WO2012142607A1

WO2012142607A1 - Seed meter with integrated drive motor

Info

Publication number: WO2012142607A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/033825
Authority: WO
Inventors: Monte RANS
Original assignee: AGCO Corp
Current assignee: AGCO Corp
Priority date: 2011-04-15
Filing date: 2012-04-16
Publication date: 2012-10-18
Anticipated expiration: 2013-10-15
Also published as: BR112013026497B1; EP2696667B1; US20140312055A1; US9155241B2; BR112013026497A2; WO2012142558A1; EP2696667A1

Abstract

A metering device for an agricultural planter has a metering disc with a plurality of seed pockets for carrying seeds on the metering disc, the seed pockets being disposed at mutually spaced locations about the metering disc, the metering disc mounted on a rotatable axle. The metering device also has a drive motor comprising a stator and a rotor, wherein the rotor is connected to the axle for rotating the metering disc. A meter housing forms a metering chamber and a drive motor compartment, with the metering disc being rotatable within the metering chamber and the stator being received in the drive motor compartment. The meter housing forms the drive motor compartment such that the drive motor is integrated with the meter housing.

Description

SEED METER WITH INTEGRATED DRIVE MOTOR

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/475,770 filed April 15, 2011, entitled "INTEGRAL SEED METER DRIVE MOTOR".

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of Invention

[002] This invention relates to agricultural planting equipment and, more particularly, to a metering device drive motor for dispensing seeds and/or fertilizer.

Description of Related Art

[003] As is well-known, a farmer engaged in mechanized planting of seeds utilizes a planting machine pulled behind a tractor. One form of planting machine commonly in use includes at least one rotating drum which holds the supply of seeds to be planted and has means for delivering the seeds to one or more chutes which conduct the seeds to the desired planting rows on the ground at various depths and spacings. The seeds are singulated and metered by a seed metering disc with pockets, holes or combinations thereof, and using either a vacuum or positive air pressure. Seed meters require a drive source to rotate the seed disc in order to singulate seed for planting.

[004] Current technology typically uses a ground drive assembly that drives all meters simultaneously through a chain drive mechanism connected to a drive wheel that defines the rate of speed of forward motion of the planter. This mechanical drive assembly requires a multitude of rotating shaves, bearings, support brackets, sprockets, chains and idlers. This approach requires the implement to be stopped while one or more chains are moved and positioned about various sized sprockets or gears.

[005] Other agricultural seed metering systems have been developed which allow the seed metering rate to be adjusted on the go while crossing a field. Such systems typically omit mechanical ground drive assemblies and instead rely on electronics to control hydraulic systems for accurate metering. To adjust the metering rate, the electronics control the hydraulic system to adjust the hydraulic oil flow sent to the hydraulic motor to adjust the rate at which the rotatable metering member is rotated.

[006] Although such systems enable the metering rate to be adjusted on the go, such electronic metering systems are extremely expensive to implement and are difficult to diagnose and repair when damaged. Moreover, as compared to ground driven mechanical metering systems, such electronic metering systems require an additional hydraulic circuit to drive the hydraulic motors connected to the rotatable metering members. This additional hydraulic circuit increases hydraulic requirements of the work vehicle or tractor and when connected to open center hydraulic systems, can cause overheating problems. This drive assembly also requires a multitude of rotating shaves, bearings, support brackets, sprockets, chains and idlers.

[007] Thus, there is a continuing need for an agricultural seed metering system that allows the operator to vary the speed of each metering unit individually, is adjustable on the move, and reduces the parts and space required for rotational power requirements.

OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

[008] In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a metering device for an agricultural planter configured to drop singulated seeds as the planter advances through a field. The metering device includes a metering disc having a plurality of seed pockets for carrying seeds on the metering disc, the seed pockets being disposed at mutually spaced locations about the metering disc, the metering disc mounted on a rotatable axle. The metering device also has a drive motor comprising a stator and a rotor, wherein the rotor is connected to the axle for rotating the metering disc. A meter housing forms a metering chamber and a drive motor compartment, with the metering disc being rotatable within the metering chamber and the stator being received in the drive motor compartment. The meter housing forms the drive motor compartment such that the drive motor is integrated with the meter housing. The metering chamber is formed in one side of the housing and the drive motor compartment is formed on an opposing side of the housing with the axle passing through a bore in the housing and being rotatably held with bearings.

[009] These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods according to this invention.

