Agricultural machine

Abstract

The present application provides an agricultural machine, a kit for an agricultural machine, a tool for a tool holder of a rotating piece of a rotary harrow. The agricultural machine comprises at least one rotating piece supported in a rotatable manner about an axis. The rotating piece comprises a tool holder extending transversely relative to the axis of the rotating piece, and at least one tool removably fastened to the tool holder. Each tool comprises a blade and a shank, the blade being fixed in a respective seat of the tool holder by means of the shank. Between the seat and the tool, a quick fixing device is provided to fasten the shank of the tool in the seat. The quick fixing device comprises at least one tooth piece respectively elastically mounted on the seat to interfere with the shank when the shank is inserted into the seat, thereby retaining the shank in the seat.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an agricultural machine, such as for example a rotary harrow of the type preferably comprising at least one rotating member supported in a rotatable manner about an axis, said at least one rotating member comprising tool holders extending transversely with respect to the axis of the rotating member, and at least one tool fastened in a removable manner to a tool holder, each tool comprising a blade and a shank, the blade being fixed in a respective seat of the tool holder by means of the shank, a quick fixing device being provided between the seat and the respective tool in order to fasten the shank of the tool in the respective seat, the quick fixing device comprising at least one respective spring-mounted tooth mounted on the seat so as to interfere with the shank when the shank is inserted in the seat, in order to retain the shank in the seat.

[0002] In the following, the term "rotary harrow" is intended to be understood as meaning, in addition to comprising single-rotating-member harrows and multiple-rotating-member harrows having a vertical axis, preferably also comprising milling machines or similar single-rotating-member machines and multiple-rotating-member machines having a horizontal axis. In a preferred manner, the present invention is particularly suitable for being fitted to rotary harrows of the first type.

[0003] Of course, the present invention also relates to different types of agricultural machines, such as for example mowers, pulverizers, etc. BACKGROUND

[0004] In the particular technical field, it is known that tools are subjected to intense wear due to the movement of the tools in the soil and must be replaced periodically.

[0005] In order to facilitate this operation, it is known that the rotating member is fitted with the tool holder by means of a quick attachment which can facilitate at least one operation of removing the worn tool and replacing it with a respective replacement and preferably both operations.

[0006] It is also known that, in a tool defining an attachment shank with respect to the tool holder and a blade for working the soil, in fact only the blade part is worn. Therefore, the replacement of the tool is performed in the case where there is no uniform consumption of the tool but only a significant consumption of the blade. With regard to the material consumed due to wear, it can easily be considered that, for each kilogram of material worn, more than twice the amount of non-worn material forming the shank is discarded when the tool is replaced.

[0007] Finally, it is known that the tools for rotary harrows, also for other types of agricultural machines, are formed respectively in two shapes, left and right, different due to the profile and the curvature, so that the two tools normally fitted to the rotating member cannot be mutually interchangeable. This leads to troublesome assembly errors and causes both manufacturers and end users to supply and keep in stock two different types of tools in order to be able to properly equip the same harrow or the same agricultural machine.

[0008] The occurrence of costs related to this disadvantage ultimately means that, in many cases, it is preferable to construct tools with high quality from materials that are not particularly complex, rather than constructing tools with reduced quality but more resistant materials. All this affects the value of the rotating mass and the energy consumption level of the harrow or other agricultural machine, it not being possible to construct tools that are thinner, lighter but with greater mechanical strength for reasons of inherent costs.

[0009] DE202016000847 describes a rotary harrow whose rotating member is provided with tools comprising a square element and a blade. The square element is fixed to the tool holder with a branch of the square element and to the blade with the opposite branch of the square element. Thus, it is possible to replace the blade as the only component subject to high wear, while keeping the square element unchanged. The fixing between the two components is of the screw and bolt type, however, this does not allow quick execution of the replacement of the worn component. The replacement of the tool also requires the use of a wrench and tools, which makes the operation time-consuming, difficult and prone to loss of the specific components to be assembled and simple errors.

[0010] Essentially similar systems are also described in DE202011003182 and GB2267808.

[0011] DE 102 49 069 describes a rotary harrow provided with a tool holder provided with two tools, each comprising a blade and a shank, the blade being fixed in a respective seat of the tool holder by means of the shank. Each seat is provided with a quick fixing device comprising a respective tooth elastically mounted on the seat to interfere with the shank when the shank is inserted in the seat, thus retaining the shank in position. Inserting the shank in the seat requires the extension of the tooth to be grasped to pull the tooth outwards against the spring, and then to release the tooth to engage with the hole formed in the shank. The same operation is required to remove the worn tool. In all cases, considering that the tool to remove the tooth requires working in the lower part of the harrow, usually with the aid of a tool to remove the tooth in the lower part of the harrow in the presence of crusts of soil and earth, grasping the extension of the tooth to be able to remove it from the seat is extremely difficult. The same applies when inserting a replacement tool and involves the same drawbacks.

