SOIL PREPARATION EQUIPMENT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a soil cultivation implement for cultivating the soil between crops grown in rows, comprising several soil cultivation tools arranged on a tool frame and engaging the soil along a cultivation direction between the rows, wherein the tool frame is supported against the soil by several depth control rollers and the depth control rollers are pivotably arranged relative to the tool frame to compensate for unevenness in the soil.

[0002] Soil cultivation equipment is used in agriculture in a wide variety of designs for different applications. These include, in particular, the mechanical leveling, loosening, or refining of the soil on the respective cultivated area, as well as the incorporation of organic material, such as weeds or crop residues, into the soil. Soil cultivation equipment can be adapted to the specific characteristics of the cultivated area, the time of year in the growing season, or the type of crop being grown.

[0003] Crops typically grown in spaced rows, such as corn, beets, potatoes, or field vegetables, generally require specialized tillage equipment. This equipment usually consists of several tillage tools arranged at intervals on a common frame. The arrangement of these tools is generally designed to prevent damage to the crops during cultivation. Depending on the application, these tillage tools typically employ knife-, chisel-, tine-, or share-type implements that penetrate the soil between the rows.

[0004] Such tillage implements are typically pulled across the field by tractors or similar towing vehicles along a working direction, which usually corresponds to the orientation of the plant rows, or alternatively, they are self-propelled, sometimes even automatic or autonomous. To support the implement frame against the ground, these tillage implements generally have several rollers that roll across the soil surface in the working direction. Since the roller support typically guides the implement frame relative to the soil surface, these rollers are commonly referred to as depth control rollers.

[0005] Since, particularly on uneven, stony terrain, strong vibrations can sometimes be transmitted via the depth control rollers to the implement frame, leading to uneven soil cultivation and even damage to the tillage tools or other components of the implement, it has proven advantageous in agricultural practice to mount the depth control rollers so that they can pivot relative to the implement frame rather than being rigidly fixed. This arrangement generally allows for reliable compensation of minor soil irregularities.

[0006] However, with such tillage implements, it has proven disadvantageous under particularly adverse soil conditions, especially with significant differences in level between the various depth control rollers, that adjacent depth control rollers can lose contact with the soil due to the compensating movements of the other depth control rollers. In extreme cases, this can result in an unstable driving position of the tillage implement, which can negatively affect soil cultivation. Document DE 10 2022 113040 B3 discloses a known tillage implement for soil cultivation between crops grown in rows.

[0007] Against this background, the invention presents itself as Task , to specify a soil cultivation implement which allows for the compensation of uneven ground and at the same time reliably avoids an unstable driving position.

[0008] This task is accomplished in a soil cultivation implement of the type mentioned above by the features of claim 1. solved . Advantageous further training opportunities are to be specified in the dependent sub-claims.

[0009] Two adjacent depth control rollers are mechanically coupled to each other via a rocker arm and are mounted to pivot relative to the tool frame. This design enables the tillage implement to maintain a stable driving position, reliably preventing the depth control rollers from losing contact with the soil. This results in more uniform soil cultivation.

[0010] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the depth control rollers are pivotably mounted on the tool frame about a pivot axis extending transversely to the machining direction to compensate for unevenness in the ground. Such a design enables the compensation of uneven ground. In particular, differences in ground level transverse to the machining direction can be compensated for.

[0011] It has proven advantageous if the rocker arm is designed as a two-sided lever, which is pivotally mounted about a rocker axis extending transversely to the pivot axis. This results in a kinematically advantageous pendulum bearing, which allows for compensation of the levels of the two coupled depth control rollers. In this context, it is particularly preferred if the rocker arm is designed in the manner of a rocker arm, the two sides of which are essentially the same length. Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the rocker axis runs through the center of the rocker arm. Alternatively, the rocker axis can also extend essentially in the machining direction. It has also proven advantageous if the rocker axis lies in the vertical machining plane, which extends perpendicularly through the machining direction.For certain applications, it may also be preferable if an angle, preferably an acute angle, is included between the rocker axis and the machining direction. Furthermore, other arrangements of the rocker axis relative to the machining direction are also conceivable.

