Portable agricultural tool

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable agricultural tool (1) comprising a mechanical transmission (2) having a first oscillating glyph mechanism (100) for moving a first comb (10) and a second oscillating glyph mechanism (200) for moving a second comb (20). Each oscillating glyph mechanism (100, 200) comprises a main body(101, 201) fixed in rotation about a respective rotation axis (X, Y), a rod-shaped body (102, 202) having a first end (102a, 202a) connected to the respective comb (10, 20) and a second end (102b, 202b) hinged to the respective main body (101, 201) in a respective button (103, 203). Each rod-shaped body (102, 202) defines a sliding path (104, 204) for the respective button (103, 203). Thereby, the portable tool has a simplified structure by reducing the number of components and the complexity of the mechanical transmission.

Description

[0001] PORTABLE AGRICULTURAL TOOL DESCRIPTION

[0002] The present invention falls within the agricultural sector and concerns a portable agricultural tool, such as a so-called “harvester”.

[0003] Agricultural tools are known comprising a machine body equipped with a motor and an implement, connected to the motor by a mechanical transmission and configured to make the fruits fall down. In particular, agricultural tools of the harvester type are equipped with an implement comprising a pair of oscillating combs, which cause the fruit to fall by means of fast vibration (over 1000 beats per minute).

[0004] According to an example known in the art, the mechanical transmission comprises a double connecting rod-crank mechanism: a first connecting rod-crank mechanism is dedicated to the movement of a first comb while the second connecting rod-crank mechanism is dedicated to the movement of the second comb.

[0005] According to a further example known in the art, the mechanical transmission comprises a connecting rod-crank mechanism with a central body configured for the movement of two respective connecting rods: a first rod is dedicated to the movement of a first comb while the second rod is dedicated to the movement of the second comb.

[0006] Regardless of the specific structure of the transmission, typically the motor and mechanical transmission are only partially housed inside the implement head: part of the mechanical transmission, and in particular the ends of the connecting rods connected to the combs, may protrude from the implement head at least during certain operating steps. In other words, the implement head has slits configured to allow movement of the connecting rods outside the implement head.

[0007] At the operational level, each comb is moved according to an oscillating movement, and this pair of combs is typically moved at the same frequency. Together, the combs define a plurality of reciprocal movement configurations depending on the timing of the oscillatory movement of the combs. In the field covered by the present invention, depending on parameters such as the size and type of fruit tree as well as the size and state of ripeness of the fruit to be harvested, a specific comb operating configuration is known to be used. In particular, two reciprocal comb movement configurations are known to be rather efficient: a first configuration in which the combs are moved in phase and a second configuration in which the combs are moved in counter-phase.

[0008] The Applicant has noted that, even in their most modern implementations, the systems described above have certain structural and functional disadvantages and their use entails some drawbacks.

[0009] Firstly, the mechanical transmission is complex, bulky and comprises a considerable number of components. This results in the following disadvantages.

[0010] Weight and bulk: a complex mechanical transmission requires the addition of components such as gears, drive shafts, bearings and other elements. This can increase the overall weight of the tool, making it heavier and less manoeuvrable for the operator. The extra bulk can also limit the manoeuvrability of the harvester, making it difficult to access higher branches or narrow spaces.

[0011] Maintenance and durability: greater structural complexity may imply a higher probability of failure and more intensive maintenance. Mechanical parts may require lubrication, periodic adjustment and more frequent replacement. This can increase maintenance costs and reduce the overall tool life.

[0012] Energy efficiency: a complex mechanical transmission can result in energy losses during the transmission process, due to friction, deviations or mechanical inefficiencies. This could reduce the overall efficiency of the harvester, requiring more energy consumption to achieve the same result. Production costs: the design, manufacture and assembly of a complex mechanical transmission requires increased specialisation and resources, which may be reflected in higher production costs of the harvester. This could make the tool more expensive for farmers, limiting its accessibility or widespread adoption.

[0013] Dirt and premature wear of the mechanical transmission: the implement head is at least partially open to allow movement of the connecting rods connected to the respective combs. As a result, during operations, a substantial amount of dirt enters the implement head, settling on the mechanical transmission and reducing its service life.

[0014] Secondly, such systems have an operational disadvantage. Such systems are, in fact, not very versatile and therefore not very adaptable to the different situations in which the operator may find himself in the course of his work.

[0015] In this context, the technical task of the present invention is thus to make available a portable agricultural tool, such as a harvester, that is free of the drawbacks complained of in the prior art.

[0016] The object of the present invention is thus to provide a portable agricultural tool, such as a harvester, which has a simplified structure, in particular by minimising the number of components as well as the structural complexity of the mechanical transmission.