[0012] Another example of a system for fixing the tools of a rotary harrow is known from DE 832 5853 U1. In this case, the tools are fixed by means of a wedge inserted between the shank of the tool and the respective seat. The wedge is connected to the seat by means of a screw which must be tensioned so that the wedge performs its retaining function on the shank. Therefore, considering that it is necessary to work with a screwdriver and to pay attention not to lose the wedge or the screw in the presence of crusts of soil and earth, replacing the tools is extremely complex. It can be noted that the wedge is in particular not a standard component which can be easily commercially obtained. In any case, both the wedge and the screw are indispensable in order to be able to firmly fix and retain the tools against the thrust transmitted by the blades during soil treatment. Another drawback is that the system for fixing the shank protrudes beyond the area travelled by the blades during rotation of the tool holder and is therefore subject to wear during treatment of the soil.

[0013] A support for a mower blade is known from US 2016 / 242355 Al. SUMMARY

[0014] The technical problem addressed by the present invention is to provide: an agricultural machine, such as for example a rotary harrow or a mower; and a kit for the machine; and a tool for the machine as a component of the machine, which is structurally and functionally configured to solve at least some of the technical problems set out with reference to the cited prior art and preferably to solve all of said technical problems.

[0015] The problem is solved by the present invention through an agricultural machine, such as for example a rotary harrow or a mower.

[0016] In one embodiment, the agricultural machine comprises at least one rotating piece supported in a manner able to rotate about an axis. The at least one rotating piece comprises a tool holder, which preferably extends transversely relative to the axis of the rotating piece, and at least one tool. The at least one tool is fastened to the tool holder, or the at least one tool can be fastened to the tool holder; advantageously, the at least one tool is fastened to the tool holder in a removable manner, or the at least one tool can be fastened to the tool holder in a removable manner.

[0017] Preferably, the at least one tool extends longitudinally.

[0018] Further preferably, the tool holder extends in a positioning plane transverse to the longitudinal development of the tool, when the tool is fastened to the tool holder.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, each tool comprises a blade and a shank, the blade being fixed in a respective seat of the tool holder by means of the shank, or the blade can be fixed in a respective seat of the tool holder by means of the shank. Advantageously, between the seat and the respective tool, a quick fixing device is provided to fasten the shank of the tool in the respective seat.

[0020] It can be noted that, herein, the term "quick fixing device" is preferably intended to be understood as a device that can perform a fixing operation, more particularly a reversible fixing operation, without the need for any tool piece.

[0021] Preferably, the quick fixing device comprises at least one tooth piece that is respectively spring-mounted, the tooth piece being mounted on the seat so as to interfere with the shank when the shank is inserted into the seat, thereby retaining the shank in the seat.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the spring-mounted tooth piece comprises a tooth and a spring element, preferably operatively associated with each other.

[0023] In a more preferred manner, the quick fixing device and the shank are formed so as to, when the shank is inserted into the seat, push the tooth out of the seat against the individual spring or spring element by interference between the tooth and the shank; and, when the tooth and the recess of the shank are in mutually corresponding positions, release the tooth into engagement with the recess, thereby retaining the shank in the respective seat.

[0024] In this way, at least the operation of inserting the tooth can be simply performed without any tool piece, by simply inserting the shank of the tooth into the respective seat.

[0025] Advantageously, the resiliently mounted tooth is sufficient in itself to ensure that the shank remains in the seating of the tool holder, even (and in particular) in the light of the forces transmitted by the blade during treatment of the soil. The quick fixing device can (and preferably) therefore mainly comprise the resiliently mounted tooth. In order to secure the shank of the tool in the corresponding seating, it is further preferred that no additional or different fixing device is provided in terms of the resiliently mounted tooth.

[0026] It can be noted that, in the present text, the term "resiliently mounted tooth" is intended to be understood as preferably meaning a tooth pushed by a resilient element. The resilient element can be a spring, for example a leaf spring type spring, the tooth being resiliently mounted by this spring. Of course, a resilient element of a different type than a spring but functionally similar can be provided.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the tooth is formed in the manner of a latch, preferably in the manner of a latching latch, that is to say that, with this form of tooth, when the surface of the tooth interferes with the corresponding surface of the shank during insertion of the shank in the seating of the tool holder, the tooth is moved out of the seating against the spring or resilient element; and then, when the shank is correctly inserted into the seating, engages in a snap-fit with the corresponding recess. This facilitates insertion of the tool into the seating and ensures correct retention of the tool.

[0028] Advantageously, the latching tooth in the manner of a latch is of the type adapted to close a door in a building in a snap-fit manner.

[0029] The tooth in the manner of a latch is preferably movable and preferably formed with a wedge-shaped profile, the apex of which points towards the seating for the shank. The wedge-shaped profile can be, for example, triangular; in particular, the wedge-shaped profile can be right-angled triangular; preferably, the wedge-shaped profile has inclined sides forming a sliding plane for the surface of the shank to press the tooth out of the seating against the resilient element when the shank is inserted into the seating.

[0030] In some embodiments, the shank comprises two opposite sides (more particularly, two opposite pairs of sides), said two opposite sides preferably representing the small sides of the shank. In addition, the shank can comprise two opposite pairs of faces, said two pairs of faces preferably representing the large sides of the shank.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the two opposite sides of the shank connect the two opposite faces of the shank to each other.

