FR2471739A1 - Tractor attachment for cutting growth around vine rows - has spring loaded swinging arm with flat circular cutting head and sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

The attachment is fitted to a tractor and driven from its power take-off. It comprises an arm (1), pivoted (4) on the chassis (3) its other end having a shorter arm (2) pivoted (5) on it. This shorter arm carries a bearing (20), fitting in trunnions (18-19) and used to hold the cutting head (6). This head can tilt to follow the ground contours and has flat cutter blades fixed radially into a circular rim (14). This rim contacts the vine stems (X) and acts as a sensor and guard, being pushed away against the thrust of a spring (15) in a damper (7).

Description

 Since the appearance of the harvesting machine in vineyards, the mechanical non-cultivation of the soil has become an increasingly common practice (for a question of lift).

The present invention, for one of its parts, applies in the case where controlled interline spacing has been adopted.

 The device according to the invention could take place on a frame conventionally hitched to the couplings of agricultural tractors, and would thereby take the name of machine, or else be installed on the side of the devices designed for maintenance of the lawn area of the row of vines, (gyro-shredder mower ...) and, completing their work, would keep the name of device.

The present invention proposes to solve all the problems posed by the vine to the mechanization of disbudding or sucking, or to the clear cutting of the grass under the vine stumps.

 The purpose of the mechanical erasing device, according to the invention, is to allow the device for cleaning suction-removing or disbudding machines as well as the device for mowing under stumps, to do their work with maximum efficiency and care.

The mechanical erasing device, according to the invention, is intended to be added to all the mechanical erasures known to date, to perfect, by the presence of a disbudding or sucker-removing element, according to the invention, the trunk cleaning devices of vine, and to perfect by the presence of a mowing element, according to the invention, a short cut of the grass under the vine stumps.

According to the invention, the cleaning and grass cutting devices can take place independently at the end of the mechanical erasing device.

The cleaning device according to the present invention proposes to replace rotors or drums, known elements, with an endless screw (Archimedean screw).

The grass mower device 9 according to the present invention proposes to perform a level cut of the grass, despite the teenager or mound generally located under the stumps, in the direction of the furrow.

 The mechanical erasure device, according to the present invention9 gives the two devices mentioned the possibility of working in the axis of the stumps5 and even beyond, and of circumventing them by arriving at their height9 with gentleness and precision.

whatever the equipment fixed to the mechanical erasure device, it can work on sloping ground or on a terrace9 as well as on flat ground.

The drive of the cleaning device or worm, and of the i-aucileurD device is ensured either by belt and pulley, or by independent hydraulic motor, coupled with the hydraulic system of the tractor and controlled from the driving position.

 The mechanical erasing device according to the invention is designed to be hitched in several places, either behind any tractor equipped with a so-called three-point triangle hitch, secured to a linkage, either at the front or between the front and rear axles.

It can be mounted single, right or left of the tractor, or double, one device per side.

 According to the invention, it is self-supporting, the lifting of the tractor making it possible, from the driving position, to adjust the elements fixed at its extremity to their correct working height, and to correct it as a function of the unevenness of the ground.

According to the description previously made, the architecture of the assembly therefore makes it possible to make a half row or two half rows at a time, but two mechanical erasing devices mounted on a straddle arch at the groove, one per side , allow the work to be carried out on a full row.

 The distance between the supporting frame and the mechanical erasing device, adjustable by sliding, allows the machine to adapt to the different spacings of the rows of vines.

The advantages of the mechanical erasure device associated with an endless screw cleaning the stumps or a grass mowing device will be presented after the descriptions which follow the appended schematic drawings formed in the present invention.

 Figure 1 is a schematic top view of the mechanical erasing device equipped with the grass mower device under vine stump.

Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the mechanical erasing device equipped with the grass mowing device.

 The mechanical erasure device is at the end of its first phase of withdrawal.

Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the mechanical erasing device equipped with the grass mowing device.

The mechanical erasure device is at the end of its second and last phase of withdrawal.

 Figures 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 and 9 are schematic top views showing various solutions that can be used in the design of the mechanical erasing device.

Figure 10 is a schematic rear side view of the grass mowing device under the vine stumps.

Figure 11 is a schematic front view of the device for cleaning the trunks of vines.

 Figure 12 is a schematic side view of the same cleaning device.

erasure
The device / mechanics seen from above in FIG. 1 consists of an arm (1) and a forearm (2), the arm is articulated on the rigid chassis (secured to the tractor) (3) at the axis (4), the forearm is articulated on the opposite end of the arm at the level of the axis (5). The forearm supports the grass mower device (6) disk provided with knives 9 known element not shown as taking place below the feeler (14).

A spring shock absorber (7) takes place between the forearm and a pivoting part (8) articulated at the level of the axis (9) .On a pulley (10) secured to the chassis runs a cable (11) anchored d on the one hand to the pivoting (or tilting) piece (12), and on the other to the arm (13).

