Device for loosening soil on agricultural or horticultural areas

Abstract

The present invention relates to a soil-working machine having rotary soil-working units. Particularly advantageous are the protection of the soil structure by way of the smallest possible soil movement, the low energy consumption compared to alternative soil loosening means, the good road transport possibilities, and a high combinability of the machine. Particularly advantageous is the soil loosening by means of rotary soil-working units, in which at least one circular-path-guiding element guides working elements on a circular path, where said working elements are connected in a rotatably mounted manner to the circular-path-guiding element. The pivot angle plays a very important role here. If the pivot angle is too small, the soil does not fall back sufficiently into its original position when the working element is lifted out. If the pivot angle is too large, the working elements can, in unfavourable situations, rotate in such a way that they do not reach their target working depth. This problem is solved in the context of the present invention in that the angle of the stop elements, connected to the working elements, to one another and the positions of the stop elements fixedly connected to the circular-path-guiding element are designed such that the rotational movement of the working elements in the circumferential bearing point is limited to a pivot angle, in particular preferably 94°.

Description

[0001] Device for loosening soil on agricultural or horticultural land

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for loosening soils on agricultural or horticultural land. This device is particularly suitable for deep soil loosening and aeration while simultaneously preserving the soil structure, which is of interest in the area of ​​primary tillage of agricultural or horticultural land. Firstly, the preservation of the soil structure through minimal soil disturbance is particularly advantageous. Secondly, this significantly contributes to the efficiency of the method compared to alternative soil loosening methods in terms of energy consumption. Thirdly, the compact design allows for excellent road transport and ensures a high degree of compatibility with other equipment.

[0003] Primary tillage is an essential, typically annual, step in the agricultural or horticultural cultivation process. Due to natural soil settling, and especially the use of heavy machinery, soil compaction occurs throughout the growing season. In these compacted areas, soil life is disrupted, resulting in insufficient nutrient uptake. Furthermore, compacted soil reduces the usable root zone for crops. Finally, capillary action is impaired in compacted areas, which can lead to additional drought stress for the plants. Conversely, compaction also reduces the soil's drainage capacity, potentially causing waterlogging during periods of wet weather.

[0004] Accordingly, a primary tillage step is generally carried out annually on cultivated areas. Typical implements for this process are plows, heavy cultivators, or subsoilers. It should be noted here that the device, method, and computer program according to the invention are preferably used as technologies for deep primary tillage, where the working depths are regularly greater than 10 cm and usually greater than 15 cm. For this purpose, fine cultivators, harrows (such as rotary, disc, vibratory, or tine harrows), and rotary tillers are generally unsuitable.

[0005] Ploughs and heavy cultivators have the disadvantage of significantly altering the soil structure during primary tillage, particularly by bringing soil material from deeper layers to the surface and burying surface material deeply. This drastically changes the soil structure, which is detrimental to soil organisms, as they find themselves in unfavorable soil horizons after cultivation. Furthermore, the considerable soil movement involved in these methods generates a high energy demand.

[0006] Another method for primary tillage is the use of so-called rotary tillers. These work by removing soil in sections and depositing it at a secondary location. A distinction is made between rotary and thrusting attachments [NP1]. EP 0265397 Bl shows a thrusting attachment which, in addition to the sectioning action, offers the further advantage of less soil structure preservation compared to rotary attachments: the soil horizons are less disturbed. This means that soil components located in the subsoil remain predominantly in the subsoil even after tillage. The same applies to soil components located in higher soil layers. Thus, comparatively little vertical mixing of the soil occurs. However, even with this attachment, the soil is displaced relatively far during the throwing process compared to the penetration depth.In EP0265397B1, particular attention should be drawn to the reference numeral fe in Figure 1 of the document, which represents the throwing motion of the spade. The length of this throwing motion is clearly greater than the penetration depth H in Figure 4 of the same document. Furthermore, there is no change in the direction of movement of the spade, nor is it returned in the opposite direction of the throwing motion; instead, the excavation proceeds in a circular / elliptical pattern as a continuation of the throwing motion. This movement pattern ultimately leads here as well to the aforementioned extensive displacement of the soil, and thus also to high energy expenditure, and is again detrimental to the soil structure.

[0007] EP 0289517 Bl discloses a method and a device for loosening soils which, due to the movement guidance, avoid vertical soil displacement, but loosen the soil very intensively and energy-intensively with a high number of punctures and actively driven movement and break up the soil aggregates.

[0008] Soil loosening with rotary tillage implements is particularly advantageous. In these implements, at least one circular-guided element, such as a roller, wheel, drum, or cylinder, guides one or more tillage elements—which may be designed as tillage tools like tines, spades, shares, knives, or forks—along the radius or a partial radius where the tillage element(s) are rotatably mounted to the circular-guided element. Their use for (basic) tillage ensures more energy-efficient and soil-structure-preserving loosening compared to the aforementioned state of the art. This minimizes soil displacement while still loosening and aerating the entire soil volume across the working depth.

