Soil cultivation device

Abstract

The invention relates to a soil cultivation device (10, 110), which has a frame (20), a disc (30), an introduction device (40) for fertiliser and a press wheel (50). The disc (30) is rotatably mounted on the frame (20) and is used to form a furrow in the soil. The introduction device (40) is used to introduce fertiliser into the furrow. The press wheel (50) is rotatably mounted on the frame (20) and is used to close the furrow by applying pressure to the soil. A distance between a centre of the disc (30) and a centre of the press wheel (50) in the direction of travel is smaller than the sum of a radius of the disc (30) and a radius of the press wheel (50) such that the disc (30) and the press wheel (50) at least partially overlap each other in a side view transverse to the direction of travel.

Description

[0001] DE Applicant: FertWise GmbH

[0002] TBK Ten. : WO 113744

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] Soil cultivation equipment

[0005] TECHNICAL AREA

[0006] The present invention relates to a soil cultivation device, in particular a disc injector, such as a device for the precise and soil-friendly application of fertilizer in agricultural soils, especially in the form of liquid fertilizer, liquid manure, fertilizer (substrate) and digestate from biogas plants.

[0007] BACKGROUND

[0008] Conventional disc injectors for applying fertilizer to the soil consist of a disc, a fertilizer injector, and a trailing wheel. The disc creates a furrow in the soil into which the fertilizer is applied using the injector. The trailing wheel then closes the furrow after the fertilizer has been applied.

[0009] EP 0 677 239 Bl, for example, discloses a device assembly comprising a disc, a chute for applying fertilizer, and a trailing wheel, all attached to a frame. The trailing wheel is positioned a considerable distance behind the disc in the direction of travel. EP 0 677 239 Bl also discloses further wheels attached to the frame, used, among other things, for depth control of the disc and for scraping off grass / brush adhering to the disc.

[0010] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0011] Conventional methods of fertilizer application in agriculture require improvement in terms of efficiency and soil conservation. Existing equipment often results in uneven fertilizer distribution and can damage soil structure. This indicates potential for improvement in the equipment used.

[0012] In the EP 0 677 239 Bl, for example, the trailing wheel is positioned a considerable distance behind the disc, so that the furrow created by the disc is closed after the fertilizer is applied. This has the consequence, among others, that the fertilizer, especially in the case of liquid fertilizers such as slurry, can outgas to the atmosphere before the furrow is closed. This is detrimental with regard to emissions and can also lead to unpleasant odors.

[0013] Furthermore, the large distance at which the trailing wheel is guided behind the disc in the design of the EP 0 677 239 Bl results in a large dimension of the device design in the longitudinal direction, which is disadvantageous in terms of space requirements.

[0014] Furthermore, the large number of wheels used in the equipment design of EP 0 677 239 Bl results in a comparatively high complexity of the equipment design and high manufacturing costs.

[0015] The present invention aims to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages in the prior art and to provide an improved and more cost-effective device for fertilizer application (plant protection, grassland, cereals and in arable farming).

[0016] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The above-mentioned problem is solved by a soil cultivation device according to claim 1.

[0018] The soil cultivation device according to the invention comprises a frame, a disc, a fertilizer application device and a push wheel.

[0019] The frame can be attached to a vehicle, such as a truck, a slurry tanker / tractor, or a tractor / slurry tanker. A standard three-point hitch can be used to attach the frame to the vehicle. The frame is preferably designed as a mounting frame for attaching implements and as a double-row sliding frame. Such a sliding frame allows for precise fertilization of row crops (such as corn, sugar beets, and other crops). At least a portion of the frame is preferably designed as a square frame to ensure stability, particularly when the disc engages the soil.

[0020] The disc is rotatably mounted on the frame of the tillage implement and is designed to create a furrow in the soil. Preferably, the frame includes a disc mounting section that extends substantially vertically and is cranked in the lower section where the disc is mounted. The crank angle relative to the vertical is preferably between 1 and 20 degrees, more preferably between 5 and 10 degrees, and can particularly be 8 degrees. The crank allows the disc to be inclined relative to the vertical, thus ensuring self-feeding of the disc.

