GB2515060A

GB2515060A - Distribution tube

Info

Publication number: GB2515060A
Application number: GB1310474.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shaun Wealleans; Daniel John Cushing
Original assignee: Sumo UK Ltd
Current assignee: Sumo UK Ltd
Priority date: 2013-06-12
Filing date: 2013-06-12
Publication date: 2014-12-17
Also published as: GB201310474D0

Abstract

An agricultural distribution machine comprises a frame; a delivery system carried on the frame comprising a laterally extending plural array of material delivery units distributed along a supporting beam extending transversely and supported on the frame, the beam comprising a wing portion on each side of the frame, deployable from a folded configuration to a laterally extending deployed configuration; and a distribution system, including associated with each wing portion: at least one distribution head and a distribution tube to supply material to the distribution head; wherein each distribution tube is pivotally mounted on its respective wing portion so as to be moveable between deployed and stowed configurations; and wherein a direct mechanical linkage assembly is provided between the frame and the distribution tube via a connection to the wing. A method of mounting a distribution tube to supply material to a distribution head onto a wing of an agricultural distribution machine material delivery system is also described.

Description

DISTRIBUTION TUBE

The invention relates to a distribution tube assembly forming part of a material supply system in an agricultural distribution machine and to a machine with such a distribution tube assembly. The invention in particular relates to a distribution tube assembly forming part of a pneumatic seed supply system in an agricultural seed drill and to a seed drill with such a distribution tube assembly.

In a variety of agricultural applications it is desirable to deliver material in particulate form onto or into a growing surface. Machines exist to perform this task with a variety of specific arrangements, but typically having in common a chassis mounted hopper) a material delivery system consisting on an elongate and typically laterally extending array of material delivery units contacting or adjacent to the growing surface and provided with delivery outlets to output the particulate material in controlled manner to the growing surface, and a distribution system to transport the particulate material from the hopper to the outputs.

The invention more specifically relates to such an apparatus where the material delivery units are provided on extending arms deployable from a folded configuration for transport to a laterally extending deployed configuration for use.

An agricultural distribution machine typically supplies material to a growing surface on a field during use row by row. Subject to obvious structural considerations, a greater lateral extent to the material delivery units means a wider row and fewer passes to complete a field. However, if the delivery system of the distribution machine is excessively wide, this can present problems in transport between use locations. Accordingly, machines have been developed in which the material delivery units are positioned on extended arms or beams deployable outwardly from a folded and typically upright configuration for transport to a deployed and laterally extended configuration for use.

A typical distribution system is based on pneumatic transport, in which material such as particulate material is introduced into an airflow to be transported from a central storage such as a hopper to individual outlets on the material delivery units.

In a typical arrangement:, to ensure an even distribution, the delivery system to each arm includes one or more distribution heads position above the delivery units and supplying each delivery unit via a suitable pipe or tube to feed the outlets, with a rising distribution tube supplying each distribution head. When there are large numbers of outlets to supply, airflow for each arm may be split: into multiple rising distribution tubes and distribution heads.

The distribution tubes usually rise in a generally vertical direction when in an in use configuration. They can as a result of structure hinder the operation of folding the arms to the vertical when the distribution system is being placed in its folded and transport configuration.

A particular example of this type of agricultural apparatus is a seed drill) and the invention is discussed hereinbelow in the context of such a seed drill, but the skilled person would appreciate that the principles of the invention could be applied to other analogous apparatus) for example for the distribution of agricultural chemicals etc. A typical seed drill apparatus includes: a centrally mounted hopper; a delivery system comprising a laterally extending array of seed delivery units each provided with one or more discharge outlets; and a distribution system to pass seed from the hopper to the various seed delivery units.

The delivery system may coniprise laterally extending array of seed delivery units distributed along a supporting beam, for example comprising a laterally extending array of drill coulters. A delivery system may include various other apparatus to facilitate the seed distribution and planting process, for example including furrow devices such as discs to open a planting furrow, and other means to close and tamper the furrow after the seed is planted. The delivery system is typically ground engaging and mounted on a suitahie chassis which is towed behind a tractor along a fiekl in use.