[0012] In this context, it is further proposed that the rocker arm, in a neutral position, extends essentially in the direction of the pivot axis, particularly parallel to the pivot axis. Such an arrangement allows for uniform compensation of uneven ground conditions in both pendulum directions without a preferred direction. In particular, the pivot axis can extend essentially parallel to a ground plane. However, it is also conceivable that the rocker arm, in the neutral position, is oriented obliquely to the pivot axis.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the depth control rollers are each attached to a longitudinal link that pivots about the pivot axis. This results in a reliable suspension of the depth control rollers, which enables both effective longitudinal guidance of the depth control rollers and a kinematically simple pivoting movement of the depth control rollers about the pivot axis. Advantageously, the longitudinal links can extend between the pivot axis and the hub of the respective depth control roller.

[0014] In this context, it is proposed that the trailing arm have a bushing which is rotatably mounted about an axle element extending in the direction of the pivot axis. The bushing enables a kinematically advantageous, torsion-free pivoting movement of the trailing arm about the axle element. It is preferred if the axle element is profiled, in particular as a hollow profile.

[0015] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to couple the rocker arm to the trailing arms. This coupling allows the rocker arm's pendulum motion to be easily transferred to the trailing arms, resulting in a kinematically straightforward and maintenance-friendly design.

[0016] In this context, it is proposed that the rocker arm have two guide recesses extending radially to the rocker axis for guiding one, and in particular corresponding, guide projection of the longitudinal control arms. The guide projections can be at least partially positively engaged by the guide recesses, thus ensuring reliable guidance. Such a design enables the rocker arm to perform smooth and jam-free pendulum movements. Preferably, the guide recesses can be designed as recesses, e.g., as pocket-like recesses, in the rocker arm. The design of the guide recesses and / or the guide projections allows the rocker arm's range of motion, and thus also the extent of the pivoting movements of the two longitudinal control arms coupled to it, to be limited.

[0017] From a design perspective, it is preferable for the guide projections to be nose-like, particularly nose-like with a rectangular cross-section. Such a design of the guide projections as nose-like projections allows for robust and reliable guidance of the longitudinal control arms. In particular, the guide projections can extend in a nose-like manner in the plane of a flat longitudinal control arm.

[0018] Another structurally advantageous embodiment is characterized by the fact that the guide recesses are designed as essentially rectangular cutouts which extend along the pivot axis in the neutral position. In combination with a rectangular guide projection, this results in effective guidance of the trailing arms during pendulum movements. It has proven particularly advantageous if, in the neutral position, the rectangular cutouts extend along the pivot axis with their longer edges.

[0019] It is further proposed that the longitudinal control arms be movable along the pivot axis relative to the axle element to adjust the track width of the depth control rollers. This design allows for user-friendly and time-saving adjustment of the track width of the depth control rollers. In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal control arms can be easily slidable along the pivot axis. In particular, two adjacent depth control rollers can be moved away from each other to increase the track width and / or towards each other to decrease it. It is advantageous that the track width can thus be adjusted to the width of the respective planting row R and / or the distance between the planting rows R.

[0020] Furthermore, it is preferred if the guide recesses interacting with the guide projections serve as guides for adjusting the track width. This results in user-friendly and precise guidance of the trailing arms during track width adjustment. Moreover, such a design provides an advantageous dual function for the guide recesses.

[0021] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the bushing can be locked to the axle element with a locking element, making it axially immovable along the pivot axis while simultaneously allowing it to rotate around the pivot axis. This ensures, on the one hand, that the track width does not change unintentionally, and on the other hand, that effective compensation for uneven ground can still be achieved via the pivoting movements of the trailing arms. The locking element can be designed, for example, as a cotter pin or a spring pin.

[0022] In this context, it is preferred that the bushing for adjusting the track width can be locked in various positions on the axle element. This results in a user-friendly design in which different track widths can be easily set. The individual track widths, which are defined by the hole pattern, can be set with repeatable accuracy. Furthermore, the locking mechanism ensures that the set track widths do not change during tillage, for example, due to shocks or vibrations.

[0023] In this context, it is structurally advantageous if the locking positions are predetermined by a hole pattern arranged on the axle element. Such a hole pattern allows for user-friendly, error-free adjustment of different track gauges. Furthermore, this design has proven to be relatively insensitive to environmental influences such as dust and dirt, so that repeatable, precise track gauge adjustment is possible even under adverse environmental conditions. It can be advantageous if the diameter of the holes in the hole pattern is adapted to the diameter of the pin-like locking element.

