Tool for weeding by mechanical disintegration

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for weeding a soil (S) on which a plant (V) has grown, the method being carried out by running a weeding device towed by an agricultural machine in an advancing direction (A), the method comprising the following steps: b) twisting the plant by making it roll on the ground; c1) simultaneously to step b), pulling the plant from a first side in relation to the advancing direction.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: WEEDING TOOL BY MECHANICAL DESTRUCTURING

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a weeding tool intended to deconstruct plants on a ground, and a weeding device comprising a prop and a said weeding tool, fixed to the prop, preferably in a removable manner. The invention also relates to a weeding method implementing such a device.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Weeding soil involves removing at least the aerial parts of the plants that have grown there. However, using chemicals, particularly glyphosate, for weed control can be harmful to the environment.

[0007] FR 3 121 011 discloses a tool designed to mechanically weaken plants. It has an edge perpendicular to the direction of travel and, in use, rubs against the plants, scratching them. This device can weaken plants, or even destroy them. However, its effectiveness is limited.

[0008] There is therefore a constant need for new weeding tools that limit the use of herbicides.

[0009] One aim of the invention is to meet, at least partially, this need.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] To this end, the invention provides a method for weeding soil on which a plant has grown, the method comprising the following steps: a) preferably, bending the plant towards the ground, preferably so as to crush it on the ground, preferably so as to break the stem of the plant, a step a) preferably being prior to step b); b) preferably at least after a step a), twisting the plant by rolling it on the ground, preferably so that the plant turns by more than 10°, preferably more than 30°, preferably more than 50°, preferably more than 80°, preferably more than 90°, preferably more than 180°, preferably more than 270°, preferably more than 360°, preferably more than 450°, preferably more than 540°, preferably more than 630°, preferably more than 720°;cl) preferably, simultaneously or after step b), preferably simultaneously with step b), pulling on the plant from a first side relative to the direction of advance, i.e. putting the plant under traction so as to pull it to the right or left; c2) preferably, simultaneously or after step cl), preferably simultaneously with step cl), pulling on the plant towards the side opposite to the first side; preferably, at least partial renewal of the cycle of the preceding steps, one or more of steps a), cl) and c2) being repeated, preferably more than 2 times, 5 times, 10 times or 20 times, preferably during the same pass of the weeding device over the plant.;

[0012] As will be seen in more detail in the following description, the process leads to a considerable disruption of the plant, and weakens it, or even kills it. It can also lead to scratching the plant, facilitating the penetration of a chemical product that may be applied to the plant.

[0013] Preferably, immediately after implementing steps b) and cl), and optionally a) and c2), a weedkiller is applied to the plant. The use of a chemical product can however be reduced, the plant being weakened, or even eliminated.

[0014] By "immediately after" is meant "without intermediate operation", in particular to work the soil. The weedkiller product is preferably applied, preferably sprayed on the plant less than 1 week, less than 24 hours, less than 6 hours, less than 1 hour, less than 1 minute, preferably less than 10 seconds after the implementation of steps b) and cl), and optionally a) and c2).

[0015] Preferably, no mechanical action on the soil, for example to loosen or crack it, is exerted on the soil for a period of at least 1 day, preferably at least 2 days, preferably at least 7 days, after the implementation of the method.

[0016] Lateral traction, that is, to the right or left, parallel to the ground, advantageously makes it difficult to extract the plant from the ground. Since the plant has a fixed point in the ground, the traction action is therefore particularly effective in destroying it.

[0017] Plant extraction is not necessary or even detrimental. The absence of extraction significantly limits energy consumption. Preferably, less than 50%, less than 30%, less than 20%, less than 10%, or even less than 5% of the number of plants treated are extracted from the soil during the implementation of the process.

[0018] Step a) may be carried out before step b) and / or after step cl) and / or after step c2), preferably by means of a crushing wheel rolling, preferably freely, on the ground, preferably pushed towards the ground.

[0019] Preferably, in step a), the plant is inclined in a vertical plane parallel to the direction of advancement. For example, if the plant has a vertical main stem, the stem is folded back while remaining in the same vertical plane, preferably until it is parallel to the direction of advancement (if the stem is straight).

