MECHANICAL WEEDING TOOL

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for weeding soil (S) on which a plant (V) has grown, the method being implemented by passing a weeding device towed by an agricultural machine along a direction of travel (A), the method comprising the following steps: b) twisting the plant by rolling it on the soil; c) simultaneously with step b), pulling the plant to one side relative to the direction of travel. Figure: no abbreviated figure

Description

Title of the invention: MECHANICAL DESTRUCTION WEEDING TOOL technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a weeding tool for breaking up vegetation on soil, and a weeding device comprising a support and said weeding tool, attached to the support, preferably in a removable manner. The invention also relates to a weeding method using such a device. State of the art

[0002] Weeding soil consists of removing at least the above-ground parts of the plants that have grown there. However, the use of chemical products, particularly glyphosate, for weed control can be harmful to the environment.

[0003] FR 3 121 011 is known as a tool for mechanically weakening plants. It has an edge perpendicular to the direction of travel which, in use, rubs against the plants, scratching them. This device weakens the plants, or even destroys them. However, its effectiveness is limited.

[0004] There is therefore a permanent need for new weeding tools that limit the use of herbicides.

[0005] One object of the invention is to meet, at least partially, this need. Summary of the invention

[0006] To this end, the invention proposes a method for weeding soil on which a plant has grown, the method comprising the following steps: a) preferably, bend the plant towards the ground, preferably so as to crush it on the ground, preferably so as to break the stem of the plant, step a) being preferably prior to step b); b) preferably at least after step a), twist the plant by rolling it on the ground, preferably so that the plant turns 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°; cl) preferably simultaneously or after step b), preferably simultaneously with step b), pull on the plant on one side in relation to the direction of advancement, i.e. put the plant under traction so as to pull it to the right or to the left; (c2) preferably, simultaneously with or after step (c1), preferably if simultaneously at step cl), pull on the plant towards the side opposite the first side; preferably, at least partial renewal of the cycle of the previous 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.

[0007] As will be seen in more detail later in the description, the process leads to considerable damage to the plant, weakening it and potentially causing its death. It can also lead to scratching the plant, facilitating the penetration of any chemical product that may be applied to it.

[0008] Preferably, immediately after the implementation of steps b) and c1), and optionally a) and c2), a herbicide product is applied to the plant. The use of a chemical product can, however, be reduced, since the plant is weakened, or even eliminated.

[0009] By "immediately after", we mean "without any intermediate operation", in particular for working the soil. The weedkiller 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 c1), and optionally a) and c2).

[0010] 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 process.

[0011] Lateral traction, that is, traction to the right or left, parallel to the ground, advantageously makes it difficult to extract the plant from the soil. Since the plant has a fixed point in the soil, the traction action is therefore particularly effective in breaking its structure.

[0012] Extraction of the plant material is not necessary, and may even be detrimental. The absence of extraction considerably limits energy consumption. Preferably, less than 50%, less than 30%, less than 20%, less than 10%, or even less than 5% by number of the treated plants are extracted from the soil during the implementation of the process.

[0013] Step a) can be carried out before step b) and / or after step cl) and / or after step c2), preferably by means of a rolling crusher wheel, preferably freely, on the ground, preferably pushed towards the ground.

[0014] 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 bent down while remaining in the same vertical plane, preferably until it is parallel to the direction of advancement (if the stem is straight).

[0015] Twisting and lateral traction are preferably obtained by friction. The friction force has a lateral component, that is to say, in a transverse plane, so as to roll the plant up on itself and pull it laterally.

[0016] The process may in particular implement a weeding tool according to the invention.

[0017] The invention also relates to a weeding tool intended to be towed, in a direction of travel, by an agricultural machine so as to weed soil on which vegetation has grown, said tool comprising - a base, - a friction device mounted on the base and having a plurality of friction elements intended to rub, preferably substantially horizontally, on said plant, the friction elements being shaped and arranged so that said friction laterally displaces the plant, substantially parallel to the ground, by twisting the plant.

[0018] Such a scrubber can thus, in service, implement at least steps b) and cl) of a process according to the invention.

