A soil-working implement, more specifically designed to equip a plow, and a plow equipped with at least one such soil-working implement.

Abstract

Soil-working element, more particularly intended for equipping a plow, and plow equipped with at least one such soil-working element. The present invention relates to a soil-working element, more particularly intended for equipping a plow, the working element comprising a profiled front part (1), preferably made from a metallic base material, having a front edge forming a cutting edge (1b) for making a vertical cut in the soil, a working face (1a), and a lower edge (1c) forming, with the cutting edge (1b), a cutting angle (A). It is characterized in that it further comprises a front band (2) of hard material, covering the cutting edge (1b) over a predetermined overlap length to protect the cutting edge (1b) from wear. The invention also relates to a plow equipped with at least one such soil-working element. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Soil-working device, more particularly intended for equipping a plow, and plow equipped with at least one such soil-working device

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of agricultural machinery, more particularly to soil-working tools used for plowing and intended to be fitted to a plow. It relates to a soil-working element, more particularly intended to be fitted to a plow. It also relates to a plow equipped with at least one such soil-working element.

[0002] During tillage, it is the tillage parts (or components or tools) in contact with the soil that wear down through friction, and the quality of the work is directly dependent on the condition of these parts. Tillage is known to be essential for preparing a field and optimizing crop yields, and the nature of the soil and working conditions will have a direct impact on the lifespan of these tillage parts, also referred to in this application as working parts. Regular replacement of worn working parts is essential to maintain tillage efficiency. Equipped with new working parts, the machine's performance is restored. Often, the cost of these spare parts represents a considerable portion of the user's expenses.

[0003] Plowing is a soil preparation technique that consists of cutting the soil into one or more strips and turning it over. A plow has a frame that supports the plow body, particularly in the respective Middle Ages. The plow body traditionally includes a support called the plowshare, to which the share and moldboard are attached. The share cuts horizontally into the strip of soil, and then the moldboard lifts the strip of soil to turn it over. The share is a steel blade with a sharp cutting edge, and the moldboard is a metal blade curved outwards to guide the strip of soil as it is turned over. Thus, the share and moldboard are subject to significant wear due to friction against the soil.

[0004] The plow frame can also carry complementary working parts of the plow body, such as skimmers. A skimmer consists of a small share and a small moldboard (compared to the moldboard of the plow body) and is installed at the front of the plow body.

[0005] On a plow used for plowing fields, the working parts are therefore, for example, the plow body, the skimmer or a working part, such as a point, a share, a moldboard or a stem, forming a part, generally detachable (or removable), of a plow body or a skimmer.

[0006] The quality of work depends on the condition of these working parts, and due to wear / abrasion from contact with the ground, they must be replaced regularly, resulting in high maintenance costs. It is known to rebuild worn working parts to extend their lifespan, but rebuilding by welding has the disadvantage of significantly heating the working part and thus deforming it. Using deformed working parts will deteriorate the quality of work and also impact productivity.

[0007] To maintain the shape and dimensions of working parts throughout their wear, it is known to use working parts fitted with carbide inserts that fit within the base thickness of the working part, or even extend beyond it. However, the cost of these working parts is high because they undergo several operations such as machining the seat to receive the inserts, brazing the inserts, and possibly heat treatment. This insert attachment process requires a steel working part with a greater thickness than that of a standard steel working part. This additional thickness will increase the weight of the working part and therefore the total weight of the plow that will be equipped with several of these working parts.On the other hand, impacts with pebbles or rocks can damage these carbide inserts and cause damage, or even premature breakage, of the working part. Therefore, the use of carbide inserts is not recommended in soils with a high stony content. Furthermore, the presence of carbide inserts on the working face of a working part, particularly the working face of a moldboard, does not adequately protect exposed areas such as the leading edge, or even a leading edge. An additional difficulty lies in attaching these inserts to a curved, non-straight profile of a working part, especially its working side face extending the leading edge towards the rear of the working part.

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by offering a more economical soil-working device with increased longevity regardless of the conditions of use, i.e. in sandy soils as well as in soils containing pebbles or rocks.

[0009] The soil-working element, according to the present invention, more particularly intended to equip a plow, the working element comprising a profiled front part, preferably made from a metallic base material, having a front edge forming a cutting edge enabling a vertical cut in the soil, a working face, a lower edge forming, with the cutting edge, an angle of attack, characterized in that it further comprises a front strip of hard material, covering the cutting edge over a predetermined overlap length to protect the leading edge from wear. Preferably the front band of hard material consists of at least one bead of material, of the weld bead type, resulting from the fusion of the base material of the profiled front part with at least one filler material, for example tungsten carbide.

