Agricultural implement and method of operating agricultural implement

Abstract

An agricultural implement (1) for working soil comprises a frame comprising a plurality of axles (110a, 110b, 110c; 111a, 111b, 111c) which each extend in a transverse and horizontal direction of the frame and which each supports a plurality of soil working tools (112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f), said axles comprising at least two first axles (110a, 110b, 110c) and at least two second axles (111a, 111b, 111c), which are arranged one behind the other as seen in a working direction (Dw) of the agricultural implement, wherein, as seen in the transverse direction of the agricultural implement, the soil working tools (112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f) are alternately mounted to a one of the first axles (110a, 110b, 110c) and to one of the second axles (111a, 111b, 111c), and wherein the second axles (111a, 111b, 111c) are pivotable about a respective horizontal geometric axis, such that soil working tools (112b, 112d, 112f) supported by the second axles (111a, 111b, 111c) are movable from a working position to a non-working position. There is further disclosed a method of operating an agricultural implement and an agricultural method.

Description

[0001] AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT AND METHOD OF OPERATING AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an agricultural implement for working soil, in particular for tillage, and to methods of operating an agricultural implement.

[0004] Background

[0005] In various tillage situations in agriculture, it may be desirable to be able to work soil at shallow depths and in other situations, it may be desirable to be able to work soil at greater depths.

[0006] Shallow working depths, such as about 3-6 cm, may also be desirable in order to stir up some dirt on stubble and straw, so as to integrate microbes with the straw and thereby to initiate decomposition of crop residues.

[0007] Shallow working depths may also be desirable to achieve distribution of straw that is present on the soil surface.

[0008] In connection with shallow working, a close spacing of tines is necessary, in order to achieve coverage of a sufficient amount of (preferably all) the soil surface.

[0009] In such situations, the tines or shares used may be about 6-8 cm in width and a tine spacing may be about 10-15 cm, in particular about 12.5 cm.

[0010] At deeper working depths, such as about 10-12 cm, or even deeper, a deeper mixing of seeds, sprouts and harvest residues is achieved and may be desired.

[0011] However, while a narrow tine spacing may be necessary at shallow working depths, because the towing force requirement is proportional to the number of tines and to the working depth, working soil at a greater depth with such close spacing may require an excessive towing force, and thus lead to an unnecessary waste of energy.

[0012] At greater depth, however, a greater tine spacing may be acceptable.

[0013] SE525931C2 discloses an agricultural implement for working soil, which has tines that can be selectively folded so as to alter a tine spacing of the agricultural implement, thereby allowing shallow and deep working using the same agricultural implement. However, in order to further improve efficiency and user friendliness in agriculture, there is a need for more flexible agricultural implements and agricultural implements which provide improved precision in terms of working parameters.

[0014] It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide an improved agricultural implement and method of operating an agricultural implement. Particular objectives include providing a more flexible agricultural implement and to enable improved cultivation techniques.

[0015] The invention is defined by the appended independent claims. Embodiments are set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the following description and in the drawings.

[0016] According to a first aspect, there is provided an agricultural implement for working soil, comprising a frame comprising a plurality of axles which each extend in a transverse and horizontal direction of the frame and which each supports a plurality of soil working tools, said axles comprising at least two first axles and at least two second axles, which are arranged one behind the other as seen in a working direction of the agricultural implement, wherein, as seen in the transverse direction of the agricultural implement, the soil working tools are alternately mounted to a one of the first axles and to one of the second axles, wherein the second axles are pivotable about a respective horizontal geometric axis, such that soil working tools supported by the second axles are movable from a working position to a non-working position.

[0017] The agricultural implement may be any type of implement having tillage functionality, including, but not limited to a tine harrow, a tine cultivator, a tine harrow or a combination cultivator. Hence, the soil working tools may comprise a set of harrow or cultivator tines.

[0018] An axle may be a single rigid and elongate member or it may be made up of several sections, which may be separate from each other and individually movable.

[0019] Hence, an axle may extend over one, two or more frame sections of an agricultural implement having foldable frame sections.

[0020] The soil working tools may be mutually displaced in the transverse direction, such that their working areas do not overlap. The concept finds particular application for agricultural implements having an even number of axles. However, the concept may also be used for agricultural implements having an odd number of axles, however with the consequence that the tine spacing may vary across the width of the agricultural implement.