[0019] Unlike the device described in FR 3 121 011, the friction action is exerted in such a way as to rotate the plant on itself and to pull it laterally.

[0020] In FR 3 121 011, the plant material is bent and crushed along the direction of travel. The friction forces act along the direction of the plant material's principal axis and therefore do not tend to rotate the plant material. The plant material is damaged, but it is not twisted.

[0021] In order for the friction action to cause the plant to rotate on itself while being moved laterally, this action must not be along the plant's main axis, in particular along the direction of the plant's stem. To this end, it is possible, in particular, according to two specific embodiments, to: - bend the plant back along the direction of travel and apply a friction force that is at least partially lateral, or - bend the plant in a direction different from the direction of advancement and exert a friction force in the direction of advancement.

[0022] These embodiments are advantageously simple to implement.

[0023] The action of the brush on the plants is adapted, preferably according to the plants, by simple tests, so that in operation and under the effect of the brushing elements, the plants roll on the ground, preferably without being pulled out of the soil 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 soil.

[0024] Preferably, the tool comprises a plant crushing wheel mounted on the base, the crushing wheel and the scraper being aligned in a direction parallel to the direction of travel. Preferably, it comprises a crushing wheel in front the scrubber in such a way as to bend the plant material down in the direction of travel.

[0025] In one embodiment, the wheel is shaped to push the plant forwards. It successively exerts pressure towards the ground and then suction upwards, by suction effect.

[0026] 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 area, i.e. the area of ​​the fin bearing against 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 is in the form of a plate fixed to the rolling surface of the wheel, perpendicular to this surface.

[0027] Particularly advantageously, at least one, preferably each friction member comprises or is a bead of material extending along a bead direction D24 forming an angle θ with a transverse plane - greater than 10° and less than 80°; or - greater than 100° and less than 170°.

[0028] The bead of material is preferably straight. However, it may be slightly curved, or undulating, as in embodiment (I) of [Fig. 4]. The bead direction D24 is then the general direction of the bead length.

[0029] The wiper preferably comprises first and second sets of said ridges, each set comprising a plurality of ridges extending parallel to each other, the ridges of the first set extending along a first ridge direction and the ridges of the second set extending along a second ridge direction, the first ridge direction forming with a transverse plane an angle θ greater than 10° and less than 80°, the second ridge direction forming with a transverse plane an angle θ greater than 100° and less than 170°. Advantageously, the wiper thus exerts two opposing lateral actions.

[0030] In one embodiment, the scrubber has the form of a pad whose lower surface is provided with said friction elements. Preferably, it includes a spatula configured to, in operation, push down and guide the plant material under the pad.

[0031] In one embodiment, at least one friction member, preferably each friction member has a sharp edge in the contact region intended to bear against the plant.

[0032] The invention also relates to a weeding device comprising - a strut, - a weeding tool according to the invention, the base of which is fixed on the strut.

[0033] The invention also relates to a soil weeding apparatus comprising one or more, more than 5, more than 10, more than 20 and / or fewer than 100 devices or tools weeding according to the invention. The tools can in particular be aligned along one or more transverse lines, so that the device can simultaneously treat the plants over a wide strip, for example with a width greater than 1 m, 2 m, or 3 m. Brief description of the figures

[0034] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon examination of the following description and with regard to the accompanying drawing in which: - Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a weeding device according to the invention, in a preferred embodiment; - Fig.2 [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in perspective, a scrubber in a preferred embodiment; - [Fig.3][Fig.3] schematically illustrates a friction zone of a friction element, for example of the friction element of [Fig.2]; - Fig. 4 [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates other examples of friction zones of a scrubber, for example of the scrubber of Fig. 2; - Fig. 5 [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates a vertical section of a wiper, in service; - Fig. 6 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a crushing wheel, in side view (A), top view (B), section AA (C), rear view (D) and perspective view (E); - Fig. 7 [Fig. 7] schematically illustrates further examples of friction zones of a scrubber, for example of the scrubber of Fig. 2; - Fig. 8 schematically illustrates further examples of friction elements; - Fig.9 schematically illustrates further examples of friction elements in the form of striated ridges and / or bearing protuberances (for clarity, the support has been turned over, with the lower face appearing above the support).

