Plow with limited rotation headstock

Abstract

Plough with limited rotation coupling head The invention relates to a plough with a coupling head (3) for connection to a three-point coupling device of a towing vehicle, the coupling head (3) comprising, on the one hand, a coupling crossmember (4) having at its two opposite ends attachment points (5, 5') intended to engage with the two lower coupling points of the three-point coupling device and, on the other hand, a plate (6) secured to the frame, the crossmember (4) being connected in an articulated manner to the plate (6) with translational and rotational guidance by means of a pivot / slide connection.According to the invention, the plate (6) comprises means (9, 10, 10') configured to block the translational movement of the pivot (7) in the slide in the direction of advance and simultaneously allow a limited rotation of the crosspiece (4) around the axis (AP) of the pivot (7), when the plough is subjected to a traction force in the direction of advance via the crosspiece (4). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Plough with limited rotation hitch head

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of agricultural machinery, in particular to mounted ploughs, in particular those comprising a so-called oscillating or spreader bar hitch head. In this context, the invention relates to a plough of the aforementioned type having improved working behaviour.

[0002] A mounted plough forms with the tractor, in working configuration, a rigid unit thanks to the three-point hitch device. Thus, when the plough works, everything happens as if it were pulled from the point of convergence, that is to say from the meeting point of the upper hitch bar and the lower hitch bars.

[0003] In order for the tractor-plough assembly to be balanced and to progress in a straight manner to ensure straight ploughing, the user first makes an offset adjustment which consists of a lateral movement of the frame supporting the ploughing bodies and an adjustment of the slope to align the ploughing bodies with respect to the direction of advance or direction of travel of the plough.

[0004] If the tilt adjustment is carried out correctly, the tractor moves forward straight without constraint (its steering wheel remains easy to maneuver) and wear on the countersinks is minimal since lateral friction forces are reduced.

[0005] In this case, the upper bar of the three-point hitch is aligned with the direction of travel of the towing vehicle and the resultant of the forces applied to the tractor (at the point of convergence) and the resultant of the resistive forces of the plough are both aligned with this upper bar.

[0006] Some mounted ploughs are equipped with a movable (or oscillating) crossmember allowing translation and / or rotation of the rear part for the transport configuration. The translation makes it possible to increase the distance between the plough and the tractor to reduce the turning radii and consequently allow a rotation of + / -35° of the crossmember.

[0007] A plough of this type is for example known from document FR 2 651 637.

[0008] Such a plough comprises a frame carrying at least one ploughing body and provided with a coupling head for its connection with a three-point hitch device of a towing vehicle, the coupling head comprising, on the one hand, a coupling crosspiece comprising at its two opposite ends attachment points intended to come into engagement with the two lower hitch points of the three-point hitch device, and, on the other hand, a plate integral with or forming part of the frame, the crosspiece being connected in an articulated manner to the plate with translational and rotational guidance by means of a pivot / slide connection, the axis of the pivot being positioned perpendicular to the plane of the plate and the slide extending substantially parallel to the plane of the plate and the slide extending substantially parallel to the plane of the plate. this plan and the direction of advance.

[0009] During plowing, the coupling crosspiece is blocked by suitable locking means (movable locks, pins, etc.) in a position perpendicular to the direction of advance, to achieve straight plowing: there is therefore no degree of freedom in the working configuration.

[0010] Even if it is well seen that the ploughing strips are very straight, the last ploughing strip(s) is (are) only rarely straight. To complete the work in the field, the rigid assembly will therefore have to follow a random trajectory, more or less curvilinear. This involves, in a way, misaligning the traction axis of the plough from the traction centre (point of convergence) of the tractor. This exercise is not simple since the driver is forced to counter-steer the wheels to force the tractor to leave its line to follow a non-straight trajectory corresponding to the limit of the field. This results in premature wear of the counterseeps, an increase in fuel consumption and increased fatigue for the driver.

[0011] The same situation arises, with the same drawbacks, in the presence of an obstacle present in the field to be plowed. The main aim of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks.

