DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to agricultural farm implements and more particularly, but not exclusively to a rotavator having at least two rotary shafts adapted for use with agricultural vehicles and the like.
BACKGROUND
[002] Agricultural vehicles such as tractors are machines capable of pulling, transporting and providing power to agricultural implements connected thereto. Agricultural implements include but not limited to sprayers, harrows, plows, planters, rotavators and harvesters/reapers. Performance of the agricultural implement with the tractor has been under study as it directly affects the operational efficiency and fuel consumption of the tractor.
[003] In conventional design, the rotavator includes a main frame, an implement body disposed transverse to the direction of travel, a transverse rotatable shaft supported by the main frame extending longitudinally of the implement body, a plurality of cutting blades coupled to the shaft. In conventional rotavator, the shaft includes only one rotor shaft having plurality of blades connected therein. Conventionally, the shaft is rotated either in forward direction or in reverse direction.
[004] A conventional rotavator includes a driven shaft on which are mounted a plurality of rotary tillage members having soil engaging blades the outer extremities of which are generally parallel to the shaft. The rotary tillage blades may be adjusted to the desired depth of a seed bed in order to perform the very fine tillage necessary for that purpose. Yet the problem with conventional rotavators for use with agricultural vehicles such as tractors is that, many operators maintain an excessively high PTO speed setting to ensure that a minimum effective cutting. Blade speed is maintained regardless of engine drop resulting from blade/engine loading. Thus consumption of more fuel than necessary to accomplish the specific cutting task. In addition to increased fuel consumption, operating at higher engine speeds typically results in correspondingly higher overall noise from the engine and implement, and damage to the cutting blades of the rotavator. Moreover, it also has the disadvantage of high labor intensity, and operation time.
[005] Therefore, there exists a need for a rotavator having at least two rotary shafts adapted for use with tractors and the like which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[006] The principal object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a rotavator having at least two rotary shafts adapted for use with agricultural vehicles and the like.
[007] Another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a rotavator having at least one shaft configured to be rotated at least in opposite direction as that of a rotation of the other shaft.
[008] 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
[009] The embodiments of the invention 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:
[0010] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic sectional view of conventional rotavator, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 2a depicts a perspective view of a rotavator, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 2b depicts another perspective view of a rotavator, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 3a depicts a first flange, according to a first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 3b depicts a first flange, according to a second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 3c depicts a first flange, according to a third embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 3d depicts a first flange, according to a fourth embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 3e depicts a second flange, according to a first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0018] FIG. 3f depicts a second flange, according to a second embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0019] FIG. 3g depicts a second flange, according to a third embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0020] FIG. 3h depicts a second flange, according to a fourth embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0021] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a first rotary shaft and a second rotary shaft, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein; and
[0022] FIG. 5 depicts a schematic sectional view of rotavator having a first rotary shaft and a second rotary shaft rotating in opposite direction, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] 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.
[0024] The embodiments herein achieve a rotavator having at least two rotary shafts adapted for use with agricultural vehicles and the like. Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through FIG. 4, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic sectional view of conventional rotavator, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In conventional design, the rotavator includes a main frame, an implement body disposed transverse to the direction of travel, a transverse rotatable shaft supported by the main frame extending longitudinally of the implement body, a plurality of cutting blades coupled to the shaft. In conventional rotavator, the shaft includes only one rotor shaft having plurality of blades connected therein. Conventionally, the shaft is rotated either in forward direction or in reverse direction. These and all other features of the rotavator are conventional and consequently details are neither shown nor described relative to those features.
[0026] FIGS. 2a and 2b depict a perspective view of a rotavator 100, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The rotavator 100 includes a frame 102, at least one first rotary shaft 104, a plurality of first flanges 106, at least one second rotary shaft 108, a plurality of second flanges 110, at least one cutting blade 112, a drive mechanism 114,at least one beam structure 116, a left wall 118,a right wall 120, a top cover 122, a rear cover 124, a plurality of ribs 126, a plurality of connecting members 128, a base plate 130, and a plurality of spring mechanism 132.
[0027] The rotavator 100 is pulled by a tractor (agricultural vehicle) (not shown). The tractor has a conventional power take-off shaft (not shown) extending rearwardly from its body and a drawbar structure mounted on the underside of the body and extending rearwardly from the tractor to terminate at its rearward end in a clevis type connection (not shown). These and all other features of the tractor are conventional and consequently details are neither shown nor described relative to those features.
[0028] The rotavator 100includes the frame102. The frame 102 includes the beam structure 116 extending across a front end (not shown) of the rotavator 100. The frame102 is configured to be connected to a clevis by means of a pin (not shown). Also included as a part of the frame 102 are the left wall 118 and the right wall 120 which are fixed at opposite ends of the front beam structure 116. The frame 102 may be adjusted in vertical direction, inclined direction, and relative to the ground. The frame 102 further includes the top cover 122which is mounted between the left wall 118 and the right wall 120. The top cover 122 is provided at a top portion (not shown) of the rotavator 100 so as to prevent soil or other particles getting deposited on the beam structure 116 and the plurality of ribs 126.