[0009] The rotatability or swiveling of the machining elements at their rotating pivot points plays a crucial role. It is particularly advantageous, as it is structurally very simple and cost-effective, if the machining elements are freely rotatable at their bearing points guided on the circular path. Alternative solutions, such as lever mechanisms, actuators for controlling the rotation, or cam tracks, result in significantly higher costs and considerably more maintenance. With freely rotatable machining elements, the design of the stop and overload mechanisms is paramount for achieving optimal results. If the swivel angle is too small (or the machining element is fixed), the ground will not return sufficiently to its original position when the machining element is removed. This leads to significant shifts in the ground level.This is disadvantageous from the perspectives of soil structure preservation and energy efficiency during loosening. Furthermore, the tilling elements then lack sufficient room to maneuver around obstacles in the soil, such as stones. If the swivel angle is too large, the tilling elements can pivot or twist under unfavorable soil conditions or driving speeds, preventing them from reaching their target working depth or even from penetrating at all. This problem is solved within the scope of the present invention by a generic device for loosening soils on agricultural or horticultural land, comprising at least one machine frame and at least one coupling device by which the machine frame is connected to at least one drive unit, at least during the tillage process, wherein the drive unit is designed to...the machine frame is moved at least temporarily relative to the surface being machined during the machining process, and comprises a plurality of machining elements movably connected to the machine frame, which are designed to temporarily penetrate the ground during the machining process, wherein the machining elements are rotatably attached in groups to bearing points, the bearing points move on at least one circular path during operation, and the at least one circular path is connected to the machine frame in such a way that the latter is in a continuous forward movement relative to the surface being machined during machining, wherein the bearing points of the machining elements are arranged radially outside the pivot point of the circular path, and the machine frame is connected to the at least one main bearing point of the element guiding the circular path.wherein the machining elements are each rigidly connected to at least two angled stop elements which, together with the machining element, perform the rotational movement in the rotating bearing point and which, against the stop elements rigidly connected to the circular path-guiding element, limit the rotational movement in the rotating bearing point, wherein the angle of the stop elements connected to the machining elements to each other and the positions of the stop elements rigidly connected to the circular path-guiding element are designed such that the rotational movement of the machining elements in the rotating bearing point is limited to a swivel angle of 75° to 110°, preferably 90° to 100°, particularly preferably 93° to 97°.

[0010] This swivel angle, particularly a swivel angle of 94°, has proven exceptionally advantageous in trials and simulations for the results of soil loosening and aeration using rotary tillage implements. However, deviations from the optimal swivel angle are possible depending on the working depth, the tool geometry of the tillage elements, and other factors, and may result in some compromises in the work outcome.

[0011] The device according to the invention thus allows for a more energy-efficient and soil-structure-friendly loosening compared to the aforementioned prior art, with low design effort and a continuously optimal working result, largely independent of the soil conditions and the processing speed.

[0012] Mechanical drive systems are to be provided as the drive unit, which can be connected to the folding soil cultivation machine according to the invention and optionally to other elements, assemblies, drive or working machines to form a vehicle combination. These mechanical drive systems in turn comprise vehicle-typical components, such as electric or combustion engines, energy storage devices such as fuel tanks or batteries, optionally also energy generators such as solar panels, and chassis, for example with wheels or tracks. In particular, agricultural tractors, such as tractors, tracked vehicles or wide-span vehicles, or field robots are suitable for this purpose. Alternatively, the folding soil cultivation machine according to the invention can also be combined with the drive unit and together they can be designed as a self-propelled agricultural vehicle.In all cases, both autonomous or highly automated ferry operation and ferry operation controlled by a human driver are possible.

[0013] A coupling unit serves to connect the drive unit and the device according to the invention. This coupling unit, for example when an agricultural tractor is used as the drive unit, is preferably designed as a three-point linkage, other lifting mechanism mounting, or as a drawbar socket or tow eye, or as a comparable detachable connector. This connector links the drive unit and the device according to the invention during operation but is separable to allow the drive unit to be used for other purposes. Alternatively, for example when the device according to the invention and the drive unit are combined, particularly in the case of an agricultural self-propelled vehicle, the coupling unit can also be a permanent connection, for example, but not exclusively, a flange or a screw, weld, or rivet connection.If the device according to the invention is detached from the drive unit and is only connected to it during operation via a coupling unit designed as a detachable connector, it can itself have a supporting chassis and thus be designed as a towed agricultural implement. Alternatively, it can also be designed without a supporting chassis and thus as an attached or carried agricultural implement.

[0014] Further advantages of the device according to the invention arise in special embodiments and modifications.

[0015] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the circular path-guiding element, such as a roller, wheel, drum, or cylinder, rolls along the ground during operation. Alternatively, the circular path-guiding element can also be supported by the frame during operation, and its radius can be guided at a constant or variable height above the ground surface. This can be achieved, for example, by a supported suspension of the machine on the three-point linkage of an agricultural tractor or by support wheels on the machine's frame.

