The present invention relates to an agricultural apparatus for mechanical weeding.

As is known, weeding is a widespread practice in the agricultural field that aims to control or eliminate pest plants and therefore the damage that they are capable of causing primarily to crops and green areas but also, for example, to grazing animals or to man-made equipment and articles.

Until now, the attention of persons skilled in the art has rarely focused on the period of time that passes between the preparation of the soil for sowing and the actual sowing, since it is short and/or is considered scarcely favorable to the action of pest plants.

Vice versa, while during this period the soil is ready to receive seeds, pest plants can take root and grow more rapidly and then suffocate the planted seeds and/or inhibit the subsequent growth of the plant of interest.

Therefore, this has highlighted the extreme danger of pest plants in this phase as well, in which, moreover, known weeding practices, designed and developed to act in other contexts, prove to be inadequate to deal with the threat.

First of all, in fact, any use of chemical herbicides can jeopardize the quality of subsequent crops, since these substances (which in any case can pollute the soil and water tables) can penetrate the planted seeds. More generally, these solutions are very expensive and contrary to the most recent trends of the market, which increasingly requires "natural" products free of any chemical contamination.

Mechanical weeding apparatuses typically used in other contexts also are scarcely suitable for the specific context being considered here.

In fact, such apparatuses use tools that penetrate deeply in the soil, with a traumatic action that is necessary when the pest plants are well rooted but proves to be completely disproportionate and unsuitable when the target is a soil ready for sowing, therefore recently turned up or plowed, in which the pest plants, too, have taken root recently and are still following their growth path. In greater detail, in this field the action of known mechanical weeding apparatuses causes unnecessary traumas to the soil and also entails excessive and unjustified costs. Moreover, precisely because of the need to act in depth, these apparatuses are designed to be moved slowly on the ground, but again this constitutes an unwelcome and excessive burden for the user.

The aim of the present invention is to solve the problems described above, providing an apparatus capable of performing an effective action of mechanical weeding on soils ready for sowing.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that ensures quick and economical methods of weeding, on soils ready for sowing, without resorting to chemical substances.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that operates in an effective but at the same time targeted way, without useless waste of energy and therefore with low costs.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that ensures high reliability in use and is versatile, being easily adjustable in order to adapt to different soils.

Another object of the invention is to propose an apparatus that adopts a technical and structural configuration that is alternative to those of apparatuses of the known type.

Not least object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that can be obtained easily starting from commonly commercially available elements and materials.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of safe application.

This aim and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by an agricultural apparatus according to claim 1 and by an agricultural machine according to claim 10. Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of two preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the apparatus according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figures 1 to 5 are views of the apparatus according to the invention, in the first embodiment, more particularly:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a lateral elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 without some protection elements;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the working element;

Figures 6 to 9 are views of the apparatus according to the invention in the second embodiment, more particularly:

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 7 is a lateral elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 6 without some protection elements.

With reference to the figures, an agricultural apparatus for mechanical weeding is generally designated by the reference numeral 1. First of all, the apparatus 1 comprises a frame 2, which can be towed along an advancement trajectory A (shown for the sake of simplicity only in Figures 1 and 6) by the tractor of an agricultural machine (not shown in the figures, but in any case selected also of a known type), in order to remove from a soil any pest plants (or weeds) that might be present. Obviously, when the apparatus 1 is towed by the machine, the trajectory A of the frame 2 and of the apparatus 1 is set by the machine.

It is useful to specify right now that the subject matter of the present description and of the protection claimed herein is first and foremost the apparatus 1 that is produced and marketed in a manner which is independent of any agricultural machine that might be responsible for its movement.

Likewise, the present description and the protection claimed herein also relate to an agricultural machine which incorporates the apparatus 1. In this respect, it is useful to note that the protective scope claimed herein is to be understood as being extended to any type of agricultural machine capable of towing apparatuses 1 of the type that will be described hereinafter. In this context, therefore, protection is claimed both on the use of agricultural machines specifically provided for the removal of pest plants and on the installation of the apparatus 1 on vehicles and systems (normally) designed for another purpose, for which therefore the apparatus 1 will be a useful accessory, to be towed over the ground together with (or as a replacement of) the other agricultural implements with which they are optionally provided.

