EP3136834A1

EP3136834A1 - Dual corn and soybean seed disc

Info

Publication number: EP3136834A1
Application number: EP15786332.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kyle B. WETJEN
Original assignee: Kinze Manufacturing Inc
Current assignee: Kinze Manufacturing Inc
Priority date: 2014-04-29
Filing date: 2015-04-29
Publication date: 2017-03-08
Also published as: EP3136834A4; WO2015168198A1

Abstract

A seed metering system, for use on a row crop planter, selects individual seeds from a seed reservoir and dispenses the seeds singularly at a controlled rate. A direct drive seed metering system includes a seed disc having a plurality of suction apertures with a recessed pocket adjacent to an aperture. The recessed pockets act to agitate seeds in the seed reservoir and to direct seed flow towards the apertures. A seed path relief system provides for allowing the placement of the seeds such that they are released from an outer edge of the seed disc. An adjustable seed singulator is mounted adjacent to the face of the seed disc where inner and outer blades are adjusted radially to compensate for the singulation of various seed sizes and shapes. The seed disc is driven via engagement of an internal gear with the external gear of an independent drive motor.

Description

TITLE: DUAL CORN AND SOYBEAN SEED DISC

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to provisional application serial number 61/985,511, filed April 29, 2014, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to mechanisms used in agricultural planting machines for selecting and dispensing individual seeds. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to air seed meters used to meter seeds from a row unit on agricultural row crop planters and seeders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An agricultural row crop planter is a machine built for precisely distributing seed into the ground. The row crop planter generally includes a horizontal toolbar fixed to a hitch assembly for towing behind a tractor. Row units are mounted to the toolbar. In different configurations, seed may be stored at individual hoppers on each row unit, or it may be maintained in a central hopper and delivered to the row units on an as needed basis. The row units include ground- working tools for opening and closing a seed furrow, and a seed metering system for distributing seed to the seed furrow.

In its most basic form, the seed meter includes a housing and a seed disc. The housing is constructed such that it creates a reservoir to hold a seed pool. The seed disc resides within the housing and rotates about a generally horizontal central axis. As the seed disc rotates, it passes through the seed pool where it picks up individual seeds. The seeds are subsequently dispensed into a seed chute where they drop into the seed furrow.

Early seed meters were comprised of mechanical means of singulating seeds. These meters were constructed such that fingers on the face of the seed disc gripped seeds as they passed through the seed pool, subsequently releasing those seeds as they passed over the seed chute. Although these mechanical seed meters are effective, they are limited in their ability to assure singulation of seeds and are prone to dispensing duplicates (i.e., multiple seeds) and/or failing to dispense at all (i.e., skips or misses). Other mechanical meters use cells in conjunction with brushes to trap seeds within the cavity and release them over the seed chute.

Systems that are more recent include an air seed meter, e.g., vacuum or positive pressure meters, wherein the mechanical fingers have been replaced by a disc with apertures. A pressure differential is formed across opposite sides of the seed disc, which generates a suction force at the seed cell apertures. As unobstructed seed cells pass through the seed pool, seeds are drawn onto or against the seed cells and remain thereon until the seed cell passes through a region of the housing with a reduced pressure differential. To create this reduced pressure differential region, generally the "vacuum" (i.e., lower pressure) side of the seed disc is exposed to air pressure near, but not always at, atmospheric levels. At this point, seeds are released from the seed cell of the seed disc and into the seed chute. Compared to mechanical meters, air seed meters promote improved singulation across a wider range of speeds.

U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 13/829,726; 13/829,787; 13/829,779; and 13/829,716 describe improved seed metering systems, for example, that allow independent control of the metering rate of each row unit of a row crop planter, including a vacuum seed disc that disrupts the seed pool as it passes through, thus loosening the seeds and directing the seeds towards the suction in the seed cell; and driven by an electronic motor including a seed disc having an internal gear for attaching to an output shaft of a motor.

A problem that exists with current air seed meters is that different discs are required for different types of seed, requiring time and effort to switch from planting one type of crop to another. Whether using a mechanical or vacuum style seed disc, the seed disc is installed inside of the seed meter using independent fasteners and requires the use of tools to facilitate changing the disc. For example, if a farmer uses the same planter to plant corn and soybeans, he would use a different disc for the respective seed types. With planters continuing to grow in size, and more row units being added, the task of changing seed discs using independent fasteners and tools adds unnecessary burden to changing out seed discs. The amount of time required to change every seed disc in every seed meter on every planter unit can be particularly problematic during the busy planting season.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved seed metering system that improves the ability to switch between seed types during planting. There is also a need in the art for a seed meter that retains the advantage of releasing seed from at or near the edge of the seed disk, but yet reduces the likelihood of unintentionally bumping the seed from the disc during rotation.

