Vegetation cutting device
The cutting device addresses bulkiness by incorporating a folding system with pivot connections and cylinders, allowing compact transport and efficient cutting operations.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2022012512
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-11-29
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-11-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing cutting devices for vegetation are bulky on the sides of vehicles due to lateral structures extending perpendicular to the direction of travel, posing challenges for road transport.
A cutting device with a folding system for lateral structures that allows transition between a working position for cutting and a folded position, utilizing pivot connections and cylinders for controlled folding and unfolding, enabling compact transport.
The folding system reduces the bulk of the cutting device when not in use, facilitating road transport while maintaining effective cutting capabilities.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Cutting device for vegetation
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of cutting devices for vegetation and more particularly in the field of viticulture and / or arboriculture.
[0002] In the above field, cutting devices are known comprising a chassis provided with means of attachment to the front or rear of a motor vehicle of the tractor type or a trailer. Such cutting devices comprise lateral structures which extend on either side of the chassis and carry cutting means, said device being intended to advance in an alley surrounded at least in part by vegetation to be cut.
[0003] Such lateral structures extend substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle and are therefore bulky, particularly on the sides of the vehicle, and therefore present disadvantages, for example for road transport.
[0004] In order to overcome these drawbacks, the invention proposes a system for folding at least one lateral structure carrying the cutting arms.
[0005] The invention then relates to a cutting device for vegetation comprising a chassis comprising a base substantially perpendicular to the direction of advance of the cutting device and equipped with means for attaching to a motor vehicle and means for attaching to at least one lateral structure, said lateral structure comprising an upper cutting arm and two substantially vertical inner and outer cutting arms. According to the invention, the cutting device also comprises a system for folding the lateral structure allowing the cutting device to move from a working position to a folded position.
[0006] The means for attaching the device according to the invention may comprise a trailer between the cutting device and the motor vehicle or any other intermediate element. Thus, the implementation of two positions, namely a working position placing the cutting arms unfolded for effective cutting and a folding position making it possible to reduce the size of the cutting device to facilitate transport in particular and thus making it possible to transport the cutting device on the road.
[0007] According to a characteristic of the invention, the folding system is done towards the front, the outer cutting arm keeping the same orientation relative to the direction of advancement X. The arrangement of the forward folding of the lateral structure makes it possible to prevent the vertical cutting arms from coming into contact during folding.
[0008] According to a characteristic of the invention, the system for folding the lateral structure comprises a first pivot connection capable of acting on the folding of the upper cutting arm. and a second and third pivot connection capable of acting on the folding of the outer cutting arm. The implementation of such pivots makes it possible to fold the upper and outer cutting arms towards the front of the device. The inner cutting arm remains fixed relative to the lateral structure during folding.
[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cutting device comprises two lateral structures fixed to each end of an upper bar of the base, said lateral structures being symmetrical with respect to the base. The base has in particular a substantially rectangular shape composed of vertical and horizontal structural bars. Placing the connection of the lateral structures in the extension of the upper bar of the base makes it possible to ensure the function of cutting the plants from above while maintaining a simple structuring shape.
[0010] According to another characteristic of the invention, the second and third pivot links are connected by a connecting arm of the chassis. This configuration makes it possible to connect the second and third pivot links which are able to act simultaneously on the outer cutting arm to allow a forward folding, that is to say while maintaining an orientation parallel to the X direction.
[0011] According to a characteristic of the invention, the upper cutting arm is substantially horizontal. Such a substantially horizontal cutting arm makes it possible, on the one hand, to guarantee a superior horizontal cut of the vegetation, and on the other hand, to simplify the folding system by avoiding possible contact between the upper cutting arm and the vertical cutting arms when folding the lateral structure.
[0012] According to a characteristic of the invention, each folding system comprises three pivot links, each pivot link being actuated by a respective cylinder. The implementation of the cylinder makes it possible, on the one hand, to control the pivot link by limiting the rotation angle, and on the other hand, allows the implementation of automation of the folding system.