The apparatus 1 comprises furthermore an assembly, supported by the frame 2, for the movement of at least one working element 3, configured in turn for rotation about a main axis B which is kept substantially parallel to the ground and transverse to the advancement trajectory A.

The term “transverse” is understood to mean that the main axis B can be inclined in various ways with respect to the trajectory A (it forms an angle between 1° and 90°, and preferably close to 90°): in the preferred solution, in any case, the main axis B is perpendicular to the trajectory A (which forms an angle of 90°).

According to the invention, the working element 3 comprises at least one comb 4, which is arranged parallel to the main axis B and protrudes outward, so as to perform a ground combing action during the advancement of the frame 2. In other words, the action of the comb 4 consists in penetrating the soil for a few centimeters, with the surface aggressiveness necessary to uproot the pest plants, even when they have already begun to grow and/or have reached significant dimensions, without however slowing down the working (advancement) speed of the agricultural machine (indeed because the penetration is only superficial). This allows to achieve right now the intended aim.

In particular, in an embodiment of considerable practical interest, shown in the accompanying figures by way of non-limiting example of the application of the invention, the comb 4 is substantially constituted by a rigid (almost rectangular) lamina which has a set of teeth along the respective external edge, on the opposite side with respect to the main axis B (as the accompanying figures also show). During the advancement of the frame 2, the comb 4 therefore penetrates the ground indeed with its set of teeth.

More particularly, and with further reference to the solutions of the accompanying figures, the apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of laminas radially distributed around the main axis B (i.e., lying substantially on different planes that belong to the set of planes that have in common the straight line formed by the main axis B). In this manner, during a complete rotation of the element 3 about the main axis B the soil is combed by a plurality of laminas (combs 4), which one by one progressively and cyclically impact the surface crust of the soil, penetrate it (superficially) and then exit from it.

It should be noted that in addition to providing a plurality of laminas (evenly) distributed around the main axis B, it is also possible to arrange two or more laminas that are mutually (and longitudinally) aligned, especially if it is preferable to avoid covering the entire longitudinal extension of the element 3 with the same comb 4 (for example, in order to avoid compromising its mechanical rigidity). In the preferred embodiment, which in any case does not limit the application of the invention, the set of teeth of each lamina or comb 4 defines a plurality of teeth with a height comprised between 3 cm and 6 cm (and even more preferably with a height equal to exactly 3 cm). The term "height" of the teeth is understood to mean the measurement of the center distance between the imaginary straight line (parallel to the main axis B) that joins the troughs of the set of teeth (the innermost points) and the imaginary straight line (parallel to the main axis B) that joins the peaks of the set of teeth (the outermost points).

It should be highlighted in any case that the above cited measurements constitute preferred but not exclusive values: the protective scope claimed herein extends to teeth with a height greater or smaller than the above mentioned range.

Usefully, in the embodiment of the accompanying figures, which is a non-limiting example of the invention, the working element 3 comprises at least one first rotating shaft 5, which is arranged along the main axis B, and at least two disks 6 which are rigidly and coaxially mounted on the first shaft 5. In greater detail, any number of disks 6 at will can be mounted on the first shaft 5, more or less equally distributed along the axial extension of said first shaft 5 (in the accompanying figures, for example, the disks 6 are five).

With further reference to the preferred (in any case not exclusive) embodiment, each comb 4 is detachably mounted in a cantilever manner on a respective plate 4a which is anchored radially to the disks 6 (each comb 4 is applied in a parallel manner to an edge of the respective plate 4a, indeed so as to be mounted in a cantilever manner, in particular so as to protrude outward). For example, the rigid coupling between the comb 4 and the respective plate 4a can be obtained by means of screws or another rigid connection unit, such as to ensure in any case practical disassembly methods (to allow easy interventions for repair and replacement of any damaged individual comb 4).

Thus, an indirect connection between the combs 4 and the disks 6 is provided, by means of the plates 4a, but the protection claimed herein extends to other indirect connection methods or also to solutions providing a direct connection for the combs 4 (to the disks or directly to the first shaft

5) _·

In the solution of the accompanying figures, each plate 4a in turn is preferably anchored detachably to the disks 6. More precisely, each plate 4a can be inserted stably and detachably in radial grooves formed along the external margin of each disk 6. As an alternative, and in a fully equivalent manner, the grooves are also provided along the internal edge of each lamina, therefore on the opposite side with respect to the set of teeth.

