Rotary plough with a blocking system for a combination wheel

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of agricultural machinery, more particularly that of plows and especially those equipped with at least one combined wheel, and has as its object a reversible plow with a system for locking a combined wheel.

[0002] Reversible plows, mounted in working configuration, which have a large number of plow bodies, partially rest on at least one wheel (which may be doubled) during transport. This wheel, used for transport (providing ground support for the plow), also serves as a regulating wheel to control the working depth of the plow bodies: this is known as a combined wheel.

[0003] This wheel can assume several positions relative to the frame supporting the plow bodies, depending on the plow configuration (for a reversible plow: right-hand plowing, left-hand plowing, transport). To achieve this, the combined wheel is connected to the frame via a mechanical device that allows it to pivot automatically from one working position to another around a pivot axis that is approximately horizontal and parallel to the direction of travel. The combined wheel is held in the correct position after its rotation by a locking mechanism.

[0004] Document EP 2875707 describes a reversible mounted plow with such a combined wheel and in which the locking device is achieved by the sole mass of the plow exerted on the combined wheel when the wheel is in contact with the ground.

[0005] However, if the combined wheel comes into contact with the ground during turning, the locking device can get stuck in an unsuitable position and the plow can then be damaged.

[0006] Furthermore, in transport position, when the locking device is not properly engaged, the wheel will rotate around its pivot axis and will lie flat.

[0007] In addition, in plowing position, when the locking device is not properly engaged, the wheel tilts and there is no longer any control over the working depth.

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks. Documents DE 27 56 548 B1, DE 25 04 071 A1 and EP 2 050 323 B1 disclose plow locking means having a wheel which, for the transition from one working configuration to another, does not, however, rotate 180° to position itself on the opposite side of the frame.

[0009] To this end, it has as its object a reversible plow configured to be carried in working configuration by the three-point hitch device of the tractor vehicle and comprising, on the one hand, a frame carrying plow bodies and equipped with a combined wheel device and, on the other hand, a hitch head for its attachment to a tractor vehicle, said combined wheel controlling the working depth of the plow bodies, said frame being connected to the hitch head by a pivot joint defining a turning axis for the reversible change from one working configuration to the other, by pivoting approximately half a turn and preferably under the effect of an actuator, said plow being also able to be transposed, by pivoting approximately a quarter turn of the frame, from one of the working configurations into a transport configuration in which it is pulled by traction and rolls in support on said at least one combined wheel,said combined wheel device comprising at least one support arm carrying the wheel and mounted to pivot about an axis for adjusting the depth position of the wheel and a tilting axis allowing the wheel with its support arm to tilt under its own weight when the frame is turned over to change from one working configuration to another, or to the transport configuration, said tilting axis being substantially parallel to the turning axis and substantially perpendicular to the adjustment axis, and said combined wheel device also comprising means for locking the rotation of said support arm about the tilting axis, at least in two angular positions associated with the working configurations, plow of which said locking means comprise respective locking surfaces, preferably flat,whose mutual contact blocks the rotation of the support arm around said tilting axis, and in that it comprises two mutually antagonistic means for controlling this contact, at least one of which is a controllable actuator.