[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cylinders comprise actuators. The actuators are remotely controllable. One of the main advantages of using electric actuators is the precision of control and positioning. This allows easy implementation at reduced operating costs.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, each cutting arm comprises at least two cutting blades. The cutting blades rotating around their own axis allow for optimized cutting of plants.
[0015] According to a characteristic of the invention, the device further comprises a system for spacing the vertical cutting arms comprising a fourth cylinder acting on a slide tube in the connecting arm of the chassis capable of moving the outer cutting arm away or closer. The implementation of the system for spacing the cutting arms makes it possible to adapt the cutting device to the width of the plants to be cut, such as a row of vines.
[0016] The invention also relates to a method of folding a cutting device according to the invention comprising the following steps, for each of the lateral structures: - operate the second and third cylinders simultaneously, and - operate the first cylinder.
[0017] The process for folding the cutting device is done in two stages. Such sequencing makes it possible to avoid potential contact between the upper cutting arms and the vertical cutting arms.
[0018] The invention also relates to a method for deploying a cutting device according to the invention comprising the following steps, for each of the lateral structures: - operate the first cylinder, and - operate the second and third cylinders simultaneously.
[0019] According to the embodiment comprising two lateral structures, the folding or deployment of each lateral structure is done independently. The controls can also be synchronized.
[0020] Of course, the various features, variants and embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.
[0021] Furthermore, various other characteristics of the invention emerge from the appended description given with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting forms of embodiment of the invention and where:
[0022] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cutting device according to the invention in the working position,
[0023] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the cutting device of [Fig.l] attached to a coupling,
[0024] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the cutting device according to [Fig.l] in position folded,
[0025] [Fig.4] is a rear view of the cutting device of [Fig.l] with the arms of cuts not visible,
[0026] [Fig.5] is a detail of [Fig.l] showing the first pivot link in the position of work,
[0027] [Fig.6] is a detail of [Fig.3] showing the first pivot link in position folded,
[0028] [Fig.7] is a detail of [Fig.l] showing the second and third pivot links in working position, and
[0029] [Fig.8] is a detail of [Fig.3] showing the second and third pivot links in folded position.
[0030] It should be noted that in these figures the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.
[0031] The invention aims to reduce the size of a plant cutting device when it is not in the working position. For these purposes, a cutting device designated by the reference 1 as illustrated in [Fig. 1] comprises a frame 2 formed by an assembly of structural bars or tubes and in particular a base 3 of substantially rectangular shape comprising vertical bars and a horizontal upper bar 4.
[0032] Two lateral structures 5 are fixed to each end of the upper bar 4 by means of a lateral fixing support 6. Other means of fixing the lateral structures 5 to the base 3 can be implemented within the framework of the invention. The two lateral structures 5 are in the extension on either side of the base 3. According to other constraints and other embodiments of the invention, a lateral structure 5 can be linked to the chassis according to other fixing means.
[0033] The cutting device 1 is intended, in the working position, to advance in the X direction in an avenue of vegetation to be cut. To do this, the cutting device 1 is capable of being coupled to the front of a motor vehicle such as a tractor.
[0034] To form means of attachment to a motor vehicle, the base 3 of the cutting device 1 comprises in the lower part an opening 7 allowing for example the passage and the attachment to a drawbar 8 shown in [Fig.2]. This embodiment is not limiting for the invention, other types of coupling and attachment means are compatible with the invention. In [Fig.2], the cutting device 1 is thus fixed to a drawbar type drawbar 8 allowing to move and guide the cutting device 1.
[0035] The cutting device 1 comprises two lateral structures 5 intended to cut at least part of the vegetation. For these purposes, the lateral structures 5 are symmetrical with respect to the base 3. Each lateral structure 5 comprises an upper cutting arm 9 and two substantially vertical lateral cutting arms 10, 11, an inner vertical cutting arm 10 being on the side of the base 3 and the outer vertical cutting arm 11 being the vertical cutting arm furthest from the base 3. The three cutting arms 9, 10, 11 are capable of surrounding, for example, a hedge or a vine (not shown) and can thus cut around it.