[0032] Preferably, the two opposite side portions of the shank and, if applicable, the two opposite face portions extend lengthwise in the removal direction of the tool from the seating.

[0033] The two opposite face portions of the shank can comprise an inner face portion and an outer face portion. The inner face portion preferably points towards the axis of rotation when the shank is inserted into the seating of the tool holder, while the outer face portion preferably points in the opposite direction.

[0034] Preferably, the two opposite side portions of the shank do not face the axis of rotation when the shank is inserted into the respective seating.

[0035] Advantageously, at least one of the two opposite side portions of the shank is provided with a recess which can receive the tooth portion to block the tool in the tool holder in the removal direction of the tool from the seating.

[0036] It will be appreciated that the formation of a recess in one of the two opposite side portions of the shank has the technical effect of allowing the shank to be held in the area of one of the side portions of the shank, rather than in the area of one of the face portions of the shank. Holding the shank in the area of one of the side portions of the shank is advantageous in that it does not affect the radial space requirements of the tool holder. In this way, the tool holder protrudes less far out of the circular area travelled by the blade during rotation of the rotor, and thus the tool holder is subject to less wear during treatment of the soil.

[0037] In some embodiments, a respective recess is formed at the two opposite side portions of the shank. In this way, the tools are fully interchangeable and can be used indifferently in both seatings of the tool holder. This makes installation of the tools easier and prevents positioning errors.

[0038] In a preferred variant, the tool, or at least the blade or the shank, is axially symmetrical.

[0039] Preferably, the recess is formed on the side portion of the shank as a tapering structure, in particular a substantially triangular tapering structure, towards the opposite side portion.

[0040] It can be noted that, herein, the term "side portion" of the shank is preferably intended to be understood as meaning a side portion which does not face the axis of rotation when the shank is inserted into the respective seating. Preferably, the shank has two opposite side portions. Preferably, neither of the side portions faces the axis of rotation when the shank is inserted into the respective seating.

[0041] The elastically mounted tooth can be mounted on the side portion of the seating. Preferably, the side portion of the seating does not face the axis of the rotating piece. More particularly, the side portion of the seating faces at least one of the side portions of the handle in which the recess is formed when the handle is inserted into the corresponding seating. In this way, advantageously, during the rotation of the rotating piece, the elastically mounted tooth is radially arranged within the area travelled by the blade.

[0042] It will be appreciated that the elastically mounted tooth mounted on the side portion of the seating has the technical effect of protecting the elastically mounted tooth from wear, which would otherwise occur during the rotation of the rotating piece in the event that the elastically mounted tooth protrudes beyond the area travelled by the blade.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic element comprises an extension portion, preferably opposite the tooth portion. The extension portion can protrude outwardly from the side portion of the corresponding seating, in particular, the extension portion can protrude outwardly from the side portion of the corresponding seating in a tangential direction with respect to the rotating piece.

[0044] Preferably, during the rotation of the rotating piece, the extension portion is radially arranged within the area travelled by the blade.

[0045] Advantageously, the extension portion can be gripped by the side portion of the corresponding seating in order to facilitate the removal of the tooth portion from the recess.

[0046] It will be appreciated that the extension portion allows the tool to be replaced without having to assemble or disassemble other components and without having to use any specific tool piece.

[0047] In one embodiment, an angle of between 0° and 40° is formed between the handle and the blade, preferably an angle of between 5° and 40° is formed between the handle and the blade, and even more preferably an angle of between 10° and 30° is formed between the handle and the blade. This angle allows the operator located at one side of the agricultural machine to more easily insert the handle into the corresponding seating.

[0048] To this end, it appears to be advantageous to note that the handle, and more particularly the two opposite side portions of the handle, extend lengthwise in the direction of removal of the tool from the seating. Of course, the seating also preferably extends in the same removal direction.

[0049] It will thus be understood that the removal direction of the tool from the seating can form an angle with the plane of the blade which is substantially the same as the angle formed between the shank and the blade. More particularly, the removal direction can form an angle with the plane of the blade which is comprised between 0° and 40°, preferably, the removal direction can form an angle with the plane of the blade which is comprised between 5° and 40°, and more particularly, the removal direction can form an angle with the plane of the blade which is comprised between 10° and 30°.

[0050] It can be noted that, when the shank is inserted into the seating, the blade is preferably located in a plane which is substantially parallel to the axis of the rotating member. It will thus be understood that the removal direction of the tool from the seating can form an angle with the axis of the rotating member which is substantially the same as the angle formed between the shank and the blade. More particularly, the removal direction can form an angle with the axis of the rotating member which is comprised between 0° and 40°, preferably, the removal direction can form an angle with the axis of the rotating member which is comprised between 5° and 40°, and more particularly, the removal direction can form an angle with the axis of the rotating member which is comprised between 10° and 30°.

[0051] This geometry ensures that, during the rotation of the rotating member, the shank extends within the area travelled by the blade. In this way, the shank is subjected to a lower degree of wear during the treatment of the soil.