[0021] The disc has a cutting edge on its outer circumference to cut agricultural soil, such as arable land or grassland, or to create a precise cut in the soil. Preferably, the vertical position of the disc relative to the soil is adjustable with millimeter precision to form an accurate slit and thus avoid damaging plants in the soil or their root systems. The disc can preferably displace soil from the cutting point perpendicular to the direction of travel of the tillage implement to form the furrow. The disc has a radius defined between its center (center of rotation) and its outer circumference. The diameter of the disc is preferably in the range of 300 to 700 mm, more preferably in the range of 480 to 550 mm, and can particularly be 520 mm. A ridging disc, for example, can be used as the disc.

[0022] The application device is a device for applying fertilizer to the furrow. It may, for example, include a fertilizer tank and a hose that conveys the fertilizer from the tank to the tillage implement. Suitable fertilizers include liquid fertilizers, such as slurry, liquid manure, fertilizer (substrate), digestate from biogas plants, or solid fertilizers and seeds. Liquid fertilizer can be conveyed from the tank to the furrow via the hose using gravity (hydrostatic pressure) and / or a pump. Alternatively, the application device can be used to introduce seeds into the furrow, which are conveyed from a seed hopper to the tillage implement.

[0023] The press wheel is rotatably mounted on the frame and is designed to close the furrow by applying pressure to the ground (furrow closing function). The press wheel can be rotated during both towing and pushing operations by moving the tillage implement in the direction of travel. The attachment of the tillage implement to the vehicle and frame allows pressure to be applied to the press wheel, acting vertically downwards and closing the furrow. For example, the press wheel can be used to move soil displaced by the disc perpendicular to the tillage implement's direction of travel into the furrow, thus closing it. The press wheel has a radius defined by its center (rotation center) and outer circumference.The width of the push wheel is greater than the thickness of the disc. The push wheel preferably has a cylindrical running surface that rolls at least partially across the floor. The push wheel can be, for example, a rubber wheel or a metal wheel.

[0024] According to the invention, the distance between the center of the disc and the center of the pressure wheel in the direction of travel is less than the sum of the radius of the disc and the radius of the pressure wheel. In other words, the pressure wheel is directly adjacent to the disc. The center of the disc is defined radially at the disc's center of rotation and axially midway between one side of the disc and the other. The center of the pressure wheel is defined radially at the pressure wheel's center of rotation and axially midway between one side of the disc and the other. When the tillage implement is traveling straight ahead, the direction of travel corresponds to the direction along which the furrow is formed. With the above configuration, the disc and the pressure wheel overlap at least partially in a side view perpendicular to the direction of travel.

[0025] The soil cultivation implement according to the invention allows the furrow created by the disc to be quickly closed in the direction of travel, so that the soil is sealed immediately after fertilizer application and, if necessary, plants are pressed down again. Furthermore, the soil cultivation implement according to the invention ensures that the fertilizer, especially liquid manure, applied to the furrow can hardly escape into the atmosphere before the furrow is closed. This reduces emissions or outgassing of the fertilizer into the atmosphere. The soil cultivation implement according to the invention also achieves a compact design, particularly in the direction of travel.

[0026] Preferably, a portion of the push wheel is positioned close to the disc in a lateral direction perpendicular to the direction of travel, creating a zone of minimal clearance between the disc and the push wheel. This minimum clearance is adjusted so that soil material adhering to the disc is scraped off by the push wheel. Preferably, the minimum clearance is greater than zero (contactless), ensuring that the disc and push wheel do not touch each other. Depending on the soil type or condition, the minimum clearance can be adjusted to allow, for example, clumps of grass, brush, or clods of earth to be scraped off the disc. For instance, the minimum clearance between the disc and the push wheel is set smaller than the average dimension of the soil material to be scraped off (i.e., the clump of grass, brush, or clod of earth).

[0027] Based on the above design, soil material adhering to the disc, which sticks to it during furrow formation and is carried along by the disc's rotation, can be effectively scraped off by the push wheel. Consequently, in addition to closing the furrow, the push wheel also provides a cleaning function. Furthermore, additional cleaning wheels are unnecessary, thus reducing the complexity of the tillage implement and its manufacturing costs.

