Improved shaking element, support means for a shaking element and harvesting machine including the same

Abstract

The present invention is related to an improved shaking element (1), as well as a novel support means (2) for said element (1), that are intended for harvesting small fruits in bunches, in particular for harvesting grapes. In association with each other, these components enable shaking groups for grape harvesting machines with improved rigidity and inertia to be made. Thanks to these features it is possible to implement a low frequency harvesting mechanism capable of preserving plants and at the same time ensuring efficient harvesting with reduced energy consumption compared to known devices.

Description

[0001] TITLE: IMPROVED SHAKING ELEMENT, SUPPORT MEANS FOR A SHAKING ELEMENT AND HARVESTING MACHINE INCLUDING THE SAME

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to equipment and components for harvesting machines, such as grape harvesters and in particular an improved shaking element for a grape harvester.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART

[0005] Harvesting machines are agricultural machines intended to mechanically collect small fruits, especially grapes. In this case, they are also named “grape harvesters” because in a single step they perform all the harvesting operations. In short, grapes are first separated from stalks by shaking and then due to the force of inertia made to fall onto a conveyor belt which, after cleaning, transfers collected grapes to one or more collection tanks.

[0006] To make the mechanization of the grape harvest possible, the conformation of the land and the arrangement of the vine rows must permit the access of the grape harvester and its passage between the vine rows. In fact, grape harvesters are straddle agricultural machines that operates lying on both sides of the vine rows.

[0007] Depending on the propulsion means, grape harvesters can be divided into two large families: “towed harvesters”, which make use of a tractor or “self-propelled harvesters”, which are equipped with an autonomous motorization.

[0008] To determine the detachment of the fruit from the plant, various technologies are known.

[0009] The present invention is intended for those grape harvesters in which the plant or vine row is shaked to detach the fruit or grapes. Plant shaking is obtained by means of specially designed devices that in jargon are called “beaters” or “shaking arms”. Typically, these shaking elements are fixed to a couple of shafts to form two opposing shaking groups which are set in reciprocating motion by appropriate kinematic mechanisms connected to an actuator.

[0010] The number of shaking elements in each group is determined by the characteristics of the type of vineyard and varies approximately between 5 and 13 shakers. A fixed pair of shakers may also be included which simply has the purpose of supporting poles of the vineyard.

[0011] These groups shake the vine rows up to 600 times per minute causing the grapes to detach from the stalk and to fall over belts or cup conveyors.

[0012] In order to correctly assess the state of the art, it is important to point out that the process of shaking the vine row is governed by the following parameters: the frequency, i.e. the number of beats per minute performed by the beaters; the amplitude of the movement, imparted by the levers that are set in motion via actuators, which depends on the type of vineyard, the quality of the plant and the degree of ripeness of the fruit; the “pinching”, i.e. the distance to which the two shafts are adjusted which is determined by the size of the pole that supports the vineyard. In practice, the pinching expresses how much the beaters penetrate the leaf wall in their shaking movement. Clearly, a high pinching value correspond to a more efficient detachment of the grapes and therefore a better harvest at the price, however, of a greater damage to the vine row.

[0013] In known machines, these parameters typically have the following values, respectively: 550 beats per minute, 100% and 40 mm (depending on the type of vineyard).

[0014] The amplitude is a fundamental parameter for determining the detachment of the fruit from the plant but it is also what causes damage to the plant.

[0015] Based on the technology used to set in motion the beater, grape harvesters can be divided into the following types: mechanical, mechatronic and “smart’.

[0016] In the first type, the most traditional one, the movement of the shafts constrained to the shaking elements is due to an eccentric transmission and crank mechanisms such as connecting rods. This technology allows only the frequency to be adjusted, while the amplitude and the pinching are set manually at the beginning of the harvest.

[0017] In mechatronic grape harvesters, the amplitude and the pinching can be adjusted using two hydraulic cylinders, while the frequency is determined by the action of a hydraulic motor connected to an eccentric transmission and crank mechanisms e.g. connecting rods. By acting on the cylinders and the frequency of the motor, it is possible to adjust all the shaking parameters as well as the shaking position.

[0018] Finally, the so-called “smart’ grape harvesters represent an evolution of the mechanical harvesters and are based on the use of servo-actuators and electronic controls that allow to share and regulate all the shaking parameters. In particular, the regulation of the three shaking parameters is determined by two independent hydraulic cylinders, each being associated with a shaft having the shaking arms fixed thereto.