[0021] The first axles and the second axles may be alternately arranged as seen in the working direction of the agricultural implement.

[0022] That is, every alternate axle is one of the first axles and every other alternate axle is one of the second axles.

[0023] The first axles may be fixedly connected to the frame.

[0024] The second axles may be interconnected by a synchronization device, such that their pivoting movements are synchronized.

[0025] The agricultural implement may further comprise a plurality of booster springs, each connectable a respective one of the soil working tools mounted to the first axles, said booster springs cooperating with the respective soil working tool to increase rigidity of the soil working tool at least over part of a tool stroke.

[0026] The booster springs may be mounted with a gap to their respective soil working tool.

[0027] The agricultural implement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame comprises an even number of said axles.

[0028] In the agricultural implement a laterally outermost soil working tool on at least one, preferably both, side(s) of the agricultural implement may be mounted to one of the first axles.

[0029] Hence, a working width of the agricultural implement is always maintained regardless of which tool spacing is used.

[0030] When the agricultural implement is in a working state, a tool area may be defined as a horizontal area which is enclosed by a line connecting all points or tips of forwardly outermost tools, all points or tips of laterally outermost tools on a left side of the agricultural implement, all points or tips of laterally outermost tools on a right side of the agricultural implement and all points or tips of rearwardly outermost tools, wherein the agricultural implement comprises at least one frame section carrying said soil working tools. The frame section comprises at least one rolling ground support, and the rolling ground support is arranged outside said tool area. The rolling ground support may be arranged in front of all soil working tools having working areas which laterally overlap a track of said rolling ground support.

[0031] The rolling ground support may be arranged with no soil working tool laterally outside said rolling ground support.

[0032] The agricultural implement may comprise at least one rolling ground support mounted to the frame, wherein the frame comprises at least one longitudinally extending frame member, and wherein the rolling ground support is movable between at least two spaced-apart positions along said longitudinally extending frame member.

[0033] The agricultural implement may further comprise at least one pivot limiter, comprising a first limiter component arranged on a first one of at least one of the second axles and the frame and a second pivot limiter component arranged on a second done of the at least one of the second axles and the frame, wherein the first and second pivot limiter components are configured to limit a pivot range of the second axle relative to the frame.

[0034] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of operating an agricultural implement, comprising providing an agricultural implement as described above, and pivoting the second axles about a respective horizontal axis, such that the soil working tools supported by the second axles are moved from a working position to a non-working position, or vice versa.

[0035] In the method, the soil working tools supported by the first axles may be maintained in the working position while the soil working tools supported by the second axles are moved from a working position to a non-working position.

[0036] According to a third aspect, there is provided an agricultural method, comprising treating a harvested field by first tillage using an agricultural implement having a soil working tool spacing which is about 10-15 cm and a soil working tool maximum width of about 6-8 cm, said first tillage being performed to a depth of about 2-6 cm, preferably about 3-5 cm; wherein, at said first tillage, non-germinated seeds are present in the soil thus tilled; subsequent to the first tillage, allowing the field to rest for an amount of time sufficient to allow at least some of said seeds to germinate; subsequent to said resting, treating the field by second tillage using an agricultural implement having a soil working tool spacing which is about 20-30 cm and a soil working tool maximum width of about 6-8 cm, said first tillage being performed to a depth of about 8-15 cm, preferably about 10-12 cm; and subsequent to said second tillage, planting or seeding the field.

[0037] At shallow working depths, such as about 3-6 cm, mixing of seeds, in particular carbon binding crops, such as weed seeds or even cultivated crop, near the soil surface may be desirable in order to cause them to germinate so as to contribute carbon binding.

[0038] At the second tillage, which is deeper, the germinated seeds are disrupted and mixed into the soil, where they will typically decompose so as to bind organic matter into the soil.

[0039] The method thus assists in causing carbon to be sequestered into the soil, which is consistent with the concept of "carbon farming".

[0040] The first tillage and the second tillage may be performed using the same agricultural implement.

[0041] The agricultural method may further comprise treating the field using a chopping and / or cutting tool, supported by the agricultural implement, in connection with said first tillage.