[0028] Preferably, the disk and / or the push wheel is displaceable with respect to the vertical direction, such that the area of ​​the smallest distance between the disk and the push wheel is located below the center of the push wheel in the vertical direction.

[0029] Based on the above design, the area of ​​smallest distance between the disc and the push wheel is positioned close to the ground, so that soil material adhering to the disc is scraped off near the ground, further improving the disc's cleaning function. Furthermore, the angled push wheel relative to the vertical reduces its contact area and increases the pressure on the furrow (opened soil).

[0030] Preferably, the disc is inclined relative to the direction of travel, so that one side of the disc faces the direction of travel and the other side faces away from it. Preferably, the disc mounting part is pivotably mounted on the frame about the vertical direction and its pivot angle is adjustable by means of an intermediate threaded rod. The push wheel is positioned relative to the disc such that the area of ​​smallest distance between the disc and the push wheel is located on one side of the disc, i.e., the side facing the direction of travel.

[0031] Based on the configuration described above, soil material adhering to the disc is scraped off on the side facing the direction of travel, where initial contact with the soil occurs. Furthermore, the other side of the disc, facing away from the direction of travel, remains freely accessible and is not affected by the pressure wheel. The threaded rod allows for millimeter-precise adjustment of the slot size, which contributes to stabilization even considering the comparatively large forces acting on the disc. Preferably, the application device has a nozzle for introducing the fertilizer into the furrow. Preferably, the nozzle is located on the opposite side of the disc, i.e., the side facing away from the direction of travel. In other words, the fertilizer is introduced into the soil through the nozzle on the side opposite the cut.

[0032] Using the configuration described above, the fertilizer can be dispensed onto the soil on the opposite side of the disc, the side facing away from the direction of travel. This allows the fertilizer to be applied effectively and precisely into the furrow, further reducing emissions and outgassing of the fertilizer into the atmosphere.

[0033] Preferably, the nozzle of the application device (especially the nozzle outlet) is arranged in the direction of travel in front of the center of the disc and in the vertical direction below the center of the disc. That is, the nozzle is located at a front lower quadrant of the disc.

[0034] Using the configuration described above, the fertilizer can be quickly and reliably applied to the furrow by utilizing the disc rotation (i.e., the downward-acting peripheral velocity in the lower front quadrant of the disc). Emissions and outgassing of the fertilizer to the atmosphere are further reduced.

[0035] Preferably, the nozzle of the application device is positioned close to the disc in the lateral direction, which runs transversely to the direction of travel, and is inclined with respect to the disc, so that the fertilizer hits a lower end of the disc at an acute angle.

[0036] The above configuration allows for precise and spray-free application of fertilizer into the furrow. Furthermore, the nozzle above removes soil material adhering to the disc by directing a jet of fertilizer at an acute angle to the lower edge of the disc, thus providing a cleaning function. Preferably, the pressure wheel is attached to the frame via a depth adjustment mechanism. This mechanism allows for adjustment of the distance between the lower end of the pressure wheel and the lower edge of the disc. The depth adjustment mechanism can be implemented, for example, by a pressure wheel suspension that tilts horizontally or by a height-adjustable push rod. The depth adjustment mechanism can also include a locking pin or a crank mechanism with a threaded rod.

[0037] With the configuration described above, the pressure wheel, in addition to closing the furrow, also serves to control the depth of the disc. This eliminates the need for additional wheels to guide the disc's depth, thus reducing the complexity of the tillage implement and its manufacturing costs.

[0038] Preferably, the depth adjustment mechanism is rigidly attached to the frame, so that the position of the center of the push wheel relative to the center of the disc remains constant for a preset setting of the depth adjustment mechanism on uneven floors.

[0039] The above configuration allows the pressure to close the furrow to be applied via the rigid mounting of the push wheel to the frame. Additional spring elements are therefore unnecessary, thus reducing the complexity of the tillage implement and its manufacturing costs.

[0040] Preferably, the depth adjustment mechanism is adjustable so that the lower end of the push wheel is positioned at least eight centimeters above the lower end of the disc.

