Device and method for cultivating an agricultural area with a plurality of rows
The device and method utilize synchronized shielding means to protect crops by relocating them gently, addressing crop damage and enhancing weed control efficiency in agricultural cultivation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LANDHOUZ GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-13
AI Technical Summary
Current agricultural cultivation methods damage crops due to friction between barriers and plants at high speeds, especially when controlling weeds between rows, and fail to effectively protect crops during field management processes.
A device and method using shielding means with synchronized movement to isolate a predetermined agricultural area, ensuring zero relative speed with adjacent crops, allowing gentle relocation of plant parts back to their planting points, thus forming a protective barrier.
The solution effectively protects crops from agronomic processes by minimizing friction and damage, enlarging the cultivation area between rows, and enabling simultaneous weed control without harming plants.
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a device for cultivating an agricultural area with a plurality of rows according to the preamble of claim 1, and a corresponding method for which such a device can be used.
[0002] According to current technology, it is known to plant and cultivate agricultural land with row crops. This generally requires effective weed control, and therefore appropriate soil preparation.
[0003] From DE 10 2021 113 841 A1, it is known to use soil cultivation implements for mechanical weed control within a row of cultivated plants. In this process, the soil cultivation tools are used in such a way that, when they engage the soil, they are not moved transversely to the direction of travel, but at an angle to the direction of travel between 90° and 180°. This ensures that, when engaging the soil, the soil cultivation tools perform at least part of their movement in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the tractor. This results in a reduced speed of the soil cultivation tool relative to the ground when engaging the soil.
[0004] The soil cultivation implement according to DE 10 2021 113 841 A1 can be equipped not only with the necessary means but also with additional means and tools that enable soil cultivation even in the row between two rows of crops. In this case, weed control can be carried out simultaneously between and within the rows of crops.
[0005] If, according to current technology, field management measures are carried out between the actual crop plants, for example, for weed control, it is advantageous to maximize the available space between the individual rows of crops. One way to achieve this is to push / shift the parts of the crop plants that protrude laterally into an adjacent row, perpendicular to the row's longitudinal direction, back towards their planting points. In row crops, this type of barrier is achieved within a cultivation machine, for example, using fixed plates / caps along the row that keep the protruding leaves out of the spaces between the plants as the machine passes. However, this creates friction between the barrier and the crop plant, which can damage the plant, especially at high speeds.
[0006] The invention is based on the objective of optimizing the cultivation of agricultural land for the crops grown on it in a plant-friendly manner, particularly with regard to an area between individual rows of crops.
[0007] This problem is solved by a device having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 13. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.
[0008] A device according to the present invention serves to cultivate an agricultural area with a plurality of rows in which plants, in particular in the form of row crops, can be cultivated, comprising a frame that can be attached to a vehicle for moving in a direction of travel at a driving speed along a row of the agricultural area.In detail, such a device comprises at least a support unit with shielding means attached to the frame, wherein the shielding means are movable along an endless orbit, wherein the orbit has at least a first wing and a second wing, wherein at least the first wing runs substantially parallel to the rows of the agricultural land, and at least a drive means for driving the shielding means along the endless orbit, wherein, upon actuation of the drive means, the shielding means in the first wing of the endless orbit reach a first speed of movement.The drive mechanisms for powering the shielding elements are designed and configured such that the initial speed of the shielding elements is synchronized with the vehicle's speed, resulting in a difference of essentially zero between the vehicle's speed and the relative speed of the shielding elements caused by the initial speed. Furthermore, a predetermined area of agricultural land, where crop production and / or agricultural processes are carried out, can be shielded or protected from an adjacent row of agricultural land and the crops grown therein by the shielding elements, which are located in the first phase of the orbit during their movement around the continuous orbit.
