Rid formation system for potato planter, potato planter and trailer

Abstract

Ridging system (100) for a potato planting machine (200), comprising: a dam-forming device with at least one dam-forming body (110), suitable for forming multiple dams when guided over arable land; and a fastening unit (120) adapted to engage detachably with a corresponding engagement unit (220) of a potato planting machine (200).

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a ridge forming system for a potato planter, a potato planter with the ridge forming system, and a combination of the potato planter and the potato planter. The invention enables quick disassembly and quick changeover between different ridge forming devices. Description of the state of the art

[0002] Modern, state-of-the-art potato planting machines are used to automate several work processes, such as transporting the seed potatoes, planting the potatoes at the most precise intervals possible, and forming ridges of earth over the planted potatoes, which can increase the harvest yield.

[0003] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a potato planter 20 with a tractor 30. The potato planter 20 and tractor 30 are connected via a coupling mechanism 40. The potato planter 20 is equipped with a potato hopper 22, a conveying device 24, a frame 26, and a ridging device 10. During operation, the illustrated combination travels across a field B. Potatoes are extracted from the hopper 22 by the conveying device 24 and planted in several parallel rows (usually 2-8 rows) in the field B by a potato planting device (not shown). Subsequently, the ridging device 10 forms ridges over the planted potato rows, effectively achieving a greater planting depth and also facilitating later harvesting.

[0004] These well-known potato planters have a permanently installed ridge-forming system. If, for example, one wants to react to changing soil conditions or different planting / tillage sequences, mechanical modifications to the potato planter are necessary. Brief description of the invention

[0005] The present invention eliminates these disadvantages by enabling an attached dam forming device to be coupled and uncoupled via a special quick-coupling solution.

[0006] The quick-change system described below can be used for different ridge forming units or attachments on one and the same potato planting machine without high assembly effort.

[0007] The following advantages can be achieved through simple coupling and decoupling: 1. Quick change between different dam forming devices, for example with different dam forming bodies, such as dam formers for M-dams, dam formers with grid rollers or no dam former, but only a chassis that supports the machine during operation. 2. During road transport, the weight of the machine, and therefore also the weight of the tractor's rear axle, can be reduced by uncoupling the ridge forming device and leaving it in place. Separate road transport of the ridge forming device is also possible without exceeding the maximum tractor rear axle load.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, a ridge-forming system is provided for a potato planter. The ridge-forming system comprises a ridge-forming device with at least one ridge-forming element. The ridge-forming device is suitable for forming one or more ridges when guided over arable land. The ridge-forming system further comprises a fastening unit adapted to engage detachably with a corresponding engagement unit of a potato planter.

[0009] This embodiment achieves the above advantages, in particular a quick and easy change between different dam forming devices and the ability to easily detach the dam forming device, for example to allow road travel.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the ridge-forming system further includes a locking unit adapted to lock the engagement between the fastening unit and the engagement unit. Alternatively, the locking unit can also be arranged on the potato planter described below, or the function of the locking unit can be achieved on individual elements arranged on the ridge-forming system and the potato planter.

[0011] The locking mechanism prevents the engagement between the fastening unit and the engagement unit from loosening, thus providing an additional safety and locking option for the ridge forming device on the potato planting machine.

[0012] In a preferred modification of the embodiment, the engagement between the fastening unit and the engagement unit can be locked and unlocked without tools by the locking unit.

[0013] The tool-free locking and unlocking mechanism makes it easier to couple and uncouple the dam forming device, especially when used in the field where tools are only partially accessible.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the engagement between the fastening unit and the engagement unit includes a force-fit and / or form-fit gripping of the fastening unit or the engagement unit on the other. Examples of such form-fit gripping are hook-rod or hook-eye connections. The appropriate connection ensures high stability. Unintentional loosening of the connection, for example in the hooking direction, can be effectively prevented by the locking mechanism. Alternatively, an eyelet-eyelet connection can also be used, in which one eyelet is guided through the opening of the other eyelet and can then be locked with a locking pin or similar device.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the locking unit includes a lever and a pin, wherein the pin can be locked by the lever and the pin, in the locked state, can lock the engagement between the fastening unit and the engagement unit.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, an agricultural machine is provided which includes a ridge forming system according to one of the above embodiments and a potato planter which includes the engagement unit. The agricultural machine also has a lifting and lowering device designed to move the engagement unit, thereby enabling the engagement between the fastening unit and the engagement unit to be established or released, and allowing the ridge forming device to be raised or lowered after the engagement between the fastening unit and the engagement unit has been established.