[0035] In the various figures, which are not exhaustive, identical or analogous elements are designated by the same numeral. For the sake of brevity in this description, these identical or analogous elements are not described in detail in each example; only the differences distinguishing the examples are described in detail. Definitions

[0036] 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 a horizontal surface. The various component parts of the weeding device are therefore assembled to be operational.

[0037] 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 [Fig. 1]), by the agricultural machine to weed the horizontal soil.

[0038] A plant is pulled laterally when a tensile force is exerted at a point on the plant. For splaying, first and second opposing tensile forces are exerted at two points on the plant so as to splay the part of the plant between these two points.

[0039] The "axis" or "main axis" of a plant is understood to be an axis that passes through the base of the plant and the center of gravity of the above-ground portion of the plant. The plant's axis may be represented by the plant's stem, for example, in the case of wheat, or not, for example, because the plant is bushy or lacks a stem, for example, in the case of fescue. The plant's axis is initially vertical and changes orientation when the weeding tool passes over it, for example, when the plant is forced down towards the ground.

[0040] In this description, the terms "lower", "upper", "above", "below", "horizontal", "vertical", "front", "rear", "in front", "behind", "right", "left" and "lateral" are defined with respect to the service configuration.

[0041] The adjectives "right" and "left" refer to an observer looking forward from the weeding device in the direction of travel.

[0042] The "median longitudinal plane" of a part is defined as the vertical plane parallel to the direction of travel and which, in the service configuration, passes through the center of inertia of that part. Typically, the strut extends in the median longitudinal plane of the weeding device.

[0043] Unless otherwise specified, a "transverse" plane is a vertical plane perpendicular to the direction of travel, and the "lateral" direction extends horizontally in a transverse plane. Lateral traction is therefore traction to the right or to the left.

[0044] The lateral (non-zero) component of a traction force is considered to be a lateral traction force.

[0045] “Contain”, “understand” and “present” must be interpreted in such a way non-exhaustive list, unless otherwise indicated. Detailed description

[0046] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], a soil weeding device S, typically agricultural land, comprises, for example, one or more, for example, more than 3, more than 10, more than 20, more than 40, or more than 60 and / or fewer than 100 weeding devices 12 according to the invention. The weeding devices 12 are preferably arranged side by side along at least one transverse line, so as to to weed a strip of land in use. They are preferably all fixed to a common frame, towed by an agricultural machine, preferably a tractor.

[0047] Each weeding device comprises a strut 16 and a weeding tool 18, fixed to the strut (see [Fig.1]). Pinçon

[0048] The strut 16 has a straight shape or, preferably, a comma or "C-tooth" or parallelogram shape. It then classically 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 and upper parts.

[0049] The strut 16 may include a "pig's tail", i.e. wrap around itself so as to form a loop.

[0050] The strut 16 preferably has a substantially constant thickness, particularly at least in its lower part. The strut may in particular have a constant cross-section (perpendicular to the direction of the strut's length), with the exception of a possibly tapered end portion.

[0051] The cross-section of the strut may be substantially rectangular or square. The width of the strut 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 strut 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.

[0052] Preferably, the strut 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 strut has the shape of a "flat bar", that is to say, whose two large faces are substantially flat and substantially parallel to each other. Weeding tool

[0053] Each weeding tool 18 comprises a base 20 fixed to the strut, a brush 22 fixed to the base and preferably a crushing wheel 23, mounted for rotation on the base.

[0054] The brush and the optional crushing wheel can be fixed to the base in a detachable manner independently of each other.