[0024] Furthermore, it is proposed that the bushing incorporate a pivot stop, which interacts with the locking element, to limit the pivoting movements of the trailing arm. Excessive pivoting movements of the trailing arm can be avoided with this design. This also results in an advantageous dual function for the locking element, which not only fixes the set track width but also the pivot angle of the trailing arms. In this context, it has proven advantageous for the pivot stop to be formed at the end of a groove- or pocket-like recess in the bushing. The locking element can be guided within this recess.

[0025] A structurally advantageous embodiment provides that the longitudinal control arms are designed as multiply angled elements. In particular, the longitudinal control arms can be designed as sheet metal components.

[0026] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the axle element is arranged on a support arm. Such a support arm can, in particular, ensure a load-bearing connection to the tool frame. A preferred embodiment is one in which the support arm is designed as a beam hinged to the tool frame on one side. The axle element can preferably be inserted through a bore in the support arm, so that a segment of the axle element is arranged on both sides of the support arm, each of which can be coupled to a longitudinal link.

[0027] In this context, a structurally advantageous design is for the support arm to be configured as a double profile. This results in a design that is both stable and weight-saving.

[0028] It is further proposed that the rocker arm be arranged parallel to the axle element in the neutral position. Such a design allows for kinematically simple, symmetrical pendulum movements. In particular, the rocker arm can be arranged on the axle element via a pivot bearing.

[0029] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to position the depth control rollers in front of the tillage tools in the direction of travel. Such an arrangement allows for stable guidance of the tool frame. It also enables a comparatively compact design of the tillage implement. Alternatively, the depth control rollers can also be positioned behind the tillage tools if this is advantageous in the specific application.

[0030] In a further, structurally advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that two depth guide rollers are arranged on the tool frame via a common wheel suspension. Adjacent, pivotally arranged depth guide rollers can advantageously be connected to the tool frame in such a configuration. Alternatively, more or fewer depth guide rollers can also be arranged on the tool frame via a common wheel suspension.

[0031] Furthermore, it has proven structurally advantageous for the wheel suspension to extend at an angle to the vertical. Such an arrangement allows for favorable force transmission into the tool frame. In particular, the support arm can extend at an angle to the vertical. An arrangement of the support arm at an angle between 0 and 60 degrees to the vertical is preferred, and particularly preferably between 10 and 50 degrees. It has also proven structurally advantageous for the depth control rollers to be arranged at least partially below a tool frame 8.

[0032] It is further proposed that the wheel suspension have a substantially symmetrical design with respect to a plane of symmetry extending along the direction of travel. Such a design allows for uniform oscillation movements and thus effective compensation for uneven ground. Furthermore, such a design can prove to be particularly easy to maintain.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the soil cultivation implement has several wheel suspensions arranged side by side transversely to the direction of cultivation. This further improves the support and guidance of the tool frame. In particular, the number of wheel suspensions, and thus the number of depth control wheels, can be adapted to the number of soil cultivation tools arranged side by side.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a soil cultivation unit arranged behind the tillage tools in the direction of cultivation is proposed for tilling the soil within the plant rows. Such a soil cultivation unit can improve the effectiveness of soil cultivation. In particular, a larger proportion of the usable area can be cultivated with such a soil cultivation unit, which can result in a reduced need for follow-up cultivation. The soil cultivation unit can, in particular, have several unit tools which can be moved transversely to the plant row for tilling the soil between the crops of one and the same plant row.

[0035] Further advantages and details of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings of an exemplary embodiment. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a soil cultivation implement mounted on an agricultural tractor; Fig. 2 a side view as shown in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a partial top view of the soil cultivation implement as shown in Fig. 1 ; Figs. 4 and 5 are two enlarged, partially cutaway side views of the soil cultivation implement as shown in Fig. 2 ; Fig. 6 an enlarged, perspective view of a wheel suspension of the tillage implement according to the illustration in Fig. 4 and 5 , and Figs. 7 to 12 show various detailed views of the wheel suspension as illustrated in Fig. 6 .

[0036] The depictions in the Figs. 1 to 12 The figures show, in various views, a soil cultivation implement 1 for soil cultivation between crops N grown in planting rows R.