[0042] The agricultural method may further comprise treating the field using a reconsolidation tool, supported by the agricultural implement, in connection with at least one of said first tillage and said second tillage.

[0043] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided an agricultural implement for working soil, comprising a frame comprising at least one longitudinally extending frame member and a plurality of axles which each extend in a transverse and horizontal direction of the longitudinally extending frame member and which each supports a plurality of soil working tools, wherein the frame comprises at least one rolling ground support mounted to the frame, and wherein the rolling ground support is movable between at least two spaced-apart positions along said longitudinally extending frame member.

[0044] Fig. la is a top view of an agricultural implement 1 in a first operating mode connected to a traction vehicle 2. Fig. lb is a top view of an agricultural implement 1 in a second operating mode and provided with a front auxiliary set of tools connected to a traction vehicle

[0045] 2.

[0046] Fig. 2a is a side view of an agricultural implement 1.

[0047] Fig. 2b is a detail side view of an agricultural implement 1.

[0048] Fig. 2c is a side view of an agricultural implement 1.

[0049] Fig. 3 is a side view of a synchronization device.

[0050] Fig. 4 is a side view in detail of an axle and tool arrangement.

[0051] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a method of agriculture.

[0052] Fig. 6 is a top view of the agricultural implement in fig. la.

[0053] Figs 7a-7b schematically illustrate a pivot limiter.

[0054] Detailed description

[0055] Fig. la is a schematic illustration providing a top view of an agricultural implement 1 connected to a traction vehicle 2. The agricultural implement 1 is adapted to move along a working direction Dw, over ground that is to be worked.

[0056] While the examples provided in herein illustrate a traditionally towed agricultural implement that is intended to be connected, in a towed, carried or partically carried manner, to a traditional tractor, the concepts disclosed herein can also be implemented in an agricultural implement that is attached to a gantry type traction vehicle, whereby the agricultural implement 1 may be towed, carried by a gantry-type arrangement. The concepts may also be applied to an agricultural implement which is integrated with a drive unit, such as an autonomous agricultural vehicle.The agricultural implement 1 has a frame comprising a main frame 10 carrying a pair of frame sections 11a, lib, which are pivotable relative to the main frame 10 about respective axes 105a, 105b, which may be horizontal and extend along the working direction Dw.

[0057] Each frame section 11a, lib may comprise a plurality of substantially transverse members 104a, 104b, 104c and a plurality of substantially longitudinal members 103. The substantially transverse members may extend across the working direction Dw + / - 30 degs, preferably + / - 10 degs or approximately perpendicular to the working direction Dw. The substantially longitudinal members may extend along the working direction Dw + / - 30 degs, preferably + / - 10 degs or approximately parallel with the working direction Dw.

[0058] One or more rolling ground supports 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b may be provided as needed in order to enable road transport of the agricultural implement 1 and / or in order to enable balancing and / or depth control of the agricultural implement 1 during field operation. The rolling ground supports 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b may be provided in the form of wheels, rollers or the like.

[0059] The rolling ground supports may comprise front rolling ground supports 21a, 21b, which may be steerable, e.g. by being connected to the tow bar 101. In particular, the front rolling ground supports 21a, 21b may be configured to understeer.

[0060] Rolling ground supports 22a, 22b arranged on the main frame 10 may be displaceably connected to the main frame, and in particular to one or more frame members extending along the working direction Dw, such that the rolling ground supports 21a, 21b can be shifted forwardly to make place for additional tools, in particular front auxiliary tools 40, as will be described in the following, or shifted backwardly so as to provide optimal depth control and / or maneuverability of the agricultural implement 1.

[0061] To this end, a ground support mount 211, 211' (figs 2a-2c) may be provided, to which at least one rolling ground support is rotatably mounted. The ground support mount 211, 211' may comprise a mounting portion, such as a bracket or a sleeve for interaction with the longitudinal frame member 10.

[0062] The ground support mount 211, 211' may be slidably connected to the longitudinal frame member 10.

[0063] As one example, the ground support mount 211, 211' may be selectively fixable to the longitudinal frame member in at least two longitudinally spaced-apart positions. Such fixing can be achieved by a frictional engagement or by a positively interlocking arrangement, including locking pins, nut-and bolt arrangements, or the like.