A distribution system supplies seed from the hopper to the outlets. It is for example a pneumatic distribution system. Pneumatic seeders introduce seeds or beans into an airflow to transport them to each individual seed outlet in an individual seed delivery unit Airflow and seed are typically delivered into a distribution head via a seed distribution tube (referred to also herein as an "upstack"], dividing the airflow and seed evenly to each individual outlet Distribution heads traditionally have many pipes/tubes to feed the outlets. When there are many outlets to supply, airflow and seed may be split into muhipk upstacks and distribution heads.

Often the location of the upstacks can be affected by many limiting factors such as providing even distribution, functional design and adequate space for pipes that emerge from the distribution heads. On larger machines there are often muhipe upstacks which are space demanding and usually static. They need to stand generally upright when in use.

Pneumatic drills are known in which the seed delivery units are carried on a beam that has outer arms or wings that are pivotally connected to be f6lded upwards to a transport position. The outer arms or wings of the beam may depend directly from a central chassis, or may form when deployed a complete supporting beam in conjunction with a central beam portion rigidly mounted to the central chassis.

Dealing with the upstacks can be a problem for a folding machine when the upstacks are wing mounted and folding space is at a premium.

Tn accordance with the invention an agricultural distribution machine comprises: a chassis frame; a material delivery system carried on the frame comprising a laterally extending plural array of materia' delivery units distributed along a supporting beam extending transversely of an intended direction of forward motion of the distribution machine and supported on the frame, the beam comprising a wing portion on each side of the frame that is deployable from a folded and for example generally vertical configuration for transport to a laterally extending and for example horizontal deployed configuration for use; and a material distribution system to distribute material to the delivery units including associated with each wing portion: at least one distribution head to distribute material to each of a plurality of material delivery units, and a distribution tube to supply material to the distribution head; wherein each distribution tube is pivotally mounted on its respective deployable wing portion so as to be moveable between a deployed configuration generally perpendicular to the wing when the wing is deployed and a stowed configuration when the wing is folded; and wherein a direct mechanical linkage assembly is provided between the frame and the distribution tube via a connection to the wing which linkage is configured to bear on the distribution tube as the wing moves between its folded and its deployed configuration such as to cause the distribution tube to move between its stowed and its deployed configuration.

The invention provides a mechanism that allows the distribution tube and distribution head to be compact in a folded configuration but to deploy automatically to a functional position for work. Typically, in such a functional position) the wing extends horizontally, the distribution tube extends generally vertically and hence generally perpendicular relative to the wing, and the distribution head sits above the distribution tube to supply the plurality of material delivery units below it. Typically, in the folded configuration, the distribution tube lies more compactly alongside the folded wing.

Such stowing arrangements are known generally in existing systems However, the invention achieves this via a direct linkage assembly which utilises the movement of the hydraulically folding wing automatically but via a mechanical linkage to cause folding or deployment of the distribution tube. When the wing is folded out in the "in work" configuration, the distribution tube stands generally vertically in a

S

functional position. As the wing folds into its folded configuration, the distribution tube moves in tandem into its stowed position.

Operation is automatic and in tandem but via a mechanical linkage assembly. This offers an advantage both over user operable systems, whether mechanical or hydraulic, and also automatic systems that depend upon using the hydraulics directly, rather than using the resultant movement of the hydraulically folded wing via a mechanical linkage. In particular, such as system is likely to be simpler than user-operated systems, and more reliable than systems that make use of the machine hydraulics.

In accordance with the invention) a direct mechanical linkage assembly is provided between the frame and the distribution tube via a connection to the wing. In a particular preferred embodiment, a first mechanical linkage extends from a connection on the frame, a second mechanical linkage extends from a connection on the distribution tube in a position to bear upon the distribution tube and cause it to move about its pivotal mounting, and the two mechanical linkages are provided with a relative articulating connection mounted upon the wing such that movement of the wing between its folded and its deployed configuration relative to the fixed frame acts via the first and second mechanical linkages and their articulating connection to cause the distribution tube to move between its stowed and its deployed configuration.