[0037] The soil cultivation implement 1 has several soil cultivation tools 2 which engage in the soil of the cultivated area between the plant rows R of the crop plants N, cf. Fig. 1 and 3 The soil cultivation tools 2 are arranged on a tool frame 7, which is supported against the ground by two depth control rollers 9, cf. Fig. 2 For illustration purposes, the following are shown in Fig. 1 and 3 Only two soil cultivation tools 2 are shown on the soil cultivation implement 1. It goes without saying that in practice a larger number of soil cultivation tools 2 are usually provided.

[0038] For soil cultivation, the soil cultivation implement 1 is moved by a tractor 60 in the cultivation direction B, which usually corresponds to the longitudinal orientation of the plant rows R, across the agricultural area, cf. Fig. 3The soil cultivation implement 1 is attached to the rear of the tractor 60 via an implement frame 8, as shown in the illustration in Fig. 1 and 2 A field tractor is attached. Depending on the application, the soil cultivation implement 1 can also be arranged at the front or between the axles of the tractor 60. Alternatively, the soil cultivation implement 1 can have its own drive system and thus be self-propelled. Furthermore, a design as an automated, and in particular as an autonomously self-propelled, soil cultivation implement 1 is also conceivable. In addition, it can be advantageous not to attach the soil cultivation implement 1 directly to the tractor 60, but indirectly. For example, the soil cultivation implement 1 can be arranged on another agricultural implement, which in turn is connected to the tractor 60.

[0039] The depth control rollers 9 are pivotably arranged relative to the tool frame 7 to compensate for uneven ground, as will be shown in the following illustrations in Fig. 2 and 5 will be addressed.

[0040] The two adjacent depth control rollers 9 are arranged in the working direction B in front of the soil cultivation tools 2. They are attached to the tool frame 7 via a common wheel suspension 59, which extends obliquely to the vertical in the working direction B, cf. Fig. 5 An acute angle is formed between the vertical and a support arm 58 of the wheel suspension 59 designed as a double profile, see also Fig. 5 The support arm 58 is connected to the tool frame 7 on one side and has an axle element 53 at its other end, which extends transversely to the direction of extension of the support arm 58, cf. Fig. 6 .

[0041] The two depth control rollers 9 are each pivotably arranged on the axle element 53 via a longitudinal link 51.1, 51.2, cf. Fig. 6 For this purpose, a bushing 52.1, 52.2 adapted to the diameter of the axle element 53 is provided at one end of the longitudinal control arms 51.1, 51.2 opposite the depth control wheel 9, which is mounted on the axle element 53, cf. Fig. 8 Ground irregularities can be compensated for by the pivoting movements of the longitudinal link 51.1, 51.2 about the pivot axis S. The pivot axis S extends along the axle element 53, transverse to the machining direction B, cf. Fig. 2 and 6 .

[0042] In the soil cultivation implement according to the invention, two adjacent depth control rollers 9 are mechanically coupled to each other via a rocker arm 50 and are arranged to pivot relative to the tool frame 7. The following will first be described with reference to the illustrations in Figs. 6 to 8The design and function of the rocker lever 50 is explained.

[0043] Based on the illustrations in Fig. 7 and 8 It can be seen that the rocker arm 50 is designed as an elongated, flat component with two mirror-image wings. The rocker arm 50 is arranged to rock or pivot about a rocking axis W running through its center point on the wheel suspension 59. For the pivoting mounting of the rocker arm 50 about the rocking axis W, a pivot point 50.1 is provided in the area of ​​the bottom end of the support arm 58, to which the rocker arm 50 is detachably attached at its center, cf. Fig. 7 .

[0044] The rocker lever 50 is basically based on the one in Figs. 6 to 8In the neutral position shown, in which the rocker arm 50 extends essentially horizontally, it is rotatable both clockwise and counterclockwise around the rocker axis W. However, due to the mechanical coupling with the depth guide rollers 9, the rotational movements of the rocker arm 50 are limited to a restricted angular range, which is generally significantly less than ± 90 degrees, and in particular significantly less than ± 45 degrees.

[0045] The rocker arm 50 has two guide recesses 54.1, 54.2 extending radially from its center point, cf. Fig. 8 The guide recesses 54.1, 54.2 are designed as rectangular, pocket-like recesses, which are arranged symmetrically on the two wings of the rocker arm 50.