[0029] The frame 102 further includes the rear cover 124 extending from the top cover 122. The rear cover 122 is disposed between the left wall 118 and the right wall 120. The rear cover 124 is pivotably connected with to the top cover 122. A plurality of spring mechanism 132 is provided between the rear cover 124 and the top cover 122 to assist the pivotal movement of the rear cover 124. The rear cover 124 is configured to prevent soil or other particles getting deposited on the beam structure 116 and the plurality of ribs 126.
[0030] The frame 102 further includes the plurality of ribs 126. The plurality of ribs 126 are configured to support the beam structure 116 on the top cover 122. Further, the frame 102 includes the plurality of connecting members 128 which are attached to the plurality of ribs 126 to connect the frame 102 to the agricultural vehicle (not shown). The frame 102 furthermore includes the base plate 130which is connected to each of the left wall 118 and the right wall 120 at a bottom portion (not shown) of the rotavator 100.
[0031] The rotavator 100 includes at least one first rotary shaft 104(here after first rotary shaft 104). The first rotary shaft 104 is mounted to the frame 102. The first rotary shaft 104 further includes a plurality of first flanges 106 disposed on the first rotary shaft 104 as shown in FIG. 4. The plurality of first flanges 106 are disposed at predetermined locations on the first rotary shaft 104. For example, the first rotary shaft 104 may include at least four flanges 106 which are disposed at predetermined locations as shown in FIG. 4. Each flange 106 may include at least one aperture to receive at least one fastener (not shown). Each flange 106 is further configured to receive at least one cutting blade 112. The cutting blade 112 is coupled to the first flange 106 through the fastener. Each of the first flanges106 is coupled with a predetermined number of cutting blades 112. Further, each cutting blade 112 is coupled to the first flange 106 at a predetermined angle as shown in FIGS 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d. In an alternate embodiment, the first flange 106 and the cutting blade 112 may be made up of unitary structure.
[0032] The rotavator 100 includes at least one second rotary shaft 108 (here after second rotary shaft 108). The second rotary shaft 108 is mounted to the frame 102. The second rotary shaft 108 is mounted parallel to the first rotary shaft 104 at a predetermined distance from the first rotary shaft 104. The second rotary shaft 108 further includes a plurality of second flanges 110 disposed on the second rotary shaft 108 as shown in FIG. 4. The plurality of second flanges 110 are disposed at predetermined locations on the second rotary shaft 108. For example, the second rotary shaft 108 may include at least four flanges 110 which are disposed at predetermined locations as shown in FIG. 4. Each second flange 110 may include at least one aperture to receive at least one fastener (not shown). Each flange 110 is further configured to receive at least one cutting blade 112. The cutting blade 112 is coupled to the second flange 110 through the fastener. Each of the second flanges110 is coupled with a predetermined number of cutting blades 112. Further, each cutting blade 112 is coupled to the second flange 110 at a predetermined angle as shown in FIGS. 3e, 3f, 3g and 3h. In an alternate embodiment, the second flange 110 and the cutting blade 112 may be made up of unitary structure. The predetermined angle of the cutting blade 112 attachment with said the flanges106 and the second flanges110 ranges from 0? to 180?.
[0033] In an embodiment, the first rotary shaft 104 and the second rotary shaft 108 include plurality of flanges 106 and 110 selected from a group consisting of at least one additional flange 106 on the first rotary shaft 104 than the second rotary shaft 108, at least one additional flange 110 on the second rotary shaft 108 than the first rotary shaft 104, and equal number of flanges on both the first rotary shaft 104 and the second rotary shaft 108. The second rotary shaft 108 is configured to be rotated at least in opposite direction as that of a rotation of the first rotary shaft 104 as shown in FIG. 5. Further, the first rotary shaft 104 and the second rotary shaft 108 may configured to be rotated in clockwise direction and counterclockwise direction respectively as shown in FIG. 5.
[0034] The rotavator 100 further includes the cutting blades 112. The cutting blades 112 are made up of at least one of 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.
[0035] When the plurality of first flange 106 on the first rotary shaft 104 moving in forward direction includes at least one first flange 106 more than the second flange 110 of the second rotary shaft108, it enables the forward motion of the tractor (Down cut rotavator motion). Similarly, if the plurality of second flanges 110 on the second rotary shaft 108 is morethan the plurality of first flange 106 of the first rotary shaft 104, it will drive the tractor in the reverse direction (up cut rotavator motion). If both the first flanges 106 and the second flanges 110 have similar number of flanges there will be no motion.