[0036] The upper cutting arm 9 comprises a support comprising an inner surface 12. The vertical cutting arms 10, 11 comprise a supporting structure and a support comprising an inner surface 12. The inner surfaces 12 are defined so as to be directed towards the cut and for this purpose carry cutting blades 13 in rotational movement around their own axis. Such cutting blades 13 are capable of cutting plants. According to the illustrated embodiment, the cutting arms 9,10,11 carry identical cutting blades 13. The upper cutting arm 9 comprises four cutting blades 13 on its inner face 13. The vertical cutting arms 10,11 comprise a main part and an extension 14 having an angle with the main part allowing precise cutting on the lower part of the plants. Each of the vertical cutting arms 10,11 also carries on their inner surface 12 four cutting blades 13 including a cutting blade 13 located on the extension 14. According to other embodiments not illustrated, the cutting blades 13 may be of different types or dimensions depending on the desired use on each of the cutting arms 9,10,11.
[0037] In order to reduce the size of the cutting device 1, the latter comprises a system for folding each of the lateral structures 5 allowing the transition from a working position of the cutting device 1 visible [Fig. 1] to a folded position as visible in [Fig. 3].
[0038] According to the invention, each lateral structure 5 comprises three pivot links 20, 21, 22 allowing the folding of each of the cutting arms 9, 10, 11. The pivot links 20, 21, 22 comprise a screw passing through a structural tube of the chassis 2, each of the pivot links 20, 21, 22 comprises a pivot axis substantially parallel to the vertical direction of the device 1 previously defined.
[0039] A first pivot connection 20 visible in particular according to the view from the rear of the cutting device 1 in [Fig.4] allows a folding of substantially 90° relative to the axis of advancement X towards the front of the upper cutting arm 9.
[0040] Figures 5 and 6 correspond to a detail of the left lateral structure 5 of [Fig.l]. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the part of the chassis 2 carrying the upper cutting arm 9 (not visible in Figures 5 and 6). The chassis 2 comprises an upper fixing support 25 intended for the upper cutting arm 9. The upper fixing support 25 is articulated on the chassis 2 by means of the first pivot connection 20 which is actuated by a first cylinder 26. The first cylinder 26 is dimensioned to allow a rotation of an angle of 90° of the upper fixing support 25 relative to the chassis 2 around the proper axis defined by the first pivot 20 as shown in [Fig.6].
[0041] Figures 7 and 8 correspond to a detail of the left lateral structure 5 of [Fig.l]. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the part of the chassis 2 carrying the lateral cutting arms 10, 11 (not visible in Figures 7 and 8). The chassis 2 comprises a first lateral support 27 intended to fix the outer vertical cutting arm 11. The chassis 2 also comprises a second lateral support 28 intended to fix the inner vertical cutting arm 10.
[0042] A second pivot connection 21 acts on the first lateral support 27. A second jack 29 is connected on the one hand to the second support 28 fixed on the chassis 2 and, on the other hand, to a connecting arm 30 of the chassis 2 connected to the second pivot 21. The second cylinder 29 is capable of actuating the second pivot connection 21, thus allowing the outer vertical cutting arm 11 to fold forward.
[0043] A third pivot connection 22 makes it possible to keep the cut in the direction of advancement X, that is to say to maintain the orientation of the inner surface 12 of the outer vertical cutting arm 11 parallel to the direction X. To do this, a third cylinder 31 is able to act on the third pivot connection 22 and the third cylinder 31 is also connected to the connecting arm 30 of the chassis 2 and therefore to the second pivot connection 21. Thus, the outer cutting arm 11 is able to fold forward while maintaining its orientation.
[0044] The right lateral structure 5 visible in [Fig.l] carries the same elements of the left lateral structure 5 as described above, said elements being in symmetry with respect to the base 3.
