Inter-plant maintenance system for row plantings

Abstract

Inter-plant soil maintenance system for row plantings Soil working system (2) intended to be secured to a motorized machine (1), the system (2) comprising a fixing assembly (4) intended to be secured to the motorized machine (1), a connecting assembly (5), mounted in rotation along a first working axis (T1) relative to the fixing assembly (4), the rotation between the fixing assembly (4) and the connecting assembly (5) being carried out by a first actuator (7), a sliding assembly (6), mounted in translation relative to the connecting assembly (5), the translation between the sliding assembly (6) and the connecting assembly (5) being controlled by a second actuator (8), the translation taking place along a second working axis (T2) of direction parallel to the first working axis (T1), the system (2) integrating a working tool (9) secured to the sliding assembly (6). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 4.

Description

Title of the invention: Inter-plant maintenance system for row plantings

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of maintenance between plantations or between plants, and more particularly, an inter-plant maintenance system, intended for inter-plant soil work, that is to say between two plants on the same line.

[0002] The inter-plant maintenance system according to the invention, also referred to as “system” in the remainder of this text, belongs to the field of agricultural machinery carried by a self-propelled vehicle, and intended to be moved between at least two plants in a row.

[0003] By "row plantings" is meant, for example, row plantings of vines, trees such as fir trees and / or horticultural plants.

[0004] Inter-plant maintenance, and in particular between two plants, is of great importance for row crops, and in particular for viticulture. In viticulture, we speak of "inter-vine" maintenance.

[0005] The soil interacts with the plantation that the user wishes to cultivate. Also, the maintenance of the soil aims to obtain favorable conditions for the development of the plantations in line.

[0006] Such maintenance includes in particular the control of unwanted plants, or weeds, referred to in the vernacular as "weeds". Such plants in fact capture rainwater, but also nutrients from the soil, and consequently enter into competition with the plantations, harming their proper development. Weeds can thus have a negative impact on yields.

[0007] Until very recently, due to their practicality, such control of unwanted plants was generally carried out by almost exclusively applying herbicide to the inter-plant surface.

[0008] However, European and French regulatory texts, for example the Ecophyto plans and the European Framework Directive 2009 / 128 / EC, invite users to reduce the use of phytosanitary products. Alternative methods of soil maintenance to chemical products are therefore encouraged.

[0009] In the absence of the use of chemical products, the producer or winegrower can use mechanical techniques, by means of inter-plant tools, referred to in the rest of the text as “tools” to maintain the soil, such as a hoe, disc, ploughshare, mower or star.

[0010] Such tools have been known for a long time, since they were used before the appearance of phytosanitary products. However, such mechanical tools were operated manually. manually or through an animal, for example a horse.

[0011] Nowadays, the actuation of tools is mechanized, by means of a mechanized machine, for example a tractor, a straddle tractor or a crawler. The tools are pulled by a mechanized machine, the tool being associated with the mechanized machine by a tool holder. The tool and tool holder assembly is referred to in the remainder of the text as a “working machine”.

[0012] In general, such a tool holder is in the form of a mechanical structure in the form of a chassis having a fixing location, making it possible to secure the tool holder to the mechanized machine, and one or more tool fixing points. In order to be able to approach the plantations as closely as possible, the tools are arranged on the lateral part of the chassis of the tool holder.

[0013] Typically, such inter-plant tools comprise a support part, and a tool part, in contact with the soil to be maintained, the tool part being pivotable relative to the support part. The inter-plant tools are provided with a sensor system detecting the plants, making it possible to activate an actuator acting on the rotation between the support part and the tool part. In this way, the tool part can be moved sufficiently far away from the plants, avoiding any collision which could result in damaging the plants. This is called "erasing" the tool.

[0014] The securing of an inter-plant system on the tool holder is typically carried out in the following manner. The inter-plant tool is positioned at a predetermined height on a fixing point. Such a height corresponds to the height at which the working part must act, for example close to the surface of the ground in the case of a mower, or in depth for a hoe or a working blade. Once the height is set, the user locks the tool, so that it is fixed vertically.