[0052] The blade is provided with a cross-section which tapers in a direction away from the shank, preferably, the blade is provided with an initial trapezoidal cross-section in the vicinity of the shank, tapering into a triangular cross-section at the opposite side.

[0053] Preferably, the blade and the shank are formed in one piece, that is to say, the blade and the shank are integral, and, in one embodiment, the tool does not have any curved portions.

[0054] In one aspect, the application relates to a kit for an agricultural machine according to one or more of the above-mentioned characteristics, such as, for example, a rotary harrow or a mower, the kit comprising a tool holder, at least one tool and quick fixing means between the tool holder and the tool.

[0055] The application also relates to a tool for use as a component of an agricultural machine according to one or more of the above-mentioned characteristics.

[0056] In one aspect, the application relates to a tool for a tool holder of a rotating member of a rotary harrow, the tool comprising a blade and a shank according to one or more of the above-mentioned characteristics.

[0057] Therefore, it should be understood that the shank can be inserted into the seat of the tool holder and advantageously at least one of the two opposite sides of the shank is provided with a recess which can receive the tooth to block the tool in the tool holder in a removal direction of the tool from the seat, preferably the tooth is formed in a kind of catch.

[0058] Of course, preferably the recess is transversal with respect to the removal direction of the shank from the seat so that when the shank is inserted into the seat the tooth interferes with the recess to keep the shank in the seat.

[0059] Further preferably, on at least one of the sides of the shank and at the side opposite to the blade, a surface is provided which has an inclined plane or which is rounded and which can interfere with the tooth to push the tooth when the shank is inserted into the seat along the removal direction.

[0060] Thanks to the above features, a lighter tool can be constructed in which the mass of the blade prevails with respect to the mass of the shank to handle a very small amount of material when the tool must be replaced. This, together with the shape of the blade, allows to reduce the overall mass of the tool and has many advantages. These include the fact of reducing the rotating mass and the problem of balancing the rotating member; and the fact of being able to use, at the same production cost, high-resistance steels which can withstand wear or other materials with high performance levels. This leads to the possibility of further reducing the thickness and cross section of the blade, thus providing, among other things, a smaller resistance to penetration into the ground, with the beneficial consequence of a reduced energy requirement for obtaining the same treatment of the soil; and a lower consumption level for the same performance level. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0061] The features and advantages of the present application will be better understood from the following detailed description of several preferred but non-limiting embodiments thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0062] - Figure 1 is a front view of a rotating member for a rotating harrow constructed according to a first embodiment of the present application;

[0063] - Figure 2 is Figure 1 a bottom perspective view of the rotating member of

[0064] - Figure 3 is a perspective view of a tool fitted to the rotating member of Figure 1 ;

[0065] - Figure 4 is Figure 1 a perspective view of a construction variant of a detail of the rotating member of

[0066] - Figure 5 and Figure 6 are in a partially disassembled state Figure 1 is a detail view of the rotating member of

[0067] - Figure 7 is a perspective view of a detail of the rotating member of Figure 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] In the drawings, with 1 is indicated a rotating member for a rotary harrow configured according to the present application. The remaining structure of a harrow suitable to be provided with similar rotating members generally comprises a box-shaped carrying element, which is elongated in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the harrow, and a plurality of rotating members 1 are supported on the box-shaped carrying element, with the axes X being parallel to each other and vertical.

[0069] Of course, there is also the possibility that the rotating member according to the present application can be fitted to different types of agricultural machines, such as for example mowers, shredders, etc. Therefore, it should be understood that, although below the preferred features will be described with regard to an embodiment in which the agricultural machine is a rotary harrow, these features can also be used identically in the case in which the agricultural machine is a mower, etc.

[0070] Each rotating member 1 preferably comprises a rotating member shaft 2 having an axis X, which at one end carries a plate or flange 3, arranged transversely to the axis X of the rotating member, and on which a tool holder 4 is fixed, preferably in a removable manner, to allow possible replacement.

[0071] Each tool holder 4 is arranged to mount two or more tools 5, which are preferably identical to each other to be interchangeable, as will be explained more clearly below.

[0072] As shown in the embodiment of Figure 3 , the tools 5 each comprise a shank 7 and a blade 6, which are either integral with each other or in any case joined to form a monolithic structure.

[0073] It can be noted that, herein, the term "shank" is preferably intended to be understood as an end portion of the tool 5, which is fixed to the tool holder, or which can be fixed to the tool holder.

[0074] In some embodiments, the shank 7 has a through hole 14, which can be used for example to hang the tool 5 when it is not in use.

[0075] Preferably, the shank 7 extends from the tool holder 4 in a removal direction Y of the tool 5.

[0076] With reference to the plane of the blade 6, the shank 7, more particularly the removal direction Y, forms an angle A with the blade 6, preferably an acute angle. In a preferred embodiment, the angle A is comprised between 5° and 40°, and even more preferably, the angle A is comprised between 10° and 30°. It will be understood that, in some embodiments, the angle A can be zero or a right angle.