[0045] According to the illustrated embodiment, the chassis 2 also comprises a fourth cylinder 32 intended to act on a slide tube 33 making it possible to adjust the spacing between the two vertical cutting arms 10, 11.
[0046] The base 3 also comprises at the level of the upper bar 4 a jack system allowing its length to be extended. The lateral fixing support 6 then has a possible translational movement in a direction perpendicular to X, thus allowing the distance between the base 3 and the inner cutting arm 10 to be adapted. This configuration also allows the spacing between the two lateral structures 5 to be adapted.
[0047] To fold a cutting device 1 according to the invention which is in the working position, according to a first step of the folding method, the second cylinder 29 and third cylinder 31 of a lateral structure 5 are actuated simultaneously in a first step. The outer cutting arm then performs a forward folding movement, its inner face 12 remaining parallel to the direction X.
[0048] It should be noted that in the figures of the exemplary embodiment, hoses coming from a motor means such as a hydraulic pump and intended to control the cylinders 26, 29, 31 are not shown. The means for controlling the cutting blades 13 are also not shown in the figures.
[0049] According to a second step of the method, the first cylinder 26 is actuated. The upper cutting arm 9 is then folded forward.
[0050] To unfold a cutting device 1 according to the invention, that is to say to move from a folded position to a working position, according to a first step of the deployment method, the first cylinder 26 of each lateral structure 5 is actuated so as to unfold each upper cutting arm 9, thus placing them substantially perpendicular to the direction X.
[0051] According to a second step of the deployment method, the second cylinder 29 and third cylinder 31 of each lateral structure 5 are actuated simultaneously in a second time. Each outer cutting arm then performs a rotational movement while maintaining their respective inner face 12 parallel to the X direction.
[0052] Of course, various other modifications may be made to the invention within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
Claims
1. Cutting device (1) for vegetation comprising a chassis (2) comprising a base (3) substantially perpendicular to the direction of advance of the cutting device and equipped with means for attachment to a motor vehicle and means for attachment to at least one lateral structure (5), said lateral structure comprising an upper cutting arm (9) and two substantially vertical inner (10) and outer (11) cutting arms, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a system for folding the lateral structure (5) allowing the passage from a working position of the cutting device (1) to a folded position and the folding system is forward, the outer cutting arm (11) keeping the same orientation relative to the direction of advance X.
2. Cutting device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the folding system of the lateral structure (5) comprises a first pivot connection (20) capable of acting on the folding of the upper cutting arm (9) and a second (21) and third (22) pivot connection capable of acting on the folding of the outer cutting arm (11).
3. Cutting device according to one of the preceding claims comprising two lateral structures (5) fixed to each end of an upper bar (4) of the base (3), said lateral structures (5) being symmetrical with respect to the base (3).
4. Cutting device according to one of the preceding claims in which the upper cutting arm (9) is substantially horizontal.
5. Cutting device (1) according to the preceding claim in its connection with claims 3 and 4, in which the second and third pivot links (21, 22) are connected by a connecting arm (30) of the chassis (2).
6. Cutting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which each folding system comprises three pivot links (20,21,22), each pivot link (20,21,22) being actuated by a respective cylinder (26,29,31).
7. Cutting device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the cylinders (26,29,31) comprise actuators.
8. Cutting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which each cutting arm (9,10,11) comprises at least two cutting blades (13).
9. Cutting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims further comprising a system for spacing the vertical cutting arms (10, 11) comprising a fourth cylinder (32) acting on a slide tube (33) in the connecting arm (30) of the chassis (2) capable of moving the outer cutting arm (11) away or closer.
10. Method for folding a cutting device (1) according to one of claims 6 to 9 comprising the following steps, for each of the lateral structures (5): - simultaneously actuating the second cylinder (29) and the third cylinder (31), and - actuating the first cylinder (26).
11. Method for deploying a cutting device (1) according to one of claims 6 to 9 comprising the following steps, for each of the lateral structures (5): - actuating the first cylinder (26), and - simultaneously actuating the second cylinder (29) and the third cylinder (31).