[0055] Preferably, at least one, preferably each weeding tool 18 comprises, from front to rear, aligned parallel to the direction of travel A, a first crushing wheel 231, or "front crushing wheel", one or more scrapers 22r222, and preferably a second crushing wheel 232, or "wheel "Rear crushing." This configuration is not exhaustive, but is preferred. It can be adapted depending on the plants being treated. Scrubber

[0056] The friction device 22 includes friction elements 24 adapted for rubbing and temporarily moving the plant material, in particular for rotating it, i.e., twisting it, and / or for pulling it laterally, preferably simultaneously twisting and pulling it laterally. The shapes and arrangements of the friction elements for rotating the plant material and pulling it laterally are varied and cannot be described exhaustively. Those skilled in the art will readily be able to design other shapes and arrangements than those described here.

[0057] The friction elements may in particular take the form of ridges of material, of spikes, for example similar to those of a wood rasp, of hooks, of grooves, in particular of cross grooves, for example similar to those of a metal file, or of grains like those of sandpaper.

[0058] The height h24 of the friction members ([Fig.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.

[0059] All the friction elements can have the same height. In one embodiment, the scrubber comprises friction elements 24 of varying heights, which allows it to be effective for plants of different sizes.

[0060] The friction members can be fixed on a support 26. The support preferably has the form of a plate, a frame or a grid.

[0061] Preferably, the support has a spatula 28 at its front end, so as to push the plant into the friction zone under the support. The shape of the spatula is adapted according to the size of the plants to be treated.

[0062] The surface of the support on which the friction elements extend is called the "friction zone" 30.

[0063] The movement of the friction zone on the ground advantageously does not require much energy. The friction zone can therefore be of large dimensions.

[0064] The friction zone may have: - 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 - a width l30 greater than 5 cm, greater than 10 cm, greater than 20 cm, greater than 50 cm, and / or less than 300 cm.

[0065] The friction zone is preferably substantially flat.

[0066] The width of the friction zone is horizontal. Preferably, the length 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 service. The friction elements 24 are shaped and / or distributed according to the desired action in operation. In particular, they are shaped and / or distributed so as to pull the plant laterally outwards or inwards, that is, away from or towards the median longitudinal plane P22 of the friction element 22, respectively. Preferably, they are shaped and / or distributed so as to exert an uninterrupted, or "continuous," action on a plant over a distance of 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 operation.For example, they can exert a continuous twisting action so that the plant, preferably the plant stem, 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°.

[0067] Preferably, at least part of the friction members 24 are beads of material, preferably straight, rigidly fixed, for example welded to the friction area (Figures 3 and 4). They may in particular be weld beads.

[0068] In one embodiment, the ridges are striated (grooves 27 on [Fig.9]) and / or have protuberances (referenced 29 on [Fig.9]) so as to improve friction and / or orient the plant more effectively laterally.

[0069] In one embodiment, the wiper comprises a plurality of said ridges, for example more than 3, more than 5, more than 10, more than 50 and / or fewer than 200 ridges extending parallel to each other. Preferably, at least some of the ridges extend along the same ridge direction D24, preferably substantially horizontal.

[0070] The direction of the bead D24 preferably forms, with a transverse plane Pt, an angle ô 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 - an angle ô 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°.

[0071] The inclination of the direction of the bead advantageously allows not only the plant to be twisted, but also to be pulled laterally, to the right or to the left.

[0072] In one embodiment, the wiper comprises a first and second sets of said ridges, each set comprising for example more than 3, more than 5, more than 10, more than 50 and / or less than 200 ridges 24 extending parallel to each other, the ridges of the first set extending along a first ridge direction and the ridges of the second set extending along a second ridge direction.

[0073] The first and second bead directions are preferably symmetrical with respect to the median longitudinal plane P22 of the wiper 22. The bead can, in particular, define chevrons, as illustrated in [Fig. 4] (embodyments (B) and (C)). The two parts of the chevrons can be offset along the direction of travel, as illustrated in embodiment (J) of [Fig. 4].

[0074] The two branches of a rafter may be of the same length or of different lengths.

[0075] Chevrons are particularly effective at splitting or compressing the plant, depending on the direction in which the chevron points.