[0077] Advantageously, neither the shank 7 nor the blade 6 have a curved portion around the longitudinal axis, so that each tool 5 can be mounted in either of the two positions provided on the tool holder 4. Moreover, advantageously, at least the blade 6, and preferably the blade 6 and the shank 7, are symmetrical with respect to the plane containing the axis X of the rotation.

[0078] According to another advantageous aspect, the blade 6 tapers from the shank 7 towards the free end 22 of the blade 6, and the blade 6 has a decreasing cross section, preferably the blade 6 has a tapering in the shape of a substantially trapezoidal shape, preferably isosceles, and has a small side which faces the axis X of the rotation, thereby ending in a substantially triangular cross section at a point. Preferably, when the tool 5 is mounted in the operating position on the tool holder 4, the two blades 6 are substantially parallel to the axis X of the rotation, or the two blades 6 are slightly diverging towards the respective free end 22.

[0079] In some embodiments, the shank 7 is mounted in a seat 8 on the rotation 1, the seat 8 preferably being in the form of a pocket. Still in a preferred manner, the seat 8 extends in a removal direction Y of the tool 5 from the seat itself.

[0080] The seat 8 can be delimited between a first wall 9 and a second wall 10. Preferably, the first wall 9 is fixed integrally to the tool holder 4, and on the one hand, the first wall 9 defines a pocket with two edges 24, preferably parallel and extending in the same direction, and in any case formed to conform to the shape of the shank 7.

[0081] Preferably, the shank 7 has two opposite sides 20 extending in the removal direction Y of the tool 5 from the seat 8. The sides 20 of the shank are advantageously configured to abut the respective edges 24 of the seat 8. Moreover, the shank 7 can comprise opposite pairs of faces 30, the faces 30 preferably representing the large sides of the shank. According to the embodiment, the sides 20 connect the faces 30 to each other.

[0082] The first wall 9 can be structured by forging, so as to form more solid areas in the desired locations. Preferably, an end deformation 13 is provided on at least one of the edges 24, so as to prevent the shank 7 from coming into contact with the corner of the socket. In this way, the concentration of the working load of the tool 5 is further moved away from the corner.

[0083] The second wall 10 is preferably formed in a plate-like manner and closes the seat 8 by clamping the shank 7 between the edges 24.

[0084] In one possible embodiment, the first wall 9 and the second wall 10 are fixedly joined to each other, for example by welding or by a mechanical connection by interference, so that the seat 8 is substantially in the form of a downwardly open socket, or in any case at opposite sides of the tool holder 4.

[0085] With reference to Figure 1 the embodiment, the positioning plane of the seat 8 and in particular of the first wall 9 and of the second wall 10 forms an angle B with respect to the axis X of the rotating piece, which in the present embodiment substantially equals the angle A formed by the shank 7 with respect to the plane of the blade 6.

[0086] For some applications, in particular of the harrow type, the angle B is preferably acute. For example, the angle B can be comprised between 5° and 40°, and more particularly the angle B can be comprised between 10° and 30°.

[0087] This angle advantageously has the effect that, when the shank 7 is inserted into the respective seat 8, the shank lies radially in a region which is travelled by the blade 6 during the rotation of the rotating piece 1 about its axis X. In particular, the shank 7 extends from the end of the blade 6 towards the axis X of the rotating piece. In this way, the shank is subjected to a lower degree of wear during the treatment of the soil.

[0088] It should be understood that, in some embodiments, the angle B can also be substantially zero, since the seat 8 extends in a plane substantially parallel to the axis X.

[0089] For other applications, in particular of the mower type, the angle B is preferably substantially right, or in any case comprised between 70° and 90°, and more particularly between 80° and 90°.

[0090] As shown in the embodiments of Figure 5 and Figure 6 , quick fixing means are provided between the seat 8 and the respective tool 5, so as to fasten the shank 7 of the tool in the respective seat 8.

[0091] These quick fixing devices comprise at least one tooth 16 mounted elastically, respectively, in particular by means of a spring 11 of the leaf spring type, the tooth 16 being mounted on a flank 15 or first wall 9, second wall 10 of the seat 8, protruding into the seat 8, so as to interfere with the shank 7 when the shank 7 is inserted into the seat 8, thereby retaining the shank 7 in the seat 8.

[0092] Of course, the spring 11 can be replaced by a more general elastic element. Thus, it will be understood that, although the preferred features related to the embodiment in which the elastic element is a spring will be described below, these features can also be used identically in the case of an elastic element that is structurally different from a spring but functionally similar.

[0093] In a preferred manner, the spring 11 extends longitudinally between an end 11a of the spring 11 fixed to the tooth 16 and an opposite end 11b of the spring 11 mounted on the flank 15 of the respective seat 8.

[0094] It can be noted that, in the present text, the term "flank" of the seat 8 (or first wall 9, second wall 10) is preferably intended to be understood as a flank that does not face the axis X of the rotating piece or that does not point towards the ground. In this way, the flank is also easily accessible to an operator located on one side of the harrow or lawnmower.

