NZ202221A - Coulter assembly for direct drilling seed sower detachable mounting of blade and seed director - Google Patents

Description

202221 Patents Form No. 5 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No. 202221 Dated: 19 October 19 82 "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO COULTER ASSEMBLIES" WE, AITCHISON INDUSTRIES LIMITED, of Mosston Road, Wanganui, New ZEaland, a New Zealand company, hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement The present invention relates to coulter assemblies and more particularly coulter assemblies for direct seed sowing in untilled ground.

Previous constructions of coulter assemblies for seed sowing have frequently involved constructions in which it is a major task to dismantle and assemble parts, and in some constructions components for one type of operation may not be readily suited to another operation and frequent changes of parts may be necessary. Further, particularly in direct seed sowing operations where the ground is untilled and not easily worked, the seed sowing coulter apparatus may be subject to considerable stress and strain and contact with hard objects such as roots and stones, and thus frequent servicing is often a necessary factor.

Accordingly, the principal object of the present invention is to provide a coulter assembly, particularly for direct seed sowing operations but not necessarily confined thereto, having an arrangement facilitating servicing, assembly and detachment and interchanging of parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a coulter assembly with an improved construction of coulter blade and point facilitating the cutting of a furrow and formation of a seed channel below ground, the blade and point being arranged to effect soil shattering and an aerated channel formation facilitating seed growth.

Other and more particular objects and advantages of the invention would become apparent from the ensuing description.

According to a first aspect of this invention therefor, there is provided a coulter assembly comprising a mounting P9 '• • ' • C- i- L. having a portion arranged for connection to the lower end part of a depending support, a substantially planar cutting point and blade arranged for detachable support by said mounting so as to extend below the mounting and lie in a » substantially vertical plane extending in the line of intended travel and have an upright leading cutting edge, said point and blade having a transversely extending relatively thin /Aj) base part defining wings protecting laterally one each side aod S- of the point.blade at a lower longitudinally extending edge 10 thereof, said longitudinally extending edge and said wings » being inclined upwardly and rearwardly from a lower leading tip of the point, and said mounting being arranged to further detachably support a seed and/or fertilizer directing means for directing a quantity of seed and/or fertilizer to the rear 15 "of the blade and into a below ground channel at the base of a furrow cut by the point and blade and wings thereof as the assembly is moved along.

Some preferred aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying 20 drawings in which:- FIGURE 1: is a side elevational view of a seed sowing apparatus incorporating the invention.

FIGURE 2; is an exploded view of the first form of coulter assembly as employed in the arrangement according to 25 figure 1.

FIGURES 3a,3b and 3c: are perspective views of some forms of seed or fertilizer tube attachments employable with the apparatus and coulter assembly of figures 1 and 2.

FIGURE 4: is a side elevational view illustrating the 'g>* '-^employment of a second form of the invention. .13 JUNI984 m jj FIGURE 5: is a front or leading side view of the 7 )£ n: 900001 v/ hJ fa fv' Jl. apparatus and coulter assembly of figure 4.

FIGURE 6: is an exploded view of the blade and point of the coulter assembly shown in figures 4 and 5.

FIGURE 7; is a view of the blade part of the assembly as viewed in the direction of arrows VII-VII of figure 6.

FIGURE 8: is a view of the point part of the assembly as viewed in the direction of arrows VIII-VIII of figure 6.

FIGURE 9: is a view of the point part of the assembly as viewed in the direction of arrows IX-IX of figure 6.

FIGURE 10; is a sectional view in the direction of arrows X-X of figure 4 showing the assembly of the blade and point in this construction.