[0013] For this purpose, it relates to a plow of the aforementioned type which is characterized in that the plate comprises means configured to block the translational movement of the pivot in the slide in the direction of advance and simultaneously allow a limited rotation of the crosspiece around the axis of the pivot, when the plough is subjected to a traction force in the direction of advance via the crosspiece

[0014] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given as non-limiting examples and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[0015] [Fig-1] is a side elevational view of a plow according to the invention in confi ploughing structure;

[0016] [Fig.2A] and [Fig.2B] are perspective views from two different directions of a jib / coupling head assembly forming part of the plough of [Fig.1], according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0017] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling head forming part of the assembly shown in Figures 2;

[0018] [Fig.4] is a top view of the coupling head of [Fig.3] in a configuration transport of the plough (with the pivot housed in the engagement site of the attachment means), showing that the coupling cross member is movable in rotation through an angle a (here approximately + / - 35°) between a position perpendicular to the direction of advance (solid line) and a maximum inclined position (broken lines), and vice versa;

[0019] [Fig.5] is a simplified top view of the coupling head shown in [Fig.4] (the attachment means not being shown), the plough and the coupling head being in working configuration and the cross member being supported against the rear stops (the locking means has been positioned by the operating lever in the active position, in which it is capable of locking the forward translation of the pivot by placing a stop a short distance from the rear end of the slide);

[0020] [Fig.6] is a view similar to [Fig.5] of the coupling head in working configuration, the pivot being housed in the attachment site of the locking means and the coupling cross member being able to pivot in rotation through an angle [3 (with [3 < a), moving away from one of the two rear stops, and

[0021] [Fig.7] is a view similar to that of [Fig.5] illustrating another embodiment of the coupling head (attachment means and locking hook formed by the same element).

[0022] [Fig. 1] and partially figures 2 to 7 show a plough (1) intended to be moved in a direction of advance (A) in working configuration and comprising a frame (2) carrying at least one ploughing body (2') and provided with a coupling head (3) for its connection with a three-point coupling device of a tractor vehicle. The plough (1) shown in [Fig.l] is a mounted plough. The plough is reversible, it comprises groups of ploughing bodies (2').

[0023] The coupling head (3) comprises, on the one hand, a coupling crosspiece (4) having at its two opposite ends attachment points (5, 5') intended to engage with the two lower coupling points of the three-point coupling device and, on the other hand, a plate (6) integral with or forming part of the frame (2). The crosspiece (4) is connected in an articulated manner to the plate (6) with translational and rotational guidance by means of a pivot (7) / slide (8) connection, the axis (AP) of the pivot (7) being positioned perpendicular to the plane of the plate (6) and the slide (8) extending substantially parallel to this plane and to the direction of advance (A).

[0024] According to the invention, the plate (6) comprises means (9, 10, 10') configured to block the translational movement of the pivot (7) in the slide (8) in the direction of advance (A) and simultaneously allow a limited rotation of the crosspiece (4) around the axis (AP) of the pivot (7), when the plough (1) is subjected to a traction force in the direction of advance (A) via the crosspiece (4).

[0025] Thanks to these provisions, allowing a limited rotation of the frame part (2) carrying the ploughing bodies (2') relative to the tractor, the plough (1) can carry out ploughing along a non-rectilinear trajectory.

[0026] Indeed, due to the possibility of limited rotation, the plough (1) can work in (sharp) curves without undergoing excessive forces. The plough (1) will be able to assume a position not aligned with that of the tractor in order in particular to better follow the contours of a non-rectilinear (curvilinear) field and / or to go around a obstacle (stones, rocks, poles or pylons). Thus, when the tractor describes a curved path, the plow (1) will tend to pivot, taking the particular position which will subject it to minimal effort.

[0027] In order to guarantee sufficiently precise driving of the plough (1), while allowing sufficient misalignment to allow it to perform curvilinear trajectories, the means (9, 10, 10') for locking in translation with limited rotation of the pivot (7) are advantageously arranged and configured to limit, by mutual cooperation, the freedom of rotation of the crosspiece (4) to an angle (|3) of approximately + / - 15°, preferably + / - 10°, relative to a perpendicular positioning of this crosspiece (4) relative to the direction of advance (A).