[0010] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1A ] is a side elevation view of a reversible mounted plow according to the invention equipped with a rear combined wheel device, said plow being in working configuration and the wheel device being locked in rotation at its tilting axis; Fig. 1B ] is a side elevation view of a reversible mounted plow according to the invention equipped with a rear combined wheel device, said plow being in a transport configuration and the wheel device being locked in rotation at the level of its tilting axis; Fig. 2 ] And [ Fig. 3 ] are partial detail views, respectively in perspective and side elevation, of the combined wheel device mounted at the rear of the frame on the figures 1 , this device being locked in rotation around the tilting axis in relation to a plowing configuration to the right of the plow and the wheel being positioned in the maximum raised position or maximum working depth; Fig. 4 ] is a partial, detailed, and elevational view, similar to the figure 3 , another example of an embodiment of the laterally mounted combined wheel device (represented in dashed lines on the figures 1 ), the wheel device being unlocked and the wheel free to rotate around its tilting axis; [ Fig. 5 ] is a partial, half-sectional view showing the relative positioning of the cooperating locking means of the combined wheel device when the wheel is in a position related to the implementation of a plow reversal on a sloping plot (here approximately 25°), showing the positioning of the wheel under the effect of gravity, as well as the rotational stress generated by the first control means; Fig. 6 ] is a view similar to that of the figure 5 showing the relative positioning of the cooperating locking means of the combined wheel device after reaching the locked state under the effect of the load (allowing the positioning of the wheel to be deduced; [ Fig. 7 ] And [ Fig. 8 ] are partial detail views, along a plane containing the tilt axis and perpendicular to the pivot axis of the wheel support arm (depth adjustment axis) of the wheel device figures 2 et 3 , respectively in maximum raised position ( figure 7 ) and in the unlocked state (freewheel rotating around its tilting axis).

[0011] THE figures 1A And 1B and partially the figures 2 à 6 The figures show a reversible plow (1) comprising, on the one hand, a frame (2) carrying plow bodies (3, 3') and equipped with a combined wheel device (4') and, on the other hand, a hitch head (5) for attaching it to a tractor vehicle, said combined wheel (4') controlling the working depth of the plow bodies (3, 3'). Said frame (2) is connected to the hitch head (5) by a pivot joint (6) defining a turning axis (AX1) for reversible switching from one working configuration to the other, by pivoting approximately half a turn and preferably under the action of an actuator (7), said plow (1) also being able to be transposed, by pivoting approximately a quarter turn of the frame (2), from one of the working configurations into a transport configuration in which it is pulled by traction and rolls in support on said at least one combined wheel (4').The combined wheel device (4') includes at least one support arm (8) carrying the wheel (4') and pivotally mounted about an axis (AX2) for adjusting the depth position of the wheel (4'), and a tilting axis (AX3) allowing the wheel (4') and its support arm (8) to tilt under its own weight when the frame (2) is reversed to change from one working configuration to another, or to the transport configuration. This tilting axis (AX3) is substantially parallel to the reversing axis (AX1) and substantially perpendicular to the adjustment axis (AX2). The combined wheel device (4') also includes means (9, 10) for locking the rotation of the support arm (8) about the tilting axis (AX3) in at least two angular positions associated with the working configurations. During the pivoting of the frame (2) around the turning axis (AX1), the combined wheel (4') is not in contact with the ground.The wheel (4') is lifted off the ground to pivot around the pivoting axis (AX3) and the turning axis (AX1) of the frame (2). The wheel (4') moves under the influence of gravity. To switch from one working configuration to another, the wheel (4') rotates 180° to position itself on the opposite side of the frame (2). For turning, the plow (1) is lifted off the ground by the tractor's three-point hitch, which frees the plow bodies (3, 3') and the wheel (4') from the ground. Once they are no longer in contact with the ground, the turning of the plow (1), including the frame (2), begins, and the wheel (4') pivots around the pivoting axis (AX3) under its own weight. During turning, the combined wheel (4') is lifted off the ground. In the context of the invention, the combined wheel (4') rotates with the plow (1) during turning, therefore it does not remain on the ground.