[0010] The present invention also relates to a plow equipped with at least one working element. The working element(s) is a soil-working element according to the present invention and consists of:

[0011] - a plow body, or a skimmer, comprising a moldboard with or without a stem, the the streamlined front part of the working element being then formed by the front part of the moldboard or the stem, or

[0012] - a moldboard, with or without a stem, the profiled front part of the working element being then formed by the front part of the moldboard or the stem, or

[0013] - a bow, the streamlined front part of the working member then being formed by the forward part of the bow.

[0014] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to at least one preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0015] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a working element according to the present invention of the type plough body without a prow,

[0016] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a working member according to the present invention of the type of plow body with prow,

[0017] [Fig.3] is a schematic profile view of a bow according to the present invention,

[0018] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of detail DD of the bow shown in [Fig.3],

[0019] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view of detail CC of the bow shown in [Fig.3],

[0020] [Fig.6] is a profile view of the lateral area with a raised hard material,

[0021] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional view of detail BB of the lateral area with hard material relief represented in [Fig.6],

[0022] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of the bow shown in [Fig.3],

[0023] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the bow shown in [Fig.3], in a alternative bow orientation,

[0024] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of a working member according to the present invention of the rasette type.

[0025] [Fig. 11] is a profile view of the lateral area with relief of hard material in one variant.

[0026] The accompanying figures show, in whole and in part, a soil-working element according to the present invention, more particularly intended for equipping a plow. The working element comprises a profiled front part 1 having a leading edge 1b enabling a vertical cut of the ground, a working face and a lower edge forming it with the leading edge 1b an angle of attack A.

[0027] The working face la, particularly of a working element such as a plow body C, skimmer R, moldboard V, VI or share E, corresponds more specifically to the (lateral) face on which the cut strip of soil slides (from bottom to top) to be turned over. The working face la has a particular shape with a curvature designed to turn over the strip of soil.

[0028] Figure 1 represents a plow body C intended to be fitted to a plow (not shown). The plow body C is an example of a soil-working element according to the present invention. The plow body C comprises a support element Cl to which, in particular, a share C3 and a moldboard V are attached. The plow body C is more generally composed of working elements, for example, the share C3, the moldboard V, and connecting elements such as a support element Cl. The share C3's function is to cut a horizontal strip of soil to the required depth. It forms the lower part of the plow body C. The share C3 is extended rearward by the moldboard V, which is the part of the plow body C that lifts and turns over the strip of soil. For this purpose, the share C3 is fixed in front of the moldboard V in an oblique and transverse position relative to the direction of travel.The C3 share is a trapezoidal steel blade with a sharp leading edge designed to cut horizontally into the soil. To improve soil penetration, the C3 share can be fitted with a C4 point. The C4 point can be directly attached to the C3 share and serve as a wear part for the C3 share and, consequently, for the plow body C.

[0029] The moldboard V is a metal blade curved outwards to lift the cut strip of soil and guide it as it is turned over. The moldboard V is fixed to the plow body C so as to extend the share C3 upwards and backwards. The moldboard V is usually larger than the share C3. The moldboard V has, in its front part 1, a cutting edge 1b designed to vertically slice the strip of soil to be turned over. As the plow body C advances into the soil, its working parts make two cuts: a vertical cut made by the moldboard V and a horizontal cut made at the required depth by the share C3. The strip of soil thus detached is carried onto the moldboard V to be lifted and turned over into the furrow created by the previous plow body. These two cuts result in a furrow delimited by a vertical wall that forms the furrow wall and a horizontal furrow bottom.The action of the plow body C therefore creates a furrow formed by an open furrow and a strip of turned-over soil which rests more or less on the previous strip of soil.

[0030] To allow adaptation to different soil types and soil moisture levels at the time of plowing, there are multiple moldboard shapes. Moldboards can be more or less long, tall, and curved. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a moldboard V fitted to a plow body C, while [Fig. 10] illustrates the moldboard VI of a skimmer R. The moldboard VI of the skimmer R is a smaller soil-working tool.