[0036] Further, an offset distance x (not shown) between the first rotary shaft 104 and the second rotary shaft 108 may vary from 0.6 x to 1.5 x. For example, the offset distance x may range from 300mm to 750mm. on Further a distance y (not shown) between a tip of the cutting blade 112 on the first rotary shaft 104 and a tip of the cutting blade 112 on the second rotary shaft 108 may range from 0.2y to y. For example, the distance y between the cutting blades on corresponding first rotary shaft 104 and the second rotary shaft 108 may range from 20mm to 100mm. Further, the second flanges 110 of the second rotary shaft 108 may have a diameter ranging from d to 0.3d of the first flange 106 and vice-versa. Furthermore, a weight w of the second rotary shaft 108 may be equal to a weight of the first rotary shaft 104 and may also range from 1.1w to 1.7w of the first rotary shaft 104 and vice-versa. Further, a thickness T of the cutting blades 112 may be varied from the first flange 106 to the second flange 110 by 0.8 T to 1.2T. Further, the cutting blades 112 may be coupled to the corresponding first flange 106 and the second flange 110 by a predetermined angle ranging from 0? to 180?.
[0037] The rotavator 100 further includes the drive mechanism 114. The drive mechanism 114 is configured to transmit motion from the first rotary shaft 104 to the second rotary shaft 108. The drive mechanism 114 is selected from a group comprising of gear drive, chain drive, belt drive and combination thereof.
[0038] The technical advantages disclosed by the embodiments herein are, the thrust force generated by the rotavator blades can be used as traction aid and contributes significantly to the reduction of the rolling resistance of the tractor, reduced draught of rotavators results in less wheel slip at the tractor tyre-soil interface, thus improving field productivity and efficiency, reduced draught of rotavators allows the use of lighter tractors, thus reducing the soil compaction levels and the purchase price of tractors required to operate the tillers, reduced draught of rotavators allows tillage operations to be performed in more difficult traction conditions.
[0039] In addition to the aforementioned advantages, the rotavator also mixes and pulverizes the tilled soil well resulting in a good clod size distribution. The number of tillage passes required to achieve an acceptable tilt quality, using rotavators, is also significantly reduced.
[0040] 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 rotavator 100 for an agricultural vehicle, comprising:
a frame 102;
at least one first rotary shaft 104 mounted to said frame 102, wherein said first rotary shaft 104 includes a plurality of first flanges 106 disposed on said first rotary shaft 104;
at least one second rotary shaft 108 mounted to said frame 102, wherein said second rotary shaft 108 includes a plurality of second flanges 110 disposed on said second rotary shaft 108;
at least one cutting blade 112 provided on each of said corresponding first flanges 106 and second flanges 110;and
a drive mechanism 114 coupled between said first rotary shaft 104 and said second rotary shaft 108,
wherein,
said second rotary shaft 108 is configured to be rotated at least in opposite direction as that of a rotation of first rotary shaft 104.
2. The rotavator 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame 102 further includes:
at least one beam structure 116 provided at a top portion of said rotavator 100; and
a left wall 118 and a right wall 120 disposed at opposite ends of said beam structure 116.
3. The rotavator 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein said frame 102 further includes:
a top cover 122 disposed between said left wall 118 and said right wall 120;
a rear cover 124 extending from said top cover 122 disposed between said left wall 118 and said right wall 120;
a plurality of ribs 126 supporting said beam structure 116 on said top cover 122; and
a plurality of connecting members 128 attached to said plurality of ribs 126 to connect said frame 102 to said agricultural vehicle.
4. The rotavator 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein said frame 102 includes a base plate 130 connected to each of said left wall 118 and said right wall 120 at a bottom portion of said rotavator 100.
5. The rotavator 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first rotary shaft 104 and said second rotary shaft 108 include plurality of flanges 106 and 110 selected from a group consisting of at least one additional flange 106 on said first rotary shaft104 than said second rotary shaft 108, at least one additional flange 110 on said second rotary shaft 108 than said first rotary shaft 104, and equal number of flanges on both said first rotary shaft 104 and said second rotary shaft 108.
6. The rotavator 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second rotary shaft 108 is mounted parallel to said first rotary shaft104.
7. The rotavator 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first flanges 106 and said second flanges 110 are mounted on said corresponding first rotary shaft 104 and said second rotary shaft 108 at predetermined locations.
8. The rotavator 100 as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of said first flange 106 and said second flange 108 are coupled with a predetermined number of cutting blades 112.
9. The rotavator 100 as claimed in claim 8, wherein said cutting blades 112 and said corresponding first flanges 106 and said second flanges 110 are made up of unitary structure.
10. The rotavator 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cutting blades 112 define at least one shape selected from a group comprising L shape, C shape and J shape.
11. The rotavator 100 as claimed in claim 8, wherein said each cutting blade 112 is coupled to said each of said first flange and said second flange at a predetermined angle.
12. The rotavator 100 as claimed in claim 11, wherein said predetermined angle of said cutting blade 112 attachment with said first flanges106 and said second flanges110 ranges from 0? to 180?.
13. The rotavator 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein said drive mechanism 114 is configured to transmit motion from said first rotary shaft 104 to said second rotary shaft 108.
14. The rotavator 100 as claimed in claim 13, wherein said drive mechanism 114 is selected from a group comprising of gear drive, chain drive, belt drive and combination thereof.