SOIL CULTIVATOR

Abstract

A soil cultivator for mechanical weed control between rows of cultivated plants includes a frame attachable to a tractor for movement along a traveling direction, and at least one soil processing unit attached to the frame. The at least one soil control unit includes a deformable sub-frame made of an elastic material. The soil cultivator further comprises a first adjusting means connected to the deformable sub-frame via at least one first connecting element, and a second adjusting means connected to the deformable sub-frame via at least one second connecting element. At least one adjusting unit is provided for carrying out a movement of the first and the second adjusting means, such that the deformable sub-frame is elastically deformable by the movement of the first and the second adjusting means such that the extent of the deformable sub-frame changes transversely to the traveling direction.

Claims

1. A soil cultivator for mechanical weed control between rows of cultivated plants, comprising: a frame attachable to a tractor for movement along a traveling direction, at least one soil processing unit attached to the frame, wherein the at least one soil processing unit comprises a deformable sub-frame made of an elastic material, a first, movably configured, adjusting means, wherein the first adjusting means is connected to the deformable sub-frame via at least a first connecting element, and a second, movably configured, adjusting means, wherein the second adjusting means is connected to the deformable sub-frame via at least a second connecting element, and at least one adjusting unit for carrying out a movement of the first and the second adjusting means, the deformable sub-frame being elastically deformable by the movement of the first and the second adjusting means such that an extent of the deformable sub-frame changes transverse to the traveling direction.

2. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, wherein the elastic material comprises: an elastomer, a thermoplastic, a rubber, a hard rubber, steel, or spring steel.

3. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, wherein the deformable sub-frame comprises a one-piece design, or several sub-elements which are immovable relative to one another and fixedly connected to one another.

4. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, wherein the deformable sub-frame has an open or closed design.

5. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, wherein the deformable sub-frame runs in a plane, wherein the deformable sub-frame comprises at least one loop, wherein the loop runs in the plane of the deformable sub-frame or perpendicular to the plane of the deformable sub-frame.

6. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting element comprises at least one joint, and the second connecting element comprises at least one joint.

7. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, further comprising a pipe arranged transverse to the traveling direction, wherein the pipe includes at least a first guide sleeve and a second guide sleeve, wherein an exterior side of the first guide sleeve includes a first force transmission means connected thereto, and the exterior side of the second guide sleeve includes a second force transmission means connected thereto, wherein a connection between the first, movably configured adjusting means and the deformable sub-frame includes connecting the first, movably configured adjusting means with the first guide sleeve via the first force transmission means, and connecting the first guide sleeve with the deformable sub-frame via the first connecting element, and wherein a connection between the second, movably configured adjusting means and the deformable sub-frame includes connecting the second, movably configured adjusting means with the second guide sleeve via the second force transmission means, and connecting the second guide sleeve with the deformable sub-frame via the second connecting element, wherein the first and the second force transmission means comprise a first and a second rod part, wherein the first and second rod part have different lengths.

8. The soil cultivator according to claim 7, wherein the first and the second force transmission means each comprise a respective pin-like protrusion on the exterior side of the first guide sleeve and on the exterior side of the second guide sleeve, wherein the exterior sides of the first adjusting means and the second adjusting means each comprise a fork-like pair of protrusions, wherein the pin-like protrusion of the first guide sleeve is engaged with the fork-like pair of protrusions of the first adjusting means, and the pin-like protrusion of the second guide sleeve is engaged with the fork-like pair of protrusions of the second adjusting means.

9. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one adjusting unit effects a linear movement of the first and the second adjusting means oriented transverse to the traveling direction, wherein the movement of the first adjusting means is oriented antiparallel to the movement of the second adjusting means, and wherein the at least one adjusting unit is an electric or hydraulic actuator actuated by a control device.

10. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of soil processing units with a plurality of deformable sub-frames are arranged on the frame.

11. The soil cultivator according to claim 10, wherein movement of the first and the second adjusting means deforms the plurality of deformable sub-frames such that the extent of the deformable sub-frames transverse to the traveling direction changes in the same way.

12. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, wherein each soil processing unit further comprises a first and a second harrow tine, wherein the first and the second harrow tine are connected to the deformable sub-frame of the respective soil processing unit.

13. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, wherein each soil processing unit further comprises a first cultivator sweep, a second cultivator sweep and a third cultivator sweep, wherein the first, second and third cultivator sweeps are offset relative to each other in the traveling direction and transverse to the traveling direction such that the cultivator sweeps form an isosceles triangle, wherein the first cultivator sweep forms a leading or trailing tip of the isosceles triangle in the traveling direction, and wherein the second and the third cultivator sweeps are connected to the deformable sub-frame of the respective soil processing unit.

14. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, further comprising a first colter, a second colter, a third colter and a fourth colter arranged on each soil processing unit, wherein the respective first and second colters form a front colter pair, and the respective third and fourth colters form a rear colter pair, wherein the first colter is connected to the deformable sub-frame by a first auxiliary connecting means, the second colter is connected to the deformable sub-frame by a second auxiliary connecting means, the third colter is connected to the deformable sub-frame by a third auxiliary connecting means, and the fourth colter is connected to the deformable sub-frame by a fourth auxiliary connecting means.

15. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, further comprising at least one movement transmission means for carrying out a movement of the first adjusting means and the second adjusting means, wherein the at least one adjusting unit is connected to the first adjusting means and the second adjusting means via the at least one movement transmission means in order to execute a movement of the first and the second adjusting means.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to specific embodiments in connection with the drawings. However, it is expressly noted that the invention is not intended to be limited to the examples given. The following are shown:

[0076] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a top view of a soil processing unit of a soil cultivator;

[0077] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a top view of a further embodiment of the soil processing unit of a soil cultivator;

[0078] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a top view of a soil cultivator with a tractor;

[0079] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a top view of a further embodiment of the soil processing unit of a soil cultivator;

[0080] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a top view of a further embodiment of the soil processing unit of a soil cultivator;

[0081] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a top view of a further embodiment of a soil cultivator with a tractor.