[0012] There figure 1A This illustrates a reversible plow (1) in its working configuration, here ploughing to the right. In this working configuration, the plough (1) is attached, via its hitch head (5), to a three-point hitch on the tractor; the plough is said to be mounted. The wheel (4') is used to control the working depth of the plough bodies (3, 3'). This wheel (4') is mounted either at the rear of the frame (2) or laterally on the frame (2). On the figures 1A And 1B The rear-mounted wheel (4') is shown with solid lines, while the side-mounted wheel (4') is shown with dashed lines. In the transport configuration as shown on the figure 1B The agricultural machine, and particularly the plow (1), rests on the ground at the rear by means of the wheel (4') and at the front via the two lower hitch points of the three-point linkage. For transport, the upper connecting rod (not shown), which is connected to the upper hitch point, is uncoupled so that the plow (1) can be towed behind the tractor (attached only by the lower hitch points) to follow any unevenness in the terrain. The plow (1) is then towed or semi-mounted behind the tractor like a trailer. To achieve this, the plow (1) is freely articulated relative to the tractor around a vertical axis in transport configuration; this articulation can be integrated into the plow at the hitch head (5) or be present in the connection between the plow and the tractor. Thus, it is said that such a plow is carried for work and semi-carried for transport.When a wheel performs both the function of adjusting the working depth and the function of providing ground support during transport, it is called a combination wheel. The wheels (4') shown in the figures are combination wheels.

[0013] The coupling head (5) is equipped with a suspension (not shown), in the form of volute springs, arranged at the front on either side of the turning axis (AX1).

[0014] According to the invention, the locking means (9, 10) comprise respective locking surfaces (9', 10'), preferably flat, whose mutual contact prevents the rotation of the support arm (8) about said tilting axis (AX3). The plow (1) comprises two means (11, 12) for controlling this contact, mutually antagonistic, at least one (12) of which is a controllable actuator. The respective locking surfaces (9', 10') have a certain length to ensure stable and durable support. Preferably, the length of the surface (10') is greater than that of the surfaces (9'). The length of the surfaces (9') is at least five centimeters. In a particularly advantageous manner, as shown in the figures, the second locking means (10) is arranged below the first locking means (9). Thus, the second locking surface (10') is positioned below the first contact surfaces (9').The first and second contact surfaces (9', 10') are preferably flat, and the first surfaces (9') are advantageously in the form of strips. The second locking means (10) extends below the tilting axis (AX3).

[0015] Thanks to a surface contact locking mechanism, a locking configuration is achieved that is simple in construction, stable once engaged, and easy to engage and disengage (it is sufficient to establish or break contact between the two surfaces). Furthermore, by implementing control means (11, 12) of the aforementioned type, reliable and secure control of the combined wheel (4') locking mechanism is provided.

[0016] In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a first (9) of the two locking means (9, 10) provides several locking surfaces (9') that are angularly distributed around the tilting axis (AX3) and that correspond to at least the two angular positions associated with the working configurations. The locking surfaces (9') are oriented perpendicularly with respect to the tilting axis (AX3). This first locking means (9) is fixed relative to the mounting arm (13) attached to the frame (2), preferably attached to or formed on the bearing of the tilting axis integral with the mounting arm (13). Furthermore, the second (10) of the two locking means (9, 10) is pivotally mounted about an axis parallel to or coinciding with said adjustment axis (AX2), the rotation of this second locking means (10) forming a lock, around this axis, bringing the locking surfaces (9', 10') closer together or further apart respectively.This second locking means (10) is for example mounted as a unit to the support arm (8) by means of the adjustment axis (AX2) and accompanies the wheel (4') in its rotation around the tilting axis (AX3).

[0017] According to very favorable characteristics of the invention, arising from figures 2 à 4 Specifically, a first control means (11) (11, 12) provides a continuous stimulus to bring the two locking means (9, 10) closer together, and the second control means (12) is configured to be able to move the two locking means (11, 12) apart, on command, sufficiently to allow the free rotation of the support arm (8) around the tilting axis (AX3). Thus, by default, and in the event of a power or supply loss at the control means (11, 12), the combined wheel device (4') is forced into a rotation-locked configuration around the tilting axis (AX3).

[0018] According to one possible construction method of the plow, the combined wheel device (4') comprises a frame-mounting arm (13) incorporating a pivoting axle bearing (14) and the first (9) of two locking means (9, 10), which advantageously includes at least two, preferably at least three, flat contact surfaces (9') distributed angularly around the pivoting axle (AX3), each corresponding to a pivoting lock of the combined wheel (4') in one of the plow configurations (2). These first contact surfaces (9') also define, in cooperation with the second contact surfaces (10'), the locked rotational position of the combined wheel (4') in each of these plow configurations (1).