[0016] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the machining elements are each rigidly connected to at least two angled stop elements, and these stop elements are arranged at an angle between 50° and 130°, preferably 80° to 100°, and particularly preferably 90°, to each other. This has the advantage that, within the aforementioned optimal swivel angle range, the forces are introduced perpendicularly or almost perpendicularly at the stops. For this purpose, an angle of 94° would be optimal for the stops to also be 94° when the optimal swivel angle is 94°. However, for reasons of design simplicity, a slightly different angle, for example 90°, can also be chosen, which in most configurations requires less manufacturing wall space.

[0017] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the machining elements and the stops connected to them are at least partially resilient, for example, made of spring steel. This has the advantage of improved durability of the stops, since the impact energy is not absorbed as a single blow, but rather in a progressive manner as the resilient parts are tensioned. This design can also serve as a resettable overload protection device in the event of obstacles in the ground. Furthermore, resilient stops can be advantageous from the perspective of noise reduction.

[0018] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the part made of resilient steel is designed wholly or partially as at least one coil spring with one or more legs. This is a particularly simple and cost-effective design of a spring-loaded stop. The stop action can also be staged, wherein the resilient part of the stop on the workpiece first contacts the stop element on the circular path-guiding element and absorbs initial energy. Subsequently, before reaching the maximum permissible spring force, a fixed stop on the workpiece-side contact the stop element on the circular path-guiding element and transfers the remaining, lower energy. The fixed stop on the workpiece-side ensures a precisely defined swivel angle.

[0019] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the spring element(s) are designed wholly or partially as one or more leaf springs. This is a very space-saving design for a spring-loaded stop element. Furthermore, the swivel angle can be varied by inserting spacer plates, in order to achieve different processing objectives under varying soil conditions, for example.

[0020] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the stops connected to the processing elements are at least partially supported or covered by rubber dampers. These serve to absorb the impact energy, thereby reducing wear and material fatigue of the stops and surrounding components. This is also advantageous from the perspective of noise reduction.

[0021] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the stops connected to the machining elements are at least partially formed by features of the holders or flanges of the machining elements or of the machining elements themselves. This is particularly advantageous for reasons of design simplicity and cost.

[0022] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the stops are rigidly connected to the element guiding the circular path and are at least partially designed as at least one tube or at least one web. This allows several stops for several machining elements or groups of machining elements, as well as in different directions (leading the rotation at most, lagging the rotation at most), to be formed simply and cost-effectively by a single component.

[0023] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the stops, which are rigidly connected to the element guiding the circular path, are at least partially designed as at least one tube, and this at least one tube is at least partially filled with foam or otherwise with sound-absorbing material. This serves to reduce noise, since otherwise, in particular, the cavity enclosed in the tube could undesirably act as an acoustic resonator.

[0024] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the stops, which are rigidly connected to the circular path-guiding element, are wholly or partially encased or covered by rubber dampers or provided with energy storage devices, such as springs, at the point of contact. These serve to absorb the impact energy, thereby reducing wear and material fatigue of the stops and surrounding components. This is also advantageous from the perspective of noise reduction.

[0025] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the machining elements are each rigidly connected in groups to rotatable element support frames, which together with the machining element perform the rotational movement at the rotating bearing point and which are each rigidly connected to at least two angled stop elements. This saves on pivot points and stops, since a separate bearing seat is not required for each machining element, but only one bearing or a pair of bearings per element support frame with typically 3, 4 or more machining elements.Furthermore, the element support frame is preferably equipped with two stop elements: one stop element to limit the maximum advance of the machining element before the rotation of the circular path-guiding element, and one stop element to limit the maximum lag of the machining element before the rotation of the circular path-guiding element. In this way, all machining elements on the element support frame (typically 3, 4, or more) are rigidly connected to two stop elements. However, for 3, 4, or more machining elements, only two stop elements are structurally required, thus not two stop elements per machining element, since the machining elements are collectively limited in their swivel angle by the stop elements.

[0026] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, it is designed as a mounted attachment for an agricultural tractor. This is particularly advantageous for cost reasons, as the device can be manufactured more cost-effectively by dispensing with the chassis. Furthermore, the advantage of the compact design is particularly utilized when designed as a mounted attachment, since the compact design reduces the load-bearing capacity.

[0027] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the machine comprises at least two coupling units, wherein at least one first coupling unit is configured for connection to a drive unit and at least one second coupling unit is configured for connection to another agricultural machine. This significantly increases labor productivity, as the device can thereby be combined with other machines and several operations can be carried out simultaneously. The compact design of the device is particularly advantageous here, since the overall vehicle combination, consisting of a drive unit (for example, an agricultural tractor), the device according to the invention, and another agricultural machine, is not substantially lengthened by the addition of the device according to the invention.It is also particularly advantageous here that soil cultivation takes place in an energy-efficient manner, thus making part of the drive power of the drive unit available for the other agricultural machinery.

[0028] The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for combination with other, preferably shallow-working, soil cultivation machines, such as disc harrows, fine cultivators or seedbed combinations, with harrows or crossboards and / or with seed drills, planters or seed setters. Simultaneous application of fertilizers is also possible. The second coupling unit allows for combination with both hand-held and, preferably, trailed implements.

[0029] Furthermore, the second coupling unit can be used for the preferably temporary coupling of (additional) weights under particularly difficult soil conditions.