[0019] Regardless of the type of technology, by acting on the parameters and degrees of freedom of the system, different shaking modes are possible. In any case, the beating arms and the shaking modes must satisfy two fundamental and antagonistic requirements: first, determine an effective detachment of the grapes / bunches without damaging the vine rows; second, avoid damaging the grapes, which triggers an uncontrolled fermentation process and / or makes grapes vulnerable to parasites.

[0020] Currently, the most widespread shaking mode involves shaping the groups of beaters in such a way that the vine row is first blocked and then set in a shaking mode at a relatively high frequency (up to 600 strokes per minute) and a relatively high amplitude (100%). Although this shaking mode is very common, it has a series of drawbacks. In particular, it involves a high energy expenditure compared to the efficiency in harvesting. This is due to the high shaking frequency and the intrinsic high inertia of the shaking group.

[0021] Furthermore, shaking at high amplitude combined with high frequency particularly affect young vineyards, since it reduces their yield in the following years. For this reason, two years are generally waited from planting before the young vineyard is mechanical harvested.

[0022] In order to limit energy consumption, and preserve the leaf walls of the vineyards for as long as possible, it would be desirable to reduce the frequency of shaking, but this prevents efficient harvesting.

[0023] In this regard, technical teachings are available from patent literature. Particularly, it is remarkable for the present invention the application ITUA20164598 concerning a shaking arm for an agricultural machine intended for the mechanical harvesting of fruit, preferably grapes, as well as a harvesting machine equipped with such arms. In summary, IT'598 addresses the problem of making the connection system of the shaking arm to the shaft more practical and mechanically solid in order to facilitate its replacement in the event of breakage.

[0024] In summary, the proposed solution includes a shaking arm characterized by the presence of two fixing ends equipped with flanges made in a single piece with the arm itself.

[0025] Each of the two flanges is constrained to respective cylindrical supports whose axes are substantially perpendicular to the plane of curvature on which the shaking arm lies. In the application IT’598, different types of flanges for the fixing ends are described in detail.

[0026] Although teachings disclosed in IT’598 undoubtedly constitute an advancement of knowledge in the field, it presents significant limitations.

[0027] First, the shaking arm is not sufficiently rigid and does not have a favorable specific inertia. In this way, the natural frequency of the shaking group is relatively close to the shaking frequency (ideally the frequencies should be as far apart as possible) so that in typical operating regimes (around 550 strokes per minute) the onset of vibrations and other resonance phenomena is possible. This issues make the control of the system difficult.

[0028] To avoid or mitigate this problem, the supports of the shaking arm must necessarily include a resilient and shock absorbing element (e.g. made of a material commonly named “Silentbloc”) since they have to withstand high shaking frequencies.

[0029] Furthermore, the proposed solution does not affect the energy cost of the grapes harvesting process which is related to the high shaking frequency.

[0030] Finally, a further limitation, also related to the high frequency of shaking, is the breakage and wear of the shaking arms.

[0031] Returning to the assessment of the state of the art, despite a number of patent publications regarding grape harvesting machines and related components, curiously little or nothing is reported on the shape of the shaking arm. For example, in IT'598 it is only reported that the shaking arm has a hairpin shape while in IIS'160 it is defined as a hook-shaped part.

[0032] In short, it has not adequately addressed in the state of the art the problem of removing the bunches / grapes from a vine row in such a way that the berries and the vineyard are preserved and at the same time the energy consumption is reduced.

[0033] Therefore, there is a need to improve the shaking groups of grape harvesting machines.

[0034] DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0035] Object of the invention

[0036] The present invention intends to overcome the limitations and drawbacks of the solutions known in the art, by providing an improved shaking element for grape harvesting machines, a new support for connecting said element to the shaft of the machine, as well as a harvesting machine that includes a plurality of said shaking elements and supports.

[0037] For the sake of clarity the term “grape harvester” in the present patent specification shall designate an agricultural machine configured for the mechanized harvesting of fruits, preferably of small fruits aggregated in bunches such as grapes, by means of a shaking mechanism of the plant or vine row.

[0038] In particular, the main purpose is to provide a shaking element capable to overcome the limits of the currently known solutions and hence avoiding damage to the vineyard and the grapes and at the same time ensuring a high harvesting yield.

[0039] A second purpose of the present invention is to provide a shaking element configured in such a way that a new shaking mechanism can be implemented. Such a mechanism would desirably ensure high harvesting efficiency at more favorable energy costs than currently known solutions. In particular, this novel shaking mechanism allows even young vineyards to be mechanically harvested without compromising their productivity over time.