The choice of providing a coupling of the detachable type is of particular importance, since it allows the maintenance, resharpening and/or replacement of each comb 4 in an independent manner, should a loss of functionality occur due to breakage, failure or wear.

In one embodiment of considerable practical interest, which in any case does not limit the application of the invention, the movement assembly comprises at least one reduction unit 7, which can be associated (connected directly or indirectly) with a motor. Such motor can be supported by (be part of) selectively one between the frame 2 and the agricultural machine.

The reduction unit 7 is mechanically connected to at least one second shaft 8 (for example having a hexagonal cross-section, as in the accompanying figures), which rotates about a second axis C which is parallel to the main axis B and is integral with at least one pinion 9.

Furthermore, as shown by Figure 9, the assembly comprises a chain 10 which is wound around the pinion 9 and a ring gear 11, which is integral (and coaxial) with the working element 3 (it is mounted on the first shaft 5). The pinion 9, the chain 10, and the ring gear 11 are preferably accommodated in a casing 12 (partially removed in Figure 9), which provides protection from dust, soil and other impurities that may rise from the ground during weeding and that otherwise might compromise the correct operation of the movement assembly.

Preferably, the assembly provides for arranging along each side of the frame 2, on opposite sides of the first shaft 5 and the second shaft 8, respective casings 12 (preferably made of cast steel), each accommodating a pinion 9, a chain 10 and a ring gear 11.

It should be noted that the working element 3 also is partially sheltered by a housing 13 (which is removed in the views of Figures 4, 8 and 9 to show indeed the element 3), which prevents any material raised during weeding from being hurled at a distance and in any case provides protection for the combs 4.

Advantageously, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one ground resting unit for the frame 2: said resting unit is chosen between a wheel 14 and a cylindrical roller 15. In practice, therefore, as they move along the ground, the apparatus 1 and the frame 2 rest on the ground at the resting unit (or resting units) and at the working element 3, which is located at the rear with respect to the units (the front side being the one directed toward the tractor).

In greater detail, Figures 1-5 show a first embodiment of the invention, in which the frame 2 rests on the ground at two mutually spaced wheels 14, while Figures 6-9 show a second embodiment, in which resting occurs at a single (rotating) roller 15 which extends substantially along the entire transverse dimension of the frame 2 (and of the apparatus 1).

Conveniently, the agricultural apparatus 1 comprises at least one arm 16 for supporting the resting unit; for example, each wheel 14 can be supported by a respective single arm 16, while preferably the roller 15 is supported, substantially at respective ends, by two arms 16.

In particular, each arm 16 is constituted substantially by a profiled element which can translate with respect to the frame 2, in order to allow to vary on command the attitude of the working element 3 and consequently the depth of penetration in the soil by each comb 4.

More particularly, the frame 2 has a main beam 17 which is arranged parallel to the main axis B and supports, for each arm 16, a pair of jaws 18: the arm 16, which has a substantially vertical orientation and supports the resting unit at the lower end, can be translated upward or downward until it reaches the desired distance between the beam 17 and the resting unit (the desired distance of the beam 17 from the ground), at which the jaws 18 clamp the profile, rendering stable the resulting configuration.

It should be noted indeed that by modifying the distance from the ground of the beam 17, which is part of the frame 2 that supports directly or indirectly the working element 3, it is possible to vary at will the attitude of the latter and the depth of penetration of the combs 4 in the soil.

The possibility is also provided that the jaws 18 are mounted so that they can slide on the beam 17, so as to vary at will also the center distance between the arms 16 (in order to move the wheels 14 closer or further apart or to mount longer or shorter rollers 15, for example).

Advantageously, the apparatus 1 can comprises a connecting element of adjustable length (not shown in the accompanying figures, but evident for the person skilled in the art, on the basis of the common knowledge in the field), such as a jack, a tension member, and the like. Such connecting element is indeed configured to connect the frame 2 to the tractor of the agricultural machine.