[0082] FIGS. 7A-7F are schematic representations of top views of further embodiments of deformable frame elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0083] FIG. 1 shows in schematic view a top view of a soil processing unit 2 of a soil cultivator for mechanical weed control between rows of cultivated plants according to the invention. The soil cultivator has a frame attachable to a tractor for movement along a traveling direction F, the frame being indicated only by the frame pipe 3.2. Further elements of the frame are not necessary for the description of the invention and are therefore not shown in the figure. The frame pipe 3.2 has a longitudinal axis 3.2.A, wherein the longitudinal axis 3.2.A is arranged transversely to the traveling direction F.

[0084] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the soil cultivation is carried out in a lane between two rows of cultivated plants, the lane having a lane centerline GML defined parallel to the travel direction F. However, as mentioned above, it is also possible to perform tillage to the left and right of a row of crops. In this case, however, a first cultivator sweep 8.1, described in more detail below, must be removed.

[0085] The soil processing unit 2 includes a frame-like element or deformable sub-frame 4 constructed from a first 4.1, a second 4.2, a third 4.3 and a fourth sub-element 4.4, the first 4.1 and the third sub-element 4.3 being formed from a linear piece of spring steel, while the second 4.2 and the fourth sub-element 4.4 are formed from a piece of spring steel bent into a U-shape. The individual sub-elements are fixedly connected to each other and together form a deformable sub-frame 4 made of elastic spring steel. In a top view of the soil processing unit 2, it can be seen that the deformable sub-frame 4 has an approximately oval shape with two linear sections.

[0086] The soil cultivator comprises a first, movably configured adjusting means or first adjusting member 18.L and a second, movably configured adjusting means or second adjusting member 18.R. The first adjusting member 18.L is connected to the deformable sub-frame 4 by the rod part 7.L.1 in the area of the first sub-element 4.1. The second adjusting member 18.R is connected to the deformable sub-frame 4 by the rod part 7.R.1 in the region of the third sub-element 4.3.

[0087] By means of an antiparallel movement of the first adjusting member 18.L and the second adjusting member 18.R, which is explained in more detail below in connection with FIG. 3, the rod parts 7.L.1, 7.R.1 are moved either towards or away from each other. As a result, the deformable sub-frame 4 is deformed, in particular in the area of the curved sub-elements 4.2, 4.4, so that the extent or width of the deformable sub-frame 4 changes transversely to the traveling direction F.

[0088] The movement of the first 18.L and the second adjusting members 18.R is caused by an adjusting unit 19 (see FIG. 3) acting on the adjusting members via a movement transmission means 20 which in the embodiment shown comprises a transmission linkage or movement transmission 20. In the embodiment shown, the adjusting unit 19 is a hydraulic actuator which can be controlled by means of a control unit. In the embodiment shown, the rod parts 7.L.1 and 7.R.1, the first and second adjusting members 18.L and 18.R, the transmission 20 and the adjusting unit 19 comprise means for deforming or adjusting the width or extent of the frame like element or deformable sub-frame.

[0089] The soil processing unit 2 has a first 5.1 and a second harrow tine 5.2, the first 5.1 and the second harrow tine 5.2 being arranged on different sides of the lane centerline GML. The first harrow tine 5.1 and the second harrow tine 5.2 are each connected to the frame pipe 3.2 by a wire 5.1.D, 5.2.D. By rotating the frame pipe 3.2, the wires 5.1.D, 5.2.D are wound around the frame pipe and a corresponding tensile force is exerted on the harrow tines 5.1, 5.2. This allows the pretension of the harrow tines 5.1, 5.2 to be adjusted.

[0090] The first harrow tine 5.1 is connected to the linear first sub-element 4.1 of the deformable sub-frame 4, while the second harrow tine 5.2 is connected to the linear third sub-element 4.3 of the deformable sub-frame 4. By connecting the harrow tines 5.1, 5.2 to one sub-element each of the deformable sub-frame 4, an adjustment of the distance between the two harrow tines 5.1, 5.2 can be made. This brings particular advantages with regard to the control of weeds growing particularly close to the crop plants, since the harrow tines 5.1, 5.2 can be moved very close along the row of crop plants. Damage to the crop plants can be avoided, as precise positioning of the harrow tines relative to the crop plants can be made by changing the width of the deformable sub-frame 4.

[0091] A first cultivator sweep 8.1, a second cultivator sweep 8.2 and a third cultivator sweep 8.3 are also arranged on the soil processing unit 2, wherein the second cultivator sweep 8.2 and the third cultivator sweep 8.3 are arranged on different sides of the lane centerline (GML). The cultivator sweeps 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 are arranged offset from one another both in the traveling direction F and transversely to the traveling direction F in such a way that they form an isosceles triangle, the first cultivator sweep 8.1 arranged in the region of the lane centerline GML forming the apex of the isosceles triangle leading in the traveling direction.

[0092] It can be seen from FIG. 1 that the second cultivator sweep 8.2 and the third cultivator sweep 8.3 are connected to the fourth sub-element 4.4 of the deformable sub-frame 4 by a connecting means comprising a connecting member 8.2.V, 8.3.V in each case and by a further auxiliary connecting means comprising a connecting member 9.H.L.V, 9.H.R.V in each case. Thereby, the two cultivator sweeps 8.2, 8.3 are connected to the fourth sub-element of the deformable sub-frame 4 on different sides of the lane center line GML. By this connection of the cultivator sweeps 8.2, 8.3 with the fourth sub-element 4.4 of the deformable sub-frame 4 on different sides of the lane centerline GML, an adjustment of the distance of the two cultivator sweeps 8.2, 8.3 from each other can be made using the means for deforming or adjusting the width or extent of the deformable sub-frame. Thus, an adaptation of the width of the area worked by the cultivator sweeps 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 between the rows of cultivated plants to the conditions at a specific site of use can be made.