[0020] Twisting and lateral traction are preferably achieved by friction. The friction force has a lateral component, i.e. in a transverse plane, so as to roll the plant around itself and pull it laterally.

[0021] When twisting, the plant rolls up on itself. This rolling can be more than a quarter turn (90°), more than a half turn (180°), more than one turn (360°), more than one and a half turns (540°), or even more than two turns (720°).

[0022] Preferably, in step cl) and / or in step c2), the traction on the plant is in a substantially horizontal plane, preferably exclusively in a substantially horizontal plane.

[0023] Preferably, in step cl) and / or in step c2), the plant is pushed against the ground and the traction on the plant forces at least a portion of the stem of the plant, preferably more than 30%, preferably more than 50% of the length of the stem, to deviate by more than 10°, preferably more than 20°, preferably more than 30°, preferably more than 40°, preferably more than 50°, preferably more than 60°, relative to the direction of advancement.

[0024] Preferably, after step cl) and / or step c2), the main axis of the rod is oriented in a direction of orientation forming, with the direction of orientation of said main axis before step cl) and / or step c2), respectively, an angle of more than 10°, preferably more than 20°, preferably more than 30°, preferably more than 40°, preferably more than 50°, preferably more than 60°. Said directions of orientation of the main axis of the rod are preferably horizontal. Preferably, the main axis of the rod is oriented in an orientation direction forming with a vertical plane, seen from above, a first angle before step cl) and / or step c2), and a second angle after step cl) and / or step c2), the difference between the first and second angles being more than 10°, preferably more than 20°, preferably more than 30°, preferably more than 40°, preferably more than 50°, preferably more than 60°.

[0025] The method can in particular implement a weeding tool according to the invention.

[0026] The invention also relates to a weeding tool intended to be towed, in a direction of advance, by an agricultural machine so as to weed a soil on which a plant has grown, said tool comprising

[0027] - a base,

[0028] - a wiper mounted on the base and having a plurality of friction members intended to rub, preferably substantially horizontally, on said plant, the friction members being shaped and arranged so that said friction moves the plant laterally, substantially parallel to the ground, twisting the plant.

[0029] Such a wiper can thus, in service, implement at least steps b) and cl) of a method according to the invention.

[0030] Unlike the device described in FR 3 121 011, the friction action is exerted in such a way as to make the plant turn on itself and pull it laterally.

[0031] In FR 3 121 011, the plant is bent and crushed in the direction of forward movement. The frictional forces are exerted in the direction of the plant's main axis and therefore do not tend to rotate the plant on itself. The plant is flayed, but it is not twisted.

[0032] In order for the friction action to be exerted in such a way as to make the plant turn on itself by spreading it laterally, this action must not be along the main axis of the plant, in particular along the direction of the stem of the plant. For this purpose, it is notably possible, according to two particular embodiments, to:

[0033] - fold the plant in the direction of advance and exert at least a partially lateral friction force, or

[0034] - fold the plant in a direction different from the direction of advance and exert a friction force in the direction of advance. These embodiments are advantageously simple to implement.

[0035] The action of the friction device on the plants is adapted, preferably according to the plants, by simple tests, so that in use and under the effect of the friction members, the plants roll on the earth, preferably without being extracted from the ground so as to twist effectively, while being moved laterally. This action is thus distinguished in particular from a pinching or crushing action tending to push the plants into the ground.

[0036] Preferably, the tool comprises a plant crushing wheel, mounted on the base, the crushing wheel and the wiper being aligned in a direction parallel to the direction of advance. Preferably, it comprises a crushing wheel in front of the wiper so as to fold the plant in the direction of advance.

[0037] In one embodiment, the wheel is shaped to push the plant forward. It successively exerts pressure towards the ground and then upward suction, by suction effect.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the crushing wheel carries a set of fins, each fin being shaped to pinch the plant against the ground, the pinching zone, i.e. the zone of the fin bearing on the plant, preferably having a width of less than 1 cm. The width of a fin corresponds to the thickness of the fin when the fin has the shape of a plate fixed on the rolling surface of the wheel, perpendicular to this surface.

[0039] In a particularly advantageous manner, at least one, preferably each friction member comprises or is a bead of material extending in a bead direction D24 forming with a transverse plane, an angle δ

[0040] - greater than 10° and less than 80°; or

[0041] - greater than 100° and less than 170°.

