AGRICULTURAL MACHINE AND DEVICE

Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural machine comprising at least one elongate disc implement which cultivates the ground, the disc implement comprising at least one beam (3a-3c, 4a-4c) which supports essentially vertically arranged discs (9), the discs (9) on each beam being, at least in groups, arranged in a parallel manner in relation to one another and inclined at an angle from the normal to the longitudinal direction of the respective beam (3a-3c, 4a-4c), a share (10) being arranged between at least two consecutive discs (9) on the same beam in such a manner that it cultivates and cuts off rootlets present in the soil ridge formed between the grooves of the respective discs in the soil cultivated by the agricultural machine. The invention also relates to an agricultural machine comprising at least one elongate disc implement which cultivates the ground, which disc implement comprises at least two beams (3a-3c, 4a-4c), a first and a second beam, which bear essentially vertically arranged symmetrical discs (9), and which beams (3a, 4a; 3b, 4b; 3c, 4c) are arranged one behind the other in a predetermined essentially parallel position transverse to the direction of travel of the machine, corresponding discs on the first and second beam being arranged in such a manner that the discs on the first beam (3a-3c) are angled, in relation to the normal of the assembly, in the opposite direction to the corresponding discs on the second beam (4a-4c), displacement members (20) being arranged in order to displace the beams (3a-3c, 4a-4c) so that they are displaced in pairs (3a, 4a; 3b, 4b; 3c, 4c) in relation to one another in the longitudinal direction of the disc implement.

Description: Agricultural machine and device. The invention relates to a new type of disc implement for cultivation within agriculture, which disc implement comprises at least one frame consisting of at least two beams with a plurality of discs arranged on these beams, as well as a disc implement comprising at least one share and an agricultural machine comprising this disc implement. Conventionally, disc implements have been made so that the disc-bearing beams are arranged in either an X- shape or a Y-shape. This means that the beams in an X- shaped arrangement diverge from one another from the centre of the implement. In a V-shaped disc implement, the point of intersection of the beams is on one side of the implement (or just outside) . Such disc implements are known from, for example, the Swedish patents SE 9003516-3 and SE 9601678-7 of the applicant. In these known disc implements, when great working widths are to be cultivated, the disc implement is very long when the beams diverge from one another. An advantage of these conventional disc implements is, however, that cutting out (that is to say that the whole surface is cultivated and all plant roots are cut off) is in most cases complete at a cultivating depth of 50-60 mm. Another embodiment is represented by the arrangement described in EP 0 428 198 Bl. In the disc implement disclosed, behind which a cultivator is arranged, the discs are arranged in a parallel manner on a beam. The discs have a preset angle in both the horizontal plane and the vertical plane. In an embodiment in Fig. 3 according to the above EP 0 428 198 Bl, an additional disc implement has been mounted behind the cultivator. The beams belonging to the two disc implements are parallel but beam 2 (implement 2) has discs which are angled in the opposite direction to the discs on the first implement. A problem which has been encountered in this new type of machine is that it is difficult to make the front and the rear discs cut in a straight line in relation to one another under different circumstances. It is very important that this takes place as the purpose of the operation is in most cases not only cultivation but also effective weed control. In order to achieve the maximum effect in weed control, it is important to cut off all the roots of the weeds. This difficulty is caused by inter alia different types of soil, working depth, speed of travel and resilience of the various parts of the machine. When a disc implement is used, it is easy for a ridge to form between the discs, which remains after the discs have cut their U-shaped grooves. The object of the present invention is to provide a disc implement of the type described in the introduction, which affords good, even cultivation of the soil and ensures that this includes cutting off essentially all the weed roots. Another object of the present invention is to provide a disc implement of the type described in the introduction, which makes the front and the rear discs cut in a straight line in relation to one another. Another object of the present invention is to provide a disc implement of the type described in the introduction, which is compact and does not increase in length as the working width increases. Another object of the present invention is to provide a disc implement of the type described in the introduction, which can be transported between different points of use in a simple and safe manner. These objects are achieved by virtue of the fact that the disc implement described in the introduction has been provided with the characteristics which emerge from Patent Claim 1. According to the invention, cultivation and the cutting off of the weed roots when a disc implement is used are ensured by arranging special shares between at least one pair of discs. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a disc implement comprising discs arranged on a beam or the like, and also having shares which in their simplest embodiment are arranged detachably between the discs. These shares are in the form of an essentially vertical elongate part and a cutting part arranged essentially horizontally at the lower end of the vertical elongate part. A great many embodiments of the vertical part are possible because the discs between which the share is arranged are not symmetrical in their plane but have an essentially convex side and an essentially concave side. It is important, however, that the essentially horizontally arranged cutting part, with the vertical elongate part, is arranged between the discs in such a manner that it on the one hand does not interfere with adjacent shares and on the other hand cuts off any weed roots present in the ridge between the discs. In another embodiment, the discs supported on the beams are angularly adjustable in relation to the beams and to the fastening arrangement which can consist of an arm arranged on the beam concerned. The discs can also be height-adjustable in relation to the beams. In another embodiment, the share is arranged adjustably in relation to the discs and/or the respective beam. In another embodiment, the adjustability in relation to the ground of the shares and the discs arranged on a beam can be changed synchronously by rotating the beam. In another embodiment according to the present invention, the disc implement has two disc-supporting beams arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel. These can in turn be arranged in front of a roller or another arrangement in the direction of travel. The function of the roller is to weigh down and thus control the disc implement in depth so that the disc implement thus penetrates to and works at the intended depth. The roller affords the advantage that the soil is recompacted after the discs have performed their cutting and breaking-up function. The disc implement can be divided into a number of sections arranged across the width, as will be seen below. According to this embodiment, the object of the invention is achieved by axially displacing the parallel beams of the implement in relation to one another in an essentially parallel direction. Optimum utilization of the invention is achieved in a combination of two or more of the above embodiments. The driver can thus always adjust the machine so that optimum cultivation and weed control are achieved. The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the appended drawings, which show preferred embodiments. Fig. 1 shows a disc implement according to the invention towed by, for example, a tractor and with a roller connected to it, in the working position, Fig. 2 shows a corresponding view from underneath, Fig. 3 shows discs with shares, Fig . 4 shows a detailed view of the share according to the invention, Fig . 5 shows a section of the disc implement according to the invention with axial adjustment marked, Fig . 6 shows a disc implement according to the invention towed by, for example, a tractor and with a roller connected to it, in the transport position. In Fig. 1, reference number 1 designates a towing arrangement for an agricultural machine, in which the invention is intended to be used. This towing arrangement is arranged pivotably on a roller 2 which is arranged behind the disc implement 3, 4 according to the invention in the direction of travel. In this embodiment, the roller 2 is arranged so as to be capable of being adjusted into a transport position shown in Fig. 6. The manner in which this roller adjustment is effected is indicated in greater detail in patent SE 8605233-9 B of the applicant. Transport wheels 6 intended for use in the transport position are also shown. In the arrangement shown, the roller 2 is designed in three sections which can be rotated in relation to one another and to the towing arrangement. The operating devices 5 are intended for raising and lowering parts of the disc implement in relation to one another to adapt to the force exerted on them on the one hand by the tractive force applied and on the other hand by the effect exerted by the roller. The disc implement is also designed in three sections in this embodiment for adaptation to the roller behind. Fig. 2 shows the agricultural machine in Fig. 1 in a view from underneath. The same reference numbers as in Fig. 1 are used. The towing arrangement is designated by 1, the various sections of the roller by 2a - 2c, and the beams forming part of the sections of the disc implement by 3a - 3c and, respectively, 4a - 4c. The operating devices 5a - 5c are used as above for height adjustment within the respective disc implement section 3a and 4a, 3b and 4b, and 3c and 4c. Each disc implement section in this embodiment is constructed in essentially the same manner. As can be seen in the figure, the two beams which support the discs and form part of each disc implement section can be displaced laterally in a parallel manner in relation to one another, that is to say the beam 3a, for example, can be displaced laterally in relation to the beam 4a and so forth. In the example according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the discs 9 are mounted on the square beams 3a - 3c, 4a - Ac by means of rubber springing and an arm. Other types of mounting are also possible provided that, when mounted on the beam, the discs can rotate freely as they work their way forward through the soil being cultivated. The discs 9 have a preset angle in both the horizontal plane and the vertical plane. Depth adjustment of the discs can be effected by the axles being rotated or by the axles, together or individually, being moved vertically without any change in angle, for example by means of one or more parallelogram-shaped arrangements . Reference number 10 indicates the share according to the invention. The share will be explained in greater detail in connection with Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The share according to the invention is intended to be mounted between the discs. As they are intended to cultivate the soil ridge which can be formed between the disc grooves, the shares are suitably arranged so that at least one share will cultivate each soil ridge formed. As can be understood, this may mean that, when two beams with their associated discs are arranged one behind the other, a share does not necessarily have to be included between every pair of adjacent discs, but, if appropriate, the shares can be arranged between every other pair of discs on one beam and, with a slight stagger, between every other pair of discs on the other beam. In that disc implement section designated by 3a, 4a, a member 20 for laterally displacing the two parts in relation to one another in a parallel direction is shown. In the drawing, this is shown in the form of a rigging screw. Equivalent arrangements such as hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangements, rack transmission arrangements etc. can also be used. A joint 21 is also shown, which is used when height adjustment is carried out between the two parts. These components are also shown in Fig. 5. The displacement member 20 can be any machine element which fixes and locks the parts in relation to one another in the defined/selected manner. Fig. 3 shows from above a portion of a beam 3 belonging to any one of the disc sections. On the beam, there are fastening arrangements 11 (not shown in detail) for an arm 12 which, at its lower end, supports the disc 9 in such a manner that it is freely rotatable in the plane of the disc about the mounting of the disc on the arm 12. The share 10 according to the invention is also arranged on this arm. Fig. 4 shows two discs 9 each arranged on a beam by means of an arm 12, and associated shares 10. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the share is arranged at the lower end of the arm 12 which, on its opposite side, supports the disc 9. It is possible for the share to be arranged in a permanent or removable manner. It is of course an advantage from the point of view of wear to be able to detach the share for replacement or maintenance, and also to be able, if so desired, to use the disc implement without shares mounted. It is also possible for shares to mounted so that their height adjustment can be varied in relation to the discs which wear during use. In another embodiment, the share can be fastened to the beam by means of a separate arm or the like, or all the shares can be arranged on a separate beam which is arranged so as to interact with the beam which supports the discs. It is important for the action of the share that it is located between adjacent discs and that it has a vertical part and an essentially horizontal part arranged so as to cut off rootlets in the interspace between the discs. Fig. 5 shows a section consisting of two parallel disc implement parts 3a and 4a, and a member 20 for moving the disc implement parts laterally, which consists of a rigging screw in this embodiment. The drawing also shows the member 5a for relative height adjustment of the disc implement parts 3a and 4a. A joint necessary for this height adjustment is indicated by 21. Fig. 6 shows, in transport position, the agricultural implement shown in Fig. 1 with a roller 2 which is arranged behind the disc implement 3, 4 in the direction of travel. The towing arrangement is designated by 1. The invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments which are not to be seen as limiting for the invention but only to serve to exemplify the same.

Claims: Patent Claims 1. Agricultural machine comprising at least one elongate disc implement which cultivates the ground, characterized in that the disc implement comprises at least one beam (3a - 3c, 4a - 4c) which supports essentially vertically arranged discs (9), the discs (9) on each beam being, at least in groups, arranged in a parallel manner in relation to one another and inclined at an angle from the normal to the longitudinal direction of the respective beam (3a - 3c, 4a - 4c), a share (10) being arranged between at least two consecutive discs (9) on the same beam in such a manner that it cultivates and cuts off rootlets present in the soil ridge formed between the grooves of the respective discs in the soil cultivated by the agricultural machine. 2. Agricultural machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that the share (10) comprises at least two parts (14, 15), the upper end of one part (14) being intended to be arranged vertically in relation to an adjacent disc (9), and at the lower end of which part an essentially horizontal cutting second part (15) projects in the direction away from the adjacent disc ( 9 ) . 3. Agricultural machine according to either Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that the cutting part (15) is arranged essentially transversely to the intended direction of movement of the disc implement. 4. Agricultural machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the share (10) is detachably arranged close to the mounting of the rotatable disc (9) on the fastening arrangement (12) which is arranged so as to support the disc (9) . 5. Agricultural machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the share (10) is arranged on the disc implement by means of a separate fastening arrangement. 6. Agricultural machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the disc implement comprises at least two beams (3a - 3c, 4a - 4c) with associated discs (9), which beams are arranged parallel to one another and one behind the other in the intended direction of movement of the disc implement. 7. Agricultural machine comprising at least one elongate disc implement which cultivates the ground, characterized in that the disc implement comprises at least two beams (3a - 3c, 4a - 4c), a first and a second beam, which bear essentially vertically arranged symmetrical discs (9), and which beams (3a, 4a; 3b, 4b; 3c, 4c) are arranged one behind the other in a predetermined essentially parallel position transverse to the direction of travel of the machine, corresponding discs on the first and second beam being arranged in such a manner that the discs on the first beam (3a - 3c) are angled, in relation to the normal of the assembly, in the opposite direction to the corresponding discs on the second beam (4a - 4c) , and in that displacement members (20) are arranged in order to displace the beams (3a - 3c, 4a - 4c) so that they are displaced in pairs (3a, 4a; 3b, 4b; 3c, 4c) in relation to one another in the longitudinal direction of the disc implement. 8. Agricultural machine according to Claim 7, characterized in that a displacement member (20) is provided for each first and second beam (3a, 4a; 3b, 4b; 3c, 4c) , which beams are essentially parallel in pairs, and is arranged so as to displace and lock the essentially parallel beams (3a, 4a; 3b, 4b; 3c, 4c) in at least one predetermined position. 9. Agricultural machine according to Claim 8, characterized in that the displacement member (20) is a manually adjustable device, for example a rigging screw or a gear transmission. 10. Agricultural machine according to Claim 8, characterized in that the displacement member (20) is a pneumatically adjustable device which can be operated remotely from the driver's cab. 11. Agricultural machine according to Claim 10, characterized in that the displacement member (20) can be operated remotely from the driver's cab.

Inventors: GILSTRING GERT, GILSTRING, GERT
Applicants: GILSTRING GERT, VAEDERSTAD VERKEN AB, GILSTRING, GERT, VAEDERSTAD-VERKEN AB
Application year: 2000
Main classification: A01B17
IPC codes: A01B21, A01B49, A01B73