Referring firstly to figure 1 of the drawings, typically direct seed sowing apparatus includes a supporting frame 1 which is generally arranged in use to be mounted on and supported by such as the three point linkage of a tractor (not shown) so as to extend transversely across the rear part of the tractor. The frame 1 mounts at least one seed hopper 2 which may be elongate and again extend transversely of the tractor along the length of the frame 1, and the frame 1 further mounts a plurality of depending support members 3 in aligned and/or staggered relationship and each mounting at its lower end a cutting blade or coulter assembly 4; seed being distributed from the hopper 2 by way of feed tubes 5 arranged to direct seed into the furrows cut by the blades or coulter assemblies 4 as the tractor and apparatus is moved along. The apparatus is preferably provided with at least one ground wheel 6 (preferably adjustable in height) ensuring that the apparatus is maintained at the correct constant level relative to the ground surface in order to obtain and maintain the correct constant depth of seed furrow or drill. 9 & \J (V A#/ X Some prior constructions involve a coulter blade assembly with an integral fixed seed chute as part thereof, and others provide that the seed outlet tube may trail or be mounted some distance behind the coulter assembly. In the present invention the coulter assemblies 4 each have a mounting 7 which is arranged for detachable engagement with the lower end part of the respective support member 3, which is preferably a spring tine member 3 having its upper end part in the form of a coil and clamped to the support frame 1 by any suitable clamp means; and the outlet end part of each seed feed tube 5 is arranged to be clamped to a pipe support member 8 which is in turn arranged to be detachably engaged with the respective mounting 7 to support each seed tube outlet part in the correct position relative to the mounting 7 and the blade point assembly supported thereby.

The arrangement may provide for the sowing or distribution of seed only, but it will be appreciated that the same apparatus may be similarly employed as a fertilizer distributor for obtaining maximum efficiency in distribution of fertilizer below ground, or the apparatus may include a second hopper 2' with separate outlet tubes 51 leading to the respective coulter assemblies 4 and adjacent the seed outlet tubes 5 so that both seed and fertilizer can be fed and distributed into the respective furrows and below ground channels, as the apparatus is operated and moved along.

Referring also now to figures 2,3a,3b and 3c of the drawings, the mounting 7 may be in the form of a cast steel boot or shoe having an upper body part 8 with a rectangular recess 9 conforming in dimensions to and arranged to receive the lower end portion of the rectangular section spring tine support member; and the mounting 7 may be arranged for detachable securement in position such as by an appropriate screw or stud 10 in threaded engagement with the mounting upper part 8 and having its inner end arranged to be tightened onto the portion of support member 3 engaged in the recess 9.

Each spring tine support member 3 extends rearwardly and downwardly relative to the support frame 1 and normal direction of travel A of the apparatus, and each mounting 7 has a part 11 extending downwardly below and rearwardly relative to the lower end of the spring tine support member 3 so that a cutting blade and point 12 can be secured to the lower part thereof such as by providing the mounting lower part and blade upper part with two or more spaced apertures 13, 14 through which fastening bolts or screws 15 can be located. A clamp plate member 16 can be employed with complementary screw threaded apertures 17 so that the upper end part of the blade 12 can be sandwiched between the mounting lower part 11 and clamp part 17 with the apertures 13,14 and 17 aligned and the bolts or screws 15 passed through the apertures 13,14 in the mounting and blade and engaged in the screw threaded apertures 17 of the clamp plate 16, and tightened. To protect the screw heads against damage or shear in operation of the apparatus, the mounting 7 can be provided with protrusions 18 located on the leading side of the mounting apertures 13 so as to deflect hard objects and protect the screw or bolt heads as the apparatus is moved alone The rear part of the mounting is provided with one or more apertures 13a whereby a pipe outlet end support member 8 can be detachably bolted thereto. Examples of some forms of pipe outletend support members 8 are shown in figures 3a,3b and 3c and include mounting blocks 8a with bolt apertures 8b and semi-cylindrical mounting pieces 8c in which the outlet end parts of the feed tubes 5 can locate and be secured by any suitable pipe clamp or tie. The construction according to figure 3a provides for upright mounting of the feed tube outlet part, the construction according to figure 3b provides for inclined mounting of the feed tube outlet part, and the construction according to figure 3c provides for inclined mounting of two tube outlet end parts e.g. a seed tube and a fertilizer tube separately provided. The rear end part of the mounting can be provided with a stepped formation 7a complementary to the shape of the mounting blocks 8a to facilitate correct alignment and fitting of the tube outlets and support parts.

