Agricultural machine with steerable wheels

Abstract

The present utility model relates to an agricultural machine for use in tobacco farming. It comprises a frame on which are mounted a motor (M) and other operational equipment; the rear region of said upper frame is mounted by means of hinges (D2) on columns (C1) which, by means of the actuation of a hydraulic piston (P3), enables the correction of the inclination of the columns (C1). A front column (K) is mounted parallel and adjacent to the front face of each column (C1), which front column is operationally mounted on said column (C1) by means of a set of axially vertical hinges (D3). In addition, forks (G2) are fastened to the lower ends of both columns (K), which forks receive wheels (R2), providing this pair of wheels (R2) with the function of being steerable on the vertical axis thereof, using the controls of the machine.

Description

[0001] AGRICULTURAL MACHINE WITH STEERING WHEELS

[0002] Field of invention

[0003]

[0001] More particularly, the present utility model relates to an agricultural machine, which is more particularly suitable for use in tobacco farming, and preferably for harvesting tobacco leaves. The present agricultural machine stands out from the state of the art by presenting features that allow greater practicality in its handling during its operation.

[0004] State of the art

[0005]

[0002] It is known that until recently, tobacco crops still used rudimentary resources in all or at some stage of their cultivation, especially in their harvest, which could only be done manually, employing rudimentary labor from the farmers themselves. In turn, in this method, due to the height of the tobacco plants, and the narrow space between the rows, the leaves that were harvested were deposited in baskets or large boxes, usually made of wood, and which were pulled by animal traction, using one animal and its respective box for each space between two rows of tobacco plants, which did not contribute to the productivity of the harvest, and also required the breeding and maintenance of animals that were adapted to this activity.

[0006]

[0003] In order to solve the aforementioned drawbacks, the agricultural machinery industry developed some time ago some alternatives for self-propelled agricultural machines, in the basic form of a tractor, which were designed to move over and along the rows of tobacco plants, so that said machines are equipped, in their structure, with supports that support the assembly of seats for the employees; and also platforms for supporting baskets to accumulate the harvested leaves, so that, in this way, said agricultural machine moves slowly along and between the rows of tobacco plants, allowing employees, in a seated position, to harvest the leaves and deposit them in the baskets, considerably facilitating and speeding up the work.

[0007]

[0004] However, previously known machines of this type had some drawbacks and limitations. Considering that crops are often grown on sloping terrain, it was observed that these machines were not adapted to these variations. Therefore, in this type of terrain, there was a misalignment of the machine's structure regarding its horizontal and vertical axes, the latter being the most critical, since this misalignment caused imbalance to the workers and also to the baskets of harvested leaves, and could even cause falls. In addition, in these situations, there was an increase in the stress on some constituent elements of the machines, which could cause breakages and other damage, which would result in economic loss for the producer.

[0008]

[0005] In order to also solve these drawbacks and limitations, the object of patent BR 202019008908-9 was developed, which proposed a self-propelled agricultural machine, which basically comprises a horizontalized upper structure, which supports the engine assembly and other operational equipment; Wherein, said upper structure is mounted - by means of articulation resources - on columns that receive the wheel assembly at their lower end; so that, when traveling on inclined terrain, those articulation resources allow - by means of the actuation of hydraulic pistons - employees to correct the inclination of the columns, while the upper structure tilts according to the inclination of the terrain.Thus, even if the upper structure tilts due to the terrain, workers can work normally in an upright position, maintaining the horizontal position of their seats and harvested leaf baskets, since the seats and baskets are perpendicular to the columns. However, during operation of the aforementioned machine, some drawbacks and limitations were observed. Notably, despite its satisfactorily steerable front wheel, which allows the machine to be steered and maneuvered in most situations, this maneuverability was found to be ineffective, as the rear wheels are fixed—not steerable—which makes it difficult to correct their alignment along the rows of tobacco plants, often resulting in the plants being crushed by the rear wheels, resulting in economic losses.The lack of resources for steering the rear wheels also compromises productivity, as it makes it more difficult to maneuver the machine at the end of the rows of plants, thus requiring more time, among other inconveniences.

[0009] Objectives of the Invention

[0010]

[0006] In order to solve these drawbacks and limitations, the present utility model was developed. A new construction configuration is proposed for the aforementioned machine, where each rear wheel is mounted on a respective fork, on which an articulated column is fixed on its vertical axis, which is operatively mounted next to the front face of a fixed column, which makes up the chassis of the machine, and said assembly of the articulated column on said fixed column is carried out in an articulated manner, eccentrically, by means of hinges whose axial axis is arranged vertically, so that, thus, the articulated column of the fork of each rear wheel is capable of performing a semi-rotation around that fixed column that makes up the chassis, thus making the set of rear wheels steerable, from independent controls of the front wheel.

