WO2022010405A1

WO2022010405A1 - Agricultural implement with folding operator platform and method of folding an operator platform

Info

Publication number: WO2022010405A1
Application number: PCT/SE2021/050681
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jesper STÖDBERG; Johan Karlsson
Original assignee: Väderstad Holding Ab
Priority date: 2020-07-06
Filing date: 2021-07-05
Publication date: 2022-01-13
Also published as: EP4175454A1; SE2050858A1; SE544514C2

Abstract

An agricultural implement (1) comprising a container (13) for material to be distributed and an operator platform (2, 2\ 2") so that the operator can access an upper side of the container (13). The operator platform (2, 2', 2") comprises a platform plate (21), which has a proximal edge, nearest to the container, and a distal edge, and at least two brackets (24a, 24b), on which the platform plate (21) can be arranged. Proximal ends of the brackets (24a, 24b) are pivotally attached to the container (13), so that the brackets are pivotable relative to the container about respective first substantially vertical geometrical axes (Av1) between an extended position and a folded position. The platform plate (21) is pivotally arranged about a first substantially horizontal geometrical axis (Ah1), so that the platform plate is pivotable between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position.

Description

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WITH FOLDING OPERATOR PLATFORM AND METHOD OF FOLDING AN OPERATOR PLATFORM

Technical Field

This document relates to an agricultural implement which has a folding platform which, in an extended state, makes it easier for an operator to access a part of the agricultural implement located high up.

Background

A number of agricultural implements have some form of container for material that is to be distributed by the agricultural implement. For example, there are seed drills which have a centrally located seed box, the upper side of which has one or more openings for filling seed, fertilizer and/or pesticides. The volume of the seed box can in some cases amount to several cubic metres, and its upper side can be located at a height of 2 to 4 metres above ground level. An operator of the implement may need to be able to access the openings, for example for refilling, inspecting, trouble-shooting or cleaning. In order to facilitate this, many agricultural implements are provided with a ladder. Agricultural implements which have an elongate seed box, e.g. Vaderstad® Rapid® A, can furthermore be provided with a platform extending along a long side of the seed box, so that the operator can easily and safely access the opening along the full length of the seed box. For increased safety, the platform is also provided with a rail comprising a pair of short side rails as well as a long side rail.

When transporting a foldable agricultural implement, for example by road, it may be necessary to fold the platform, since it could otherwise prevent a foldable side section of the agricultural implement from being folded completely.

The present structure of said Rapid® A, and many other seed drills, is formed so that the platform is pivotably attached nearest to the seed box, about a horizontal axis, so that the platform is folded upward. The short side rails of the platform are also pivotably attached to the seed box so that they, together with the short sides of the platform, form a parallelogram when the platform is folded. It will be appreciated that for this structure the long side rail will be displaced upward, above the upper edge of the seed box, so that the total height of the implement increases in the range of half a metre. This can be a problem, especially for very large, and thus high, agricultural implements, since the height of the agricultural implement can lead to colliding with obstacles, such as viaducts, overhead contact lines or door posts of machine rooms.

There is also a general requirement to enable folding of agricultural implements so that, in a folded state, they can be as compact as possible.

Consequently, there is a need for an improved platform structure, and in particular a platform structure which to a lesser extent increases the height of the agricultural implement when the operator platform is folded.

Summary

One object of this document is thus to provide an agricultural implement which has an improved platform structure, and especially a platform structure which fully or partly overcomes the abovementioned challenges.

The invention is defined by the attached independent patent claims. Embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims, in the description that follows and in the accompanying drawings.

According to a first aspect, an agricultural implement is provided, comprising a container for material to be distributed by the agricultural implement and an operator platform, which is formed and dimensioned in order to carry an operator, so that the operator can access an upper side of the container. The operator platform comprises a platform plate, which has a proximal edge, nearest to the container, and a distal edge, at a greater distance from the container than the proximal edge, and at least two brackets, on which the platform plate can be arranged. Proximal ends of the brackets are pivotally attached to the container, so that the brackets are pivotable relative to the container about respective first substantially vertical geometrical axes between an extended position and a folded position. The platform plate is pivotally arranged about a first substantially horizontal geometrical axis, so that the platform plate is pivotable between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position.