[0040] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a more rigid shaking device having a more favorable inertia, capable of operating at a shaking frequency significantly lower than known systems.

[0041] Finally, within the scope of the above-mentioned aims, a final purpose of the present invention is to create a grape harvesting machine that includes said shaking device.

[0042] Technical solution

[0043] These and still other purposes, which shall appear more clearly hereinafter, are achieved by a shaking element, a support means for a shaking element, a mechanical assembly consisting of said shaking element and support means, a shaking unit as well as a machine for harvesting fruits comprising at least one of said components.

[0044] The general features of said element, means, mechanical assembly, shaking unit and machine are defined, respectively, by the enclosed claims 1 , 10, 11 , 15, 17 while the features of advantageous embodiments are set forth in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0045] The aforementioned claims, to which reference is made for the sake of brevity of exposition, are specifically and concretely defined below and are intended to be an integral part of this description.

[0046] The inventive concept underlying the present invention is the reduction in practice of a shaking mechanism that can be defined as “sudden blow”. According to such mechanism the vine row is first “embraced” by the shaking group and then shaken by means of a series of sudden alternating accelerations at low frequency (less than 400 strokes per minute) to facilitate the fruits to be detached from the plant.

[0047] This novel mechanism differs from the one used in known grape harvesting machines which is based on movements having higher acceleration and amplitude at a relatively high frequency (generally between 500 and 600 strokes per minute).

[0048] The practical implementation of this shaking method has made it necessary to increase the rigidity and reduce the inertia ratio of the shaking group.

[0049] In turn, this has brought to the re-design not only the shaking element but also the support used to secure the element to the shaft which imparts the shaking movement. This activity has provided an improved shaking element and a novel support which now operate synergistically in order to increase the rigidity and decrease the inertia ratio of the mechanical assembly consisting of the support and the shaking element.

[0050] With reference to the types of machines described above, the invention is preferably, but not exclusively, intended for smart-type grape harvesters.

[0051] Brief description of drawings

[0052] The features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings:

[0053] Figure 1 illustrates a top view of the shaking element according to the present invention, highlighting the different constituent geometric portions;

[0054] Figure 2 compares a known shaking element, illustrated in a) with the shaking element according to the invention, illustrated in b);

[0055] Figure 3 is a side view of the support means for the shaking element according to the present invention;

[0056] Figure 4 shows in a) and b) two perspective views of the support means of Figure 3, highlighting the cavity for the attachment of the shaking element;

[0057] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an exploded view of the assembly consisting of the mechanical union of the shaking element of Figure 1 and the support means of Figure 3;

[0058] Figure 6 shows, in a) a front view and in b) a rear view, of the shaking group according to the invention mounted on a grape harvesting machine;

[0059] Figure 7 illustrates, in a), a top view of a smart type grape harvesting machine equipped with a shaking group according to the invention, and in b) a detail of two shaking elements according to the invention fixed to two opposing shaking groups via the support means.

[0060] These drawings illustrate and demonstrate various features and embodiments of the present invention but are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

[0061] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062] The reduction to practice of the inventive concept is provided by the following preferred, but not exclusive embodiment, the detailed explanation of which is reported below.

[0063] The shaking element

[0064] The scope of present invention covers a shaking element intended for a grape harvesting machine.

[0065] With reference to the enclosed Figure 1 , the shaking element (1) is indicated by the reference number (1) and has a “hairpin” shape which for the sake of clarity can be divided into eight contiguous portions (111 ,112,113,114,115,116,117,118) having the following features.

[0066] The first portion (111) consists of a substantially straight section which integrates at the end an attachment (12) configured to be tightened on the shaft, or on a fixed support, of the harvesting machine.

[0067] The second portion (112) of the shaker element (1) is a slightly curved section connecting to a third portion (113), substantially straight, which strikes the plant during the grape harvesting operation.

[0068] Similarly, the third and fourth portions (114,115) have a slight curvature and gradually connect to the sixth portion (116). This section has an almost circular curvature selected so that the third portion (113) is approximately parallel to the subsequent seventh portion (117). Finally, the eighth portion (118) is substantially straight and in the terminal part has a cylindrical shaped end (13) for attachment to the support means which will be described below.