[0064] In some embodiments, the ground support mount 211, 211' can be manually movable, optionally facilitated by a slide bearing. In other embodiments, the ground support mount 211, 211' can be movable under the influence of an actuator, such as a hydraulic actuator or an electrically operated actuator.

[0065] The frame may further comprise a plurality of axles 110a, 110b, 110c, Illa, 111b, 111c, which extend horizontally and transversely of the working direction Dw when the agricultural implement is in a working state, and each of which carrying a plurality of tools 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f for working soil.

[0066] In the present context, a set of soil working tools is to be understood as a group of soil working tools of substantially the same kind. Hence, the agricultural implement illustrated in fig. la can be said to comprise a first set 20 of soil working tools consisting of the tines illustrated and designated 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f, and a second set 30 of soil working tools consisting of the rollers.

[0067] The tools 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f may in particular take the form of tines, such as cultivator tines or harrow tines.

[0068] Each tool provides a respective working furrow 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d, 115e, 115f. Distances between the furrows as seen in the transverse direction of the working direction Dw corresponds to a spacing of the tools 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f.

[0069] Each tool 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f may be fixedly supported by its associated axle 110a, 110b, 110c, Illa, 111b, 111c in a manner which is known per se and according to which the tool can be replaced or exchanged by an operator.

[0070] The axles 110a, 110b, 110c, Illa, 111b, 111c, may comprise a set of first axles 110a, 110b, 110c, and a set of second axles Illa, 111b, 111c, wherein the first axles 110a, 110b, 110c, or the second axles the Illa, 111b, 111c are rotatably connected to the frame, such that they are rotatable about a horizonal axis which extends transversely of the working direction Dw.

[0071] Hence, in some embodiments, both sets of axles may be rotatably connected to the frame, while in other embodiments, one set of axles may be rotatably connected to the frame while the other set of axles is fixedly connected to the frame.

[0072] The axles 110a, 110b, 110c, Illa, 111b, 111c may be alternatingly arranged, such that every second axle is a first axle 110a, 110b, 110c, and every second axle is a second axle Illa, 111b, 111c. As illustrated in fig. la, the tools carried by the axles 110a, 110b, 110c, Illa, 111b, 111c may form a first set of tools consisting of one specific sort of tools, such as tines.

[0073] As further illustrated in fig. la, the agricultural implement may comprise one or more rear sets of auxiliary tools 30, such as rollers, which may be configured to operate behind the first set of tools, as seen in the working direction Dw.

[0074] In particular, a rear set of auxiliary tools 30 may comprise reconsolidation tools, such as steel rollers, soil-to-soil rollers, rubber rollers, or the like.

[0075] As is further illustrated in fig. la, the tools 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f may be distributed between first axles 110a, 110b, 110c and second axles Illa, 111b, 111c.

[0076] As seen in the horizontal direction transversely of the working direction Dw, and from right to left in fig. la, first 112a, third 112c and fifth 112e tools may be arranged on respective first axles 110a, 110b, 110c, which may be fixedly connected to the frame.

[0077] As seen in the horizontal direction transversely of the working direction Dw, and from right to left in fig. la, second 112b, fourth 112d and sixth 112f tools may be arranged on respective second axles Illa, 111b, 111c, which may be pivotably connected to the frame.

[0078] Consequently, when pivoting the second axles Illa, 111b, 111c, every second tool, in the illustrated example the second 112b, fourth 112d and sixth 112f tools, as seen in the direction transversely of the working direction Dw, will be pivoted.

[0079] As illustrated in fig. la, the tools 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f are adjusted to operate at a first tool spacing.

[0080] Referring to fig. lb, the tools 112b, 112d, 112f supported by the second axles Illa, 111b, 111c have been adjusted to a non-working state by pivoting of the second axles Illa, 111b, 111c. Hence, the tools 112a, 112c, 112e supported by the first axles 110a, 110b, 110c remain in the working state, but will now operate at a second tool spacing, which is greater than the first tool spacing, and in particular approximately double that of the first tool spacing. Fig. lb, illustrates the agricultural implement in a state, which differs from the first state (fig. la) in that a third set of tools consisting of a front auxiliary set of tools 40 has been fitted.