[0031] As shown in [Fig. 10], the skimmer R consists of a share RI and a moldboard VI and is designed to be fitted to a plow. The skimmer R also includes a shim that serves as a support for the share RI and the moldboard VL. The skimmer R will perform work before the passage of the plow body C. The operation of the skimmer R is similar to that of the plow body C. It will penetrate the soil to a depth of a few centimeters in order to bury plant residues. The moldboard VI of the skimmer R will function as a small moldboard, compared to the larger moldboard V of the plow body C. The moldboard VI will lift and turn over the (thin) top layer of soil covered with weeds or crop residues, throwing it to the side. The share RI of the skimmer R plays a similar role to that of the share C3 of a plow body C, but on a smaller scale and for shallower cutting.The R skimmer is mounted as an additional piece of equipment to the C plow body.

[0032] Advantageously, the plow body C also includes a counter-seat C2 which prevents the seat Cl from rubbing against the wall. The counter-seat C2 can be considered a wear part; it is attached to the seat Cl by means of a bolt. The counter-seat C2 protects the seat Cl and the strut of the plow body C. The counter-seat C2 stabilizes the plow by friction against the plow wall.

[0033] More particularly, the moldboard V of [Fig. 1] can constitute a soil-working element according to the invention since it comprises a front part 1, a leading edge 1b, a working face 1a, and a cutting angle A. The lower edge 1 of the moldboard V is in contact with the share C3. More particularly, the lower edge 1a is in contact with the edge opposite the cutting front edge of the share C3. This contact allows for a smooth transition between the share C3 and the moldboard V. The face intended to be in contact with the soil is the working face 1a of the moldboard V. The strip of soil will slide along this working face to be ultimately turned over. In the absence of a coulter, it is the front part of the moldboard V, by means of its leading edge 1b, that will vertically cut the strip of soil. A coulter is an accessory to the plow body C which, placed at the front of it, performs a vertical cutting action.The coulter is generally placed in front of the front edge 1b of the moldboard V.

[0034] During the operation of the plow body C in the soil, wear occurs due to friction with aggregates of varying abrasiveness, such as sand, silica, and the presence of stones. In dry and compacted soils, wear in contact with the soil can also be important for soil-working components. In the case of a V-shaped moldboard, wear will be pronounced at the angle of attack A, in the front part of the V-shaped moldboard.

[0035] To avoid having to replace the entire moldboard V when the rear section is still in good condition, the moldboard V can be made up of two parts. The front section of the moldboard V can be removable. This front section can be a prow E. The prow E is a removable part that protects the front of the moldboard V. In other words, such a prow E, forming the front part 1 of the plough body C, can be mounted, preferably in a removable manner, to the front of the moldboard V in its continuity.

[0036] Figure 2 shows a plow body C comprising a two-part moldboard V, the removable front part of which forms a share E. Such plow bodies C are used on a plow that will work in particularly abrasive soils, since the share E can be replaced several times before the moldboard V needs replacing. The share E is positioned in the main wear zone of the moldboard V and will protect it and increase its lifespan. In this embodiment, it is the share E that includes the cutting edge 1b designed to vertically slice the strip of soil.

[0037] The soil working element according to the invention can be constituted by the stem E itself which includes a front part 1, a leading edge 1b, a working face and an angle of attack A. [Fig.3] represents a profile view and figures 8 and 9 are perspective views of a stem E.

[0038] To turn the strip of soil, the moldboard V is curved outwards; that is, the curvature of the moldboard V is such that the strip of soil is turned away from the edge CL. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a cylindrical moldboard V ending in a pronounced helix that facilitates the turning of the strip of soil. A cylindrical moldboard is aggressive because it breaks up clods of earth. With a high plowing speed and a hollow moldboard, the crumbling action of the strip of soil is accentuated. Due to its general cylindrical shape, the front part 1, and in particular the leading edge 1b, of the moldboard V are curved. Similarly, the stem E located at the front of the moldboard V has a general cylindrical shape. This curvature is particularly visible in figures 8 and 9. The curvature of the leading edge 1b can be more or less pronounced depending on the shape of the moldboard V.The fragmentation of the soil strip will be limited with a helical moldboard because plowing will be carried out at a limited speed and shallow depth. The universal moldboard, generally shorter, has a helical rear section and a cylindrical front section.