[0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide a portable agricultural tool, such as a harvester, that is improved in terms of efficiency and handling while reducing production and maintenance costs.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide a portable agricultural tool, such as a harvester, that is more versatile.

[0019] The purposes are substantially achieved by a portable agricultural tool, such as a harvester, in accordance with the characteristics set forth respectively in the appended claim 1 and / or in one or more of the claims dependent thereon.

[0020] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the approximate and thus non-limiting description of a preferred, but non-exclusive, embodiment of a portable agricultural tool, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: - Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a first operating condition of an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a portable agricultural tool in accordance with the present invention;

[0021] - Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a second operating condition of the portable agricultural tool in Figure 1 .

[0022] With reference to the appended figures, the numerical reference “1” indicates a portable agricultural tool. Preferably, the tool 1 is of the “harvester” type. However, the present invention is extended to any portable agricultural tool presenting an implement comprising two elements that are mutually movable according to a periodic movement, in accordance with the generality of the invention.

[0023] The tool 1 comprises a machine body, a rod extending from the machine body longitudinally along a longitudinal axis “A” and an implement head 1a, connected to one end of the rod.

[0024] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the implement head 1a comprises a motor 3, a mechanical transmission 2 and an implement 4. The motor 3 and mechanical transmission 2 are arranged at least partially, preferably entirely, inside the implement head 1a. The motor 3 is preferably of the electric type.

[0025] Furthermore, as will become clearer later in this description, the motor 3 can be configured to selectively operate in a first drive direction and a second drive direction, opposite to the first drive direction. In other words, functionally, the operator can selectively drive the motor 3 in the first drive direction or in the second drive direction. For this purpose, in embodiments that provide for it, the tool 1 includes an operator-driven control (not shown in the accompanying figures), connected to the motor 3 and configured to switch the drive direction of the motor 3.

[0026] With reference to the implement 4, it is connected to the motor 3 via the mechanical transmission 2. The implement 4 comprises a first comb 10 and a second comb 20 connected to the motor 3 via the aforementioned mechanical transmission 2. The combs 10, 20 are pivoted around a respective oscillation axis “W”, “Z”. Preferably, the combs 10, 20 have a mutually specular shape with respect to the longitudinal axis “A” of the tool 1.

[0027] The mechanical transmission 2 comprises a first oscillating glyph mechanism 100 configured to move the first comb 10 and a second oscillating glyph mechanism 200 configured to move the second comb 20. Structurally, each oscillating glyph mechanism 100, 200 comprises a main body 101 , 201 fixed in rotation about a respective axis of rotation “X”, “Y”, and a respective rod-shaped body 102, 202 having a first end 102a, 202a connected to the respective comb 10, 20 and a second end 102b, 202b connected to the respective main body 101 , 201. In particular, the second end 102b, 202b of each rod-shaped body 102, 202 is connected to the main body 101 , 201 by a respective button 103, 203 of the respective main body 101 , 201.

[0028] The term “button” refers to a protuberance, protrusion or pivot to which the respective rod-shaped body is connected. As will be seen in the remainder of this description, the button can be an integral part of the respective main body (in other words, made as a single part or integrally connected with the respective main body) or an element connected to the respective main body.

[0029] The first oscillating glyph mechanism 100 is distinct from the second oscillating glyph mechanism 200. As will become clearer in the remainder of this description, the term “distinct” means that the two oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200 are separate entities.

[0030] In particular, the main body 101 of the first oscillating glyph mechanism 100 is preferably distinct from the main body 201 of the second oscillating glyph mechanism 200.

[0031] Likewise, the rod-shaped body 102 of the first oscillating glyph mechanism 100 is preferably distinct from the rod-shaped body 202 of the second oscillating glyph mechanism 200. In accordance with the generality of the invention, the two combs 10, 20 are moved by the respective oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200 so as to be mutually counter-phased or mutually phased.

[0032] As can be seen in the accompanying figures, each main body 101 , 201 is at least partially circular in shape. Preferably, each main body 101 , 201 has a toothed wheel conformation.

[0033] Advantageously, these technical features make it possible to simplify the structure of the two oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200.

[0034] In accordance with a peculiar aspect of the present invention, each rodshaped body 102, 202 defines a sliding path for the respective button 103, 203: each sliding path 104, 204 is delimited by a first end 104a, 204a and a second end 104b, 204b.

[0035] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, each sliding path 104, 204 preferably has a curved shape. In other words, each sliding path 104, 204 is shaped in such a way that the button 103, 203 is constrained to perform a relative movement (with respect to the same sliding path 104, 204) describing a curved trajectory.