[0093] The soil processing unit 2 further comprises a first colter 9.V.L, a second colter 9.V.R, a third colter 9.H.R and a fourth colter 9.H.L, wherein the first 9.V.L and the second colter 9.V.R form a front pair of colters 9.V.L, 9.V.R and the third 9.H.R and the fourth colter 9.H.L form a rear pair of colters 9.H.L, 9.H.R. Thereby, the two colters of the front colter pair 9.V.R, 9.V.L are arranged on different sides of the lane centerline GML and the two colters of the rear colter pair 9.H.R, 9.H.L are arranged on different sides of the lane centerline GML.

[0094] The first colter 9.V.L is connected to the second sub-element 4.2 of the deformable sub-frame 4 by a first auxiliary connecting means comprising a first auxiliary connecting member 9.V.L.V, while the second colter 9.V.R is also connected to the second sub-element 4.2 of the deformable sub-frame 4 by a second auxiliary connecting means comprising an auxiliary connecting member 9.V.R.V. In this case, the two colters 9.V.L, 9.V.R are connected to the second sub-element 4.2 of the deformable sub-frame 4 on different sides of the lane centerline GML. By this connection of the colters 9.V.L, 9.V.R with the second sub-element 4.2 of the deformable sub-frame 4 on different sides of the lane centerline GML, an adjustment of the distance of the two colters 9.V.L, 9.V.R from each other can be made using the means for deforming or adjusting the width or extent of the deformable sub-frame. Thus, the distance of the colters from each other can be adjusted to the width of the area worked by the cultivator sweeps between the rows of cultivated plants.

[0095] Similarly, third colter 9.H.R is connected to fourth sub-element 4.4 of deformable sub-frame 4 by third auxiliary connecting means comprising a third auxiliary connecting member 9.H.R.V, while fourth colter 9.H.L is connected to fourth sub-element 4.4 of deformable sub-frame 4 by fourth auxiliary connecting means comprising a fourth auxiliary connecting member 9.H.L.V as well. Thereby, the two colters 9.H.L, 9.H.R are connected to the fourth sub-element 4.4 of the deformable sub-frame 4 on different sides of the lane centerline GML. By this connection of the colters 9.H.L, 9.H.R with the fourth sub-element 4.4 of the deformable sub-frame 4 on different sides of the lane centerline GML, an adjustment of the distance of the two colters 9.H.L, 9.H.R from each other can be made using the means for deforming or adjusting the width or extent of the deformable sub-frame. Thus, the distance of the colters from each other can be adjusted to the width of the area worked by the cultivator sweeps between the rows of cultivated plants.

[0096] The auxiliary connecting members 9.V.L.V, 9.V.R.V, 9.H.R.V, 9.H.L.V, by which the individual colters are connected to the sub-elements 4.2, 4.4 of the deformable sub-frame 4, are each connected to a ring 10 provided centrally in the deformable sub-frame. In one embodiment, a front colter and a rear colter, which are arranged on different sides of the lane centerline, are connected to the same ring 10. The rings 10 are designed to be rotatable relative to each other, which ensures the mobility required to change the distance between the colters of a pair of colters.

[0097] The two rings 10 are placed around a vertically aligned support foot 11, which attaches a depth guide wheel 12, each associated with a soil processing unit 2, to the soil cultivator in a vertically displaceable manner.

[0098] FIG. 2 shows in schematic view a top view of a further embodiment of a soil processing unit 2 of a soil cultivator for mechanical weed control between rows of cultivated plants according to the invention. The soil cultivator has a frame attachable to a tractor for movement along a traveling direction F, the frame being indicated only by the frame pipe 3.2. Further elements of the frame are not necessary for the description of the invention and are therefore not shown in the figure. The frame pipe 3.2 has a longitudinal axis 3.2.A, wherein the longitudinal axis 3.2.A is arranged transversely to the traveling direction F.

[0099] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the soil cultivation takes place in a lane between two rows of cultivated plants, the lane having a lane centerline GML defined parallel to the travel direction F. However, as mentioned above, it is also possible to perform tillage to the left and right of a row of crops. In this case, however, the first cultivator sweep 8.1, described in more detail below, must be removed.

[0100] The soil processing unit 2 has a deformable sub-frame 4 constructed from a first 4.1, a second 4.2, a third 4.3 and a fourth sub-element 4.4, the first 4.1 and the third sub-element 4.3 being formed from a linear piece of spring steel, while the second 4.2 and the fourth sub-element 4.4 are formed from a piece of spring steel bent into a U-shape. The individual sub-elements are firmly connected to each other and together form a deformable sub-frame 4 consisting of elastic spring steel. In a top view of the soil processing unit 2, it can be seen that the deformable sub-frame 4 has an approximately oval shape with two linear sections.

[0101] The soil processing unit 2 has a pipe 3.1 arranged transversely to the traveling direction F, wherein a first guide sleeve 16.L and a second guide sleeve 16.R are arranged on the pipe 3.1. The first guide sleeve 16.L is provided on its outer side with a first force transmission means in the form of a first elongated rod part 17.L and the second guide sleeve 16.R is provided on its outer side with a second force transmission means in the form of a second elongated rod part 17.R. The first and second rod parts 17.L and 17.R have different lengths.

[0102] The first guide sleeve 16.L is connected to the deformable sub-frame 4 by two rod parts 7.L.1, 7.L.2 in the area of the first sub-element 4.1, while the second guide sleeve 16.R is connected to the deformable sub-frame 4 by two rod parts 7.R.1, 7.R.2 in the area of the third sub-element 4.3.

