Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to tillage implements used in agricultural activities. More particularly, to a multi-functional tillage implement for use with an agricultural vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] Tillage is one of the most important operations in agriculture. It is done mainly to loosen an upper layer of soil, to mix the soil with fertilizers and remove weeds. Farmers utilize a wide variety of agricultural tillage implements to prepare the soil for planting. Rotavator is an implement which can be mounted on the tractor (agricultural vehicle) for performing the tilling operation. Some of the rotavators may include two or more sections coupled together to perform multiple functions as they are pulled through fields by the agricultural vehicle. A conventional agricultural implement includes a driven shaft, on which are mounted a plurality of rotary tillage members. The driven shaft of the rotary tillage member includes plurality of blade mounting members on which a plurality of ground engaging blades are mounted. The blades erupt the soil from below a seed depth to upwards or ground surface so as to open the soil and pulverize the soil to a desired condition. The rotavator is mounted on the three-point linkage system of the agricultural vehicle and power to the rotavator is transmitted through Power Take-Off (PTO) of the agricultural vehicle.
[003] Conventionally, a ridger is used for ridging, during the secondary operation when a farmer needs to form ridges for planting crops (on top of ridges). Thus, farmer requires two separate implements for performing pulverization and ridging. Furthermore, the farmer needs an additional implement/equipment for performing interculture/deweeding (removing weeds between two standing rows of crops), whereby the farmer removes the weeds with the help of the additional implement and digs the soil between the crop rows and throws the soil sideways over the roots of standing crops. The use of additional implements for performing the ridging and deweeding increases the operating time, handling time and incurs additional cost for buying separate implements for performing corresponding separate tilling operations.
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for a multi-functional tillage implement for use with an agricultural vehicle, which eliminates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a multi-functional tillage implement for use with an agricultural vehicle.
[006] Another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide the multi-functional tillage implement having a plurality of blades connected to a rotary shaft and oriented in a predetermined pattern to facilitate in formation of ridges and reduce high amplitude vibration.
[007] Yet another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide the multi-functional tillage implement which includes the plurality of first blades and second blades which are disposed such that the plurality of first blades and second blades extend from a mid-portion of the rotary shaft to a right side and a left side of the tillage implement.
[008] Still another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide the multi-functional tillage implement which includes the plurality of first blades and second blades having working edge of the blade inclined towards the right side and the left side of the tillage implement, respectively.
[009] Yet another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide the multi-functional tillage implement which facilitates in formation of ridges during a soil operation.
[0010] Still another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide the multi-functional tillage implement which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
[0011] Also, another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a method of providing a multi-functional tillage implement for an agricultural vehicle.
[0012] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] The embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a multi-functional tillage implement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view from rear of implement of the multi-functional tillage implement, according to an embodiment as disclosed in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 depicts another perspective view from front of implement of the multi-functional tillage implement, according to an embodiment as disclosed in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the multi-functional tillage implement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0018] FIG. 5 depicts a flow chart of a method of providing a multi-functional tillage implement for an agricultural vehicle, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0020] The embodiments herein disclose a multi-functional tillage implement for use with an agricultural vehicle. Further, the embodiments herein disclose the multi-functional tillage implement having a plurality of blades connected to a rotary shaft and oriented in a predetermined pattern to facilitate in pulverization of soil and reduce high amplitude vibration. Furthermore, the embodiments herein disclose the multi-functional tillage implement which includes the plurality of first blades and second blades which are disposed such that the plurality of first blades and second blades extend from a mid-portion of the rotary shaft to a right side and a left side of the tillage implement. The embodiments herein further disclose the multi-functional tillage implement which includes the plurality of first blades and second blades having working edge of the blade inclined towards the right side and the left side of the tillage implement, respectively. Additionally, the embodiments herein disclose the multi-functional tillage implement which facilitates in formation of ridges during a soil operation. Further, the embodiments herein disclose the multi-functional tillage implement which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture. The embodiments herein further disclose a method of providing a multi-functional tillage implement for an agricultural vehicle. Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through FIG. 5, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0021] For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the multi-functional tillage implement (also referred to as tillage implement in this description) is explained herein below with reference to an agricultural implement used in an agricultural vehicle such as tractor. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the multi-functional tillage implement (100) assembled to any other vehicle without otherwise deterring the intended function of the tilling the soil as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0022] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a multi-functional tillage implement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the multi-functional tillage implement, according to an embodiment as disclosed in FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the multi-functional tillage implement (100) includes a frame (not shown), at least one rotary shaft (102), a trailing board (104), a plurality of first blades (106), a plurality of second blades (108), a pair of side flaps (110), at least one resilient means (112), and a plurality of connecting members (114).