The concept “to the container” means for example that the attachment is provided to the container, to the frame of the agricultural implement or to a support frame.

The platform plate being pivotably connected “to the distal ends of the brackets” means that the platform plate portion can be connected to the brackets in close proximity thereto, or at a distance from one or both brackets, viewed along the distal edge of the platform plate.

The agricultural implement can preferably be a seed drill. Alternatively, the agricultural implement can be a spreader for fertilizer or pesticides.

The solution described above allows the platform plate itself to be folded upward or downward and, as a complete unit, to be swivelled in toward the container, without increasing the height of the agricultural implement.

Therefore, an agricultural implement with a lower total height can be provided.

Furthermore, space above the container is gained, which provides room for other parts to be arranged in this space when the agricultural implement is folded up, for example sowing units or marker arms.

In addition, it is possible to provide space for folding in side sections, for example, more than 90 degrees.

The platform plate can be elongate and have a long side which is substantially parallel to the first substantially horizontal geometrical axis.

The agricultural implement can further comprise an operator rail, which comprises at least two rail posts and one hand rail, wherein each of said rail posts is connected to a distal end of one of the brackets.

The hand rail can extend substantially parallel to the first substantially horizontal geometrical axis.

The operator rail can be pivotally attached to the distal ends of the brackets, so that the brackets are pivotable relative to the operator rail about respective second substantially vertical geometrical axes. The agricultural implement can further comprise a short side hand rail, which is pivotally attached to the container about a third substantially vertical geometrical axis and pivotable relative to the operator rail about a fourth substantially vertical geometrical axis.

The platform plate can be pivotally attached to the distal ends of the brackets.

As the platform plate is attached to the distal ends of the brackets, the whole plate, together with its attachment, will be displaced when the brackets are swivelled in order to fold the operator platform, wherein the whole of the operator platform can provide space for e.g. parts of the folded side sections.

It is therefore possible to gain space at the side of the container, where other parts can be placed. It is also possible to reduce the risk of parts of the seed drill, such as hoses, being entangled in the operator platform.

The platform plate can be pivotally connected to the operator rail so that the platform plate is pivotable relative to the operator rail about said first substantially horizontal geometrical axis.

The agricultural implement can further comprise a bearing arrangement, arranged at the platform plate edge nearest to the container, for supporting a relative movement between said edge and the container.

The bearing arrangement can work between the platform plate and the container, or between the platform plate and a support frame or similar.

The bearing arrangement can comprise a bearing portion which is formed to run toward the container or the support frame. The bearing portion can be coated with wear-protecting material, such as rubber. The bearing portion can be a rubber roll or a wheel which is supportably attached to the edge of the platform plate.

The platform plate is pivotally attached to the proximal ends of the brackets.

The agricultural implement can further comprise a synchronization device, for synchronization of the platform plate pivoting about the first substantially horizontal geometrical axis with the brackets pivoting about the first substantially vertical geometrical axis. The synchronization device can comprise a link, which connects a first point, located on one of the brackets, to a second point, located on the platform plate.

The link can comprise a rod of fixed length.

The first point can be located at the centre of the bracket, viewed in its longitudinal direction.

The second point can be located nearer to the free edge of the platform plate, i.e. at the edge located nearest to the container, than its pivotally attached edge. In particular, the second point can be located on or immediately adjacent to the edge. The second point can be located between the brackets.

For example, a link can be provided for each bracket.

The synchronization device can comprise a cable, which connects a first point, located on the container, to a second point, located on the platform plate.

The synchronization device can comprise a bevel gear which is arranged to transfer pivoting between one of said first substantially vertical geometrical axes and said first substantially horizontal geometrical axis.

The agricultural implement can further comprise an actuator, for operating at least one of the pivotability of the brackets relative to the container about said respective first substantially vertical geometrical axes, and the pivotability of the platform plate about said first substantially horizontal geometrical axis.

