Multi-purpose coupling device for the running gear of vineyard accessories, especially riding posts

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device, particularly a multifunctional one, for the installation of vineyard accessories, including stakes and / or markers of various sizes and depths, with means for slope correction in different directions and for correcting the insertion point of said stake and / or marker. The invention also relates to means for slope correction, furrow opening, trellis wire placement, fertilization, and drip irrigation tubing placement. All of these operations are performed simultaneously.

[0002] It is known that planting a vineyard requires various time-consuming operations. On a given plot of land, delimited by coordinates accessible to satellite positioning devices, the planting is determined based on numerous parameters such as sunlight exposure, plant variety, pruning method, trellising, and row spacing, to name just a few. Once the data is established, it is entered into planting software designed to control the various components of the device according to the present invention. The same software also controls the movement of the traction means in terms of speed and direction of the device attached to the present invention, fully automatically with or without an operator / driver present.

[0003] The operations involved in planting a vine consist of making a furrow, placing a vine, and driving a marker immediately next to the vine. This marker is intended to support the vine during its first few months. Planting is carried out according to the software's planting scheme, that is, with a given spacing and depth, depending on the soil type and the length of the marker. However, there are actually different needs that the device according to the present invention must meet to be usable in different vineyards and on different types of terrain. Regardless of the slope or incline, this marker must be driven vertically so that the vine develops vertically like all plants and so that the marker can act as a support.

[0004] The final step in planting the vines on the plot involves placing stakes to support the trellis wires and unrolling the wires themselves along the stakes. Again, depending on the soil type, the type of vine cultivation, the variety, and the pruning height, it is necessary to use stakes of a specific length and to drive them into the ground appropriately for that length. The planting pattern differs because the stakes are taller above ground and more widely spaced than the markers, as a stake is needed every 3 or 4 vines (roughly, every 3 or 4 markers). Once again, the stakes must be planted vertically, regardless of the slope of the ground in any direction, and ideally with their tops at the same height above the ground for uniform trellising of the vines on the plot.This is particularly important for future vineyard maintenance operations, especially when mechanized, such as pre-pruning, machine harvesting (when applicable), or pre-pruning of the shoots before winter pruning. The stakes can be made of metal, wood, or composite material, and the markers are generally made of the same materials as the stakes.

[0005] Similarly, once the stakes have been installed, it is necessary to unroll several trellis wires intended to be fixed to said stakes, some in a fixed way and others in a removable way, so that they can be put down during the various vineyard maintenance operations.

[0006] Document FR 2 554 669A1 describes a multifunctional device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0007] On the one hand, with the same multi-functional attachment, according to the present invention, the operator can install these accessories simultaneously with the installation of stakes and markers. Even better, it can be used for planting on different terroirs and with different grape varieties. If the operator is a vineyard planting service company or a winegrower / winemaker, the adjustable settings make it easy to work with different terroirs and different varieties using the same device. This versatility is extremely attractive for equipment amortization and also for ergonomic reasons, as the device according to the invention reduces strenuous manual labor and prevents musculoskeletal disorders.

[0008] The aim of the present invention is also to be able to generate a planting furrow, ensure the planting of the vine plants, the watering and the covering of the generated planting furrow.

[0009] On the other hand, the placement of the stakes and / or markers, accompanied by their plants, regardless of the configuration of the terrain, with regular spacing, a certain verticality and a defined, constant height.

[0010] Another problem arises when driving the stakes and markers into the ground. The markers are placed in the furrow, sometimes even a few centimeters deeper. While the markers encounter few obstacles to driving, such as stones, for stakes driven to a depth of 60 to 80 cm, they will regularly encounter stones, especially in certain soil types. These stones will impede their penetration. It is therefore essential to ensure that any stones have been removed from the alignment of the stakes and, consequently, the markers, even at depth.

[0011] For these purposes, the invention relates to a multifunctional device for the installation of accessories for the vine, in particular stakes / markers, comprising a chassis mounted on wheels and intended to be hitched to traction means, in a direction of movement characterized in that it includes driving means comprising two hammers, an upper hammer and a lower hammer both mounted on a slide mounted in translation on a guide mast, and means for maneuvering in translation of the upper hammer interposed between said slide and said upper hammer.