[0015] Such inter-plant working machines generally give satisfaction to users, but are not without drawbacks.

[0016] Indeed, in the tools of the state of the art, it is not possible to maintain the soil without using a tool holder. However, such tool holders are bulky and heavy, requiring that they be fixed to the rear of motorized machines. Also, the user must turn around to view the inter-plant system during operation, which is problematic from the point of view of ergonomics, as well as safety.

[0017] Furthermore, row crops are rarely established on flat land, particularly in viticulture where the vines are often planted on hillsides with varying slopes. Also, the working height is variable, requiring the user to frequently vary the height of the working part of the tool.

[0018] However, such a change in height is, on current inter-plant tools, long and tedious. Indeed, such an action requires the user to get off the machine. motorized, to unlock, re-adjust the height, and re-lock the tool on the tool holder. Then, the user must get back into the motorized machine. Repeating such operations wastes the user's time, causes significant fatigue, and reduces productivity.

[0019] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0020] A first object is to propose an inter-plant system whose height adjustment can be achieved with a minimum of operations, and does not require the user to get off the motorized vehicle.

[0021] A second object is to propose such a system, which can be installed on the side of a motorized vehicle.

[0022] A third object is to propose such a system, which can be used with any type of tool.

[0023] A fourth object is to propose such a system, of simple design, and having minimal bulk.

[0024] A fifth object is to propose a motorized vehicle integrating such a system.

[0025] According to a first aspect, there is proposed an inter-plant maintenance system intended to be secured to a motorized machine, the system comprising a fixing assembly intended to be secured to the motorized machine, a connecting assembly, mounted in rotation along a first working axis relative to the fixing assembly, the rotation between the fixing assembly and the connecting assembly being carried out by a first actuator, a sliding assembly, mounted in translation along a second working axis relative to the connecting assembly, the translation between the sliding assembly and the connecting assembly being controlled by a second actuator, the second working axis being parallel to the first working axis, the system integrating a working tool secured to the sliding assembly.

[0026] Advantageously, the first working axis and the second working axis extend in a vertical direction.

[0027] Advantageously, the second actuator is provided with a translation cylinder having a rod and a body, the rod being integral with the sliding assembly, the body being articulated relative to the connecting assembly.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the fixing assembly comprises a frame having a cylindrical opening of revolution comprising a cylindrical wall, the connecting assembly comprising a rotating part integrating pivot faces defining a contour complementary to the cylindrical wall.

[0029] Advantageously, the connecting assembly comprises a support plate integrating an actuating rod projecting in a vertical direction, the first actuator integrating a single-acting rotation cylinder and a return spring both arranged between the fixing assembly and the connecting assembly.

[0030] Advantageously, the sliding assembly comprises a slide including a profiled portion and an end portion, the working tool being secured to the end portion.

[0031] Advantageously, the rotating part incorporates a cavity, the profiled portion being able to slide within the cavity, the profiled portion having, along a horizontal plane, a rectangular-shaped contour, the cavity having, along a horizontal plane, a rectangular-shaped contour which matches the contour of the profiled portion.

[0032] Advantageously, the end portion comprises a plate, the working tool being fixed to said plate using fixing screws.

[0033] Advantageously, the end portion comprises a lug, a connecting plate, screwed onto the lug, the connecting plate allowing the insertion of a shaft, fixedly mounted within the connecting plate so as to project in a horizontal direction, the shaft being inserted into a bore formed at the free end of the rod.

[0034] According to a second aspect, a motorized vehicle is proposed comprising a system, the system being secured to the motorized vehicle.

