Grapevine pre-pruning machine

Abstract

A machine for preliminary pruning of grape vines includes a load-bearing support (7), carrying two cutting units (4) oppositely affixed to its vertical sections (2) and containing a plurality of rotary cutters (5). Each rotary cutter (5) is mounted on the same axis with a corresponding driving gear (8) that makes the cutter rotate. Each cutting unit (4) additionally contains a base (10) carrying a power-operated rotatable vertical support column (9), which is equipped with a set of transmission elements that transmit rotation to the above-mentioned rotary cutter (5) driving gears (8). A plurality of independent suspensions (13) for rotary cutter (5) driving gears (8) are also affixed to the vertical support column (9); whereas each independent suspension (13) is capable of driving the rotation of each rotary cutter (5) relative to the vertical support column (9), since it is equipped with a mechanism (14, 17) that generates cutting force for a specific rotary cutter (5) and returns said cutter to its initial position. Each cutting unit (4) is equipped with a mechanism (14, 17) for turning said cutting unit (4) relative to the vertical support column (9).

Description

[0001] GRAPEVINE PRE-PRUNING MACHINE

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to agricultural equipment, more precisely to devices for pruning and removing grapevines.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] The existing grapevine pruning devices are unable to eliminate the necessity of subsequent manual pruning. This is stipulated by the presence of a multitude of factors in grapevine crown formation for maximizing the yield, as well as the variety of grapevine suspension systems. Therefore, a need exists to improve pruning devices to effectively adapt them to an arrangement of grapevine suspension elements, such as stakes and wires strained thereto, in order to avoid damage to the cutter, suspension elements, as well as grapevines themself.

[0006] Various designs of pruning mechanisms are known.

[0007] Patent EP2047740, publication date 2009-04-23, ICL A01G17 / 02, A01G3 / 08 discloses a design of a machine for automatic grapevine pruning, containing two pruning modules mounted on a common chassis and moving along both sides of a row. The positioning of its cutting elements is controlled by an electronic system.

[0008] Patent EP3741202, publication date 2020-11-25, ICL A01G17 / 02 describes a design of a machine for pre-pruning vines. The machine includes a chassis, two heads located on either side of a row of plants, with each head containing a support, a shaft (20.1 , 20.2), a hinge joint connecting said shaft and support, and a plurality of cutting elements supported by the shaft.

[0009] Patent EP2095704, publication date 2009-09-02, ICL A01G 17 / 02, A01G3 / 04 describes a design of a pruning machine having a cutting head that includes a rotatable vertical cutting module (A) capable of interacting with a rotatable vertical cutting module (B) by approaching and moving away from the latter in order to prune branches and skirt stakes or any other obstacles. The cutting elements of said cutting head are configured as round discs with a sharp edge. The toothing also prevents the edge of a cutting disk from being damaged by the stakes that support grapevines and protects vine trunks and spurs. The above design is the closest analog to the case in point.

[0010] DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0011] The technical aim of the present invention is to raise the efficiency of preliminary pruning of vines by improving the capability of skirting obstacles.

[0012] A machine for grapevine preliminary pruning includes a load-bearing support carrying two cutting units oppositely affixed to its vertical sections and containing a plurality of rotary cutters located one above the other. Each rotary cutter is mounted on the same axis with a corresponding driving gear that makes the cutter rotate. During operation the cutting units can adopt a position enabling their rotary cutters to penetrate each other. Each cutting unit additionally contains a base carrying a power-operated rotatable vertical support column, which is equipped with a set of transmission elements that transmit rotation to the above-mentioned rotary cutter driving gears. A plurality of independent suspensions for rotary cutter driving gears are also affixed to the vertical support column; whereas each independent suspension is capable of driving the rotation of each rotary cutter relative to the vertical support column, since it is equipped with a mechanism that generates cutting force for a specific rotary cutter and returns said cutter to its initial position. Each cutting unit is equipped with a mechanism for turning said cutting unit relative to the vertical support column.

[0013] The proposed design of a grapevine pre-pruning machine is distinguished by the availability of a rotatable vertical support column for each cutting unit, which functions as a distribution unit containing a number of elements that transmit rotation to individually to each rotary cutter driving gear. In addition, a plurality of independent suspensions for supporting rotary cutter driving gears are also affixed to the vertical support column. Each of the above-mentioned independent suspensions is configured to turn the corresponding rotary cutter relative to the vertical support column and is equipped with a mechanism that generates cutting force for a rotary cutter and returns said cutter to its initial position.

[0014] When an obstacle, such as a vertical vine support, is encountered while pruning grapevines, each rotary cutter can skirt around the obstacle independently while allowing all other rotary cutters to continue pruning vines. Thus, the stated goal of the invention, i.e. , raising the efficiency of preliminary pruning of vine by enhancing the ability to skirt obstacles, is achieved and vine pre-pruning is performed much more effectively. In previously known designs of grapevine pre-pruning machines cutting units swerve from an encountered obstacle as one piece.