[0076] In one embodiment, one or more friction elements have a sharp edge in the contact region 33 designed to bear against the plant, so as to cut the plant ([Fig. 5]). The edge penetrating the plant advantageously weakens it and facilitates the possible subsequent introduction of a product capable of degrading the plant, for example, a herbicide. Friction is limited, but the friction element, having penetrated 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 cuts the plant without moving it laterally.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the contact area of ​​a friction member, preferably of each friction member, is blunt, i.e. devoid of a sharp edge, so as to increase the contact area with the plant and improve the ability of the friction member to drive the plant by friction.

[0078] The action of the material ridges 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 ridge passes over the plant, combined with the application, by the ridge, of a force tending to laterally separate the plant, and thus to put it under tension or compression depending on the orientation of the ridge, preferably under tension. This dual action destructures the plant and weakens it.

[0079] In one embodiment, the weeding tool includes means for pushing the brush, preferably elastically, towards the ground. Preferably, the pushing force is adjustable. Through simple trials, the operator can thus adjust this force to the plants in order to obtain the desired effect.

[0080] In one embodiment, the wiper is rotatably mounted on the base, of 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 cylinder or a spring, pushes the brush 22 towards the ground ([Fig.1]).

[0081] Preferably, the friction area is kept horizontal, except in the case of impact with an obstacle other than a plant, for example a stone. Crushing wheel

[0082] The crushing wheel 23, preferably substantially vertical, is designed to crush the plant material. When the plant material has a stem, the crushing action is exerted towards the axis of the stem. This complements the tensioning action, due to lateral traction, and the twisting action. The breakdown of the plant material is thus considerably improved.

[0083] A front crushing wheel, in front of the brush(s), makes it possible, in a simple way, to considerably reduce the rigidity of the plant, and thus facilitates its torsion by the brush.

[0084] The crushing wheel 23 is conventionally mounted for rotation, preferably free, on the support.

[0085] 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.

[0086] The width of the crushing wheel 23, measured transversely, is preferably substantially the same as the width of the friction zone. In particular, it may be greater than 10 cm, greater than 20 cm, greater than 50 cm, and / or less than 300 cm.

[0087] Preferably, the crushing wheel 23 has on its rolling surface a plurality of fins 32. The fins 32 allow the plants to be pinched.

[0088] 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 shown in Figure 6.

[0089] Preferably, fins 32, preferably the fins of the first assembly or all the fins, extend along 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°.

[0090] According to one embodiment, fins 32, preferably the fins of the second set or all the fins, extend along a fin direction D32 forming a angle a is greater than 100°, 110°, 120°, 130° and / or less than 170°, 160°, 150°, 140°, preferably equal to 135°.

[0091] Preferably, the fins extend perpendicularly to the cylindrical rolling surface 36 of the crushing wheel.

[0092] Preferably, the fins that are visible when observing the crushing wheel seen from above (view (B) of [Fig.6]) point forward, that is to say that if one follows one of these fins from its end furthest from the median transverse plane P23, one moves forward as one approaches this plane.

[0093] Preferably, all the fins have the same shape and dimensions. In the preferred embodiment of [Fig. 6], they have the shape of flat, rectangular plates.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] The fins 32 allow, in service, to exert a very high compression force on a reduced surface of the plants, which makes it possible in particular to break the stems. This compression complements the destructive action resulting from the twisting and the tensioning resulting from the passage of the wiper 22.

[0098] In one embodiment, not illustrated, the front crushing wheel pushes the plant backward. The friction exerted by the brush not only moves the plant laterally but also pushes it forward. The plant's anchorage in the soil by its roots resists this forward thrust. The plant is thus compressed along the direction of travel, which further enhances its breakdown. Sprayer

[0099] Preferably, the weeding tool also includes a sprayer 40, which can be common to several weeding tools ([Fig.1]).

[0100] The sprayer conventionally comprises a herbicide tank 42, at least a spray nozzle 44, a line 46 connecting the nozzle and the inside of the tank with fluid and an actuator, for example a compressor or a pressurized air source 48, capable of pushing the herbicide from the tank to the nozzle.

[0101] The spray nozzle is preferably arranged so as to project a herbicide onto plants that have been treated by a brush. The spray nozzle can, for example, be located immediately behind a brush, or behind the rear crusher wheel.

