RU2822669C1 - Agricultural tool holder - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: agriculture.

SUBSTANCE: agricultural tool holder (100) comprises a central frame (TC) holding a three-point coupling system (P) for connection to an agricultural tractor and accommodating all hydraulic and electrical parts used to actuate articulated components of tool holder (100) and tools configured to be mounted on tool holder (100). Agricultural tool holder (100) comprises at least one lateral frame (TL) capable of sliding towards or away from the central frame (TC). Central frame (TC) has axis of symmetry (Y) and comprises a pair of parallel tubular beams (1) passing along direction perpendicular to axis of symmetry (Y) of central frame (TC). Side frame (TL) comprises a pair of parallel bars (10) adapted for insertion and sliding movement inside tubular beams (1), which support telescopically side frame (TL). At least one actuator (50) is installed on the central frame (TC), which is made with possibility of providing movement by means of a push of the said at least one side frame (TL). Pair of bars (10) is rigidly connected by means of two intermediate beams (11 and 12), which are inserted between bars (10) and are screwed to them. One beam (11) is matched with one end of bars (10), and one beam (12) is matched with the centre of bars (10) so that bars (10) can enter section (10a), which is half their length, inside tubular beams (1) central frame (TC).

EFFECT: providing ease and efficiency of maintenance of the machine with higher stability of assembly of tractor/tool with higher safety during operation; modularity and easy integration of auxiliary devices without increase in volume in comparison with the basic configuration of the machine; machine stability also in fully extended configuration; possibility of mechanization of work in unfavourable agricultural regions; possibility of installation with a front coupling with a tractor without deterioration of its stability and without damage to parts of the front axle; possibility of using tractors of low power and smaller dimensions with positive consequences in terms of sustainable economic development and agronomic development; manoeuvrability on non-ploughed areas and in reduced spaces; visibility of working tools with lower stress for the operator and higher efficiency.

8 cl, 6 dwg

Description

The invention relates to an agricultural tool holder.

The agricultural tool holder according to the invention is preferably designed for use with an inter-row processing section.

An inter-row tiller is a device used in agriculture, and especially in vineyards or orchards, to cultivate the area of land between two rows of plants. Such a device is a mechanical system characterized by the presence of a spaced lever mechanism used to return the working tool from its position around the trunk without damaging the plant. The presence of a vine is detected using a rod sensor, which activates a lever mechanism (usually of the hydraulic type), thereby moving the tool.

One inter-row processing section is not a functioning system and must be integrated into other equipment, usually a tool holder frame, which performs the following tasks:

- it holds one inter-row processing section (in the case of using one machine) or two inter-row processing sections (in the case of using two machines that simultaneously work under the crown on the right side and on the left side) in the correct position relative to the row, if we take into account the distance , working depth and tilt of the tool;

- it contains parts for connecting to the tractor, usually by means of a standard three-point hitch for coupling to the tractor from the rear or front;

- on it are located the parts (usually hydraulic parts) necessary to activate the inter-row processing section and to activate movements for the correct positioning of the inter-row processing section and maneuvering in the unplowed part of the site.

In terms of action, spreading ranges in orchards and vineyards are characterized by narrow spaces for work and maneuvers, often with a large slope. Consequently, tractors specifically designed for these sectors are very compact, lightweight and low-power. In view of the above, agricultural machines coupled with these tractors should be of reduced size and reduced weight to ensure easy and safe use.

Tool holders currently available for purchase on the market can be divided into two macro categories, according to the characteristics of the mobile parts used to position the inter-row processing section.

The first macro category is usually defined as “single beam frame tool holder”. In this first type of tool holder, the inter-row processing section is secured and supported by a single beam structure that can slide along a tubular seat. In the case of two machines, the frame is made of two tubular elements, with each tubular element acting as a seat for the slidable placement of the mobile element.

This solution breaks down due to the following shortcomings:

- mechanical resistance is low, since the stress is completely imposed on one protruding beam;

- since the weight of the machine is concentrated in the central part, the ends of the extensions are not loaded adequately, resulting in insufficient tool penetration and low work efficiency;

- insufficient symmetry with respect to forward movement can determine the discrepancy between the working tools located on the right and left, in the case of using two machines;

- for optional adjustment of the working inclination of the tool, the use of an additional plate is required, with a significant increase in volume;

- the support wheels are usually attached to the central frame and, thus, their position does not change with changes in the working width of the machine; this determines the insufficient stability of the assembly in configurations in which the overhangs partially protrude; in addition, for a given wheel position, depth control is very limited; and sometimes the wheels are fixed without the possibility of height adjustment; For this reason, a complex, cumbersome, additional system must be installed at the end of the reach to regulate the working depth of the tool, thus leading to an increase in the overall volume.