[0035] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly and concretely on reading the following description of embodiments, which is given with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0036] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents a schematic perspective view of a machine motorized, partially illustrated, equipped with an inter-plant system, the system being represented;

[0037] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a schematic perspective view of a system, the system being represented in the raised position;

[0038] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a schematic perspective view of a system, the system being shown in the lowered position;

[0039] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents a schematic exploded perspective view of a system ;

[0040] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents a schematic top view of the system;

[0041] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents a schematic perspective view of the machine motorized, partially represented, equipped with a system, the system being in the process of detecting a plantation.

[0042] Reference is made to [Fig.l] representing a mechanized machine 1 (partially represented) comprising an inter-plant system 2. Such a system 2 makes it possible to carry out soil maintenance operations S.

[0043] Without this being limiting, the mechanized machine 1 is a tractor, but in other implementations not shown, the mechanized machine 1 is a straddle carrier, a crawler or any other agricultural vehicle capable of supporting the system 2. In this way, the system 2 is adaptable to a large number of agricultural vehicles.

[0044] In the embodiment shown, the system 2 is directly fixed to a fixing location 3 arranged on the mechanized machine, without it being necessary to use a specific tool holder.

[0045] In other embodiments not shown, use is made of a tool holder, intended to be fixed to the rear of a motorized machine. Such a tool holder is known from the state of the art, the system 2 being able to be fixed to a fixing location 3 intended for fixing tools.

[0046] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 6, the fixing location 3 is arranged on the side of the mechanized machine, which allows the user to have the system 2 close to his field of vision: the user only has to lower his head to be able to see the fixing system evolving during the ground maintenance operations. The user does not need to turn around, and to look away from the inter-plant for too long.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the system 2 is intended for work between at least two vine stocks. However, the system 2 finds application for any type of row cultivation, in particular arboriculture, for example fruit arboriculture, and forestry.

[0048] As shown in the figures, the system 2 comprises a fixing assembly 4, a connecting assembly 5, and a sliding assembly 6.

[0049] As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the connecting assembly 5 is pivotally mounted along a first working axis T1 relative to the fixing assembly 4, the rotation between the fixing assembly 4 and the connecting assembly 5 being carried out by a first actuator 7.

[0050] As can be seen in the figures, the sliding assembly 6 is mounted in translation relative to the connecting assembly 5, the translation between the translation assembly along a second working axis T2, the connecting assembly 5 being controlled by a second actuator 8, the second working axis T2 having the same direction.

[0051] In the embodiment shown, the first working axis T1 and the second working axis T2 both extend in a vertical direction, and are merged. Such a characteristic is favorable with regard to the compactness of the system 2.

[0052] As can be seen in the figures, the system integrates a working tool 9. In the embodiment shown, the working tool 9 is passive, that is to say, is not itself driven by any movement of its own, and integrates a blade allowing the removal of weeds and the aeration of the soil.

[0053] In other embodiments, use is made of other passive work tools 9, for example a hoe, a ploughshare, a hoeing finger, or even a multipurpose brush.

[0054] In other embodiments, the working tool 9 is an active tool, i.e. one that is itself driven by its own movement. Thus, the working tool 9 may be rotary, for example a lump-breaking disc, a hoeing star, or a mower.

[0055] For the remainder of this text, we define with respect to system 2 an orthogonal reference frame XYZ comprising three axes perpendicular two by two, namely: - an X axis, defining a longitudinal direction, coincident with the direction of extension of the tool 9; - a Y axis, defining a transverse, horizontal direction, which with the X axis defines a horizontal XY plane; - a Z axis, coincident with the general extension direction of the sliding assembly 4, defining a vertical direction, in the horizontal XY plane.

[0056] The XY plane is defined as a horizontal plane, the YZ plane as a transverse plane, and the ZX plane as a vertical plane.

[0057] As shown in the figures, the fixing assembly 4 is secured to the mechanized machine 1, via the fixing location 3.