[0039] According to the invention, the soil-working device may consist of:

[0040] - a plough body C (Figures 1 and 2), or a skimmer R ([Fig. 10]), comprising a moldboard V, VI with or without stem E, the profiled front part 1 of the working element then being formed by the front part 1 of the moldboard V, VI or of the stem E, or

[0041] - a moldboard V, VI with or without a stem E, the profiled front part 1 of the organ The work is then formed by the front part of the moldboard V, VI ([Fig. 1]) or the stem E (figures 2, 3, 8, 9). It is understood that such a moldboard V, VI, or such a stem E, can equip (or be part of) a plough body C (figures 1 and 2) or a skimmer R ([Fig. 10]), or

[0042] - a bow E (figures 2, 3, 8, 9), the forward part 1 profiled with the working element being then formed by the front part 1 of the stem E. It is understood that such a stem can equip, for example, a plow body C, in particular a moldboard V of plow body C ([Fig.2]).

[0043] It is understood that the working element according to the present invention can be either a complete element such as a plow body C (figures 1 and 2) or a skimmer R, or a part / wearing piece of this complete element comprising the profiled front part 1 and the leading edge 1b.

[0044] According to the invention, the tillage element further comprises a front strip 2 of hard material, preferably continuous, covering the leading edge 1b over a predetermined length to protect it from wear. Thanks to this feature, the wear resistance of the leading edge 1b is increased (or reinforced), and the tillage element will be subject to less rapid and less significant wear. The lifespan of the leading edge 1b, and therefore of the tillage element, will be increased. The vertical cut of the front part 1 of the tillage element will remain clean and effective over a greater number of hectares.

[0045] Preferably the front band 2 consists of at least one bead of material, of the weld bead type, resulting from the fusion of the base material of the profiled front part 1 with at least one filler material, for example tungsten carbide.

[0046] The leading edge 1b, thus coated with a hard material, will have a longer service life. The hard material is a wear-resistant protective material, i.e., a wear-resistant material. The hard material can be a high-hardness alloy, for example, chromium cast iron, boron steel, or tungsten carbide. By having the leading edge 2 coated with hard material, the hardness of the leading edge 1b will thus be increased, and consequently, the service life of the working element will be increased.

[0047] The leading edge strip 2 of hard material thus covers the leading edge 1b over a predetermined length, forming an additional thickness on the leading edge 1b, i.e., on the external (or front) surface of the leading edge 1b. The leading edge strip 2 may be recessed by at least one of the two outer and inner edges of the leading edge 1b. Preferably, the leading edge strip 2 may extend in width to the edges, at least to the outer edge of the leading edge 1b.

[0048] Generally, the profiled front part 1 of the soil-working element comprises two opposing lateral faces la, l'a, one of which forms the working face The other face, the opposite face, can form a fixing face, the a. These two lateral faces, the a and the a, extend laterally and continuously from the leading edge 1b towards the rear. The working face, the a, is intended to come into contact with the ground, while the fixing face, the a, is in contact with the CL.

[0049] Preferably, the profiled front part 1 can be made from a metallic base material, preferably steel, more preferably hardened or alloy steel. Advantageously, the moldboard V, VI, or the stem E, can be formed of three superimposed layers of steel to resist wear, deformation, and impacts. The working face la is therefore the lateral face of the working element that is predominantly in contact with the ground and is consequently subject to significant wear due to its contact and friction with the soil.

[0050] Figure 3 shows the profile of a bow E, part of whose leading edge 1b is covered by a leading edge strip 2 of hard material. The leading edge strip 2 is also visible in the perspective view of Figure 8. The leading edge strip 2 covers the leading edge 1b from the lower corner, at the leading angle A, to its upper end. The leading edge strip 2 covers almost the entire length of the leading edge 1b. Preferably, the leading edge strip 2 can cover more than 65% of the length of the leading edge 1b. More preferably, the leading edge strip 2 can cover more than 80% of the length of the leading edge 1b. According to an embodiment not shown, the leading edge strip 2 covers the entire leading edge 1b.

[0051] The profiled front portion 1 of the working element is formed by the front part of the moldboard V, VI (without the leading edge) (Figures 1, 10) or the leading edge E (Figures 2, 3, 8, 9). The front portion 1 includes the cutting edge 1b, which performs the vertical cut in the soil. During plowing, certain areas of this front portion 1 of the working element will experience greater wear than others due to soil friction. Areas of greater wear include, for example, the cutting edge 1b, the working face 1a, the area adjacent to the cutting edge 1b, or the area of ​​the cutting angle A. These areas, in contact with the soil, are highly subject to wear, particularly abrasion.