In particular, the articulating connection conveniently comprises an articulating member configured to rotate in plane about a pivotable connection with the wing having a first arm to receive the first mechanical linkage and a second arm to receive the second mechanical linkage and pivotably mounted on the wing about a pivot point where the two arms meet The articulating member thus comprises a crank that transfers motion between the first and the second mechanical linkage through an angle defined by the angle between the two arms.

That angle is preferably less than 180 degrees, for example 75 to 120 degrees and for example about 90 degrees.

The articulating connection is for example a bell crank pivot, the first mechanical S linkage being connected to the first end of the bell crank pivot, the second mechanical linkage being connected to a second end of the bell crank pivot, and the bell crank pivot being mounted on the wing.

The bell crank pivot is for example L-shaped, having two arms at an angle to each other which is for example 75 to 120 degrees and for example about 90 degrees and pivotably mounted on the wing about a pivot point where the two arms meet.

In this way, as the wing moves relative to the frame, the motion of the first mechanical linkage is transferred via the articulating member such as the bell crank pivot to the motion of the second mechanical linkage, such as to urge the distribution tube to move between its stowed and its deployed configuration.

The resulting system is simple, mechanical) requiring no complex hydraulics) and uses the relative motion of the wing and the frame to generate an urging force to move the tube between its stowed and its deployed configuration.

Each of the first and second mechanical linkages conveniently comprises an elongate member such as a rod, bar or the like.

Thus, in the preferred embodiment the mechanical linkage comprises a first elongate member) an articulating member such as a befl crank pivot) and a second elongate member, the articulating member being mounted on the wing, the first elongate member extending between the frame and a first end of the articulating member, and the second elongate member extending between an wing and the second end of the articulating member.

Preferably, each mechanical linkage is provided with an articulated joint where it connects at each respective end. This accommodates movement in three dimensions.

For example, in the preferred embodiment, when each mechanical linkage comprises an elongate member such as a rod, bar or the like, the first elongate member is preferably connected to the frame and further preferably connected to the first end of the articulating member via articulating joints, and second elongate member is preferably connected to the distribution tube and to the second end of the articulating member via articulating joints. Each of these articulating joints preferably articulates in three dimensions. For example, each such joint is a rod end bearing, sometimes known as a Heim joint.

The material delivery system is an elongate laterally extending array of material delivery units distributed along the folding supporting beam extending transversely of an intended direction of forward motion of the distribution machine for example so as in use to contact or be positioned adjacent to the growing surface and provided with delivery outlets to output the particulate material in controlled manner to a growing surface. The delivery machine further comprises a central storage hopper and a distribution system to transport the particulate material from the hopper to the outputs.

The beam comprising a wing portion on each side of the frame that is deployable from a folded and for example generally vertical configuration for transport to a laterally extending and for example horizontal deployed configuration for use. The wings of the beam may depend directly from a central chassis, or articulate with a central beam portion rigidly mounted to the central chassis to form when deployed a complete supporting beam in conjunction with a central beam.

At least one distribution head supplied by a folding distribution tube in accordance with the principles of the invention is provided on each wing portion. Further

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distribution heads supplied by further distribution tubes may be provided in the case of larger wings and! or to supply a central beam portion if applicable.

The invention is concerned with the folding mechanism by means of which a deployable delivery tube is deployed automatically as the folding supporting beam deploys. The invention may be applied to a range of agricultural distribution machines known in the art Other features of the agricultural distribution machine may therefore be inferred from comparable prior art systems.

The agricultural distribution machine is in the preferred case a particulate material distribution machine such as a seed drill.

In this case the delivery system comprises a laterally extending plural array of seed delivery units distributed along a supporting beam, for example comprising a laterally extending array of drill coulters. A plurality of seed delivery units is provided in association with each arm. A delivery system may include various other apparatus to facilitate the seed distribution and planting process, for example including furrow devices such as discs to open a planting furrow, and other means to close and tamper the furrow after the seed is planted. The delivery system is typically ground engaging and mounted on a suitable chassis frame which is for example towed behind a tractor along a field in use.

