FR3042680A1 - DEVICE FOR COLLECTING AT LEAST ONE STONE, ITS METHOD OF USE AND AGRICULTURAL EQUIP SO EQUIPPED - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for collecting at least one stone comprises a cup (3) for storing at least one open stone at least in front (31, 32) and equipped at its opening with an access member (4). ) at least one stone inside the cup (3) from the outside. It further comprises a shaft (9) positioned above the opening (31, 32) of the bucket (3) and equipped with collecting members (10) of at least one stone, the shaft (9) being, on the one hand, rotatable (F2) about its longitudinal axis (A) and, on the other hand, movable between a proximal position and a distal position relative to the access member (4). The invention also relates to a method of using the device and an agricultural machine thus equipped.

Description

DEVICE FOR COLLECTING AT LEAST ONE STONE, ITS METHOD OF USE AND AGRICULTURAL EQUIP SO EQUIPPED

The present invention relates to a device for collecting stones, its method of use and a farm machine thus equipped.

Such a device finds its main application in the agricultural field, but also in the mining field and that of public works. It is used to collect and remove stones from a given surface, for example a field.

Indeed, the quantity and / or the number of stones present in a field can, in certain regions, be a problem for the agricultural works, in particular by damaging the material. To remedy this we know cleansers.

These are towed devices that are equipped with a wheel with blades or teeth. The wheel, at each rotation causes stones and deposits them in a storage area in the device. In other words, such a cleanser is similar in operation to a self-loading trailer. This type of machine is particularly suitable for collecting stones that have relatively similar sizes, given the size of the wheel. Moreover, such a machine must be used alone, because it is towed, which requires a passage only to pick up the stones. As a result, it is essentially used to clean heavily stony soils in a relatively homogeneous manner.

For a more specific use, namely for collecting stones of different sizes and / or low density on a ground, it is known from FR-A-2 412 663 or WO-A-2005 055 695 of shovels with teeth placed in front of agricultural machinery or public works. These shovels, to collect the stones need to scrape, at least superficially, the ground and, moreover, they do not allow to pick up the partially buried stones. The invention aims more particularly to remedy these drawbacks by proposing an easy stone collection device to use, regardless of the size of the stones, their distribution and that the stones are on the surface or partially buried. For this purpose, the invention relates to a device for collecting at least one stone comprising a storage cup of at least one stone open at least in front and equipped at its opening with an access member at least one stone inside the bucket from outside the bucket, characterized in that the device further comprises a shaft positioned above the opening of the bucket and equipped with at least one stone, the shaft being rotatable about its longitudinal axis and movable between a proximal position and a distal position relative to the access member.

Such a device allows, with the double movement of the shaft in rotation and in translation, not only to clear the partially buried stones, by scraping the collection organs on the ground, but also to push the stones towards the inside the bucket, when moving the shaft between its two positions.

According to advantageous but non-obligatory aspects of the invention, such a device may comprise one or more of the following characteristics: the collection members comprise flat and curved bars arranged spirally on the shaft. - The collection members comprise flat and curved bars arranged in line, parallel to each other, on the shaft. - The access member is formed by an inclined plane ramp. - The access member is formed by claws parallel to each other. - When the shaft is proximal to the access member, the collection members are substantially positioned between the claws or adjacent to the inclined ramp, according to the embodiment. - The device is mobile in at least two different axes. - The device is adapted to be mounted at the front of an agricultural work machine. The invention also relates to a method of using a device according to one of the preceding characteristics, characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps: - a) resting on the ground the access member to the bucket, the shaft being distal to the opening of the bucket, - b) bringing the access member in contact with at least one stone, - c) bringing the shaft of the access member while rotating the shaft in contact with the at least one stone, - d) continuing the movement until the shaft is proximal to the access member, the at least one the stone being introduced into the bucket; e) bringing the device over an evacuation zone of the at least one stone; f) tilting the bucket in a direction making it possible to evacuate the at least one rock by gravity out of the bucket into a reception area. The invention also relates to an agricultural machine equipped with a device for collecting at least one stone according to one of the preceding characteristics. The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly on reading the description of several embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the following drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention, in an intermediate position of the shaft equipped with the collection members, mounted at the front of a tractor partially illustrated, - the figure 2 is a partial top view, on a larger scale, of the device of FIG. 1 while picking up a stone; FIG. 3 is a perspective view, at a lateral angle and on another scale, of the device; with the shaft in a distal position, - Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, at another angle, the shaft being in an intermediate position, - Figure 5 is a partial view at another angle of the device with the tree in the proximal position, - Figure 6 is a perspective view of the device in a bucket discharge position, the shaft being in a distal position.

FIG. 1 shows a device 1 for collecting at least one stone according to an embodiment of the invention and mounted on the front hitch of an agricultural tractor 2. The device comprises a storage bucket 3 of the rocks. It is conceivable that such a device is suitable for the collection of one or more stones. Subsequently, reference will be made to one or more stones.