[0028] To enable the user to be able to make a decision, depending on the circumstances (working in a straight line or working in a curved trajectory), and as shown in Figures 3 to 7, the plough (1) preferably comprises an actuator (11) controlling at least one of the means (9, 10, 10') for locking in translation with limited rotation of the pivot (7) and thus selectively determining the configuration of the articulated connection between the plate (6) and the crosspiece (4). This actuator (11) allows, for example in a first state or a first position (Figures 5, 6 and 7), the user to impose a configuration in which the crosspiece (4) is, by means of a particular forced formatting or framing of the pivot (7) / slide (8) connection, locked in translation with limited rotation relative to the plate (6). In a second state or a second position ([Fig.4]), this same actuator (11) releases the pivot (7) / slide (8) connection from this formatting or framing. However, at least one other means (13) or device (16) may be provided to further limit the freedom of movement between the plate (6) and the crosspiece (4), this alternatively to the aforementioned means (9, 10, 10') and in relation to another configuration of the plow (1).

[0029] In accordance with an embodiment emerging from figures 3 to 7, the means (9, 10, 10') for locking in translation with limited rotation of the pivot (7) comprise, on the one hand, a hook (9) for locking in translation with a receiving site (9') for the pivot (7) and, on the other hand, two rear stops (10 and 10') limiting the rotational movement of the crosspiece (4) when the pivot (7) is engaged in the site (9').

[0030] In accordance with a simple, robust and reliable practical construction, the locking hook (9) consists of a pivoting arm whose receiving site (9') can be brought selectively in line with the slide (8) to block the translational movement of the pivot (7) in the slide (8) in the direction of advance (A) at its level (blocking in abutment in the direction of advance (A) at a given position in the slide). The pivoting position of the pivoting arm is for example controlled by an actuator (11), for example a two-position lever. In addition, the two rear stops (10 and 10') are preferably arranged symmetrically on either side with respect to the longitudinal axis of the slide (8) and form an isosceles triangle with the receiving site (9') when the latter receives the pivot (7). Optionally, one of the stops (10, 10') can serve as a locking site for the lever (in its two positions, or else be equipped with such a site (11'). A signaling means (R: road / W: work) optionally allows the user to identify the two positions of the lever.

[0031] In connection with the above-mentioned practical construction, it may be provided that the locking hook (9) consists of an arm pivotally mounted on the plate (6) and fixed to the latter, by a first end, at a front stop (12) for the crosspiece (4) in the direction of advance (A), the hook (9) being integral with an actuator (11), for example a two-position lever, at its opposite end.

[0032] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the position of the translational locking of the pivot (7) in the slide (8) in the direction of advance (A) is located at a distance from the rear end (8') of the slide (8) in this direction (A). In this position of the pivot (7), the crosspiece (4) is located at a distance from the rear stops (10, 10') and can thus pivot around the axis of the pivot (7) by an angle (|3) (on each side of the perpendicular), until it comes to bear against one of these two stops (10, 10').

[0033] As shown in Figures 2, the plough (1) can be equipped with a jib (3') / coupling head (3) assembly, the coupling head comprising with the cross member (4) the two lower attachment points (5, 5') and the jib incorporating the upper attachment point (5”).

[0034] In accordance with an advantageous variant embodiment, and in particular in relation to the construction of figures 2 and as illustrated in figures 3, 4 and 7, the plate (6) further comprises a means (13) for hooking the pivot (7), advantageously a pivoting arm with an engagement site (13') for the pivot (7), blocking the translation of the pivot (7) in the slide (8) in the direction of the rear end (8') when the coupling crossmember (4) is subjected to a relative displacement in the direction of advance (A) relative to the plate (6).

[0035] By means of this retractable pivoting attachment means (13), the invention makes it possible to automatically achieve a limitation (in length) of the possibility of translation of the pivot (7) in the slide (8). In particular, during the acceleration and deceleration phases during transport, impacts of the pivot (7) against the rear end (8') are completely avoided and impacts against the front end of this slide are at least significantly reduced, this depending on the degree of freedom remaining in translation left to said pivot (7).

[0036] Such a means (13) of attachment is described in more detail in French patent application No. 2109488 of September 10, 2021 in the name of the applicant, the teaching of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0037] The hooking means (13) and the translational locking means (9) can be constituted by the same pivoting arm, provided with both a receiving site (9') and an engagement site (13') for the pivot (7), as shown in [Fig.7], or by two different separate pivoting arms, advantageously secured to the plate (6) at the same fixing point (12), preferably corresponding to a front stop, as shown in figures 3 and 4.