[0069] The shaking element (1) according to the invention is characterized in that one or more of the portions (111 ,112,113) has a substantially flat impact surface (161) instead of being curved with a circular section as in known shaking arms.

[0070] For the sake of clarity, by the term “impact surface” it is meant the surface of the shaking element which hits the leaf wall and the support poles.

[0071] In the preferred embodiment, herein described by way of example and not limitation of the present invention, the portions (111 ,112,113) have a “D” section (16) formed by connecting a planar impact surface (161) with a curved surface (162), so that, during operation of the grape harvester, the first is facing the plant to be struck while the second is facing the opposite direction.

[0072] In this embodiment, the flat surface (161) of the “D” section (16) has a width between 10 and 20 mm (or a width less than 60% of the diameter of the portion that present the impact surface). The other portions (114,115,116,117,118) have a circular section.

[0073] Advantageously, the present inventor experimentally verified that a shaking element (1) having a shape characterized by portions with a “D” section (16) is much more resistant to breakages than known type of shaking elements having a circular section.

[0074] In the preferred embodiment, the diameter d, the length L and the radius R of the portions (111 ,112,113,114,115,116,117,118) are reported in the following Table 1.

[0075] In this embodiment, the portion (111) forms an angle between 20° and 28° with the axis (X). Furthermore, the portion (118) forms an angle between 5° and 10° with both the third portion (113) and the seventh portion (117).

[0076] The extreme portions (111 ,118) of the shaking element (1) according to the invention are fixed to the grape harvesting machine.

[0077] Tabella 1. Geometric parameters of the shaking element.

[0078] The first portion (111) is provided with fixing means to a shaft of the grape harvesting machine which is in turn mechanically connected, via a suitable transmission system, to an actuator for example an oil-dynamic cylinder.

[0079] In the preferred embodiment, herein described by way of example and not limitation, the end of the first portion (111) integrates a flanged attachment (12) that takes the form of an open ring clamp (121) equipped with a clamping mechanism configured to lock the ring around the shaft. This mechanism can be a common nut and bolt or a lever cam. However, other available solutions can also be used for the purpose, such as a closed ring clamp equipped with a clamping mechanism configured for locked-fit mounting on a shaft, or alternatively, a clamp equipped with a mechanism for clamping on a shaft positioned at the free ends of the arms of the clamp. It shall be evident to those skilled in the art that useful details for making an integrated attachment to a flange intended for an harvester are available from the aforementioned prior art document IT'598 as well as from general knowledge.

[0080] The eighth portion (118) of the shaking element (1) according to the invention is fixed by means of support means to a fixed structure of the grape harvesting machine as it shall be explained in the following.

[0081] In the preferred embodiment, herein described by way of example and not limitation, the eighth portion (118) has a shaped end (13), for example a longitudinal protruding part (131), which prevents the shaking element (1) from rotating once attached to the support means.

[0082] A shaking element (1) having the shape described allows to “embrace” the vine row and to shake it according to a natural frequency that facilitates the fruits to be detached from the plants.

[0083] For this purpose, the shaking element (1) is made of a material capable, on the one hand, of ensuring sufficient rigidity to effectively shake the plants, and on the other hand, of providing adequate flexibility for the shaking element to deform and withstand the mechanical stresses of the oscillatory motion.

[0084] Materials useful for this purpose include: technopolymers, preferably polyamide, nylon, glass fiber, carbon fiber, aramid fiber, even in combination with each other. From a production perspective, injection, thermoforming or fusion processes may be used.

[0085] In the preferred embodiment, the shaking element is made with a polyketone (a semicrystalline polyamide polymer obtained from the polymerization of caprolactam) and is characterized by the fact that it is made by “single molding injection” i.e. by injecting the plastic material in only one point of the mold. Advantageously, with this “single-point molding” technique, the guide ribs for simplify assembly is also obtained.

[0086] It shall be clear to those skilled in the art that the use of this technique on complex shaped artifacts, characterized by changes in section, is definitely not simple although a number advantages may be obtained.

[0087] First, air bubbles can be eliminated. In this way, high mechanical performance of the shaking element can be ensured in all harvesting conditions since the presence of air bubbles negatively affect the mechanical resistance of the piece.

[0088] Furthermore, single molding injection ensure that the piece matches the intended design that contributes significantly to the vibration modes of the shaking element and therefore to the grape harvesting method.