[0103] The soil cultivator comprises a first movably configured adjusting means comprising a first adjusting member 18.L, wherein the first adjusting member 18.L is fixedly connected to the first elongated rod part 17.L, and a second movably configured adjusting means comprising a second adjusting member 18.R, wherein the second adjusting member 18.R is fixedly connected to the second elongated rod part 17.R.

[0104] By means of an antiparallel movement of the first adjusting member 18.L and the second adjusting member 18.R, which is explained in more detail below in connection with FIG. 3, the guide sleeves 16.L, 16.R are moved either towards each other or away from each other. As a result, the deformable sub-frame 4 is deformed, in particular in the region of the curved sub-elements 4.2, 4.4, so that the extent of the deformable sub-frame 4 changes transversely to the traveling direction F.

[0105] The movement of the first and the second adjusting members 18.L and 18.R is caused by an adjusting unit 19 (see FIG. 3) acting on the first and second adjusting members 18.L and 18.R via a movement transmission means comprising transmission 20. In the embodiment shown, the adjusting unit 19 is a hydraulic actuator which can be controlled by means of a control unit.

[0106] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the rod parts 7.L.1 and 7.R.1, the guide sleeves 16.L and 16.R, the first and second elongated rod parts 17.L and 17.R, the adjusting members 18.L and 18.R, the movement transmission 20 and the adjusting unit 19 comprise means for deforming or adjusting the width or extent of the deformable sub-frame or deformable sub-frame 4.

[0107] The soil processing unit 2 has a first 5.1 and a second harrow tine 5.2, the first 5.1 and the second harrow tine 5.2 being arranged on different sides of the lane centerline GML. The first harrow tine 5.1 and the second harrow tine 5.2 are each connected to the frame pipe 3.2 by a wire 5.1.D, 5.2.D. By rotating the frame pipe 3.2, the wires 5.1.D, 5.2.D are wound around the frame pipe and a corresponding tensile force is exerted on the harrow tines 5.1, 5.2. This allows the pretension of the harrow tines 5.1, 5.2 to be adjusted.

[0108] The first harrow tine 5.1 is connected to the linear first sub-element 4.1 of the deformable sub-frame 4, while the second harrow tine 5.2 is connected to the linear third sub-element 4.3 of the deformable sub-frame 4. By connecting the harrow tines 5.1, 5.2 to one sub-element each of the deformable sub-frame 4, an adjustment of the distance between the two harrow tines 5.1, 5.2 can be made. This brings particular advantages with regard to the control of weeds growing particularly close to the crop plants, since the harrow tines 5.1, 5.2 can be moved very close along the row of crop plants. Damage to the crop plants can be avoided, as precise positioning of the harrow tines relative to the crop plants can be made by changing the width of the deformable sub-frame 4.

[0109] A first cultivator sweep 8.1, a second cultivator sweep 8.2 and a third cultivator sweep 8.3 are also arranged on the soil processing unit 2, wherein the second cultivator sweep 8.2 and the third cultivator sweep 8.3 are arranged on different sides of the lane centerline (GML). The cultivator sweeps 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 are arranged offset from one another both in the traveling direction F and transversely to the traveling direction F in such a way that they form an isosceles triangle, the first cultivator sweep 8.1 arranged in the region of the lane centerline GML forming the apex of the isosceles triangle leading in the traveling direction.

[0110] It can be seen from FIG. 1 that the second cultivator sweep 8.2 and the third cultivator sweep 8.3 are connected to the fourth sub-element 4.4 of the deformable sub-frame 4 by a connecting means comprising connecting member 8.2.V, 8.3.V in each case and by a further auxiliary connecting means comprising auxiliary connecting member 9.H.L.V, 9.H.R.V in each case. Thereby, the two cultivator sweeps 8.2, 8.3 are connected to the fourth sub-element of the deformable sub-frame 4 on different sides of the lane center line GML. By this connection of the cultivator sweeps 8.2, 8.3 with the fourth sub-element 4.4 of the deformable sub-frame 4 on different sides of the lane centerline GML, an adjustment of the distance of the two cultivator sweeps 8.2, 8.3 from each other can be made. Thus, an adaptation of the width of the area worked by the cultivator sweeps 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 between the rows of cultivated plants to the conditions at a specific site of use can be made.

[0111] The soil processing unit 2 further comprises a first colter 9.V.L, a second colter 9.V.R, a third colter 9.H.R and a fourth colter 9.H.L, wherein the first 9.V.L and the second colter 9.V.R form a front pair of colters 9.V.L, 9.V.R and the third 9.H.R and the fourth colter 9.H.L form a rear pair of colters 9.H.L, 9.H.R. Thereby, the two colters of the front colter pair 9.V.R, 9.V.L are arranged on different sides of the lane centerline GML and the two colters of the rear colter pair 9.H.R, 9.H.L are arranged on different sides of the lane centerline GML.

[0112] The first colter 9.V.L is connected to the second sub-element 4.2 of the deformable sub-frame 4 by a first auxiliary connecting means comprising first auxiliary connecting member 9.V.L.V, while the second colter 9.V.R is also connected to the second sub-element 4.2 of the deformable sub-frame 4 by a second auxiliary connecting means comprising a second auxiliary connecting member 9.V.R.V. In this case, the two colters 9.V.L, 9.V.R are connected to the second sub-element 4.2 of the deformable sub-frame 4 on different sides of the lane centerline GML. By this connection of the colters 9.V.L, 9.V.R with the second sub-element 4.2 of the deformable sub-frame 4 on different sides of the lane centerline GML, an adjustment of the distance of the two colters 9.V.L, 9.V.R from each other can be made using the means for deforming or adjusting the width or extent of the deformable sub-frame of deformable sub-frame. Thus, the distance of the colters from each other can be adjusted to the width of the area worked by the colters between the rows of cultivated plants.