[0042] The bead of material is preferably straight. It may, however, be slightly curved, or undulate, as in embodiment (I) of Figure 4. The bead direction D24 is then the general direction of the length of the bead.

[0043] The wiper preferably comprises first and second sets of said beads, each set comprising a plurality of beads extending parallel to each other, the beads of the first set extending in a first bead direction and the beads of the second set extending in a second bead direction, the first bead direction forming with a transverse plane, an angle δ greater than 10° and less than 80°, the second bead direction forming with a transverse plane, an angle δ greater than 100° and less than 170°. Advantageously, the wiper thus exerts two opposite lateral actions.

[0044] In one embodiment, the scraper has the shape of a pad whose lower surface is provided with said friction members. Preferably, it comprises a spatula configured to, in use, fold and guide the plant under the pad.

[0045] In one embodiment, at least one friction member, preferably each friction member, has a sharp edge in the contact region intended to bear on the plant.

[0046] The invention also relates to a weeding device comprising

[0047] - a prop,

[0048] - a weeding tool according to the invention, the base of which is fixed to the prop.

[0049] The invention further relates to a soil weeding apparatus comprising one or more, more than 5, more than 10, more than 20 and / or less than 100 weeding devices or tools according to the invention. The tools may in particular be aligned along one or more transverse lines, so that the apparatus can simultaneously treat the plants over a wide strip, for example with a width greater than 1 m, 2 m, or 3 m.

[0050] The invention also relates to the use of a method according to the invention, a weeding tool according to the invention, a weeding device according to the invention and a weeding apparatus according to the invention for weeding a public space, for example a park, a field, for example a cereal field, a vineyard, an orchard or the side of a road.

[0051] Brief description of the figures

[0052] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon examination of the description which follows and with regard to the appended drawing in which:

[0053] - figure 1 [Fig 1] schematically illustrates a weeding device according to the invention, in a preferred embodiment; - figure 2 [Fig 2] schematically illustrates, in perspective, a scraper in a preferred embodiment;

[0054] - figure 3 [Fig 3] schematically illustrates a friction zone of a wiper, for example of the wiper of figure 2;

[0055] - figure 4 [Fig 4] schematically illustrates other examples of friction zones of a wiper, for example of the wiper of figure 2;

[0056] - figure 5 [Fig 5] schematically illustrates a vertical section of a collector, in service;

[0057] - Figure 6 [Fig 6] illustrates a preferred embodiment of a crushing wheel, in side view (A), from above (B), in section AA (C), from behind (D) and in perspective (E);

[0058] - figure 7 [Fig 7] schematically illustrates still other examples of friction zones of a wiper, for example of the wiper of figure 2;

[0059] - figure 8 [Fig 8] schematically illustrates still other examples of friction organs;

[0060] - figure 9 [Fig 9] schematically illustrates still other examples of friction members in the form of grooved beads and / or bearing protuberances (for reasons of clarity, the support has been turned over, the lower face appearing above the support).

[0061] In the various non-limiting figures, identical or similar elements are designated by the same numerical reference. For the brevity of this description, these identical or similar elements are not described in detail in each example, only the differences distinguishing the examples being described in detail.

[0062] Definitions

[0063] The “service configuration” is a configuration in which the weeding device is ready for use and attached to an agricultural machine, preferably a tractor, to weed horizontal soil. The various constituent parts of the weeding device are therefore assembled to be operational.

[0064] The weeding device or weeding tool is “in service” when it is in the service configuration and is towed, in a “direction of advance” A (see figure 1), by the agricultural machine to weed the horizontal ground.

[0065] A plant is pulled laterally when a tensile force is exerted at one point on the plant. For a tearing, first and second opposing tensile forces are exerted at two points on the plant so as to tear the part of the plant between these two points.

[0066] By "axis" or "main axis" of a plant, we mean an axis that passes through the base of the plant and through the barycenter of the aerial part of the plant. The axis of the plant can be materialized by the stem of the plant, for example for wheat, or not, for example because the plant is abundant or does not have a stem, for example for fescue. The axis of the plant is initially vertical and changes orientation when the weeding tool passes over it, for example when the plant is folded back towards the ground.