[0030] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, at least a second coupling unit comprises lower links which are height-adjustable, at least in the working position. This allows independent depth control of the device according to the invention and of the further agricultural machine which can be connected by means of the second coupling unit.

[0031] It is possible to arrange two or more such devices together in a higher-level system, for example to increase the capacity of an overall process and / or to fulfill different purposes within an overall process.

[0032] It is expressly pointed out that the embodiments of the invention described above can be combined with the subject matter of the main claim, both individually and in any combination with one another, provided that no compelling technical or other obstacles prevent this. The same applies to the features introduced in the element-by-element description and the drawings.

[0033] Further modifications and embodiments of the device according to the invention can be found in the following element-by-element description and in the figures and drawings.

[0034] The device according to the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of a rotary soil cultivation unit with the direction of rotation of the roller opposite the geometry of the cultivation element on the handle in a side view.

[0035] Fig. 2: a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention as a mounted soil cultivation implement in an isometric view,

[0036] Fig. 3: a schematic representation of a possible design of a rotary soil cultivation unit with the direction of rotation of the roller oriented to the cultivation element geometry in the side view,

[0037] Fig. 4: a possible embodiment of an assembly of rigidly connected machining elements, stop elements and element support frames using coil springs as second stop elements in an isometric view,

[0038] Fig. 5: a possible embodiment of an assembly of rigidly connected machining elements, stop elements and element support frames using coil springs as second stop elements in side view,

[0039] Fig. 6: a possible embodiment of a rotary tillage unit in an isometric view,

[0040] Fig. 7: a possible embodiment of a rotary soil cultivation unit in side view with a schematic representation of the swivel angle of the soil cultivation elements at the rotating bearing point,

[0041] Fig. 8: a possible embodiment of an assembly of rigidly connected machining elements, stop elements and element support frames using leaf springs as stop elements in an isometric view,

[0042] Fig. 9: a possible embodiment of an assembly of rigidly connected machining elements, stop elements and element support frames using leaf springs as stop elements in side view and Fig. 10: a possible embodiment of an assembly of rigidly connected machining elements, stop elements and element support frames using leaf springs as the first stop element and the geometry of the mounting flange of the machining elements as the second stop element in side view.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of a rotary soil cultivation unit with the roller rotating in the opposite direction to the geometry of the cultivation elements on the handle in a side view. The device according to the invention is shown here in continuous motion along its forward direction of movement 37. The cultivation elements 50 are shown here with a checkered hatching pattern. These are rotatably connected to the roller, which is a circular path-guiding element 51 and can, for example, but not exclusively, be designed as a grooved, profiled, tube, or grid roller. The horizontally hatched circle 52 indicates the partial radius of the roller on which the bearing points 57 of the cultivation elements 50 are arranged and which rotate with the rolling motion 36 of the roller 51 on the soil surface 11. The arrow marked with reference number 36 indicates the direction of rotation of the roller 51.The arrow marked with reference number 35 indicates part of the rotation of the processing elements 50 within their bearing points 57 located on the orbit 52. In the movement marked at 35, the processing element 50 falls back to its starting position for the insertion movement at the next insertion position due to gravity while moving to the next insertion position. The soil structure 12, which is (already) directly swept over or moved by the processing element 50 at the time of the illustration, is hatched here at an angle of -45°, with reference number 12a showing such soil structure at a previous insertion position. The soil structure 13, which is (not yet) directly swept over or moved by the processing element 50 at the time of the illustration, is hatched here at an angle of +45°. Reference number 13a shows soil structure not directly swept over or moved between previous insertion positions.The soil structure here was either not disturbed or only indirectly loosened. The soil surface is marked by reference number H, the free / air space above the tilled area by 10. In particular, the tillage element numbered 50a, but generally all tillage elements 50 located above the soil surface 11, move to a new entry position at the time shown in the figure. Reference number 100 dimensiones the depth line of the tillage depth (maximum penetration depth of the tillage elements 50). The measurement of the proportion of soil that is not disturbed or only indirectly disturbed in the cross-section shown here in the direction of travel 37 is preferably carried out on the depth line of half the tillage depth 101. Here, dimension 102 denotes the distance of directly disturbed soil 12a per entry position on the depth line of half the tillage depth 101 along the direction of travel 37.Dimension 103 denotes the distance of soil 13a that is not directly moved, i.e., not moved or only indirectly moved, between entry points on the depth line of half the working depth 101 along the direction of travel 37. A key objective of the present invention is to increase the proportion of indirectly loosened soil. This is characterized by dimension 103 representing the highest possible proportion relative to the sum of dimensions 102 and 103, for example, more than 33%, preferably more than 50%, and most preferably, as shown here, 66%.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention as a mounted soil cultivation implement in an isometric view. The device can be connected to a drive unit in the form of an agricultural tractor via the coupling unit, which here is designed as a three-point linkage 67. When uncoupled from the tractor, the device can be placed on the support legs 334. The circular track-guiding element 51, designed here as a roller, is connected to the main frame by means of the main bearing 70. The rotatable element support frames 63 are connected to the roller 51 at the circumferential pivot points 57. The cultivation tools 50 are each bolted to the element support frames 63 and thus rotatably mounted in groups.The first machining element-side stop elements 202 and the second machining element-side stop elements 203 limit the swivel angle of the machining elements 50 in the circumferential bearing points 57 by contacting the stop elements 210, which are designed as a tube welded to the roller and connected to the circular path-guiding element.