[0058] The system 2 can give the working tool 9 a rotational movement, visible in [Fig.5], allowing it to avoid, to erase the plantations P located in its trajectory, in order to avoid damaging them, but also a vertical translational movement, allowing it to adapt the height or depth at which the working tool 9 is located relative to the ground S.

[0059] It is thus possible to position several different work tools 9 working at different heights on the same motorized machine.

[0060] Thus, in [Fig. 2], the system 2 is positioned in a raised position, the working tool 9 being positioned at a greater distance than the system 2 in the lowered position as shown in [Fig. 3]. In this way, it is possible to adjust the action height of the working tool 9, and thus to adapt to any type of terrain, without it being necessary for the user to get off the mechanized machine 1.

[0061] The fixing assembly 4 is described more precisely, with particular reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0062] Advantageously, the fixing assembly 4 comprises a frame 11 having a cylindrical opening 12 of revolution having a cylindrical wall 13, allowing the insertion of the connecting assembly 5, in contact with the cylindrical wall 13.

[0063] The frame 11 is intended to be secured to the motorized machine 1, and comprises for example a fixing arm 14, projecting from the surface 10 of the frame 11. Such a fixing arm 14 comprises a fixing plate 16, substantially flat, and capable of being screwed onto the fixing location 3. Such fixing of the system 2 is easily achievable.

[0064] Advantageously, a connecting plate 17 is provided, arranged between the frame 11 and the fixing plate 16, so as to allow the transmission of forces.

[0065] Advantageously, the fixing assembly 4 comprises a support arm 18 projecting from the surface 10, provided for example at its end with a support rod 19. The support rod 19 provides a fixing point for the first actuator 7.

[0066] The connecting assembly 5 will now be described, also with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0067] In the embodiment shown, the connecting assembly 5 incorporates a rotating part 20 inserted into the cylindrical opening 12. The rotating part 20 is intended to pivot relative to the working axis T1, and is actuated by means of the first actuator 7. The rotating part 20 makes it possible to clear the working tool 9 when it approaches too close to the plantations P.

[0068] As can be seen [Fig.4], the rotating part 20 is held vertically in the vertical direction by means of a stop ring 21 opposing gravity, the stop ring being for example held on the frame 11 by means of a cover 15.

[0069] Advantageously, the stop ring 21 is made of bronze, such a material offering interesting sliding properties.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling assembly 5 includes friction plates 22, visible [Fig.4], for example four in number, each having a pivoting face 22a. The set of pivoting faces 22a makes it possible to define a cylindrical contour complementary to the cylindrical opening 12, and in particular to the cylindrical wall 13. The friction plates 22 are interposed between the cylindrical wall 13 and the coupling assembly 5. The friction plates 22 include pivoting faces 22a which act as a smooth bearing for rotation.

[0071] Advantageously, the coupling assembly 5 includes an upper part 23 incorporating a support plate 24 enabling a fixing point to be created for actuating the rotation of the coupling assembly 5 relative to the fixing assembly 4.

[0072] Advantageously, the support plate 24 is provided with an actuating rod 25, offset relative to the first working axis TL. In this way, the exertion of a mechanical force on the actuating rod 25 has the effect of rotating the connecting assembly 5 in particular with the aid of the first actuator 7.

[0073] More specifically, the first actuator 7 advantageously comprises a rotation cylinder 26 comprising a rod 27 articulated to the actuating rod 25, and a body 28 articulated to the support rod 19.

[0074] In the embodiment shown, the rotation cylinder 26 is a single-acting cylinder, which makes it possible to limit the fluid circuitry. Thus, the exit of the rod 27 from the body 28 has the consequence of exerting a thrust aimed at pivoting the connection assembly 5 relative to the fixing assembly 4.

[0075] Once the rod is in the extended position, the return of the rod 27 to its initial position within the body 28 is achieved by means of a return spring 29, arranged between the support rod 19 and the actuating rod 25.