[0089] Following tests on shaking elements with very different shapes, it has emerged experimentally that the shape of the shaking element described here and depicted in the enclosed Figure 1 , ensures better performance compared to known solutions. In fact, field tests have demonstrated an increase in the efficiency of fruit harvesting and a decrease in damage to the leaf wall of the plants.

[0090] This technical effect is due to a peculiar geometry and a more favorable mass distribution compared to a typical shaking element of a known type (Figure 2). This is demonstrated by the data provided in Table 2. In particular, the left column shows the inertia matrix of a shaking element of a known type (mass 3.1 kg) compared with the inertia matrix of the shaking element according to the invention (mass 5.6 kg) on the right.

[0091] Table 2. Diagonal inertia matrix.

[0092] The two inertia matrices are diagonalized, i.e. they are referred to the main axes of inertia.

[0093] Since the kinetic energy Ek of a rotating rigid body is given by the relation Ek= where T is the inertia matrix and <3 the angular velocity vector, it is obvious that the shaking element according to the invention is able to impart a greater shaking energy to the vine row.

[0094] For example, in the reference system of Figure 2, a rotation around the axis (Z) involves an increase in the kinetic energy of a factor of 1.7 (equal to the ratio between the elements l3,3=pz). Furthermore, thanks to the advantageous “D” section (16), having a flat impact surface (161) of reduced width, this energy is concentrated on a smaller impact surface compared to known solutions.

[0095] Finally, the selected material ensures an increase in mass without compromising the elasticity of the shaking element, which is thus free to deform. In this regard, it should be noted that the use of metal, attempted in the past, would increase the mass but would provide a shaking element that is too rigid and cannot deform. In turn, a significant fraction of the shaking energy is returned to the grape harvester, with consequent damage to the mechanical parts.

[0096] Therefore, the shaking element (1) according to the invention actually implements a shaking mode, which has been defined as “sudden blow”, characterized by a more effective transfer of kinetic energy to the vine row with a shaking frequency (less than 400 stroke per minute) and a lower beating amplitude compared to known solutions. In this way, one of the main purposes of the present invention has been achieved.

[0097] Support means for the shaking element

[0098] The scope of present invention cover also a support means for shaking elements intended for grape harvesting machines, in particular for grape harvesting machines of any type.

[0099] In the preferred embodiment, herein illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the enclosed Figures 3 and 4, the support means is indicated with the reference number (2) and is configured for mechanically joining to the shaking element (1) described above.

[0100] In this embodiment, the support means (2) has a plate-like body (20) having a shape similar to that of a rectangular trapezoid in which two volumes can be recognized: a first volume (A), substantially a triangular prism, and a second volume (B) substantially having a cuboid-like shape as shown in the attached Figure 3.

[0101] In the second volume (B) there is an attachment (21) to the shaft which is formed by a shaped portion (211), adjacent to the first volume (A), and a jaw (213) having a symmetrical shape, hinged to the shaped portion (211) by means of a pin (212). By acting on a common fastening mechanism (214) such as a bolt and nut, the jaw (213) can be displaced away from the shaped portion (211) so as to allow the insertion of a shaft.

[0102] In this way, it is possible to tighten a plurality of support means (2) to the shaft at a predetermined distance (Figure 7), which is in turn mechanically connected to a motor (not shown) via a transmission system.

[0103] To prevent the support means (2), once fixed to the shaft, from rotating (a harmful circumstance because the movement imparted to the shaking element would be incorrect and ineffective or even harmful to the plant), the shaped portion (211) and the jaw (213) are preferably designed to tighten a square-section shaft. However, equivalent solutions are possible to keep the support means (2) locked to the shaft.

[0104] For example, the shaped portion (211) and the jaw (213) can have a circular section with a grooved profile (or with a slot) capable of coupling with a matching key inserted or obtained on the shaft (or with a key / tongue).

[0105] Returning to the description of the body (20), in the first volume (A) a cylindrical or slightly conical cavity (22) is obtained along the entire base of the rectangular trapezoid of the body (20) as shown in the enclosed Figure 4(a) and Figure 4(b). This cavity (22) has an opening (221) and is configured to perfectly matching with the end of a shaking element which, once inserted, can be blocked within the cavity (22) by means of a suitable fastening means (23).

[0106] In the preferred embodiment, herein described by way of example and not limitation, the shaking element is the one previously described.

[0107] In this embodiment, the cavity (22) is cylindrical and has a grooved part (222), preferably longitudinal, which matches the corresponding protruding part (131) obtained on the cylindrical surface of the shaped end (13). Obviously, different geometries of the grooved part (222) and the corresponding protruding part (131) are possible. In any case, the shaking element (1) can be blocked on the support means (2) by means of a common bolt / nut / washer (23).