[0038] Preferably, the means (13) for hooking the pivot (7) consists of a pivoting arm, distinct from the means (9) for locking in translation in the form of a hook, and cooperates with a means (14) of elastic stress which achieves automatic engagement of the means (13) for hooking with the pivot (7) when the latter is positioned in the slide (8), beyond a determined distance relative to the rear end (8') of the slide in the direction of advance (A). This pivoting arm (13) advantageously comprises a sliding profile (15) against which the pivot (7) bears, under the stress of the elastic stressing means (14), when it is not in hooking engagement with this arm, the sliding profile (15) opening into the hooking engagement site (13') for the pivot (7), at one of its ends, and extending by its other end beyond the rear end (8') of the slide (8).

[0039] In accordance with another advantageous embodiment variant, and in particular in relation to the construction of figures 2 and as partially illustrated in figures 3 to 7, the plate (6) also comprises a locking device (16) with at least two locks (17, 17') and with a single control (18), configured to block in position, in translation and in rotation the coupling crosspiece (4) relative to the plate (6), this in cooperation with the rear stops (10, 10'). In this configuration, with the locks (17, 17') engaged, the plough (1) will form a rigid assembly with the tractor and produce rather rectilinear ploughing strips. This locking device (16) advantageously comprises a linkage for simultaneous and synchronized movement of the two locks (17, 17'), driven by a single control member (18), the locking device (16) being preferably integrated constructively and entirely into the coupling head (3).In Figures 3 to 7, only the sliding sheaths of the locks (17, 17') are shown, their locations however corresponding to the latter.

[0040] With such a locking device (16), it is possible with a single operation and without having to handle a separate part, to block the coupling crosspiece (4) relative to the plate (6), by immobilizing it between the locks (17, 17') and the stops (10, 10') in an orientation perpendicular to the normal direction of advance of the plough (1). In addition, this locking device (16) being an integral part of the coupling head (3), the constraint of storing parts and the risks of loss are eliminated.

[0041] Such a locking device (16) is described in more detail in the application of French patent no. 2109487 of September 10, 2021 in the name of the applicant, the teaching of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0042] Although the plate (6) can be made up of a single plate on which the coupling crosspiece (4) slides, the invention advantageously provides, as shown in Figures 3 to 7, that it has a structure with two superimposed plates (6' and 6”), between which the coupling crosspiece (4) is mounted. This crosspiece (4) is blocked or movable with limitation in movement between these plates (6', 6”) depending on the configuration of the locking device (16), the hooking means (13) and of course the means (9, 10, 10') for blocking in translation with limited rotation, depending on the state of the plough (1).

[0043] The two plates (6', 6”) are mutually secured to each other with spacing by spacer elements (10, 10', 12) preferably forming front and rear stops for the crosspiece (4) and each plate comprises a cutout in the form of an elongated oblong hole or slot constituting by mutual cooperation the slide (8), resulting in a double guide of the pivot (7).

[0044] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the attached drawings. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Plough (1) intended to be moved in a forward direction (A) in the working configuration and comprising a frame (2) carrying at least one ploughing body (2') and provided with a coupling head (3) for its connection with a three-point coupling device of a tractor vehicle, the coupling head (3) comprising, on the one hand, a coupling crosspiece (4) having at its two opposite ends attachment points (5, 5') intended to engage with the two lower coupling points of the three-point coupling device and on the other hand, a plate (6) integral with or forming part of the frame (2), the crosspiece (4) being connected in an articulated manner to the plate (6) with translational and rotational guidance by means of a pivot (7) / slide (8) connection, the axis (AP) of the pivot (7) being positioned perpendicular to the plane of the plate (6) and the slide (8) extending substantially parallel to this plane and to the direction of advance (A),plough (1) characterised in that the plate (6) comprises means (9, 10, 10') configured to block the translational movement of the pivot (7) in the slide (8) in the direction of advance (A) and simultaneously to allow a limited rotation of the cross-member (4) around the axis (AP) of the pivot (7), when the plough (1) is subjected to a traction force in the direction of advance (A) via the cross-member (4), these means (9, 10, 10') for blocking in translation with limited rotation of the pivot (7) being arranged and configured to limit, by mutual cooperation, the freedom of rotation of the cross-member (4) to an angle (|3) of approximately + / - 15°, preferably + / - 10°, relative to a perpendicular positioning of this cross-member (4) in the direction of advance (A).,