[0017] According to this embodiment, the ridge-forming system can be easily assembled. The ridge-forming system is positioned, and the potato planter can be driven up to it. The lifting and lowering device then raises the engagement element of the potato planter, thereby creating an engagement between the engagement unit and the mounting unit of the ridge-forming system. Optionally, this engagement can be secured by means of a locking unit, preferably without tools. Finally, the secured ridge-forming system is lifted by the lifting and lowering device and moved to the planting area. There, the lifting and lowering device lowers the ridge-forming system into the working position, and the agricultural machine can begin planting potatoes. Likewise, one ridge-forming system can be easily and quickly replaced with another if circumstances require it.

[0018] Alternatively, the lifting and lowering device can also be used in its fully extended position, and the ridge-forming system is coupled to the potato planter by raising the entire planter using the tractor's lifting mechanism (here also referred to as an "additional lifting and lowering device"). Theoretically, the ridge-forming system can also be moved to the planter and hooked up using a front loader or telehandler.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural machine further includes a potato bunker and a potato planting device adapted to plant potatoes from the potato bunker into arable soil.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, a combination is provided which includes an agricultural machine according to one of the above embodiments and an agricultural vehicle which moves the agricultural machine over arable land, wherein the agricultural machine is preferably arranged behind the agricultural vehicle in the direction of travel.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the combination further includes an additional lifting and lowering device on the agricultural vehicle, wherein the lifting and lowering device is attached to the potato planter and the additional lifting and lowering device is attached to the agricultural vehicle, and wherein the additional lifting and lowering device is adapted to raise or lower the potato planter and to connect it to the agricultural vehicle via a second engagement. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] The accompanying drawings are included to facilitate understanding of the invention and form part of this description. The drawings provide exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the fundamentals of the invention.

[0023] Both the description and the figures use the same or similar reference symbols to refer to identical or similar elements or components. To keep the descriptions concise, elements already mentioned in other figures are not necessarily explicitly mentioned again in the description of each subsequent figure. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a potato planting machine 20 with tractor 30 according to the known state of the art. Fig. Figure 2 is an isometric view of a dam forming system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 3 is an isometric partial view of a potato planting machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 4 is an isometric partial view of a dam forming system and a potato planting machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 5 is a side view of a ridge forming system attached to a potato planting machine, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 6 is an isometric partial view of a ridge forming system attached to a potato planting machine, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 7 is an isometric enlarged view of a locking unit according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 8 is an enlarged representation of an area Z in Fig. 7. Fig. Figure 9 is an isometric partial view of a dam forming system and a potato planting machine according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of the embodiments

[0024] The present disclosure is described below with reference to figures that schematically illustrate various exemplary embodiments. The embodiments depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and dimensions may have been chosen to better demonstrate the principle of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 is an isometric view of a dam forming system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 3 is an isometric partial view of a potato planting machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 4 is an isometric partial view of a dam forming system and a potato planting machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 5 is a side view of a ridge forming system attached to a potato planting machine, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 6 is an isometric partial view of a ridge forming system attached to a potato planting machine, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0026] With reference to Fig. Figures 2-6 describe the dam-forming system 100 as comprising a dam-forming device (without reference numeral) with at least one dam-forming body 110 and at least one fastening unit 120. The dam-forming device is suitable for forming multiple dams when guided across arable land. For example, as shown, four dam-forming bodies 110 are attached to a frame (without reference numeral). Possible fastenings include screws, bolts, rivets, welds, and the like. The dam-forming bodies are preferably made of a hard metal. Alternative materials include, for example, composite materials such as plastic-lined sheets. However, the invention is not limited to the number, fastening, or material of the dam-forming bodies. The number can vary, and a single dam-forming body can also be provided in which the various dam-forming regions are appropriately shaped.Alternative dam formers can also be applied to the invention, for example dam forming sheets, a share, a grid roller or similar.

[0027] The at least one fastening unit 120 serves to fasten the ridge forming system 100 to a potato planting machine (200, see Fig. 3 - 6). In particular, the at least one fastening unit 120 is adapted to be used with a corresponding engagement unit (220 in Fig. 3 - 5) of the potato planting machine to intervene releasably.

[0028] It should be noted here that the terms "fastening unit" and "engagement unit" do not define the type or form of engagement. Thus, the fastening unit 120 can engage with the engagement unit, or vice versa. Fig. Figures 2-6 show a total of three fastening units 120 and three corresponding engagement units 220. The two outer fastening units 120 have a hook-shaped section designed to engage with a corresponding receptacle of an engagement section 220. The middle fastening unit 120 has a receptacle that can engage with a hook-shaped section of a corresponding engagement section 220. The number and assignment (hook on potato planter 200 and receptacle on ridge forming system 100 or vice versa) of the fastening and engagement sections are not limited, and the figures merely show exemplary arrangement options. Thus, only one or two, or four or more pairs of fastening and engagement sections can be provided on the potato planter 200 and ridge forming system 100.