[0012] These means of maneuvering in translation interposed between the slide and the upper hammer include a set of connecting rods and an actuator in the form of a cylinder with a fixed part, in this case the body of the cylinder integral with the slide and a moving part, in this case the rod of the cylinder, connecting rods of action, arranged in pairs, mounted pivotally by one of their ends on either side of the slide, in holes made in a plate integral with said slide, the other ends of the connecting rods of action being mounted pivotally on the slide by means of transfer rods, mounted in pairs, attached to the free end of the connecting rods, the transfer rods each having the other end attached pivotally on the upper hammer, so as to generate a translational movement of the upper hammer relative to the slide upwards or downwards.

[0013] The driving means include in particular, a mounting appendage on the chassis and correction means with a plate mounted pivoting around a pivot axis relative to the chassis, oriented transversely relative to the direction of movement and pivoting maneuvering means, interposed between said plate and said chassis so as to be able to tilt the plate around the pivot axis.

[0014] According to another characteristic, the plate carries a platter, mounted in translation relative to said plate, and means for maneuvering said platter in translation, according to the direction of movement.

[0015] In addition, the platform carries an elevator with a framework comprising four uprights and four crossbeams, and four sliding sleeves on the four uprights and a base, attached to said sliding sleeves with means of operating said base interposed between said base and the crossbeams so as to be able to raise and lower said base relative to the framework.

[0016] In addition, the base carries advance compensation means comprising a pair of arms mounted pivotally relative to the base, each at one end and mounted pivotally relative to the slide of the driving means, each at the other end, as well as advance compensation maneuvering means interposed between said arms and said base so as to be able to pivot said arms.

[0017] Advantageously, the base includes a sliding cradle for the mounting appendage of the two-hammer driving means.

[0018] Advantageously, the chassis has two arms, one left, the other right, each carrying a wheel and a left cylinder and a right cylinder interposed between said chassis and each of the corresponding arms, so as to allow correction of the tilt.

[0019] Preferably, the device includes means for working the land.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the device includes a plowshare, movable in height so as to be able to open a furrow and plant a vine at the bottom of the furrow and skimmers, movable in height, to close the furrow.

[0021] Advantageously, the device includes means for opening a deep furrow, which include a jack, oriented perpendicularly to the frame and downwards, this jack having a body and a movable rod, the body being fixed to the frame so as to move stones and other possible obstacles away from the line of stake placement.

[0022] More particularly the driving means are mounted on a slide, itself mounted in translation on a guide mast, said mast comprising a mounting appendage on the chassis, said mounting appendage being integral with the means for correcting the slope in the direction of travel, these means for correcting the slope comprising a plate mounted pivoting around a pivot axis relative to the chassis, oriented transversely relative to the direction of travel and pivoting operating means, interposed between said plate and said chassis so as to be able to tilt the plate around the pivot axis and correct the slope in the direction of travel.

[0023] According to another characteristic, the plate carries a platform, mounted in translation relative to said plate, and means for maneuvering said platform in translation, along the direction of movement so as to correct the point of implantation.

[0024] In particular, the platform carries an elevator with a framework comprising four uprights, four crossbeams, and four sliding sleeves on the four uprights, as well as a base, attached to said sliding sleeves with means of operating said base, interposed between said base and the crossbeams, so as to be able to raise and lower said base relative to said framework and said platform.

[0025] The base also carries advance compensation means comprising a pair of arms mounted pivotally relative to the base, each at one end and mounted pivotally relative to the slide of the driving means, each at the other end, as well as advance compensation maneuvering means interposed between said arms and said base so as to be able to pivot said arms.

[0026] Advantageously, the base includes a sliding cradle for the mounting appendage of the driving means.

[0027] According to the invention, the driving means comprise two hammers, an upper hammer and a lower hammer both mounted on a slide mounted in translation on a guide mast, and means for operating the upper hammer in translation interposed between said slide and said upper hammer.

[0028] Advantageously, the means of translational maneuvering interposed between the slide and the upper hammer comprise a set of connecting rods and an actuator in the form of a cylinder with a fixed part, in this case the body of the cylinder integral with the slide and a moving part, in this case the rod of the cylinder, connecting rods of action, arranged in pairs, mounted pivotally by one of their ends on either side of the slide, in holes provided in a plate integral with said slide, the other ends of the connecting rods of action being mounted pivotally on the slide by means of transfer rods, mounted in pairs, attached to the free end of the connecting rods, the transfer rods each having the other end attached pivotally on the upper hammer, so as to generate a translational movement of the upper hammer relative to the slide upwards or downwards.