[0081] The front auxiliary set of tools 40, may be configured to operate in front of, or upstream, the main set of tools, as seen in the working direction Dw. In the illustrated example, the tools 40 may comprise tools configured for cutting or chopping harvest residues, such as knife rollers, cutting discs or chopping discs.

[0082] As further illustrated in figs la and lb, the laterally outermost tine 112a on each side of the agricultural implement 1 may be mounted to one of the first axles 110a, 110b, 110c, such that the laterally outermost tine on each side of the agricultural implement is fixedly mounted and thus does not fold when the second axles Illa, 111b, 111c are pivoted in order to increase tine spacing.

[0083] Fig. 2a schematically illustrates a side view of an agricultural implement 1 with tools 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f in a working state corresponding to that illustrated with reference to fig. la. That is, as illustrated in fig. 2a, all tools 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f are in a working state.

[0084] Fig. 2a illustrates first rolling ground supports 21a, 21a' in a lowered and raised state, respectively. Fig. 2a also illustrates third rolling ground supports 23a 23a' in a lowered and raised state, respectively. Fig. 2a also illustrates the rear set of tools 30, 30' in a raised and lowered position, respectively.

[0085] Fig. 2b is a detailed view, which illustrates the agricultural implement 1 corresponding to fig. 2a with a set of front auxiliary tools 40 attached. Hence, with the first rolling ground supports 21a, 21a' in a forwardly position, there is made room for the front auxiliary tools 40.

[0086] Fig. 2c schematically illustrates a side view of an agricultural implement 1 with tools 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f in a working state corresponding to that illustrated with reference to fig. lb. That is, as illustrated in fig. 2c, tools 112a, 112c, 112e supported by the first axles 110a, 110b, 110c are in a working state, while tools 112b', 112d', 112f' supported by the second axles Illa, 111b, 111c are in a non-working state. In particular, the second axles Illa, 111b, 111c have been pivoted about their respective length direction, such that the tools 112b', 112d', 112f' supported by the second axles Illa, 111b, 111c have been raised out of ground contact. It is understood that each of the axles 110a, 110b, 110c, Illa, 111b, 111c may be a one piece axle or formed as two or more axles which are aligned when the agricultural implement 1 is in a working state.

[0087] For example, an axle may be divided into one axle section for each frame section, such that the concept disclosed herein can be used for agricultural implements comprising one, two, three, four, five or more frame sections, which may be foldable relative to each other between at least a transport state and a working state.

[0088] Moreover, an axle may be divided into two or more segments in one frame section, so as to allow increased flexibility in the setting of the agricultural implement 1.1 n fig. 2c, the first rolling ground supports 21a, 21a' are in a rearwardly position, which enhances maneuverability of the agricultural implement 1.

[0089] Referring to fig. 3, there is illustrated a synchronization mechanism 1110, which can be applied to synchronize the pivoting movement of the second axles Illa, 111b, 111c.

[0090] The synchronization mechanism 1110 comprises levers 1111a, 1111b, 1111c fixedly connected to a respective one of the axles Illa, 111b, 111c and a synchronization link 1112, which may be pivotably connected at distal ends of two or more of the levers 1111a, 1111b, 1111c. An actuator 1113 may be operable between a frame portion and the synchronization mechanism 1110, or between a frame portion and one of the axles Illa, 111b, 111c.

[0091] It is understood that other synchronization mechanisms may be used, including e.g. gear wheels, chains, interconnected actuators, or the like.

[0092] The actuator may be a hydraulic actuator or an electric actuator.

[0093] Instead of an actuator 1113, it is possible to use manual actuation of the synchronization mechanism, e.g. by means of a lever, crank, or the like.

[0094] Referring to fig. 4, there is illustrated an embodiment of a booster spring 1123, which may be applied to the tools 112b, 112d, 112f supported by the second axles Illa, 111b, 111c, such that these tools can be rendered more rigid than the tools 112a, 112c, 112e supported by the first axles 110a, 110b, 110c.

[0095] In fig. 4, the tools 112a, 112b illustrated therein are of type comprising a primary tool spring 1121a, 1121b that resiliently connects a tool body 1122a, 1122b to an axle 110a, Illa, such that the spring can vibrate and deflect during operation. The use of a booster spring 1123 may be advantageous so as to prevent excessive bending of the tools 112b, 112d, 112f supported by the second axles Illa, 111b, 111c when only these tools are in an operating position.