Seed and/or fertilizer can flow directly from the outlet parts of the feed tubes 5 into the formed furrow and channel or, and as illustrated, a receiving and guide cup arrangement 19 can be provided and arranged for detachable mounting in a similar manner to the tube outlet support members 8, and may be thus provided with a mounting block 19a having apertures 19b similar to those previously described and arranged for securement on the same part of the mounting 7 as the outlet tube support 8 for each assembly. The cup and guide member 19 may be in the form of a miniature hopper into which the seed and/or fertilizer tube outlet parts are directed, and have an open lower side with spaced side walls 19c depending therefrom and arranged to guide or deflect the seed and/or fertilizer into the formed furrow and channel. The lower edges of the deflector or guide side walls 19c may be inclined upwardly and rearwardly from their leading edges and have the same angle <=< as the blade and point 12 lower edge and wings.

One preferred form of blade and point 12 in accordance with the invention is illustrated particularly in figure 2 of the drawings and is a simple unitary sheet and/or strip metal fabricated member capable of being manufactured and sold at a relatively low cost and being readily replaceable. The blade 12 is manufactured of hardened or hard-faced sheet metal so as to have a major flat or planar area, and the two mounting holes 14 may be drilled or punched therethrough in the upper part of the blade 12. The blade and point combination is designed and shaped so as to have a leading edge 12a which will penetrate the soil at an angle 9 preferably in the order of 65 degrees ot 75 degrees to the horizontal, and more preferably at about 70 degrees or 72 degrees to the horizontal. The lower longitudinal edge 12b of the blade and point is also preferably inclined upwardly in use from the lower leading tip 12c of the point and is preferably angled (=*) at about 7 or 8 degrees to the horizontal. A relatively thin base strip, of substantially arrowhead formation when viewed in plan, is secured such as by welding to the lower longitudinal edge 12b of the point and blade 12 so as to form wings 20 extending laterally one either side thereof broadening towards the rear -8" h /J n, S\ ^ ri <1 *5 O 4 of the point and blade 12 and being inclined at the same angle <=< as the lower longitudinal edge 12b so that when the assembly and mounted point and blade 12 are moved along in the direction of arrow A the forward leading edge 12a cuts a vertical slot in the soil and the winged base 20 lifts and shatter the soil.

The rear or trailing edge 12d of the blade 12 may be substantially vertical and a short buffer plate 21 is secured thereto so as to extend transversely atthe rear part of the point and blade 12 to protect the following seed tube cutlet part and cup/guide 19 where provided. The arrangement provides a further added advantage in that the corner parts formed by the buffer plate 21 and rear part of the point and blade 12 will fill with soil in use and provide a soil to soil contact along side the blade 12 resulting in a reduction in wear of the blade 12 that might otherwise take place on a soil to steel contact, and particularly with the abrasion of small stones and the like. This form of blade will, as can be seen, be readily manufactured at low cost and be thus readily disposable and easily replaced.

Referring now to the remaining figures of drawings, some variations in the invention are proposed and may be available as alternatives to the aforementioned constructions. Firstly, as an alternative to the fabricated unitary sheet and strip metal blade aforedescribed, a two-part point and blade (generally denoted 22) can be provided and may comprise a substantially planar blade part 23 which is arranged for detachable engagement with the mounting with mounting bolts or screws 24, and a separately formed point part 25 is provided and arranged for prtoooi & \j & m w JL. detachable engagement with the blade part 23. Detachable engagement can be by means of a securing bolt or pin or the like, but preferably a 'knock on' and 'knock off* arrangement is provided, as hereinafter exampled. This form of two part blade and point construction 22 can be fitted to the form of mounting 7 previously described with reference to figures 1 and 2 of the drawings and the spacing of the mounting holes 23a can be similar to the first arrangement to provide for interchangability. However, figures 4 and 5 illustrate a second form of mounting 26(with which the first form of blade 12 can be used if so required) which is of split clamp form having a recess or socket 27 for the lower end part of the spring tine support member 3 and a divided rear part 28 opening to the recess and which can be tightened and clamped together by two or more bolts 29 passed through aligned apertures. Preferably the body of the mounting 2 6 is recessed for the bolt heads and nuts 29a so they are protected in use. The lower part of the mounting 2 6 isstepped at 26a to provide central alignment for the blade and point 22, with a clamp bar 30 similar to that previously provided being located also within the recessed area 26a so as not to project to one side.