A distribution system supplies seed from a seed hopper to the outlets. It is for example a pneumatic distribution system.

In a further aspect of the invention, a method of mounting a distribution tube to supply material to a distribution head onto a wing of an agricultural distribution machine material delivery system comprising a chassis frame and a material delivery system carried on the frame comprising laterally extending plural array of material delivery units distributed along a supporting beam extending transversely of an intended direction of forward motion of the distribution machine and supported on the frame, the beam comprising a wing portion on each side of the frame that is deployable from a folded and for example generally vertical configuration for transport to a laterally extending and for example horizontal deployed configuration for use; the method comprising providing on each wing portion at least one distribution tube to supply material; pivotally mounting each distribution tube on its respective deployable wing portion so as to be moveable between a deployed configuration generally perpendicular to the wing when the wing is deployed and a stowed configuration when the wing is folded; providing a direct mechanical linkage assembly between the frame and the distribution tube via a connection to the wing which linkage is configured to bear on the distribution tube as the wing moves between its folded and its deployed configuration such as to cause the distribution tube to move between its stowed and its deployed configuration.

The method comprises a method of providing) for example by way of modification) an agricultural distribution machine in accordance with the first aspect, and other features of the method may be inferred by analogy from the description of the machine and its operation.

In particular for example the method preferably comprises providing first and second mechanical linkages each having a first end and a second end) connecting a first end of the first mechanical linkage to the frame, connecting a first end of the second mechanical linkage to the distribution tube in a position to bear upon the distribution tube and be able to cause it to move about its pivotal mounting, and connecting the second ends of the first and second mechanical linkages to each other via a relative articulating connection mounted upon the wing such that movement of the wing between its folded and its deployed configuration relative to the fixed frame acts via the first and second mechanical linkages and their articulating connection to cause the distribution tube to move between its stowed and its deployed configuration.

The articulating connection conveniently comprises an articulating member configured to rotate in plane about a pivotable connection with the wing having a first arm to receive the first mechanical linkage and a second arm to receive the second mechanical linkage and the method comprise connecting the first and second mechanical linkages via the respective first and second arms and pivotably mounting the articulating member on the wing about a pivot point where the two arms meet The articulating member is for example a bell crank pivot, the first mechanical linkage being connected to the first end of the bell crank pivot, the second mechanical linkage being connected to a second end of the bell crank pivot and the bell crank pivot being mounted on the wing.

Preferably, each mechanical linkage is provided with an articulated joint where it connects at each respective end. Each such joint is preferably a rod end bearing, sometimes known as a Heim joint.

In further aspects of the invention, the invention comprises a kit of parts for performing the method of the second aspect of the invention by means of retrofit to an existing agricultural distribution machine, and the invention comprises a method of the fitment of the same for example as an after market modification.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to Figures 1 to S of the accompanying drawings which illustrate an example embodiment of the principles of the invention in relation to a folding upstack of a seed drift Figure 1 illustrates embodiment seed drill in an in work configuration with wings folded out; Figure 2 illustrates in detail a mechanical assembly in accordance with the invention in use which such an embodiment; Figure 3 illustrates the system as it begins to fold; Figure 4 illustrates the system in fully folded configuration; and Figure 5 illust:rates the det:ail of t:he upstack in t:he fully folded position.

An embodiment: of the invention is shown in t:he illustrated Figures on a seed drill which is provided with a pair of wings mount:ed on a central chassis frame and adapted to be deployable from a vert:ical configuration for t:ransport t:o a folded out configuration for work In all of the Figures, only t:hose element:s of the seed drill which are necessary to give an underst:anding of the invention as it: applies to the embodiment: are illustrated. Thus, only that: part of the drilling system comprising the frame chassis and rear axle that supports the beam of the drilling system and the beam itseff are shown. In particular, individual seed coulters are not shown. Only that part of the distribution system comprising the upright distribution tubes or upstacks and their distribution heads is shown. It is a particular feature of the invention that it can be readily applied to existing seed drills and other agricultural distribution machines either as a modification to existing designs or as an after market modification to existing machines. The skified person will accordingly and readily infer from the illustrations an example conformance of a typical complete machine.