[0067] In this description, the terms "lower", "upper", "above", "below", "horizontal", "vertical", "front", "rear", "in front", "behind", "right", "left" and "lateral" are defined in relation to the service configuration.

[0068] The adjectives "right" and "left" refer to an observer looking, from the weeding device, forward, in the direction of advance.

[0069] The "median longitudinal plane" of a part is the vertical plane parallel to the direction of travel and which, in the operating configuration, passes through the center of inertia of this part. Conventionally, the prop extends in the median longitudinal plane of the weeding device.

[0070] Unless otherwise stated, a "transverse" plane is a vertical plane perpendicular to the direction of travel, and the "lateral" direction extends horizontally in a transverse plane. A lateral pull is therefore a pull to the right or left.

[0071] The lateral (non-zero) component of a tensile force is considered a lateral tensile force.

[0072] “Behave,” “include,” and “present” shall be interpreted in a non-limiting manner unless otherwise indicated.

[0073] Detailed description

[0074] As illustrated in Figure 1, a device for weeding a soil S, conventionally an agricultural land, comprises for example one or more, for example more than 3, more than 10, or more than 20, or more than 40 or more than 60 and / or less than 100 weeding devices 12 according to the invention. The weeding devices 12 are preferably arranged next to each other along at least one transverse line, so as to weed a strip of land in use. They are preferably all fixed to a common chassis, towed by an agricultural machine, preferably a tractor.

[0075] Each weeding device comprises a prop 16 and a weeding tool 18, fixed to the prop (see figure 1).

[0076] Prop

[0077] The prop 16 has a straight shape or, preferably, a comma or “C-tooth” or parallelogram shape. It then conventionally has an upper part extending substantially horizontally, a lower part on which the weeding tool is fixed, and a curved central section joining the lower part and the upper part.

[0078] The prop 16 may have a “pigtail”, that is to say, it may wrap around itself so as to form a loop.

[0079] The prop 16 preferably has a substantially constant thickness, in particular at least in its lower part. The prop may in particular have a constant cross-section (perpendicular to the direction of the length of the prop), with the exception of a possibly tapered end part.

[0080] The cross-section of the prop may be substantially rectangular or square. The width of the prop may be greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm, and / or less than 50 mm, preferably less than 40 mm. The length of the cross-section of the prop is preferably greater than 30 mm, greater than 50 mm, greater than 70 mm, and / or less than 300 mm, less than 150 mm, less than 150 mm, less than 100 mm.

[0081] Preferably, the prop 16 has a rectangular or square cross-section over more than 50%, preferably more than 80%, or even substantially 100% of its length. Preferably, the prop has the shape of a “flat iron”, that is to say, the two large faces of which are substantially flat and substantially parallel to each other.

[0082] Weeding tool

[0083] Each weeding tool 18 comprises a base 20 fixed to the prop, a wiper 22 fixed to the base and preferably a crushing wheel 23, rotatably mounted on the base. The wiper and the optional crushing wheel can be fixed to the base in a removable manner independently of each other.

[0084] Preferably, at least one, preferably each weeding tool 18 comprises, from front to rear, in alignment parallel to the direction of advancement A, a first crushing wheel 23i, or “front crushing wheel”, one or more wipers 221-222, and preferably a second crushing wheel 232, or “rear crushing wheel”. This configuration is not limiting, but is preferred. It can be adapted according to the plants V to be treated.

[0085] Scrubber

[0086] The wiper 22 comprises friction members 24 adapted to rub and temporarily drive the plant, in particular to make it turn on itself, that is to say to twist it, and / or to pull it laterally, preferably to simultaneously twist it and pull it laterally. The shapes and arrangements of the friction members making it possible to turn the plant on itself and to pull it laterally are varied and cannot be described exhaustively. Those skilled in the art will easily be able to design other shapes and arrangements than those described here.

[0087] The friction members may in particular take the form of ridges of material, spikes, for example similar to those of a wood rasp, hooks, grooves, in particular crossed grooves, for example similar to those of a metal file, or grains like those of sandpaper.

[0088] The height 1124 of the friction members (figure 5) is preferably less than 5 cm, preferably less than 3 cm, preferably less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1 cm, preferably less than 0.5 cm, preferably less than 0.3 cm and / or greater than 0.2 mm, preferably greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm.