Here, the bucket 3 is an elongate piece with a square cross section. In a variant, it is of semicircular section. The bucket 3 is open on two adjacent sides, namely the side 31 at the top and the side 32 at the distal portion relative to the tractor 2, this by looking at Figure 1. The side 32 thus defines the front face or front of the bucket 3. In another embodiment, only one side of the bucket is open, in this case that 32 forming the front of the bucket 3.

The bucket 3 is disposed at the front of the tractor 2, so that its largest dimension, illustrated by its longitudinal axis A3, is oriented perpendicularly to the direction of advance D of the tractor 2.

The bucket 3 is equipped, in front 32, with a guide member 4 of at least one stone in the bucket 3. Here, the member 4 is formed of half-moon claws 5, parallel to each other, regularly spaced apart. and mounted at the front of the bucket 3 so as to define an access ramp between the ground and the interior of the bucket 3. It is conceivable that the member 4 may have a different shape, for example it may be formed of spikes . In a preferred embodiment, not shown, it is an inclined flat access ramp, devoid of claws.

Above the bucket 3, a rectangular frame 6 is connected by two parallel arms 7 to the bucket 3. The arms 7 each connect a corner of the frame 6 to an upper corner 30 of the bucket 3. The links between the arms 7, the bucket 3 and the frame 6 are pivot-type links. In this way, when the arms 7 perform a pivoting movement along the double arrow F around their point of attachment on the bucket 3, this induces a displacement of the frame 6, along the double arrow F1, intended to bring or remove the frame 6 of the closed bottom 300 of the bucket 3. These movements are induced and managed, in known manner, by a cylinder 8 connected to the rear of the bucket 3. In another embodiment, the arms 7 are fixed. In this case, the movement of the frame 6 around its point of connection on the ends of the arms 7 is amplified, so as to obtain a stroke equivalent to that achieved with arms 7 movable relative to the bucket 3.

The frame 6, on a side opposite to that mounted on the arms 7, is provided with a rotation shaft 9. The shaft 9 is mounted so that its longitudinal axis A is perpendicular to the direction of advance D of the tractor 2. In other words, the shaft 9 is arranged parallel to the largest dimension of the bucket 3. The shaft 9 is rotatably mounted about its axis A. The setting in motion is carried out, in a manner known per se. , by a motor actuated from the tractor 2.

Collection members 10 of at least one stone are fixed on the shaft 9. These members 10 are configured in curved flat bars, with free ends 11 slightly concave, as is apparent in particular in Figures 5 and 6. These bars 10 are provided in the central position of a bulged zone 100 provided with a through hole allowing the passage of the shaft 9. Thus, the bars 10 are fixed by their centers of gravity on the shaft 9. They are arranged parallel to each other to others and at regular intervals. The bars 10 are positioned so that the free ends 11 of two adjacent bars 10 are not opposite but offset relative to each other. In this way, as is apparent from Figures 5 and 6, the bars 10 define a spiral around the shaft 9, the offset angle between two adjacent bars 10 being constant. In other words, a worm is made by the spiral formed by the bars 10 around the shaft 9. According to another embodiment not shown, the free ends 11 of the bars 10 are opposite. Thus, the bars are parallel and arranged in line. The shaft 9, and therefore de facto the bars 10, is rotatably mounted about its axis A, according to the double arrow F2. Because the bucket 3 is, in a manner known per se, also movable in translation in the vertical plane along the double arrow F3 and also pivots in the vertical plane about its longitudinal axis A3, according to the double arrow F4, one obtains a mobile device 1 according to at least two different axes.

According to another advantageous embodiment and not shown, the frame 6 is directly mounted, by a pivot connection, on the bucket 3. In this case, the frame 6 is fixed on the corner 30 of the bucket 3 which connects the sides 31 and 32 opened from the latter. Thus, the arms 7 are removed and replaced by a pivot link. Such a solution simplifies the assembly, with fewer parts, while maintaining the same kinematics of the frame 6 and the shaft 9. Indeed, by increasing the upward stroke of the frame 6, it clears the opening sufficiently of the bucket 3, similarly to the clearance obtained by the presence of the movable arms 7.

The following figures illustrate the various positions of the device during the collection of stones, with a device according to the embodiment of Figure 1.

Figure 2 illustrates an intermediate position of the device being picked up a stone 12. For clarity, a single stone is illustrated but it is conceivable that the kinematics is the same in the case of the collection of several stones. The stone 12 is positioned between the claws 5 and the bars 10. To move the stone 12 and push it to the bottom 300 of the bucket 3, the bars 10, rotating along the double arrow F2, push the stone 12 onto the claws 5 when the displacement of the frame 6 towards the bottom 300 of the bucket 3 according to the double arrow F1.

FIG. 3 represents a position where the bars 10 are furthest away from the bucket 3. This position, called the maximum opening position, makes it possible, by moving the bars 10 away from the bucket 3, to collect stones situated far from the bucket 3, this being so that it, as illustrated, rests on the ground. In this configuration, the claws 10 rest on the ground and, if necessary, by tilting the bucket 3 forward, scrape it. Thus, the claws 10 are even if necessary, to clear the stone or 12 partially buried, this regardless of the size, shape and / or distribution of stones. The distance of the bars 10 makes it possible to clear in front of the bucket 3 a space sufficient to receive and collect all types of stones 12.