[0009] Similarly, the present invention also provides a method for cultivating agricultural land with a plurality of rows. Such a method according to the invention is characterized by the following steps: - Providing at least one carrier unit with shielding means, wherein the shielding means are moved along an endless orbit at a speed of motion, the orbit having at least a first wing and a second wing, wherein at least the first wing of the orbit is substantially parallel to the rows of the agricultural land and the shielding means, upon rotation around the endless orbit within the first wing, reach a first speed of motion, and - Moving a vehicle to which the carrier unit is attached in a direction of travel parallel to the rows of the agricultural land at a driving speed, - Controlling and / or regulating the first speed of movement of the shielding means and / or the speed of the vehicle such that in the first phase of the orbit of the shielding means the difference between the speed of movement and the relative speed of the shielding means caused by the first speed of movement is essentially zero, and - Isolating a predetermined area of agricultural land, in which crop production and / or agricultural processes are carried out, from an adjacent row of agricultural land and the plants grown therein by means of the shielding means, which are located in the first wing of the orbit when propelled by the propulsion means.
[0010] The present invention is based on the essential insight that, by using the shielding means, it is possible to isolate a predetermined area of agricultural land, in which crop cultivation and / or agricultural processes are carried out, from an adjacent row of agricultural land and the plants grown therein. In the course of such isolation, it is possible that at least parts of the plants, which may extend laterally into an adjacent row perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a row, are moved away from the predetermined area of agricultural land, particularly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a row, by the shielding means, namely back towards their planting points.
[0011] By partitioning off a predetermined area of agricultural land where crop production and / or agricultural processes are carried out, at least the plants grown in rows are specifically protected from the specific crop production and / or agricultural processes taking place within that predetermined area. Additionally, it is also possible to specifically enlarge the predetermined area of agricultural land where crop production and / or agricultural processes are carried out (i.e., the area between two rows of crops) by using the barriers to move the plants back towards their respective planting points.
[0012] In any case, according to the invention, gentle treatment of crops grown in rows is achieved by controlling or regulating the first movement speed of the shielding means (within the first phase of the endless orbit) and / or the driving speed at which a carrier unit (together with the shielding means) is moved parallel to the rows of the agricultural area, such that in the first phase of the orbit of the shielding means, the difference between the driving speed and the relative speed of the shielding means caused by the movement speed is essentially zero. According to the invention, this results in the relative speed of the shielding means in the first phase of their orbit, viewed in the direction of or parallel to the rows of the agricultural area, being equal to zero.If, during the use of the present invention, direct contact occurs with the shielding means in the course of fencing off plants grown within a row of agricultural land, the aforementioned relative velocity of zero, which is equivalent to a stationary positioning of the shielding means relative to an adjacent plant and / or adjacent to the surface of the agricultural land (possibly also with direct contact to this surface in the form of contact), advantageously ensures that no shear forces act on the plant(s) and thus the plant(s) are not damaged.
[0013] In the present invention, a protective barrier or wall is formed using the shielding means employed, which runs directly adjacent to crops grown in a row. In other words, such a protective barrier formed by the shielding means according to the invention extends adjacent to and parallel with row crops in order to appropriately isolate or protect them from a predetermined area of the agricultural land in which agronomic and / or agricultural processes are carried out. Such a protective barrier acts on one side and is row-based.In this respect, it is important for the present invention that the first phase of the orbit runs parallel to a row of the agricultural land, so that the shielding means, when they rotate at the first speed during movement in the first phase around the endless orbit, are always adjacent to the crops grown in this row of the agricultural land.
[0014] According to the invention, the shielding means can be a continuous flexible band that is moved around an endless orbit by the associated drive means. Alternatively, the shielding means can also have a guide band and at least one shielding element attached to the guide band. Advantageously, a plurality of shielding elements are attached to the guide band.