[0029] Advantageously, the device includes means for working the land.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, the device includes a share, movable in height so as to be able to open a furrow and plant a vine at the bottom of the furrow and skimmers, movable in height, to close the furrow.

[0031] Advantageously, the device includes means for opening a deep furrow, which include a jack, oriented perpendicularly to the frame and downwards, this jack having a body and a movable rod, the body being fixed to the frame so as to move stones and other possible obstacles away from the line of stake placement.

[0032] The present invention is now described by means of a particularly elaborate embodiment, solely for illustrative purposes and in no way limiting the scope of the invention. This description is made based on the accompanying drawings, in which the various figures represent: [ Fig. 1 ] a rear perspective view of the multifunctional device according to the present invention. Fig. 2 A longitudinal cross-sectional view with the two hammers highlighted in thick lines. Fig. 3A ] an isolated lateral elevation view of the two hammers according to the present invention. Fig. 3B an isolated rear perspective view of the two hammers of the figure 3A . [ Fig. 3C an isolated front perspective view of the upper operating part of the two hammers of the figures 3A And 3B . [ Fig. 4A ] a first starting position of the upper part of the operating means of the two hammers. ] Fig. 4B ] a second position with an intermediate displacement of the upper part of the operating means of the two hammers. ] Fig. 4C ] a third position with a displacement of the upper part of the operating means of the two hammers with a more advanced insertion. ] Fig. 5 a longitudinal cross-sectional view like that of the figure 2 , with a thick highlighting of the means of tilt correction. Fig. 6 a longitudinal cross-sectional view like that of the figure 2 , with thick lines highlighting the means of operation of the two hammers. Fig. 7A a longitudinal cross-sectional view like that of the figure 2 , of a stage in the operation of the two hammers during the process, at the beginning of the driving motion. Fig. 7B a view similar to that of the figure 7A , of a stage in the operation of the two hammers during the procession, but in an intermediate driving stage. Fig. 7C a view identical to that of the figure 7A , from a stage in the operation of the two hammers during the parade, but in the final driving stage. Fig. 8A ] a view of the compensation adjustment means in the compensation position for a positive slope. ] Fig. 8B ] a view of the means of adjusting and compensating for a negative slope. ] Fig. 9 ] a view of the means of production of a furrow.

[0033] The multi-functional hitched device, for the installation in the procession of accessories for the vine, in particular stakes and / or markers, following a direction of different dimensions and with different depths of penetration is now described with regard to the different figures.

[0034] On the figure 1 The device according to the invention comprises, mounted on a chassis 10: means of driving 12 stakes and / or markers, means of correcting slope 14, transverse to the direction of movement F, means of compensation in advance 16, relative to the speed of movement of the device, means of compensation of the slope 18 during driving, according to the direction of movement, means of working the soil and complementary components 22 for planting in the procession of accessories for the vine.

[0035] On the figure 1 The chassis 10 is shown equipped with tilt correction means 14 comprising two running arms, 10-1, one left 10-1G, the other right 10-1D, the right and left positions being aligned with arrow F which indicates the direction of travel. Wheels 10-2, a left wheel 10-2G and a right wheel 10-2D, are mounted respectively on each of said running arms. Tilt correction devices 10-3, specifically a left cylinder 10-3G and a right cylinder 10-3D, are interposed between said chassis 10 and each of the corresponding running arms, allowing the tilt to be corrected perpendicular to the direction of travel. F These cylinders are advantageously of the hydraulic type. The hydraulic power comes from a means of traction, not shown, such as a tractor to which said chassis 10 is attached, in a known manner.

[0036] The means of driving 12 stakes and / or markers are shown on the figures 2 ,3 And 4 indifferently. These driving means 12 comprise two hammers, an upper hammer 24S for the stakes and a lower hammer 24I for the markers, both mounted on a slide 26 and guided by said slides. This slide 26 is itself mounted in translation on a guide mast 28, see figure 3B This guide mast 28 also includes a square-section, anti-rotation mounting bracket 30. Translational maneuvering means 32 for the upper hammer 24S are interposed between the slide 26 and said upper hammer 24S so as to ensure the translational movement of said upper hammer 24S on said slide 26.