[0089] All the friction members can have the same height. In one embodiment, the wiper comprises friction members 24 of variable heights, which allows it to be effective for plants of different dimensions.

[0090] The rubbing members may be fixed to a support 26. The support preferably has the form of a plate, a frame or a grid. Preferably, the support has a spatula 28 at its front end, so as to push the plant into the rubbing zone, under the support. The shape of the spatula is adapted according to the size of the plants to be treated.

[0091] The surface of the support on which the friction members extend is called the “friction zone” 30.

[0092] Moving the friction zone on the ground advantageously does not require much energy. The friction zone can therefore be large.

[0093] The friction zone may present:

[0094] - a length L30 greater than 10 cm, greater than 20 cm, greater than 50 cm, greater than 100 cm, greater than 150 cm, greater than 200 cm, greater than 250 cm, greater than 300 cm and / or less than 500 cm; and / or

[0095] - a width I30 greater than 5 cm, greater than 10 cm, greater than 20 cm, greater than 50 cm, and / or less than 300 cm.

[0096] The friction zone is preferably substantially flat.

[0097] The width direction of the friction zone is horizontal. Preferably, the length direction forms an angle X of less than 10°, preferably less than 5° with the ground, preferably substantially zero. The friction zone is preferably parallel to the ground in use.

[0098] The friction members 24 are shaped and / or distributed according to the desired action in use. In particular, they are shaped and / or distributed so as to pull the plant laterally outwards or inwards, that is to say away from the median longitudinal plane P22 of the wiper 22 or towards this plane, respectively. Preferably, they are shaped and / or distributed so as to exert on a plant an uninterrupted, or “continuous” action, over more than 10 cm, preferably more than 20 cm, preferably more than 30 cm, preferably more than 40 cm, preferably more than 50 cm and / or less than 300 cm, of the path traveled on the ground by the weeding tool in use.For example, they can exert a continuous twisting action so that the plant, preferably the stem of the plant, is forced to rotate on itself by more than 10°, preferably more than 90°, preferably more than 180°, preferably more than 270°, preferably more than 360°, preferably more than 450°, preferably more than 540°, preferably more than 630°, preferably more than 720°. Preferably, at least a portion of the friction members 24 are beads of material, preferably rectilinear, rigidly fixed, for example welded to the friction zone (Figures 3 and 4). They can in particular be weld beads.

[0099] In one embodiment, the ridges are striated (grooves 27 in Figure 9) and / or have protrusions (referenced 29 in Figure 9) so as to improve friction and / or orient the plant laterally more effectively.

[0100] In one embodiment, the wiper comprises a plurality of said beads, for example more than 3, more than 5, more than 10, more than 50 and / or less than 200 beads extending parallel to each other. Preferably, at least a portion of the beads extend in the same bead direction D24, preferably substantially horizontal.

[0101] The bead direction D24 preferably forms, with a transverse plane Pt,

[0102] - an angle δ greater than 10°, greater than 20°, greater than 30°, greater than 40°, and less than 90°, preferably less than 80°, preferably less than 70°, preferably less than 60°, preferably less than 50°; or

[0103] - an angle δ greater than 100°, greater than 110°, greater than 120°, greater than 130°, and less than 180°, preferably less than 170°, preferably less than 160°, preferably less than 150°, preferably less than 140°.

[0104] The inclination of the direction of the bead advantageously allows not only to twist the plant, but also to pull it laterally, to the right or left.

[0105] In one embodiment, the wiper comprises first and second sets of said beads, each set comprising, for example, more than 3, more than 5, more than 10, more than 50 and / or less than 200 beads 24 extending parallel to each other, the beads of the first set extending in a first bead direction and the beads of the second set extending in a second bead direction.

[0106] The first and second bead directions are preferably symmetrical with respect to the median longitudinal plane P22 of the wiper 22. The beads may in particular define chevrons, as illustrated in FIG. 4 (embodiments (B) and (C)). The two parts of the chevrons may be offset according to the direction of advancement, as illustrated in embodiment (J) of FIG. 4. The two branches of a chevron may be of the same length or of different lengths.