In this arrangement, an alternative feed pipe outlet end mount or support 31 abuts the rear side of the main mounting 26, and may be detachably engaged therev/ith by means of one or both of the mounting bolts 24 for securing the blade and point 22 in position. It is envisaged that the clamp bar 30 can be an extension of the feed tube outlet mount or support 31. Again the mounting 26 and the clamp bar 30 can be recessed to o ~ ^ t-\J U L. accoinmodate the heads and nuts 24a of the blade mounting bolts. 24. As previously indicated in this arrangement the feed pipe outlet support 31 is arranged to support the outlets 5a of two feed pipes 5, one being a seed pipe and one a fertilizer pipe (alternatively when used for fertilizer only accommodating two kinds of fertilizer) and preferably at least one of the feed outlets 5a is arranged to be adjustable in height - this can be achieved by forming the rear part 31a of the support 31 in the manner of a pipe clamp which may be slackened for adjustment of the outlet part 5a of the rear feed pipe 5.

This preferred alternative of blade and point combination 22 can be of cast metal, and for example of a nickelchrome alloy, with hard wearing surfaces and considerably more durability than most available coulter blades. The blade part 23 is relatively thin and of substantially planar formation in its upper section with substantially parallel sides, and the lower longitudinal edge 23b is inclined downwardly from the front to the rear and a tapered tongue piece 23c depends therefrom and projects slightly forwardly. The point part 25 has a central upwardly extending triangular (when viewed from the side) portion 25a and an integral base part defining the wings 25b extending one each side of the central part 25a and of substantially arrowhead formation when viewed in plan, and the upwardly extending part 25a is provided with a socket or recess 25c in which the depending tongue 23c of the blade 23 is locatable as a close fit. The arrangement is such that the wings 25b of the point 25 are, in use, angled at°<at 7 degrees or 8 degrees to the horizontal as before, $nd the leading edge of JiJM^ V \f» W' ■? 2 ri o o o i the point angled at & at preferably in the region of 70 degrees to the horzontal in use; and preferably the leading edge 25d of the point 25 aligns with the leading edge 23d of the blade 23, and preferably the lower part 23eof such leading edge 23d of the blade 23 is bevelled or tapered so as to closely mate with the point leading edge 25d in providing continuity of surfaces. The thicknesses of the blade 23 and the point upstanding section 25a are also preferably such that continuity in side surfaces is achieved.

The tapered tongue 23c and recess 25c arrangement ensures that in use the point 25 may be urged and held as a tight fit on the blade 23 in providing a strong and secure construction, whilst providing that the point 25 can be readily detached by knocking the point 25 forwardly and downwardly. To prevent accidental disengagement of the point 25 from the tongue 23c of the blade 23 in use, the two parts 23 and 25 can be secured by such as a bolt or pin passed through aligned holes, but preferably a snap fit or 'knock on' 'knock off' arrangement is provided by means of one part having at least one projection engageable in a complementary recess in the other part. In the illustrated form, the inner opposite side wall parts of the socket or recess 25c are provided with a pair of aligned protuberances 25e of rounded formation and which are locatable in a pair of complementary aligned dimples 23f on opposite faces of the tongue portion 23c of the blade part 23 - alternatively an aperture through the blade tongue 23c part could be employed. This arrangement provides positive securement against accidental detachment, but the point 25 may be readily and quickly removed for replacement or servicing by striking downwardly and forwardly 9 fjOOO 1 <0 U ^ (V J. with a heavy object or tool. The arrangement shown in the drawings is one preferred design of two part blade and point 22.

Thus, by this invention, there is provided a coulter assembly which is readily assembled and detached as may be required for servicing and replacement or substitution of other operative parts. Some particular and preferred forms of the invention have been described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it will be appreciated that other variations of and modifications to the invention can take place without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (25)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A coulter assembly comprising a mounting having a portion arranged for connection to the lower end part of a depending support, a substantially planar cutting point and blade arranged for detachable support by said mounting so as to extend below the mounting and lie in a substantially vertical plane extending in the line of intended travel and have an upright leading cutting edge, said point and blade having a transversely extending relatively thin base part defining wings projecting laterally one each side of the point and blade at a lower longitudinally extending edge thereof, said longitudinally extending edge and said wings being inclined upwardly and rearwardly from a lower leading tip of the point, and said mounting being arranged to further detachably support a seed and/or fertilizer directing means for directing a quantity of seed and/or fertilizer to the rear of the blade and into a below ground channel at the base of a furrow cut by the point and blade and wings thereof as the assembly is moved along.