The actuator can be a hydraulic, pneumatic or electrically driven actuator. The actuator can be a linear actuator, such as an hydraulic cylinder, or a rotary actuator, such as an electric motor.

The agricultural implement can further comprise a ladder which is pivotally attached to the operator platform.

The concept “ladder” is to be considered to comprise both ladders and steps. The ladder can be formed as a ladder, i.e. with a plurality of rungs, or as a set of steps, with a plurality of steps.

By arranging the ladder pivotally at the operator platform, folding of the operator platform is made easier. Therefore, it is possible to provide an operator platform which has good access when in use and which can be stored away during transport.

The ladder can be pivotally attached to the operator platform, so that the ladder is pivotable relative to the operator platform about an inclined geometrical axis, which preferably has an angle of between 10 and 50 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, more preferably 25-40 degrees.

The ladder can comprise an upper and a lower ladder section, which can be pivotable relative to each other about a second substantially horizontal geometrical axis, so that the lower ladder section is foldable relative to the upper ladder section.

According to a second aspect, a method, on an agricultural implement comprising a container, for folding an operator platform from an extended position to a folded position is provided, wherein a platform plate of the operator platform, in the extended position, is substantially horizontally orientated and extends along a side of the container, with a proximal edge of the platform plate nearest to the container and a distal edge of the platform plate further away from the container than the proximal edge. The method comprises folding one of the proximal edge of the platform plate and the distal edge of the platform plate, and folding the platform plate toward the container by means of displacing the platform plate laterally, in parallel with the distal edge of the platform plate and inward toward the container.

The platform plate can be supported by at least one bracket, and wherein the step of folding the platform plate toward the container comprises swivelling the bracket about a substantially vertical axis located at a proximal portion of the bracket.

Folding the operator platform toward the container can comprise pivoting the platform plate about a substantially vertical axis which is located at a distal portion of the bracket.

The proximal edge of the platform plate can be folded by means of a pivoting about a substantially horizontal axis which is located at the distal edge of the platform plate. The distal edge of the platform plate can be folded by means of a pivoting about a substantially horizontal axis which is located at the proximal edge of the platform plate.

The method can further comprise synchronizing said folding of the proximal edge of the platform plate with said displacement of the platform plate laterally.

Brief description of the drawings

Figs 1a-1b show an agricultural implement, seen in a perspective view, with an operator platform in an extended and folded state, respectively.

Figs 2a-2c show a part of the agricultural implement, with the operator platform in an extended state, a partly folded state and a fully folded state, respectively.

Figs 3a-3c show plan views of a part of the agricultural implement, seen from the rear and from above, respectively.

Fig 4 shows a perspective view illustrating how the operator platform can be provided with an alternatively configured synchronization device.

Fig 5 shows a perspective view illustrating how the steps of the operator platform can be pivotable.

Fig 6 shows a perspective view illustrating how the operator platform can be provided with a complementary bearing arrangement.

Fig 7 shows a perspective view illustrating a part of the agricultural implement.

Fig 8 shows a perspective view of a part of an operator platform. Detailed description

Figs 1a-1b show an agricultural implement 1, seen in a perspective view, with an operator platform 2 in an extended and folded state, respectively. A direction of travel is indicated by the reference designation F. The agricultural implement shown in Figs 1a-1b is exemplified in the form of a seed drill, which can comprise a main frame, extending in a longitudinal direction of the agricultural implement, and one or more cross frames 11, extending substantially across the main frame 10. A towing device 12 can be arranged at a front part of the main frame 10, for coupling the agricultural implement 1 to a traction vehicle (not shown), such as a tractor.

The agricultural implement 1 comprises a container 13, which can be supported by the main frame 10. The container 13 can be in the form of a seed box for seed that is to be distributed on the ground over which the agricultural implement 1 is travelling. In other types of agricultural implements, the container can be in the form of a container or tank for fertilizer or pesticides.

The agricultural implement can carry a plurality of sets 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 of ground-engaging tools. In the example shown, the tools comprise a set of levelling tools 14, a set of harrow discs or cultivator discs 15, a set of compactor wheels 16, a set of sowing units 17 and a set of straw harrow pins 18.