[0045] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of a rotary soil cultivation unit with the direction of rotation of the roller oriented according to the geometry of the working elements in a side view. Here, an alternative combination of tool geometry of the working elements, direction of rotation 36, and direction of travel 37 is shown compared to the representation in Fig. 1. The device according to the invention is shown here in continuous travel along its direction of travel 37. The working elements 50 are shown here with a checkered hatching pattern. These are rotatably connected to the roller, which acts as a circular path element 51 and can, for example, but not exclusively, be designed as a grooved, profiled, tube, or grid roller.The horizontally hatched circle 52 indicates the partial radius of the roller on which the bearing points 57 of the machining elements 50 are arranged and which rotate on the bottom surface U with the rolling motion 36 of the roller 51. The arrow labeled with reference number 36 indicates the direction of rotation of the roller 51. The arrows labeled with reference number 35 indicate portions of the rotations of the machining elements 50 within their bearing points 57 located on the orbit 52. In the movement indicated at 35 above, the machining element 50 is moved back to its starting position for the machining movement at the next machining position due to centrifugal force during its movement to the next machining position.In the movement shown below at 35, the working element 50 is moved back to its starting position for the excavation movement by the counter-pressure of the soil, thus exiting the ground in the opposite direction to the original insertion movement and minimizing further soil movement. The soil structure 12, which was (already) directly penetrated or moved by the working element 50 at the time of the illustration, is hatched here at an angle of -45°, with reference number 12a showing such soil structure at a previous insertion position. The soil structure 13, which was (still) not directly penetrated or moved by the working element 50 at the time of the illustration, is hatched here at an angle of +45°. Reference number 13a shows soil structure not directly penetrated or moved between previous insertion positions. The soil structure was either not moved here or only loosened indirectly.The ground surface is marked by the reference number U, and the free / air space above the worked area by 10. In particular, the working element numbered 50a, but generally all working elements 50 located above the ground surface U, move to a new insertion position at the time shown in the figure. The combination of working element geometry and direction of travel shown in this figure is particularly advantageous at high working speeds of, for example, 10 km / h to 25 km / h. Here, the rotatable working elements 50 are first brought, due to centrifugal force, to their position furthest from the curved track 52 (dead center) during movement to a new insertion position.Then, during their downward movement, the working elements 50, due to the combination of gravity and centrifugal force, are positioned slightly ahead of their dead center against the first stop element and, following their geometry, penetrate the ground like a pickaxe in the penetrating motion. After the penetration motion, the working elements 50 are then pushed back in the direction of the lower arrow with reference numeral 35 due to the counter-pressure of the soil, and are thereby forced past their dead center, resulting in a soil lifting movement due to their geometry. Further reversal at the pivot point in the direction of the lower arrow with reference numeral 35 due to the soil counter-pressure creates the excavation movement while minimizing further soil movement. The second stop elements prevent the working elements from completely retracting, even under very hard soil conditions.This combination of geometry, direction of rotation 36, and direction of travel 37 is therefore particularly advantageous, as the rotation of the machining elements 50 is easy to implement in terms of design and allows the machining elements 50 to easily avoid obstacles in the ground. Furthermore, the centrifugal force of the rotary motion 36 acts here in the direction of the return movement of the machining elements 50 during travel to a new insertion position. Thus, this configuration allows for particularly high working speeds of, for example, 10 km / h to 25 km / h, typically 15 km / h, which contributes to high area coverage and therefore productivity.

[0046] Fig. 4 shows a possible embodiment of an assembly 206 consisting of rigidly connected machining elements, stop elements, and element support frame, using coil springs as the second stop element, in an isometric view. The assembly 206 is rotatably suspended or mounted by the pivot point 57 of the rotatable element support frame 63. The machining elements 50 are preferably screwed to the mounting flange 201. This screw connection allows for the replacement of the machining elements 50 in case of wear and also serves as a possible overload protection. The mounting flange 201 is preferably welded to the main support tube of the rotatable element support frame 63. The first stop 202 on the machining element side is designed here as a bent sheet metal.Preferably, the contact surface in the area marked with reference numeral 202 can be covered with a rubber layer as a damper or otherwise connected, for example, screwed through the four surrounding holes. The second stop 203 on the machining element side is designed here as a coil spring 205 with legs 204. Reference numeral 50b shows machining elements arranged laterally adjacent to the direction of travel of the device. Figure 8 also shows the narrow and arc-shaped design of the machining elements 50. This design, for example as a laser cut from a single sheet of metal, is particularly advantageous because the sheet width can absorb the force distribution of the insertion and floor lifting movements particularly well.Due to the narrow design made from a single sheet of metal, for example 12 mm (millimeter) to 20 mm thick, without, for example, further cross-welded wear tips or support plates, the end ring resistance into the ground during the piercing movement is minimized.