[0107] Rafters are particularly effective at spreading or compressing the plant, depending on the direction the rafter is pointing.

[0108] In one embodiment, one or more friction members have a sharp edge in the contact region 33 intended to bear on the plant, so as to cut the plant (figure 5). The edge which penetrates the plant advantageously weakens the plant and facilitates the possible subsequent introduction of a product capable of degrading the plant, for example a herbicide. The friction is limited, but the friction member having penetrated inside the plant benefits from a bearing surface. For the thrust to be lateral, and thus to move the plant laterally, the edge must not be transverse. Indeed, if it is transverse, it chops the plant, without moving it laterally.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, the contact region of a friction member, preferably of each friction member, is blunt, i.e. devoid of sharp edges, so as to increase the contact surface with the plant and improve the ability of the friction member to drive the plant by friction.

[0110] The action of the rolls of material inclined relative to a transverse plane is particularly effective. Without being bound by this theory, the inventor explains this result by a progressive twisting, as the roll passes over the plant, combined with the application, by the roll, of a force tending to spread the plant laterally, and therefore to put it under tension or compression depending on the orientation of the roll, preferably under tension. This double action deconstructs the plant and weakens it.

[0111] In one embodiment, the weeding tool comprises means for pushing, preferably elastically, the scraper towards the ground. Preferably, the pushing force is adjustable. By simple tests, the operator can thus adjust this force to the plants so as to obtain the desired effect.

[0112] In one embodiment, the wiper is rotatably mounted on the base, preferably around a pivot 34 with a horizontal axis, preferably transverse, so that the weight of the tool tends to push it towards the ground. In one embodiment, a pushing member 36, for example a jack or a spring, pushes the wiper 22 towards the ground (figure 1). Preferably, the friction zone is kept horizontal, except in the event of impact with an obstacle other than a plant, for example a stone.

[0113] Crush wheel

[0114] The crushing wheel 23, preferably substantially vertical, is intended to crush the plant. When the plant has a stem, the crushing action of the stem is exerted towards the axis of this stem. It complements the tensioning action, due to the lateral traction, and the twisting action. The destructuring of the plant is considerably improved.

[0115] A front crushing wheel, in front of the wiper(s), allows, in a simple way, to considerably reduce the rigidity of the plant, and thus facilitates its twisting by the wiper.

[0116] The crushing wheel 23 is conventionally mounted to rotate, preferably freely, on the support.

[0117] The crushing wheel 23 preferably has a diameter greater than 10 cm, preferably greater than 20 cm, preferably greater than 25 cm, or even greater than 50 cm, greater than 75 cm, greater than 90 cm, and / or less than 100 cm.

[0118] The width of the crushing wheel 23, measured transversely, is preferably substantially identical to the width of the friction zone. It may in particular be greater than 10 cm, greater than 20 cm, greater than 50 cm, and / or less than 300 cm.

[0119] Preferably, the crushing wheel 23 comprises on its rolling surface a plurality of fins 32. The fins 32 make it possible to pinch the plants.

[0120] Figure 6 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a crushing wheel 23 comprising fins 32. Preferably, the fins 32 of the crushing wheel are distributed in two sets extending, preferably symmetrically, with respect to the median longitudinal plane P23 of the crushing wheel. Alternatively, the two sets of fins are not symmetrical with respect to the median longitudinal plane P23 of the wheel, which coincides with the plane P22, as for example visible in Figure 6.

[0121] Preferably, fins 32, preferably the fins of the first set or all the fins, extend in a fin direction D32 forming an angle α with the median longitudinal plane P23, the angle α being preferably greater than 10°, 20°, 30°, 40° and / or less than 80°, 70°, 60°, 50°, preferably equal to 45°. According to one embodiment, fins 32, preferably the fins of the second set or all the fins extend in a fin direction D32 forming an angle α is greater than 100°, 110°, 120°, 130° and / or less than 170°, 160°, 150°, 140°, preferably equal to 135°.

[0122] Preferably, the fins extend perpendicular to the cylindrical rolling surface 36 of the crushing wheel.

[0123] Preferably, the fins which are visible when observing the crushing wheel seen from above (view (B) of figure 6) point forward, that is to say that if one of these fins is followed from its end furthest from the median transverse plane P23, one advances (forwards) as one approaches this plane.

