: WO2014025308A1
Application number: PCT/SE2013/050955
Authority: WO
Inventors: Crister Stark
Original assignee: Väderstad-Verken Ab
Priority date: 2012-08-06
Filing date: 2013-08-06
Publication date: 2014-02-13
Also published as: SE536863C2; SE1250917A1

Abstract

The invention refers to a method for implement regulation for an agricultural implement (1) comprising a frame (2) and at least one with the frame connected, perpendicular to the driving direction running row (a. b, c) of implements (3), preferably in the form of freely rotatable journalled in bearings discs, wherein each disc is connected with an arm (10), which is journalled in bearings at the frame (2). The hub (20) of each disc (3) is provided with an at the centre of the hub journalled in bearings circular cylindrical part (21b) of a dowel (21), which at its other end has a conical part (21a), which in a first position is angled an angle (β) in relation to a journalled in bearings cylindrical part (21b), wherein said conical part is detachably received in a corresponding conical hole (24) in an end part (23) of the arm (10), and that on releasing of the dowel in the conical hole the dowel is turned to a desired positioning position and is locked fast in this, whereby is provided opportunity to alter the working angle of a disc. The invention also refers to an implement regulation device and a tool for performing the method.

Description

METHOD AND REGULATION DEVICE FOR AN AGRICULTURAL

IMPLEMENT

The present invention refers to a method for an agricultural implement according to the pre-characterising portion of Claim 1. The invention also refers to an implement regulation device to perform the method according to the pre-characterising portion of Claim 6.

Background and known area

In recent years it has become increasingly common to have agricultural implements with discs in two parallel rows, for example such as those marketed under the trade name "Carrier" by Vaderstad. This machine type displays many characteristics appreciated by farmers. With the spread of the machine type the machines are being used in many different cultivation conditions with many types of crops in many climate zones, on different soil types etc. The machine type, which is a special type of disc implement, is intended to cultivate the soil and to till down harvest residues, such as straw, stubble and also weeds. After harvest of maize there are large amounts of harvest residues on the soil surface, often metre-high maize stalks remain standing. This places great demands on the capacity of the machine to allow throughflow of large amounts of harvest residues without clogging. This is particularly demanding if one wishes to cultivate relatively deep at the same time. After harvest of oilseed plants the customer often wants to 'pare' off the entire soil surface, but to cultivate the soil to very shallow depth. In this case a high angle of approach is important. In other cases particularly in the spring the customer perhaps only wants to cultivate the soil relatively deeply in order to work 'heat' into the soil, i.e. to turn up deeper lying soil which is exposed to the sun to warm up the soil volume. This can be particularly important in later drilling of maize, which requires a warm soil to develop well. From the above it is apparent that the machine type needs to be very flexible and should be adjustable for different types of use. Most commonly the machine type has been provided with discs which have a fixed cutting angle of approx. 16-18 degrees. Certain machines have been provided with adjustable angle setting, but since these have been rather complicated devices these machines have barely established themselves on the market. What is desirable is a simple and durable device for setting the cutting angle required in a certain type of tillage condition. In principle, it is the case that a high cutting angle of approximately 18 degrees is possible with a limited amount of straw and a small working depth.

With a need for greater working depth and in combination with larger amounts of harvest residues the cutting angle must be less in the size range 12-14 degrees in order to allow disruption-free work. To some extent this is also linked to the degree of dishing of the disc.

Problem formulation

The object of the present invention is to provide a method and an implement regulation device for an agricultural implement of the initially described type that resolves the above-mentioned problems.

Summary of the invention

This object is achieved with a method and an implement regulation device for an agricultural implement, which device has been given the characterising features of Claims 1 and 6.

Preferred embodiments of the implement regulation device according to the invention have been given the characteristics described in the sub-claims.

If the hub of the discs is provided with an axle that is angled a few degrees and at the same time arranged so that it can be turned and locked in different positions, an adjustable disc angle is achieved. The potential setting angle variation is the double inclination angle of the dowel. This is already known through e.g. prototypes that have been manufactured. However, this solution alone is not sufficient since it is very difficult after a period of use to turn the dowel, since soil, dirt and rust make the axle stick in the sleeve. The improved solution according to the invention involves making the dowel conical and giving it a controlled possibility to be displaced outwards during adjustment. The adjustment is then very simple and can be carried out with a couple of simple actions. It is easier if a tool is used. This tool is inserted into a hole in the dowel, since this tool has a milled surface the dowel can be displaced outwards a few mm, which is sufficient for the dowel to be turned easily. When the right position has been reached the tool can be turned and the dowel drawn into the right position and it can thereafter be locked fast in the position with a pin, which itself is locked with a rubber strap or in other known way. In this way the disc can be provided with an adjustability which only has a marginal cost impact and is durable and maintenance-free. This solution means that one and the same machine can be used in many different conditions at different working depths. An additional advantage with the regulation device according to the invention is that the connection can be made short and compact in order to facilitate throughflow of straw soil and plant residues. The cone shape means that the axial force which is taken up by the bearings acts in the direction to press the dowel into the cone-shaped hole, which in its turn contributes to a stable connection. Drawings summary

The invention is described more closely in the following with reference to the attached drawings, which show a preferred embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view from above of an agricultural implement in a working position with an implement regulation device according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows an enlarged perspective view of a disc with its suspension.