[0041] Using the configuration described above, cutting depths of eight centimeters or more can be achieved, allowing for the creation of relatively deep furrows and the incorporation of fertilizer at a relatively deep depth into the soil. This deep incorporation of fertilizer further reduces emissions and gases.

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a soil cultivation device according to a first embodiment.

[0044] Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B are side views of the soil cultivation device according to the first embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 3A is a top view of the soil cultivation device according to the first embodiment and Fig. 3B is a bottom view of the soil cultivation device of the first embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 4A is a rear view of the soil cultivation device according to the first embodiment and Fig. 4B is a front view of the soil cultivation device of the first embodiment.

[0047] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a soil cultivation implement according to a second embodiment.

[0048] Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B are side views of the soil cultivation device according to the second embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 7A is a top view of the soil cultivation device according to the second embodiment and Fig. 7B is a bottom view of the soil cultivation device of the second embodiment.

[0050] Fig. 8A is a rear view of the soil cultivation device according to the second embodiment and Fig. 8B is a front view of the soil cultivation device of the second embodiment.

[0051] Fig. 9 is a side view of several soil cultivation implements of the second embodiment, attached to a mounting frame for a towing vehicle. Fig. 10 is a rear view of several soil cultivation implements of the second embodiment, attached to a mounting frame for a towing vehicle.

[0052] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] In the following, a soil cultivation device 10 according to a first embodiment is described with reference to the accompanying figures 1 to 4B.

[0054] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the soil cultivation implement 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the soil cultivation implement 10 has a frame 20, a disc 30, an insertion device 40 and a pressure wheel 50.

[0055] The frame 20 is multi-part and comprises a (rigid) longitudinal beam 21, a (rigid) mounting bracket 23, and a spring-damper unit 24. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal beam 21 is made of a (non-flexible) square tube and extends essentially in the forward / reverse direction of the tillage implement 10 (the direction of travel FR of the tillage implement 10). The longitudinal beam 21 is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket 23, thus enabling a pivoting movement about the axis of the lateral direction BR, which is perpendicular to the direction of travel FR and the vertical direction VR. The pivoting movement about the axis of the lateral direction BR is limited by the spring-damper unit 24, which is mounted between the mounting bracket 23 and the longitudinal beam 21.The suspension and damping characteristics of the spring-damper unit 24 are set such that, on the one hand, uneven ground along the direction of travel FR can be absorbed, and on the other hand, an appropriate downward pressure in the vertical direction VR can be applied to the disc 30 and the pressure wheel 50. Alternatively or additionally to the spring-damper unit 24, a hydraulic cylinder or an electromechanical actuator can be used to provide different release characteristics depending on the ground conditions or to adjust the downward contact pressure in the vertical direction VR. As shown in the side views of Figs. 2A and 2B, the mounting bracket 23 has a rectangular receiving hole at one front end in the direction of travel FR. Using this rectangular receiving hole, the mounting bracket 23 can be attached to a crossbeam 22, shown schematically in Fig. 9, in a rotationally fixed manner for connection to a towing vehicle.As shown in Figure 9, the crossbeam 22 in the present embodiment is connected to a support 29, which can be attached to a towing vehicle by means of a three-point linkage. A fertilizer tank (not shown) and / or a seed hopper (not shown) can also be attached to the support 29 to ensure a short distance between the fertilizer tank or seed hopper and the tillage implement.

[0056] As further shown in Fig. 1, the frame 20 also has a disc receiving part 25. The disc receiving part 25 is arranged below the longitudinal beam 21 and essentially has the form of an L-shaped angle plate, wherein the shorter leg of the L-shape is oriented towards a downward-facing surface of the longitudinal beam 21 and the longer leg of the L-shape is oriented essentially along the vertical direction VR.