[0037] The means for moving the upper hammer 24S in translation 32, interposed between the slide 26 and the upper hammer, comprise a set of connecting rods 34 and an actuator in the form of an actuator 36, in this case a cylinder with a fixed part, in this case the body of the cylinder integral with the slide 26 and a moving part, in this case the rod of the cylinder integral with connecting rods of the set of connecting rods 34. Actuating connecting rods 34-1, arranged in pairs, are pivotally mounted at one end on either side of the slide 26, in holes 34-2 provided in a plate 38 integral with said slide 26. This plate 38 includes several holes at different heights in order to allow additional stroke adjustments. The other ends of the action rods 34-1 are pivotally mounted on the slide 26 by means of transfer rods 34-3, arranged in pairs, attached to the free end of the action rods 34-1.The transfer links 34-3 each have the other end attached pivoting on the upper hammer 24S. Thus, the set of two action links and two transfer links makes it possible to generate a translational movement of the upper hammer 24S relative to the slide 26 upwards or downwards, with a multiplied stroke, by the simple rotational movement of the set of links 34.

[0038] The actuator 36 of the connecting rod set is interposed between the slide 26 and push rods 34-4, mounted in pairs. These push rods 34-4 have one end pivotally mounted on the moving part of the actuator 36 and the other end pivotally mounted relative to the action rods 34-1, at a point located between the two ends of said rods, so as to be able to pivot them relative to the axis of the holes 34-2.

[0039] The slide 26 carries, in addition to the upper hammer 24S, the hammer 24I arranged in the lower part and fixedly attached to a fixed rail 40, having a set of fixing holes to allow adjustment of the initial height of said lower hammer 24I relative to the slide 26. A lower fixed guide 42 is provided at the base of the guide mast 28.

[0040] On the figures 4A , 4B And 4C A schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the upper hammer 24S's operating means in relation to the slide 26 is shown. The term "hammer" here refers not to a striking head, but to a head for driving the stakes in by force using hydraulic actuators. However, the term "hammer" is commonly used in the viticulture / winemaking sector because stakes were traditionally driven in manually with hammers. On the figure 4A The actuator 36 is in the closed position; in this case, the cylinder rod is retracted. Consequently, the push rods 34-4 are pivoted upwards, the actuating rods 34-1 are pivoted upwards, and the transfer rods 34-3 are raised, so that the upper hammer 24S is in the raised position. On the figure 4B The actuator 36 is in an intermediate position, the push rods 34-4 are pivoted downwards, the actuating rods 34-1 are pivoted downwards around the axis of the holes 34-2, and the transfer rods 34-3 are moved downwards, driving the upper hammer to an intermediate position on the slide, independently of the slide movements which will be described later. On the figure 4C The movements continue, and the upper hammer moves towards its lowest maximum position. The upper hammer has thus moved closer to the lower hammer, which is fixed relative to the slide 26. Depending on the desired lower position of the upper hammer 24S, the position of the connecting rods 34-1 is adjusted in the holes 34-2. Similarly, the position of the lower hammer 24I can be adjusted on the slide 26 using the rail that carries it, which is equipped with adjustment holes. Both hammers are linked to the slide 26, but they can be adjusted very precisely and independently, as required.

[0041] The driving means 12, and more particularly the guide mast 28, are attached by the mounting appendage 30 to the chassis 10 and more particularly to the tilt correction means 14 in the direction of travel Fand the point of implantation. These corrective means 14 are shown on the chassis 10 and are represented by thick lines on the figure 5 These correction means 14 include a plate 42 mounted pivoting about a pivot axis 44 relative to the chassis 10. This pivot axis 44 is oriented transversely with respect to the direction of movement F. Pivoting means 43 are interposed between the plate 42 and the chassis 10 so as to allow the plate 42 to pivot around the pivot axis 44. This plate 42 itself carries a platter 46, mounted in translation relative to said plate 42, and means 48 for manipulating said platter 46 in translation along the direction F , in this case in the form of a hydraulic cylinder interposed between the plate 42 and the platform 46. The translational movement is oriented along the direction of displacement F,in both directions for compensation of the implantation point.

[0042] The platform 46 supports a lift 50, in this case with a frame comprising four uprights 52, four crossbeams 52, and four sleeves 54 sliding on the four uprights 52. Any other solution, such as a square-section, anti-rotation jack, could also be suitable. These sliding sleeves 54 support a base 56 carrying the advance compensation means 16, said base 56 being integral with said sliding sleeves 54. Maneuvering means 58 for said base 56, in this case a pair of jacks for symmetrical mounting, are interposed between the base 56 and the crossbeams 52 so as to allow said base 56 to be raised and lowered relative to the frame, thus constituting the lift 50.