[0029] As in Fig. As can be clearly seen in Figure 2, the engagement point of the middle fastening unit 120 is offset from an axis (not explicitly shown) that connects the engagement points of the outer fastening units 120. This prevents pivoting about an axis of engagement when the potato planter 200 and the ridge forming system 100 are engaged or fastened, thus increasing the stability of the connection.

[0030] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a potato planting machine 200 as a partial view. Fig. Figure 4 shows the potato planting machine 200 and the ridge forming system 100 together in their unsecured state. Fig. Figure 5 shows the potato planting machine 200 and the ridge forming system 100 in the fixed state in side view. Fig. Figure 6 is an isometric partial view of a ridge forming system 100 attached to a potato planting machine 200, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Functional elements of the potato planting machine 200, such as potato bunker or conveying device (see Fig. Figure 1) has been omitted for clarity, and only the frame of the potato planting machine 200 is shown. Furthermore, a detailed description of components that are not relevant to the function of the invention is omitted below. These components are familiar to those skilled in the art and can be designed and modified according to standard technical knowledge.

[0032] The illustrated potato planter 200 includes, in particular, the engagement units 220 already mentioned above, as well as a locking unit 230, a lifting and lowering device 240, and an axle 250. Although the locking unit 230 is shown as part of the potato planter 200, the invention is not limited to this and the locking unit 230 can also be part of the ridge-forming system 100 or functionally distributed between the ridge-forming system 100 and the potato planter 200. For example, a pin (234 in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8), which, in the locked state, prevents movement of the ridge forming system 100 relative to the potato planting machine 200 (the pin is guided through precisely fitting openings in the ridge forming system 100 and the potato planting machine 200), by means of a lever (232 in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8) are operated on the ridge forming system 100. Likewise, one or more locking units 230 can be provided, whereby several smaller locking units 230 can increase the number of fixed points and thus the stability of the connection between the ridge forming system 100 and the potato planting machine 200.

[0033] The lifting and lowering device 240 in Fig. 3 contains four extendable and retractable cylinders, with two cylinders on one side of the potato planter 200 in cross-section (see side view in Fig. 5) each with a section 240a ( Fig. 5) of the frame on the side of the potato planter 200 and a connecting piece 240b ( Fig. 3) form a rhombus on the side of the ridge-forming system 100. The cylinders are attached to the frame (without reference numeral) of the potato planter 200 and to two ends of the two outer engagement units 220. The lifting and lowering device 240 preferably operates hydraulically, for example, powered by a hydraulic system of a tractor. However, the invention is not limited to this and alternative drive methods are also included, for example, electric motors with suitable conversion, pneumatic systems, or combinations thereof.

[0034] The axis 250 is raised or lowered by operating the lifting and lowering device 240, for example, by shortening the upper cylinders or lengthening the lower cylinders, and conversely, by lengthening the upper cylinders or shortening the lower cylinders. Alternatively, the axis 250 can also be designed as a pivot axis about which the engagement points of the engagement units 220 can be pivoted. Accordingly, the position of the engagement points of the engagement units 220 can be changed radially to the axis by operating the lifting and lowering device 240.

[0035] The engagement points of the engagement units 220 can therefore be raised or lowered. In practice, the lifting and lowering device 240 also serves to pivot the mounted dam forming system 100, for example when filling the hopper (with the dam former folded up, it is possible to drive closer to a second machine) or when parking the machine in a machine hall, thus requiring less space. The illustrated vertical hydraulic cylinders (without reference numerals) serve to regulate the contact pressure of the dam forming system during dam formation.

[0036] By moving the potato planter 200 towards the ridge forming system in its lowered position, engagement between the engagement units 220 and fastening units 120 can be achieved by correctly positioning them relative to each other and then raising the engagement points of the engagement units 220. The position of the engagement points of the engagement units 220 and / or the axis 250 can then be locked by the locking unit 230.

[0037] An alternative embodiment (not shown) provides a lifting and lowering device not as part of the potato planter, but as part of the ridge-forming device. The operating principle corresponds to that of the lifting and lowering device 240 described above. Another alternative embodiment provides a lifting and lowering device only as part of a tractor ("agricultural vehicle"). In this embodiment, the entire coupling process is accomplished solely by the tractor lifting the potato planter. A separate lifting and lowering device 240 can additionally be provided in the potato planter or the ridge-forming system, for example, to enable the pivoting of the ridge-forming system described above.