[0015] Advantageous further developments of the invention are formed by the following features: - The shielding elements are guided around deflection pulleys. It is advantageous that the axes of rotation of these deflection pulleys are arranged essentially vertically. This is because it allows the shielding elements to be rotated from the outside into the first section of the orbit, which is located directly adjacent to and parallel to a row of agricultural land. And / or: - Adjacent to the first orbit, a curved track can be provided within which the shielding elements are guided in a sliding manner, such that when the shielding elements are driven, as they turn into the first track, they are initially positioned adjacent to or resting on the surface of the agricultural land. As they continue their movement along the first orbit, these shielding elements are then erected with their edge facing the second track, in the direction of the adjacent row of agricultural land. This erection of the shielding elements gently moves at least parts of a plant with which the shielding elements come into contact away from the predetermined area of the agricultural land where crop production and / or agricultural processes are carried out, or back towards their planting point. And / or: - The shielding means can be designed in the form of a flexible, continuous band. When propelled by the drive mechanism and located in the first phase of the orbit, such a band forms a continuous protective barrier for the immediately adjacent row of agricultural land, effectively isolating and protecting the plants from the predetermined area of the agricultural land. Or: - The shielding means can comprise a guide belt and at least one shielding element attached to the guide belt, wherein the guide belt is driven by the drive means and can thus be moved along the endless orbit at the first velocity (within the first phase of the endless orbit). Advantageously, the guide belt can be designed in the form of an endless belt or an endless chain, to which at least one shielding element is attached as described. And / or: - In the latter embodiment, a plurality of shielding elements can be attached to the guide belt. When these shielding elements are located within the first section of the orbit during the drive of the guide belt, they form an effective protective barrier for the immediately adjacent row of agricultural land, extending beyond its predetermined area. Advantageously, these shielding elements can be attached to the guide belt at equal intervals. Furthermore, it is advantageous for the shielding elements to be attached to the guide belt adjacent to each other in an overlapping manner, such that when they are located in the first section of the orbit, the shielding elements form a continuous protective barrier for the immediately adjacent row of agricultural land, extending beyond its predetermined area. And / or: - At least one shielding element attached to the guide belt and moved along the orbit, preferably all shielding elements, can each be designed in the form of a plate or a mesh structure. It is advantageous for a shielding element to be designed as a plate-shaped component made of at least one material from the group consisting of metal, steel, aluminum, rubber, and / or, in particular, reinforced plastic, or made of a combination of at least two of these materials. And / or: - At least two support units can be arranged side by side and parallel to a row of agricultural land, such that these two support units enclose a row of agricultural land between them and the first segment of the orbits of the respective support units runs adjacent to the row of agricultural land. With regard to the device according to the invention, it is understood that the two aforementioned support units can be attached to the associated frame of the device. And / or: - In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is also possible for more than two support units to be attached to the frame, with each pair of support units being grouped together and enclosing a row of agricultural land between them. In this way, it is possible to cultivate a relatively large area of agricultural land transversely to the longitudinal extent of the rows simultaneously using the device according to the invention. And / or: - The support units can be adjustably mounted on the frame such that the vertical height of the individual support units, and thus their distance to the surface of the agricultural land, and / or the distance between pairs of support units relative to each other, can be varied in a direction transverse to the rows of the agricultural land or transverse to the direction of travel of the vehicle. In this way, it is possible to adapt the device according to the invention to specific types of crops or row crops and / or to their respective stages of growth. And / or: - In an advantageous further development of the invention, it can be provided that mechanical cultivation of the soil of the agricultural area, and / or fungal control, and / or weed control by the use of electricity or laser, and / or the application of plant protection products can be carried out or performed in the predetermined area of the agricultural land. For this purpose, a soil cultivation device can be attached to the frame of the device according to the invention, by means of which the aforementioned types of agronomic and / or agricultural process steps are carried out.By means of the aforementioned isolation of the cultivated plants using the shielding agents, it is achieved that the plants are effectively protected from these agronomic and / or agricultural processes carried out in the predetermined area of the agricultural land, in particular from the application of pesticides or liquid agents for fungicide or weed control. And / or: - In an advantageous further development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the shielding means, when they bend into the first section of the orbit during their movement along the orbit, are initially positioned adjacent to or resting on the surface of the agricultural land, wherein the shielding means are then erected with their edge region, which faces the second section of the orbit, in the direction of the adjacent row during the further movement along the first section of the orbit.In this way, it is possible that at least parts of the plants are moved away from the predetermined area of the agricultural land by the shielding agents and thus gently moved back towards their planting points, because the shielding agents located in the first phase of the orbit do not move relative to the plants in a direction parallel to a row of the agricultural land. And / or: - An edge area of the shielding material, which, when entering the first phase of the orbit, directly borders an adjacent row of agricultural land, can be serrated in such a way that, as the shielding material straightens during its further movement along the first phase of the orbit, the serrated edge area comes into contact with the surface of the agricultural land. This has the advantage that, upon contact with a surface of the agricultural land, the serrated edge area wedges itself against or digs into the soil, thus preventing accidental slippage or displacement of the shielding material relative to the soil of the agricultural land. And / or: - The drive means for powering the shielding elements can be in the form of a motor, for example, an electric motor. It is advantageous if such a motor (e.g., an electric motor) has a control unit that is programmed such that, according to the invention, the first speed of movement of the shielding elements is coordinated with the driving speed of a vehicle to which at least one carrier unit with the shielding elements can be attached, such that in the first phase of the shielding elements' orbit, the difference between the driving speed and the relative speed of the shielding elements caused by the first speed of movement is essentially zero. As explained above, this achieves the advantage according to the invention that the shielding elements, when they are in the first phase of the orbit, are then viewed in the direction of a row of the agricultural land.Parallel to this, and thus adjacent to a plant cultivated within it, it has a relative velocity of zero. This ensures gentle handling of the plant, for example, when the shielding material is erected and at least one plant is moved back towards its planting point. And / or: - The direction of rotation of the shielding means along the endless orbit is suitably chosen so that the shielding means rotating in the first phase of the endless orbit during this movement have a relative velocity with their side facing the crop plants that is either zero or very low.