[0046] The mechanical coupling of the rocker arm 50 with the depth control rollers 9, which enables their oscillating arrangement, is shown below with reference to the illustration in Fig. 7 As explained above, the depth control rollers 9 are each arranged on a longitudinal control arm 51.1, 51.2. The longitudinal control arms 51.1, 51.2, which are designed as multiply angled components, are pivotably mounted on the axle element 53 about the pivot axis S via the bushings 52.1, 52.2. The bushings 52.1, 52.2 are integrally connected to the longitudinal control arms 51.1, 51.2. Alternatively, they can also be designed as separate components consisting of multiple bushings.

[0047] The longitudinal control arms 51.1, 51.2 each have a guide projection 55.1, 55.2, cf. Fig. 7 The guide projections 55.1, 55.2 extend as essentially rectangular, nose-like projections at the ends of the longitudinal control arms 51.1, 51.2 facing away from the respective depth control roller 9. The guide projections 55.1, 55.2 each engage in a guide recess 54.1, 54.2 of the rocker arm 50, cf. Fig. 7The width of the guide projections 55.1, 55.2 corresponds to the height of the guide recesses 54.1, 54.2. Due to the engagement of the guide projections 55.1, 55.2 in the guide recesses 54.1, 54.2, the two longitudinal links 51.1, 51.2 are coupled to each other via the rocker arm 50. A pivoting movement of one longitudinal link 51.1 is transmitted via the rocker arm 50 into an equal but opposite movement of the other longitudinal link 51.2. Since the same applies in the reverse direction, an oscillating arrangement about the rocker axis W results.

[0048] The depictions in the Fig. 11 and 12 The wheel suspension 59 is shown in two exemplary operating states. The illustration is shown according to... Fig. 11The right longitudinal link 51.2 with the right depth control wheel 9 is pivoted upwards around the pivot axis S opposite the working surface, for example due to uneven ground. Via the guide projection 55.2 and the guide recess 54.2, the rocker arm 50 is pivoted clockwise around the rocker axis W by a certain angle from the neutral position. On the opposite side, the longitudinal link 51.1 and the depth control wheel 9 coupled to it are pivoted downwards towards the working surface according to the coupling of the guide recess 54.1 with the guide projection 55.1. The illustration in Fig. 12 Figure 1 shows the opposite case, in which the longitudinal link 51.1 is pivoted upwards about the pivot axis S opposite the usable surface, and the longitudinal link 51.2 is pivoted downwards accordingly. The two longitudinal links 51.1, 51.2 oscillate between the two operating states as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 11 and 12 .

[0049] The longitudinal control arms 51.1, 51.2 are axially immovable and simultaneously rotatable about the pivot axis S on the axle element 53 via the bushings 52.1, 52.2 with a locking element 56 each, cf. Fig. 7 and 8 The locking element 56 is designed as a spring pin, cotter pin, or corresponding bolt element, which engages corresponding recesses in both the bushings 52.1, 52.2 and the axle element 53. The size of the recesses is adapted to the diameter of the locking element 56 in the axial direction, resulting in axial fixation. In the radial direction, however, the recesses of the bushings 52.1, 52.2 are elongated, so that the bushings 52.1, 52.2 are allowed certain pivoting or rotational movements about the pivot axis S.

[0050] The pivoting movements of the bushings 52.1, 52.2 can be limited by pivot stops 57 provided at the recesses, cf. Fig. 10. As shown, for example, in the representation according to Fig. 11 As can be seen from the left longitudinal control arm 51.1, the locking element 56 interacts with the pivot stop 57. Corresponding pivot stops 57 can be provided for both pivot directions. During the pivot movements of the longitudinal control arms 51.1 and 51.2, the respective locking element 56 is guided in the recesses.

[0051] The pivoting range available for pivoting movements of the bushings 52.1, 52.2 via the pivot stops 57 is utilized twice as efficiently as in the prior art. Due to the equal, opposite movement of one longitudinal link 51.1 during a pivoting movement of the other longitudinal link 51.2, only half the pivoting range needs to be covered to overcome an obstacle compared to an uncoupled arrangement of the depth control rollers 9. This is because the height difference required to overcome the obstacle is divided equally between the pivoting movements of the longitudinal links 51.1, 51.2 of the evasive depth control roller 9 and the non-evasive depth control roller 9. In other words, with a given pivoting range available via the pivot stops 57 for pivoting movements of the bushings 52.1, 52.2, obstacles twice as high can be overcome as a result of the invention.