[0019] As is apparent from figures 2 à 4 , 7 And 8By way of example, the combined wheel device (4') comprises a central body (15) pivotally mounted about the tilting axis (AX3) and incorporating a bearing (16) for the adjustment axis (AX2). The second (10) of the two locking means (9, 10), forming a lock, is pivotally mounted about an axis substantially parallel to or coinciding with said adjustment axis (AX2). Advantageously, and for the sake of simpler construction, the second locking means (10) is pivotally mounted about said adjustment axis (AX2).

[0020] In accordance with a possible practical, simple, efficient, and inexpensive design, the combined wheel (4') device (4) includes a first control means (11), preferably in the form of compression or tension springs, producing an elastic force for positive loading to bring and maintain mutual contact between the locking surfaces (9', 10'), at least in the working configurations, and preferably also in the transport configuration. The elastic force provided by this first means (11) will be sufficient, in particular, to move the support arm (8) / combined wheel (4') assembly, if necessary against gravity, around the tilting axis (AX3) to bring it into a stable locked position, in which the surfaces (9', 10') involved in the plow configuration (1) are brought and maintained in mutual contact.This arrangement allows the combined wheel (4') to always be positioned perpendicular to the frame (2) and the ground (S), even when the latter is on a slope (see . figures 5 And 6Note that the center of gravity of the device (4) is located below the tilting axis (AX3), so as to generate sufficient rotational torque to move it around this tilting axis (AX3) under the effect of gravity to a position in which said center of gravity is vertically aligned with this axis. The first control means (11) extends between the central body (15) and the second locking means (10). In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the first control means (11) consists of two tension springs arranged substantially vertically in the working configuration or in the transport configuration on a horizontal flat surface. The locking means (9, 10) are positioned between the adjustment axis (AX2) and the first control means (11). The second locking means (10) is fixed on one side to the adjustment axis (AX2) and on the other side to the axis (AX5).With a rear combined wheel device (4'), the first and second locking means (9, 10) extend in front of the control means (11, 12) taking into account the direction of advance (A). With a lateral combined wheel device (4'). fig. 4 The first and second locking means (9, 10) extend behind the control means (11, 12), taking into account the direction of advance (A). The second control means (12) is located between the support arm (8) and the second locking means (10), and is articulated around the axes (AX4) and (AX5), respectively. These two axes (AX4 and AX5) are advantageously parallel to the adjustment axis (AX2). In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the first control means (11) is implemented using a single spring.

[0021] Also in a context of advantageous practical construction, it may be provided that the combined wheel device (4') includes a second control means (12) in the form of an actuator, configured to separate the blocking surfaces (9', 10') from each other, advantageously by overcoming an elastic constraint of bringing said surfaces together produced by a first control means (11).

[0022] More specifically, and preferably, the actuator forming the second control means (12) can be the cylinder for adjusting the pivoting position of the support arm (8) around the axis (AX4). The stroke of the adjustment cylinder allows for adjustment of the wheel's position (4') relative to the frame (2). This cylinder controls the working depth of the plow bodies (3, 3'). This actuator includes an additional stroke (PCA), beyond the maximum raised position of the wheel (4'), allowing sufficient distance between the relevant locking surfaces (9', 10') and the two locking means (9 and 10) to permit free pivoting of the combined wheel (4') around the tilting axis (AX3). The working depth adjustment stroke (PCR) is greater than the additional stroke (PCA).The rod (12') of the cylinder (12) is connected to the support arm (8), or preferably to a cross member connecting the two branches of this support arm (8), by a pivot joint (17) with axis (AX4) and the barrel (12") of this cylinder (12) is connected by a pivot joint (18) with axis (AX5) to the second locking means or latch (10), opposite its mounting on the axis (AX2).