The prior art includes a second category of tool holders, technically defined as “double beam frame tool holders.” In this second type of tool holder, the inter-row processing section is secured and supported by a double-beam structure that can slide on two tubular seats. In the case of two machines, the frame is typically made of four tubular members, with each pair of tubular members acting as a seat to slidably accommodate each mobile member. Although this system is significantly more reliable and durable than the previous one, it has the disadvantages of being excessively heavy and bulky, with consequent problems in controlling viticulture and horticulture tractors.

In addition, this geometric configuration has additional critical disadvantages. Firstly, in this case also, insufficient symmetry with respect to forward movement often determines the discrepancy between the working tools located on the right and left, in the case of using two machines.

An additional problem is the difficulty of using the tool holder when engaging the tractor from the front and rear. For this reason, the following solutions are usually adapted to solve such a problem: using a connecting system with two fastenings, both front and rear, or using a removable connecting system that can be suitably installed according to the specific use. However, both solutions lead to additional weight and volume increases.

Document W02010/13026A1 discloses an agricultural tool holder according to the preamble of claim 1.

Document ES1056860U discloses a telescopically extendable frame for agricultural tillage.

US6935435B1 discloses a positionable cultivating apparatus for plants grown in raised beds, comprising laterally opposed subframes slidably mounted on a main frame of the apparatus to permit laterally adjustable position of a working apparatus transported by the subframe.

The purpose of the invention is to provide an agricultural tool holder that does not have the disadvantages and limitations of tool holders with a single-beam or double-beam frame of the prior art.

This goal is achieved by an invention with characteristics according to independent claim 1 of the claims.

Advantageous embodiments according to the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

For the sake of clarity, the description of the agricultural tool holder according to the invention continues with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are merely illustrative and not limiting.

In fig. 1 shows a tool holder according to the invention, a perspective view;

in fig. 2 - tool holder according to FIG. 1, top view;

in fig. 3 - tool holder according to the invention in a disassembled state, axonometric view;

in fig. 4 shows a tool holder according to the invention with only one tool holder plate, a perspective view;

in fig. 5 - tool holder according to the invention with an opposite pair of inter-row processing sections, axonometric view; And

in fig. 6 - a tool holder according to the invention without an inter-row processing section and with a pair of disks for introducing filler into the inter-row spaces, a perspective view.

The agricultural tool holder (100) (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) according to the invention comprises a central frame (TC) holding a coupling system (P) for connection to an agricultural tractor. The connection system (P) may advantageously be a three-point connection system of the prior art. The coupling system (P) and the central frame (TC) carry all the hydraulic and electrical parts necessary to move the articulated parts of the tool holder (100), and the tools mounted on the tool holder (100) requiring movement.

The central frame (TC) supports a pair of side frames (TL) extending from opposite sides. Each side frame (TL) can be slidably moved toward or away from the central frame (TC) along a transverse axis (X) perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (Y) corresponding to the forward direction of the tractor that transports the tool holder (100). The longitudinal axis (Y) coincides with the axis of symmetry of the central frame (TC).

The central frame (TC) contains a pair of tubular beams (1) arranged parallel along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the central frame (TC). Each tubular beam (1) has a square cross-section.

Each side frame (TL) contains a pair of beams (10) arranged in parallel. Each beam (10) has a square cross-section. The bars (10) are adapted to be inserted and slidably moved telescopically inside the tubular beams (1). Tubular beams (1) of the central frame telescopically hold the beams (10) of the side frame (TL).

Two beams (10) of a pair of beams are rigidly attached by means of two intermediate beams (11, 12) inserted between the beams (10) and screwed to them. The first intermediate beam (11) is located next to one end of the beams (10). The second intermediate beam (12) is positioned in correspondence with the center of the beams (10) so that the beams (10) can be inserted into the tubular beams (1) of the central frame (TC) over an area (10a) approximately equal to half their length.

Said pair of intermediate beams (11, 12) acts as a support for a connecting member (20) of irregular geometric configuration adapted to support the tool holder plate (30) and the support wheel (40). In agricultural machines, the support wheel (40) is used to regulate the depth of tillage with the tool.

The connecting element (20) contains a pair of profiled flanges (21, 22) with spacers (23 and 23b) with a vertical axis inserted between the flanges (21 and 22) and welded to them, said spacers being adapted to slidely accommodate and lock the post ( 41), which holds the support wheel (40), with the possibility of adjustment in the vertical direction.

