METERING UNIT FOR A SAE MACHINE, WHICH KNOWS SEVERAL PRODUCTS SIMULTANEOUS DISTRIBUTING

The present invention generally relates to the technical field of the agricultural and to particular dispensing machines. More particularly it concerns a metering mechanism designed to equip a seeder and disposed between a seed supply hopper and a routing device of seeds, which metering mechanism has a metering device for metering the flow rate output from seed to seed supply hopper.

Such a metering mechanism is known to the skilled person by means of the document 2,019 807 FRS. This document discusses a device making the distribution of seeds and fertilizer simultaneously. The device configured as a seeder comprises inter alia a hopper and a conveying apparatus of seeds. The routing device is composed of conduits for conveying the seed or fertilizer to the shares. For the simultaneous dispensing of seeds and fertilizer, the hopper is divided into two compartments, one compartment for the seeds and the other compartment for the fertilizer. To meter the amount of seeds or fertilizers to be implanted in the ground, the bottom of each compartment is equipped with a metering mechanism. The seeds and fertilizer output of each metering mechanism are then routed into the ground through the conduits to the ploughshares.

Each metering mechanism includes a plurality of metering devices spaced along the hopper and cooperating with the discharge ports provided in the lower section of each compartment. The metering device is a metering wheel formed by performing the assay through its splines. The amount of seed or fertilizer to be sown is adjustable because the metering wheels of each metering mechanism are axially adjustable. The seeder known therefore requires a metering mechanism by type of products and corresponding ducts.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a seed drill capable of seeding at least two types of products simultaneously in its elements constituting the planter and the metering mechanism are reduced.

The object assigned to the present invention is achieved with the aid of a metering mechanism as described in the preamble and which is characterized by the fact that the dosing device comprises at least two metering wheels are able to operate simultaneously.

According to another feature of the invention, the metering device advantageously comprises a metering wheel large seed type and a metering wheel type small seeds.

Another important feature of the invention is that each distribution box comprises the same number of input that the metering device has metering wheels.

Other features of the invention will appear still in the dependent claims and in the following description of an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings on which:

• figure 1 represents a seed drill according to the invention;
• figure 2 represents, on a larger scale, a portion of the metering mechanism according to the invention;
• the fig. 3 represents a cross-section along the plane III III of Figure 2;
• the fig. 4 represents, on a larger scale, a metering device including a metering wheel large seed type and a metering wheel type small seeds;
• the fig. 5 represents a distribution box according to the invention.

(1) the planter shown in fig. 1 has broadly and in a manner known to those skilled in the a frame (2), a seed supply hopper (3), a metering mechanism (4), a routing device (5) and a device for planting seeds in the ground (6).

During work, said seeder (1) is caused to be moved, in a direction of advance (7), on a floor seeding. The seeds, initially contained in said feed hopper (3), are transported to the implantation device (6) by means of said delivery device (5). Then said seeds are buried in said soil using the implantation device (6). The dosing mechanism (4), in turn, can finely adjust the amount of seeds deposited per hectare. For its part, said frame (2) bonds, directly or indirectly, (1) the planter to a towing vehicle (not shown).

In the following description, the concepts "front" and "rear", "front" and "behind" are defined with respect to the advancing direction (7) and the concepts "right" and "left" are defined by viewing said seeder (1) of the rear in said traveling direction (7).

(1) the planter of the present invention is of the type "in-line". To this end, said device (6) comprises implanting a plurality (8) implantation members disposed at substantially regular intervals over the entire width thereof (1) seeding machine. Said implantation device (6) is connected to the said chassis (2). In a manner known to the skilled person, each implantation member (8) comprises a plow (9) and a connecting arm (10). Each connecting arm (10) is connected, at one end, to said frame (2) by means of a respective articulation (11), and at another end to said corresponding share (9). Said connecting arms (10) extend rearwardly of said seeder (1), taking into account said advancing direction (7) and (9) the shares are arranged in multiple rows substantially perpendicular to said advancing direction (7). (1) the planter of the invention advantageously comprises two rows of elements (8) implantation. The link arms (10) of the implantation device (6) are identical in shape and length, regardless of their positions in the first or the second row. (11) said hinges, of respective axis substantially perpendicular to said advancing direction (7), which advantageously allow shares (9) to said follow of the soil. During work, and each blade (9) hollow a furrow in the soil and there places seeds. Said implantation device (6) is also equipped with a harrow cover (not shown), disposed behind the shares (9), which closes said grooves after depositing seeds.