[0102] Thanks to the passage of the scrubber(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. Examples

[0103] The figures represent different examples according to the invention. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0104] Figure 2 shows a wiper in a preferred embodiment. It comprises a support 26 in the form of a substantially horizontal plate extended forward by a spatula 28. The support is pivotally mounted on the base 20 about 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 passing a stone. For this purpose, the connecting rod that links the pivot and the plate is inclined backwards, as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0105] The plate defines a friction zone 30 which carries friction elements shaped and / or arranged so that when the friction zone slides horizontally on a plant V, it carries the plant V along, rolling it against the ground while moving it laterally.

[0106] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate different embodiments enabling this result to be obtained.

[0107] In [Fig. 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).

[0108] On [Fig.4] (A), the friction zone has a set of straight and parallel ridges, oriented so as to deflect the plant V to the right.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the first and second rubers have friction zones as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, respectively (or as illustrated in Figures 4 and 3, respectively). The plant material is thus successively rolled to the right, then to the left, or vice versa.

[0110] A similar effect is possible with the arrangement of the ridges shown in [Fig.4] (D).

[0111] In the embodiment illustrated in embodiments (B) and (C) of [Fig. 4], the ridges form chevrons that tend to spread the plant by pulling it simultaneously to the right and to the left (embodyment (B)), or by compressing it towards the median plane P22 (embodyment (C)). The two parts of the chevrons can be offset, as in embodiment (J).

[0112] The support can have any shape, for example the shape of a bar (embodyment (E) of [Fig.4]), or of several bars (embodyment (F) of [Fig.4]), or of a frame.

[0113] The height of the ridges can vary according to the direction of their length.

[0114] Embodiments (F) and (G) of [Fig. 4] illustrate the presence of organs of small friction. These organs, however, have a shape and / or are arranged in such a way as to collectively push the plant apart laterally, to the right or to the left.

[0115] In embodiment (G) of [Fig. 4], the friction elements are regularly distributed. They can also be randomly distributed. Lateral traction then results from the shape and orientation of the friction elements.

[0116] In embodiment (K) of [Fig.7], the friction members are ridges which cross to form one or more crosses.

[0117] In embodiment (L) of [Fig.7], the friction members are ridges which form chevrons whose point is "blunt", that is to say, not pointed.

[0118] Figure 8 illustrates embodiments in which the friction elements 24 are ridges. To ensure rotation of the plant, the ridges can be vertical and bear ridges 50 (embodyment (A)) or grooves 52 (embodyment (B)), for example, straight or helical. The ridges can be inclined with respect to the vertical, and preferably extend in a transverse plane (embodyment (C)). Of course, they can then also bear ridges and / or grooves.

[0119] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples described and represented, which are provided by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples.

[0120] In particular, the various examples described above can be combined.

[0121] The invention can also be used to avoid the wicking effect.

Claims

Demands

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

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

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

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, during the same pass of the weeding device over the plant, one or more of steps cl) and c2), and a) where the preceding claim applies, are repeated more than 2 times.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, immediately after a pass of the weeding device, a weed-killing product is applied to the plant.

6. Weeding tool intended to be towed, in a direction of advancement (A), by an agricultural machine so as to weed soil on which a plant (V) has grown, said tool comprising - a base (20), - a brush (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, by twisting the plant.

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

8. Tool according to the immediately preceding claim, wherein the The crushing wheel is in front of the brush, so as to flatten the vegetation according to the direction of travel.

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

10. Tool according to any one of the four immediately preceding claims, wherein at least one friction member comprises a straight bead of material (24) extending along a bead direction (D24) forming with a plane perpendicular to the direction of advancement, or "transverse plane", an angle ô - greater than 10° and less than 80°; or - greater than 100° and less than 170°.

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

12. Tool according to any one of the six immediately preceding claims, wherein the scrubber has the form of a pad whose lower surface is provided with said friction members, the scrubber comprising a spatula configured to, in service, fold down and guide the plant under the pad.

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

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