[0113] Similarly, third colter 9.H.R is connected to fourth sub-element 4.4 of deformable sub-frame 4 by third auxiliary connecting means comprising third auxiliary connecting member 9.H.R.V, while fourth colter 9.H.L is connected to fourth sub-element 4.4 of deformable sub-frame 4 by fourth auxiliary connecting means comprising fourth auxiliary connecting member 9.H.L.V as well. Thereby, the two colters 9.H.L, 9.H.R are connected to the fourth sub-element 4.4 of the deformable sub-frame 4 on different sides of the lane centerline GML. By this connection of the colters 9.H.L, 9.H.R with the fourth sub-element 4.4 of the deformable sub-frame 4 on different sides of the lane centerline GML, an adjustment of the distance of the two colters 9.H.L, 9.H.R from each other can be made using the means for deforming or adjusting the width or extent of the deformable sub-frame of deformable sub-frame. Thus, the distance of the colters from each other can be adjusted to the width of the area worked by the colters between the rows of cultivated plants.

[0114] The auxiliary connecting members 9.V.L.V, 9.V.R.V, 9.H.R.V, 9.H.L.V, by which the individual colters are connected to the sub-elements 4.2, 4.4 of the deformable sub-frame 4, are each connected to a ring 10 provided centrally in the deformable sub-frame. In each case, a front colter and a rear colter, which are arranged on different sides of the lane centerline, are connected to the same ring 10. The rings 10 are designed to be rotatable relative to each other, which ensures the mobility required to change the distance between the colters of a pair of colters.

[0115] The two rings 10 are placed around a vertically aligned support foot 11, which attaches a depth guide wheel 12, each associated with a soil processing unit, to the soil cultivator in a vertically displaceable manner.

[0116] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a soil cultivator according to the invention with a tractor 14. In the embodiment shown, the soil cultivator consists of a total of twelve soil processing units 2, of which six soil processing units 2 are shown in their entirety and two further soil processing units are shown in part. Each of these twelve soil processing units 2 is constructed as described in connection with FIG. 2. The pipe 3.1 and the frame pipe 3.2 are each divided into three sections which are connected to each other by universal joints 15. Four soil processing units 2 are provided on each of the sections. The frame is indicated only by the frame pipe 3.2. Further elements of the frame are not necessary for the description of the invention and are therefore not shown in FIG. 3.

[0117] At each of the two opposite ends of the soil cultivator a modified soil processing unit (not shown) is provided, which only has colters, harrow tines and cultivator sweeps on its side facing the other soil processing units. The other elements are missing. This ensures that the two outermost rows of cultivated plants being worked in the particular operation are cleared of weeds from both sides. The lane following this outer row of crops is worked in two successive passes with the soil cultivator in each case in the area located on one side of the lane centerline.

[0118] The two hydraulic cylinders HZ1, HZ2 are connected to each other by frame parts (not shown). These hydraulic cylinders are used to adjust the position of the soil cultivator relative to the tractor when working on a slope.

[0119] The two outer sections of the soil cultivator can be folded up into a vertical position by another hydraulic system (not shown), reducing the overall width of the soil cultivator by ⅔. This makes it possible to drive the tractor with soil cultivator on public roads without any problems.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 3, a number of deformable sub-frames 4 corresponding to the number of soil processing units 2 are provided. The pipe 3.1 therefore has twelve first guide sleeves 16.L and twelve second guide sleeves 16.R, each of the first guide sleeves 16.L being connected to the first adjusting member 18.L via a respective first elongated rod part 17.L, and each of the second guide sleeves 16.R being connected to the second adjusting member 18.R via a respective second elongated rod part 17.R. The pipe 3.1 has twelve first guide sleeves 16.L and twelve second guide sleeves 16.R, each of the first guide sleeves 16.L being connected to the first adjusting member 18.L via a respective second elongated rod part 17.R.

[0121] By means of the guide sleeves 16.L, 16.R provided on the pipe 3.1 and their connection to the first 4.1 and the third sub-element 4.3 of the deformable sub-frame 4, it is achieved that a movement of the guide sleeves 16.L, 16.R is converted into a deformation of the deformable sub-frame 4. In this case, the movement of the guide sleeves 16.L, 16.R is transmitted to the deformable sub-frame 4 via the rod parts 7.L.1, 7.L.2, 7.R.1, 7.R.2, the elastic properties of which enable the width of the deformable sub-frame 4 to be adjusted transversely to the traveling direction F. The movement of the guide sleeves 16.L, 16.R is caused by the two adjusting members 18.L, 18.R, one of which is connected to each guide sleeve. In this case, the movement of the adjusting members 18.L, 18.R is transmitted to the guide sleeves 16.L, 16.R via elongated rod parts 17.L, 17.R in each case.

[0122] The change in the extent of the deformable sub-frame 4 transversely to the traveling direction F can be affected particularly easily with the embodiment shown, since the movement of the first guide sleeve 16.L and the second guide sleeve 16.R takes place in opposite directions. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the pipe 3.1 to which the guide sleeves 16.L, 16.R are attached is arranged transversely to the traveling direction F. This means that the movement of the guide sleeves 16.L and 16.R can be affected in opposite directions. As a result, the movement of the guide sleeves 16.L, 16.R is fully transferred into a change in the extent of the deformable sub-frames 4 transverse to the traveling direction F.

[0123] The transmission of the movement of the adjusting members 18.L, 18.R via the first and second elongated rod parts 17.L, 17.R to the guide sleeves 16.L, 16.R is also realized in a particularly advantageous manner by the embodiment shown. The first adjusting member 18.L is movable transversely to the traveling direction F and the second adjusting member 18.R is movable transversely to the traveling direction F. This means that the movement of the adjusting members 18.L, 18.R via the force transmission means comprising the first and second elongated rod parts 17.L, 17.R can be converted directly and completely into a movement of the first guide sleeves 16.L and the second guide sleeves 16.R oriented transversely to the traveling direction F. If each pair of guide sleeves 16.L, 16.R moves towards each other, the extent of all deformable sub-frames 4 transverse to the traveling direction F is reduced in the same way. If in each case one pair of guide sleeves 16.L, 16.R moves away from each other, the extent of all deformable sub-frames 4 transverse to the traveling direction F is increased in the same way.