[0043] The means of compensating for advance 16 are detailed on the figure 6 The means for compensating the lead 16 comprise a pair of arms 60, each pivotally mounted relative to the base 56 at one end and pivotally mounted relative to the slide 26 at the other end. Lead compensation operating means 62 are interposed between said arms 60 and the base 56 so as to allow the arms to pivot. Such lead compensation operating means 62 are in the form of a hydraulic cylinder, like the other operating means. The base 56 includes a sliding cradle 64 for receiving the mounting bracket 30 of the two-hammer driving means 12. This mounting appendage 30 is therefore mounted by sliding between an advanced position at the beginning of the driving of the markers / stakes, and a retracted position at the end of the driving, relative to the direction of advance indicated by the arrow F. Such a synoptic diagram is represented on the figures 7 Thus on the figure 7A The advance compensation means 62 are in the closed position, i.e., the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder, in this case, is in the cylinder body, and the arms 60 are pivoted upwards. The slide 26 with the two hammers is in the raised position on the guide mast 28, and the mounting appendage 30 is pushed forward into the cradle 64. On the figure 7B The arms 60 pivot downwards because the advance compensation means 62 are in an intermediate position. The mounting appendage 30 translates in the cradle 64, rearward, i.e., in the opposite direction to that of the arrow. F The driving means 12 move backwards. The speed of backward movement is equal to the speed of movement of the tractor vehicle, and therefore of the chassis 10, relative to the ground and in the direction FThere is then compensation, and the driving action by the hammers 24 is carried out at zero ground velocity. The driving time, and consequently the translation time of the slide 26 on the guide mast 28, is less than the rearward movement time of the driving means 12. On the figure 7C The penetration is well advanced, and the penetration devices are further withdrawn, approaching the maximum position according to the required penetration times. For the return, the reverse maneuvers bring the various moving parts back to their initial position, with the advantage of being able to increase the return speeds since there is no longer a link between the speed of movement and the penetration speed.

[0044] During this rearward movement, generated by the pivoting of the arms 60, the driving means 12 are moved rearward by compensating for the forward speed. However, the movement of the arms 60, which are fixed to the slide 26, also causes driving by lowering the mast 28 carrying the hammers 24, and thus the downward movement of the upper hammer 24S and lower hammer 24I. If the operation involves the upper hammer 24S, for example, because the task is driving a stake, said upper hammer 24S can be moved an additional distance by means of the translational operating means 32 with its associated set of connecting rods 34, interposed between the slide 26 and the upper hammer 24S.

[0045] The means of compensating for slope 18 during subsidence are now described in relation to the figures 8A And 8BThese slope compensation means 18 consist of inclining the driving means 12 to compensate for a slope, whether ascending or descending, while simultaneously using the cant correction means 14 if necessary to correct said cant. The base 56 provides the inclination correction for ascending or descending movements. This base 56 is supported by the elevator 50, which is itself supported by the plate 42. To compensate for the slope, the plate 42, along with its load, pivots around the pivot axis 44, under the action of the pivoting operating means 43 interposed between the plate 42 and the frame 10. In the present case figure 8A As the slope is upwards, the plate 42 is pivoted forwards by closing the pivoting operating means 43, in this case a hydraulic cylinder. Thus, the driving means 12, the slide 26 and the guide mast 28, remain vertical when the chassis 10 tilts upwards.

[0046] Two problems arise from this inclination. Since the stake is inclined relative to the frame, the entire driving mechanism 12 must be translated at an angle to the frame, which serves as the reference point. Otherwise, the point of penetration into the ground would be moved further back, and the driving depth would be altered because the lower tip of the stake would be higher relative to the ground due to the angle of inclination. Therefore, the driving mechanisms 12 must be brought closer to the ground, firstly to embed them in the ground at the precise intended location, and secondly to be lowered to bring them into contact with the ground. These actions are performed by using the correction mechanisms 18.

[0047] The elevator 50 modifies the height of the driving means 12 by acting on the operating means 58 of said base 56. On the figure 8A The slope is uphill, and the driving means 12 must be pivoted forward so that the stake is vertical. Therefore, the correction means 18 are used.