[0052] The present invention is therefore particularly concerned with the protection of the following areas: firstly, the leading edge 1, the outer edge of the leading edge 1b, then the lateral area adjacent to the leading edge 1b (i.e., to the outer edge of the leading edge 1b), and the area of ​​the leading angle A on the working face la. The present invention makes it possible to address the problem of wear on at least part of the working element, particularly in the area of ​​the leading edge 1 or an area around the leading edge 1.

[0053] The leading edge 1b may have, laterally, as is generally the case in a plow body C or a skimmer R, two external and internal edges. The edge The external edge forms a line of intersection between the front face of the leading edge 1b and the working face la. The internal edge forms a line of intersection between the front face of the leading edge 1b and the fixing face, la'.

[0054] Preferably, as can be seen in Figures 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, the profiled front portion 1 may further comprise a lateral raised area 3 of hard material covering the leading edge A on a predetermined surface of the working face la of the profiled front portion 1. This lateral raised area 3 of hard material protects the leading edge A from wear. Preferably, as can be seen in these figures, the predetermined surface is the surface of the working face la at its lower front corner. Wear is particularly significant in this area near the leading edge A; therefore, coating this area with hard material considerably improves the service life of this working element.

[0055] Preferably, the lateral raised area 3 of hard material may include a main raised area 3a, preferably continuous, of hard material. Preferably, the main raised area 3a may have a polygonal profile, preferably a triangular profile. The profile with several sides, as shown in particular in Figures 3, 6, 9, is advantageously triangular. Preferably, the main raised area 3a may extend to the level of the apex of the leading angle A (or lower front corner of the working face Ia), thus providing enhanced protection to this exposed area.

[0056] In a preferred configuration, as can be seen in particular in Figures 3, 6, 9 and 11, the main relief 3a may have an isosceles triangular profile comprising a first side 30a extending parallel to and level with, or immediately adjacent to, the leading edge 1b, a second side 31a extending parallel to and level with, or immediately adjacent to, the lower edge of the profiled front portion 1, and a base 32a connecting the first and second sides 30a, 31a. This triangular configuration provides effective protection of the leading edge area A against wear. Preferably, the lateral relief area 3, more particularly the main relief 3a, is in contact with a portion of the front band 2 covering the leading edge 1b.

[0057] Preferably, as can be seen in particular in Figures 6, 7 and 11, the lateral raised area 3 may further comprise at least one additional raised area 3b, 3c, preferably continuous, made of hard material, and preferably elongated in shape. Preferably, the additional raised area(s) 3b, 3c may be separated from each other and / or from the main raised area 3a. This separation saves hard material while maintaining a significant area of ​​surface protection in the area of ​​the angle of attack A. Preferably, each additional raised area 3b, 3c may extend parallel to the base of the main raised area 3a. Each additional raised area 3b, 3c provides additional protection for this area of ​​the profiled front portion 1 against wear. With a hard material surface area increased thanks to the addition of additional relief 3b, 3c, wear in the area of ​​the angle of attack A can be limited.

[0058] Each additional relief 3b, 3c is, for example, a strip of hard material; the hard material may preferably be identical to that of the front strip 2. The additional relief 3b may be affixed directly or at a distance from the base 32a of the main relief 3a. The additional relief 3c may be affixed directly or at a distance from the additional relief 3b.

[0059] According to a preferred feature, the additional relief 3b, 3c may extend along an axis inclined with respect to the leading edge 1b. Preferably, this inclined axis is parallel or substantially parallel to the base 32 of the triangular main relief 3a. This inclination of the additional relief 3b, 3c makes it possible to obtain a larger protective profile between the lower edge and the leading edge 1b.

[0060] The main relief 3a and / or one or more of the additional reliefs 3b, 3c may include a rounded or convex side 30b ([Fig. 1 1]). This rounded or convex side 30b may be, for example, the side forming the base of the triangular main relief 3a, particularly an isosceles triangle. In the example shown in [Fig. 1 1], the lateral relief area 3 comprises a main relief 3a and a single additional relief 3b. The additional relief 3b has a rounded side 30b. This additional relief 3b is laterally delimited by a front side, closest to the apex of the angle of attack A, and a rear side. The rear side is opposite the front side. Preferably, the rounded side 30b may be the rear side of the additional relief 3b. The rounded 30b side advantageously increases the extent of protection at the angle of attack A.