[0011] Description of the drawings

[0012]

[0007] For a better understanding of this utility model, a detailed description of the same is given below, with reference to the attached drawings, where:

[0013] FIGURE 1 illustrates the agricultural machine from a top perspective;

[0014] FIGURE 2 illustrates the agricultural machine from a lower perspective;

[0015] FIGURE 3 illustrates the agricultural machine in front view;

[0016] FIGURE 4 illustrates the agricultural machine in rear view;

[0017] FIGURE 5 illustrates the agricultural machine in side view;

[0018] FIGURE 6 illustrates the agricultural machine in top view, highlighting the fact that all its wheels are in an oblique position; and the

[0019] FIGURE 7 illustrates the agricultural machine from below, highlighting the fact that all its wheels are in an oblique position.

[0020] Detailed description

[0021]

[0008] According to these illustrations and their details, the present utility model: AGRICULTURAL MACHINE WITH STEERING WHEELS initially comprises a horizontalized upper structure, which is made up of two longitudinal segments (1) parallel to each other, at the ends of which two segments (2) are fixed perpendicularly, and between the segments (1) and the segments (2) four segments (3) are fixed obliquely. Whereas, in the middle region of said horizontalized structure, and between the two segments (1), a combustion engine (M) is mounted, which, by means of a set of belts and pulleys (4), transmits rotary movement to a hydraulic pump (H), which operates the machine's hydraulic pistons.Wherein, in the middle region of the anterior segment (2), a quadrangular intermediate structure (Q) is vertically mounted, whose upper segment is operatively mounted on the anterior segment (2) by means of a hinge (Dl); and wherein, between the lower face of the anterior segment (2) and one of the verticalized lateral segments of the quadrangular structure (Q), a hydraulic piston (Pl) is mounted, which is arranged obliquely therein. And wherein, under the lower segment of the quadrangular structure (Q), a structure (El) is pivotally mounted to support an anterior automotive transmission box (Tl), which receives rotary movement from the engine (M) by means of an anterior cardan shaft (5) equipped with corresponding articulated joints. And wherein, under said structure (El) a anterior fork (Gl) is fixed, on which the anterior wheel (Rl) is mounted, which, in turn, receives rotary movement from the anterior transmission box (Tl) by means of a chain (6).In turn, in the posterior region of the lower segment of the quadrangular structure (Q), a structure (L) is fixed, on which a hydraulic piston (P2) is mounted, which activates the vertical pivoting movement of the front structure (El), which corresponds to the steering effect of the front wheel (Rl).

[0022]

[0009] In turn, at both ends of the rear segment (2), two respective verticalized columns (Cl) are mounted on its lower face, which are mounted on said rear segment (2) by means of hinges (D2). And being that, between the rear segment (2) and one of the columns (Cl) a hydraulic piston (P3) is mounted, which is arranged obliquely there. Also being that, between the columns (Cl) a horizontal bar (B) is mounted in an articulated manner, which thus creates an operative connection between the two said columns (Cl). And being that, next to the front face of each column (Cl) a front column (K) is mounted in parallel, which is operatively mounted on said column (Cl) by means of a set of axially verticalized hinges (D3). And being that, both columns (K) are operatively joined to each other at the top by means of a steering bar (W), which is actuated by means of a piston (P4).And being that, at the lower ends of both front columns (K) are fixed forks (G2) that receive the assembly of wheels (R2), which in turn are driven by chains (7), which in turn are mounted on upper pinions, which are mounted respectively on the ends of an upper telescopic cardan shaft (8), this assembly occurring by means of articulated joints (J); and being that, both cardan shafts (8) are driven by means of a rear automotive transmission box (T2), which is driven from the engine (M) by means of a corresponding cardan shaft. And being that, the upper pinion of the chain (7) is mounted on a bearing shaft, on which the brake disc assembly (F) is mounted.

[0023]

[0010] The operation of this AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY WITH STEERING WHEELS is simple and practical. Initially, it should be emphasized that the machine has a hydraulic pump system and hydraulic hoses (not shown) connected to the hydraulic pistons (Pl), (P2), (P3) and (P4), as well as control instruments for this equipment. This agricultural machine will also support in its structure various implements, and mainly, appropriate supports to accommodate seated employees and receiving boxes for harvested tobacco leaves.