There is thus a need in the art for a method and apparatus for changing the type of seed delivered by a seed meter to account for planting of different crops without requiring changing or the seed disc, while also providing a seed disc of the seed meter and rigidly retaining that seed disc within the seed meter housing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a primary object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to improve on or overcome the deficiencies in the art.

It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to provide a seed metering system that allows independent control of the metering rate of each row unit of a row crop planter.

It is yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to provide a vacuum seed disc that disrupts the seed pool as it passes through, thus loosening the seeds and directing the seeds towards the suction in the seed cell.

It is still another object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to reduce the likelihood that a seed drawn onto or against a seed cell can be knocked free of the seed cell as it passes by the adjacent housing wall.

It is a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to provide a seed disc having a pocket for adhering a seed to the disc and for aid in delivering the seed to the soil.

It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to provide a seed disc that delivers seed from an outside edge of the disc.

It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to provide a seed disc that reduces the amount of time required to switch between seed types during planting.

It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to provide a seed disc that is capable of delivering more than one type of seed.

These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention is not to be limited to or by these objects, features and advantages. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage.

According to aspects of the invention, a multi-seed disc for use with an air seed meter of an agricultural implement is provided. The multi-seed disc includes a cylindrical structure having first and second sides and containing a plurality of apertures therethrough. The apertures are arranged in a radial array a distance from the axis of the structure, and can have different sizes to accommodate different types, varieties, hybrids, or the like, of seed. Channels are arranged in a radial array about the axis of the seed disc on the first side of the structure such that a respective channel is substantially radially inward and forward of a corresponding aperture. A central cylindrical aperture is included for mounting the seed disc to the seed meter.

According to additional aspects of the invention, the apertures of the multi-seed disc are arranged to allow air pressure to or at the apertures, thereby permitting delivery of one seed type.

According to still further aspects of the invention, an air seed meter comprising the multi-seed disc is provided. The air seed meter includes a housing defining a seed reservoir, a discharge chute, and a vacuum chamber. The multi-seed disc is mounted in said housing for rotation about an axis and having a plurality of seed cells spaced about the axis for retaining seeds, with the disc having channels adjacent to each respective seed cell. Each respective channel is substantially inside of the seed cells and forward of its corresponding seed cell with respect to the rotational direction of the disc. Each respective channel has a length greater than its width. Each respective channel is oriented on the seed disc such that the length of the channel is at an oblique angle to a radius line of its seed cell such that the inner forward corner of the channel leads the outer forward corner with respect to the direction of rotation.

According to another aspect of the invention, an air seed meter for an agricultural planter comprising the multi-seed disk is provided. The air seed meter includes the multi- seed disc housed between a seed meter housing and a vacuum housing. The multi-seed disc comprises a substantially circular member having a first side adjacent the seed meter housing and a second side adjacent the vacuum housing, and a plurality of apertures of a first and a second size through the disc and spaced radially a distance from the axis of the member. The first side of the circular member comprises a plurality of seed paths, which in certain embodiments may include one or more channels arranged in a radial array about the axis of the seed disc such that a respective channel is substantially radially inward and forward of a corresponding aperture. The seed paths are configured to move seed adjacent the channel and to an aperture for retention until release therefrom.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for planting more than one seed type is provided. The method includes introducing a first type of seed to an air seed meter comprising the multi-seed disk comprising a first seed cell aperture and a second seed cell aperture, forming a pressure differential across opposite sides of the multi-seed disc at the first seed cell aperture so that a seed of the first type attaches to the multi-seed disk and is transported to a zone of the seed meter with little or no pressure differential, introducing a second type of seed into the air seed meter, and relieving the pressure differential at the first seed cell aperture and forming a pressure differential across opposite sides of the multi-seed disc at the second seed cell aperture so that a seed of the second type attaches to the multi-seed disk and is transported to a zone of the seed meter with little or no pressure differential.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional planter row unit with an air seed meter attached thereto.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an air seed meter, with the interior exposed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the reservoir side of the seed meter.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the vacuum housing of the seed meter.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the vacuum housing of the seed meter.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the vacuum side of an embodiment of the multi-seed disc of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the seed disc of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the reservoir side of an embodiment of the seed disc. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the reservoir side of an embodiment of the seed disc.