It should be noted that the frame 2 is coupled to the tractor not only at the connecting element but also by means of two fixed couplings 19, designed to tow the apparatus 1 and arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the advancement trajectory A (to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the apparatus 1).

The connecting element is configured to be able to couple to a retention element 20, arranged between the couplings 19 (along the longitudinal axis of symmetry) at a greater vertical level.

By adjusting the connecting element, indeed varying its length, it is possible to rotate the apparatus 1 about the fulcmms constituted by the couplings 19 in order to obtain a modification of the inclination and of the attitude of the apparatus 1 (in a manner similar to what is obtained by translating the arms 16).

It should be noted that the attitude adjustment, which is obtainable as shown by making the arms 16 translate with respect to the beam 17 or by adjusting the connecting element, changes the angle formed by the casings 12 with the horizontal plane (with the ground), an angle which in nominal conditions is expected to be kept, in the preferred but not exclusive solution, equal to 60°.

In any case, provisions are made so that in nominal conditions the apparatus 1 may be configured so that said angle has a different value.

As already noted, a subject matter of the present description (and of the protection claimed herein) is, in addition to the apparatus 1, an agricultural machine which comprises a tractor which can move along an advancement trajectory A in order to remove from soil any pest plants that might be present. The agricultural machine can be specifically designed for weeding or may have also other (main or additional) tasks.

According to the invention, the machine also comprises an agricultural apparatus 1 having the particularities described in the preceding paragraphs.

The operation of the agricultural apparatus (and of the agricultural machine) according to the invention is in practice evident from what has been described so far.

In fact, as shown, the machine can move along the agricultural land of interest, towing with it the apparatus 1 mounted at the rear.

During advancement, the working element 3 and in particular the combs 4 act on the soil; said combs, integral with the first shaft 5, rotate about the main axis B, being moved by the movement assembly which comprises the pinions 9, the chains 10 and the ring gears 11, accommodated in two casings 12 and connected to the second shaft 8, which is associated in turn with the reduction unit 7 (chosen for example, of the 450 rpm type). Thus, one by one the combs 4 progressively and cyclically penetrate (by a few centimeters) the soil and emerge from it, performing a combing action which achieves the intended aim.

In fact, the choice to use combs 4 which penetrate a few centimeters into the soil is entirely peculiar: unlike known mechanical weeding systems (tillers or hoes, for example), which cut deeply into the soil, till it and break it up into small pieces (almost to the point of pulverizing it), the working element 3 merely uproots the growing pest plants, providing a bed suitable for sowing and/or giving the growth of the crop of interest an advantage over that of the pest plants. This makes it possible indeed to perform an effective targeted mechanical weeding action on soils ready for sowing (pre surfacing mechanical weeding). The growth of pest plants is delayed with respect to that of the crops of interest.

It should also be noted that it is not ruled out to use the invention for weeding treatments in different phases of cultivation and at different times from the one that precedes sowing, should specific needs recommend this, without thereby abandoning the protective scope claimed herein.

The targeted combing action of the combs 4 avoids causing traumas to the soil and to the future product (as instead known weeding systems do), still allowing the machine to advance rapidly along the trajectory A (the combs 4 do not penetrate deeply and therefore do not slow it down).

The possibility of maintaining high working speeds avoids unnecessary waste of energy and also ensures the economy of the solution.

The interchangeable laminas (which are fixed detachably to the plates 4a) are chosen of adequate strength but can be easily replaced or repaired if necessary. The results described above are obtained without reporting to any chemical substance (as a further confirmation, moreover, of the low cost of the invention) and therefore in full compliance with the health of the soil and crops, as well as with the sustainability requirements that the market demands increasingly.

The translatable arms 16 and/or the connecting element with adjustable length make the apparatus 1 extremely versatile, allowing practical methods for adjusting the inclination and attitude, and therefore the depth of penetration of the combs 4 in the soil (the apparatus 1 can thus easily adapt to different configurations of said soil).

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. In the examplary embodiments shown, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be replaced with other different characteristics that exist in other examplary embodiments.

In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art. The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102020000013189, from which this application claims priority, are incorporated by reference.

Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.