As is apparent from FIG. 4, by bringing the bars 10 of the bucket 3 closer, along the double arrow F1, while ensuring their rotations around the shaft 9, according to the double arrow F2, a collection movement of the or stones, rolling the latter or these towards the bottom 300 of the bucket from their initial positions 3.

The bringing together of the bars 10 of the bucket 3 continues so that the bars 10 repel the stone or stones 12 on the claws 5 and thus introduce the stone or stones 12 into the bucket 3. This movement continues to the position illustrated in FIG. This position corresponds to a position in abutment of the bars 10. In this case, the arms 7 are folded completely against the uprights of the frame 6. The bars 10 then have their free ends 11 positioned between two adjacent claws 5. Thus, partially closed, non-definitively and dynamically, the open side 32 of the bucket 3 forming the front face of the latter.

In this configuration, the rotation of the bars 10 around the shaft 9 make it possible to push the stone or stones 12 beyond the claws 5, in the bottom 300 of the bucket 3.

It will be understood that, when the claws 5 are replaced by an access ramp, the bars 10 do not come, as illustrated in FIG. 5, to be positioned, partially, by their ends 11 between the claws 5 but to tangent the ramp of access.

FIG. 6 illustrates the position of the device 1 when the stone (s) 12 contained in the bucket (3) is empty. In this case, the arms (7) move the bars (10) as far as possible from the bucket (3), thus clearing the front face of the bucket (3). This, by a pivoting movement about its longitudinal axis along the double arrow F4, tilts forwards. In this configuration, the open face of the bucket 3 is oriented towards the ground, or to a collection receptacle such as a bucket. The stone or stones 12 are removed from the bucket 3 by gravity.

It is conceivable that such a device can be mounted permanently on an agricultural tractor, so that when the latter tows a tillage or harvesting tool and at least one stone is in its path, the pickup of the latter be carried out easily, without interrupting the work in progress but only temporarily stopping the tractor to allow the stone to be taken. The use of such a device therefore comprises a first step of at least resting on the ground the claws 5, see inserting them slightly into the ground so as to achieve a scratching of the ground to clear the stones 12 partially buried. It should be noted that such scraping allows to release the stone individually that is to say without picking up the earth at the same time as we take the stone.

Then, when a stone 12 is in contact with the claws 5, the rotation of the bars 10 around their carrier shaft 9 along the double arrow F2 is initiated simultaneously with a movement of movement between the bars 10 and the bottom 300. of the bucket 3, it being understood that initially the bars 10 are distal to the bucket 3. The movement continues until the ends 11 of the bars 10 are in the so-called nested position with the claws 5, as illustrated in Figure 5. The stone or stones 12 are then in position in the bucket 3. If necessary, to push them to the bottom, the bucket 3 is tilted back, that is to say by bringing in the up position its front face 32, by pivoting along the double arrow F4.

The last step consists in evacuating the stone or stones from the bucket 3. For this, the bucket 3 is brought to the high position, according to the double arrow F3, and it is pivoted along the double arrow F4 around its longitudinal axis so as to bring his front face 32 facing the ground or a receptacle stones.

Claims (10)

1. - Device for collecting at least one stone comprising a bucket (3) for storing at least one stone (12) open at least in front (31, 32) and equipped at its opening with an organ access (4) of at least one stone (12) inside the bucket (3) from the outside of the bucket, characterized in that the device further comprises a shaft (9) positioned above the opening (31, 32) of the bucket (3) and equipped with collection members (10) of at least one stone (12), the shaft (9) being, on the one hand, rotatable ( F2) about its longitudinal axis (A) and, secondly, movable between a proximal position and a distal position relative to the access member (4). 2. - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the collection members comprise bars (10) flat and curved arranged spirally on the shaft (9). 3. - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the collection members comprise bars (10) flat and curved arranged in line, parallel to each other, on the shaft (9). 4. - Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the access member is formed by an inclined plane ramp. 5. - Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the access member is formed by claws (5) parallel to each other. 6. - Device according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that, when the shaft (9) is proximal position relative to the access member (4), the collection members (10) are substantially positioned between the claws (5) or adjacent to the inclined ramp, according to the embodiment. 7. - Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is movable along at least two different axes (F to F4). 8. - Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is adapted to be mounted at the front of a farm machine (2). 9. - A method of using a device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps: - a) to bear on the ground the access member (4) to cup 3), the shaft (9) being distal to the opening (31, 32) of the cup (3), - b) bringing the access member (4) into contact with at least one stone (12), - c) bringing the shaft (9) closer to the access member (4) while putting the shaft (9) in rotation (F2) and in contact with the at least one stone (12). ), - d) continue the movement until the shaft (9) is proximal to the access member (4), the at least one stone (12) being introduced into the bucket ( 3), e) bringing the device over an evacuation area of the at least one stone (12), - f) tilting the bucket (3) in a direction (F4) to evacuate the minus one gravity stone (12) out of the bucket in an area reception. 10. - Agricultural machine equipped with a pickup device of at least one stone according to one of claims 1 to 8.