[0076] Advantageously, a device 30 is provided for adjusting the tension of the return spring 29. Such an adjustment device 30 comprises, for example, an adjustment rod 31 fixed to an end portion 32 of the return spring 29, the adjustment rod 31 being pressed into an adjustment hole 33 passing through the support rod 19. The tension is adjusted by moving the adjustment rod 31 so as to obtain the desired tension of the return spring 29, then by blocking said movement, by means of a nut (not visible in the figures).

[0077] Advantageously, a locking axis 34 is provided which, by extending vertically, passes through the support plate 24 to extend into a hole (not visible in the figures) within the frame 11. In this way, it is possible to lock in a predetermined position, so as to allow road circulation of the mechanized machine 1 equipped with the system 2.

[0078] The sliding assembly 6 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0079] Advantageously, and as visible [Fig.4], the sliding assembly 6 comprises a slide 35 integrating a profiled portion 36 and an end portion 37, the working tool 9 being secured to the end portion 37.

[0080] The profiled portion 36 is advantageously inserted within the connecting assembly 5, preferably within the rotating part 20. Such a rotating part 20 is provided with a cavity (not visible in the figures) arranged within it, the cavity receiving the profiled portion 36.

[0081] In order to allow for a strict translational movement, i.e. without rotation, between the connecting assembly 5 and the sliding assembly 6, the profiled portion 36 advantageously extends vertically. Such a configuration is compact, and limits the number of parts, and consequently the mass of the system 2, allowing it to be fixed to the side of the motorized vehicle 1.

[0082] Advantageously, the profiled portion 36 comprises, along a horizontal plane, a rectangular-shaped contour, the cavity having, along a horizontal plane, a rectangular-shaped contour which matches the contour of the profiled portion 36. It is thus possible to produce a telescopic translation means between the profiled portion 36 and the rotating part 20. In this way, the size and mass of the system 2 are limited.

[0083] In the configuration described above, the rotation of the connecting assembly 5 relative to the fixing assembly 4 causes the rotation of the sliding assembly 6, without excluding the possibility that the sliding assembly 6 can translate within the connecting assembly 5.

[0084] In the embodiment described, and as shown [Fig.4], the profiled portion 36 has a hollow 39, allowing the passage of the second actuator 8. More particularly, and advantageously, the second actuator 7 is provided with a translation cylinder provided with a rod 41 and a body 42.

[0085] Advantageously, the rod 41, which extends within the hollow 39 of the profiled portion 36, has a free end 59 pivotally mounted relative to the profiled portion 36. Such a configuration limits the size of the system 2.

[0086] More specifically, and advantageously, the end portion 37 comprises a lug 56, a connecting plate 57, integral with the lug 56, the connecting plate 57 allowing the insertion of a shaft 58, mounted fixedly within the plate 57 so as to project in a horizontal direction, the shaft 58 being inserted into a bore formed at the free end of the rod 41.

[0087] Advantageously, as shown in [Fig.4], the body 42 is attached to the rotating part 20, for example via a joint 43, placed in a recess 44 formed within the support plate 24.

[0088] Due to the above-described arrangements, the translation cylinder is protected from external attacks, ensuring the lifespan of the system 2.

[0089] Advantageously, the extreme portion 37 allows the attachment of the working tool 9, and a detection means 46, which can both thus be rotated and pivoted about a vertical axis.

[0090] Advantageously, the extreme portion includes a fixing plate 45, defining for example a horizontal fixing surface (not visible in the figures), suitable for contributing to the fixing of the working tool 9, and more particularly a fixing part 47 of a working tool 9, for example by means of fixing screws 55. A working tool 9 can thus be easily replaced by another type of working tool, giving the system 2 a great versatility of use.

[0091] So as to avoid any collision between an active part 48 of the working tool 9, the detection means 46 incorporates a feeler 49 connected to a presence sensor 50.