[0024]

[0011] Thus, the operation of the present machine comprises its positioning in the middle of the tobacco crop, so that each of its wheels is positioned in an aisle between the rows of tobacco plants, so that each wheel occupies a distinct aisle. In turn, by activating the piston (P2), the operator directs the front wheel (R1); on the other hand, whenever the operator perceives the need to adjust the direction of the rear wheels (R2). By means of the corresponding controls, he activates the piston (P4), which moves the steering bar (W), which in turn causes the columns (K) to rotate on the hinges (D3), thus resulting in the rotation of the rear wheels (R2).And when traveling on a terrain with a lateral slope, the employee controlling the machine can activate the pistons (Pl) and (P3), causing the columns (Cl) and the quadrangular structure (Q) to be adjusted to the vertical position, while the upper structure remains inclined parallel to the slope of the terrain. The bar (B) ensures that the front columns (Cl) always remain parallel to each other.

[0025]

[0012] Logically, the present. AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY WITH STEERING WHEELS may present variations in the constitution, arrangement, shape and quantity of its elements, as long as the basic and essential characteristics for its construction are maintained. Its structure can be adapted to receive the assembly of various equipment that are necessary for carrying out the cultivation, thus being able, in addition to being used in the tobacco harvest, also to be used in the stages of soil preparation, fertilization, application of pesticides and other inputs, among other operations, requiring only the correct fixing and installation of the implements and equipment.

Claims

CLAIMS 1) AGRICULTURAL MACHINE WITH STEERING WHEELS, comprises a horizontalized upper structure, and which is made up of two longitudinal segments (1) and parallel to each other, at the ends of which two segments (2) are fixed perpendicularly, and between the segments (1) and the segments (2) four segments (3) are fixed obliquely, and in the middle region of said horizontalized structure, and between the two segments (1) a combustion engine (M) is mounted, which, by means of a set of belts and pulleys (4), transmits rotary movement to a hydraulic pump (H), which operates the machine's hydraulic pistons; in the middle region of the front segment (2) a quadrangular intermediate structure (Q) is vertically mounted, the upper segment of which is operatively mounted on the front segment (2) by means of a hinge (Dl);and being that, between the lower face of the front segment (2) and one of the verticalized lateral segments of the quadrangular structure (Q), a hydraulic piston (Pl) is mounted, which is arranged obliquely there; and being that, under the lower segment of the quadrangular structure (Q), a structure (El) is pivotally mounted, under which a front fork (Gl) is fixed, on which the front wheel (Rl) is mounted, which, in turn, receives rotary movement by means of a chain (6); and being that, in the rear region of the lower segment of the quadrangular structure (Q), a structure (L) is fixed, on which a hydraulic piston (P2) is mounted, which activates the vertical pivoting movement of the front structure (El), which corresponds to the steering effect of the front wheel (Rl);and being that, at both ends of the rear segment (2), two respective vertical columns (Cl) are mounted on its lower face, which are mounted on the said rear segment (2) by means of hinges (D2); and being that, between the rear segment (2) and one of the columns (Cl) a hydraulic piston (P3) is mounted, which is arranged obliquely there; being also that, between the; columns (Cl) a horizontal bar (B) is mounted in an articulated manner, which creates an operational connection between the two aforementioned columns (Cl); and being that, at the lower ends of both front columns (K) forks (G2) are fixed that receive the assembly of wheels (R2), which in turn are driven by chains (7), which are mounted on upper pinions, which are mounted respectively on the ends of an upper telescopic cardan shaft (8), being that this assembly occurs by means of articulated joints (J); and being that, both cardan shafts (8) are driven by means of a rear automotive transmission box (T2), which is driven from the engine (M) by means of a corresponding cardan shaft; and being that, the upper pinion of the chain (7) is mounted on a bearing shaft, on which is mounted brake disc assembly (F);characterized by the fact that, next to the front face of each column (Cl), an anterior column (K) is mounted in parallel, which is operatively mounted on said column (Cl) by means of a set of axially verticalized hinges (D3); and being that, both columns (K) are operatively joined superiorly to each other by means of a steering rod (W), which is actuated by means of a piston (P4); and being that, in turn, on the structure (El) an anterior automotive transmission box (Tl) is mounted, which receives rotary movement from the engine (M) by means of an anterior cardan shaft (5) equipped with corresponding articulated joints.;

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