Fig. 3 shows a partial side view of a disc with arm and springing.

Fig. 4 shows a partial perspective view of a disc's hub portion with the implement regulation device according to the invention.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a tool.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-section through the implement regulation device according to

Fig. 4.

Description of a preferred embodiment

Figs. 1-6 show a preferred embodiment of an implement regulation device for an agricultural implement 1 for soil tillage. Fig. 1 shows the agricultural implement 1 in a working position. The agricultural implement ! has a frame 2 and a tow device 2a, which is suitably attachable and can be drawn by a not shown tractor. The machine 1 comprises here three rows a. b, c of implements in the form of two fore rows a, b of soil cultivating, freely rotating discs 3 and a rear row c of roller assemblies 4. The discs 3 in one of the two rows a, b are turned in the opposite direction compared with the discs in the other rows b and a, respectively. In known way. the rows a and b with discs 3 and the row c with roller assemblies 4 are divided into three sections 5, 6 and 7, of which the outer sections 5 and 7 are connected with the outer sections of the disc and roller sections. The transport wheels 8, which are journalled on the outer frame sections 5 and 7, are together with the frame sections

5-7 by means of hydraulic pistons 9 turnable to a transport position for the agricultural implement 1 . Fig. 2 shows that the discs 3 in both rows a and b are freely journalled lowest down on arms 10 and journalled suspended in cross-running beams 1 1 and 12 by means of journalling apparatuses 13 attached by welding or forging at the upper ends of the arms 10 (see description with reference to Fig. 3). Between the beams 1 1 and 12 press plates 14 are arranged.

Fig. 3 shows on a larger scale the suspension and journalling of the discs 3. Each disc 3 is accordingly fastened at a hub 20, which is freely journalled around an adjustable, conical part 21 a of a dowel 21 arranged at the lower end of the arm 10.

The conical part 21a has a conicity of a degrees (see Fig. 6). The upper end of the arm 10 is provided with a journalling apparatus 13, such as a rubber cushioning or other flexible suspension. The journalling apparatus 13 comprises in known way two journal halves 14 and 15, wherein the lower journal half 14 is connected with the arm 10 and the upper journal half 1 is by means of screw/nut connection 16 fastened at the lower journal half 14. The beams 1 1 and 12 (see Fig. 2) run through the journalling apparatus 13 and four rubber rods 17 are positioned between the beams 1 1 and 12 and the respective journal halves 14, 15. The discs 3 are suitably screw- fastened at the hub 20 by means of screw/nut connections 18.

Figs. 4-6 show in more detail the method according to the invention for altering the setting of an implement and also an implement regulation device and a tool according to the invention for the execution of the method. The dowel 21 , which is rotatably journalled in bearings 20a in the hub 20, is angled a few degrees β according to Fig. 6 between the conical part 21 a and the existing circular cylindrical part 21b in the bearings. The dowel 21 can be turned and locked between positions, so that a settable disc angle is obtained. In Fig. 6 the angle between the conical part 21 a and the straight part 21b of the dowel is an angle β shown in a first outer position. When the conical part 21a of the dowel is turned according to the invention 1 80 degrees in the hole 24 in the arm to its other outer position this means that the disc angle relative to the conical part 21a has been changed 2β in relation to the first outer position. In the case shown β can be approx. 2 degrees and 2β consequently can be approx. 4 degrees. Other desired positions are naturally also possible within the framework of the patent claims. By making the outer end part 21 a of the dowel 21 outside a protrusion 22 extending around the periphery conical w ith a predetermined conicity it is given a controlled possibility to be displaced outwards during adjustment. The cylindrical end part 23 of the arm 10 has an against the end part's 21a conform corresponding conformed hole 24. With a few easy actions this conversion can be executed. When the dowel has stuck fast owing to the environment in which the implement is used a light tap of a hammer against the outer end surface of the dowel 21 can be needed in order to free this from the cylindrical end part 23. The dowel 21 is provided with a predetermined number of positioning holes 25 along its periphery. With advantage the holes 25 can comprise a number of through-running, each other crossing borings through the dowel 21. In a preferred embodiment, two such borings are arranged perpendicular to each other, which means four positioning holes 25 at equal distance from each other along the periphery of the dowel 21 . In order to facilitate turning of the dowel 21 on altering the position of the dowel 21 a tool 26 can be introduced into a hole 27 at the outer end of the dowel 21. The tool 26 has a holder part 31 and an extended round rod part 32, which at its opposite end from the holder part has a bevelled part 33 and is at the side of the bevelled part 33 facing the holder part 3 1 provided with a heel 34, which in the peripheral direction is approx. 90 degrees displaced in relation to the bevelled surface of the bevelled part 33. The heel 34 forms a lever at turning of the tool 26. Through the tool 26 having being provided with the bevelled part 33 the dowel 21, at turning of the tool 26 so that the bevelled surface of the bevelled part 33 is directed towards the arm 10, can be displaced outwards a few mm, preferably approx. 1.5-2 mm, which is sufficient to allow the dowel 21 to be turned easily to a new desired position. When the right position has been reached the tool 26 can subsequently be turned so that the dowel 21 is tightened back to its original position in the conformed hole 24 in the arm 10 and the disc 3 has been changed to the desired angle position. Thereafter, a locking pin 29 is introduced into the intended positioning hole 25 and the disc 3 is locked in the chosen working position. The pin 29 can therefore advantageously be held fast in its fixed position by means of a rubber strap 30 or in other known way.