[0047] Fig. 5 shows a possible embodiment of an assembly 206 consisting of rigidly connected machining elements, stop elements, and element support frames, using coil springs as the second stop elements in a side view. The assembly 206 is rotatably suspended or mounted by the pivot point 57 of the rotatable element support frame 63. The machining elements 50 are preferably screwed to the mounting flange 201. This screw connection allows for the replacement of the machining elements 50 in case of wear and also serves as a possible overload protection. The mounting flange 201 is preferably welded to the main support tube of the rotatable element support frame 63. The first stop 202 on the machining element side is designed here as a bent sheet metal.Reference numeral 207 shows the contact area and contact direction of the first stop element 202, which is fixedly connected to the machining elements, and the stop element connected to the circular path guide element. The second stop 203 on the machining element side is designed here as a coil spring 205 with legs 204. Alternatively, depending on the stiffness of the coil spring 205, the design shown here could be used to perform a staged stop operation, whereby first the spring-loaded part of the stop on the machining element contacts the stop element on the circular path guide element and absorbs initial energy. Subsequently, before reaching the maximum permissible spring force, a fixed stop on the machining element side contacts the stop element on the circular path guide element and transmits the remaining, lower energy. The fixed stop on the machining element side ensures a precisely defined swivel angle.The second, fixed stage of the second stop element would be formed by the outer geometry of the mounting flange of the machining element itself. Reference numeral 208 indicates the contact area and contact direction of the second stop element 203, which is fixedly connected to the machining elements, with the stop element connected to the circular path. The contact areas define the angle 209 that is formed between the stop elements 202 / 203, which are fixedly connected to the machining elements 50.

[0048] Fig. 6 shows a possible embodiment of a rotary soil cultivation unit in an isometric view. The circular path-guiding element, designed as a roller 51, is shown with pivot point 70. The arrow 37 indicates the direction of travel. The cultivation elements 50, as part of the assembly 206, are rotatably mounted in the circumferential pivot points 57 together with the element support frame 63 and the first and second cultivation element-side stop elements 202 and 203. One or more such rotary soil cultivation units can be arranged across the working width of a device according to the invention. It can be seen that the element support frames 63 can extend over the entire working width of a rotary soil cultivation unit or only over a portion of the working width of the rotary soil cultivation unit.The latter is shown here, where two adjacent assemblies 206, consisting of rigidly connected working elements 50, stop elements 202 / 203, and element support frames 63, are arranged across the width of the rotary soil cultivation unit. The roller of a rotary soil cultivation unit can also be divided into 3, 4, or more such segments. Six sets of two adjacent assemblies 206 are distributed around the circumference of the rotary soil cultivation unit. It is evident that the axes of rotation 211a / 2Ub of adjacent assemblies 206 in the left and right segments of the roller are not aligned, but rather offset from each other on the circular path. This ensures smooth operation of the device, as it prevents the working elements 50 of the adjacent assemblies 206 from engaging at the same time, but rather at different times.This increases the frequency of the stress impulses acting on the device during the insertion process, but reduces the intensity of each individual impulse.

[0049] Fig. 7 shows a possible embodiment of a rotary soil cultivation unit in a side view with a schematic representation of the pivot angle of the soil cultivation elements at the rotating bearing point. The circular path-guiding element, designed as a roller 51, is shown with pivot point 70. The arrow marked with reference numeral 37 indicates the direction of travel. The arrow marked with reference numeral 36 indicates the direction of rotation of the roller 51. The cultivation elements 50, as part of the assembly 206, are rotatably mounted in the rotating pivot points 57 together with the element support frame 63 and the first and second cultivation element-side stop elements 203. The first cultivation element-side stop 202 is designed here as a bent sheet metal. The second cultivation element-side stop 202 is designed here as a coil spring 205 with legs 204.Six subassemblies 206 are arranged on the rotating circular path of the roller. The tubes 210 form the stop elements which are firmly connected to the circular path-guiding element 51.

[0050] Preferably, the tubes 51 are foam-filled and / or encased in a rubber layer in the contact area. The assembly of rigidly connected machining elements, stop elements, and element support frames, sketched by reference numerals 206a and 206b, marks the maximum pivot positions of the machining elements 50, including the assembly 206 comprising them. In the dashed line 206a, the assembly is in the pivot position that trails the rotational movement 36 of the roller at its maximum. Its rotational movement is limited here by the contact 212 of the second machining element-side stop 203 with the roller-side tube 210. In the dotted line 206b, the assembly is in the pivot position that leads the rotational movement 36 of the roller at its maximum. Its rotational movement is limited here by the contact 213 of the first machining element-side stop 202 with the roller-side tube 210.Between the maximum swivel positions 206a and 206b, the swivel angle 214 of the machining elements 50, including their rigidly connected assemblies 206, is defined at the rotating pivot points 57. Fig. 8 shows a possible embodiment of an assembly 206 consisting of rigidly connected machining elements, stop elements, and element support frames, using leaf springs as stop elements, in an isometric view. The assembly 206 is rotatably suspended or mounted by the pivot point 57 of the rotatable element support frame 63. The machining elements 50 are preferably screwed to the mounting flange 201. This screw connection allows for the replacement of the machining elements 50 in case of wear and also serves as a possible overload protection device. The mounting flange 201 is preferably welded to the main support tube of the rotatable element support frame 63.The first machining element-side stop 202 is designed here as a leaf spring 215. Preferably, the contact surface in the area marked with reference numeral 202 can be covered with a rubber layer as a damper or otherwise connected. The distance of the machining element-side stop elements to the element support frame can be adjusted by means of spacer plates 216. These can be added or omitted, either singly or in multiples, or in different thicknesses, in order to make the swivel angle of the machining elements 50 adjustable within the specified tolerance ranges, depending on the situation. The second machining element-side stop 203 is designed here as a leaf spring 215. Reference numeral 50b indicates machining elements arranged laterally adjacent to the direction of travel of the device.