[0061] Thanks to the raised lateral area 3, the lateral area of ​​the leading edge A located on the working face la, thus covered with hard material, will have greater wear resistance and therefore a longer service life. The area of ​​the leading edge A is formed by the area between the leading edge 1b and the lower edge la, i.e. at the lower front corner of the working face la.

[0062] In a particularly advantageous manner, as can be seen in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, the profiled front portion 1 may further comprise a main lateral band 2', preferably continuous, of hard material extending over the working face la of the front portion 1. The main lateral band 2' is adjacent to the leading edge 1b and parallel to the front band 2. Optionally, the main lateral band 2' may be in contact with the front band 2, particularly at the outer edge of the leading edge 1b, in order to obtain a thickness of hard material at the outer edge ensuring good wear protection (see in particular Figures 4 and 5). In a particular form, the main lateral band 2' may be in contact with the front band 2, possibly with an overlap. The front portion 1 may further include a hard material cover strip overlapping the main side band 2' and the front band 2. Such a cover strip may be considered as forming part of the main side band 2' and / or the front band 2. Preferably, the main side band 2' may begin at the angle of attack A, i.e., at the lower edge of the moldboard V, VI or the stem E, or at the raised side area 3. Preferably, the overlap length of the main side band 2' may be equal to or less than the length of the leading edge 1b and / or the overlap length of the front band 2.Figures 1, 2, 3, 9 and 10 show in particular an embodiment where the overlap length of the main side band 2' is less than the length of the leading edge 1b and the overlap length of the front band 2. It can also be seen in these figures that the main side band 2' can extend to the raised side area 3. It can also be seen, particularly in Figures 3 and 9, that the main side band 2' can extend from the raised side area 3 to the level of the upper end of the front band 2, which makes it possible to protect against wear the area of ​​the working face adjacent to the leading edge 1b, from the area of ​​the leading angle A substantially to the level of the upper end of the leading edge 1b.

[0063] This main lateral band 2' thus improves the service life of the area adjacent to the leading edge A, and where applicable, of its outer edge. Very good wear protection of the outer edge is achieved thanks to the hard material constituting the front band 2 and that of the main lateral band 2'. Thanks to the front band 2 at the leading edge 1b and the main lateral band 2' near or beside the leading edge 1b, the service life of the working element is increased.

[0064] According to an additional feature, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, the front portion 1 may further comprise an additional lateral band 2”, preferably continuous, of hard material extending over the working face 1a of the front portion 1. The additional lateral band 2” is adjacent to and parallel with the main lateral band 2'. The main lateral band 2' extends between the additional lateral band 2” and the leading edge 1b or the front band 2 covering the leading edge 1b. Optionally, the additional lateral band 2” is in contact with the main lateral band 2', possibly with an overlap. Such an additional lateral band 2” further enhances the protection of this area adjacent to the leading edge 1b against wear.

[0065] Preferably, as can be seen in particular in Figures 1, 2, 3, 9 and 10, the overlap length of the additional lateral band 2” can be less than that of the main lateral band 2’. It can also be seen in these figures that the additional lateral band 2’ can extend to the raised lateral area 3. According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the overlap length of the additional lateral band 2” can be identical to the overlap length of the main lateral band 2’.

[0066] The main and additional lateral bands 2', 2" and the main relief 3a thus provide optimized protection in this lateral area adjacent to the leading edge 1b from the angle of attack A. These bands 2', 2" and the front band 2 of hard material are advantageously narrow. Each band of hard material is continuous, i.e., the band forms a continuous bead on the tillage unit. In an alternative not shown, one or more of the bands of hard material is discontinuous, i.e., the band forms a discontinuous bead on the tillage unit.

[0067] Preferably, the surface of the front band 2 and / or the lateral relief area 3 (i.e. the surface of the relief 3a and / or of the additional relief 3b, 3c) and / or of the main lateral band 2' and / or of the additional lateral band 2'' can be convex, rounded or flat or even substantially flat (see in particular Figures 4, 5, 7).