[0092] More specifically, as visible [Fig.4], the feeler 49 comprises a support 51, articulated relative to the end portion 37 along a vertical axis, and a curved rod 52 extending in a substantially horizontal plane. The support 51 comprises a cam 53, capable of pressing on the presence sensor 50, allowing its activation.

[0093] The curved rod 52 comprises an end tip 54 positioned so as to have an axial offset relative to the active part 48, as can be seen in [Fig. 5]. Thus, when using the system 2, the end tip 54 comes into contact with any obstacles before the active part 48.

[0094] Thus, as can be seen in [Fig.6], when the working tool 9 is in contact with the ground (and is therefore active) and the feeler 49 touches a plantation P, by example a vine stock, the support 51, due to the advancement of the motorized machine 1, pivots causing the movement of the cam 53.

[0095] Such a movement of the cam 53 has the consequence of activating the presence sensor 50, which sends to a control means (not shown) the information of the presence of a plantation P in the vicinity of the system 2.

[0096] The control means then activates the first actuator 7, causing the rotation of the connecting part 5 and the sliding part 6, which allows the pivoting of the working tool 9 in the positive direction, i.e. from the X axis to the Y axis, thereby erasing said working tool 9.

[0097] System 2 as described above offers many advantages, in particular: - ease of manufacture, since few specific parts are used; - great versatility due to the possibility of using a large number of 9 different work tools; - the possibility of use in a large number of different terrain configurations, thanks to vertical adjustment.

Claims

Claims

1. Inter-plant maintenance system (2) intended to be secured to a motorized machine (1), the system (2) comprising - a fixing assembly (4) intended to be secured to the motorized machine (1); - a connecting assembly (5), mounted in rotation along a first working axis (T1) relative to the fixing assembly (4), the rotation between the fixing assembly (4) and the connecting assembly (5) being carried out by a first actuator (7); - a sliding assembly (6), mounted in translation along a second working axis (T2) relative to the connecting assembly (5), the translation between the sliding assembly (6) and the connecting assembly (5) being controlled by a second actuator (8), the second working axis (T2) being parallel to the first working axis (T1), the system (2) integrating a working tool (9) secured to the sliding assembly (6).

2. System (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first working axis (T1) and the second working axis (T2) extend in a vertical direction.

3. System (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second actuator (8) is provided with a translation cylinder provided with a rod (41) and a body (42), the rod (41) being integral with the sliding assembly (6), the body (42) being articulated relative to the connecting assembly (5).

4. System (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fixing assembly comprises a frame (11) having a cylindrical opening (12) of revolution comprising a cylindrical wall (13), the connecting assembly (5) comprising a rotating part (20) integrating pivoting faces (22a) defining a contour complementary to the cylindrical wall (13).

5. System (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connecting assembly comprises a support plate (24) integrating an actuating rod (25) projecting in a vertical direction, the first actuator (7) integrating a single-acting rotation cylinder (26) and a return spring (29) both arranged between the fixing assembly (4) and the connecting assembly (5).

6. System (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, ca- characterized in that the sliding assembly (4) comprises a slide (35) including a profiled portion (36) and an end portion (37), the working tool (9) being secured to the end portion (37).

7. System (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rotating part (20) incorporates a cavity, the profiled portion (36) being able to slide within the cavity, the profiled portion (36) having, along a horizontal plane, a rectangular-shaped contour, the cavity having, along a horizontal plane, a rectangular-shaped contour which matches the contour of the profiled portion (36).

8. System (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the end portion (37) comprises a plate (45), the working tool (9) being fixed on said plate (45) using fixing screws (55).

9. System (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the end portion (37) comprises a tab (56), a connecting plate (57), screwed onto the tab (56), the connecting plate (57) allowing the insertion of a shaft (58), fixedly mounted within the connecting plate (57) so as to project in a horizontal direction, the shaft (58) being inserted into a bore formed at the free end (59) of the rod (41).

10. Motorized vehicle (1) comprising a system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, the system (2) being secured to the motorized vehicle (1).

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