[0108] Advantageously, this measure prevents that with the use unwanted rotations of the shaking element lead to modify the geometry of the cavity, so that the backlash between the parts is increased and hence an ineffective or even harmful shaking movement is caused.

[0109] In the preferred embodiment, herein described by way of example and not limitation, the support means (2) includes means (for example, common nuts and bolts) to secure the shaped end (13) within the cavity (22) in one of the locking positions available.

[0110] The locking positions can be obtained, according to known techniques, on the body (20) or on the shaped end (13). Advantageously, this arrangement fulfil the need to adapt the harvesting parameters according to the type of vineyard or support poles. In fact, the degree of insertion of the shaking element into the support determines the “vibration modes” of the beater.

[0111] By way of example and not limitation of the present invention, a load mainly applied to the rear part produces vibration modes suitable for harvesting ripe fruit, vice versa, a load mainly applied to the front part suitable for harvesting less ripe fruit.

[0112] In the preferred embodiment, herein described by way of example and not limitation, the base of the body (10) is inclined by 2° with respect to the axis (X) to prevent the shaking element from colliding with the machine in certain conditions, for example with shaking parameters that require a high amplitude.

[0113] In the preferred embodiment, herein described by way of example and not limitation, the cavity (22) for attach the shaking element (1) and the shaped portion (211) of the attachment to the shaft are parts integrated into the body (20) of the support means (2) which is hence a single piece. It is preferable that this piece is made of S355J steel or cast iron by die casting. Alternative solutions are however possible: for example, the body (20) may have a different shape, e.g. formed by several distinct parts, and produced with other technologies, e.g. forging or using alternative materials as long as they provide high rigidity to the support means (2). Mechanical assembly comprising the shaking element and the support means

[0114] The scope of present invention covers a mechanical assembly comprising the shaking element and the support means described above.

[0115] In the first embodiment, herein illustrated by way of example and not limitation with reference to the enclosed Figure 5, this assembly is indicated with (3) and consists of the mechanical union of the shaking element (1) and the support means (2) as previously described.

[0116] By configuring the longitudinal grooved part (222) of the cylindrical cavity (22) so as to couple perfectly with the corresponding protruding part (131) obtained on the cylindrical surface of the shaped end (13), the backlash is eliminated so that the shaking element (1) is constrained to move on a plane i.e. the shaking plane.

[0117] It shall be evident that the longitudinal grooved part (222) may be obtained on the shaped end (13) while the corresponding protruding part (131) on the cylindrical cavity (22).

[0118] The mechanical assembly thus made features an increase in rigidity and a reduction of the inertia ratio which enables a “sudden blow” shaking mechanism to be obtained. As we mentioned before, this shaking mode is characterized by sudden accelerations with a shaking frequency much lower (350-400 beats per minute) than known solutions (550-600 beats per minute).

[0119] Given the way the shaking element (1) and the support means (2) have been configured, it shall be evident to those skilled in the art that this technical effect is due to a synergic effect between the component parts and it is not an effect that can be trivially deduced by superposing the features of the components.

[0120] In the preferred embodiment, the shaped end (13) of the shaking element (1) can be fixed within the cavity (22) at different depths. This allows adjustment of the amplitude of the shaking movement and the impact angle i.e. the angle formed by the shaking element when hitting the support pole of the vine row. In this way, the harvesting parameters can be adjusted according to the type of vineyard, to the shape of the pole as well as to the type of grape that may have its own detachment force.

[0121] Since the shaped end (13) may be fixed within the cavity (22) in different position, it is advantageously possible to harvest grapes even from bunches close to massive support poles, particularly those made of concrete, which are difficult to collect because they are protected by the pole itself. In fact, by varying the attachment point on the support, the shaking element deforms in such a way as to reach those bunches “hidden” by the pole.

[0122] Shaking group

[0123] The scope of present invention covers also a shaking group comprising a shaft having fixed thereto a plurality of mechanical assemblies such as those described above.

[0124] In the preferred embodiment, herein disclosed by way of example and not limitation, said shaft is a component of a grape harvesting machine and through suitable kinematic mechanisms it imparts an oscillatory motion to the plurality of shaking elements.