[0095] Advantageously, the quick fixing device and the shank 7 are formed so as to push the tooth 16 out of the seat 8 against the spring 11 by interference between the tooth and the shank when the shank is inserted into the seat 8, and to release the tooth 16 to engage with the recess 12 of the shank 7 when the tooth 16 and the recess 12 are in a position corresponding to each other, thereby retaining the shank in the respective seat 8.

[0096] With reference to the embodiments of Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the tooth 16 is formed in the manner of a bolt, the tooth 16 having a wedge-shaped profile in the form of a substantially triangular shape, the apex 17 of which is directed towards the seat 8. Preferably, this profile is in the form of a right-angled triangle and has an inclined side 18 forming a sliding plane for a surface 19, the surface 19 having an inclined plane or being formed in another way (for example, rounded) by the shank 7, so as to press the tooth 16 out of the seat 8 against the spring 11 when the shank is inserted into the seat 8.

[0097] Therefore, it is preferred that at least one of the two opposite sides 20 of the shank 7, preferably the side opposite the blade 6, is provided with a respective surface 19 having an inclined plane, or which is rounded, and which, when the shank 7 is inserted into the seat 8, can interfere with the tooth 16 pushing it against the spring 11.

[0098] In some embodiments, the respective surface 19 having an inclined plane is modified both on the two opposite sides 20 of the shank 7, and the respective surface 19 having an inclined plane is preferably used on the side opposite the respective blade 6.

[0099] As already mentioned, at least one side of the shank 7, but preferably both the two opposite sides 20 of the shank 7, preferably in a symmetrical arrangement, are formed with a respective recess 12 which can receive the tooth 16 when the position of the shank coincides with the position in which the tool 5 is correctly assembled in the tool holder 4.

[0100] Preferably, when the shank 7 is inserted into the respective seat 8, the side 15 of the seat faces at least one of the two opposite sides 20 of the shank on which the recess 12 is formed.

[0101] In one aspect, the recess 12 is a completely blind recess, and the recess 12 preferably defines an undercut. It is further preferred that at least one wall 21 of the recess 12 lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the removal direction Y of the shank 7 from the respective seat 8, or at least one wall 21 of the recess 12 lies in a plane which in any case is transverse to the removal direction Y of the shank 7 from the respective seat 8, so that when the shank 7 is inserted into the respective seat, the tooth 16 interferes with the wall 21 to retain the shank 7 in the seat 8.

[0102] Advantageously, the tool 5 is axially symmetrical, allowing the tool 5 to be inserted in any of the two (or more) seats 8 in an interchangeable manner. In this case, preferably, the tool 5 also has no curved portions. To change the tool of a rotary harrow or mower equipped in this way, it is only necessary to grasp the spring 11 to remove the tooth 16 from the recess 12. In this case, the shank 7 of the tooth is pulled out of the seat 8. Conversely, during the insertion of the shank 7 in the seat 8, the simple fact of inserting the shank in the seat involves the automatic removal of the tooth 16 against the spring 11, and the elastic return of the tooth 16 when it is aligned with the recess, to engage the tooth 16 with the recess 12.

[0103] To further facilitate the removal of the tooth 16 from the recess 12, in some embodiments, the extension 23 of the spring, which protrudes outward from the lateral face 15 of the respective seat, can be grasped. In the preferred embodiment, the extension 23 is opposite the tooth 16.

[0104] It must be noted that the removal of the tooth 16 does not require any work on the lower part of the harrow or mower, since the spring 11 or the possible extension 23 of the spring 11 can be easily grasped by the lateral face 15 of the respective seat, which is clearly visible and directly accessible to the operator located at one side of the harrow or mower.

[0105] The present application therefore solves the problems set and achieves a number of advantages, including:

[0106] - reduction of the power consumed by the rotating members;

[0107] - reversibility of the tools;

[0108] - speed of assembly and disassembly of the tools;

[0109] - elimination of positioning errors of the tools.

Claims

1. An agricultural machine comprising at least one rotating member (1) supported in a manner such as to be able to rotate about an axis (X), at least one said rotating member (1) comprising a tool holder (4) extending transversely with respect to the axis (X) of the rotating member (1) and at least one tool (5) fastened in a removable manner to the tool holder (4), each tool (5) comprising a blade (6) and a shank (7), the blade (6) being fixed in a respective seat (8) of the tool holder (4) by means of the shank (7), the shank (7) being an end portion of the tool (5), between the seat (8) and the respective tool (5) there being provided quick fixing means to fasten the shank (7) of the tool in the respective seat (8), the quick fixing means comprising at least one tooth member respectively elastically mounted, the tooth member comprising a spring element and a toothing (16) mounted on the seat (8) to interfere with the shank (7) when the tooth member is inserted into the seat (8) so as to retain the shank (7) in the seat (8), characterized in that, The quick fixing device and the shank (7) are shaped so that, when the shank (7) is inserted into the seat (8), the tooth (16) is pushed out of the seat (8) against the elastic element by interference between the tooth (16) and the shank (7), and when the tooth (16) and the recess (12) of the shank (7) are in corresponding positions, the tooth (16) is released into engagement with the recess (12), thereby retaining the shank (7) in the corresponding seat (8).

