SOIL CULTIVATOR

Abstract

A soil cultivator comprises a frame attachable to a tractor and at least one processing unit attached to the frame. The processing unit has a frame-like element, a first soil cultivation tool attached to the frame-like element via a first connecting element, a second soil cultivation tool attached to the frame-like element via a second connecting element, and a swiveling axis element. The first soil cultivation tool and the second soil cultivation tool are arranged on different sides of the swiveling axis element. The first connecting element has a first annular section, and the second connecting element has a second annular section. The first and the second connecting elements are arranged so that they can swivel around the swiveling axis element such that a change in the extent of the frame-like element can effect a change in the distance between the first and the second soil cultivation tools.

Claims

1. A soil cultivator for mechanical weed control in rows of cultivated plants, comprising: a frame attachable to a tractor for movement along a traveling direction, and at least one processing unit attached to the frame, wherein the at least one processing unit comprises, a frame-like element, wherein an extent of the frame-like element can be changed transverse to the traveling direction, at least a first soil cultivation tool attached to the frame-like element via a first connecting element, at least a second soil cultivation tool attached to the frame-like element via a second connecting element, and a swiveling axis element having a cylindrical design at least sectionally in cross section, wherein the first soil cultivation tool and the second soil cultivation tool are arranged transverse to the traveling direction on different sides of the swiveling axis element, wherein the first connecting element has a first annular section that encloses the swiveling axis element like a sleeve, wherein the second connecting element has a second annular section that encloses the swiveling axis element like a sleeve, and wherein the first and the second connecting elements are arranged so that they can swivel around the swiveling axis element in such a way that a change in the extent of the frame-like element transverse to the traveling direction can effect a change in a distance between the first soil cultivation tool and the second cultivation tool transverse to the traveling direction.

2. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting element has an upper section connected with the frame-like element and with the first annular section and a lower section connected with the first annular section and with the first soil cultivation tool, and the second connecting element has an upper section connected with the frame-like element and with the second annular section and a lower section connected with the second annular section and with the second soil cultivation tool.

3. The soil cultivator according to claim 2, wherein the extent of the upper section of the first connecting element in a direction going from the frame-like element to the first annular section is greater than the extent of the lower section of the first connecting element in a direction going from the first annular section to the first soil cultivation tool, and the extent of the upper section of the second connecting element in a direction going from the frame-like element to the second annular section is greater than the extent of the lower section of the second connecting element in a direction going from the second annular section to the second soil cultivation tool, wherein changing the extent of the frame-like element transverse to the traveling direction can effect a comparatively smaller change in the distance between the first soil cultivation tool and the second soil cultivation tool transverse to the traveling direction.

4. The soil cultivator according to claim 2, wherein the extent of the upper section of the first connecting element in a direction going from the frame-like element to the first annular section is less than the extent of the lower section of the first connecting element in a direction going from the first annular section to the first soil cultivation tool, and the extent of the upper section of the second connecting element in a direction going from the frame-like element to the second annular section is less than the extent of the lower section of the second connecting element in a direction going from the second annular section to the second soil cultivation tool, wherein changing the extent of the frame-like element transverse to the traveling direction can effect a comparatively larger change in the distance between the first soil cultivation tool and the second soil cultivation tool transverse to the traveling direction.

5. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second soil cultivation tools comprise a first and a second angle chopper, wherein the first angle chopper is attached to a lower section of the first connecting element, and the second angle chopper is attached to a lower section of the second connecting element.

6. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, further comprising a first and a second depth guide wheel, wherein the first depth guide wheel and the second depth guide wheel are arranged transverse to the traveling direction on different sides of the swiveling axis element, wherein the first depth guide wheel is attached to a lower section of the first connecting element, and the second depth guide wheel is attached to a lower section of the second connecting element, wherein changing the extent of the frame-like element transverse to the traveling direction can effect a change in the distance between the first depth guide wheel and the second depth guide wheel transverse to the traveling direction.

7. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, further comprising a support element, wherein the support element is attached to the swiveling axis element.

8. The soil cultivator according to claim 7, wherein the support element comprises a variable-length support element, and the variable-length support element can effect a height adjustment of the depth guide wheels relative to the frame-like element.

9. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit has at least a first and a second harrow tine, wherein the first and the second harrow tines are attached to the swiveling axis element, wherein the first and the second harrow tines are designed so that they can be folded between a parked position and a usable position.

10. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, wherein the frame-like element at least sectionally consists of an elastic material, wherein the elastic material comprises an elastomer, a thermoplastic, a rubber, or steel.

11. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of cultivation tools on the processing unit, wherein the cultivation tools are connected with the frame-like element of the processing unit via one or several connecting means, wherein the cultivation tools comprise cultivator sweeps, colters and harrow tines.

12. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit further comprises: a first, movably designed adjusting means, wherein the first adjusting means is connected with the frame-like element via at least a first connecting part, and a second, movably designed adjusting means, wherein the second adjusting means is connected with the frame-like element via at least a second connecting part, and at least one adjusting unit for executing a movement of the first and the second adjusting means, wherein the movement of the first and the second adjusting means makes it possible to change the extent of the frame-like element transverse to the traveling direction.

13. The soil cultivator according to claim 12, wherein the adjusting unit can effect 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 can be effected so as to be oriented antiparallel to the movement of the second adjusting means.

14. The soil cultivator according to claim 12, wherein the adjusting unit comprises an electric or hydraulic actuator that can be actuated by means of a control device.

15. The soil cultivator according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of processing units with a plurality of frame-like elements arranged on the frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] The invention will be described in more detail below based upon exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Let it be expressly noted, however, that the invention is not to be confined to the indicated examples. Shown on:

[0083] FIG. 1 is a schematic, top plan view of part of a processing unit of a soil cultivator according to the invention;

[0084] FIG. 2 is a schematic, side perspective view of a processing unit of a soil cultivator according to the invention; and

[0085] FIG. 3 is a schematic, top plan view of the processing unit in FIG. 1, with a changed extent of the frame-like element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0086] FIG. 1 presents a schematic view of part of a processing unit 2 of a soil cultivator for mechanical weed control in rows of cultivated plants according to the invention. The soil cultivator has a frame (not shown) that can be attached to a tractor to be moved along a traveling direction F, to which the processing unit 2 is attached.

[0087] The processing unit 2 has a frame-like element 4 (see FIG. 2), whose extent transverse to the traveling direction can be changed. A first soil cultivation tool 15.1 is attached to the frame-like element 4 via a first connecting element 5. The eyelet shown at the upper end of the first connecting element on FIG. 1 provides a means for fastening the first connecting element 5 with the frame-like element 4.

[0088] A second soil cultivation tool 15.2 is attached to the frame-like element 4 via a second connecting element 6. The eyelet shown at the upper end of the second connecting element provides a means for fastening the second connecting element 6 with the frame-like element 4.

[0089] In addition, the processing unit 2 has a swiveling axis element 9 having a cylindrical design at least sectionally in cross section, wherein the first soil cultivation tool 15.1 and the second soil cultivation tool 15.2 are arranged transverse to the traveling direction F on different sides of the swiveling axis element 9.

[0090] The first soil cultivation tool 15.1 and the second soil cultivation tool 15.2 are designed as angle choppers in the exemplary embodiment shown on FIG. 1, which in the version depicted move soil away from the crops. The first angle chopper 15.1 is attached to the lower section 5.U of the first connecting element 5, and the second angle chopper 15.2 is attached to the lower section 6.U of the second connecting element 6.

[0091] The first connecting element 5 comprises a first annular section 5.M that encloses the swiveling axis element 9 like a sleeve, an upper section 5.O connected with the frame-like element 4 and with the annular section 5.M, and a lower section 5.U connected with the annular section 5.M and with the first soil cultivation tool 15.1.