Before any independent features and embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional planter row unit 10 with an air seed meter 5 is shown. The row unit 10 and air seed meter 5, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is known in its general aspects to persons skilled in the art. The row unit 10 may include a U-bolt mount for mounting the row unit 10 to a planter frame or tool bar (not shown), as it is sometimes called, which may be a steel tube of 5 by 7 inches (although other sizes are used). The mount includes a faceplate 12, which is used to mount left and right parallel linkages. Each linkage may be a four-bar linkage, such as the left one 14 shown in FIG. 1. It is noted that the opposite (right) linkage is generally a mirror image of the linkage 14 shown in FIG. 1. The double linkage is sometimes described as having upper parallel links and lower parallel links, and the rear ends of the links are pivotally mounted to the frame 15 of the row unit 10. The frame 15 includes a support for an air seed meter 5 and seed hopper 16, as well as a structure including a shank 17 for mounting a pair of ground-engaging gauge wheels 18. The frame 15 is also mounted to a furrow-closing unit 19, which includes a pair of inclined closing wheels 19a, 19b. The row unit 10 also includes a pair of furrow opener discs (not shown).

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show a seed meter 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The seed meter 20 of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 includes a seed meter housing 21, which houses a multi-seed disc 22 and central hub 25. As shown in FIG.2, the multi-seed disc 22 and central hub 25 are exposed for illustration purposes, but would normally be concealed behind a vacuum housing 200 attached to the seed meter housing 21. The vacuum housing 200, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, also includes a vacuum or air inlet 202 for attaching to a vacuum or other air source (not shown), an aperture 204 to allow seed disc central hub 25 to pass through, and attachment means 206 (shown to be keyhole slots) at an outer area of the vacuum housing 200. The seed meter housing 21 and the vacuum housing 200 may be molded, such that they comprise molded plastic or other rigid materials.

Seed is conveyed into a reservoir 26 of the seed meter housing 21 via an input tube

(not shown) or a seed hopper (see, e.g., FIG. 1). Once in the reservoir 26, the seed pools adjacent the seed disc 22 near the bottom or lower portion of the seed meter housing 21 and becomes adhered to the seed disc 22 as the seed disc 22 is rotated, such as by an electric direct drive 27. The seed disc includes at least two sets, sizes, or types of seed cells 54a and 54b, located at the seed flange 51, and comprising apertures extending from the vacuum side to the reservoir side, which are spaced radially about the circumference of the seed disc. Alternatively, multiple sets of a single- sized aperture may form the seed cell 54. As the seed disc with seed attached is rotated, seeds are then released from the seed disc 22 as they transition through a zone 30 of the seed meter 20 having little to no pressure differential. Seeds are dropped into the seed chute 24, which delivers them towards the furrow.

The vacuum housing 200, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, includes a vacuum inlet 202, which is connected to a vacuum source (not shown), such as a vacuum impeller, via vacuum hoses (not shown). The vacuum housing 200 further includes a sealing member 208 fitted into a groove on the interior of the vacuum housing 200. The sealing member 208 contacts the seed flange 51 of the vacuum side of the seed disc 22 (see, for example, FIG. 7) to define a vacuum chamber 210 in communication with the vacuum inlet 202. The sealing member 208 is also surrounded by an annular rim 162 of the seed disc 22 to improve suction at the seed cells 54a and 54b (see, for example, FIGS. 2 and 6). As seed cells 54a and 54b move into the vacuum chamber 210, they are placed in fluid

communication with the vacuum source. A plurality of apertures 211 in the chamber 210 provide for suction from the vacuum source along the length of the chamber 210. In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum housing includes a plurality of sealing members, oriented concentrically, which contact the seed flange of the vacuum side of the seed disc to define a plurality of vacuum chambers. The plurality of vacuum housings are also oriented to communicate with only one set of apertures 54a or 54b. For example, when only one seed path comprising a single set of seed apertures are to be used to adhere a seed, the vacuum source will be configured to interact with said only seed path. However, when a particular seed includes multiple apertures at each path location to be adhered to seed, multiple apertures can be fluidly connected to the vacuum source. The vacuum housing may further include a baffle limit communication with the vacuum source to a single vacuum chamber, thereby permitting only one of the vacuum chambers to provide an air pressure differential. Still other means of selectively providing a vacuum source to one or more seeds of the disc are contemplated to be part of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates the vacuum side of the seed disc 22. The seed disc 22 is substantially cylindrical and has opposing sides - a vacuum side shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, and a reservoir side, which contacts a pool of seed (see, e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9). It should be noted that the "vacuum side" generally refers to the side of the disc 22 that will be adjacent the vacuum source. The seed disc 22 comprises a molded plastic or other rigid material. The seed disc 22 may have, at least according to some aspects, a cross-sectional profile as shown in FIG. 7. The cross-sectional profile of the seed disc 22 shows at least two zones on the seed disc 22. The first zone is a generally flat seed flange 51 located at or near the outer radius of the seed disc 22. A series of seed cells of at least 2 different sizes, shapes, or other configurations 54a and 54b located at the seed flange 51 comprise apertures extending from the vacuum side to the reservoir side, and are spaced radially about the circumference of the seed disc, which is generally a circle. The aperture of the seed cells 54a and 54b may be larger on the vacuum side of the disc 22 and narrow through the disc 22 such that the negative pressure on the seed side of the disc 22 is increased.