[0096] In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 4, the booster spring operates as a reinforcement of the primary tool spring 1121b of the associated tool 112b, such that the tools 112b, 112d, 112f supported by the second axles Illa, 111b, 111c will always be more rigid than the tools 112a, 112c, 112e supported by the first axles 110a, 110b, 110c.

[0097] The booster spring 1123 may be mounted with a small gap 1124 between the booster spring and the primary tool spring 1121b, such that the primary tool spring 1121b may initially operate at a lower stiffness.

[0098] In an alternative embodiment, which is not illustrated, the booster spring may be configured to engage with the tool, the primary tool spring or with the tool body when the tool has attained a predetermined degree of deflection, such that all tools will have the same rigidity during operation at shallow depths, while the tools operating at greater depths will present increased rigidity after an initial deflection has occurred.

[0099] Referring to fig. 5, an agricultural method will be disclosed, which finds application in carbon farming.

[0100] As a first step 500, the field is harvested. Optionally, crop residues are left on the field.

[0101] As a second step 510, a first tillage in the form of a shallow working of the soil is performed. The shallow working may be operated at a depth of about 3-6 cm with a tool spacing of about 10-15 cm, in particular about 12.5 cm.

[0102] Optionally, during this step, a front tool in the form of a knife roller, or other type of rotary cutting tool may be used in order to chop up crop residues.

[0103] Further optionally, a rear roller tool may be used so as to compact and reconsolidate the worked soil. The roller tool may be a steel roller, a rubber roller, or the like.

[0104] Further optionally, during the tillage operation, seeds of one or more suitable carbon binding crops may be distributed. To this end, a seed distributing module (not shown) may be supported by the agricultural implement 1. As a third step 520, the field is left to rest for some time so as to allow seeds present at the upper layer of the soil to germinate, thus binding carbon. The resting period may be from about a week to about two months, hence the resting period may be about 1-2 weeks, about 2-3 weeks, about 3-4 weeks, about 4-5 weeks, about 5-6 weeks, about 6-7 weeks, about 7-8 weeks or about 8-9 weeks.

[0105] In other alternatives, it may be desirable to let the field rest over a winter period. For example, a field may be left to rest for 2-8 months, such as, in the northern hemisphere, between harvest in August and seeding / planting in May. Consequently, the resting period may be 2-3 months, 3-4 months, 4-5 months, 5-6 months, 6-7 months or 7-8 months.

[0106] As a fourth step 530, a second tillage in the form of a deeper working of the soil is performed. The deeper working may be operated at a depth of about 6-12 cm with a tool spacing of about 20-30 cm, in particular about 25 cm.

[0107] As a fifth step 540, the field is seeded or planted with the desired crop, in a manner which is known as such.

[0108] As a sixth step 550, the field is allowed to grow, after which the field is harvested (step 500).

[0109] Referring to fig. 6, there is illustrated the agricultural implement of fig. la, wherein each frame section(s) 10a, 10b carrying the soil working tools may comprise at least one rolling ground support 22a, 22b.

[0110] If a tool area A is defined an area which is enclosed by a line (dashed line in fig. 6) connecting points, or tips, of all forwardly outermost tools, in particular tool attachment points), points, or tips, of all laterally outermost tools on a left side of the agricultural implement, points, or tips, of all laterally outermost tools on a right side of the agricultural implement and all points, or tips, of rearwardly outermost tools, then the rolling ground supports 22a, 22b will be positioned outside this tool area.

[0111] In particular, the rolling ground supports 22a, 22b may be positioned such that there is no point, or tip, of any tool laterally outside the rolling ground support 22a, 22b.

[0112] Moreover, the rolling ground supports 22a, 22b may be positioned such that there is no point, or tip, of any tool in front of the rolling ground supports 22a, 22b. Hence, all tools which are aligned in the longitudinal direction with any of the rolling ground supports 22a, 22b are positioned to operate behind the respective rolling ground supports 22a, 22b, as seen in the working direction Dw. Consequently, the rolling ground supports 22a, 22b may be arranged at the forward portion of the frame section supporting them.

[0113] Consequently this tool area A is free from wheels, which provides improved tillage effect, in particularly on a towed cultivator or harrow.