[0038] Fig. Figure 7 is an isometric enlarged view of a locking unit 230 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which locks the engagement of the dam forming system 100 and the potato planting machine 200. Fig. Figure 8 is an enlarged representation of an area Z in Fig. 7. As shown here, the locking unit can include a lever 232 and a pin 234. To release the lock shown, the lever 232 is first actuated (pressed downwards into the sheet in the figures). This releases a contact point between the lever 232 and the pin 234, and the pin 234 can be pulled out of the locking position (to the right in the figures). This releases the lock, and the dam forming system can be removed or replaced as described above. However, the illustration is only one possible embodiment, and alternative locking techniques are also applicable. For example, the lock could be implemented with only a bolt secured by a cotter pin, without a lever.

[0039] Fig. Figure 9 is an isometric partial view of a ridge forming system and a potato planting machine according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Compared to Fig. 4 is in Fig. 9 only a pair of fastening unit 120A of the dam forming system 100 and engagement unit 220A of the potato planting machine 200 is shown.

[0040] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope of protection or the essence of the invention. In light of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention covers modifications and variations of this invention if they fall within the scope of protection of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Ridging system (100) for a potato planting machine (200), comprising: a dam-forming device with at least one dam-forming body (110), suitable for forming multiple dams when guided over arable land; and a fastening unit (120) adapted to engage detachably with a corresponding engagement unit (220) of a potato planting machine (200). [2] Dam forming system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: a locking unit adapted to lock the engagement between fastening unit (120) and engagement unit (220). [3] Dam forming system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the engagement between fastening unit (120) and engagement unit (220) can be locked and unlocked without tools by the locking unit. [4] Dam forming system (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the engagement between fastening unit (120) and engagement unit (220) comprises at least a partial force- and / or form-locking gripping of the fastening unit (120) or the engagement unit (220) on the other. [5] Dam forming system (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the engagement between fastening unit (120) and engagement unit (220) is of the hook-rod, hook-eye or eye-eye type. [6] Dam forming system (100) according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein the locking unit comprises a lever and a pin, wherein the pin can be locked by the lever and the pin, in the locked state, can lock the engagement between the fastening unit (120) and the engagement unit (220). [7] Agricultural machine (M), comprising: a dam forming system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims; and the potato planting machine (200), comprising the intervention unit (220). [8] Agricultural machine (M) according to claim 7, further comprising: a lifting and lowering device (240) designed to move the engagement unit (220), thereby enabling the engagement between the fastening unit (120) and the engagement unit (220) to be established or released, wherein the dam forming device can be raised or lowered after the engagement between the fastening unit (120) and the engagement unit (220) has been established. [9] Agricultural machine (M) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the potato planting machine (200) further comprises: a potato bunker; a potato planting device adapted to plant potatoes from the potato bunker into arable land; and, optionally, a chassis with its own drive unit. [10] Agricultural machine (M) according to any one of claims 7-9, further comprising: a locking unit (230) adapted to lock the engagement between fastening unit (120) and engagement unit (220). [11] Agricultural machine (M) according to any one of claims 7-10, wherein the engagement between fastening unit (120) and engagement unit (220) can be locked and unlocked without tools by the locking unit (230). [12] Agricultural machine (M) according to any one of claims 7-11, wherein the locking unit comprises a lever (232) and a pin (234), wherein the pin (234) can be locked by the lever (232) and the pin (234) in the locked state can lock the engagement between fastening unit (120) and engagement unit (220). [13] Team, comprising: an agricultural machine (M) according to any one of claims 7-12; and an agricultural vehicle that moves the agricultural machine (M) over arable land, wherein the agricultural machine (M) is preferably arranged behind the agricultural vehicle in the direction of travel. [14] Team according to claim 13, further comprising: a lifting and lowering device attached to the agricultural vehicle and designed to move the engagement unit (220) together with the potato planter (200), whereby the engagement between the fastening unit (120) and the engagement unit (220) can be established or released, wherein the ridge forming device can be raised or lowered after the engagement between the fastening unit (120) and the engagement unit (220) has been established. [15] Combination according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising an additional lifting and lowering device on the agricultural vehicle, wherein the lifting and lowering device (240) is attached to the potato planter (200) and the additional lifting and lowering device is attached to the agricultural vehicle and wherein the additional lifting and lowering device is adapted to raise or lower the potato planter (200) and to connect it to the agricultural vehicle via a second engagement.

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