Alternatively, a single-sized aperture may form the seed cell 54a and 54b, such as in creating multiple rows of seed apertures. The seed flange 51 also includes an annular rim 162 extending radially outward from the plurality of seed cells 54a and 54b and which will be described later in further detail. Although in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 seed cells in concentric circles are shown with seed cells 54a and 54b being positioned along a single radius, one skilled in the art may also appreciate that seed cells could be staggered about multiple radii or circles to create an alternating pattern. It should also be appreciated that the spacing and size of the seed cells 54a and/or 54b may be changed from the illustrated embodiments to accommodate different seed types and planting methods. The present seed disc and seed cells are not to be limited to the embodiments shown and described. Turning now to the reservoir side of the multi-seed disc 22, a plurality of seed paths are present, comprising recesses or channels formed in the seed flange. Each seed path may be present for and respectfully aligned to at least one seed cell 54a and/or 54b.

However, according to some aspects, a seed path may be generally aligned such that it will communicate or otherwise be associated with multiple seed cells. The seed path is positioned substantially forward of one or more corresponding seed cells 54a and/or 54b with respect to the rotational direction of the multi-seed disc 22 during operation and provides agitation of seed in the seed pool when the seed disc 22 is rotated. The seed path is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the radius line that passes through the center of corresponding seed cell 54a and/or 54b. This angle directs seed radially outward and rearward with respect to the rotational direction of the multi-seed disc 22 during operation, such that seed is guided towards the seed cells 54a and/or 54b. The seed paths are substantially rectangular in shape, but could be also comprise an oval or any other shape that would aid in the directing of seed towards seed cells 54a and/or 54b. It should also be appreciated that the shape and configuration of the seed paths can aid in loosening seeds in the reservoir, while also guiding them towards the seed cells 54a and/or 54b. Furthermore, the seed paths include at least one ramped portion generally adjacent to a seed cell 54a and/or 54b, which is used to position the seed at the seed cell 54a and/or 54b during rotation of the seed disc 22. The seed paths increase agitation of the seed pool to promote the movement of the seeds from the seed pool, and provide a direct path from the seed pool to the seed cells 54a and/or 54b, which promotes good adhesion between the seed and the seed disc 22 at the seed cells 54a and/or 54b. This aids in increasing the accuracy of the seed meter by increasing the likelihood that a seed will be adhered to the seed cell 54a and/or 54b. As the seed paths are formed integrally with the seed disc 22, they can be configured and numbered to match generally any number of seed cells 54a and/or 54b and can be oriented or sized to best match with any type of seed. In the alternative, one seed path size and orientation may be configured such that it is usable with all types of seed.

The air seed meter comprising the multi-seed disc may be used plant more than one type of seed, and to switch the type of seed dispensed by said air seed meter and reduce the amount of time required to switch between seed types during planting. The method includes introducing a first type of seed to an air seed meter comprising the multi-seed disk comprising a first seed cell aperture and a second seed cell aperture, and forming a pressure differential across opposite sides of the multi-seed disc at the first seed cell aperture so that a seed of the first type attaches to the multi-seed disk. The first seed type and is transported to a zone of the seed meter with little or no pressure differential, introducing a second type of seed into the air seed meter, and relieving the pressure differential at the first seed cell aperture and forming a pressure differential across opposite sides of the multi-seed disc at the second seed cell aperture so that a seed of the second type attaches to the multi-seed disk and is transported to a zone of the seed meter with little or no pressure differential.

