Extraction device

Abstract

The invention relates to an extraction device (1) for a vertical element, and more particularly for a plant stem or stake, comprising a frame (2) including means for attaching it to a motor vehicle (4) or to an intermediate element (3) to a motor vehicle (4), and a main mast (6) carrying extraction means adapted for translational movement within the frame (2) along an axis Xe presenting an angle α with the direction of travel along a substantially horizontal axis Y of the motor vehicle (3). According to the invention, the extraction device (1) also includes means for assisting the extraction means, comprising a secondary mast (15) adapted to translate along the axis Xe and independently of the main mast (6). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Extraction device

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of devices for extracting a vertical element and more particularly a plant foot such as a vine stock or a stake.

[0002] In the above field, manual methods or those using tools for uprooting dead vines or stakes are known. In particular, there are extraction devices often linked to a robotic arm or directly attached to the front of a tractor.

[0003] Such extraction devices comprise an extraction clamp intended to come as close as possible to the ground at the level of the plant base to be removed. The extraction clamp engaged with the plant base requires a certain force to tear it from the ground. However, the forces are transmitted into the extraction device and in particular at the level of the connection with the robotic arm and the tractor depending on the configuration. Such a transfer of forces weakens the connection between the extraction device and the tractor and can damage the front axle of the tractor.

[0004] In order to overcome this drawback, the invention proposes the implementation of means of assistance to the extraction means.

[0005] The invention then relates to a device for extracting a vertical element and more particularly a plant base or a stake comprising a chassis comprising means for attachment to a motor vehicle or to an element intermediate to a motor vehicle, and a main mast carrying extraction means capable of translational movement in the chassis along an axis Xe having an angle a with the direction of advance along a substantially horizontal axis Y of the motor vehicle.

[0006] The angle a is between 90° and 100°. According to one embodiment of the invention, the angle a is substantially equal to 95°. Implementing the extraction means with such an angle a makes it possible in particular to avoid the extraction means being hindered by potential holding wires which may be located near the rows of plant bases or stakes.

[0007] According to the invention, the device also comprises means for assisting the extraction means comprising a secondary mast capable of translating along the Xe axis and independently of the main mast. The implementation of such a secondary mast or extraction foot makes it easier to pull out the plant foot or the stake while preserving the mechanics of the motor vehicle at the level of the front axle.

[0008] The extraction device according to the invention can be adapted to the front of tractors on a lift or an adaptation plate via its attachment means.

[0009] The extraction device according to the invention comprises extraction means capable of removing stakes or other vertical elongated elements planted in the ground such as vine stocks or other plant roots.

[0010] According to a characteristic of the invention, the secondary mast is capable of translating inside the main mast. The implementation of the secondary mast in the main mast makes it possible, on the one hand, to reduce the size of the extraction device, and on the other hand, to be as close as possible to the extraction means to effectively compensate for the forces induced.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, a main cylinder allows the translational movement of the main mast and a secondary cylinder allows the secondary mast to be put into translational movement. Advantageously, the main cylinder and the secondary cylinder can be actuated independently of each other in order to be able to raise the main mast carrying the extraction means while leaving the secondary mast resting on the ground.

[0012] According to a characteristic of the invention, the secondary mast comprises at one of its ends a ground support plate. The support plate according to the invention comprises a sufficient support surface to distribute the ground support force assisting the extraction force.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extraction means comprise an extraction clamp mounted at one end of the main mast. Advantageously, an extraction clamp is easily mountable on a mast and remotely controllable.

[0014] According to a characteristic of the invention, the extraction clamp comprises two jaws, one of the jaws is capable of having a pivoting movement around the axis Xe. A single moving jaw allows the extraction clamp to be moved into the open position to grip the vertical element. At least one jaw in this sense comprises a textured surface to facilitate gripping.

[0015] According to one embodiment, a jaw cylinder allows the pivot movement around the axis Xe of one of the jaws. Such a jaw cylinder is arranged directly on the extraction clamp and is remotely controllable.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main mast is capable of having a pivot movement around a vertical axis Xv perpendicular to the axis Y.

[0017] Such a pivoting movement makes it possible to place the extraction means on the sides of the motor vehicle in order, for example, to be used equally well in each of the rows of plants to the right or left of the tractor.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, two pivot cylinders act on a structural part of the chassis comprising the main mast. The implementation of two coplanar cylinders allows a part of the structure of the chassis to have a pivot movement around the axis Xv.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, an extension cylinder is capable of acting on an extension structure of the chassis carrying the extraction means. Such an extension makes it possible to bring the extraction means closer to the vertical element.