[0057] An end of the shorter leg of the disc mounting part 25, located at the front in the direction of travel FR, is pivotably connected to the longitudinal beam 21, allowing the disc mounting part 25 to pivot about an axis of the vertical direction VR relative to the longitudinal beam 21. This allows the disc mounting part 25, or the disc 30 mounted on it, to be tilted relative to the direction of travel FR, so that one side surface of the disc 30 faces the direction of travel FR and the other side surface faces away from it. A threaded rod is provided between the disc mounting part 25 and the longitudinal beam 21 for adjusting or locking the pivot angle of the disc mounting part 25 (or the tilt angle of the disc 30 relative to the direction of travel FR). As shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 1, the threaded rod is positioned between a rear end (FR) of the shorter leg of the disc mounting part 25 and a rear end (FR) of the longitudinal beam 21. Figures 4A and 4B show the soil cultivation implement 10 in a rear view and a front view, respectively. As can be seen in Figure 4A, the longer leg of the disc mounting part 25 extends downwards from the longitudinal beam 21 in the vertical direction VR. As shown in Figure 4B, the disc mounting part 25 is cranked in the lower region where the disc 30 is mounted. In the view of Figure 4B, the lower region of the disc mounting part 25 is inclined at an angle of 8 degrees to the side of the positive axis of the lateral direction BR with respect to the vertical direction VR.The disk 30 is rotatably mounted on the lower part of the disk mounting part 25 and is inclined by 8 degrees with respect to the vertical direction VR due to the offset of the disk mounting part 25. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the disk 30 is mounted on a side of the disk mounting part 25 opposite the side where the shorter leg of the L-shape of the disk mounting part 25 is located. The vertical position of the disk 30 is fixed by a connection to the longitudinal beam 21 that is rigid in the vertical direction VR with respect to the vertical position of the longitudinal beam 21.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 2A, 2B, 4A and 4B, the disc 30 has a cutting edge on its outer circumference to cut agricultural soil and create a furrow in the soil along the direction of travel FR.

[0059] Figs. 2A, 4A and 4B show details of the insertion device 40 of the soil cultivation implement 10, which is described below.

[0060] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the application device 40 has a vertical tube which is attached to the disc receiving part 25 via a bracket, and a nozzle 41 at the lower end of the vertical tube. A hose (not shown), for example, can be attached to the upper end of the vertical tube to convey fertilizer or seed from the fertilizer tank or seed storage to the tillage implement 10.

[0061] The nozzle 41 is arranged on the side of the disc 30 facing away from the direction of travel FR, so that fertilizer or seed can be introduced into the soil immediately after the furrow is created. As shown in the side view of Fig. 2A, the nozzle 41, in particular its nozzle outlet on the underside, is located in front of the center of the disc 30 in the direction of travel FR and below the center of the disc 30 in the vertical direction VR.

[0062] As can be seen in Figures 4A and 4B, the nozzle 41 is positioned close to the disc 30 in the lateral direction BR. Furthermore, the nozzle 41 is inclined relative to the disc 30, so that the fertilizer or seed can be introduced into the soil close to the disc 30, or the fertilizer can strike the lower end of the disc 30 at an acute angle.

[0063] The pressure wheel 50 is described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2B. The pressure wheel 50 has a substantially cylindrical running surface, wherein one diameter of the pressure wheel 50 is smaller than the diameter of the disk 30 and one width of the pressure wheel 50 is greater than the thickness of the disk 30. As shown in Figure 1, the pressure wheel 50 is attached to the disk receiving part 25 via a pressure wheel suspension 28 and a depth adjustment mechanism 26. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the pressure wheel 50 is located on a side of the disk 30 that is opposite (in the width direction BR) to the side on which the insertion device 40 (in particular the nozzle 41) is located.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the push wheel suspension 28 is formed by a longitudinal wheel support, which extends in the form of a square tube along the direction of travel FR from the disc mounting part 25 to the push wheel 50. An end of the push wheel suspension 28 located at the front in the direction of travel FR is pivotally attached to the disc mounting part 25, so that the push wheel suspension 28 can pivot about an axis in the lateral direction BR. The push wheel 50 is rotatably mounted on the end of the push wheel suspension 28 located at the rear in the direction of travel FR.