[0036] Preferably, each sliding path 104, 204 is shaped like an arc of a circle. In other words, each sliding path 104, 204 is shaped so that the button 103,

[0037] 203 is constrained to perform a relative movement (with respect to the same sliding path 104, 204) describing a trajectory shaped like an arc of a circle.

[0038] In accordance with an aspect, the main bodies 101 , 201 of the oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200 have a radius that is in a predetermined dimensional relationship to the radius of the respective sliding path 104,

[0039] 204 in order to achieve a predetermined movement of the combs 10, 20.

[0040] Advantageously, the aforementioned technical features relating to the shape of the sliding paths 104, 204 result in optimal movement of the respective oscillating glyph mechanism 100, 200 and, consequently, also of the respective comb 10, 20. In general, in fact, the shape of the rod-shaped bodies 102, 202 (and the associated sliding paths 104, 204) determines the opening speed and closing speed of the respective comb 10, 20. The term “opening” is intended to mean the rotational movement of the comb 10, 20 from a central area of the tool 1 towards the outside of the tool 1 . In other words, a rotational movement from a longitudinal axis “A” of symmetry of the tool 1 towards the outside of the tool 1 . Also, the term “closing” is intended to mean the rotational movement of the comb 10, 20 from the outside of the tool 1 towards the inside of the tool 1 .

[0041] By varying the shape of the sliding paths 104, 204, it is possible to vary the opening speed and closing speed of the combs 10, 20. Naturally, the shape of the sliding paths 104, 204 is a design choice determined by a combination of functional requirements, space constraints, strength and stability considerations, aesthetic requirements and production feasibility, and determined according to the desired movement of the combs 10, 20.

[0042] In the preferred embodiment, the curved (and preferably arched) shape of the sliding paths 104, 204 is configured in such a way as to achieve an opening speed substantially equal to the closing speed of the comb 10, 20.

[0043] In accordance with alternative, not illustrated embodiments, rod-shaped bodies 102, 202 having a substantially linear form can be made, which have sliding paths 104, 204 which are themselves linear. In these embodiments, however, the linear shape of the sliding paths 104, 204 results in an inherent difference between the opening speed and the closing speed of the combs 10, 20.

[0044] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, each sliding path 104, 204 is defined by a groove or slot 110, 21 formed on the respective rod-shaped body 102, 202, to which the button 103, 203 of the respective main body 101 , 201 is slidably coupled.

[0045] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the first end 102a, 202a of each rod-shaped body 102, 202 is rigidly connected to the respective comb 10, 20 in the vicinity of the oscillation axis “W”, “Z” of the comb 10, 20 itself. In other words, each rod-shaped body 102, 202 is integrally connected to the respective comb 10, 20.

[0046] At functional level, each main body 101 , 201 , which rotates about the respective axis “X”, “Y”, acts as a guiding and supporting element for the movement of the respective rod-shaped body 102, 202. In particular, each button 103, 203 moves along a closed circular path about the respective axis “X”, “Y” and is movably connected within the respective sliding path 104, 204 defined by the rod-shaped body 102, 202. The button 103, 203 slides freely within the respective sliding path 104, 204, allowing the rodshaped body 102, 202 to rotate about the hinge point, corresponding to the respective oscillation axis “W’, “Z”. Each rod-shaped body 102, 202 therefore results in an oscillating movement about the respective oscillation axis “W’, “Z”. It follows that each comb 10, 20, rigidly connected and integral to the respective rod-shaped body 102, 202, is moved in accordance with the same oscillating movement about the respective oscillation axis “W’, “Z”.

[0047] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the frequency of oscillations of the combs 10, 20 is equal.

[0048] The frequency of oscillations of the combs 10, 20 (and thus the frequency of oscillations of the oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200) is a function of both the rotational speed of the oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200 themselves and a function of the particular geometric ratios between the components of these mechanisms 100, 200. With reference to geometric ratios, the frequency of oscillations of the oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200 is a function of the ratio of the connection radius 103a, 203a of the main body 101 , 201 (i.e. the distance between the button 103, 203 and the respective rotation axis “X”, “Y”) to the distance between the oscillation axis “W’, “Z” and the respective rotation axis “X”, “Y”.

[0049] Preferably, the two oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200 have the same ratio between the connection radius 103a, 203a of the main body 101 , 201 and the distance between the oscillation axis “W”, “Z” and the respective rotation axis “X”, “Y”. Advantageously, in this way, the oscillation frequency between the combs 10, 20 is the same.