Said seed drill (1) is mechanical. Thus transporting seeds of the feed hopper (3) to said shares (9) is effected by gravity. To this end, said routing device (5) comprises a plurality of conduits each opening (12) on a respective share (9). In order to allow said shares (9) follow the of the soil, said pipes (12) are advantageously telescopic and articulated. Each row is supplied seed out by its individual conduit (12).

The seed supply hopper (3) comprises in its lower part with outlets (not shown) opening onto said metering mechanism (4), which is connected to said shares (9) by means of said pipes (12). It is shown that said seed supply hopper (3) is connected to the said chassis (2) and that it extends transversely to said advancing direction (7). It should be noted that to simplify the representation of the drawing of Figure 1, the metering mechanism (4) is not shown in detail but it is simply located at the rectangle in dashed line. The dosing mechanism (4) is advantageously its place between said seed supply hopper (3) and the implantation device (6).

Figure 2 more accurately represents the dosing mechanism (4). We can see that said metering mechanism (4) consists of a plurality of metering devices (13) which are mounted on a shaft (14) distribution. This distribution tree (14) extends substantially over the entire width of the seeder (1). This seed drill (1) is therefore equipped to each row of a metering device (13) managing the speed of seeds to the hopper outlet (3). Each metering device (13) is connected to a pipe (12) of said delivery device (5).

Figure 3 represents a partial view of the seed supply hopper (3) for mounting on dispensing machines and particularly on seeding devices as heretofore defined. The dosing mechanism (4) is arranged in a substantially horizontal plane under the hopper (3) to be supplied with seeds. The distribution shaft (14) is, in turn, arranged approximately in the seed supply hopper (3). Said shaft (14) distribution is substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the feed direction (7).

In a manner known to the skilled artisan, the dosing mechanism (4) or more precisely the distribution shaft (14) is rotated about its axis by means of a driving device (not shown). The driving device has a driving wheel (not shown) which during work rolls on the ground and its rotational movement is transmitted to said metering mechanism (4) by means of transmission means (not shown). The transmission members are bonded to said respective metering mechanism (4) by means of a gearbox (not shown) or a variator (not shown) and an idler wheel (not shown). More or less quickly by driving said metering mechanism (4), for a same feed speed of said seeder (1), said transmission or said variator allow one approach in adjusting the amount of seed deposited.

According to the example embodiment shown in fig. 3, each metering device (13) is provided with grooves (15). The volume, generated by said splines (15) upon rotation of the shaft (14) distribution, determines the amount of seeds implanted in the ground. In order to ensure a homogeneous assay, the speed of rotation of said metering devices (13) is advantageously proportional to the rate of advance of said seeder (1). The splines (15) advantageously allows dosing all kinds of seeds usually seeded by the farmers.

Preferentially, the seeder (1) of the invention may be sown many varieties of products. Generally, the farmers are caused to sow seeds of differing sizes and shapes. Thus, they employ large seed elongated such as barley, oats or wheat, of elongated small seeds such as flax or ryegrass rye grass or small round seeds as colza or mustard. Of these differences across the very marked, the seeders known include metering elements adapted to certain types of seeds. The metering device (13) shown in fig. 4, advantageously comprises a metering wheel (16) large seed type and a metering wheel (17) type small seeds. The metering wheels (16) are provided with large seed type of helical splines for large seeds and the metering wheels (17) type small seeds are provided with small notches staggered for the small seeds.