[0023] As also illustrated on the figures 2 à 8 , it is advantageously provided that the second control means (12) is located above the support arm (8), that said central body (15) has stop means (15') for said support arm (8) which define the maximum raised position of the combined wheel (4') and that the additional stroke part (PCA) of the adjusting cylinder (12), after coming to a stop of the support arm (8), is sufficient to move the second locking means (10) relative to the first locking means (9) in such a way that the two means (9 and 10) are non-interfering during a rotation of the support arm (8) with the wheel (4') around the tilting axis (AX3).

[0024] To further increase transport safety, the combined wheel device (4') may include a means (19) for locking the support arm (8) in rotation about the tilting axis (AX3) in a position suitable for rolling in the transport configuration. This additional means (19) may, for example, be in the form of a latch mechanically securing the support arm (8) to the mounting arm (13), see the figure 1B .

[0025] According to another constructive feature of the invention, the first locking means (9) is preferably in the form of a square or rectangular plate, advantageously with rounded corners, two opposite sides corresponding to the surfaces (9') contacted by the locking surface (10') of the latch (10) forming the second locking means in the working configurations, and another side being optionally contacted by this locking surface (10') in the transport configuration, for the purpose of locking the support arm (8) against rotation around the tilting axis (AX3). This embodiment of the locking means (9) allows relative sliding with respect to the contact surface (10') of the second locking means (10), under the action of the springs (11), until it reaches a locked position with surface contact. Advantageously, and according to the representation illustrated in the figure 5 During the reversal of the plow (1) and consequently of the combined wheel device (4'), the square shape, particularly the corners, of the first locking means (9) allows for a point of contact with the second locking means (10), i.e., with the locking surface (10'). The point of contact of the first locking means (9) with the second locking means (10) is offset laterally from a vertical plane passing through the pivot axis (AX3). Alternatively, the first locking means (9) is in the form of a rectangular plate. The two longer sides correspond to the surfaces (9') that will be in contact respectively with the second locking means (10) and with the locking surface (10') of the lock (10), depending on the working configuration. The rectangular plate also has rounded corners.

[0026] There Figure 8The diagram shows in detail the wheel assembly (4) along a plane containing the tilting axis (AX3) and perpendicular to the adjustment axis (AX2) of the support arm (8) in the unlocked state. The combined wheel (4') is free to rotate about its tilting axis (AX3). In this unlocked state, the locking means (9, 10), in particular the locking surfaces (9', 10'), are spaced apart. The distance between the locking surfaces (9', 10') is significantly greater with a rectangular plate than with a square plate.

[0027] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Reversible plough (1) configured to be carried in working configuration by the three-point hitching device of the tractor vehicle and comprising, on the one hand, a fame (2) carrying plough bodies (3, 3') and equipped with a combined wheel (4') device (4) and, on the other hand, a hitching head (5) for attaching it to a tractor vehicle, the said combined wheel (4') controlling the working depth of the plough bodies (3, 3'), the said frame (2) being connected to the hitching head (5) by a pivot connection (6) defining a turnover axis (AX1) for the reversible transition from one working configuration to the other, by pivoting approximately half a turn and preferably under the effect of an actuator (7), the said plough (1) also being able to be transposed, by pivoting the frame (2) through approximately a quarter turn, from one of the working configurations into a transport configuration in which it is towed by traction and rolls supported on the said at least one combined wheel (4'), the said combined wheel (4') device (4) comprising at least one support arm (8) carrying the wheel (4') and mounted so as to pivot around an adjustment axis (AX2) for the position of the wheel (4') in depth and a tilting axis (AX3) allowing the wheel (4') to tilt with its support arm (8) under the effect of its own weight when turning the frame (2) over to move from one working configuration to another, or to the transport configuration, the said tilting axis (AX3) being substantially parallel to the turnover axis (AX1) and substantially perpendicular to the adjustment axis (AX2), and the said combined wheel (4') device (4) also comprising means (9, 10) for blocking the rotation of the said support arm (8) around the tilting axis (AX3), at least in two angular positions associated with the working configurations, plough (1), wherein the said blocking means (9, 10) comprise respective blocking surfaces (9', 10'), preferably flat, whose mutual contact blocks the rotation of the support arm (8) around the said tilting axis (AX3), and in that it comprises two mutually antagonistic means (11, 12) for controlling this contact, at least one (12) of which is a controllable actuator.