[0023] In an embodiment, the tillage implement (100) is pulled by the tractor. The tractor has a conventional power take-off shaft (not shown) extending rearward from its body and a three point linkage structure mounted on the rearside of the body and extending rearward from the tractor to terminate at its rearward end (not shown). These and all other features of the tractor are conventional and consequently details are neither shown nor described relative to those features.
[0024] The tillage implement (100) includes the frame (not shown). The frame is composed of a front transverse beam (not shown) extending across the front end of the agricultural implement. In an embodiment, the frame is configured to be connected to the three point linkage by means of a three pins (not shown). In an embodiment, the frame may be adjusted vertically and relative to the ground. The tillage implement (100) includes the drive shaft (not shown). In an embodiment, the drive shaft (not shown) is rotated by the driving means (not shown). The driving means is rotated by a power take-off unit (PTO) of the tractor. The power take-off unit produces a torque T.
[0025] The tillage implement (100) includes at least one rotary shaft (102). The rotary shaft (102) is disposed in the frame. The rotary shaft (102) is driven by the drive shaft (not shown) through a drive shaft gear wheel (as shown in Fig. 4). In an embodiment, the tillage implement (100) may include plurality of rotary shafts (102). Further, the rotary shaft (102) includes the plurality of connecting members (114) which are distributed on an outer external surface of the rotary shaft (102). The plurality of connecting members (114) is arranged in a predetermined pattern and in a laterally spaced relationship on the rotary shaft (102). Further, the each of connecting members (114) defines an inner space (not shown). The inner space (not shown) is defined to receive other end of the first and second blades (106 and 108) i.e, the inner space is defined to receive other end which is opposite of working edge. Further, each of the connecting member (114) defines an aperture which is adapted to receive a fastening means (not shown) to secure the plurality of blades (106) to the plurality of connecting members (114). The aperture (not shown) is formed transverse to the inner space defined by the connecting member (114). In an embodiment, the connecting means (108) is at least one of welding, bolt and nut, and riveting.
[0026] FIG. 3 depicts another perspective view of the multi-functional tillage implement, according to an embodiment as disclosed in FIG. 1. The tillage implement (100) includes the plurality of first blades (106) and the plurality of second blades (108) which are coupled to the plurality of connecting members (114) through the fastening means (not shown). In an embodiment, the plurality of first blades (106) include blades which have a working edge bent towards right side of the tillage implement (100) and the plurality of second blades (108) include blades which have a working edge bent towards a left side of the tillage implement (100) with respect to a rotational axis A (not shown) of the rotary shaft (102). In an embodiment, the first and second blades (106) and (108) are fabricated in a shape selected from a group comprising L shape, C shape and J shape. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any shape of blade for fabricating the blade without otherwise deterring the intended function of the tilling as can be deduced from this description and corresponding drawings.
[0027] The first and second blades (106 and 108) of the tillage implement are disposed in such a way that the first and second blades (106 and 108) extend from a mid-portion of the rotary shaft (102) to a right side and a left side of the rotary shaft (102) i.e, the plurality of first blades (106) and the plurality of second blades (108) have a working edge of blade bent towards the right side and the left side of the rotary shaft (102), respectively, whereby soil is thrown away from center of the rotary shaft (102) to the right and the left side of the rotary shaft (102), during a soil operation. Further, the plurality of first blades (106) and the plurality of second blades (108) are equally distributed along a rotational axis of the rotary shaft. In an embodiment, the plurality of first blades (106) on the right side is equal to the plurality of second blades (108) on the left side of the rotary shaft (102). The plurality of first and second blades (106 and 108) are provided in equal numbers to avoid high amplitude vibration during the soil operation.
[0028] The tillage implement (100) further includes trailing board (104) of predetermined shape which is connected to a rear end of the frame. The trailing board (104) includes a mid-portion (104m), a left wall (104l) and a right wall (104r) inclined to the mid-portion (104m). The left wall (104l) and the right wall (104r) are inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the mid-portion (104m), thereby forming/defining a wing like structure. The trailing board (104) is formed such that both outer edges (EL and ER) of the left wall (104l) and the right wall (104r) are shorter in a vertical length than the middle portion (ML) of the trailing board (104).
[0029] Further, the tillage implement (100) includes a pair of side flaps (110) which are connected between the trailing board (104) and the corresponding right side and the left side of the frame. In an embodiment, the pair of side flaps (110) are attached at top end at both sides of the implement and adjacent to the trailing board (104). The side flaps (110) are provided in the implement (100) to avoid the pulverized soil from falling outside a width of the implement, thereby facilitating formation of ridges during the soil operation.
[0030] Furthermore, tillage implement (100) includes at least one resilient member (112) connected between said trailing board (104) and a top portion of the frame. The tillage implement (100) is provided with the resilient member (112) to surpass any obstacles during the soil operation and thereby prevent blade breakage or blade damage. In an embodiment, the resilient member (112) is at least a spring.
[0031] The technical advantages disclosed by the embodiments herein are, the tillage implement mixes and pulverizes the tilled soil well resulting in a good clod size distribution. Further, the arrangement of the blades may be easily adapted to form ridges. Furthermore, clogging of the rotary shafts of the rotavator during the soil operation is eliminated. Also, damage of the rotating shafts and blades due to impact of stones and roots in soil are evaded. Additionally, it reduces a high amplitude vibration.
[0032] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
, Claims:We claim,
1. A tillage implement (100), said tillage implement (100) having a frame and a rotary shaft (102) mounted within said frame, comprising:
a plurality of first and second blades (106 and 108) connected transversely to said rotary shaft (102) such that said first and second blades (106 and 108) extend from a mid-portion of said rotary shaft (102) towards a right side and a left side of said rotary shaft (102), respectively; and
a trailing board (104) of predetermined shape connected to a rear end of said frame.
2. The tillage implement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of first blades (106) and said plurality of second blades (108) have a working edge of blade bent towards said right side and said left side of said rotary shaft (102), respectively, whereby soil is thrown away from center of said rotary shaft (102) to said right and said left side of said rotary shaft (102), during a soil operation.