[0092] The second connecting element 6 comprises a second annular section 6.M that encloses the swiveling axis element 9 like a sleeve, an upper section 6.O connected with the frame-like element 4 and with the annular section 6.M, and a lower section 6.U connected with the annular section 6.M and with the second soil cultivation tool 15.2.

[0093] In the exemplary embodiment shown on FIG. 1, the first and the second connecting element 5, 6 cross each other in the area of the swiveling axis element 9, and can therefore be swiveled around the swiveling axis element 9 like scissors. An increase in the extent of the frame-like element ARE transverse to the traveling direction F thus effects an increase in the distance between the first soil cultivation tool and the second cultivation tool ABW transverse to the traveling direction F. Accordingly, a decrease in the extent of the frame-like element 4 transverse to the traveling direction effects a decrease in the distance between the first soil cultivation tool and the second soil cultivation tool transverse to the traveling direction.

[0094] Swiveling the connecting elements 5, 6 creates the option of providing a transmission or reduction. The soil cultivation tools 15.1, 15.2 do not follow the change in the frame-like element 4 to an identical extent, but rather with what is in principle a freely selectable transmission. Given a correspondingly selected reduction, it thus becomes possible to change the distance between the soil cultivation tools 15.1, 15.2 in very small increments and in an extremely precise manner.

[0095] In the embodiment shown on FIG. 1, the extent of the upper section 5.O of the first connecting element 5 in a direction A.5.O going from the frame-like element 4 to the annular section 5.M is greater than the extent of the lower section 5.U of the first connecting element 5 in a direction A.5.U going from the annular section 5.M to the first soil cultivation tool 15.1. The extent of the upper section 6.O of the second connecting element 6 in a direction A.6.O going from the frame-like element 4 to the annular section 6.M is greater than the extent of the lower section 6.U of the second connecting element 6 in a direction A.6.U going from the annular section 6.M to the second soil cultivation tool 15.2.

[0096] In the embodiment shown on FIG. 1, then, the respective section 5.O, 6.O of the respective connecting element that extends above the swiveling axis element 9 is longer than the section 5.U, 6.U that extends below the swiveling axis element 9. Given a change in the extent of the frame-like element ARE transverse to the traveling direction F, this change is thus translated into a comparatively smaller change in the distance ABW between the two soil cultivation tools 15.1, 15.2 attached to the connecting elements transverse to the traveling direction F. This yields quite significant advantages for weed control in rows of cultivated plants. Specifically, this is because a relatively rough change in the extent of the frame-like element 4 can be converted into a very small, extremely precise change in the distance between the soil cultivation tools 15.1, This makes it possible for the soil cultivation tools 15.1, 15.2 to approach the crops very precisely, to include in particular young crops in an early growth phase. Weeds are removed with a high efficiency without damaging the plants.

[0097] A first and a second depth guide wheel 7, 8 are arranged on the processing unit 2 shown on FIG. 1, wherein the first depth guide wheel 7 and the second depth guide wheel 8 are arranged transverse to the traveling direction F on different sides of the swiveling axis element 9. The first depth guide wheel 7 is here attached to the lower section 5.U of the first connecting element 5, and the second depth guide wheel 8 is attached to the lower section 6.U of the second connecting element 6. A change in the extent of the frame-like element ARE transverse to the traveling direction F thus effects a change in the distance between the first depth guide wheel and the second depth guide wheel ATT transverse to the traveling direction F.

[0098] The support element 10 shown on FIGS. 1 and 2 has a variable length, and is attached to the swiveling axis element 9. The variable-length support element 10 can be used to effect a height adjustment of the depth guide wheels 7, 8 relative to the frame-like element.