2. Plough (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an actuator (11) controlling at least one of the means (9, 10, 10') for locking in translation with limited rotation of the pivot (7) and thus selectively determining the configuration of the articulated connection between the plate (6) and the crosspiece (4).

3. Plough (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the means (9, 10, 10') for locking in translation with limited rotation of the pivot (7) comprise, on the one hand, a hook (9) for locking in translation with a receiving site (9') for the pivot (7) and on the other hand, two rear stops (10 and 10') limiting the movement rotation of the crosspiece (4) when the pivot (7) is engaged in the site

4. )■ Plough (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the locking hook (9) consists of a pivoting arm, the receiving site (9') of which can be brought selectively in line with the slide (8) to block the translational movement of the pivot (7) in the slide (8) in the direction of advance (A), the pivoting position of the pivoting arm being advantageously controlled by an actuator (11), for example a two-position lever, and the two rear stops (10 and 10') being preferably arranged symmetrically on either side relative to the longitudinal axis of the slide (8) and thus forming an isosceles triangle with the receiving site (9') when the latter receives the pivot (7).

5. Plough according to any one of claims 3 and 4, characterised in that the locking hook (9) consists of an arm pivotally mounted on the plate (6) and fixed to the latter, by a first end, at a front stop (12) for the crosspiece (4) in the direction of advance (A), the hook (9) being integral with an actuator (11), for example a two-position lever, at its opposite end.

6. Plough (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the translational locking position of the pivot (7) in the slide (8) in the direction of advance (A) is situated at a distance from the rear end (8') of the slide (8) in this direction (A).

7. Plough (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the plate (6) further comprises a means (13) for hooking the pivot (7), advantageously a pivoting arm with an engagement site (13') for the pivot (7), blocking the translation of the pivot (7) in the slide (8) towards the rear end (8') when the coupling cross member (4) is subjected to a relative displacement in the direction of advance (A) with respect to the plate (6), the hooking means (13) and the translation blocking means (9) being constituted by the same pivoting arm, provided with both a receiving site (9') and an engagement site (13') for the pivot (7), or by two different separate pivoting arms, advantageously secured to the plate (6) at the same fixing point (12).

8. Plough (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the means (13) for hooking the pivot (7) consists of a pivoting arm, distinct from the means (9) for locking in translation in the form of a hook, and cooperates with a means (14) of elastic stress which carries out an engagement automatic of the means (13) of attachment with the pivot (7) when the latter is positioned in the slide (8), beyond a distance determined relative to the rear end (8') of the slide in the direction of advance (A), this pivoting arm (13) advantageously comprising a sliding profile (15) against which the pivot (7) comes to bear, under the constraint of the elastic stressing means (14), when it is not in attachment engagement with this arm, the sliding profile (15) opening into the attachment engagement site (13') for the pivot (7), at one of its ends, and extending by its other end beyond the rear end (8') of the slide (8).

9. Plough (1) according to claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 8, insofar as they relate to claim 3, characterized in that the plate (6) also comprises a locking device (16) with at least two locks (17, 17') and with a single control (18), configured to block in position, in translation and in rotation, the coupling crosspiece (4) relative to the plate (6), this in cooperation with the rear stops (10, 10'), this locking device (16) advantageously comprising a linkage for simultaneous and synchronized movement of the two locks (17, 17'), driven by a single control member (18), the locking device (16) being preferably integrated constructively and in full with the coupling head (3).

10. Plough (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the plate (6) has a structure with two superimposed plates (6', 6”) between which the coupling crosspiece (4) is mounted, the two plates being mutually secured to each other with spacing by spacer elements (10, 10', 12) preferably forming front and rear stops for the crosspiece (4) and each plate comprising a cut-out in the form of an elongated oblong hole or slot constituting by mutual cooperation the slide (8).

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