[0065] The depth adjustment mechanism 26 has a pin 27a and several holes 27b formed in the disc holder 25. The depth adjustment mechanism 26 allows the distance between a lower end of the push wheel 50 and a lower end of the disc 30 to be adjusted. As shown in Fig. 2B, the several holes 27b are arranged along a circular arc segment around the pivot point between the disc holder 25 and the push wheel suspension 28. The pin 27a extends through the push wheel suspension 28 along the width BR direction and can be inserted into one of the holes 27b as required. Depending on the hole 27b used, the vertical position of the push wheel 50 relative to the frame 20 (especially relative to the disc holder 25) can be adjusted and locked. The adjustable and lockable position of the push wheel 50 allows for precise control of the depth adjustment mechanism.With a rigid connection in relation to the vertical direction VR, the contact pressure of the push wheel 50 on the ground can be effectively applied via the frame 20 (especially the longitudinal beam 21).

[0066] As shown in Figures 1 and 2B, a threaded rod is provided at a position between the pivot point and the pin 27a, which is guided through a circular arc-shaped elongated hole formed in the disc holder 25. The threaded rod allows the angular position of the push wheel 50 to be adjusted and fixed relative to the angular position of the disc holder 25. The angular position of the push wheel 50 relative to the direction of travel FR thus results from the combination of the angular position of the disc holder 25 and the angular position of the push wheel suspension 28.

[0067] The side views in Figures 2A and 2B show the relative positioning of the push wheel 50 with respect to the disk 30. As can be seen from the figures, the distance between the center of the disk 30 (the pivot point) and the center of the push wheel 50 (the pivot point) in the direction of travel FR is less than the sum of the radius of the disk 30 and the radius of the push wheel 50. In other words, the push wheel 50 is directly adjacent to the disk 30, so that the disk 30 and the push wheel 50 overlap at least partially in the side view. The lateral overlap between the disk 30 and the push wheel 50 is also shown, for example, in the top view of Figure 3A and the bottom view in Figure 3B.

[0068] The top view in Fig. 3A and the bottom view in Fig. 3B further show that a portion of the push wheel 50 (a portion of the push wheel 50 located at the front in the direction of travel FR) is positioned close to the disc 30 (a portion of the disc 30 located at the rear in the direction of travel FR) in the lateral direction BR, such that a region of minimal distance is formed between the disc 30 and the push wheel 50. The minimum distance between the disc 30 and the push wheel 50 is set such that soil material adhering to the disc 30 is scraped off by the push wheel 50.

[0069] As can be seen particularly in Fig. 4B, in the present embodiment the lower region of the disk 30 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction VR towards the side of the positive axis of the lateral direction BR, while the lower region of the push wheel 50 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction VR towards the side of the negative axis of the lateral direction BR. In the present embodiment, the region of the smallest distance between the disk 30 and the push wheel 50 is located in the vertical direction VR below the center of the push wheel 50 (and below the center of the disk 30). The additional inclination of the disk 30 with respect to the direction of travel FR precisely sets the region of the smallest distance between the disk 30 and the push wheel 50.

[0070] A soil cultivation implement 110 according to a second embodiment is described below with reference to the accompanying Figures 5 to 8B. The soil cultivation implement 110 of the second embodiment differs from the soil cultivation implement 10 of the first embodiment essentially with regard to the design of the depth adjustment mechanism 26. Other elements that have essentially the same structure and function as in the first embodiment are expediently not described again.

[0071] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the soil cultivation implement 110 according to the second embodiment. Like the soil cultivation implement 10 of the first embodiment, the soil cultivation implement 110 has a frame 20, a disc 30, an insertion device 40, and a pressure wheel 50.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the longitudinal member 21 of the frame 20 is longer in the direction of travel FR than in the first embodiment and extends rearward beyond the position of the threaded rod with which the pivot angle of the disc mounting part 25 is adjusted relative to the longitudinal member 21. As shown in Fig. 5, a box-shaped bracket (welded part) is attached to the rearward end of the longitudinal member 21 in the direction of travel FR. The box-shaped bracket is inclined about the axis of the lateral direction BR with respect to the vertical direction VR, such that an upper end of the box-shaped bracket is positioned further rearward than a lower end.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the push wheel suspension 28 is formed by a push rod which extends downwards through the box-shaped bracket in the form of a square tube. As shown in Fig. 5, the square tube has an L-shaped bracket at its lower end, the shorter leg of the L-shape being welded to the square tube and the longer leg of the L-shape extending downwards in the vertical direction VR and providing for the attachment of the push wheel 50.