According to an important feature of the present invention, said metering device (13) has at least two metering wheels (16, 17) are able to operate simultaneously. Indeed, the metering wheel (16) large seed type and the metering wheel (17) type small seeds are both mounted on the shaft (14) and distribution are fed by a distribution box (18). Said metering device (13) of the invention thus provides for delivering seed both by means of the metering wheel (16) large seed type and of the metering wheel (17) type small seeds.

In view of Figure 3, each metering device (13) comprises upstream a distribution box (18) attached to the seed supply hopper (3). As shown in Figure 5 and according to an important feature of the invention, each distribution box (18) advantageously comprises two seeds inlets (19, 20). Said seed inlets (19, 20) correspond to the discharge ports provided in the lower section of said feed hopper (3). The seed inlet (19) is used mainly for large seeds while the inlet (20) seed is used primarily for small round seeds. We can see that all entries of seeds (19, 20) have an identical width, adapted to the fluid outlets of seeds in the bottom of the hopper (3). With each entry (19, 20) in the distributor housing (18) corresponds a seed outlet (21, 22).

The outputs of seeds (21, 22) of the housing (18) are dispensing terminals for supplying the two metering wheels (16, 17). The seed outlet (21) advantageously provides power the metering wheel (16) type large seeds and the seed outlet (22) supplies the metering wheel (17) type small seeds. The seed outlet (22) is advantageously adapted to the seedlings of small round seeds, it thus has a width substantially identical to said metering wheel (17) type small seeds. The seed outlet (21), in turn, has a width substantially identical to said metering wheel (16) large seed type and substantially equal to the width of the seed inlet (19). Each distribution box (18) further includes a flap (23) by seed inlets (19, 20) for the supply of the barring the metering device (13) of a seedling line. It is thus possible to block a metering device (13) when it is desired not implanting seeds in a seedling line to effect subsequent phytosanitary treatments. In addition, the user can also obtain different spaces lines of seedlings which will then be adapted to the types of seeds implanted.

To effect the dispensing of two distinct products simultaneously, it is necessary to provide two separate storage means. In one embodiment not shown, the small seeds are stored in an additional hopper (3') disposed proximate the feed hopper (3). Conduits will carry the small seeds of the additional hopper (3') to the metering devices (13) of each row. The lower part of the additional hopper (3') will be arranged sufficiently in height so that the seeds fall by gravity into the inlet (20) seed in the distributor housing (18). This additional hopper (3') can also be disposed within the feed hopper (3) as shown schematically in Figure 3.

Figure 2 shows an example embodiment of the metering mechanism (4). This Figure shows the alternating arrangement of metering wheels (16) large seed type and metering wheels (17) type small seeds on the distribution shaft (14). The metering wheels (16, 17) metering device are advantageously differentiated by a flange (24) so that two types of seeds do not commingle. It is noted also that the metering wheel (16) large seed type firstly has an outer diameter at splines (15) greater than the diameter of the metering wheel (17) small seed type and a width greater than the width of the metering wheel (17) type small seeds. The mounting and driving of the metering wheels (16, 17) on the shaft (14) being delivery to the scope of the ordinarily skilled artisan, they have heretofore not been shown and will not be described further.

According to an important feature, the metering wheel (16) large seed type is advantageously enclosed between two flanges (24). Said lateral plates (24) are driven simultaneously, in rotation, with said metering wheels (16). This promotes the flow of seeds and limits the risk of jamming of the seeds between the splines (15) and said lateral plates (24). The diameter of the disks (24) is advantageously greater than the diameter of the wheels (16) metering large seed type thereby guiding the seeds out of the housing (18) distribution.

The small seeds exiting the distribution box (18) are directed to the metering wheel (17) type small seeds where they are guided on one side by a flange (24) separation and on the other side by a wall (25). This wall (25) is arranged directly adjacent to the exit of small seeds (22). The wall (25) maintains the distribution box (18) corresponding below said seed supply hopper (3). This wall (25) includes apertures for receiving respective shaft (14) distribution and an additional shaft (26). The presence of a flange (24) of a unilateral side of the wheel (17) metering type small seeds facilitates flow of small seeds and avoids jamming and crushing the seeds. In general, the additional shaft (26) is used for the marking. This additional shaft (26) also allows drive to suit the user a metering wheels (16; 17) to obtain a different assay for the second type of beans.