An air seed meter comprising a multi-seed disk providing the ability to switch between seed types during planting has been provided. The exemplary embodiments shown and described contemplate numerous variations, options, and alternatives, and are not to be limited to the specific embodiments shown and described herein. For example, the improvements described herein are equally applicable to other meters, such as positive- air meters like that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,450,959 to Deckler, which is

incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive list or to limit the exemplary embodiment to precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated that other alternative processes obvious to those skilled in the art are considered to be included in the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A multi-seed disc for use with an air seed meter of an agricultural implement, comprising:

a cylindrical structure having first and second sides and containing a plurality of apertures therethrough, said apertures comprising at least a first and a second type, and said at least a first and a second type of apertures being arranged in a radial array a distance from the axis of the structure;

a plurality of channels arranged in a radial array about the axis of the seed disc on the first side of the structure such that a respective channel is substantially radially inward and forward of a corresponding aperture; and

a central cylindrical aperture therein for mounting to said seed meter.

2. The multi-seed disc of claim 1 wherein said first type of aperture interacts with and transports a first type of seed, and wherein said second type of aperture interacts with and transports a second type of seed.

3. The multi-seed disc of claim 2 wherein the apertures are positioned through the flanged portion of the cylindrical structure.

4. The multi-seed disc of claim 2 wherein the channels comprise recessed portions of the flanged portion of the cylindrical structure.

5. The seed disc of claim 4 wherein the channels comprise a ramped portion forward of and adjacent the seed cell and configured to aid in directing a seed to the seed cell during rotation of the cylindrical structure.

6. The seed disc of claim 4 wherein the cylindrical structure further comprises an extension surface from the outer chamfer to an annular rim, wherein the annular rim includes a lip extending away from the flanged portion.

7. The multi-seed disc of claim 1 further comprising an inward facing annular gear positioned about the central cylindrical aperture.

8. An air seed meter for an agricultural planter, comprising:

a housing defining a seed reservoir, a discharge chute, and a vacuum chamber; and the multi-seed disc of claim 1 mounted in said housing for rotation about an axis and

having a plurality of seed cells spaced radially about the axis for retaining seeds, said disc having channels adjacent to each respective seed cell.

9. An air seed meter for an agricultural planter, comprising:

a seed disc housed between a seed meter housing and a vacuum housing;

said seed disc comprising a cylindrical structure having first and second sides and

containing a plurality of apertures therethrough, said apertures comprising at least a first and a second type;

said first side of the circular member comprising a plurality of channels arranged in a radial array about the axis of the seed disc such that a respective channel is substantially radially inward and forward of a corresponding aperture;

wherein the channels are configured to move seed adjacent the channel and to an aperture for retention until release therefrom.

10. The multi-seed disc of claim 9 wherein said first type of aperture interacts with and transports a first type of seed, and wherein said second type of aperture interacts with and transports a second type of seed.

11. The multi-seed disc of claim 10 wherein the apertures are positioned through the flanged portion of the cylindrical structure.

12. The multi-seed disc of claim 10 wherein the channels comprise recessed portions of the flanged portion of the cylindrical structure.

13. The seed disc of claim 12 wherein the channels comprise a ramped portion forward of and adjacent the seed cell and configured to aid in directing a seed to the seed cell during rotation of the cylindrical structure.

14. The seed disc of claim 12 wherein the cylindrical structure further comprises an extension surface from the outer chamfer to an annular rim, wherein the annular rim includes a lip extending away from the flanged portion.

15. A method for planting more than one seed type comprising:

introducing a first type of seed to an air seed meter, said air seed meter comprising a multi- seed disk comprising a first seed cell aperture and a second seed cell aperture; forming a pressure differential across opposite sides of the multi-seed disc at the first seed cell aperture so that a seed of the first type attaches to the multi-seed disk and is transported to a zone of the seed meter with little or no pressure differential;

introducing a second type of seed into the air seed meter;

relieving the pressure differential at the first seed cell aperture; and

forming a pressure differential across opposite sides of the multi-seed disc at the second seed cell aperture so that a seed of the second type attaches to the multi- seed disk and is transported to a zone of the seed meter with little or no pressure differential.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said first type of seed attaches to a first seed aperture type, and said second type of seed attached to a second seed aperture type.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing a seed pool for accumulation of both the first and second types of seed.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising rotating the seed disk through the seed pool to attach one of the first or second types of seeds to the disk.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising continuing rotation of the seed disk beyond the seed pool to a separate location to relieve the pressure differential.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein said pressure differential is a negative pressure differential.