[0125] As shown schematically in the enclosed Figure 6, the shaking group (40) preferably includes eight shaking elements (1) each being fixed to the shaft (42) by means of a support means (2). In turn, the support means (2) is fixed to the shaft (42) by means of nuts and bolts or equivalent fastening means.

[0126] Alternatively, it is possible to form the shaft (42) with the support means (2) integrated i.e. the support means (2) are not separate components but are integrated into the shaft (42) as a single piece.

[0127] Harvesting machine

[0128] The scope of present invention covers finally a harvesting machine comprising the shaking element or the support means, also in combination with each other, or a shaking group as described above.

[0129] In the preferred embodiment, herein disclosed by way of example and not limitation, said machine is a “smart” type grape harvesting machine which is indicated with the reference number (4) in the enclosed Figure 6 and Figure 7.

[0130] In this embodiment, the shaking element (1) and the support means (2) are used together to form the mechanical assembly (3) described above. More precisely, a plurality of mechanical assemblies (3) is fixed to a couple of shafts to form two shaking groups symmetrically identical to each other which move in opposite directions to each other.

[0131] As illustrated in the enclosed Figure 6, in the preferred embodiment the grape harvesting machine according to the preferred embodiment includes two front shafts (41 ,41’) and two rear shafts (42,42’). The shafts (41 ,42) and (41’, 42’) are opposite each other and are substantially identical to those described previously.

[0132] Furthermore, five shaking elements (1) like those described previously are fixed to each pair of shafts (41 ,42) and (41’, 42’). In particular, the shaped ends (13) of the shaking elements (1) are inserted into the support means (2), which are in turn fixed to the rear shafts (42,42’), while the attachments (12) are tightened to connecting rods which are fixed to the respective front shafts (41 , 41’).

[0133] Preferably, the attachments (12) of the shaking elements (1) are tightened to the connecting rods by interposing a plastic element, preferably made of Silentbloc to attenuate the impact.

[0134] In the preferred embodiment, each of the front shafts (41 , 41’) is fixed with a connecting rod to the respective rear shaft (42,42’) which is moved by a “smart” piston (not shown). In this way, each piston sets in motion the rear shaft (42,42’) which in turn transfers the motion via the connecting rod to the corresponding front shaft (41 , 41’) on the same side.

[0135] With this configuration, the shaking elements (1) impart an alternating shaking movement to the vine row which leads the grapes to detach from the bunches, thus allowing their harvesting. Although the shaking element (1) and the support means (2) according to the invention find preferable application in a smart type grape harvesting machine, from the description provided above it shall be apparent to those skilled in the art that the components (1 ,2) can also be applied to other types of grape harvesters or even to different types of harvesting machines, for example intended for olive harvesting. Furthermore, according to needs, the shaking element (1) and the support means (2) can be used separately.

[0136] However, it shall be apparent that further embodiments are possible. For example, the shaking groups according to the invention can also be applied to mechanical type grape harvesters by modifying the shape herein described in a trivial way for those skilled in the art.

[0137] CONCLUSIONS

[0138] To conclude, it has been shown that the invention described hereinabove fully achieves the intended aim and objects.

[0139] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein and although the description and examples provided contain many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but simply as illustrations of some embodiments of the present invention.

[0140] For example, the description refers to shaking elements and machines intended for harvesting grapes, but it shall be apparent to those skilled in the art that trivial modifications allow the technical teachings provided to be adapted also to harvest other fruits that in this way can benefit from the innovative harvesting mechanism defined as “sudden blow”.

[0141] Hence, any modification of the present invention which falls within the scope of the following claims is considered to be part of the present invention.

[0142] Where the characteristics and techniques mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, these reference marks have been applied solely for the purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and consequently these reference marks have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example from these reference signs.