The support wheel (40) is locked by means of a plate (41b) bolted to a lower spacer (23b) of the same shape.

Adjustment in the vertical direction of wheel depth is achieved by telescopic sliding movement of a tubular element (41c) that holds the wheel inside the stand (41).

The flanges (21, 22) have holes (21a, 22a, 21b 22b) for the introduction of intermediate beams (11, 12), and the connecting element (20) is installed on both sides of said intermediate beams (11, 12).

In addition, the connecting member (20) acts as a support for the tool holder plate (30). The tool holder plate (30) includes a flange (31) provided with a pair of projecting brackets (32), wherein the proximal ends of the crescent-shaped brackets (32) are provided with proximal holes (32a) for the introduction of intermediate beams (11) acting as support and rotation axes for said tool holder plate (30).

At the far ends of the pair of crescent-shaped brackets (32) relative to the flange, there are distant holes (32b) into which the axis (33) is inserted and locked in the sleeve (34), which is integral with the auxiliary actuator (35) for automatically adjusting the tilt of the plate (30) tool holder. Advantageously, the auxiliary actuator (35) is included in the hydraulic jack.

The auxiliary jack (35) is attached to the connecting element (20) by means of a locking pin (33b) inserted into the actuator sleeve (34b) and into the holes (22c, 21c) of the connecting element flanges (21, 22). The inclination of the tool holder plate (30) is adjusted by varying the length of the auxiliary actuator (35).

A tool holder configuration without adjusting the inclination of the tool holder plate can be obtained by eliminating the auxiliary actuator (35) and the axes (33, 33b) by which the tool holder plate (30) is rotated 180° around the transverse axis (X) of the central frame, and locking the tool holder plate (30) by means of the beam (11), without the need to add any functional parts and without increasing the width of the tool holder.

The flange (21) of said pair of connecting element flanges is provided with a perforated lug (21b) for connecting the flange to a main actuator (50) mounted on the central frame (TC) and adapted to impart a push to move the side frame (TL) relative to the central frame ( TC). In particular, said main actuator (50) is advantageously included in a hydraulic jack comprising a rod (50a) adapted for connection with a perforated eye (21b) of a flange (21) of the connecting element. It is apparent that two main actuators (50) are mounted on the central frame (TC) to impart thrust to move the two side frames (TL) relative to the central frame (TC), respectively.

A distinctive feature of the agricultural tool holder (100) according to the invention is that all parts used in each one of said side frames (TL) are removably assembled so that, in the event of breakage or damage to a part, the defective part can be could be removed and repaired or replaced with a new part without having to replace the entire side frame (TL).

The agricultural tool holder (100) of FIG. 5 preferably holds tools used in the inter-row processing section (G); however, any other types of tools, and not necessarily those used in the inter-row processing section, can be secured to the tool holder plate (30) by means of mounting bolts.

In fig. 6 shows a tool holder (100) equipped with a pair of aggregate discs for row treatment operating close to the plants without penetrating the space between two plants, and thus without the need for an inter-row treatment section.

As shown in FIG. 4, the agricultural tool holder (100) can be used in combination with only one of said side frames (TL) to create a single tool holder.

In both cases, in single and double tool holders, the transverse axis (X) of the central frame determines the axis of symmetry of the tool holder.

As shown in FIG. 1 and 2, if the tool holder (100) is used with a pair of identical, symmetrical side frames (TL), then the central frame (TC) has two axes of symmetry coinciding with the longitudinal axis (Y) and the transverse axis (X). This double symmetry of the agricultural tool holder (100) has several technical and functional advantages.

One of the main advantages is the ability to connect the tool holder (100) to the tractor front and rear, by simply right/left rearrangement of the row section (G) of the treatment or working parts, without the use of any additional auxiliary components or parts.

In the case of using a single tool holder (Fig. 4), it is simply necessary to reverse the installation (relative to the longitudinal axis (Y)) of all parts of the side frame (TL) to convert a rear-attached tool holder to a front-attached tool holder.

Through the rationalization of parts, based on ensuring a very high similarity of all parts located in opposite positions relative to the axes of symmetry (Y and X), it is possible to minimize the cost of production and sales, as well as to simplify the management of the warehouse of replacement and spare parts.