The method and implement regulation device according to the invention are in their construction not limited to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1-6, but can be modified within the framework of the attached claims.

Claims

Method for implement regulation for an agricultural implement (1 ) comprising a frame (2) and at least one with the frame connected, perpendicular to the driving direction extending row (a, b, c) of implements (3), preferably in the form of freely rotatable journalled in bearings discs (3), each disc being connected with an arm ( 10), which is journalled in bearings at the frame (2), characterised in that the hub (20) of each disc (3) is provided with an at the centre of the hub journalled in bearings circular cylindrical part (21 b) of a dowel (21), which at its other end has a conical part (21 a), which is angled an angle (β) in relation to the circular cylindrical part (21 b) of the dowel, wherein said conical part is detachably received in a corresponding conical hole (24) in an end part (23) of the arm ( 10), and that on loosening of the dowel in the conical hole the dowel is turned to a desired positioning position and is locked fast in this, whereby is provided opportunity to alter the working angle of a disc.

Method according to Claim 1, characterised in that a tool (26) is pushed into a setting hole (27) arranged at the outer end of the dowel (21) in order to facilitate altering of said working angle.

Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the dowel (21) is provided in the periphery direction with a predetermined number of fixing holes (25), wherein said working angle is fixed through a pin (29) being pushed in and fixed in said fixing hole.

Method according to any one of Claims 1 - 3, characterised in that said pin (29) is held fast in said fixing hole (25) by means of a fast-holding member (30), such as a rubber band.

Method according to any one of Claims 1 - 4, characterised in that said fixing holes (25) are constituted so that a predetermined number of each other crossing borings are provided through the dowel (21), preferably with two borings being arranged, which gives four fixing holes.

Implement regulation device for an agricultural implement ( 1 ) for performing the method according to any one of Claims 1 - 5, which agricultural implement comprises a frame (2) and at least one with the frame connected, perpendicular to the driving direction running row (a, b, c) of implements (3), preferably in the form of journalled in bearing freely rotatable discs (3), wherein each disc is connected with an arm ( 10), which is journalled in bearing at the frame (2), characterised in that the hub (20) of each disc (3) is provided with an at the centre of the hub journalled in bearing circular cylindrical part (21b) of a dowel

(21 ), which at its other end has a conical part (21 a), which is angled an angle (β) in relation to the circular cylindrical part (21b) of the dowel, said conical part being adapted to be detachably received in a corresponding conical hole (24) in an end part (23) of the arm ( 10), wherein on loosening of the dowel in the conical hole the dowel is adapted to be turned to a desired positioning position and locked fast in this, whereby is provided opportunity to set the working angle of a disc.

7. Device according to Claim 6, characterised in that the discs (3) individually or in pairs are springably connected to the machine^'s frame.

8. Device according to Claim 6 or 7, characterised in that a tool (26) is adapted to be pushed into a setting hole (27) arranged at the outer end of the dowel (21) in order to facilitate altering of said working angle.

9. Device according to any one of Claims 6 - 8, characterised in that mentioned said setting hole (27) is round in cross-section and that said tool (26) has a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the hole, wherein the tool has a holder part (31), wherein the outer end of the tool has a bevelled part (33) in order to facilitate the changing of said working angle, and wherein the tool in addition at the side of the bevelled part (33) facing the holder part (31 ) is provided with a heel (34), which in the periphery direction is approx. 90 degrees displaced in relation to the bevelled surface of the bevelled part (33). 10. Device according to any one of Claims 6 - 9, characterised in that the dowel (21) is in the periphery direction provided with a predetermined number of fixing holes (25), wherein said working angle is adapted to be fixed through a pin (29) being pushed in and fixed in said fixing holes and that said pin is adapted to be kept in place in said fixing hole by means of a fast-holding member (30), such as a rubber band.

1. Device according to any one of Claims 6 - 10. characterised in that said fixing holes (25) are comprised of a predetermined number of borings crossing each other through the dowel (21 ), preferably with two borings being arranged, which gives four fixing holes.