3. The tillage implement (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said tillage implement (100) includes at least one resilient member (112) connected between said trailing board (104) and a top portion of said frame, said resilient member (112) is at least a spring.

4. The tillage implement (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said plurality of first and second blades (106 and 108) are connected to said rotary shaft (102) through corresponding connecting members (114), said connecting member (114) is at least a holder which is connected to said rotary shaft (102) by one of welding, bolting, and riveting.
5. The tillage implement (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of said connecting member (114) defines an inner space to receive other end of corresponding first and second blades (106 and 108) which are opposite to working edge of said first and second blade (106 and 108), said connecting member (114) defines at least one aperture transverse to said inner space to receive at least one fastening member, and thereby grip/hold said other end of said corresponding first and second blade (106 and 108) securely within said inner space.

6. The tillage implement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tillage implement (100) includes a pair of side flaps (110) which are connected between said trailing board (104) and corresponding said right side and said left side of said frame.

7. The tillage implement (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said plurality of first blades (106) and said plurality of second blades (108) are equally distributed along a rotational axis of said rotary shaft, said plurality of first blades (106) on said right side is equal to said plurality of second blades (108) on said left side of said rotary shaft (102).

8. The tillage implement (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said trailing board (104) includes a mid-portion (104m), a left wall (104l) and a right wall (104r) inclined to said mid-portion (104m), said left wall (104l) and said right wall (104r) are inclined at a predetermined angle relative to said mid-portion (104m), thereby forming/defining a wing like structure, said trailing board (104) is formed such that both outer edges (EL and ER) are shorter in a vertical length than said middle portion (ML) of said trailing board (104).
9. A method (200) of providing a multi-functional tillage implement for an agricultural vehicle, said tillage implement having a frame, at least one rotary shaft (102), said rotary shaft (102) mounted within said frame, said method comprising:
coupling a plurality of first and second blades (106 and 108) transversely to said rotary shaft (102) such that said first and second blades (106 and 108) extend from a mid-portion of said rotary shaft (102) towards a right side and a left side of said rotary shaft (102), respectively;
mounting a trailing board (104) of predetermined shape to a rear end of said frame;
providing a pair of side flaps between said trailing board (104) and corresponding to a right side and a left side of said frame; and
connecting at least one resilient member between said trailing board and a top portion of said frame.