[0048] The plate 42 is pivoted by the action of the operating means 43, in this case a cylinder which is closed, i.e., the cylinder rod retracts into the cylinder body. The pivoting plate 42 tilts the platform 46, which carries the elevator 50 and the driving means 12 with two hammers. The platform 46, being mounted to move in translation relative to the plate 42, is moved by the operating means 48 of said platform to move the driving means 12 forward, thus moving the stake and / or marker, which compensates for the inclination of the chassis due to the slope. In order to compensate for the height difference relative to the ground inherent in the inclination relative to the chassis, the elevator 50 is used to move the guide mast 28, which carries the slide 26, downwards in this case. All parameters modified by the slope are corrected and the stake is thus implanted at the given point, at the given depth, vertically, in the defile.The driving maneuver is not modified in any way.

[0049] In the case where the chassis is on a downward slope, see figure 8B The maneuvers are exactly the same, reversed.

[0050] Note that any potential tilt is corrected by the cylinders 10-3G and 10-3D, which compensate by acting on the arms 10-1G and 10-1D carrying the wheels 10-2G and 10-2D, which act as gauge wheels. The frame 10 is therefore always horizontal with respect to the transverse axis, that is, perpendicular to the direction of the arrow. F. A correction is also made to the stake's height, since it is higher than on flat ground. The stake's vertical position is therefore adjusted relative to the slope along the axis of movement. F but also perpendicular to this direction of movement F.

[0051] All cylinder operations are centralized by software which, using displacement sensors for each of the propulsion units (cylinders, position sensors, travel speed values, and GPS data), automates the commands for each actuator, freeing up the operator of traction equipment such as a tractor for enhanced monitoring. Automatic control of the traction units is also available, as on many agricultural vehicles. For this purpose, a GPS antenna can be mounted on the support mast 66, erected specifically for this purpose and isostatically attached to the chassis to obtain a precise reading.Given the data entered into the software regarding the layout, the software indicates, for example, on an LED (light-emitting diode) strip, by green colors when the layout concerns a stake or by red colors when the layout concerns a marker.

[0052] The multi-functional, hitched device for planting vine accessories in a row allows, in addition to planting stakes and markers in a single pass, for opening a furrow for planting vines, watering them, opening a deep furrow for planting stakes, and closing the furrow. For this purpose, on the figure 9 These tillage implements include a share 68, adjustable in height to open a furrow 20 to 30 centimeters deep. This furrow allows for the planting of a vine at the bottom and irrigation via a water reservoir, a valve, and a distribution tube, located at the bottom and not detailed as they are generally known to those skilled in the art. Advantageously, the distribution tube is positioned behind the planting point of the vine so that a dose of water can be distributed into the furrow, roughly directly above the vine, before the furrow is closed using skimmers 70, adjustable in height, located at the rear and visible on the figure 1In particular, according to the present invention, means 72 for opening a deep furrow can also be provided, comprising a jack 74 oriented perpendicularly to the frame 10 and downwards. This jack 74 has a body 76 and a movable rod 78, the body being fixed to the frame 10. The movable rod 78 carries a narrow share 80 and can assume a maximum protrusion position, at least equal to the additional depth of the furrow for driving a stake. The narrow share 80 allows the furrow depth to be extended from 20 to 30 centimeters up to 60 to 70 centimeters, to give an idea. The purpose of this narrow share 80 is to move stones and other potential obstacles away from the line of stake placement, ensuring that all the stakes are driven in.

[0053] Furthermore, it is possible to add laterally to the multifunctional device according to the present invention, trellis wire unwinders and / or drip irrigation pipes, an amendment spreader for perfect recovery of the planted vine, a dose of amendment being distributed in parallel with the watering.

[0054] The system includes, as is known, racks with stakes and markers.

[0055] The operation of the multi-functional device according to the present invention is now described with reference to all the figures. The device is operated by a driver, if necessary, and by at least two assistants: the first to supply markers and stakes, and the second to plant the seedlings. The multi-functional device advances, pulled by traction means, driven by the driver, if necessary, possibly using GPS. The upper hammer 24S and the lower hammer 24I are adjusted to ensure the placement of markers of a given height and to a predetermined depth. The software is configured for given spacings, a defined number of markers between two stakes, a furrow depth, a narrow share depth, a given water dose, a quantity of amendment, etc.The software continuously calculates slope corrections based on sensor data. Similarly, the transverse horizontal adjustment using the gauge wheels are fixed parameters stored in permanent memory and cannot be adjusted by operators or staff. Only parameters specific to the plot in question can be modified.