[0074] The longitudinal direction of the push wheel suspension 28 (of the square tube) is inclined according to the inclination of the box-shaped bracket with respect to the direction of travel FR, such that a lower end of the push wheel suspension 28 is positioned further forward than an upper end. In contrast to the push wheel suspension 28 of the first embodiment, the push wheel suspension 28 of the present embodiment is thus not dragged, but pushed, or rather, is positioned in the direction of travel. This arrangement (in the direction of travel) increases the pressure on the ground.

[0075] Furthermore, the box-shaped bracket (welded-on part) is designed such that the depth guide (support wheel function of the push wheel 50) can be adjusted by means of a locking pin, as explained below. In the present embodiment, the depth adjustment mechanism 26 has the locking pin 27a and several locking holes 27b, the multiple locking holes 27b being formed in the push wheel suspension 28 (the square tube). The depth adjustment mechanism 26 allows the distance between a lower end of the push wheel 50 and a lower end of the disc 30 to be adjusted, thus enabling the depth guide to be set. The push wheel 50 also acts as a support wheel. The multiple locking holes 27b are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the push wheel suspension 28 (the square tube).The pin 27a is guided perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the push wheel suspension 28 through the box-shaped bracket and can be inserted into one of the several holes 27b in the push wheel suspension 28 as required. Depending on the hole 27b used, the vertical position of the push wheel 50 relative to the frame 20 (especially relative to the longitudinal beam 21) can be adjusted and locked. The adjustable and lockable, or rigid, connection relative to the vertical direction VR allows the pressure of the push wheel 50 on the ground to be effectively applied via the frame 20 (especially the longitudinal beam 21). The box-shaped bracket (welded part) is designed such that the tilting of the support wheel (within millimeter precision) can also be achieved by means of a transverse slot in which the pin 27a runs.

[0076] As shown in Figures 5 and 8A, the box-shaped bracket is further equipped with two pairs of adjustment screws (one on each side of the push-wheel suspension 28 in the lateral direction BR), which extend in the lateral direction BR and are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction VR. The adjustment screws allow the inclination of the push-wheel suspension 28 about an axis of travel FR to be set and locked in place with respect to the vertical direction VR. This allows the inclination of the push-wheel 50 to be set and locked. Since the depth adjustment mechanism 26 is attached to the longitudinal beam 21 in the present embodiment, the inclination of the push-wheel 50 can be adjusted independently of the tilt of the disc 30.

[0077] Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B and 8B show further details of the soil cultivation device 110 of the present embodiment.

[0078] Fig. 9 further shows an arrangement in which the frame 20 is designed as a sliding frame with two rows. Several units of the soil cultivation implement 10, 110 can be arranged offset in the direction of travel FR to enable, for example, a compact design in the width direction BR. Although Fig. 9 shows soil cultivation implements 110 of the second embodiment, soil cultivation implements 10 of the first embodiment can, of course, also be arranged accordingly. Fig. 10 shows a rear view of several soil cultivation implements 110 of the second embodiment, which are attached to a mounting frame 20, 22. In Fig. 10, the soil cultivation implements 110 are arranged partially symmetrically to each other. That is, the soil cultivation implements 110 on the left side in Fig.The soil cultivation implements 110 are constructed such that the insertion device 40, the disc 30, and the pressure wheel 50 are arranged in this order in the positive lateral direction BR, while the soil cultivation implements 110 on the right side of Fig. 10 are constructed such that the pressure wheel 50, the disc 30, and the insertion device 40 are arranged in this order in the positive lateral direction BR. Although Fig. 10 shows soil cultivation implements 110 of the second embodiment, soil cultivation implements 10 of the first embodiment can, of course, also be arranged accordingly.