[0124] Preferably, all the fins have an identical shape and dimensions. In the preferred embodiment of Figure 6, they have the shape of flat, rectangular plates.

[0125] The thickness of a fin, preferably of each fin, measured perpendicular to the fin direction D32 (direction of their length) is preferably greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 3 mm, preferably greater than 4 mm, preferably greater than 5 mm, and / or less than 1 cm.

[0126] The length of a fin, preferably of each fin, measured along the fin direction D32 is preferably greater than 2 cm, preferably greater than 5 cm, preferably greater than 7 cm, preferably greater than 10 cm or greater than 20 cm, and / or less than 300 cm, preferably less than 200 cm, preferably less than 100 cm, preferably less than 50 cm.

[0127] The height of a fin, preferably of each fin, measured perpendicular to the rolling surface 36, is preferably greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 1 cm, preferably greater than 3 cm, preferably greater than 4 cm, and / or less than 10 cm, preferably less than 8 cm, preferably less than 6 cm.

[0128] The fins 32 make it possible, in use, to exert a very high compressive force on a reduced surface area of ​​the plants, which in particular makes it possible to break the stems. This compression completes the destructuring action resulting from the twisting and the tensioning resulting from the passage of the wiper 22. In one embodiment, not illustrated, the front crushing wheel pushes the plant backwards. The friction exerted by the wiper has an action which not only spreads the plant laterally, but also pushes it forwards. The fixing of the plant in the ground by its roots opposes this forward thrust. The plant is thus compressed in the direction of advance, which further improves its destructuring.

[0129] Sprayer

[0130] Preferably, the weeding tool also comprises a sprayer 40, which may be common to several weeding tools (figure 1).

[0131] The sprayer conventionally comprises a reservoir 42 of herbicide 43, at least one spray nozzle 44, a pipe 46 putting the nozzle and the interior of the reservoir into fluid communication and an actuator, for example a compressor or a source of pressurized air 48, capable of pushing the herbicide from the reservoir to the nozzle.

[0132] The spray nozzle is preferably arranged to spray herbicide onto plants that have been treated by a scrubber. The spray nozzle may be, for example, immediately behind a scrubber, or behind the rear crushing wheel.

[0133] By passing the scraper(s) and preferably one or more crushing wheels, the action of the herbicide is considerably improved. The quantity of herbicide can advantageously be considerably reduced.

[0134] Examples

[0135] The figures represent different examples according to the invention. These examples are provided for illustrative and non-limiting purposes.

[0136] Figure 2 shows a wiper in a preferred embodiment. It comprises a support 26 in the form of a substantially horizontal plate extended, towards the front, by a spatula 28. The support is pivotally mounted on the base 20 around a horizontal transverse pivot, so as to tend to bear on the ground under the effect of its weight, while preferably being able to retract in the event of an obstacle, for example when a stone passes. For this purpose, the connecting rod which connects the pivot and the plate is inclined towards the rear, as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0137] The plate defines a friction zone 30 which carries friction members shaped and / or arranged in such a way that when the friction zone slides horizontally over a plant V, it pulls the plant V, making it roll against the ground while moving it laterally.

[0138] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate different embodiments for achieving this result.

[0139] In Figure 3, the friction zone has a set of straight and parallel ridges, oriented so as to deflect the plant V to the left. The ridges can also be curved, as in embodiment (I).

[0140] In Figure 4 (A), the friction zone has a set of rectilinear and parallel ridges, oriented so as to deflect the plant V to the right.

[0141] In a preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the first and second wipers respectively have friction zones as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, respectively (or as illustrated in Figures 4 and 3, respectively). The plant is thus successively rolled to the right, then to the left, or vice versa.

[0142] A similar effect is possible with the arrangement of beads shown in Figure 4 (D).

[0143] In the embodiment illustrated in embodiments (B) and (C) of Figure 4, the ridges form chevrons which tend to spread the plant apart by pulling it simultaneously to the right and to the left (embodiment (B)), or by compressing it towards the median plane P22 (embodiment (C)). The two parts of the chevrons can be offset, as in embodiment (J).