2. Plough according to claim 1, characterised in that a first (9) of the two blocking means (9, 10), providing several blocking surfaces (9') which are distributed angularly around the tilting axis (AX3) and which correspond at least to the two angular positions associated with the working configurations, is fixed relative to the fixing arm (13) and in that a second (10) of the two blocking means (9, 10) is mounted so as to pivot around an axis parallel or coincident with the said adjustment axis (AX2), the rotation of this second blocking means (10) forming a lock around this axis bringing the respective blocking surfaces (9', 10') closer together or further apart.

3. Plough according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that one first (11) of the control means (11, 12) provides a permanent force favouring the bringing together of the two blocking means (9, 10) and in that the second control means (12) is configured to be able to move the two blocking means (11, 12) away from each other, on command and sufficiently to allow the support arm (8) to rotate freely around the tilting axis (AX3).

4. Plough according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the combined wheel (4') device (4) comprises an arm (13) for fixing to the frame (2), incorporating a bearing (14) for the tilting axis (AX3) and the first (9) of the two blocking means (9, 10), which advantageously comprises at least two flat contact surfaces (9') distributed angularly around the tilting axis (AX3) and each corresponding to a blocking of the tilting of the combined wheel (4') in one of the configurations of the plough (1).

5. Plough according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the combined wheel (4') device (4) comprises a central body (15) mounted to pivot around the tilting axis (AX3) and incorporating a bearing (16) for the adjustment axis (AX2), a second (10) of the two blocking means (9, 10), forming a lock, being mounted so as to pivot around an axis substantially parallel to or coinciding with the said adjustment axis (AX2).

6. Plough according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the combined wheel device (4') comprises a first control means (11), preferably in the form of compression or traction springs, producing an elastic stress for positive engagement and holding of the blocking surfaces (9', 10') in mutual contact, at least in the working configurations.

7. Plough according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the combined wheel (4') device (4) comprises a second control means (12) in the form of an actuator, configured to move the blocking surfaces (9', 10') away from each other, advantageously by overcoming an elastic force drawing the said surfaces together produced by a first control means (11).

8. Plough according to claim 7, characterised in that the actuator (12) forming the second control means consists in a cylinder for adjusting the pivoting position of the support arm (8) around the axis (AX2), this actuator including an additional stroke portion, beyond the maximum raised position of the wheel (4'), allowing sufficient distance from the blocking surfaces (9', 10') involved in the two blocking means (9 and 10) to allow free pivoting of the combined wheel (4') around the tilting axis (AX3).

9. Plough according to claim 8, characterised in that the second control means (12) is located above the support arm (8), that the said central body (15) has stop means (15') for the said support arm (8) which define the maximum raised position of the combined wheel (4'), and that the additional stroke portion of the second control means (12), after the support arm (8) has reached the stop, is sufficient to move the second blocking means (10) relative to the first blocking means (9) in such a way that the two means (9 and 10) do not interfere with each other when the support arm (8) rotates with the wheel (4') around the tilting axis (AX3).

10. Plough according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the combined wheel (4') device (4) may comprise a means (19) for locking the support arm (8) in rotation around the tilting axis (AX3) in a position suitable for rolling in the transport configuration.

11. Plough according to claim 4, characterised in that the first blocking means (9) takes the form of a square or rectangular plate, advantageously with rounded corners, two opposite sides corresponding to the surfaces (9') contacted by the blocking surface (10') of the lock (10) forming the second blocking means in the working configurations and another side possibly being contacted by this blocking surface (10') in the transport configuration, with the aim of blocking the rotation of the support arm (8) around the tilting axis (AX3).

12. Plough according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the second blocking means (10) is mounted integrally with the support arm (8) and pivots around the said adjustment axis (AX2).