Referring first to Figure 1, an illustration is given of an example embodiment of the invention comprising a seed drill with deployable wings with the wings in an in work and folded out configuration. The upright distribution tubes or upstacks serve to direct airflow and seed from a supply pipe supplied from a central hopper (not shown) into a vertical configuration to a distribution head, and from the distribution head supply via tubes or pipes is effected to the individual seed coulters (not shown) -Detailed views of the connection of the mechanical linkage system in accordance with the principles of the invention are shown in inset in Figure 1 and in the greater detailed view of Figure 2. The upstack is given a pivotable mounting on the deployable wing to aflow it to pivot to and from the vertical. A relatively short linkage bar connects the upstack at a point close to the upstack pivot with a first end of a generally L-shaped bell crank pivot The second end of the bell crank pivot receives a relatively long linkage bar the other end of which is mounted upon the static chassis. The bell crank pivot itself if mounted on the wing to articulate about a pivot point where the two L-shaped arms meet.

Each end of each linkage bar is provided with a rod end bearing joint (Heim joint or Rose joint) which is attached via a nut and bolt to its point of attachment on the upstack, static chassis or bell crank pivot end as the case may be.

The llnkage assembly works using these muhipe pivots connected by linkage bars and the bell crank pivot to create an actuating force that acts on the upstack to cause it to move in tandem with the wing as the wing fcilds into its folded configuration and as the wing deploys into its dep'oyed configuration. The concept is centrallsed around the bell crank pivot that provides the desired transfer of force direction as the movement of the wing relative to the static chassis acts on the longer linkage bar. The relative dimensions of the linkage bars and in particukr of the arms of the bell crank pivot are of course fundamental to the speed and control of the folding operation, but these are comfortably within the compass of the skilled person.

The folding operation is shown in more detail in Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 illustrates the wings and upstack beginning to fold, and illustrates the action of the longer linkage bar causing the bell crank to move and causing the upstack to tend to fold.

The process is shown complete in Figure 4 and in greater detail in Figure 5.