Each of the sowing units can comprise a seed furrow-opener, a feeder outlet and a seed furrow-sealer.

As a further example, the agricultural implement can comprise one or more sets of cultivator tines, harrow tines, roller wheels or openers for fertilizer, pesticides or seed.

The agricultural implement 1 can comprise one or more foldable sections 3a, 3b, such as side sections, which can be foldable relative to the main frame 10, so that the agricultural implement 1 can be reset from a working mode with extended sections to a transport mode with folded sections 3a, 3b.

Each of the sections 3a, 3b can comprise a frame which carries one of more sets of tools. Alternatively, one or more of the sections can comprise two or more sub-frame sections which are pivotable relative to each other and which can enable folding of each section 3a, 3b in multiple steps.

The agricultural implement 1 can thus comprise 2, 3, 4 or 5 sections, which are foldable relative to the main frame 10 and/or relative to each other.

Along one of the sides of the container 13, an operator platform 2, 2" is arranged. The operator platform 2, 2" can comprise a platform plate 21 , an operator rail 22 and a ladder 23. Figs 2a-2c show a part of the agricultural implement 1, with the operator platform 2 in an extended state, a partly folded state and a fully folded state, respectively.

The operator platform 2 is shown in an extended state in Fig 2a.

The platform plate 21 can be in the form of a plate having a first pair of opposite edges extending along the container and a second pair of opposite edges extending between the first pair of edges.

In the example shown, the platform plate is elongate, wherein the first pair of opposite edges form long sides and the second pair of opposite edges form short sides.

The platform plate 21 can be made from a metal sheet, which can be patterned to reduce the risk of slipping and which can have a plurality of through-holes, which can contribute to reducing the weight of the platform plate and preventing, for example, water from remaining on the platform plate.

The platform plate 21 can be provided with reinforcements, either in the form of a frame supporting the metal sheet, by means of folds created in the metal sheet and/or by means of reinforcing parts fixed to the metal sheet.

Alternatively, the platform plate 21 can be made from material such as wood or plastic, especially plastic composite. A platform plate made of wood, plastic or plastic composite can be complemented with a reinforcing frame of e.g. metal.

The operator rail 22 can comprise a pair of rail posts 221 , which can be substantially vertical, and at least one hand rail 222, which can be substantially horizontal. In addition, the rail 22 can be provided with one or more reinforcing parts 223.

The hand rail 222 can extend along substantially the full long side of the platform plate 21.

With reference to Fig 4, a short side hand rail 224 can be provided at one of the short sides of the platform plate 21. The short side hand rail 224 can be pivotally attached to the container 13 via a coupling 225 which allows pivoting about a third substantially vertical axis Av3. The short side hand rail can also be pivotally attached to the hand rail via a coupling which allows pivoting about a fourth substantially vertical axis Av4. As illustrated in Figs 2a-2c for example, the short side hand rail can be made telescopic, which is advantageous if the pivoting being carried out by the brackets 24a, 24b is greater or lesser than the pivoting being carried out by the short side hand rail 224.

With reference to Figs 4 and 5, a ladder 23 can be provided at the other short side of the platform plate 21.

The ladder 23 can be pivotally attached relative to the operator platform 2, 2', 2", via a coupling 231 , so that this can be pivoted about a geometrical axis A5 when the operator platform is folded. The geometrical axis A5 can be inclined relative to a horizontal plane. For example, the geometrical axis A5 can have an angle of between 10 and 80 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, preferably 20-50 degrees or 25-40 degrees.

The ladder 23 can be pivotable independently of the position of the operator platform 2, 2', 2". A locking device 235, 236 can be arranged for locking the pivotal position of the ladder relative to operator platform 2, 2', 2". The locking device can be arranged to optionally lock the ladder 23 in its extended position or in its folded position.