[0050] In accordance with a particularly advantageous embodiment, the two oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200 have the same dimensions: in other words, the main bodies 101 , 201 of the two oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200 have the same diameter, while the two rod-shaped bodies 102, 202 of the two oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200 have the same length. Preferably, moreover, the two oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis “A” of the tool 1 .

[0051] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the mechanical transmission 2 may comprise a pinion 300 operatively connected to only one of the main bodies 101 , 201 of the two oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200 while the other main body 201 , 101 is cascade connected; in use, the main bodies 101 , 201 are rotationally discordant.

[0052] Alternatively, the mechanical transmission 2 may comprise a pinion 300 operatively connected to and active on both the main bodies 101 , 201 of the two oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200; in use, the main bodies 101 , 201 are concordant in rotation.

[0053] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the main bodies 101 , 201 of the two oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200 are coplanar and side-by- side along a longitudinal axis “A” of the tool 1 : the rotation axes “X”, “Y” of the two main bodies 101 , 201 are parallel.

[0054] In the remainder of this description, two embodiments of the tool 1 in accordance with the present invention will now be explained in detail.

[0055] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the tool 1 , and in particular of the mechanical transmission 2. This embodiment is illustrative and not limiting and is intended only to give a better understanding of the present invention. In this embodiment, the motor 3 is of the electric type and is fully integrated into the implement head 1a. The motor 3 is configured to selectively operate in a first drive direction and a second drive direction, opposite to the first drive direction.

[0056] The mechanical transmission 2 comprises a pinion 300 operatively connected to the first main body 101 of the first oscillating glyph mechanism 100 while the second main body 201 of the second oscillating glyph mechanism 200 is cascade connected to the first main body 101 of the first oscillating glyph mechanism 100.

[0057] In this embodiment, the buttons 103, 203 are integral or permanently connected to the respective main bodies 101 , 201. In other words, the buttons 103, 203 are integral in movement with the respective main bodies 101 , 201.

[0058] The main bodies 101 , 201 of the two oscillating glyph mechanisms 100,

[0059] 200 have essentially the same shape and size. Furthermore, the main bodies 101 , 201 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis “A” of the tool 1. Again, the two main bodies 101 , 201 are arranged substantially coplanar to each other.

[0060] Similarly, the rod-shaped bodies 102, 202 of the two oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200 have essentially the same shape and size. Furthermore, the rod-shaped bodies 102, 202 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis “A” of the tool 1 .

[0061] The rod-shaped bodies 102, 202 define respective sliding paths 104, 204 shaped like an arc of a circle: in particular, each sliding path 104, 204 is defined by a groove or slot 110, 210 formed on the respective rod-shaped body 102, 202, to which the 103, 203 of the respective main body 101 ,

[0062] 201 is slidably coupled.

[0063] The first end 102a, 202a of each rod-shaped body 102, 202 is rigidly connected to the respective comb 10, 20 in the vicinity of the oscillation axis “W”, “Z” of the comb 10, 20 itself. In other words, each rod-shaped body 102, 202 is integrally connected to the respective comb 10, 20. In this embodiment, the combs 10, 20 are moved by the mechanical transmission 2 in such a way that they are counter-phased, i.e. opposite.

[0064] Figure 2 shows a second operating condition of the tool 1 , and in particular of the mechanical transmission 2. This operating condition differs from the previous one in that the button 203 is offset by 180°.

[0065] This embodiment differs from the previous one in that the button 203 is offset by 180°. This offset results in a phase change of the respective comb 20. In other words, in this embodiment, the combs 10, 20 are moved by the mechanical transmission 2 in such a way that they are phased.

[0066] The present invention achieves the intended purposes overcoming the highlighted drawbacks of the prior art.

[0067] In this regard, it should first be noted that the tool 1 as described and / or claimed has a structure (with particular reference to the mechanical transmission 2) that is considerably simplified in terms of structural complexity, footprint and number of components.

[0068] The structure of the tool 1 eliminates the complexity and bulk associated with a traditional mechanical transmission and reduces the number of components required, thus simplifying the design of the tool 1. This reduces the overall weight of the tool 1 and improves manoeuvrability for the operator. This advantage is achieved in particular through the structure of the oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200.

[0069] Furthermore, due to the simplification of the mechanical transmission 2, the tool 1 requires less maintenance than known mechanical transmissions. The absence of complex moving parts and the need for frequent lubrication, periodic adjustment or replacement helps reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of the tool 1 itself. This advantage is also achieved by the possibility of using an essentially closed implement head 1a, as the mechanical transmission 2 can be completely housed inside the implement head 1a. The mechanical transmission 2 is protected from the entry of dirt and premature wear. Complete closure or adequate protection of the mechanical transmission 2 prevents the penetration of dirt, allowing a longer life of the tool 1 . This reduces the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance of the mechanical transmission 2 and contributes to its overall durability. This result is achieved in particular by the fact that the rod-shaped bodies 102, 202 are hinged in the oscillation axes “W”, “Z” and rigidly and solidly connected to the respective combs 10, 20.