[0052] The longitudinal control arms 51.1, 51.2 are arranged to be movable relative to the axle element 53 for adjusting the track width U of the adjacent depth control rollers 9, as shown below in the illustration in Figs. 8 to 10 will be explained.

[0053] Starting from a maximum track gauge U, as specified in Figs. 8 to 10 As shown, the longitudinal control arms 51.1, 51.2 can be moved manually towards each other. This axially displaces the respective bushings 52.1, 52.2 relative to the axle element 53, thereby reducing the track width U. The guide recesses 54.1, 54.2, which interact with the guide projections 55.1, 55.2, serve as guides for adjusting the track width U.

[0054] The track gauge U is adjustable in steps in the present embodiment. As this is shown by the Fig. 8As can be seen, a hole pattern M is arranged on the axle element 53, which defines the various adjustable track widths U. By fixing the locking element 56 in the different holes of the hole pattern M, different track widths U can be achieved. The track widths U can be matched to the plant rows R. In particular, the track width U can be selected and adjusted so that the crop plants N are not damaged when the tillage implement 1 passes over them.

[0055] According to the representations Figs. 8 to 10It can further be seen that the wheel suspension 59 has a symmetrical basic structure with respect to a plane of symmetry Y extending along the machining direction B. The longitudinal control arms 51.1, 51.2 are each coupled to the hub of the respective depth control roller 9 on their outer sides. It can also be seen that the rocker axis W of the rocker lever 50 extends essentially in the machining direction B and passes through the plane of symmetry Y. An acute angle is formed between the rocker axis W and the machining direction B, cf. Fig. 12 .

[0056] In a Fig. 7 and 8 In the neutral position shown, the rocker arm 50 extends essentially parallel to the pivot axis S. It is arranged parallel to the axis element 53. Fig. 7 It is further shown that the pivot axis S and the rocker axis W are orthogonal to each other.

[0057] The following refers to the representations in Fig. 1 and 4 Reference is made to further design features of the soil cultivation implement 1. In addition to the rigid, tine-like soil cultivation tools 2 for cultivating the soil between the plant rows R, the soil cultivation implement 1 also has a soil cultivation unit 3 for cultivating the soil between the crop plants N of a plant row R.

[0058] The soil cultivation unit 3 is modular in design and forms a structural unit which can also be retrofitted to existing soil cultivation equipment 1, for example on the tool frame 7.

[0059] The soil cultivation unit 3 comprises two unit tools 3.1 and 3.2, which – like the soil cultivation tools 2 – are also designed to work into the soil of the cultivated area. The unit tools 3.1 and 3.2 are arranged as shown in the illustration. Fig. 4The tools are disc-shaped and star-shaped. These are rotating aggregate tools 3.1, 3.2, which are driven by a corresponding tool drive 6 arranged on the soil cultivation unit 3. Unlike the soil cultivation tools 2, which work between the individual plant rows R, the aggregate tools 3.1, 3.2 are designed for cultivating the soil between the individual crop plants N of one and the same plant row R. For this purpose, the aggregate tools 3.1, 3.2 are arranged transversely to the plant rows R and are movable on the soil cultivation unit 3. The aggregate tools 3.1, 3.2 can be moved into the plant row R behind a crop plant N as needed and moved out of the plant row R in front of the next crop plant N of the same plant row R. This allows the soil between adjacent crop plants N of a plant row R to be cultivated without damaging the crop plants N.

[0060] The representations in Fig. 5 and 6 It can also be seen that the tool frame 7 is arranged on the tool frame 7 via a parallelogram suspension P, which enables parallel guidance of the soil cultivation tools 2 and the soil cultivation unit 3 arranged thereon.

[0061] In agricultural practice, the tillage implement 1 is usually not equipped with just one wheel suspension 59, but with several wheel suspensions 59 arranged side by side transversely to the tillage direction B. The number of tillage tools 2 and tillage units 3 arranged side by side on a tillage implement 1 is also usually different – ​​unlike the simplified representations shown for illustrative purposes in Fig. 1 and 3- increased. It generally corresponds to the number of plant rows R that can be treated in one operation, i.e., in one pass.