[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 made with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting forms of

[0022] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an extraction device according to the invention in the transport position mounted at the front of a tractor,

[0023] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the device of the [Fig.l] in transport position,

[0024] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the device of [Fig.l] in the low extraction position,

[0025] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the device of the [Fig.l] in high extraction position showing two section planes AA' and BB',

[0026] [Fig.5] is a detail of [Fig.l] showing the extraction clamp open,

[0027] [Fig.6] is a half-sectional view along AA' of [Fig.4],

[0028] [Fig.7] is a half-sectional view along BB' of [Fig.4],

[0029] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the device extraction of [Fig.l] in low extraction position, and

[0030] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the device extraction of [Fig.l] in high extraction position.

[0031] It should be noted that in these figures the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0032] The invention aims to facilitate the extraction of a vertical element and more particularly a plant base or a stake by proposing in particular an extraction device designated as a whole by the reference 1 as illustrated in [Fig.l] comprising secure extraction means.

[0033] The extraction device 1 comprises for these purposes a frame 2 formed by an assembly of parts forming a structure. According to the embodiment shown but not limiting for the invention, the frame 2 of the extraction device 1 comprises an attachment structure, a pivot structure and an extension structure which are articulated together. According to an embodiment not illustrated, the frame 2 comprises a single-piece structure.

[0034] The chassis 2 comprises an attachment structure comprising means for attachment to an intermediate element 3 to a motor vehicle such as a tractor 4 illustrated in [Fig.l]. According to the illustrated embodiment, the attachment means comprise an attachment plate 5 fixed to the intermediate element 3 at the front axle of the motor vehicle 4.

[0035] The motor vehicle 4 carrying the extraction device 1 has a horizontal forward direction Y substantially parallel to the ground. The extraction device 1 extends substantially in the Y direction at the front of the tractor 4. [Fig.l] illustrates the extraction device 1 in the transport position.

[0036] Figures 2 to 4 illustrate the extraction device 1 alone, respectively in the transport position, in the low extraction position and in the high extraction position.

[0037] The extraction device 1 also comprises means for extracting a vertical element and more particularly a plant base or a stake. For this purpose, the chassis 2 comprises a main mast 6 of elongated shape along the axis Xe and hollow. The main mast 6 comprises at one of its ends an extraction clamp 7.

[0038] Visible in the open position in [Fig. 5], the extraction clamp 7 carries two jaws 8. According to the illustrated embodiment, one of the jaws 8 is capable of having a pivoting movement around the axis Xe in order to be able to grip the vertical element to be extracted from the ground, the other jaw 8 being fixed on the main mast 6. A jaw cylinder 9 fixed between the two jaws 8 allows such a movement. According to other embodiments of an extraction clamp 7 compatible with the invention, other systems for gripping and in particular for articulating the jaws 8 are possible.

[0039] The main mast 6 is mounted in a case 10 of the chassis 2 so as to be able to translate in this case 10 and bring the jaws 8 to the level of the plant foot or the stake to be extracted. To allow this translational movement, a main cylinder 11 connects the extraction clamp 6 to the case 10 of the chassis 2.

[0040] According to the illustrated embodiment, the case 10 has an angle α with the Y axis. According to the illustrated embodiment, the angle α is greater than 90°, with a value of approximately 95°. Other values ​​of angle α may be implemented when using the extraction device 1.

[0041] According to the illustrated embodiment, the extraction means are mounted on an extension structure of the chassis 2, thus allowing them to be brought closer to the vertical element. To do this, an extension cylinder 12 is mounted between the case 10 and structural plates 13 of the chassis 2, i.e. between the pivot structure and the extension structure of the chassis 2.

[0042] According to the illustrated embodiment, the chassis 2 is also composed of a pivot structure comprising the structural plates 13. The structural plates 13 have a pivot movement along the Xv axis substantially perpendicular to the Y axis of advancement of the tractor. For these purposes, two pivot cylinders 14 connect the attachment plate 5 to the structural plates 13, i.e. between the attachment structure and the pivot structure of the chassis 2. This pivot movement allows in particular to present the means of extraction of the vertical element on the left side or on the right side according to the desired use.

[0043] In order to facilitate the removal of the partially buried vertical element, the chassis 2 also carries assistance means comprising a secondary mast 15 capable of translating into the main mast 6. The secondary mast 15 carries a support plate 16 fixed to one of the ends intended to come to bear on the ground.

[0044] Figures 6 and 7 show a section of the extraction device 1 at the level of the main mast 6 comprising the secondary mast 15. A secondary jack 17 connects the secondary mast 15 to the main mast 6.