[0015] On the other hand, the presence of a vertical support column with a number of elements for transmitting rotation to each rotary cutter driving gear and a plurality of independent suspensions for driving gear supports enable turning of the entire cutting unit relative to the vertical support column powered by a special mechanism.

[0016] A distinguishing feature of the proposed design is that each rotary cutter is mounted on the same axis with rotary cutter driving gear. Whereas, said driving gear performs several functions: it transmits rotation to a rotary cutter, its teeth protect the rotary cutter from damage when an obstacle is encountered, as well as entrap and hold vine canes for pruning.

[0017] Besides, a number of elements for transmitting rotation to rotary cutter driving gears are configured as lantern wheels, whereas the vertical support column is made of vertical rods forming a plurality of lantern drive wheels.

[0018] Additionally, a number of elements for transmitting rotation to rotary cutter driving gears are configured as gear wheels mounted along the axis of the vertical support column.

[0019] In addition, said independent suspension used for supporting rotary cutter driving gears is configured as a bearing unit.

[0020] Whereas, the mechanism that generates cutting force and returns each rotary cutter to its original position is configured as a spring cartridge.

[0021] Besides, the mechanism that turns the cutting unit relative to the vertical support column includes a pusher mounted on the said base of the vertical support column, and at least one linear actuator with one of its ends affixed to the vertical section of the loadbearing support while its other end interacts with the pusher. Moreover, each of said independent gear support suspensions includes a claw stop capable of interacting with the pusher. Also, the machine is equipped with a device that controls drives and actuators of cutting units.

[0022] In addition, the machine is configured to be installed on a vehicle.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Fig. 1 gives a general view of the grapevine pre-pruning machine.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a vertical support column with a rotary cutter gear drive.

[0026] Fig. 3 shows a mechanism for turning a cutting unit relative to the vertical support column.

[0027] Fig. 4 shows a mechanism that generates cutting force and returns a specific rotary cutter to its initial position.

[0028] Fig. 5 gives a section view of a vertical support column with independent suspensions that supports of rotary cutter driving gears.

[0029] Fig. 6 shows a vertical section of cutting units in operating position.

[0030] Fig. 7 gives a top view of rotation of a rotary cutter relative to the vertical support column when an obstacle is encountered.

[0031] Fig. 8 shows a mechanism that generates cutting force and returns a specific rotary cutter to its initial position.

[0032] Fig. 9 shows a design of a vertical support column with gear wheels mounted along its axis for driving rotation of rotary cutters.

[0033] Fig. 10 shows a relative position of cutting units in an idling position.

[0034] Fig. 11 shows a relative position of cutting units in an operational position.

[0035] EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The machine for preliminary pruning of grapevines (Fig. 1) includes a bearing support 1 , and two cutters 4 installed opposite each other on vertical sections 2 of said bearing support 1. Each cutting unit 4 (Fig. 1 - Fig. 8) contains a motor 3, which rotates a vertical support column 9 mounted on a base 10. Motors 3 can be either electric, or hydraulic.

[0037] The vertical support column 9 is made of vertical rods 11 (Fig. 2). The vertical support column 9 carries independent suspensions 13 of rotary cutters 5. Each independent suspension 13 contains a bearing unit 15 allowing each individual rotary cutter 5 to rotate relative to the vertical support column 9.

[0038] In one embodiment of drive 6 (Fig. 2 - Fig. 8), rods 11 between independent suspensions 13 form a set of rotation transmission elements, i.e., a set of lantern wheels 12, which transmit rotation to gears 8. In another embodiment, the drive 6 mounted on the vertical support column 9 (Fig. 9) is configured as gear wheels 24 fixed along the axis of the vertical support column 9.

[0039] The rotator drive 6 for rotary cutters 5 includes a gear wheel 8 with a rotary cutter 5 installed on the same axis. At the same time, said gear wheel 8 is profiled as having two zones (Fig. 3). Zone B is not engaged in the process of cane gripping and torque transmission. It is designed for holding the canes that are entrapped into its groove and directing them to the cutting zone. Zone A is engaged in transmitting the torque and protecting the cutting edge of rotary cutters 5 from contact with obstacles.

[0040] Each independent suspension 13 is also equipped with a mechanism 14 that generates cutting force and returns a particular disk cutter 5 to its initial position after it passes an obstacle. Said mechanism 14 (Fig. 8) includes a spring cartridge 16, a cable 22 for transmitting the force from the spring cartridge 16 to an independent suspension 13 and a guiding roller 23 of a cable 22.

[0041] A mechanism 17 for turning a cutting unit 4 relative to the vertical support column 9 includes a pusher 19, configured, for example, as a vertical pipe installed on a base 10, and at least one linear actuator 18 with one of its ends fixed to a vertical section 2 of a load-bearing support 1 , and the other end interacting with a pusher 19. The pusher 19 is installed inside the groove of guides 21. Each independent suspension 13 also comprises a claw stop 20 capable of interacting with the pusher 19.