BRI EF DESCRI PTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[010] The above mentioned and other features of this invention will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[011] FIG. 1 is a left perspective view of a planter employing multiple planter units incorporating the principles of the present invention;

[012] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a planter unit according an embodiment of the invention;

[013] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the seed meter of the planter unit according an embodiment of the invention; and

[014] FIG. 4 is an exploded partially cut-away perspective view of the seed meter of the planter unit of FIG. 2. [015] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[016] The present invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms. While the drawings illustrate and the specification describes certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that such disclosure is by way of example only. There is no intent to limit the principles of the present invention to the particular disclosed embodiments. References hereinafter made to certain directions, such as, for example, "front", "rear", "left" and "right", are made as viewed from the side of the planter.

[017] FIG. 1 illustrates a planter 10 having a plurality of planting units 12 attached to a tool bar 14 or other frame member of the machine. As well understood by those skilled in the art, planter 10 may be adapted for mounting on the three point hitch of a tractor or may comprise a pull-type implement with its own set of transport wheels. Each planting unit 12 includes some suitable means for attaching the unit 12 to tool bar 14. One embodiment of such attachment means is illustrated in FIG. 2 and comprises a four-bar linkage 16 and a pair of U-bolts (not shown) for fastening the linkage 16 to the tool bar 14. However, other means to attach the planting unit 12 to the tool bar 14 may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Each planting unit 12 further broadly comprises a fore-and-aft lower frame 20 attached to and projecting rearwardly from linkage 16, the frame 20 having a number of components mounted thereon as hereinafter explained.

[018] As is known in the art, each planting unit 12 has one or more seed meters 24 used to singulate seeds for planting by planter 10. For example, a planting unit 12 may be a single row planting unit as shown in FIG. 2. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the planting unit 12 may be a twin row planting unit 12 with a pair of singulating seed meters 24 that are mechanically indexed together or controlled separately with electronics and sensors. Therefore, each planting unit 12 may plant one or more furrows or lines of seed. While the described embodiment is a seed meter, one skilled in the art will understand that other agricultural materials, such as fertilizer may be metered and dispensed with the planting unit 12 without departing from the scope of the invention. The lower frame 20 of each planting unit 12 includes what is commonly referred to as a horse collar 30 for further securing the planting unit 12 to the tool bar 14 and for protecting the meters 24. Each horse collar 30 includes upward extending and opposite facing portions 34 that are sufficiently laterally spaced apart from one another depending on whether it is part of a single row or a dual row planting unit 12.

[019] For each seed meter 24, the lower frame 20 of the planting unit 12 carries a generally upright dispensing tube (not shown) that is adapted for receiving inputs such as seeds from one of the meters 24 disposed above the dispensing tube on frame 20. The meter 24 receives seeds from a source of supply, such as a seed box or hopper 38 also mounted on lower frame 20 above the meter 24. Seeds that are received by the meter 24 from the hopper 38 are singulated and dropped through dispensing tube 40 for deposit into the ground as planter 10 advances.

[020] As is well known in the art, a suitable furrow opener may also be carried by frame 20 for opening a furrow in the soil for receiving seeds dropped through dispensing tube. The furrow opener may take a variety of different forms. For example, the furrow opener may take the form of a double-disc opener having a pair of downwardly and slightly forwardly converging discs rotatably mounted on lower frame 20. The dispensing tube projects downwardly between discs and has a lower discharge end facing generally rearwardly and downwardly to discharge the seeds into the furrow. A pair of ground-engaging gauge wheels 46 and 48 is disposed on opposite sides and is rotatably mounted on frame 20 to provide support for frame 20 and to limit the depth of penetration of the furrow opener into the ground. As frame 20 can swing up and down relative to tool bar 14 via the four-bar linkage 16, the downward movement is limited by gauge wheels 46, 48 as they roll along the ground during operation. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of closing wheels 50, 52 is attached to the rear of frame 20 and function in a known manner to close the seed furrow after seeds have been deposited therein by dispensing tube 40. The vertical position of gauge wheels 46, 48 relative to frame 20 and furrow discs can be adjusted.

[021] As is known in the art, desirably the meters 24 are pneumatic such that low pressure air flow enters to an air inlet 60 (FIG. 3) through an air line 62 in the meter 24. Air flow for the meters 24 of a planter 12 may be generated individual fans dedicated to and preferably coupled to each meter 24, or alternatively, by a single variable speed hydraulically powered fan centrally positioned on the planter 10.