2. The agricultural machine of claim 1, wherein, The tooth (16) is shaped like a latch.

3. The agricultural machine of claim 2, wherein, The tooth (16) is shaped like a locking latch.

4. The agricultural machine of claim 2 or 3, wherein, The tooth (16) has a wedge-shaped profile.

5. The agricultural machine of claim 4, wherein, The wedge-shaped profile has an apex (17) that points towards the seat (8) for the shank.

6. The agricultural machine of claim 4, wherein, The wedge-shaped profile is triangular.

7. The agricultural machine of claim 5, wherein, The wedge-shaped profile is triangular.

8. The agricultural machine of claim 6, wherein, The wedge-shaped profile is a right-angled triangle.

9. The agricultural machine of claim 4, wherein, The wedge-shaped profile has inclined sides (18) that form sliding planes for surfaces (19) of the shank (7) to press the tooth (16) out of the seat (8) against the elastic element when the shank (7) is inserted into the seat.

10. The agricultural machine of one of claims 1-3, wherein, Corresponding recesses (12) are formed symmetrically at opposite sides (20) of the shank (7).

11. The agricultural machine of claim 2 or 3, wherein, Surfaces (19) are provided at opposite sides (20) of the shank (7), which have inclined planes or are rounded and can interfere with the latch of the tooth (16) to push the tooth (16) against the elastic element when the shank (7) is inserted into the seat (8).

12. The agricultural machine of claim 10, wherein, The sides (20) do not face the axis (X) of the rotating member when the shank (7) is inserted into the corresponding seat (8).

13. The agricultural machine of one of claims 1-3, wherein, The elastic element is a spring (11).

14. The agricultural machine of one of claims 1-3, wherein, The elastic element is a leaf spring type spring (11).

15. The agricultural machine of one of claims 1-3, wherein, The tool (5) is axially symmetrical.

16. The agricultural machine of one of claims 1-3, wherein, The recess (12) is shaped like a substantially triangular structure tapering towards opposite sides on the sides (20) of the shank (7).

17. The agricultural machine of one of claims 1-3, wherein, An angle A of between 0° and 40° is formed between the shank (7) and the blade (6).

18. The agricultural machine of claim 17, wherein, The angle A is between 10° and 30°.

19. The agricultural machine of one of claims 1-3, wherein, The blade (6) has a cross section tapering away from the shank (7).

20. The agricultural machine of claim 19, wherein, The blade (6) has an initial trapezoidal cross section near the shank (7) and tapers into a triangular cross section at opposite sides.

21. The agricultural machine of one of claims 1-3, wherein, The blade (6) and the shank (7) are one piece.

22. The agricultural machine of one of claims 1-3, wherein, The tool (5) is not provided with a bending portion.

23. The agricultural machine of one of claims 1-3, wherein, The agricultural machine is a rotary harrow.

24. The agricultural machine of one of claims 1-3, wherein, The agricultural machine is a mower.

25. The agricultural machine of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The opposite sides (20) of the shank (7) extend lengthwise along a removal direction (Y) of the tool (5) from the seat (8), do not face the axis (X) of the rotation member when the shank (7) is inserted into the respective seat (8), at least one of the opposite sides (20) of the shank (7) is provided with a recess (12) able to receive the tooth (16) to block the tool (5) in the tool holder (4) in the removal direction (Y) of the tool from the seat (8).

26. The agricultural machine of claim 25, wherein, At least one of the sides (20) of the shank (7) and at the side opposite the blade (6) is provided with a surface (19) having an inclined plane or is rounded and, when the shank (7) is inserted into the seat (8) in the removal direction (Y), the surface (19) is able to interfere with the tooth (16) to push the tooth (16).

27. The agricultural machine of claim 25, wherein, The elastically mounted tooth is mounted on a side face (15) of the seat (8) which does not face the axis (X) of the rotation member.

28. The agricultural machine of claim 27, wherein, The side face (15) faces the at least one of the opposite sides (20) of the shank when the shank (7) is inserted into the respective seat (8).

29. The agricultural machine according to claim 27, comprising an extension (23) of the elastic element, which protrudes outwardly from the side face (15) of the respective seat (8), which is able to be gripped by the side face (15) of the respective seat (8) to facilitate the removal of the tooth (16) from the recess (12).

30. The agricultural machine of claim 29, wherein, The extension (23) is opposite the tooth (16).

31. The agricultural machine of claim 29, wherein, The extension (23) protrudes outwardly from the side face (15) of the respective seat (8) in a tangential direction with respect to the rotation member (1).

32. The agricultural machine of any of claims 1-3, wherein, The quick fixing device is able to reversibly fix without the need for any tool.

33. The agricultural machine of claim 25, wherein, The removal direction (Y) of the tool (5) from the seat (8) forms an angle B with respect to the axis (X) of the rotation member of between 5° and 40°.

34. The agricultural machine of claim 25, wherein, The removal direction (Y) of the tool (5) from the seat (8) forms an angle B with respect to the axis (X) of the rotation member of between 10° and 30°.