[0042] The machine is equipped with a motor control device 3 and linear actuators 18 for cutting units 4 (not shown in the Figures).

[0043] In the initial and final phase of machine operation cutting units 4 are disconnected by a mechanism 17 that drives cutting units 4 (Fig. 10). The linear actuator 18 moves the pusher 19 along guides 21. At the same time, using claw stops 20 the pusher 19 turns all independent suspensions 13 of supports 7 of gear wheels 8. Thus, each cutting unit 4 moves backwards until it stops (not shown in the Figures) around the vertical support column 9 and creates free space in the middle section of the machine between rotating vertical support columns 9. When the linear actuator 18 returns to its initial position, cutters 4 move to their working position. In this case each spring cartridge 16 of the mechanism 14, which generates cutting force and returns a specific rotary cutter 5 to its initial position, acts upon the pusher 19 via a claw stop 20, thus setting all rotary cutters 5 and an entire cutting unit 4 into the operating position (Fig. 11).

[0044] Before operation, the machine is positioned so that a row of plants is aligned along the middle axis of said machine between rotating vertical support columns 9. Then cutting blocks 4 close in and the machine starts moving along the row.

[0045] When operating, rotary cutters 5 rotate driven by a set of lantern wheels 12 that transmit rotation to gear wheels 8 of drive 6 and make rotary cutters 5 turn.

[0046] Gear wheels 8 mounted on rotary cutters 5 perform several functions:

[0047] - turn rotary cutters 5;

[0048] - protect rotary cutters 5 from contacting objects larger than 15 mm in diameter;

[0049] - bring vine canes to the cutting zone;

[0050] - enable a specific rotary cutter 5 together with a corresponding gear wheel 8 to bypass obstacles independently of other rotary cutters 5.

[0051] The top view in Fig. 11 shows how rotary cutters 5 straddle the row being pruned. While rotating, teeth of gear wheels 8 bring vine canes 25 into a cutting zone. At some point in time a cane 25 is clamped by teeth of the opposite gear wheel 8. While rotating at the same speed, the teeth squeeze canes 25 on two opposite sides above and below the cut line. With further rotation, the fixed canes get cut.

[0052] Fig. 7 shows how a rotary cutter 5 together with a gear 8 skirts an obstacle. In case a particular gear 8, or several gears 8 encounter an obstacle, for example, a support of a wire fence of a vineyard, said wire fence exerts pressure upon the gear wheel 8 and the latter detours because its support 7 is mounted on an independent suspension 13, which rotates around a vertical support 9 together with a claw stop 20a under said pressure. As a result, the spring cartridge 16 stretches. When the machine passes an obstacle, the pressure on gear 8 stops and the spring cartridge 16 returns the rotary cutter 5 to its initial position.

[0053] The proposed design solutions make it possible to improve the quality of vine pruning and eliminate the need for its constant monitoring by a machine operator. When the operation is completed, the rotary cutters come apart and the machine leaves the vineyard.

[0054] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0055] The machine for grapevine pre-pruning is installed on a vehicle, also as an attached implement. The vine pruning machine can also be used for pruning bushes or other vegetation.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A machine for preliminary pruning of grapevines, comprising a load- bearing support, the vertical sections of which carry two cutting units installed opposite each other and equipped with a plurality of rotary cutters placed one above the other, with each rotary cutter mounted on the same axis with a rotary cutter driving gear; said cutting units being able to adopt an operating position in which rotary cutters of the cutting unit penetrate each other; whereas each cutting unit additionally contains a base having a motor-equipped rotatable vertical support column mounted thereupon and comprising a set of elements for transmitting rotation to said rotary cutter driving gears of cutting units; also said vertical support column has a plurality of independent suspensions for supports of rotary cutter driving gears; whereas each independent suspension is configured to allow each rotary cutter to turn relative to the vertical support column and is equipped with a mechanism generating cutting force and returning said particular rotary cutter to its initial position, while each cutting unit is equipped with a mechanism that turns the unit relative to the vertical support column.

2. The machine of claim 1 , wherein a set of elements for transmitting rotation to said rotary cutter driving gears of cutting units are made in the form of lantern wheels, while the vertical support column is made of vertical rods forming a plurality of lantern drive wheels.

3. The machine of claim 1 , wherein a number of elements for transmitting rotation to said rotary cutter driving gears are configured as gear wheels fixed along the axis of the vertical support column.

4. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the independent suspension of rotary cutter driving gears is configured as a bearing unit.

5. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the mechanism generating cutting force and returning rotary cutters to their initial positions is configured as a spring cartridge.

6. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the mechanism that turns a cutting unit relative to the vertical support column includes a pusher mounted on the base of said vertical support column, and at least one linear actuator with one of its endsaffixed to the vertical section of said load-bearing support, while its other end interacts with the pusher; whereas each of said independent suspensions of gear supports comprises a claw stop configured to interact with the pusher.

7. The machine of claim 1 , further equipped with controls for drivers and cutting unit actuators.

8. The machine of claim 1 , further designed for installation on a vehicle.

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