[0099] The processing unit 2 has a first 11.1 and a second 11.2 harrow tine, wherein the first 11.1 and the second 11.2 harrow tines are attached to the swiveling axis element 9, wherein the first 11.1 and the second 11.2 harrow tines are designed so that they can be folded between a parked position and a usable position. The harrow tines 11.1, 11.2 are shown in their usable position on FIG. 1.

[0100] Fastening the harrow tines 11.1, 11.2 to the swiveling axis element 9 prevents the distance between the two harrow tines 11.1, 11.2 from changing given a change in the extent ARE of the frame-like element 4 transverse to the traveling direction F. Rather, the two harrow tines 11.1, 11.2 are attached to the swiveling axis element 9 at a predetermined distance from each other. The distance between the two harrow tines 11.1, 11.2 is here selected according to the size of the crops in an initial growth phase. During soil cultivation in a plant row, i.e., during soil cultivation in which the two depth guide wheels 7, 8 are guided in such a way that the plant row is always located between the two wheels, the two harrow tines 11.1, 11.2 always process the plant row on both sides of the individual plants. This means that soil is loosened on both sides of each crop, and any weeds growing there are killed. Since this type of cultivation must be performed with very special care, so as not to damage the young crops, use is preferably made of harrow tines 11.1, 11.2 that have smaller dimensions by comparison to the usual harrow tines. Of course, the harrow tines cannot be too delicate in design, so as prevent frequent damage or destruction of the tines, but the diameter and elastic bendability of the tines can be selected in such a way as to be adjusted to a low growth height of the plants.

[0101] FIG. 2 shows the processing unit 2 including the frame-like element 4. The frame-like element 4 is assembled out of a first 4.1, a second 4.2, a third 4.3 and a fourth 4.4 partial element, wherein the first 4.1 and the third 4.3 partial element are comprised of a linear piece of spring steel, while the second 4.2 and the fourth 4.4 partial element consist of a U-shaped, bent piece of spring steel. The individual partial elements are firmly connected with each other, and together form a frame-like element 4 consisting of elastic spring steel. The frame-like element 4 has approximately an oval shape with two linear sections.

[0102] FIG. 2 shows the harrow tines 11.1, 11.2 in their parked position. The harrow tines are here folded up out of their usable position. The first angle chopper 15.1 is likewise folded up into its parked position, while the second angle chopper 15.2 is shown in it usable position.

[0103] The soil cultivator comprises a first, movably designed adjusting means 12.1 and a second, movably designed adjusting means 12.2. The first adjusting means 12.1 is connected via the first connecting part 13.1 with the frame-like element 4 in the area of the first partial element 4.1. The second adjusting means 12.2 is connected via the second connecting part 13.2 with the frame-like element 4 in the area of the third partial element 4.3.

[0104] An antiparallel movement of the first adjusting means 12.1 and the second adjusting means 12.2 causes the connecting parts 13.1, 13.2 to be moved either toward or away from each other. As a result, the frame-like element 4 is deformed in particular in the area of the bent partial elements 4.2, 4.4, so that the extent of the frame-like element 4 transverse to the traveling direction F changes.

[0105] The movement of the first 12.1 and the second 12.2 adjusting means is caused by an adjusting unit (not shown) that acts on the adjusting means. The adjusting unit involves a hydraulic actuator that can be actuated by means of a control device. The adjusting unit can be used to effect the movement of the first and the second adjusting means 12.1, 12.2 from the tractor, even during soil cultivation. If necessary, the width of the frame-like element 4 can thus be adjusted quickly and easily to the respective conditions on the field, wherein the soil cultivation process does not have to be interrupted.

[0106] FIG. 3 presents a schematic view of the part of a processing unit 2 of a soil cultivator already shown on FIG. 1 for mechanical weed control in rows of cultivated plants according to the invention. The effects of decreasing the extent of the frame-like element 4 are illustrated on FIG. 3. As on FIG. 1, the frame-like element 4 is also not shown. As on FIG. 1, the eyelet shown at the upper end of the first connecting element 5 and the eyelet shown at the upper end of the second connecting element 6 provide means for fastening the connecting elements 5, 6 to the frame-like element 4. The change in the extent of the frame-like element 4 can thus be depicted based upon the change in the distance between the two eyelets.