[0124] The movement of the adjusting members 18.L, 18.R is caused by the adjusting unit 19, wherein the first guide sleeve 16.L and the second guide sleeve 16.R are moved by the movement of the first and the second adjusting members 18.L, 18.R, and the deformable sub-frames 4 are deformed by the movement of the first and the second guide sleeves 16.L and 16.R respectively in such a way that the extent of the deformable sub-frames 4 changes transversely to the traveling direction F.

[0125] With the aid of the adjusting unit 19, which can be actuated by means of a control unit, the movement of the first and second adjusting members 18.L, 18.R can also be affected from the tractor during tillage. The width of deformable sub-frames 4 can thus be easily and quickly adjusted to the prevailing conditions on the field as required, whereby the soil cultivation process need not be interrupted.

[0126] The movement transmission 20 has an elongated shape and is fixedly but rotatably connected to the frame at the pivot point 21. The adjusting unit 19 is connected to the elongated movement transmission 20 in the region of one end thereof. A movement caused by the adjusting unit 19 is thus converted into a rotation of the movement transmission 20. In a manner known to the skilled person, in this case the adjusting unit 19 is pivotably mounted on the frame and can thus follow the deflection of the movement transmission 20 due to its rotational movement. In the movement transmission 20, in a manner known to the skilled person, at least one elongated hole 22 is provided, in which a pin or other connecting means of the second adjusting member 18.R is received. Due to its design as an elongated hole 22, the movement transmission 20 can perform a rotational movement without causing a movement of the adjusting member 18.R in the traveling direction F.

[0127] Thus, a linear movement of the first and the second adjusting members 18.L and 18.R oriented transversely to the traveling direction F is affected by the adjusting unit 19, the movement of the first adjusting member 18.L being oriented antiparallel to the movement of the second adjusting member 18.R. The movement of the first adjusting member 18.L is oriented transversely to the traveling direction F. In this way, the movement of the adjusting members 18.L and 18.R is converted directly proportionally into a corresponding change in the extent of deformable sub-frames 4 transversely to the traveling direction F.

[0128] The adjusting unit 19 can also be a manually operated element. In this case, the movement of the first and second adjusting members 18.L and 18.R cannot be affected from the tractor during soil cultivation. Rather, in order to adjust the extent of the deformable sub-frames 4 to the respective conditions on the field, the tillage operation must be interrupted.

[0129] In this case, the movement transmission means can be designed, for example, as a gear wheel which engages in a section designed as a toothed rack on the first and on the second adjusting members 18.L and 18.R. The gear wheel is designed as a toothed rack. A rotation of the gear wheel moves the two adjusting members 18.L and 18.R in antiparallel directions. The rotation of the gear wheel can be affected by manual pivoting of, for example, a lever-like element which is fixedly connected to the axis of rotation of the gear wheel. In addition, means for fixing the lever-like element and thus the gear wheel in a certain position may be provided.

[0130] Using this type of adjusting unit 19, a linear movement of the first 18.L and of the second adjusting members 18.R, oriented transversely to the traveling direction F, is affected, the movement of the first adjusting member 18.L being oriented antiparallel to the movement of the second adjusting member 18.R. In this way, the movement of the adjusting members 18.L and 18.R is converted directly proportionally into a corresponding change in the extent of deformable sub-frames 4 transversely to the traveling direction F.

[0131] FIG. 3 also shows several rows of cultivated plants 13. The tractor 14 moves the soil cultivator in the traveling direction parallel to the rows of cultivated plants. Each lane between two rows of cultivated plants is associated with a soil processing unit 2. When using the soil cultivator, the leading front colters create depressions of several centimeters in the soil. The three cultivator sweeps are pulled through the soil at a shallow depth, cutting through the roots of the weeds growing in the lane between the crops. The two harrow tines scrape up the soil near the crops, simultaneously breaking up the clods and chunks of soil dislodged by the cultivator sweeps and pulling the weeds to the soil surface. Compacted soil near the crops is broken up by the harrow tines in the process. The two trailing colters move soil toward the crops, filling in the initially created depressions and accumulating soil near the crops.

[0132] Since, as described above, each of the twelve control units has two harrow tines, three cultivator sweeps and four colters, which are all moved together with the respective subframe, the complete tillage between the rows of cultivated plants can be adapted to the specific local conditions. Both the distance between the harrow tines, as well as the distance between the colters and the distance between the cultivator sweeps can be adapted to the field to be worked.

[0133] As already mentioned, a plurality of soil processing units 2 with a plurality of deformable sub-frames 4 are arranged on the frame, wherein the pipe 3.1 has a number of guide sleeves 16.L, 16.R matched to the number of soil processing units 2. A first guide sleeve 16.L and a second guide sleeve 16.R are provided for each soil processing unit 2. By a movement of the first adjusting member 18.L and the second adjusting member 18.R, the deformable sub-frames 4 are deformed in such a way that the extent of the plurality of deformable sub-frames 4 changes in an identical manner transversely to the traveling direction F. This allows a plurality of lanes between rows of cultivated plants to be processed simultaneously in a single operation. All first or second guide sleeves 16.L or 16.R are moved synchronously, whereby all deformable sub-frames 4 are deformed synchronously. A change in conditions or crop type of the cultivated area perceived by the farmer on the tractor can thus be immediately reacted to with a corresponding adjustment of the extent of all deformable sub-frames 4.