[0062] The soil cultivation implement 1 described above is characterized by the fact that it maintains a stable driving position at all times, in which loss of soil contact through the depth control rollers 9 can be reliably avoided, resulting in more uniform soil cultivation. Reference symbol:

[0063] 1 Soil cultivation implement 2 Soil cultivation tool 3 Soil cultivation unit 3.1 Unit tool 3.2 Unit tool 6 Tool drive 7 Tool frame 8 Implement frame 9 Depth control roller 50 Rocker arm 50.1 Pivot point 51.1 Trailing arm 51.2 Trailing arm 52.1 Bushing 52.2 Bushing 53 Axle element 54.1 Guide recess 54.2 Guide recess 55.1 Guide projection 55.2 Guide projection 56 Locking element 57 Swivel stop 58 Support arm 59 Wheel suspension 60 tractor B Processing direction ML Hole pattern NN Crop P Parallelogram suspension RP Planting row S Swivel axis US Track width WW Tilting axis Y Plane of symmetry

Claims

1. Soil-cultivating device for cultivating the soil between crop plants (N) grown in plant rows (R), comprising a plurality of soil-cultivating tools (2) arranged on a tool frame (7) and engaging in the soil between the plant rows (R) in a cultivation direction (B), the tool frame (7) being supported against the soil via a plurality of depth guidance rollers (9) and the depth guidance rollers (9) being arranged so as to be tiltable relative to the tool frame (7) in order to compensate for soil unevenness, characterized in that two adjacent depth guidance rollers (9) are mechanically coupled to each other via a rocker lever (50) and are arranged so as to oscillate relative to the tool frame (7).

2. Soil-cultivating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the depth guidance rollers (9) are attached to the tool frame (7) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (S) extending transversely to the cultivation direction in order to compensate for soil unevenness.

3. Soil-cultivating device according to either of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the rocker lever (50) is designed as a two-sided lever which is mounted so as to oscillate about a rocker axis (W) extending transversely to the pivot axis (S).

4. Soil-cultivating device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the depth guidance rollers (9) are each attached to a leading link (51.1, 51.2) which is pivotable about the pivot axis (S).

5. Soil-cultivating device according to claim 4, characterized in that the leading link (51.1, 51.2) has a bushing (52.1, 52.2) which is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axle element (53) extending in the direction of the pivot axis (S).

6. Soil-cultivating device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rocker lever (50) is coupled to the leading links (51.1, 51.2).

7. Soil-cultivating device according to claim 6, characterized in that the rocker lever (50) has two guide cutouts (54.1, 54.2), extending radially to the rocker axis (W), for guiding one guide projection (55.1, 55.2), in particular a corresponding guide projection, of the leading links (51.1, 51.2) each.

8. Soil-cultivating device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leading links (51.1, 51.2) are movable, relative to the axle element (53), along the pivot axis (S) in order to adjust a track width (U) between the depth guidance rollers (9).

9. Soil-cultivating device according to claim 6, characterized in that the bushing (52.1, 52.2) is lockable on the axle element (53) by a locking element (56) so as to be axially immovable along the pivot axis (S) and at the same time rotatable about the pivot axis (S).

10. Soil-cultivating device according to either of claims 6 and 9, characterized in that the bushing (52.1, 52.2) is lockable in different locking positions on the axle element (53) in order to adjust the track width (U).

11. Soil-cultivating device according to any of claims 6 and 9 and 10, characterized in that the bushing (52.1, 52.2) has a pivot stop (57), interacting with the locking element (56), for limiting the pivot movements of the leading link (51.1, 51.2).

12. Soil-cultivating device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axle element (53) is arranged on a bearing arm (58).

13. Soil-cultivating device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the neutral position the rocker lever (50) is arranged parallel to the axle element (53).

14. Soil-cultivating device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each case two depth guidance rollers (9) are arranged on the tool frame (7) via one common wheel suspension (59).

15. Soil-cultivating device according to claim 14, characterized in that the wheel suspension (59) has a substantially symmetrical structure with respect to a symmetry plane (Y) extending in the cultivation direction (B).