 The location of the stumps fX; epresenting a portion of the vine row, shows that the mechanical erasure device in the extended position in FIG. 19 allows the mowing element (6) to work in the axis of the stumps and even beyond.

 The advancement being done in the direction of the arrow we notice that the mowing element arrives at the height of a stump (X).

 Figure 2 shows us how the mechanical erasure device succeeds in bypassing the mowing element around this stump.

The circular feeler (14) of the mowing element resting on the stump, causes the lateral removal of the mowing element by displacement of the forearm towards the rear. The forearm, by folding back, crushes the spring (15) of the shock absorber (7). This spring, the adjustment of which is adjustable, has the role of pushing the forearm forward, into its initial position once the strain has passed.

 In dashed lines the position then taken over by the mowing element.

This first phase of withdrawal comes into action at the level of each strain, when the mowing element works in the axis of the strains.

 Figure 3 shows us that the mechanical erasure device has a second phase of withdrawal.

This only intervenes in the case where the vehicle carrying the erasing device (tractor) is not in its right place in the row of vines.

In this case, still pressing the feeler of the mowing element continues to fold the forearm backwards. The forearm which had compressed the shock absorber spring to the maximum in the first phase of withdrawal, then causes the tilting part (8) to move forward. In its movement, the tilting part tension the cable (11) which circulates on the pulley (10) secured to the chassis (3) tite on the end of the arm (13).

The arm thus folded back, then laterally displaces the mowing element even more, which despite the bad position of the carrier in the row, succeeds in precisely bypassing the stump.

The stops (16) (17) allow adjustments in terms of the importance of the
lateral offset of the arm and forearm. The calibration of the shock absorber and its
adjustable anchor points allow to act alternately or simultaneously
the two phases of withdrawal.

Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are still top views of the available
mechanical erasing action showing that the second phase of withdrawal or folding of the arm can be obtained by a set of parts other than the cable and
the pulley shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

In Figures 4 and 5 we notice that the tilting part is always
present but that it is differentiated by the presence of an axis (23) integral with a
link (24). The end of this rod taking anchoring on an axis (25)
located at the end of the arm, we notice that the link acts in thrust during the displacement
cementing of the tilting part.

The rod, adjustable in length, allows to adjust the size of the offset
lateral.

In FIG. 4, the mechanical erasing device is in the position of
rest, in 5 it is at the end of the second and last phase of withdrawal; folded arm.

In Figures 6 and 7 the tilting part forms a triangle, on the
third corner of the part is an axis (26) always integral with a link. The opposite end of this rod anchoring on an axis located
this time before the pivot and not after as in 4 and 5, we notice that the
rod then acts in traction when moving the tilting part.

 The link remains adjustable.

In FIG. 6, the mechanical erasing device is in the position of
rest, in 7 it is at the end of the second and last phase of withdrawal; folded arm.

Figures 8 and 9 differ in that the lateral offset of the arm is not
no longer achieved by means of a link, but by a wheel on its
Raceway. In this case, we find located at the opposite end of the year
setting of the shock absorber, beyond the pivot axis of the tilting part, and soli
to do it; a caster (27). When moving the tilting part,
the wheel describes a curve, so it rests on a raceway
secured to the arm which is not drawn so as not to affect the clarity of the drawing.

In operation, the displacement of the caster on its professional raceway
evokes a push on the arm and a lateral withdrawal of the latter.

Figure 10 shows a rear side view of the mowing device
grass, in its place at work, under the vine stumps.

It consists of a disc, a known element, shown in dotted lines, but
its particularity is to have an axial circular guard (14) relative to
the only cutting freely rotating on itself at the forward speed at
work, by pressing on the stumps. The circumference of this feeler just covers
the path of the knives on the cutting disc.

Another peculiarity of the mowing device is to be suspended at the axes (18 and (19), it should be noted that these axes located at its equilibrium point (the drive being located above the bearing (20)) allow to effortlessly obtain the tilting or tilting of the mowing element. This tilting obtained by adjusting the length of a rod (21) is determined by the size of the slope (Y) found under the stumps. rod connects the forearm to the oscillating bearing (20) of the mowing device, it is integral with the forearm at a point close to the pivot axis with a slight offset (22) and is anchored on the upper part of the bearing (23) above the axes (18) (19).

Not only does this rod make it possible to adjust the inclination of the mowing element to the slope of the ground9 but it obliges, by the situation of these anchors, the cutting element to come to be placed automatically in parallel with the ground of the interline (Z) after lateral offset of the forearm. Indeed, it is easy to imagine that if the grass cutting element remained tilted, it would crash into the ground in the space between its lateral offset.

 It is the difference found between the length of the rod and the central pivot-axis distance of the bearing of the mowing element, as well as the location of the anchor (22), which makes it possible to obtain this movement, represented on Figures 19 2, 3 and 10.

 Figure 11 shows laterally the cleaning device épampreur or debudger; it consists of a vertical worm (28) fitted on its periphery with cleaning elements (29).