[0107] A comparison of FIGS. 1 and 3 clearly shows the decrease in the distance between the two eyelets, and thus the decrease in the extent ARE of the frame-like element. Based upon the fact that the upper sections 5.O, 6.O have a larger extent than their lower sections 5.U, 6.U for both connecting elements 5, 6, a decrease in the extent of the frame-like element ARE transverse to the traveling direction F effects a comparatively smaller decrease in the distance ABW between the first soil cultivation tool 15.1 and the second soil cultivation tool 15.2 transverse to the traveling direction F.

[0108] A comparison of FIGS. 1 and 3 also reveals that a change in the extent ARE of the frame-like element transverse to the traveling direction F can effect a change in the distance ATT between the first depth guide wheel 7 and the second depth guide wheel 8 transverse to the traveling direction F. In this case, the distance ATT between the two depth guide wheels 7, 8 can be adjusted to the size of the individual plants in the crop row. During weed control in an early growth stage of the plants, the rows are processed in such a way that the individual plants are located between the two depth guide wheels. Care must here be taken that the wheels do not damage the plants. This is easily enabled by the variable distance between the wheels.

[0109] Based upon the fact that the upper sections 5.O, 6.O have a larger extent than their lower sections 5.U, 6.U for both connecting elements 5, 6, a decrease in the extent of the frame-like element ARE transverse to the traveling direction F effects a comparatively smaller decrease in the distance ATT between the first depth guide wheel 7 and the second depth guide wheel 8 transverse to the traveling direction F.

[0110] Since the two depth guide wheels 7, 8 are attached to the lower section 5.U, 6.U of the respective connecting element 5, 6, and these connecting elements 5, 6 are rigidly designed, the camber of the depth guide wheels 7, 8 changes when the connecting elements 5, 6 are swiveled. Proceeding from the basic setting shown on FIG. 1, a decrease in the extent ARE of the frame-like element 4 transverse to the traveling direction F leads to a decrease in the distance between the depth guide wheels and to a negative camber of the wheels. As a result, the depth guide wheels 7, 8 move earth outwardly away from the plant row.

REFERENCE LIST

[0111] 2 Processing unit [0112] 4 Frame-like element [0113] 4.1 First partial element of the frame-like element [0114] 4.2 Second partial element of the frame-like element [0115] 4.3 Third partial element of the frame-like element [0116] 4.4 Fourth partial element of the frame-like element [0117] 5 First connecting element [0118] 5.M Annular section of the first connecting element [0119] 5.O Upper section of the first connecting element [0120] 5.U Lower section of the first connecting element [0121] 6 Second connecting element [0122] 6.M Annular section of the second connecting element [0123] 6.O Upper section of the second connecting element [0124] 6.U Lower section of the second connecting element [0125] 7 First depth guide wheel [0126] 8 Second depth guide wheel [0127] 9 Swiveling axis element [0128] 10 Support element [0129] 11.1 First harrow tines [0130] 11.2 Second harrow tines [0131] 12.1 First adjusting means [0132] 12.2 Second adjusting means [0133] 13.1 First connecting part [0134] 13.2 Second connecting part [0135] 15.1 First soil cultivation tool [0136] 15.2 Second soil cultivation tool [0137] ABW Distance between the first soil cultivation tool and the second soil cultivation tool [0138] ARE Extent of the frame-like element transverse to the traveling direction [0139] ATT Distance between the first depth guide wheel and the second depth guide wheel [0140] A.5.O Extent of the upper section of the first connecting element [0141] A.5.U Extent of the lower section of the first connecting element [0142] A.6.O Extent of the upper section of the second connecting element [0143] A.6.U Extent of the lower section of the second connecting element [0144] F Traveling direction