[0114] Referring to figs 7a and 7b, one or more of the second axles Illa, 111b, 111c may comprise one or more pivot limiters 1114 for limiting the pivotability of each second axle Illa, 111b, 111c and optionally for ensuring that the force exerted on the tools 112b, 112d, 112f is not transferred to, e.g. the synchronization mechanism 1110 or does not otherwise damage the second axles Illa, 111b, 111c.

[0115] Fig. 7a illustrates the second axle Illa, 111b, 111c in its pivot position corresponding to an operating state of the agricultural implement 1 wherein the tools 112 supported by the second axles Illa, 111b, 111c are in an operating position.

[0116] Fig. 7b illustrates the second axle Illa, 111b, 111c in its pivot position corresponding to an operating state of the agricultural implement 1 wherein the tools 112b' supported by the second axles Illa, 111b, 111c; Illa' are in a nonoperating position.

[0117] A pivot limiter 1110 can be provided by a first limiter component 11141, such as a sleeve or a yoke, having a portion 11142, such as a recess, defining at least one limit surface 11143, which may operate against a second limiter component 11144, such that, when the second axles Illa, 111b, 111c are in a pivot state corresponding to the operating state of the tools, the second limiter component 11144 abuts the limit surface 11143.

[0118] One of the sleeve 11141 and the second limiter component 11144 may be fixedly connected to an associated second axle Illa, 111b, 111c and the other one of the sleeve 11141 and the second limiter component 11144 may be fixedly connected to the frame.

[0119] The pivot limiter 1114 may limit the pivot movement towards at least one pivot direction. In the illustrated example, the pivot limiter 1114 limits the pivot movement in two direction, such that the second axle Illa, Illa' can pivot through 105 degs. The second axles Illa, 111b, 111c may be rotatable such that the tools 112b, 112d, 112f are folded upwards / forwards relative to the working direction Dw. This provides for a convenient design in that the pivot limiter may define the working state of the tools. Alternatively, the second axles Illa, 111b, 111c may be rotatable such that the tools are folded upwards / backwards. In this case, a movable third limiter component (not shown) may be provided, which may be movable radially relative to the second axle Illa, 111b, 111c, such that it can engage the first limiter component 11141 when the second axle Illa, 111b, 111c is in its operating state.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Agricultural implement (1) for working soil, comprising: a frame comprising a plurality of axles (110a, 110b, 110c; Illa, 111b, 111c) which each extend in a transverse and horizontal direction of the frame and which each supports a plurality of soil working tools (112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f), said axles comprising at least two first axles (110a, 110b, 110c) and at least two second axles (Illa, 111b, 111c), which are arranged one behind the other as seen in a working direction (Dw) of the agricultural implement, wherein, as seen in the transverse direction of the agricultural implement, the soil working tools (112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f) are alternately mounted to a one of the first axles (110a, 110b, 110c) and to one of the second axles (Illa, 111b, 111c), and wherein the second axles (Illa, 111b, 111c) are pivotable about a respective horizontal geometric axis, such that soil working tools (112b, 112d, 112f) supported by the second axles (Illa, 111b, 111c) are movable from a working position to a non-working position.

2. The agricultural implement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first axles (110a, 110b, 110c) and the second axles (Illa, 111b, 111c) are alternately arranged as seen in the working direction (Dw) of the agricultural implement.

3. The agricultural implement as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first axles (110a, 110b, 110c) are fixedly connected to the frame.

4. The agricultural implement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second axles (Illa, 111b, 111c) are interconnected by a synchronization device (1110), such that their pivoting movements are synchronized.

5. The agricultural implement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of booster springs (1123), each connectable a respective one of the soil working tools (112a, 112c, 112e) mounted to the first axles(110a, 110b, 110c), said booster springs (1123) cooperating with the respective soil working tool (112a, 112c, 112e) to increase rigidity of the soil working tool (112a, 112c, 112e) at least over part of a tool stroke.

6. The agricultural implement as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least some of the booster springs (1123) are mounted with a gap (1124) to their respective soil working tool (112a, 112c, 112e).

7. The agricultural implement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame comprises an even number of said axles (110a, 110b, 110c; Illa, 111b, 111c).