[0016] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.
[0017] The invention is shown schematically below with reference to preferred embodiments in the drawing and is described in detail with reference to the drawing.
[0018] They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of parts of a device according to the invention with shielding means that are movable along an endless orbit, and Fig. 2 a top view of an agricultural area and of parts of the device according to the invention of Fig. 1.
[0019] The following are, with reference to the Fig. Figures 1 and 2 describe preferred embodiments of a device 10 according to the invention and a corresponding method for cultivating an agricultural area N. Identical features in the drawing are identified by the same reference numerals. It should be noted that the drawing is simplified and, in particular, not to scale.
[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows, in perspective and schematically simplified form, elements or parts of the device 10 according to the invention and an associated support unit 12. Furthermore, the Fig. 2 A simplified top view of parts of the device 10 according to the invention with two such support units 12. It is specifically pointed out here that in the Fig. 2, for the purpose of a simplified representation, the associated elements of the two carrier units 12 are not fully shown.
[0021] In the drawing, an agricultural area is symbolized by "N", with individual and parallel rows of this agricultural area N in the Fig. 2 are each represented by dashed lines and symbolized with "R".
[0022] A predetermined area of the agricultural land N, in which crop production and / or agricultural processes are carried out, is marked with "20" in the drawing. From the top view of Fig. 2 it is evident that this predetermined area 20 is located between two rows R of the agricultural area N.
[0023] The device 10 has a frame 11 (see Fig. 2 (there only simplified symbolization), to which, for example, two carrier units 12 with shielding means 14 are attached. In this respect, it is understood that each carrier unit 12 is equipped with its own shielding means 14.
[0024] With regard to the two carrier units 12, to which, as explained, shielding means 14 (for example in the form of a guide band 16 and a plurality of shielding elements 17 attached to it) are attached, it should be emphasized that these are attached to the frame 11 in such a way that these two carrier units 12 each form a pair and enclose between them the predetermined area 20 of the agricultural land N.
[0025] The in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The shielding means 14 shown in Figure 2 comprise (per carrier unit 12) a guide belt 16 which is guided around deflection pulleys 22 and thus along an endless orbit 15 (cf. Fig. 1) is rotated. In the Fig. 2 The direction of rotation of each of the individual deflection pulleys 22 is indicated by the corresponding arrows.
[0026] For example, a deflection pulley 22 can be equipped with drive means in the form of an electric motor M, thus ensuring that the guide belt 16 rotates around the endless orbit 15. In the Fig. 2 is symbolized by an “M” for the deflection pulleys 22 shown below in the image area, indicating that these deflection pulleys are each equipped with an electric motor M.
[0027] A plurality of shielding elements 17 are attached to the guide band 16 of a respective carrier unit 12. Alternatively to the one described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the illustrations shown in 2, it is advantageous for these shielding elements 17 to be attached to the guide band 16 in such a way that they are arranged next to each other and overlapping.
[0028] The endless orbit 15 for the shielding means 14 (for example in the form of the guide fire 16 with a plurality of shielding elements 17 attached to it) has at least a first stalk 18 and a second stalk 19.