Claims

1.CLAIMSWhat is claimed:1) Shaking element (1) for an harvesting machine, said element (1) consisting of a plurality of contiguous portions and comprising at least one end having an attachment (12) integral thereto, said element (1) being characterized by the fact of including at least a portion having a planar impact surface (161).2) Shaking element (1) according to claim 1 comprising: a first end portion (111) having an attachment (12) integral thereto, said attachment (12) having a flange (121) configured to fasten the shaking element (1) to a shaft or to a fixed support of an harvesting machine; an eighth end portion (118), opposite to the first (111), having a shaped end (13) configured to be inserted and fastened in a cavity (22) obtained on a support means (2), said support (2) configured to be fastened to a shaft or to a fixed support of said machine.3) Shaking element (1) according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the shaped end (13) has: a protruding part (131) shaped so as to mate with a corresponding grooved part (222) obtained on the surface of the cavity (22); or alternatively a grooved part (222) shaped so as to mate with a corresponding protruding part (131) obtained on the surface of the cavity (22), said protruding part (131) and grooved part (222) configured to prevent the shaking element (1) from rotating once fastened to the shaft or to a fixed support.4) Shaking element (1) according to one or more of the previous claims wherein the flange (121) of the attachment (12) is: an open-ring clamp equipped with a clamping mechanism configured to lock the ring around a shaft; or a shaft collar configured fortight-fit mounting on a shaft; or a tong equipped with a mechanism positioned at the free end of the tong's arms for clamping on a shaft.5) Shaking element (1) according to one or more of the previous claims, comprising at least four contiguous portions (111,112,113,114) on which said planar impact surface (161) is obtained, said portions (111,112,113,114) having a section (16) substantially “□’’-shaped and formed by connecting said planar impact surface (161) to a curved surface (162) so that, during the operation of the harvesting machine, said surfaces (161,162) face towards the plant to be shaked and the opposite direction thereof respectively.6) Shaking element (1) according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said impact surface (161) has a width between 14 and 20 mm or a width less than 60% referred to the diameter of the portion containing said impact surface (161).7) Shaking element (1) according to one or more of the previous claims having a hairpin shape comprising at least eight contiguous portions (111 ,112,113,114,115,116,117,118) where said portions have diameter d, length L, radius of curvatureR, as defined in the following table:8) Shaking element (1) according to one or more of the previous claims, configured so as to implement a "sharp hit" shaking mode wherein the shaking frequency is less than 420 strokes per minute and the amplitude less or equal than 110%.9) Shaking element (1) according to one or more of the previous claims having a mass greater than 4 kg.10) Support means (2) for a shaking element of an harvesting machine, said means having a body (20) comprising: a shaped portion (211) and a jaw (213) having a symmetrical shape with respect to this portion, said portion being pivoted to the shaped portion (211) by means of a pin (212) so that by acting on a fastening mechanism (214) the jaw (213) can be separated from the shaped portion (211) and fastened around a shaft or a fixed support of said machine; a cavity (22) configured to mate with the shaped end (13) of a shaking element (1) which, once inserted, can be blocked by means of a fixing means (23) in one or more locking positions obtained within the cavity (22).11) A mechanical assembly (3) comprising: the shaking element (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9; the support means (2) according to claim 10, wherein said element (1) and said means (2) are mechanically fastened by a fixing means (23) in one or more locking positions, said assembly characterized by having higher inertia than equivalent solutions of a known type.12) A mechanical assembly (3) according to claim 11 , wherein said one or more locking positions correspond to different vibration modes of the shaking element (1), wherein said vibration modes correspond to the degree of ripeness of the fruit, or the tenacity with which the fruit is attached to the plant.13) A mechanical assembly (3) according to claim 11 or 12 wherein: the shaking element (1) is made by injection, thermoforming or casting in a plastic material selected from: a technopolymer, a polyamide, a polyketone, a reinforced polymer, a glass fibre material, a carbon fibre material, an aramid fibre material, or a combination thereof; and / or the support means (2) is made by injection, thermoforming or casting in a material selected from: steel, cast iron, a technopolymer, a reinforced polymer, a glass fibre material, a carbon fibre material, an aramid fibre material, or a combination thereof.14) A mechanical assembly (3) according to claim 13 characterized by the fact that the shaking element (1) is obtained by "single-point moulding" injection, i.e. with a single mold by injecting the plastic material in a single point of the mould.15) A shaking unit comprising a plurality of mechanical assemblies (3) according to one or more of claims 11 to 14, which are integral with at least one shaft configured to impart an oscillatory motion to said plurality of shaking elements (1).16) A shaking assembly according to claim 15 characterized in that each of said mechanical assemblies (3) includes a support means (2) integral and constituting a single piece with said shaft.17) Machine (4) for fruit harvesting characterized by the fact of including: at least one shaking element (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9; or at least one support means (2) according to claim 10; or at least one mechanical assembly according to one or more of claims 11 to 14; or at least one shaking unit according to claim 15 or 16.18) Machine according to claim 17 characterized by the fact of being a mechanical, mechatronic or "smart" type grape harvester, configured so as to implement a "sharp hit" shaking mode wherein the shaking frequency is less than 420 strokes per minute.

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