The invention offers a simple mechanical solution which actuates automatically on actuation of the folding hydraulics as they fold or deploy the wings, hut does not use those hydraulics, but instead uses the resultant motion of the wings to cause the upstack to move between its fokied and its deployed configurations.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An agricultural distribuUon machine comprising: a chassis frame; a material delivery system carried on the frame comprising a laterally extending plural array of material delivery units distributed along a supporting beam extending transversely and supported on the frame, the beam comprising a wing portion on each side of the frame that is deployable from a folded configuration for transport to a laterally extending deployed configuration for use; and a material distribution system to distribute material to the delivery units including associated with each wing portion: at least one distribution head to distribute material to each of a plurality of material delivery units, and a distribution tube to supply material to the distribution head; wherein each distribution tube is pivotafly mounted on its respective deployalile wing portion so as to be moveable between a deployed configuration generally perpendicular to the wing when the wing is deployed and a stowed configuration when the wing is folded; and wherein a direct mechanical linkage assembly is provided between the frame and the distribution tube via a connection to the wing, which linkage is configured to bear on the distribution tube as the wing moves between its folded and its deployed configuration such as o cause he distributirni tube to move between its stowed and its deployed configuration.
2. An agricultural distribution machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein a first mechanical linkage extends from a connection on the frame) a second mechanical linkage extends from a connection on the distribution tube, and the two mechanical linkages are provided with a relative articulating connection mounted upon the wing.
3. An agricultural distribution machine in accordance with claim 2 wherein the articulating connection comprises an articulating member configured to rotate in plane about a pivitoable connection with the wing having a first arm to receive the first mechanical linkage and a second arm to receive the second mechanical linkage and pivotably mounted on the wing about a pivot point where the two arms meet
4. An agricultural distribution machine in accordance with claim 3 wherein the first arm and the second arm are at an angle to each other of less than 180 degrees.
5. An agricultural distribution machine in accordance with claim 4 wherein the first arm and the second arm are at an angle to each other of from 75 to 120 degrees.
6. An agricultural distribution machine in accordance with one of claims 2 to S wherein the articulating connection comprises a bell crank pivot, the first mechanical linkage being connected to the first end of the bell crank pivot) the second mechanical linkage being connected to a second end of the bell crank pivot, and the bell crank pivot being mounted on the wing.
7. An agricultural distribution machine in accordance with claim 6 wherein the bell crank pivot is L-shaped, having two arms at an angle to each other and pivotably mounted on the wing about a pivot point where the two arms meet.
8. An agricultural distribution machine in accordance with one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the first mechanical linkage comprises an elongate member.
9. An agricultural distribution machine in accordance with one of claims 2 to 8 wherein the second mechanical linkage comprises an elongate member.
10. An agricultural distribution machine in accordance with one of claims 2 to 9 wherein each mechanical Unkage is provided with an articu'ated joint where it connects at each respective end.
11. An agricultural distribution machine in accordance with claim 10 wherein each mechanical linkage is provided with an articulated joint where it connects at each respective end that articulates in three dimensions.
12. An agricultural distribution machine in accordance with claim 11 wherein each such articulated joint is a rod end bearing.
13. An agricultural distribution machine in accordance with any preceding claim comprising a particulate material distribution machine.
14. An agricultural distribution machine in accordance with claim 13 comprising a pneumatic particle delivery system.
15. An agricultura' distribution machine in accordance with claim 13 or 14 comprising a seed drill.
16. A method of mounting a distribution tube to supply material to a distribution head onto a wing of an agricultural distribution machine material delivery system comprising a chassis frame and a material delivery system carried on the frame comprising laterally extending plural array of material delivery units distributed along a supporting beam extending transversely of an intended direction of forward motion of the distribution machine and supported on the frame, the beam comprising a wing portion on each side of the frame that is deployable from a folded and for example generally vertical configuration for transport to a ateraly extending and for example horizontal dep'oyed configuration for use; the method comprising providing on each wing portion at least one distribution tube to supply material; pivotally mounting each distribution tube on its respective deployable wing portion so as to be moveable between a deployed configuration generally perpendicular to the wing when the wing is deployed and a stowed configuration when the wing is folded; providing a direct mechanical linkage between the frame and the distribution tube via a connection to the wing which linkage is configured to bear on the distribution tube as the wing moves between its folded and its deployed configuration such as to cause the distribution tube to move between its stowed and its deployed configuration.
17. The method of claim 16 comprising providing first and second mechanical linkages each having a first end and a second end, connecting a first end of the first mechanical linkage to the frame) connecting a first end of the second mechanical linkage to the distribution tube in a position to bear upon the distribution tube and be able to cause it to move about its pivotal mounting) and connecting the second ends of the first and second mechanical linkages to each other via a relative articulating connection mounted upon the wing.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the articulating connection comprises an articulating member configured to rotate in plane about a pivotable connection with the wing having a first arm to receive the first mechanical linkage and a second arm to receive the second mechanical linkage and the method comprise connecting the first and second mechanical linkages via the respective first and second arms and pivotably mounting the articulating member on the wing about a pivot point where the two arms meet.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the articulating member is a hell crank pivot, the first mechanical linkage being connected to the first end of the bell crank pivot) the second mechanical linkage being connected to a second end of the bell crank pivot and the bell crank pivot being mounted on the wing.
20. The method of one of claims 17 to 19 wherein the first and second mechanical linkages each comprise an elongate member.
21. The method of one of claims 17 to 20 wherein each mechanical linkage is connected at each respective end via an articulated joint
22. The method of claim 21 wherein each mechanical linkage is connected at each respective end via a rod end bearing.
23. A kit of parts for performing the method of one of claims 16 to 22 by means of retrofit to an existing agricultural distribution machine.