[0144] The support may have any shape, for example the shape of a bar (embodiment (E) of Figure 4), or of several bars (embodiment (F) of Figure 4), or of a frame.

[0145] The height of the bulges can vary depending on the direction of their length.

[0146] Embodiments (F) and (G) of Figure 4 illustrate the presence of small friction members. These members, however, have a shape and / or are arranged so as to collectively move the plant laterally, to the right or left.

[0147] In embodiment (G) of Figure 4, the friction members are distributed regularly. They can also be distributed randomly. The lateral traction then results from the shape and orientation of the friction members. In embodiment (K) of Figure 7, the friction members are beads which intersect to form one or more crosses.

[0148] In embodiment (L) of Figure 7, the friction members are ridges that form chevrons whose tip is “blunt,” i.e., not pointed. Figure 8 illustrates embodiments in which the friction members 24 are spikes. To ensure rotation of the plant, the spikes may be vertical and carry ridges 50 (embodiment (A)) or grooves 52 (embodiment (B)), for example rectilinear or helical. The spikes may be inclined relative to the vertical, and preferably extend in a transverse plane (embodiment (C)). Of course, they may then also carry ridges and / or grooves.

[0149] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples described and represented, provided as illustrative and non-limiting examples.

[0150] In particular, the different examples described above can be combined.

[0151] The invention can also be used to avoid the wicking effect.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Method for weeding soil (S) on which a plant (V) has grown, the method being implemented by passing a weeding device pulled by an agricultural machine in a direction of advance (A), the method comprising the following steps: b) twisting the plant by rolling it on the ground; cl) simultaneously with step b), pulling the plant to a first side relative to the direction of advance.

2. Method according to the immediately preceding claim, comprising the following step: c2) simultaneously or after step cl), pulling the plant towards the side opposite the first side.

3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising, before step b) and / or after step c1), and / or after step c2) when claim 2 applies, crushing the plant by means of a crushing wheel (23) rolling on the ground.

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, during the same pass of the weeding device over the plant, one or more of steps c1) and c2), and a) when the preceding claim applies, are repeated more than 2 times.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, immediately after a passage of the weeding device, a weedkiller product is applied to the plant.

6. Weeding tool intended to be towed, in a direction of advance (A), by an agricultural machine so as to weed a ground on which a plant (V) has grown, said tool comprising - a base (20), - a wiper (22) mounted on the base and having a plurality of friction members (24) intended to rub, substantially horizontally, on said plant, the friction members being shaped and arranged so that said friction moves the plant laterally, substantially parallel to the ground, twisting the plant.

7. Tool according to the immediately preceding claim, further comprising a crushing wheel (23) for the plant, mounted on the base (20), the crushing wheel and the wiper (22) being aligned in a direction parallel to the direction of advancement.

8. Tool according to the immediately preceding claim, in which the crushing wheel is in front of the wiper, so as to fold the plant in the direction of advance.

9. Tool according to any one of the two immediately preceding claims, in which the crushing wheel carries a set of fins (32), each fin being shaped to pinch the plant against the ground, the pinching zone having a width of less than 1 cm.

10. Tool according to any one of the four immediately preceding claims, in which at least one friction member comprises a rectilinear bead of material (24) extending in a bead direction (D24) forming with a plane perpendicular to the direction of advance, or “transverse plane”, an angle δ - greater than 10° and less than 80°; or - greater than 100° and less than 170°.

11. Tool according to the immediately preceding claim, in which the wiper comprises first and second sets of said beads, each set comprising a plurality of beads extending parallel to each other, the beads of the first set extending in a first bead direction and the beads of the second set extending in a second bead direction, the first bead direction forming with a transverse plane, an angle δ greater than 10° and less than 80°, the second bead direction forming with a transverse plane, an angle δ greater than 100° and less than 170°.

12. Tool according to any one of the six immediately preceding claims, in which the wiper has the form of a pad whose lower surface is provided with called friction members, the friction member comprising a spatula configured to, in use, fold and guide the plant under the pad.

13. Tool according to any one of the seven immediately preceding claims, in which at least one friction member has a sharp edge in the contact region intended to bear on the plant.

14. Use of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or of a weeding tool according to any one of claims 6 to 13 for weeding a public space, a field, a vineyard, an orchard or the side of a road.

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