[0029] According to the invention, the two support units 12 are provided for on a vehicle (not shown) or can be mounted on it. Accordingly, the frame 11 is attached to such a vehicle or is part of the vehicle. In this context, it is understood that the vehicle can be a tractor or the like, or alternatively a self-propelled (harvesting) machine.
[0030] Each carrier unit 12 is attached to the frame 11 such that the first segment 18 of the continuous orbit 15 always has a longitudinal profile parallel to a row R of the agricultural area N. This means that the first segment 18 of the continuous orbit 15 runs parallel to a row R of the agricultural area N, so that the shielding elements 17 attached to the guide belt 16, when rotating in the first segment 18 of the orbit 15, are always adjacent to the crops P cultivated in the row R.
[0031] From the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the deflection rollers 22 shown herein each have axes of rotation D. It is advantageous for these axes of rotation D of the deflection rollers 22 to be arranged substantially vertically. With such an arrangement of the axes of rotation D of the deflection rollers 22, when the guide belt 16 rotates about its endless orbit 15, the shielding elements 17 attached to the guide belt 16 are each placed from the outside into the first section 18 of the orbit 15 and then, during further rotation of the guide belt 16, are moved parallel to an adjacent row R of the agricultural area N.
[0032] With regard to frame 11, it should be specifically noted here that this frame 11 is designed for attachment to a vehicle or is part of such a vehicle. In any case, such a vehicle is moved on the agricultural area N along its rows R in a direction F at a speed VF. This results in the movement of the support units 12, which are attached to or fastened to the frame 11 as explained, at the same speed VF. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The direction of travel is symbolized by "F" and the speed of the (not shown) vehicle by "VF".
[0033] With regard to the carrier units 12, it is specifically noted that the associated guide belts 16 are driven by a motor M (e.g., an electric motor). Consequently, each guide belt 16 rotates together with the shielding elements 17 attached to it around its associated continuous orbit 15. Such a drive of a guide belt 16 is effected in such a way that, during its rotation around the continuous orbit 15, it reaches a first velocity VB1 in the first section 18. It is understood that this first velocity VB1 also applies in the same way to the individual shielding elements 17, which, as explained, are attached to the guide belt 16 and are located in its first section 18 during the rotation around the continuous orbit 15.
[0034] Regarding the two carrier units 12 of Fig. 2. It is specifically noted here that the guide band 16 of the carrier unit 12 shown on the right in the image rotates clockwise. In contrast, the guide band 16 of the carrier unit 12 shown on the left in the image is designed to rotate counterclockwise.
[0035] Furthermore, in the Fig. 2. The direction of travel of a vehicle to which the two carrier units 12 can be attached is marked with "F" as already explained, and the corresponding speed of this vehicle is marked with "VF" and indicated by a corresponding arrow (in the image area of Fig. 2 (pointing upwards).
[0036] In connection with the aforementioned direction of travel F, in which a (not shown) vehicle and thus also the attached support units 12 are moved across the ground of an agricultural area, and the explained direction of rotation of the guide belts 16 of the two support units 12, it is understood that these are in the Fig. The two guide belts 16 shown in the first section 18 of the endless orbit are moved with the first speed VB1, each in the opposite direction to the direction of travel F or the speed of travel VF.
[0037] A characteristic feature of the present invention is that the travel speed VF of a vehicle to which the carrier units 12 are attached and / or the first movement speed VB1 of the shielding means 14 (within the first segment 18 of the endless orbit 15) are coordinated by means of suitable control and / or regulation such that in the first segment 18 of the orbit 15 of the shielding means 14, the difference between the travel speed VF and the relative speed of the shielding means 14 caused by the first movement speed VB1 is essentially zero. This then has the following effect for the embodiments of the invention according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 results in the shielding elements 17 attached to the guide belt 16 being located in the first section 18 of the endless orbit 15 during rotation, not moving in the direction of a row R of the agricultural area N or parallel to such a row or having a relative velocity of zero.
[0038] The invention now works as follows: Based on the aforementioned coordination of the travel speed VF and / or the first movement speed VB1 of the shielding means 14 (within the first phase 18 of the endless orbit 15) with each other, it is achieved that the shielding means 14 (for example in the form of a guide belt 16 with a plurality of shielding elements 17 attached to it), when they are located within the first phase 18 during a rotation around the endless orbit 15, have a relative speed of zero relative to a surface of the agricultural area N and the crops P grown on it, viewed parallel to a row R of the agricultural area, i.e., do not move at least in this direction.