8. The agricultural implement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a laterally outermost soil working tool (112a) on at least one, preferably both, side(s) of the agricultural implement is mounted to one of the first axles (110a, 110b, 110c).

9. The agricultural implement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the agricultural implement is in a working state, a tool area (A) is defined as a horizontal area which is enclosed by a line connecting all points or tips of forwardly outermost tools, all points or tips of laterally outermost tools on a left side of the agricultural implement, all points or tips of laterally outermost tools on a right side of the agricultural implement and all points or tips of rearwardly outermost tools, wherein the agricultural implement comprises at least one frame section carrying said soil working tools, wherein the frame section comprises at least one rolling ground support (22a, 22b), and wherein said rolling ground support is arranged outside said tool area (A).

10. The agricultural implement as claimed in claim 9, wherein said rolling ground support (22a, 22b) is arranged in front of all soil working tools havingworking areas which laterally overlap a track of said rolling ground support (22a, 22b).

11. The agricultural implement as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein said rolling ground support (22a, 22b) is arranged with no soil working tool laterally outside said rolling ground support (22a, 22b).

12. The agricultural implement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the agricultural implement comprises at least one rolling ground support (21a, 21b) mounted to the frame, wherein the frame comprises at least one longitudinally extending frame member (10), and wherein the rolling ground support (21a, 21b) is movable between at least two spaced-apart positions along said longitudinally extending frame member (10).

13. The agricultural implement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one pivot limiter (1114), comprising a first limiter component (11144) arranged on a first one of at least one of the second axles (Illa, 111b, 111c) and the frame and a second pivot limiter component (11141) arranged on a second one of the at least one of the second axles (Illa, 111b, 111c) and the frame, wherein the first and second pivot limiter components are configured to limit a pivot range of the second axle (Illa, 111b, 111c) relative to the frame.

14. A method of operating an agricultural implement, comprising: providing an agricultural implement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, and pivoting the second axles (Illa, 111b, 111c) about a respective horizontal axis, such that the soil working tools (112b, 112d, 112f) supported by the second axles (Illa, 111b, 111c) are moved from a working position to a non-working position, or vice versa.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the soil working tools (112a, 112c, 112e) supported by the first axles (110a, 110b, 110c) are maintained in the working position while the soil working tools (112b, 112d, 112f) supported by the second axles (Illa, 111b, 111c) are moved from a working position to a nonworking position.

16. An agricultural method, comprising: treating a harvested field by first tillage (510) using an agricultural implement (1) having a soil working tool spacing which is about 10-15 cm and a soil working tool maximum width of about 6-8 cm, said first tillage being performed to a depth of about 2-6 cm, preferably about 3-5 cm; wherein, at said first tillage, non-germinated seeds are present in the soil thus tilled; subsequent to the first tillage, allowing the field to rest (520) for an amount of time sufficient to allow at least some of said seeds to germinate; subsequent to said resting, treating the field by second tillage (530) using an agricultural implement having a soil working tool spacing which is about 20-30 cm and a soil working tool maximum width of about 6-8 cm, said first tillage being performed to a depth of about 8-15 cm, preferably about 10-12 cm; and subsequent to said second tillage, planting or seeding (540) the field.

17. The agricultural method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first tillage (510) and the second tillage (530) are performed using the same agricultural implement (1).

18. The agricultural method as claimed in claim 16 or 17, further comprising treating the field using a chopping and / or cutting tool (40), supported by the agricultural implement, in connection with said first tillage (510).

19. The agricultural method as claimed in any one of claims 16-18, further comprising treating the field using a reconsolidation tool (30), supported by the agricultural implement, in connection with at least one of said first tillage (510) and said second tillage (530).

20. Agricultural implement for working soil, comprising: a frame comprising at least one longitudinally extending frame member (10) and a plurality of axles (110a, 110b, 110c; Illa, 111b, 111c) which each extend in a transverse and horizontal direction of the longitudinally extending frame member (10) and which each supports a plurality of soil working tools (112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f), wherein the longitudinally extending frame member (10) comprises at least one rolling ground support (21a, 21b) mounted to the longitudinally extending frame member, wherein the frame (10), and wherein the rolling ground support (21a, 21b) is movable between at least two spaced-apart positions along said longitudinally extending frame member (10).

Images