[0134] FIG. 4 shows in schematic view a top view of a further embodiment of a soil processing unit 2 of a soil cultivator for mechanical weed control in lanes between rows of cultivated plants according to the invention. The individual elements of the embodiment correspond as far as possible to the elements of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In this respect, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0135] In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the pipe 3.1.A of the soil processing unit 2 shown in FIG. 4 has a left-handed external thread and a right-handed external thread, wherein the left-handed external thread is in engagement with a first threaded sleeve 18.L having a left-handed inner thread, and the right-handed external thread is in engagement with a second threaded sleeve 18.R having a right-handed inner thread. In the embodiment shown, the threaded sleeves 18.L and 18.R form the first and the second adjusting means, respectively.

[0136] The first threaded sleeve 18.L is connected to the deformable sub-frame 4 by two rod parts 7.L.1, 7.L.2 in the region of the first sub-element 4.1, while the second threaded sleeve 18.R is connected to the deformable sub-frame 4 by two rod parts 7.R.1, 7.R.2 in the region of the third sub-element 4.3.

[0137] When the pipe 3.3 is rotated about its longitudinal axis 3.3.A, the threaded sleeves 18.L, 18.R move either towards or away from each other. This movement deforms the frame-like element or deformable sub-frame 4 in such a way that the extent of the deformable sub-frame 4 changes transversely to the traveling direction F. The rotation of the pipe 3.3 about its longitudinal axis 3.3.A and thus the movement of the threaded sleeves 18.L and 18.R is affected by an adjusting unit (not shown) associated with the pipe 3.3, which is a hydraulic actuator controllable by means of a control unit. The exteriorly threaded pipe 3.3, the threaded sleeves 18.L and 18.R, the rod parts 7.L.1, 7.L.2 and 7.R.1 and 7.R.2 alone or in combination with an adjusting unit comprise deforming means for deforming or adjusting the width or extent of the deformable sub-frame or deformable sub-frame 4.

[0138] FIG. 5 shows in schematic representation a top view of a further embodiment of a soil processing unit 2 of a soil cultivator for mechanical weed control in lanes between rows of cultivated plants according to the invention.

[0139] The soil cultivator largely corresponds to the embodiment described in connection with FIG. 4. In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a second pipe 3.1 oriented transversely to the traveling direction F is additionally provided, the pipe 3.1 having a first guide sleeve 16.L and a second guide sleeve 16.R, the first guide sleeve 16.L and the second guide sleeve 16.R each being provided on their outer side with a pin-like protrusion 17.L, 17.R. The first threaded sleeve 18.L and the second threaded sleeve 18.R each have a fork-like pair of protrusions 19.L, 19.R on their outer surface, wherein the pin-like protrusion 17.L of the first guide sleeve 16. L is in engagement with the fork-like pair of protrusions 19.L of the first threaded sleeve 18.L, and the pin-like protrusion 17.R of the second guide sleeve 16.R is in engagement with the fork-like pair of protrusions 19.R of the second threaded sleeve 18.R. The second pipe 3.1 and the first and second guide sleeves 16.L and 16.R may be part of the deforming means.

[0140] The first threaded sleeve 18.L is connected to the deformable sub-frame 4 via the guide sleeve 16.L and the two rod parts 7.L.1, 7.L.2 in the region of the first sub-element 4.1, while the second threaded sleeve 18.R is connected to the deformable sub-frame 4 via the guide sleeve 16.R and the two rod parts 7.R.1, 7.R.2 in the region of the third sub-element 4.3.

[0141] As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the pipe 3.3 of the soil processing unit 2 has a left-handed external thread and a right-handed external thread, the left-handed external thread being in engagement with the first threaded sleeve 18.L having a left-handed inner thread, and the right-handed external thread being in engagement with the second threaded sleeve 18.R having a right-handed inner thread.

[0142] When the pipe 3.3 is rotated about its longitudinal axis 3.3.A, the threaded sleeves 18.L, 18.R move either towards or away from each other. This movement deforms the deformable sub-frame 4 in such a way that the extent of the deformable sub-frame 4 transverse to the traveling direction F changes.

[0143] The rotation of the pipe 3.3 about its longitudinal axis 3.3.A and thus the movement of the threaded sleeves 18.L, 18.R is effected by an adjusting unit (not shown) associated with the pipe 3.3, which is a hydraulic actuator controllable by means of a control unit.

[0144] In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, in which the pipe 3.3 is arranged on the soil processing unit 2 and therefore also carries out the vertical movements of the soil processing unit 2 caused by unevenness of the ground, in the embodiment according to FIG. 5 the pipe 3.3 is attached to the frame. According to this embodiment, the pipe 3.3, which has the engagement means, does not also carry out the up and down movements of the soil processing unit 2 and is therefore subjected to considerably less stress. The material stress caused by use of the soil cultivator according to the invention on the field, in particular on the threads of the pipe 3.3, is therefore greatly reduced.

[0145] Although the pipe 3.1 is designed as part of the soil processing unit 2 and therefore carries out the up and down movements of the soil processing unit 2, the use of the guide sleeves 16.L, 16.R on the pipe 3.1 makes it possible to design the pipe 3.1 in hard-chrome form. Wear of the guide sleeves 16.L, 16.R is therefore not to be expected.

[0146] FIG. 6 shows in schematic representation a top view of a soil cultivator according to the invention with tractor 14. In the embodiment shown, the soil cultivator consists of a total of twelve soil processing units 2, of which six soil processing units are shown completely and two further soil processing units are shown partially. Each of these twelve soil processing units 2 is constructed as described in connection with FIG. 4. The pipe 3.3 and the frame pipe 3.2 are each divided into three sections which are interconnected by universal joints 15. Four soil processing units 2 are provided on each of the sections. The frame is indicated only by the frame pipe 3.2. Further elements of the frame are not necessary for the description of the invention and are therefore not shown in FIG. 6.