[0039] The functioning of the embodiment shown in the drawing further provides that the shielding elements 17 attached to the guide belt 16, when they bend into the first section 18 of the orbit 15 from the outside during their movement along the orbit 15, are initially positioned adjacent to or resting on the surface of the agricultural area N and adjacent to and parallel to a row R of the agricultural area N. In other words, when bending into the first section 18 of the endless orbit 15, the shielding elements 17 are initially brought flat and close to the ground, near a row R of the agricultural area N and thus near the growth center of the plants P.
[0040] Only during the further movement within the first section 18 of the endless orbit 15 are the shielding elements 17 then folded upwards, i.e., their edge region, which faces the second section 19 of the orbit 15, is raised in the direction of the adjacent row R. This raising of the shielding elements 17 ensures that any protruding parts of the (cultivated) plants P are lifted towards the row R or moved back towards their planting points. Simultaneously, this ensures that any protruding parts of the (cultivated) plants P are moved away from the predetermined area 20 of the agricultural land. According to the invention, this occurs in a very gentle manner because the shielding elements 17, positioned adjacent to the plants P, do not move relative to the soil of the agricultural land N in a direction parallel to the row R within the first section 18.
[0041] The aforementioned erection or folding up of the shielding elements 17 during their rotation within the first section 18 of the endless orbit 15 can be achieved by a (not shown) curved path within which the individual shielding elements 17 are guided sliding adjacent to the first section 18. As soon as the shielding elements 17, during their rotation around the endless orbit 15, have reached the end of the first section 18, they are, as shown in the illustration of Fig. As can be seen in 1, when orbiting around the deflection roller 22 located there, it is moved back into the second phase 19 of the orbit 15, thereby releasing the displaced parts of the plants P again.
[0042] In particular, when the shielding elements 17 attached to the guide belt 16 are erected or folded up at the end of the first section 18 of the continuous orbit 15, these shielding elements 17 form a kind of protective barrier or wall for the adjacent plants P of a row R of the agricultural area N, protecting or isolating them from the predetermined area 20 of the agricultural area N. Consequently, agronomic and / or agricultural processes carried out in the predetermined area 20 of the agricultural area N do not affect an adjacent plant P, because it is protected by the shielding means 14 or an associated shielding element 17 as explained.
[0043] By folding up or erecting the shielding elements 17 within the first section 18 of the endless orbit 15 as described above, the advantage is also achieved according to the invention that, by thereby moving parts of the plants back towards their planting points, as much space as possible (i.e., the area 20) between the rows R of the cultivated plants P is released. This makes it possible for the predetermined area 20 (cf. Fig. 2) the agricultural area N in which crop production and / or agricultural process steps are carried out without obstructing plant parts that could otherwise protrude into this area 20.
[0044] From the Fig. 2 it is evident that in the predetermined area 20 of the agricultural land 20 adjacent to the part of the first section 18 of the two guide belts 16, where the associated shielding elements 17 have been erected or folded up (in Fig. (2 shown in the lower part of the image), then any protruding parts of the (cultivated) plants P have been moved laterally back towards their planting points. This results in area 20 of the agricultural land 20 having more space for carrying out agronomic and / or agricultural processes without any protruding parts of the (cultivated) plants P hindering these processes and / or being damaged as a result.