The locking device can comprise a lever 235 with a locking part which is pivotally arranged on one of the ladder 23 and the operator platform 2, and a pair of engagement positions 236 which are arranged on the other one of the ladder 23 and the operator platform 2. The lever 235 can have a handle portion and a locking portion, which are located on opposite sides of a coupling about which the lever is pivotable. The locking portion can comprise an apex or a protrusion.

The engagement positions 236 can comprise a pair of notches or recesses, which are formed so that the locking portion can engage with any of said engagement positions 236. In the example shown, the lever is attached to the ladder 23, and the engagement positions 236 are arranged on the platform 2 and specifically on a part connected to the rail 22.

A linkage (not shown) can be provided for controlling the pivoting of the ladder 23 about the axis A5 when the operator platform is folded, so that the ladder always maintains a predetermined orientation in relation to the operator platform. The platform plate 21 can rest on a pair of brackets 24a, 24b. Each of the brackets has a proximal end, which is pivotally attached to the container 13, or to a frame portion (not shown) extending along the container 13, via a first vertical coupling 241a, 241b, which makes the brackets pivotable relative to the container about respective first substantially vertical geometrical axes Av1. Furthermore, each of the brackets 24a, 24b has a distal end, furthest away from the proximal end.

In the example shown, the distal ends of the brackets 24a, 24b are pivotally attached to the lower ends of the respective rail post. The attachment is provided using respective second vertical couplings 242a,

242b, which makes the operator rail pivotable relative to the brackets about respective second substantially vertical geometrical axes Av2.

The arrangement of the container 13 (or a support frame), the brackets 24a, 24b and the operator rail 2 can form a parallelogram, which can swivel in a horizontal plane with the aid of the couplings 241a, 241b; 242a, 242b.

The operator platform 2' is shown in a partly folded state in Fig 2b. Flere, the platform plate 21 is partly folded and the brackets extend perpendicularly from the wall of the container 13.

The operator platform 2" is shown in a fully folded state in Fig 2c. Flere, the platform plate 21 is fully folded and the brackets 24a, 24b here extend almost parallel to the wall of the container 13.

Figs 3a-3c show plan views of the agricultural implement, seen from the rear and from above, respectively.

The operator platform 2 in the view shown in Fig 3a is fully extended. The platform plate 21 can be pivotally attached relative to the distal ends of the brackets 24a, 24b. Alternatively, the platform plate 21 can be pivotally attached to the rail 22.

The platform plate 21 can be pivotable about a horizontal axis Ah1 , which can be provided with the aid of a horizontal coupling 211 (Fig. 3b). The coupling 211 can be divided so that one part is provided at each bracket 24a, 24b.

The movement of the free end of the platform plate 21 is indicated in Fig 3a by the bi-directional arrow Fv. The view shown in Fig 3b corresponds to the view in Fig 3a, but seen from above. The movement of the brackets 24a, 24b is indicated by the arrow Fh.

As will be seen in Fig 3b, the brackets can be able to swivel across an angle of more than 90 degrees, for example 90-130 degrees. This enables the operator platform, in its fully extended state, to reach sufficiently far back on the container 13 for the container to be completely accessible, at the same time as the operator platform can be displaced forward and thus out of the way of side sections which are folded.

Fig 3c shows the agricultural implement seen from above, as well as the operator platform 2", the ladder 23” and the side sections 3a, 3b in the fully folded state.

Folding and extending the operator platform can be carried out completely manually. For example, folding can begin with the proximal edge of the platform plate 21 being raised and the platform plate thus pivoting about the horizontal coupling Ah1. The raised platform plate can possibly be secured in the raised position using some form of locking device. Then the entire operator platform can be displaced laterally, for example in a forward direction, as will be seen in the example shown, wherein the brackets swivel relative to the container 13 and the distal edge of the platform plate about the vertical axes Av1 , Av2. The operator platform 2" can be secured in the folded position using some form of locking device.

Alternatively, a synchronization device can be provided, for synchronizing the pivoting of the platform plate 21 about the horizontal axis Ah1 and the pivoting of the operator platform about the vertical axes Av1 ,

Av2.