[0147] At each of the two opposite ends of the soil cultivator a modified soil processing unit (not shown) is provided, which only has colters, harrow tines and cultivator sweeps on its side facing the other soil processing units. The other elements are missing. This ensures that the two outermost rows of cultivated plants being worked in the particular operation are cleared of weeds from both sides. The lane following this outer row of crops is worked in two successive passes with the soil cultivator in each case in the area located on one side of the lane centerline.

[0148] The two hydraulic cylinders HZ1, HZ2 are connected to each other by frame parts (not shown). These hydraulic cylinders are used to adjust the position of the soil cultivator relative to the tractor when working on a slope.

[0149] The two outer sections of the soil cultivator can be folded up to a vertical position by another hydraulic system (not shown), reducing the overall width of the soil cultivator by ⅔. This makes it possible to drive the tractor with soil cultivator on public roads without any problems.

[0150] As can be seen from FIG. 6, a number of deformable sub-frames 4 corresponding to the number of soil processing units 2 are provided. Thus, the pipe 3.3 has twelve left-handed external threads and twelve right-handed external threads, each of the left-handed external threads being in engagement with a respective first threaded sleeve 18.L, and each of the right-handed external threads being in engagement with a respective second threaded sleeve 18.R having a right-handed inner thread. A rotation of the pipe 3.3 about its longitudinal axis 3.3.A deforms the deformable sub-frame or deformable sub-frames 4 in such a way that the extent of the twelve deformable sub-frames 4 transversely to the traveling direction F changes in the same way.

[0151] Shown are several rows of cultivated plants 13. The tractor 14 moves the soil cultivator in the traveling direction parallel to the rows of cultivated plants. Each lane between two rows of cultivated plants is associated with a soil processing unit 2. When using the soil cultivator, the leading front colters create depressions of several centimeters in the soil. The three cultivator sweeps are pulled through the soil at a shallow depth, cutting through the roots of the weeds growing in the lane between the crops. The two harrow tines scrape up the soil near the crops, simultaneously breaking up the clods and chunks of soil dislodged by the cultivator sweeps and pulling the weeds to the soil surface. Compacted soil near the crops is broken up by the harrow tines in the process. The two trailing colters move soil toward the crops, filling in the initially created depressions and accumulating soil near the crops.

[0152] Since, as described above, each of the twelve soil processing units has two harrow tines, three cultivator sweeps and four colters, which are all moved together with the respective subframe, the complete tillage between the rows of cultivated plants can be adapted to the specific local conditions. The distance between the harrow tines, as well as the distance between the colters and the distance between the cultivator sweeps can be adapted to the field to be worked.

[0153] With the aid of the hydraulic actuator, which can be controlled by means of a control unit, the rotation of the frame pipe, which has the external threads, can also be carried out from the tractor during tillage. The extent of the deformable sub-frames 4 can thus be easily and quickly adjusted to the prevailing conditions on the field, if required, without having to interrupt the soil cultivation process.

[0154] The embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6 all exhibit a deformable sub-frame 4 constructed from a first 4.1, a second 4.2, a third 4.3 and a fourth sub-element 4.4, wherein the first 4.1 and the third sub-element 4.3 are formed from a linear piece of spring steel, while the second 4.2 and the fourth sub-element 4.4 are formed from a piece of spring steel bent into a U-shape. The individual sub-elements are firmly connected to each other and together form a deformable sub-frame 4 consisting of elastic spring steel. This type of deformable sub-frame 4 has an approximately oval shape with two linear sections. FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E and 7F show further examples of deformable sub-frames 4, with FIGS. 7A, 7C and 7D showing open elements 4, while FIGS. 7B, 7E and 7F show closed embodiments.

[0155] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E and 7F illustrate that there are a great many possible variations with respect to the specific embodiment of the deformable sub-frame 4. What all deformable sub-frames have in common is that they are made of an elastic material and that they can be elastically deformed when force is applied in such a way that the extent of the deformable sub-frame changes transversely to the traveling direction.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0156] 2 soil processing unit [0157] 3.1 pipe [0158] 3.2 frame pipe [0159] 3.1. longitudinal axis of the pipe [0160] 3.2. longitudinal axis of the frame pipe [0161] 4 deformable sub-frame [0162] 4.1 first sub-element of the deformable sub-frame [0163] 4.2 second sub-element of the deformable sub-frame [0164] 4.3 third sub-element of the deformable sub-frame [0165] 4.4 fourth sub-element of the deformable sub-frame [0166] 4.1.4 first fixing element [0167] 4.2.1 second fixing element [0168] 4.3.2 third fixing element [0169] 4.4.3 fourth fixing element [0170] 5.1 first harrow tine [0171] 5.2 second harrow tine [0172] 5.1.D, 5.2.D wires [0173] 7.L.1, 7.L.2 rod parts [0174] 7.R.1, 7.R.2 rod parts [0175] 8.1 first cultivator sweep [0176] 8.2 second cultivator sweep [0177] 8.3 third cultivator sweep [0178] 8.2.V, 8.3.V connecting member [0179] 9.V.L first colter [0180] 9.V.R second colter [0181] 9.H.R third colter [0182] 9.H.L fourth colter [0183] 9.V.L.V first auxiliary connecting member [0184] 9.V.R.V second auxiliary connecting member [0185] 9.H.R.V third auxiliary connecting member [0186] 9.H.L.V fourth auxiliary connecting member [0187] 10 ring [0188] 11 support foot [0189] 12 depth guide wheel [0190] 13 crop [0191] 14 tractor [0192] 15 universal joint [0193] 16.L first guide sleeve [0194] 16.R second guide sleeve [0195] 17.L first elongated rod part [0196] 17.R second elongated rod part [0197] 18.L first actuator [0198] 18.R second actuator [0199] 19 adjusting unit [0200] 20 movement transmission [0201] 21 pivot point [0202] 22 elongated hole [0203] GML lane centerline [0204] F traveling direction [0205] HZ1, HZ2 hydraulic cylinder