2. A coulter assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the blade has an upright rear edge and a transversely disposed wall projecting laterally each side of the lower part of said rear edge.

3. A coulter assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the blade and point is fabricated as a unitary construction from sheet and/or strip metal.

4. A coulter assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein the blade and point is constructed substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings. -14- ■ •"! VI "I ' o ■"> 0 1 C. \j L. L. I

5. A coulter assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the point and blade is a two part construction with the point detachably engageable with the blade and the blade detachably engageable with the mounting.

6. A coulter assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the blade is substantially planar and has a tongue portion depending from a lower part of the blade in the same general plane thereof, and said point has a complementary socket portion extending and opening upwardly to receive said tongue of the blade, there being means to lock the tongue and socket portion together against accidental detachment in use.

7. A coulter assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the point and blade are secured together by a transversely located pin or bolt passed through aligned apertures in the tongue and socket portion.

8. A coulter assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the point is detachably engageable with the blade in a 'knock on' and 'knock off' manner by the provison of at least one lateral projection on the tongue being alignable with and engageable in a complementary hole or recess in an inner wall part of the socket portion.

9. A coulter assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the point is detachably engageable with the blade in a 'knock on' and 'knock off' manner by the provision on an inner wall part of the socket portion of at least one lateral projection which is alignable with and engageable in a complementary hole or recess in the tongue of the blade. O '' O o 9 1 C. \J L. £_ L. I

10. A coulter assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9 inclusive wherein the wings are integrally formed along the lower longitudinally extending edge of the point.

11. A coulter assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10 inclusive where the blade and point are shaped and dimensioned so as to be of substantially similar thickness at their leading edges and junctions in presenting the appearance of a unitary blade and point with continuity at said leading edges and external surfaces of said junctions to facilitate smooth passage through the ground in operation.

12. A coulter assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 11 inclusive wherein the blade and point are constructed subtantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 4 to 10 of the accompanying drawings.

13. A coulter assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the blade and point are constructed and arranged for mounting so that in use the base part wings and lower longitudinal edge thereof will be disposed at an angle in the region of 7° to 8° to the horizontal.

14. A coulter assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the blade and point are constructed and arranged for mounting so that in use at least the major part of the leading edge from the lower leading tip of the point will be disposed at an angle in the region of 65° to 75° to the horizontal.

15. A coulter assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the depending support is a spring tine. -16- , "v v r> o o •! ■tj (- L. I

16. A coulter assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and wherein the mounting for the blade and point is substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.

17. A coulter assembly as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 15 inclusive and wherein the mounting is substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.

18. A coulter assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the seed and/or fertilizer directing means comprises a feed tube end support provided for detachable engagement with the mounting and clamping engagement with the outlet end of a seed and/or fertilizer feed tube extending from a supply source.

19. A coulter assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein the feed tube end support is any one of the constructions described with reference to figures 3a,3b and 3c.

20. A coulter assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the seed and/or fertilizer directing means comprises a distributing and guide cup into which seed and/or fertilizer is arranged to be directed, and said distributing and guide cup is detachably engageable with the mounting behind the blade and point.

21. A coulter assembly as claimed in claim 20 wherein the distributing and guide cup is constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.

22. A coulter assembly as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 17 inclusive wherein the seed and/or fertilizer directing means comprises a feed tube end support for detachable engagement with the mounting and for clamping engagement with outlet end parts of % , J, J UN 1984 y fa V\±wo seed and fertilizer tubes extending from supply sources, j rand at least one of said tube outlet end parts is adjustably -17- ? 0 O <■> o 1 ^ US fU -1) engageable with the tube end support for variance in height of the outlet.

23. A coulter assembly as claimed in claim 22 wherein the tube end support is substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.

24. Seed sowing and/or fertilizer distributing apparatus and coulter assembly arranged and constructed substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1,2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.

25. Seed sowing and/or fertilizer distributing apparatus and coulter assembly arranged and constructed substantially as hereinbefore described with references to figures 1, and 4 to 10 of the accompanying drawings. AITCHISON INDUSTRIES LIMITED, By Their Authorised Attorneys, JOHN A. REMMINGTON & ASSOCIATES -18-