Figs 2a-2c illustrate a first example of a synchronization device in the form of a link 25, which can have a fixed length and the ends of which can have attachment devices for pivotable attachment about at least one axis.

In the example shown, one end of one link 25 is pivotally attached to a centre portion of one of the brackets 24a, seen in the longitudinal direction of the bracket. The other end of the link 25 is pivotally attached to the proximal edge portion of the platform plate 21. By adapting the positioning of the attachment points of the link 25 and the length of the link 25, it is possible to make the pivotal position of the platform plate about the horizontal axis Ah1 follow the pivoting of the bracket 24a about the first vertical axis Av1. As a result, it is possible to control the folding of the platform plate 21 by pivoting the brackets 24a, 24b relative to the container 13, so that the entire operator platform 2, 2', 2" can be folded in one single movement.

Figs 4 and 6 show how another variant of the synchronization device can be provided using a cable 26, which can connect one point on the proximal edge of the platform plate to a point located higher up on the container 13 or on a support frame, so that the platform plate is raised by the cable when the brackets 24a, 24b swivel about the vertical axes Av1.

The link 25 and the cable 26 can be used individually, or together, as complements to each other.

As an additional alternative, it is possible to provide the operator platform 2, 2', 2” with one or more actuators, e.g. hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators or electrical actuators.

According to one example, a first actuator can control the pivoting of the platform plate 21 about the horizontal axis Ah1. With such a first actuator, the pivoting of the brackets about the vertical axes Av1 can be carried out manually.

Alternatively, a second actuator can control the pivoting of the brackets about the vertical axes Av1.

A control unit can control the actuators so that folding and extending take place according to predetermined movement sequences.

Furthermore, one or more actuators can be combined with a synchronization device of the kind described above.

For example, an actuator can control the pivoting of the brackets 24a, 24b about the vertical axes Av1 , wherein the synchronization device provides the pivoting of the platform plate about the horizontal axis Ah1.

A ladder 23 can be arranged at one end of the operator platform, in order to facilitate access to an operator platform which is located high up in relation to the ground. The ladder can be formed as a ladder, with at least one substantially vertical part and a plurality of transverse rungs, or as a set of steps, with a plurality of steps which can be plane. In the fully extended position of the operator platform 2, the ladder can be substantially vertical. Alternatively, the ladder can slope, for example 45-90 degrees to the horizontal plane, preferably 60-90 degrees.

The ladder 23 is shown in its fully extended state in Fig 4. As will be seen, the ladder is divided into an upper section 232 and a lower section 233, which are connected by a horizontal coupling 234, which enables pivoting of the sections 232, 233 relative to each other about a second horizontal axis Ah2.

In Fig 5, the ladder 23' is shown in an intermediate state, where the lower section 233 of the ladder has been folded and where pivoting about the coupling 231 has begun.

The ladder can be attached only to the side of the operator platform where the operator rail 22 is located. In the example shown, the ladder is only attached to its left-side vertical portion (seen in the direction of travel F).

Fig 6 shows how a bearing arrangement 27 can be provided to facilitate the movement of the proximal edge of the platform plate 21 relative to the container 13. In the example shown in Fig 6, the bearing arrangement can have the form a wheel which is supportably attached to the proximal edge of the platform plate and which can be coated with wear-protecting material, such as rubber, plastic, cloth, flocks or other suitable material.

The bearing arrangement 27 can run directly to a wall of the container 13.

Alternatively, the bearing arrangement 27 can run to a support frame, or to a groove specially provided for the purpose.

In Fig 7, the agricultural implement 1 is shown with a number of parts removed in order to facilitate understanding. Specifically, Fig 7 shows the seed box 13, the main frame 10 and a side section frame 110, which is pivotable relative to the main frame 10 about a third horizontal axis Ah3. It will be appreciated that a corresponding arrangement of the side section frame and the horizontal axis can exist on the right-hand side of the agricultural implement, seen in the direction of travel F. Thus, the transverse beam 11 of the agricultural implement illustrated in Fig 7 is divided into two parts with a coupling therebetween.