[0045] Finally, with regard to the second truncation 19 of the endless orbit 15, it is pointed out that the respective guide bands 16 therein have a second velocity VB2 (cf. Fig.2) be moved. Assuming that the difference between the driving speed VF and the first movement speed VB1 is approximately zero, the result for the second movement speed is that this second movement speed, relative to the surface of the agricultural land, corresponds to approximately twice the value of the driving speed of the vehicle. Reference symbol list 10 Device 11 frames 12 carrier units 14 Shielding agents 15 (endless) orbit (of the shielding agent 14) 16 guide belt 17 shielding element(s) 18 first phase (of orbit 15) 19 second phase (of orbit 15) 20 predetermined area (of the agricultural land area N) 22 pulley(s) D axis of rotation (of a deflection pulley 22) F Direction of travel M Drive means (e.g. an electric motor) N agricultural land P Plant(s) R row (of an agricultural area N) VB1 first movement speed (of the shielding means 14 in the first section 18) VB2 second movement speed (of the shielding means 14 in the second section 19) VF Vehicle speed
Claims
Device (10) for cultivating an agricultural area (N) with a plurality of rows (R) in which plants (P) can be cultivated, in particular in the form of row crops, comprising a frame (11) attachable to a vehicle for movement in a direction of travel (F) at a speed (VF) along a row (R) of the agricultural area (N), characterized by: - at least one support unit (12) attached to the frame (11) with shielding means (14), wherein the shielding means (14) are movable along an endless orbit (15), wherein the orbit (15) has at least a first section (18) and a second section (19), wherein at least the first section (18) runs substantially parallel to the rows (R) of the agricultural area (N), and - at least one drive means (M) for driving the shielding means (14) along the endless orbit (15), such thatthat the shielding means (14) in the first segment (18) of the endless orbit (15) reach a first speed of movement (VB1), wherein the drive means (M) for driving the shielding means (14) are designed and programmed such that the first speed of movement (VB1) of the shielding means (14) is matched to the travel speed (VF) of the vehicle such that in the first segment (18) of the orbit (15) of the shielding means (14) the difference between the travel speed (VF) and a relative speed of the shielding means (14) caused by the first speed of movement (VB1) is essentially zero, and wherein a predetermined area (20) of the agricultural land (N), in which crop cultivation and / or agricultural process steps are carried out, is shielded from an adjacent row (R) of the agricultural land (N) and the plants (P) grown therein by the shielding means (14),which are located in the first trum (18) of the orbit (15) during the movement around the endless orbit (15), can be sealed off. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shielding means (14) are guided around deflection rollers (22), preferably that the axes of rotation (D) of these deflection rollers (22) are each arranged substantially vertically. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a curved track is provided adjacent to the first section (18) of the orbit (15), within which the shielding means (14) are guided slidably, such that when the shielding means (14) are driven, as they bend into the first section (18), they are initially positioned adjacent to or resting on the surface of the agricultural land (N), and then, in the course of further movement along the first section (18) of the orbit (15), these shielding means (14) are erected with their edge region, which faces the second section (19), in the direction of the adjacent row (R) of the agricultural land (N). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shielding means (14) are designed in the form of a flexible continuous band, so that when the band is in the first section (18) of the orbit (15) when driven by the drive means (M), it forms a continuous protective barrier for the row (R) of the agricultural land (N) immediately adjacent to it, opposite its predetermined area (20). Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the shielding means (14) comprise a guide belt (16) and at least one shielding element (17) attached to the guide belt (16), wherein the guide belt (16) can be driven by the drive means (M) and is thus movable along the endless orbit (15) at the first speed of movement (VB1), preferably that the guide belt (16) is designed in the form of an endless belt or in the form of an endless chain.Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that a plurality of shielding elements (17) are attached to the guide belt (16), wherein these shielding elements, when they are located within the first section (18) of the orbit (15) during the drive of the guide belt (16), form a protective barrier for the immediately adjacent row (R) of the agricultural land (N) opposite its predetermined area (20), preferably that the shielding elements (17) are attached to the guide belt (16) at equal intervals from each other, further preferably that the shielding elements (17) are attached to the guide belt (16) adjacent to each other in an overlapping manner, such that the shielding elements (17), when they are located in the first section (18) of the orbit (15),for the immediately adjacent row (R) of agricultural land (N) opposite its predetermined area (20) form a continuous protective wall. Device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that at least one shielding element (17) attached to the guide belt (16) and moved along the orbit (15) is designed in a plate-like form or in the form of a mesh structure, preferably that a shielding element (17) is designed as a plate-shaped component made of at least one material from the group consisting of metal, steel, aluminum, rubber and / or, in particular, reinforced plastic, or is made of a combination of at least two of these materials. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive means (M) are equipped with a control and / or regulating device by means of which the first movement speed (VB1) of the shielding means (14) is adjustable relative to the travel speed (VF) of the vehicle, such that in the first section (18) of the orbit (15) there is essentially zero a difference between the travel speed (VF) of the vehicle and a relative speed of the shielding means (14) caused by the first movement speed (VB1). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two support units (12) are arranged on the frame (11) side by side and parallel to a row (R) of the agricultural area (N), such that these two support units (12) enclose the predetermined area (20) of the agricultural area (N) between them and the first section (18) of the orbits of the respective support units (12) runs adjacent to a row (R) of the agricultural area (N). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that more than two support units (12) are attached to the frame (11), wherein two support units (12) are grouped together as a pair and enclose the predetermined area (20) of the agricultural land (N) between them. Device (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the support units (12) are adjustably mounted on the frame (11) such that a vertical height of the individual support units (12) and thus their distance to the surface of the agricultural land (N) and / or a distance of pairwise assigned support units (12) relative to each other in a direction transverse to the rows (R) of the agricultural land (N) are variably adjustable. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a soil cultivation device is attached to the frame (11) by means of which mechanical cultivation of the soil of the agricultural area (N) can be carried out in the predetermined area (20) of the agricultural area (N), and / or fungal control, and / or weed control by the use of electricity or laser, and / or the application of plant protection products. A method for cultivating an agricultural area (N) with a plurality of rows (R) in which plants (P) are cultivated, in particular in the form of row crops, comprising the steps of: - providing at least one carrier unit with shielding means (14), wherein the shielding means (14) are moved along an endless orbit (15), the orbit (15) having at least a first section (18) and a second section (19), wherein at least the first section (18) of the orbit (15) is substantially parallel to the rows (R) of the agricultural area (N) and the shielding means (14) reach a first speed (VB1) within the first section (18) when rotating around the endless orbit, and - moving a vehicle to which the carrier unit is attached in a direction of travel (F) parallel to the rows (R) of the agricultural area (N) at a speed (VF).- Controlling and / or regulating the first movement speed (VB1) of the shielding means (14) and / or the travel speed (VF) of the vehicle such that in the first segment (18) of the orbit (15) of the shielding means (14) the difference between the travel speed (VF) and a relative speed of the shielding means (14) caused by the first movement speed (VB1) is essentially zero, and - Shielding a predetermined area (20) of the agricultural land (N) in which crop production and / or agricultural processes are carried out from an adjacent row (R) of the agricultural land (N) and the plants (P) grown therein by the shielding means (14) which are located in the first segment (18) of the orbit (15) when driven by the propulsion means (M). Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the shielding means, when they bend into the first section (18) of the orbit (15) during their movement along the orbit (15), are initially positioned adjacent to or resting on the surface of the agricultural land (N), wherein the shielding means (14) are then erected with their edge region, which faces the second section (19) of the orbit (15), in the direction of the adjacent row (R) during the further movement along the first section (18) of the orbit (15). Method according to claim 14, characterized in that a curved track is provided adjacent to the first section (18) of the orbit (15), within which the shielding means (14) are guided slidingly, wherein the curved track is designed such that the shielding means (14) are positioned adjacent to or resting on the surface of the agricultural land (N) when turning into the first section (18) of the orbit (15), wherein the shielding means (14) are erected with their edge region, which faces the second section (19), in the direction of the row (R) when moving further along the first section (18) of the orbit (15). Method according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that at least a part of a plant (P) grown in the row (R), which is located adjacent to the shielding means (14), which, during their movement around the orbit (15) when bending into the first section (18), have initially been positioned adjacent to or resting on the surface of the agricultural area (N), is moved away from the predetermined area (20) of the agricultural area (N) by erecting the shielding means (14). Method according to claim 16, characterized in that an edge region of the shielding means (14), which when bending into the first section (18) of the orbit directly borders an adjacent row (R) of the agricultural land (N), is jaggedly formed such that when the shielding means (14) are erected during the further movement along the first section (18) of the orbit (15), the jagged edge region of the shielding means (14) comes into contact with the surface of the agricultural land (N). Method according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that in the predetermined area (20) of the agricultural area (N) mechanical cultivation of the soil of the agricultural area (N), and / or fungal control, and / or weed control by the use of electricity or laser, and / or the application of plant protection products are carried out. Method according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that this method is carried out with a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12.