[0068] The overlap length defined above refers to the portion of the surface of the leading edge 1b or of the working face la of the profiled front part 1 which is effectively covered by the front, lateral or additional strip 2, 2', 2”. This length may be equal to the length of the front, lateral or additional strip 2, 2', 2”, but it may also be different if the front, lateral or additional strip 2, 2', 2” only covers part of the surface, for example if it has folds or overlaps in its formation.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the front band 2 and / or the raised side area 3 and / or the main side band 2' and / or the additional side band 2" may each consist of at least one bead of material, of the weld bead type, resulting from the fusion of the base material, in particular metal, of the profiled front part 1 of the working member with at least one filler material, for example tungsten carbide (or similar). Preferably, the bead or each bead of material may be produced by a laser, arc, or torch welding process. The filler / additional material used may be the same for the front band 2, the raised side area 3, the main side band 2', and the additional side band 2" or may be different. Thus, contrary to the usual bonding / joining function of a weld bead, in the present application the or The weld bead(s) serve to create at least one additional layer of fused material within the base material of the corresponding area of ​​the profiled front part 1. Laser welding is particularly advantageous for producing a narrow weld bead and thus minimizing the heat-affected zone. With localized heat impact, the metallographic structure of the area of ​​the working element receiving the hard material is only very locally altered. This process is highly advantageous because it allows the hard material to be applied in strip form to a working element of normal thickness and to a working face 1 or a leading edge 1b with a curved or cylindrical profile.

[0070] The laser welding process may consist of directing a laser beam onto the external surface of the relevant area of ​​the profiled front face 1 (leading edge 1b, area adjacent to the leading edge 1b, area of ​​the leading angle A) where the weld bead(s) are to be created according to the desired length, surface area, and / or thickness. Thanks to the laser beam, the bands can be narrow and regular, even on the curved leading edge 1b. The laser beam can be guided manually or automated by programming it to follow a defined path, for example, on or along the leading edge 1b or in the corresponding corner of the leading angle A. The hard material, for example tungsten carbide or similar, can be in the form of wire, rod, or powder and is added to the weld area to create the excess material forming the weld bead.Each weld bead is laid flat, meaning the relevant surface of the profiled front section 1 is horizontal to facilitate the deposition of the hard material and ensure even distribution. In practice, a nozzle can be used to deposit the tungsten carbide powder onto the substrate just before the laser beam passes over it. Once the bead is formed, a visual or dimensional check (for example, with a comparator such as calipers) can be performed to ensure the consistency of the weld thickness. If necessary, additional passes can be made to adjust the thickness or shape of the bead. A laser beam process offers several advantages. First, it allows for precise and controlled application of the hard material (weld bead), ensuring optimal adhesion and a high-quality finish.Furthermore, the use of lasers minimizes thermal deformation and residual stresses to maintain the structural integrity of the tillage implement. Finally, this process is fast and efficient, reducing production time and associated costs.

[0071] It should be noted that [Fig. 3] schematically shows a separation between the different front and additional bands 2, 2', 2”. If this separation can be provided by the present invention, the schematic drawing shows this separation, and even deliberately emphasizes it, to better visualize and distinguish between the front and additional bands 2, 2', 2” and their relative lengths, which may be different such as described previously. Preferably the front band 2 and the additional bands 2' and 2" are contiguous and are made one after the other.

[0072] The present invention may provide that the various front and additional bands 2, 2', 2”, the lateral relief area 3 (main and additional relief(s) 3a, 3b, 3c), or the cord(s) of material, are continuous or discontinuous.

[0073] Preferably, the assembly consisting of the front band 2 and / or the raised side area 3 and / or the main side band 2' and / or the additional side band 2" can cover an area of ​​the front portion 1 representing less than 5% of its total surface area, preferably less than 3%. This configuration maximizes wear protection with substantially the same weight. By limiting the area covered by the hard wear-resistant materials, the cost of the tillage component is also reduced. With a tillage component according to the invention, the plow's performance is maintained for longer because its lifespan is increased, and the hard material, deposited in the form of bands, is impact-resistant at a reasonable cost. The impact of the hard material on the overall weight of the component is small, even negligible.The addition of the hard material has the advantage of increasing the hardness and wear resistance of the area in question while maintaining the elasticity of the support, the support being the part of the working element receiving the hard material.

[0074] The design of the front part 1 profiled according to the present invention thus makes it possible to produce a soil working element adapted for various types of plows, while offering effective and durable wear protection for the working element.