[0056] The trellis wires and / or drip irrigation tubing are laid out simultaneously. The device according to the present invention is multifunctional and, above all, allows for the planting of stakes, markers, and seedlings in a single pass, in addition to any other possible actions.

Claims

1. Multi-purpose device for the running installation of vineyard accessories, in particular stakes / labels, comprising a frame (10) mounted on wheels (10-2G, 10-2D) and intended to be hitched to means for pulling in a travel direction F, characterized in that the device has driving-in means (12) comprising two hammers, an upper hammer (24S) and a lower hammer (241), both mounted on a slide (26) which is translationally mounted on a guide mast (28), and means (32) for translationally maneuvering the upper hammer (24S) which are positioned between said slide (26) and said upper hammer (24S).

2. Multi-purpose device for the running installation of vineyard accessories according to claim 2, characterized in that the translational maneuvering means (32) positioned between the slide (26) and the upper hammer (24S) comprise a set of connecting rods (34) and an actuator, in the form of a cylinder (36) with a fixed part, in this case the body of the cylinder rigidly connected to the slide (26), and a movable part, in this case the rod of the cylinder, for actuating the action connecting rods (34-1) which are arranged in pairs and pivotably mounted on either side of the slide (26) via one of their ends, in holes (34-2) formed in a plate (38) rigidly connected to said slide (26), the other ends of the action connecting rods (34-1) being pivotably mounted on the slide (26) by means of transfer connecting rods (34-3) which are mounted in pairs and attached to the free end of the action connecting rods (34-1), the transfer connecting rods each having the other end pivotably attached to the upper hammer (24S), so as to generate a translational upward or downward movement of the upper hammer (24S) relative to the slide (26).

3. Multi-purpose device for the running installation of vineyard accessories according to either one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide mast (28) has a mounting appendage (30).

4. Multi-purpose device for the running installation of vineyard accessories according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises correction means (14) having a plate (42) which is pivotably mounted relative to the frame (10) about a pivot shaft (44) which is oriented transversely relative to the travel direction F, and pivoting maneuvering means (43) which are positioned between said plate (42) and said frame (10) so as to be able to tilt the plate (42) about the pivot shaft (44).

5. Multi-purpose device for the running installation of vineyard accessories according to claim 4, characterized in that the plate (42) bears a tray (46) which is translationally mounted relative to said plate (42), and means (48) for translationally maneuvering said tray in the travel direction F.

6. Multi-purpose device for the running installation of vineyard accessories according to claim 5, characterized in that the tray (46) bears an elevator (50) with a framework having four uprights (52) and four cross-members (52), and four sliding sleeves (54) on the four uprights (52) and a base (56) which is rigidly connected to said sliding sleeves (54) with means (58) for maneuvering said base (56) which are positioned between said base (56) and the cross-members (52) so as to be able to raise and lower said base (56) relative to the framework.

7. Multi-purpose device for the running installation of vineyard accessories according to claim 6, characterized in that the base (56) bears advancement compensation means (16) comprising a pair of arms (60) each pivotably mounted, relative to the base (56), via one end and each pivotably mounted, relative to the slide (26) of the driving-in means (12), via the other end, as well as advancement compensation maneuvering means (62) which are positioned between said arms (60) and said base (56) so as to be able to pivot said arms.

8. Multi-purpose device for the running installation of vineyard accessories according to either one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the base (56) has a cradle (64) for slidingly receiving the mounting appendage (30) of the twin-hammer driving-in means (12).

9. Multi-purpose device for the running installation of vineyard accessories according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the frame (10) has two arms, one left (10-1G), the other right (10-1D), each bearing a wheel (10-2G) and (10-2D), and a left cylinder (10-3G) and a right cylinder (10-3D) positioned between said frame and each of the corresponding arms, so as to allow correction of the tilt.

10. Multi-purpose device for the running installation of vineyard accessories according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises means (20) for working the earth.

11. Multi-purpose device for the running installation of vineyard accessories according to claim 10, characterized in that the device comprises a plowshare (68) which is movable heightwise so as to be able to open a furrow and so as to plant a vine plant at the bottom of the furrow, and skimmers (70), which are movable heightwise, for closing the furrow.