The operator platform 2" is illustrated in its fully folded state in Fig 7. The ladder 23” is also illustrated in its fully folded state. As will be seen, the upper attachment point of the ladder 23" is displaced laterally. Thanks to the ladder being foldable about the second horizontal axis Ah2, the lower edge of the folded ladder 23" can pass above the main frame 10.

As an alternative to the illustration above, the first horizontal geometrical axis Ah1, and the corresponding coupling or couplings, can be located at the proximal edge of the brackets, so that the distal edge of the platform plate is foldable.

In such an embodiment, a synchronization device and/or one or more actuators can also be provided to facilitate folding of the operator platform. Furthermore, a guide can be provided on the rail 2, 2', 2” toward which a bearing arrangement, similar to the bearing arrangement shown in Fig 6, can run.

Fig 8 shows a perspective view of a part of an operator platform.

Fig 8 shows how a synchronization device can be provided using a pair of toothed gear rims 28a, 28b.

A first toothed gear rim 28a can be arranged at the distal end of one of the brackets 24b and fixed relative to the bracket 24b, so that the toothed gear rim has a centre of rotation which coincides with the second vertical axis Av2.

A second toothed gear rim 28b can be arranged engaged with the first toothed gear rim 28a, but with a centre of rotation which coincides with the first horizontal axis Ah1.

A corresponding arrangement can be provided if the platform plate is to be folded about its proximal edge instead, but the first gear with its centre of rotation is then arranged at the first vertical axis Av1 and the second toothed gear rim is arranged analogously and with a centre of rotation which coincides with the geometrical axis about which the platform plate is to be pivoted.

It will be appreciated that a great many variants of toothed gear rim arrangements can be provided. For example, an arrangement can be arranged to provide a desired gear ratio between a toothed gear rim with a vertical axis of rotation and a toothed gear rim with a horizontal axis of rotation.

In the example shown, the toothed gear rims thus provide an arrangement which corresponds to a bevel gear with conical gears.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Agricultural implement (1 ) comprising a container (13) for material to be distributed by the agricultural implement and an operator platform (2, 2', 2"), which is formed and dimensioned in order to carry an operator, so that the operator can access an upper side of the container (13), wherein the operator platform (2, 2', 2") comprises: a platform plate (21), which has a proximal edge, nearest to the container, and a distal edge, at a greater distance from the container (13) than the proximal edge, and at least two brackets (24a, 24b), on which the platform plate (21) can be arranged, proximal ends of the brackets (24a, 24b) being pivotally attached to the container (13), so that the brackets are pivotable relative to the container about respective first substantially vertical geometrical axes (Av1) between an extended position and a folded position, and the platform plate (21) being pivotally arranged about a first substantially horizontal geometrical axis (Ah1), so that the platform plate is pivotable between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position.

2. Agricultural implement according to Claim 1 , wherein the platform plate (21) is elongate and has a long side which is substantially parallel to the first substantially horizontal geometrical axis (Ah1).

3. Agricultural implement according to either Claim 1 or 2, further comprising an operator rail (22), which comprises at least two rail posts (221) and a hand rail (222), wherein each of said rail posts is connected to a distal end of one of the brackets (24a, 24b).

4. Agricultural implement according to Claim 3, wherein the hand rail (222) extends substantially parallel to the first substantially horizontal geometrical axis (Ah1).

5. Agricultural implement according to either Claim 3 or 4, wherein said operator rail (22) is pivotally attached to the distal ends of the brackets (24a, 24b), so that the brackets are pivotable relative to the operator rail about respective second substantially vertical geometrical axes (Av2).

6. Agricultural implement according to any one of Claims 3-5, further comprising a short side hand rail (224), which is pivotally attached to the container (13) about a third substantially vertical geometrical axis (Av3) and pivotable relative to the operator rail (22) about a fourth substantially vertical geometrical axis (Av4).

7. Agricultural implement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform plate (21) is pivotally attached to the distal ends of the brackets (24a, 24b).

8. Agricultural implement according to Claim 7, wherein the platform plate (21) is pivotally connected to the operator rail (22) so that the platform plate is pivotable relative to the operator rail about said first substantially horizontal geometrical axis (Ah1).