[0051] Fig. 9 shows a possible embodiment of an assembly 206 consisting of rigidly connected machining elements, stop elements, and element support frame, using leaf springs as stop elements, in a side view. The assembly 206 is rotatably suspended or mounted by the pivot point 57 of the rotatable element support frame 63. The machining elements 50 are preferably screwed to the mounting flange 201. This screw connection allows for the replacement of the machining elements 50 in case of wear and also serves as a possible overload protection. The mounting flange 201 is preferably welded to the main support tube of the rotatable element support frame 63. The first machining element-side stop 202 is designed here as a leaf spring 215. The second machining element-side stop 203 is also designed here as a leaf spring 215.The arrow marked with reference numeral 207 indicates the contact area and contact direction of the first stop element 202, which is fixedly connected to the machining elements 50, with the stop element connected to the circular path guide element. The arrow marked with reference numeral 208 indicates the contact area and contact direction of the second stop element 203, which is fixedly connected to the machining elements 50, with the stop element connected to the circular path guide element.

[0052] Fig. 10 shows a possible embodiment of an assembly 206 consisting of rigidly connected machining elements, stop elements, and element support frame, using leaf springs as the first stop element and the geometry of the machining element mounting flange as the second stop element in a side view. The assembly 206 is rotatably suspended or mounted by the pivot point 57 of the rotatable element support frame 63. The machining elements 50 are preferably screwed to the mounting flange 201. This screw connection allows for the replacement of the machining elements 50 in case of wear and also serves as a possible overload protection. The mounting flange 201 is preferably welded to the main support tube of the rotatable element support frame 63. The first machining element-side stop 202 is designed here as a leaf spring 215.The second stop 203a on the machining element side is formed here by the geometry of the mounting flange 201 of the machining elements 50. The arrow marked with reference numeral 207 shows the contact area and contact direction of the first stop element 202, which is fixedly connected to the machining elements 50, with the stop element connected to the circular path. The arrow marked with reference numeral 208 shows the contact area and contact direction of the second stop element 203a, which is fixedly connected to the machining elements 50, with the stop element connected to the circular path.

[0053] The foregoing embodiments serve only to illustrate the invention. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It will be easy for a person skilled in the art to modify the embodiments in a manner deemed suitable to adapt them to a specific application. List of reference numerals

[0054] 10 Free space / airspace above the processed area

[0055] 11 Soil surface

[0056] 12 Soil structure which was directly brushed over / moved by the processing element during processing.

[0057] 12a Soil structure which was directly brushed over / moved by the processing element at a previous insertion point.

[0058] 13 Soil structure which was not (yet) directly covered / moved by the processing element during processing at the time of representation.

[0059] 13a Soil structure which was not directly crossed / moved by the processing element at a previous entry point, and thus was not moved or only indirectly moved.

[0060] 35 Rotary / swivel movement of the machining element around the bearing point moving on the circular path.

[0061] 36 Rotational / rolling motion of the roller.

[0062] 37 Priority direction of movement of the device

[0063] 50 processing elements

[0064] 50a Machining element during movement to the next insertion position.

[0065] 50b Machining elements arranged laterally adjacent to the direction of travel of the device.

[0066] 51 Roller, which rolls over the ground and to which the processing elements are rotatably mounted.

[0067] 52 Partial radius of the roller on which the bearing points of the machining elements are arranged.

[0068] 57 Pivot point of the machining element or element support frame with multiple machining elements.

[0069] 61 machine frames.

[0070] 63 Rotating element support frame for multiple machining elements.

[0071] 67 Three-point mounting bracket.

[0072] 70 Main bearing of the roller axis / pivot point of the orbital element. 100 Machining depth.

[0073] 101 Half machining depth.

[0074] 102 Distance of directly moved soil per entry point on the depth line of half the working depth along the direction of travel.

[0075] 103 Distance of soil not directly moved, that is, not or only indirectly moved, between penetration positions on the depth line of half the working depth along the direction of travel.

[0076] 201 Mounting flange for machining element.

[0077] 202 First stop element firmly connected to the processing elements.

[0078] 203 Second stop element firmly connected to the processing elements.