[0070] This is also achieved by the presence of two separate oscillating glyph mechanisms 100, 200 that make the tool 1 operationally flexible and easy to maintain.

[0071] A further achievement is the kinematic optimisation of the components. In fact, thanks in particular to the conformation of the rod-shaped bodies 102, 202 and the specific curved shape of the sliding paths 104, 204, optimum handling of the combs 10, 20 can be achieved. It should be noted, in fact, that by varying the shape of the sliding paths 104, 204, it is possible to obtain a variation in the opening speed and closing speed of the combs 10, 20.

[0072] A further result achieved is the reduction in production costs: the elimination of the structural complexity of the mechanical transmission 2 leads to a reduction in the design, manufacturing and assembly costs of the tool 1. The simplification of the production process requires fewer resources and specialisation, leading to a reduction in overall production costs. This can make the tool 1 more accessible to operators in the industry.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Portable agricultural tool (1 ), said portable agricultural tool being preferably a harvester, comprising:- a machine body comprising a motor (3);- a first comb (10) and a second comb (20) connected to the motor (3) by means of a mechanical transmission (2) comprising a first oscillating glyph mechanism (100) configured to move the first comb (10) and a second oscillating glyph mechanism (200), distinct from said first oscillating glyph mechanism (100), configured to move the second comb (20), each oscillating glyph mechanism (100, 200) comprising:- a main body (101 , 201 ) fixed in rotation about a respective rotation axis (X, Y); and- a rod-shaped body (102, 202) having a first end (102a, 202a) connected to the respective comb (10, 20) and a second end (102b, 202b) connected to the respective main body (101 , 201 ) in a button (103, 203) of the main body (101 , 201 ), wherein:- said combs (10, 20) are tilting about a respective tilting axis (W, Z); and- each rod-shaped body (102, 202) defines a sliding path (104, 204) for the respective button (103, 203).

2. Tool (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein each sliding path (104, 204) has a curved shape, preferably an arc of a circle.

3. Tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each sliding path (104, 204) is defined by a groove or slot (110, 210) formed on the respective rodshaped body (102, 202), to which the button (103, 203) of the respective main body (101 , 201 ) is slidably coupled.

4. Tool (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the first end (102a, 202a) of each rod-shaped body (102, 202) is rigidly connected to the respective comb (10, 20) near the oscillation axis (W, Z) of the comb (10, 20) itself.

5. Tool (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the twocombs (10, 20) are moved at the same oscillation frequency.

6. Tool (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein the two oscillating glyph mechanisms (100, 200) have a same ratio between a connection radius (103a, 203a) of the main body (101 , 201 ) and a distance (L) between the oscillation axis (W, Z) and the respective rotation axis (X, Y).

7. Tool (1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the main bodies (101 , 201) of the two oscillating glyph mechanisms (100, 200) have equal diameters and wherein said two rod-shaped bodies (102, 202) of the two oscillating glyph mechanisms (100, 200) have equal lengths.

8. Tool (1) according to claim 7, wherein the oscillating glyph mechanisms (100, 200) are arranged symmetrically relative to a longitudinal axis (A) of the tool (1 ).

9. Tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said mechanical transmission (2) comprises a pinion (300) operatively connected to only one of the main bodies (101 , 201 ) of said two oscillating glyph mechanisms (100, 200) while the other main body (201 , 101 ) is cascade connected; in use, said main bodies (101 , 201 ) being rotationally discordant.

10. Tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein said mechanical transmission (2) comprises a pinion (300) operatively connected to and active on both the main bodies (101 , 201) of said two oscillating glyph mechanisms (100, 200); in use, said main bodies (101 , 201 ) being concordant in rotation.11 . Tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two combs (10, 20) are moved by their respective swinging glyph mechanisms (100, 200) so that they are mutually counter-phased.

12. Tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, wherein the two combs (10, 20) are moved by the respective swinging glyph mechanisms (100, 200) so that they are mutually phased.

13. Tool (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main bodies (101 , 201 ) of the two oscillating glyph mechanisms (100, 200)are coplanar and wherein the rotation axes (X, Y) of the two main bodies (101 , 201 ) being parallel.

14. Tool (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor (3) is configured to selectively operate in a first drive direction and a second drive direction, opposite to the first drive direction.

15. Tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the buttons (103, 203) are integral or permanently connected to the respective main body (101 , 201 ).

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