9. Agricultural implement according to either Claim 7 or 8, further comprising a bearing arrangement (27), arranged at the platform plate (21) edge nearest to the container (13), for supporting a relative movement between said edge and the container (13).

10. Agricultural implement according to any one of the claims, wherein the platform plate (21) is pivotally attached to the proximal ends of the brackets (24a, 24b).

11. Agricultural implement according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a synchronization device (25; 26; 28a, 28b), for synchronization of the platform plate (21) pivoting about the first substantially horizontal geometrical axis (Ah1) with the brackets (24a, 24b) pivoting about the first substantially vertical geometrical axis (Av1).

12. Agricultural implement according to Claim 11 , wherein the synchronization device comprises a link (25), which connects a first point, located on one of the brackets (24a, 24b), to a second point, located on the platform plate (21).

13. Agricultural implement according to either Claim 11 or 12, wherein the synchronization device comprises a cable (26), which connects a first point, located on the container (13), to a second point, located on the platform plate (21).

14. Agricultural implement according to any one of Claims 11-13, wherein the synchronization device comprises a bevel gear (28a, 28b) which is arranged to transfer pivoting between one of said first substantially vertical geometrical axes (Av1) and said first substantially horizontal geometrical axis (Ah1).

15. Agricultural implement according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuator, for operating at least one of: the pivotability of the brackets (24a, 24b) relative to the container about said respective first substantially vertical geometrical axes (Av1), and the pivotability of the platform plate (21) about said first substantially horizontal geometrical axis (Ah1).

16. Agricultural implement according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a ladder (23, 23'), which is pivotally attached to the operator platform (2, 2', 2").

17. Agricultural implement according to Claim 16, wherein the ladder is pivotally attached to the operator platform (2, 2', 2"), so that the ladder (23, 23') is pivotable relative to the operator platform about an inclined geometrical axis (A5), which preferably has an angle of between 10 and 50 degrees relative to a horizontal plane, more preferably 25-40 degrees.

18. Agricultural implement according to either Claim 16 or 17, wherein the ladder (23, 23') comprises an upper and a lower ladder section, which are pivotable relative to each other about a second substantially horizontal geometrical axis (Ah2), so that the lower ladder section is foldable relative to the upper ladder section.

19. Method, on an agricultural implement (1) comprising a container (13), for folding an operator platform (2, 2', 2") from an extended position to a folded position, wherein a platform plate (21) of the operator platform (2, 2', 2"), in the extended position, is substantially horizontally orientated and extends along a side of the container (13), with a proximal edge of the platform plate (21) nearest to the container (13) and a distal edge of the platform plate (21) further away from the container (13) than the proximal edge, wherein the method comprises: folding one of the proximal edge of the platform plate (21) and the distal edge of the platform plate (21), and folding the platform plate (21) toward the container by means of displacing the platform plate laterally, in parallel with the distal edge of the platform plate and inward toward the container (13).

20. Method according to Claim 19, wherein the platform plate (21) is supported by at least one bracket (24a, 24b), and wherein the step of folding the platform plate (21) toward the container (13) comprises swivelling the bracket (24a, 24b) about a substantially vertical axis (Av1) located at a proximal portion of the bracket.

21. Method according to Claim 20, wherein folding the operator platform (2, 2', 2") toward the container (13) comprises pivoting the platform plate (21) about a substantially vertical axis (Av2) which is located at a distal portion of the bracket (24a, 24b).

22. Method according to any one of Claims 19-21 , wherein the proximal edge of the platform plate (21 ) is folded by means of a pivoting about a substantially horizontal axis (Ah1) which is located at the distal edge of the platform plate (21).

23. Method according to any one of Claims 19-21 , wherein the distal edge of the platform plate (21 ) is folded by means of a pivoting about a substantially horizontal axis which is located at the proximal edge of the platform plate.

24. Method according to any one of Claims 19-23, further comprising synchronizing said folding of the proximal edge of the platform plate (21 ) with said displacement of the platform plate (21 ) laterally.