35. The agricultural machine of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, During rotation of the rotation member (1), the shank (7) extends in the area travelled by the blade (6).

36. The agricultural machine of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, When the shank (7) is inserted into the seat (8), the blade (6) lies in a plane substantially parallel to the axis (X) of the rotation member.

37. The agricultural machine of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, At least one of said tools (5) extends longitudinally, said tool holder (4) extending in a positioning plane transverse to the longitudinal extension of said tools when said tools are fastened to said tool holder.

38. The agricultural machine of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, Said tooth, being elastically mounted, is sufficient in itself to ensure that said shank (7) remains in said seat (8) for said shank, as far as the force transmitted by said blade (6) during the treatment of the soil is concerned.

39. A kit for an agricultural machine according to one of claims 1 to 38, characterized in that, The kit comprises a tool holder (4) and at least one tool (5) removably fastened to said tool holder (4), each tool (5) comprising a blade (6) and a shank (7), said blade (6) being fixed to a respective seat (8) of said tool holder (4) by means of said shank (7), said shank (7) being an end portion of said tool (5), quick fixing means being provided between said seat (8) and the respective tool (5) to fasten said shank (7) of said tool in said respective seat (8), said quick fixing means comprising at least one tooth respectively elastically mounted, said tooth comprising a tooth (16) mounted on said seat (8) and a spring element to interfere with said shank (7) when said tooth is inserted into said seat (8) so as to retain said shank (7) in said seat (8), said quick fixing means and said shank (7) being formed so that, when said shank (7) is inserted into said seat (8), said tooth (16) is pushed out of said seat (8) against said spring element by the interference between said tooth (16) and said shank (7), and when said tooth (16) and a recess (12) of said shank (7) are in a position corresponding to each other, said tooth (16) is released into engagement with said recess (12) so as to retain said shank (7) in said respective seat (8).

40. The kit of claim 39, wherein, Said tooth (16) is formed in the manner of a latch.

41. The kit according to claim 39 or 40, comprising a rotary piece (1) comprising said tool holder (4) and at least one of said tools (5), said rotary piece (1) being configured to be supported in a manner rotatable about an axis (X), said tool holder (4) extending transversely with respect to said axis (X) of said rotary piece (1).

42. The kit of claim 41, wherein, Opposed sides (20) of the shank (7) extend lengthwise in a removal direction (Y) of the tool (5) from the seat (8), do not face the axis (X) of the rotating member when the shank (7) is inserted into the respective seat (8), at least one of the opposed sides (20) of the shank (7) is provided with a recess (12) able to receive the tooth (16) to block the tool (5) in the tool holder (4) in the removal direction (Y) of the tool from the seat (8).

43. The kit of claim 39 or 40, wherein, The elastically mounted tooth is itself sufficient to ensure that the shank (7) remains in the seat (8) for the shank, as far as the force transmitted by the blade (6) during the treatment of the soil is concerned.

44. A tool (5) for a tool holder (4) of a rotating member (1) of a rotary harrow, characterized in that The tool (5) comprises a blade (6) and a shank (7), the blade (6) being able to be fastened to the tool holder (4) in a removable manner by means of the shank (7), the blade (6) and the shank (7) being one piece, an angle A of between 5° and 40° being formed between the shank (7) and the blade (6), the blade (6) having a cross section tapering away from the shank (7), the shank (7) being able to be inserted into a seat (8) of the tool holder (4), at least one of the opposed sides (20) of the shank (7) being provided with a recess (12) able to receive a hasp-like tooth (16) to block the tool (5) in the tool holder (4) in a removal direction (Y) of the tool (5) from the seat (8), the recess (12) being transverse with respect to the removal direction (Y) so that, when the shank (7) is inserted into the seat (8), the tooth (16) interferes with the recess (12) to retain the shank (7) in the seat (8), wherein at least one wall (21) of the recess (12) lies in a plane transverse to the removal direction (Y) of the shank (7) from the respective seat so that, when the shank (7) is inserted into the respective seat, the tooth (16) interferes with the wall (21) to retain the shank (7) in the respective seat.

45. A tool (5) according to claim 44, wherein A surface (19) is provided on the at least one of the sides (20) of the shank (7) and at the side opposite the blade (6), the surface (19) having an inclined plane or the surface (19) being rounded and able to interfere with the tooth (16) to push the tooth (16) when the shank (7) is inserted into the seat (8) in the removal direction (Y).

46. A tool (5) according to claim 44 or 45, wherein The recess (12) is formed in the side (20) of the shank (7) as a structure having a substantially triangular shape tapering towards the opposite side.

47. A tool (5) according to claim 44 or 45, wherein Said blade (6) has an initial trapezoidal cross section in the proximity of said shank (7) and tapers into a triangular cross section at opposite sides.

48. A tool (5) according to claim 44 or 45, wherein Said sides (20) represent small sides of said shank.

49. A tool (5) according to claim 48, wherein Said shank (7) comprises opposite pairs of faces (30) representing large sides of said shank, said sides (20) connecting said faces (30) to each other.

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