[0079] REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0080] 10, 110 Soil cultivation equipment

[0081] 20 frames

[0082] 21 longitudinal beams

[0083] 22 crossbeams

[0084] 23 mounting brackets

[0085] 24 Spring-damper unit

[0086] 25 disc mounting part

[0087] 26 Depth adjustment mechanism

[0088] 27a Plug pin

[0089] 27b Hole

[0090] 28 Push-wheel suspension

[0091] 30 discs

[0092] 40 insertion device

[0093] 41 nozzle

[0094] 50 Push wheel

[0095] FR direction of travel

[0096] BR Latitude

[0097] VR Vertical Direction

Claims

DE Applicant: FertWise GmbH TBK Ten. : WO 113744 PATENT CLAIMS 1. Soil cultivation implement (10, 110) comprising: a frame (20) that can be attached to a vehicle, a disc (30) that is rotatably mounted on the frame (20) for forming a furrow in the soil, an application device (40) for introducing fertilizer into the furrow, and a pressure wheel (50) that is rotatably mounted on the frame (20) for closing the furrow by applying pressure to the soil, characterized in that a distance between a center of the disc (30) and a center of the pressure wheel (50) in the direction of travel (FR) is less than the sum of a radius of the disc (30) and a radius of the pressure wheel (50), such that the disc (30) and the pressure wheel (50) overlap each other at least partially in a side view transverse to the direction of travel (FR).

2. Soil cultivation device (10, 110) according to claim 1, wherein a part of the push wheel (50) is positioned close to the disc (30) in a lateral direction (BR) which runs transversely to the direction of travel (FR), so that an area of ​​minimum distance between the disc (30) and the push wheel (50) is formed, and the minimum distance between the disc (30) and the push wheel (50) is adjusted such that soil material adhering to the disc (30) is scraped off by the push wheel (50).

3. Soil cultivation device (10, 110) according to claim 2, wherein the disc (30) and / or the pressure wheel (50) is tiltable with respect to the vertical direction (VR) such that the area of ​​the smallest distance between the disc (30) and the pressure wheel (50) in the vertical direction (VR) is located below the center of the pressure wheel (50).

4. Soil cultivation device (10, 110) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the disc (30) is inclined with respect to the direction of travel (FR.) such that one side of the disc (30) faces the direction of travel (FR) and the other side of the disc (30) faces away from the direction of travel (FR), and the area of ​​the smallest distance between the disc (30) and the push wheel (50) is positioned on one side of the disc (30).

5. Soil cultivation implement (10, 110) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the disc (30) is inclined with respect to the direction of travel (FR) such that one side of the disc (30) faces the direction of travel (FR) and the other side of the disc (30) faces away from the direction of travel (FR), and the application device (40) has a nozzle (41) for applying the fertilizer into the furrow and the nozzle (41) is arranged on the other side of the disc (30) which faces away from the direction of travel (FR).

6. Soil cultivation implement (10, 110) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the application device (40) has a nozzle (41) for applying the fertilizer is placed in the furrow and the nozzle (41) is positioned in the direction of travel (FR) in front of the center of the disc (30) and in the vertical direction (VR) below the center of the disc (30).

7. Soil cultivation device (10, 110) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the nozzle (41) of the application device (40) is positioned close to the disc (30) in a lateral direction (BR) which runs transversely to the direction of travel (FR) and is inclined with respect to the disc (30) so that the fertilizer hits a lower end of the disc (30) at an acute angle.

8. Soil cultivation device (10, 110) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the push wheel (50) is attached to the frame (20) via a depth adjustment mechanism (26) so that a distance between a lower end of the push wheel (50) and a lower end of the disc (30) can be adjusted.

9. Soil cultivation implement (10, 110) according to claim 8, wherein the depth adjustment mechanism (26) is rigidly attached to the frame (20) so that the position of the center of the push wheel (50) relative to the center of the disc (30) remains constant when the depth adjustment mechanism (26) is set to a preset position on uneven ground.

10. Soil cultivation device (10, 110) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the depth adjustment mechanism (26) is adjustable such that the lower end of the pressure wheel (50) is positioned at least eight centimeters above the lower end of the disc (30).

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