According to the Figures, each metering device (13) is further provided with a lower door (27) disposed adjacent the metering wheels (16, 17) so as to channel the seeds in output. These seeds then drop into the conduits (12) carrying the seeds to the shares (9). These pipes (12) each have at their end a funnel-shaped element for collecting the different seeds discharged from the metering device (13). The two types of seeds then drop into the same groove. Preferentially, said lower door (27) is pivotally mounted on an axis (28) disposed below the seed supply hopper (3). This axis (28) is arranged parallel to the camshaft (14), the downhill and slightly forward of the axle with respect to the advancement direction (7). Said lower door (17) is immobilized on the axis (28) by means of a screw (not shown). Due to the mounting, said lower doors (27) can be moved towards or away from said metering wheels (16, 17) corresponding simply by pivoting the axis (28). In addition, the width of said lower door (27) is adapted to the width of the metering wheel (16) large seed type. The lower door (27) which channel the flow of seeds of splines (15) output is advantageously its place between said two flanges (24).

During work, said lower door (27) is aimed at splines (15) of the metering wheel (16) large seed type, as shown in Figure 3. according to the embodiment presented in Figure 4, said lower door (27) advantageously comprises four strips (29) of a substantially identical width being movable away from their operative positions. Each lamella (29) is advantageously flexible, thereby increasing the distance between a point (29) of the slats and said metering wheel (16) large seed type to permit disposal of seeds stalled without generating the phenomenon of seedlings in packet. (29) by said lamellae, enhances the seed discharge with more regularity in particular when jamming visible large seeds. When the seed or the body is discharged, the lamella (29) immediately returns into its working position adjacent splines (15).

In accordance with the example embodiment of Figure 4, the metering wheels (17) small seed type also include a lower door (27). This door (27) is identical to that of a metering wheel (16) large seed type. However across the small width of the metering wheel (17) small seed type, a single slide (29) covers substantially the entire width of the metering wheel (17) type small seeds. During sowing small seeds, the lower door (27) of the metering wheel (17) small seed type is not directly in contact with the metering wheel (17) small seed type but to a few millimeters of aerodynamic seeds. The small round seeds are less subject to accumulations of seeds.

Preferentially as depicted in Figure 4, the metering wheel (17) of small seeds type comprises a central groove (30) in the general form of "V.". The tip of the "V." forming the central groove (30) and the legs of the "V-" forming the flanks of the groove (30). The sides of said central groove (30) (31) have notches at regular interval promoting regularity of the flow of seeds. With this central groove (30), the seeds are driven by friction. This metering wheel (17) small seed type is also used for the assay of fertilizer granules. To simplify the manufacture of the metering wheel (17) type small seeds, it is preferably made of two symmetrical parts with respect to a vertical axis passing through the central groove (30).

According to another exemplary embodiment not shown, each metering device (13) comprises a conduit (12) routing per product. Thus each seed outlet (21, 22) has its individual conduit (12) and the products are not directly adjacent to each other in the groove.

The dosing mechanism (4) and (1) the planter just described, an insufficient one example embodiment and use which is not intended to be limit the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

Indeed according to another exemplary embodiment not shown, said frame (2) is indirectly bound to a towing vehicle. The frame (2) is adapted to be hitched to a tillage tool, which in turn is bonded to said towing vehicle. Such a combination of a tillage tool and a seeding machine was prepared seedbed and seeding in a single pass of the towing vehicle. Thus the planter is used as a seeder integrated.

It is also quite possible that one type of seed produced with that (1) seeding machine. Thus, it is sufficient to block using the flap (23) is one of the inputs (19; 20), either the other inputs (20; 19) according to the type of seed implantation.

It is further possible to use a hopper comprising two compartments each containing a product type.