[0079] 203a Second stop element firmly connected to the machining elements, here formed by the geometry of the mounting flange of the machining element itself.

[0080] 204 legs of a spiral spring.

[0081] 205 spiral spring.

[0082] 206 Assembly of permanently connected machining elements, stop elements and element support frames.

[0083] 206a Assembly of fixedly connected machining elements, stop elements and element support frames, shown here in dashed lines in the pivot position which trails the rotary motion of the roller as a circular path to the maximum extent.

[0084] 206b Assembly of fixedly connected machining elements, stop elements and element support frames, shown here in dotted lines in the pivot position which leads the rotary motion of the roller as a circular path to the maximum extent

[0085] 207 Contact area and direction of the first stop element firmly connected to the processing elements with the stop element connected to the circular path.

[0086] 208 Contact area and direction of the second stop element firmly connected to the processing elements with the stop element connected to the circular path.

[0087] 209 Angle that is clamped between the stop elements firmly connected to the processing elements. 210 Tube firmly connected to the roller, here welded, which forms stops connected to the element guiding the circular path.

[0088] 211a Axis of rotation of the assembly of fixedly connected machining elements, stop elements and element support frame in the segment of the roller on the right in the direction of travel.

[0089] 211b Axis of rotation of the assembly of fixedly connected machining elements, stop elements and element support frame in the left segment of the roller in the direction of travel.

[0090] 212 Contact of the first machining element-side stop element with the stop firmly connected to the circular path element.

[0091] 213 Contact of the second machining element-side stop element with the stop firmly connected to the circular path-leading element.

[0092] 214 Swivel angle of the assembly of fixedly connected machining elements, stop elements and element support frame limited by the stop elements at the pivot point rotating on the circular path.

[0093] 215 leaf spring.

[0094] 216 Spacer plate.

[0095] 334 Support foot.

[0096] Cited non-patent literature

[0097] [NP1] Spade machine Wikipedia (htDs: / / de.wikiDedia.org / wiki / Spatenmaschine. accessed on 15.03.2023).

Claims

Claims 1. Device for loosening soils on agricultural or horticultural land, comprising at least one machine frame (61), at least one coupling device (67) by which the machine frame (61) is connected to at least one drive unit at least during the working process, wherein the drive unit is designed to move the machine frame relative to the area being worked at least temporarily during the working process, and a plurality of working elements (50) movably connected to the machine frame (61), which are designed to penetrate the soil temporarily during the working process, wherein the working elements (50) are rotatably attached in groups to bearing points (57),the bearing points (57) move on at least one circular path (52) during operation and the at least one circular path (52) is connected to the machine frame (61) in such a way that the latter is in a continuous forward movement (37) relative to the machined surface during machining, wherein the bearing points (57) of the machining elements are arranged radially outside the pivot point (70) of the circular path (52) and the machine frame (61) is connected to the at least one main bearing point (70) of the element (51) guiding the circular path (52), characterized in that the machining elements (50) are each firmly connected to at least two angled stop elements (202 / 203),which together with the machining element (50) perform the rotational movement (37) in the rotating bearing point (57) and the stop elements (210) which are rigidly connected to the element (51) guiding the circular path (52) limit the rotational movement (37) in the rotating bearing point (57), wherein the angle (209) of the stop elements (202 / 203) connected to the machining elements to each other and the positions of the stop elements (210) rigidly connected to the element (51) guiding the circular path (52) are designed such that the rotational movement (37) of the machining elements (50) in the rotating bearing point (57) is limited to a swivel angle (214) of 75° to 110°, preferably 90° to 100°, particularly preferably 93° to 97°.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the processing elements (50) each have at least two angled arrangements stop elements (202 / 203) are firmly connected and these stop elements (202 / 203) are arranged at an angle (209) between 50° and 130°, preferably 80° to 100°, particularly preferably 90°, to each other.

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stops (202 / 203) connected to the processing elements (50) are at least partially resilient, for example made of resilient steel.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the part made of resilient steel is wholly or partially designed as at least one coil spring (205) with one or more legs (204).

5. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the springing part(s) are wholly or partially designed as one or more leaf springs (215).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stops (202 / 203) connected to the processing elements (50) are at least partially supported or covered by rubber dampers.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stops (202 / 203a) connected to the machining elements (50) are formed at least partially by shaping the holders or flanges (201) of the machining elements (50) or the machining elements (50) themselves.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stops (210) firmly connected to the element (51) guiding the circular path (52) are at least partially designed as at least one tube (210) or at least one web.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the stops (210) firmly connected to the element (51) guiding the circular path (52) are at least partially designed as at least one tube (210) and this at least one tube (210) is at least partially foamed or otherwise filled with sound-absorbing material.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stops (210) which are firmly connected to the element (51) which guides the circular path (52) are wholly or partially enclosed or covered by rubber dampers or are provided with energy storage devices, such as springs, at the stop point.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the machining elements (50) are each rigidly connected in groups with rotatable element support frames (63) which together with the machining element (50) perform the rotational movement (35) in the rotating bearing point (57) and which are each rigidly connected with at least two angled stop elements (202 / 203).

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