[0075] The present invention offers an effective solution for protecting such a tillage component against wear, using wear-resistant protective materials strategically placed on the most exposed areas. This protection extends the service life of the tillage component, and therefore of agricultural equipment, for example, mounted on a plow, reduces maintenance costs, and improves the efficiency of plowing operations, as well as the quality of the work.

[0076] The present invention also relates to a plow equipped with at least one working element. Furthermore, the working element(s) is a soil-working element according to the present invention.

[0077] Such a tillage implement and such a plow, equipped with at least one such tillage implement according to the present invention, thus benefit from increased protection against wear, thereby extending their service life and reducing maintenance costs. The front band 2 and, where applicable, the main and additional side bands 2', 2" and the raised side area 3, each of which forms an additional layer of hard material on the leading edge 1b and, where applicable, on the working face la of the profiled front part 1 in the areas adjacent to the leading edge 1b, provide protection for the most exposed areas of the tillage implement, such than a plow body or skimmer, with resistance to abrasion and impacts superior to that of existing soil-working equipment.

[0078] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Soil working element, more particularly intended to equip a plow, the working element comprising a profiled front part (1), preferably made from a metallic base material, having a front edge forming a cutting edge (1b) enabling a vertical cut of the soil, a working face (la), a lower edge (le) forming, with the cutting edge (1b), an angle of attack (A), characterized in that it further comprises a front band (2) of hard material, covering the cutting edge (1b) over a predetermined overlap length to protect the cutting edge (1b) from wear.

2. Soil working element according to claim 1, characterized in that the front part (1) further comprises a lateral raised area (3) of hard material covering the angle of attack (A) on a predetermined surface of the working face (la) to protect the angle of attack (A) from wear.

3. Soil-working element according to claim 2, characterized in that the lateral relief zone (3) comprises a main relief (3a), preferably continuous, of hard material having a polygonal profile, preferably a triangular profile, preferably the main relief (3a) extending up to the level of the apex of the angle of attack (A).

4. Soil-working element according to claim 3, characterized in that the main relief (3a) has an isosceles triangle profile comprising a first side (30a) extending parallel and level with, or immediately adjacent to, the leading edge (1b), a second side (31a) extending parallel and level with, or immediately adjacent to, the lower edge (le) of the front part (1) and a base (32a) connecting the first and second sides (30a, 31a).

5. A soil-working element according to any one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the lateral relief zone (3) further comprises at least one additional relief (3b, 3c), preferably continuous, made of hard material, preferably elongated in shape (3b, 3c), preferably the additional relief or each additional relief (3b, 3c) extending along an axis inclined with respect to the leading edge (1b), preferably the additional relief(s) (3b, 3c) being separated from each other and / or from the relief main (3a), preferably the or each additional relief (3b, 3c) extends parallel to the base of the main relief (3a).

6. Soil-working element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the front part (1) further comprises a main lateral band (2'), preferably continuous, of hard material extending over the working face (la) being adjacent to the leading edge (1b) and parallel to the front band (2) and, optionally, the main lateral band (2') being in contact with the front band (2).

7. Soil-working element according to claim 6, characterized in that the overlap length of the main side band (2') is the same as or less than the overlap length of the front band (2) and / or the length of the leading edge (1b).

8. Soil-working element according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the front part (1) further comprises an additional lateral band (2”), preferably continuous, of hard material extending over the working face (1a) being adjacent and parallel to the main lateral band (2') extending between the additional lateral band (2”) and the leading edge (1b) and, optionally, the additional lateral band (2”) being in contact with the main lateral band (2').

9. Soil-working element according to claim 8, characterized in that the overlap length of the additional side strip (2”) is less than that of the main side strip (2').

10. Soil-working element according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the assembly consisting of the front band (2) and / or the raised side area (3) and / or the main side band (2') and / or the additional side band (2”), extends over an area of ​​the front part (1) representing less than 5% of its total area, preferably less than 3%.

11. Soil-working element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it consists of: - a plow body (C) or a skimmer (R), comprising a moldboard (V, VI) with or without a spar (E), the profiled front part (1) of the working element then being formed by the front part of the moldboard (V) or the spar (E), or - a moldboard (V, VI) with or without a stem (E), the profiled front part (1) of the working element then being formed by the front part of the moldboard (V, VI) or of the stem (E), or - a stem (E), the profiled front part (1) of the working element then being formed by the front part of the stem (E).

12. Plough equipped with at least one working element, characterized in that the or at least one of the working element(s) is a soil-working element according to claim 11.