 This worm can turn as well in one direction as in the other5 however it is preferable to use it in the direction where it drives back down, it can be with single or double turns (spin), opposite or not, and these turns can be more or less close together.

It gives the possibility of working at the desired height, each cleaning element being fixed independently at the edge of the turns, just add more
for
or take out some of them on the upper edge of the viX7t and modify it.

Figures 11 and 12 show us that the screw is mounted in a frame, (30)
and that this frame pivots in its center at the axes (31) and (32).
allows the removal of the screw in its upper or lower part, or its inclination in
presence of leaning strains.

This removal is carried out by means of adjustable feelers (33) (34).
in height and offset, and integral with the frame; found in the upper part
lower, one in the lower part and sometimes a central uses in the presence of
fine and flexible strains.

The feelers act as guides giving by support the same inclination
its to the cleaning device as that found on vine stumps. Springs (35) return the cleaning device to the vertical position following an inclination.

This description is not limiting with regard to the number, shape, size and positioning of the various elements con-constituting the mechanical erasure device associated with its two working elements.

 The advantage sought by the use of a worm cleaning device according to the invention is to increase the efficiency of cleaning devices with rotors or vertical drums.

In this type of device, the branches which grow naturally vertically, are first taken from the top and then driven back downwards by the direction of rotation of the screw, this effect makes it possible to detach them from their base well before a cleaning element has failed.

It should be noted that the vine branches detach much more easily from the trunk when they are taken from the top and then driven back down (manual sopping is practiced in this way) than when they are torn off perpendicular to the trunk, case of cleaning devices with rotors or vertical drums.

 By the possibility that the screw is independently erased in its upper or lower part in the presence of leaning stumps, the cleaning elements perform their work regularly over the entire height of the trunk, using only their ends. The feelers, always maintaining the same distance between the stump and the cleaning device, limit the contact surface of the cleaning elements, which then exert on the stump just the pressure necessary for cleaning it.

 The advantage of an oscillating grass mowing device, according to the invention, is to make it possible to cut the grass under the stumps, despite the mound therein, while preserving the cutting members from premature wear.

 If the inclination of the mowing device given by adjustment is effective, the importance of the slope, the device can nevertheless be left hanging free, rod detached, because its pivotal axes of support (18) (19) located at its point d 'balance, gives it the possibility of adapting itself to the terrain with a slight slope.

The advantage of the circular feeler, by freely turning on itself at the forward speed, to avoid any injury by contact, all friction being eliminated during the passage against the stump.

 The advantage provided by the mechanical erasing device, according to the present invention, is to correct the wrong position in the row of the tractor, or the misalignment of the stumps, whatever the positions of the devices mentioned, moreover it gives in their operation, flexibility, smoothness and precision, essential elements for obtaining quality work.

Claims (1)

= REVENDXCATONS = 1) - Device for sucking or disbudding or for mowing grass under the vine stumps, characterized by the fact that it consists of a mechanical cutting device which comes to take place independently at its end, either a trunk cleaning device or a mowing device. 2 ") - Mechanical erasing device according to claim n lD characterized in that it consists of a double arm9 (arm and forearm) articulated at its center and at one end at the level of the supporting frame9 the other end supporting the aforementioned devices. 3 ") - Mechanical erasing device according to claim n029 characterized in that there are two phases of lateral withdrawal the first relates to the lateral offset of the forearm which crushes a spring damper , the second, the lateral offset of the arm, caused by the thrust of the shock absorber on a tilting part it-ma-me secured to the arm 4) Mechanical erasing device according to claim n 3D characterized in that the stops allow adjustments to the level of the lateral offset of the arm and forearm, and that the calibration of, the spring damper and its adjustable anchoring points9 make it possible to act alternately or together on the two phases of withdrawal 5) - Mechanical erasing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tilting part can be eliminated by mounting the spring weaving damper directly between the arm and the forearm.  60) - Mechanical erasing device according to claim n039 characterized in that the second phase of withdrawal can be carried out by various solutions link rod acting in thrust on the arm, link rod acting in traction on the roller arm pressing on its path bearing, or even tension cable circulating on its pulley. 70) - Device for cleaning the blister or disbudding device according to claim n01, characterized in that it consists of a vertical worm (Archimedes screw), fitted on its periphery with cleaning elements, which it may be has single or double turns, and that these turns can be more or less close together. 80) - Cleaning device to remove or disbudge according to claim n07 characterized in that it is mounted in a movable frame provided with feelers, allowing it to be withdrawn in its upper or lower part, or an inclination relative to the vertical in the presence of leaning stock. 9 ") - Grass mowing device according to claim n01, characterized in that it has an axial circular feeler with respect to the cutting element and freely rotating on itself.  10) - Grass cutting device according to claim nl, characterized in that it is mounted oscillating, that a rod allows to tilt it relative to the horizontal on demand, but that it can- be left freely hanging.