[0045] According to the illustrated embodiment, all the cylinders 9, 11, 12, 14, 17 are hydraulic and remotely controllable from, for example, the cab of the tractor 4. For these purposes, the chassis 2 comprises a connection plate 20 comprising flexible connections 21 intended, on the one hand, for the connections of the cylinders, each cylinder also carrying flexible input and output connections, and on the other hand, for the connections of a motor means such as a hydraulic pump (not shown). The hoses intended to control the cylinders 9, 11, 12, 14, 17 are not shown.

[0046] The extraction device 1 therefore has several positions and in particular the positions described below.

[0047] A transport position in which the main mast 6 and the secondary mast 15 are raised as shown in Figures 2 and 1.

[0048] A low extraction position in which the main mast 6 and the secondary mast are placed respectively at the level of the vertical element to be removed and the ground as shown in Figures 3 and 8.

[0049] A high extraction position in which the main mast 6 is raised (with the vertical element engaged in the extraction clamp) and the secondary mast is still placed at ground level (with the support plate on the ground) as shown in Figures 4 and 9.

[0050] To implement the extraction device 1 according to the invention, the following steps must be followed.

[0051] A first step consists of positioning the extraction device 1 close to the vertical element to be extracted.

[0052] To do this, the pivot cylinders 14 can be actuated so as to position the extraction device 1 to the right or to the left relative to the direction Y of advancement of the tractor 3, thus allowing the mobility of the extraction device 1.

[0053] This adjustment described above is optional depending on certain configurations.

[0054] A second step of the method consists of placing the extraction device 1 from a transport position to a low extraction position. This second step comprises sub-stages which can take place simultaneously or in different orders varying with the topology of the terrain.

[0055] The jaw cylinder 9 is actuated so as to open the jaws 8 of the extraction clamp 7.

[0056] The extension cylinder 12 is then actuated in order to move the extraction clamp 7 with the jaws 8 open towards the vertical element.

[0057] The main cylinder 11 and the secondary cylinder 17 are actuated simultaneously in order to extend the main mast 6 and the secondary mast 15 until the extraction clamp 7 is placed at the lowest point of the vertical element and the support plate 16 rests on the ground.

[0058] The jaw cylinder 9 acts again on the jaw 8 so that the extraction clamp 7 closes around the vertical element to be extracted and the grip holds.

[0059] A third step of the method consists of placing the extraction device 1 from a low extraction position to a high extraction position.

[0060] The main cylinder 11 is actuated so as to raise the main mast 6 carrying the extraction clamp 7 with the jaws 8 closed on the vertical element. The secondary mast 15 is then always in the low position with the support plate 16 on the ground, the secondary cylinder 17 is actuated simultaneously so as to maintain this position. The jaw cylinder 9 is then always actuated to maintain the grip of the vertical element.

[0061] A final step of the process consists of recovering the vertical element.

[0062] The jaw cylinder 9 is then actuated to release the extracted vertical element. The secondary cylinder 17 is also actuated to raise the secondary mast 15 towards the main mast 6, thus placing the extraction device 1 in the transport position.

[0063] Of course, various other modifications may be made to the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Extraction device (1) for a vertical element and more particularly for a plant base or a stake comprising a chassis (2) comprising means for attachment to a motor vehicle (4) or to an intermediate element (3) to a motor vehicle (4), and a main mast (6) carrying extraction means capable of translational movement in the chassis (2) along an axis Xe having an angle a with the direction of advance along a substantially horizontal axis Y of the motor vehicle (4), characterized in that the extraction device (1) also comprises means for assisting the extraction means comprising a secondary mast (15) capable of translation along the axis Xe and independently of the main mast (6).

2. Extraction device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the secondary mast (15) is capable of translating inside the main mast (6).

3. Extraction device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which a main cylinder (11) allows the translational movement of the main mast (6) and a secondary cylinder (17) allows the translational movement of the secondary mast (15).

4. Extraction device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which the secondary mast (15) comprises at one of its ends a support plate (16) on the ground.

5. Extraction device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which the extraction means comprise an extraction clamp (7) mounted at one end of the main mast (6).

6. Extraction device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the extraction clamp (7) comprises two jaws (8), one of the jaws (8) is capable of having a pivoting movement around the axis Xe.

7. Extraction device (1) according to the preceding claim in which a jaw cylinder (9) allows the pivot movement around the axis Xe of one of the jaws (8).

8. Extraction device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which the main mast (6) is capable of having a pivot movement around a vertical axis Xv perpendicular to the axis Y.

9. Extraction device (1) according to the preceding claim in which two pivot cylinders (14) act on a structural part of the chassis (2) including the main mast (6).

10. Extraction device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which an extension cylinder (12) is capable of acting on an extension structure of the chassis (2) carrying the extraction means.

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