[022] Turning now to FIG. 3, each meter 24 includes a rotating metering disc 66 that has a plurality of input pockets such as seed pockets 68 for retaining one or more seeds. The seed pockets 68 are positioned on the inside surface of the metering disc 66 when the metering disc 66 is positioned in the meter 24. The metering disc 66 may interact with the seed meter 24 in any known manner such as is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 12/645,766 entitled Air Assisted Seed Dispensing which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The seed pockets 68 may be shaped such that they can received a variety of seed sizes and shapes such that the disc 66 may be used for any type of crop or a different metering disc 66 may be used for each type of crop. The metering disc 66 rotates in a housing 81 of the meter 24. As is known in the art, the positive air flow into the meter 24 through the air inlet 60 creates a pressurized metering chamber 82 between the inside of the metering disc 66 and the housing 81 of the meter 24. A portion of the chamber 82 defines a seed sump 82 for receiving and collecting a portion of the seeds from the hopper 38 through feed chute 88. As the metering disc 66 rotates in a counter-clockwise manner, seeds are collected in the seed pockets 68. The seeds are held in each seed pocket 68 by the positive air pressure pushing on the seeds. However, a vacuum may instead be used to retain the seed in its pocket 68. As is known in the art, the seed pockets 68 at least partially define an opening extending from each of the seed pockets 68 to the opposite side of the metering disc 66. [023] The metering disc 66 attaches to a hub 74 of an axle 76. The axle 76 passes through a bore 78 in the housing 81 and is rotatably held with suitable bearings 79. A drive motor 130 is configured to rotate the axle 76 causing the metering disc 66 to rotate in the housing 81 of the meter 24 and drop singulated seeds through the dispensing tube as the planter 10 advances through the field. Turning also now to FIG. 4, the drive motor 130 includes a stationary stator 132 received in a drive motor compartment 134 and a rotor 136 connected to the axle 76. Rotation of the rotor 136 causes the axle 76 and thus the metering disc 66 to rotate.

[024] According to the invention, the meter housing 81 forms the drive motor compartment 134 such that the drive motor 130 is integrated with the seed meter 24. Desirably, the meter housing 81 is formed as a molded component with the metering chamber 82 formed in one side of the housing 81 and the drive motor compartment 134 formed by a cylindrical wall 135 extending from the opposing side of the housing 81 . Desirably, the housing 81 with the cylindrical wall 135 is formed as a single piece, however, it is contemplated that the cylindrical wall may be formed as a separate component and glued, welded or otherwise attached to the remaining portions of the housing 81. In the illustrated embodiment, the stator 132 has a stator body 137 with at least one key 138 formed in its outer circumference. The key 138 is received in a keyway formed in the cylindrical wall 135 to orient and secure the stator 132 in the drive motor compartment 134.

Cover 140 attaches to the housing 81 with suitable fasteners 142 to seal the drive motor compartment 134 using sound engineering judgment.

[025] The drive motor 130 allows the operator of the planter to vary the speed at which the metering disc 66 rotates by controlling the current through the stator 132. As each planting unit 12 on the planter 10 has its own drive motor 130, planting units 12 can be individually controlled. Desirably, the drive motor 130 permits the operator to reverse the direction of rotation of the metering disc 66 for self cleaning or planting non-traditional crops such as grass. As can be seen, by utilizing the metering disc 66 as part of the drive motor 130, fewer parts may be required to meet the rotational requirements of the seed meter 24. [026] The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the more pertinent aspects and features of the present invention. These should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed information in a different manner or by modifying the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects and a more comprehensive understanding of the invention may be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A metering device for an agricultural planter configured to drop singulated seeds as the planter advances through a field, the metering device comprising:

a metering disc having a plurality of seed pockets for carrying seeds on said metering disc, said seed pockets being disposed at mutually spaced locations about said metering disc, the metering disc mounted on a rotatable axle;

a drive motor comprising a stator and a rotor, wherein the rotor is connected to the axle for rotating the metering disc;

a meter housing forming a metering chamber and a drive motor compartment, the metering disc being rotatable within said metering chamber and the stator being received in said drive motor compartment such that the drive motor is integrated within the meter housing.

2. The metering device of claim 1 wherein with the metering chamber is formed in one side of the housing and the drive motor compartment is formed on an opposing side of the housing with the axle passing through a bore in the housing and being rotatably held with at least one bearing.

3. The metering device of claim 1 wherein the drive motor

compartment is formed by a cylindrical wall.

4. The metering device of claim 3 wherein the housing with the cylindrical wall is formed as a single piece.

5. The metering device of claim 3 wherein the stator has at least one key formed in its outer circumference, wherein the key is received in a keyway formed in the cylindrical wall.

6. The metering device of claim 1 further comprising a cover attaching to the housing to seal the drive motor compartment.