The agricultural tool holder (100) according to the invention has the following additional distinctive features:

- due to the fact that the assembled machine can be disassembled and damaged parts removed, machine maintenance can be carried out easily and efficiently by quickly identifying damage and replacing defective or worn parts;

- thanks to modularity and easy integration of auxiliary devices, the machines are similar, even in the case of different functional configurations; optional systems can be installed easily, without increasing the volume compared to the basic configuration of the machine;

- due to the fact that the wheels (40) are included in the side frame (TL) with the ability to move by sliding to regulate the working depth, said wheels (40) follow the inter-row processing section (G), always remaining in the optimal position relative to the inter-row processing section, which guarantees the stability of the machine also in the fully extended configuration;

- thanks to the geometry of the tool holder plate (30), the inter-row processing section (G) can be connected or replaced by a set of auxiliary devices connected at the front and/or rear, suitable for completing and/or improving the work under foliage.

The agricultural tool holder (100) according to the invention is characterized by compact geometry and optimized weight, and the following additional advantages:

- higher stability of the tractor/tool assembly, with higher safety during operation;

- the possibility of operating on plots of land with a large slope (which is typical for vineyards) and, therefore, the possibility of mechanizing work in unfavorable agricultural regions;

- the possibility of installation with front coupling to the tractor, without compromising its stability and without damaging parts of the front axle (this problem is usually encountered with the frontal use of machines that are currently available on the market, with a higher weight than the maximum weight recommended tractor manufacturer, and/or with a significant number of connection steps);

- the possibility of using low-power and smaller tractors with positive consequences in terms of sustainable economic development (lower purchase and maintenance costs and lower consumption, etc.) and agronomic development (less trampling);

- very good maneuverability in unplowed areas and in reduced spaces (less loss of time during work; higher intensity of use of agricultural land with smaller areas for turning; higher safety during critical maneuvers);

- better visibility of working tools, since they are closer to the tractor and are not blocked by structural parts of the machine (with less stress for the operator and higher productivity).

Claims (14)

1. An agricultural tool holder (100), containing: a central frame (TC) holding a three-point coupling system (P) for connection to an agricultural tractor and housing all hydraulic and electrical parts used to activate the articulated components of the tool holder (100) and tools configured to be mounted on the tool holder (100) ; at least one side frame (TL) slidably movable toward or away from the central frame (TC); and the central frame (TC) has an axis of symmetry (Y) and contains a pair of parallel tubular beams (1) extending along a direction perpendicular to the axis of symmetry (Y) of the central frame (TC); the side frame (TL) comprises a pair of parallel bars (10) adapted to be inserted and slidably moved within tubular beams (1) by which the side frame (TL) is telescopically supported; at least one actuator (50) configured to push said at least one side frame (TL) and mounted on the central frame (TC); characterized in that a pair of beams (10) is rigidly connected by means of two intermediate beams (11 and 12), which are inserted between the beams (10) and screwed to them, while one beam (11) is coordinated with one end of the beams (10), and one beam (12) is coordinated with the center of the beams (10) so that the beams (10) are able to enter, with a section (10a) equal to half their length, inside the tubular beams (1) of the central frame (TC). 2. The agricultural tool holder (100) according to claim 1, wherein a pair of intermediate beams (11 and 12) act as a support for a connecting member (20) adapted to hold the tool holder plate (30) and the support wheel (40). 3. Agricultural tool holder (100) according to claim 2, in which the connecting element (20) contains a pair of profiled flanges (21 and 22) having holes (21a and 22a) for the introduction of intermediate beams (11 and 12). 4. Agricultural tool holder (100) according to claim 3, in which spacers (23 and 23b) with a vertical axis are inserted between the flanges (21 and 22) and welded to them, and a stand (41) holding the wheel (40) is inserted inside the spacers (23 and 23b) and locked in them so that vertical adjustment is possible. 5. The agricultural tool holder (100) of claim 3, wherein the connecting member (20) holds a tool holder plate (30) which has a flange (31) provided with a pair of projecting brackets (32), wherein the brackets (32) have crescent-shaped, and at the proximal ends they have holes (32a) for inserting an intermediate beam (11). 6. An agricultural tool holder (100) according to claim 5, in which holes (32b) are made at the distal ends of the crescent-shaped brackets (32), into which an axle (33) is inserted and locked, inserted into a sleeve (34), which is made in the form integral with the actuator (35), for automatic adjustment of the tilt of the plate. 7. Agricultural tool holder (100) according to claim 4, in which the actuator (50) contains a hydraulic jack having a rod (50a), while one (21) of the profiled flanges (21 and 22) has a perforated eye (21b) where the hydraulic jack rod (50a) is connected. 8. Agricultural tool holder (100) according to any one of claims. 1-7, in which a central frame (TC) supports a pair of identical, symmetrical side frames (TL) on opposite sides, each of the side frames (TL) being capable of sliding toward or away from the central frame (TC) along a perpendicular direction (X) relative to the axis of symmetry (Y) of the central frame (TC).