Row unit for a seed drill with pneumatic conveying system

Abstract

Row unit (14) for a seed drill, the row unit (14) consisting of: a seed reservoir (28); a seed metering device including a metering unit (24) configured to rotate about an axis (A), wherein the metering unit (24) has a seed side (38) facing the seed reservoir (28), a non-seed side (40) opposite the seed side (38), and a plurality of passages (26) extending from the seed side (38) to the non-seed side (40), wherein the axis (A) is perpendicular to a surface of the seed side (38), the seed metering device operating by differential pressure between the non-seed side (40) and the seed side (38) to retain seeds on the seed side (38) and to remove them from the seed reservoir (28); a pressurized compressed air source; an air outlet fluidly coupled to the overpressure compressed air source, which is arranged on the seed side (38) to discharge an airflow in the direction of a passage (26) from the plurality of passages (26), wherein the discharged airflow has a directional component parallel to the axis (A), and a seed tube (68) which is configured to guide the seeds from the metering device (24) to a seed outlet, wherein the air outlet is configured to release the seeds from the metering device (24) into the seed tube (68).

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a row unit for a seed drill, such as a planting machine for row crops in agricultural applications. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a row unit that has a seed metering device and a seed dispensing mechanism.

[0002] DE 10 2015 101 256 A1 shows a metering system of a series unit, wherein two metering devices and a common grain discharge area are provided.

[0003] In WO 2010 / 051 991 A1 a seed disc for a seed drill is shown, with two separate cleaning phases provided for cleaning the seed disc.

[0004] Reference is also made to WO 2011 / 056 138 A1, DE 81 08 744 U1 and DE 10 2015 101 255 A1. SUMMARY

[0005] The invention is defined by claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] Further aspects of the revelation become apparent when considering the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seed drill. Fig. 2 is a top view of the seed drill according to Fig. 1, coupled with a towing vehicle. Fig. Figure 3 is a side view of part of a seed metering device assembly and a seed tube for the seed drill according to Fig. 1. Fig. 3A is a front view of part of the seed metering device assembly according to Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 3B is an alternative side view of part of a seed metering device assembly and a seed tube for the seed drill according to Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a side view of a seed displacer for the seed drill according to Fig. 1. Fig. 4A is an alternative schematic diagram of a side view of a seed displacer for the seed drill according to Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a front view of the seed displacer according to Fig. 4A. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a front view of an alternative implementation of the seed displacer according to Fig. 4-5. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a front view of another alternative implementation of the seed displacer according to Fig. 4-5. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a front view of another alternative implementation of the seed displacer according to Fig. 4-5. Fig. Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of a side view of part of the seed displacer according to Fig. 8. Fig. Figure 9 is a side view of part of the seed metering device assembly and a seed dispensing mechanism with an alternative seed injection mechanism. Fig. Figures 9A-10 are side views of part of the seed metering device assembly and the seed dispensing mechanism with a further alternative seed injection mechanism that is not part of the invention. Fig. Figure 11 is a side view of the seed injection mechanism according to Fig. 9A with a double seed metering device assembly, which is not part of the invention. Fig. Figure 12 is a front view of the seed injection mechanism according to Fig. 11, which is not part of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Before embodiments of the disclosure are explained in more detail, it should be noted that the application of the disclosure is not limited to the design details and the arrangement of components shown in the following description or in the accompanying drawings. The disclosure may support other embodiments and can be implemented or carried out in various ways.

[0008] Fig. 1-2 represent a seed drill 10, such as a planting machine for row crops, which is pulled by a vehicle 100, such as a tractor ( Fig. 2) is pulled. The seed drill 10 has a frame 12 to which a plurality of individual row units 14 are mounted. Seed sources, such as the containers 13a-13c, contain seed, which can be dispensed, for example, pneumatically to a mini-hopper (not shown) on each row unit 14. The containers 13a-13c can be connected via lines 20, such as hoses, to the mini-hoppers and a pressurized dispensing device (not shown). Each container 13a-13c can be used to hold the same seed variety or different seed varieties. For example, the first container 13a can contain a first seed variety, a second container 13b can contain a second seed variety, and a third container 13c can contain a third seed variety. The varieties are usually of the same plant species (such as maize, soybeans, etc.).), where each variety has different characteristics that allow for the planting of a more optimal variety at a given location in the field. These characteristics can include the seed's tolerance to diseases, drought, moisture, pests, and other seed properties. Thus, each row unit 14 can be coupled to different lines 20, so that each row unit 14 is coupled to each container 13a-13c to receive the first, second, and third seed varieties. In other implementations, the containers 13a-13c can contain the same seed variety.

[0009] Each row unit 14 has a frame on which the components of the row unit 14 are mounted. The frame 18 can, for example, carry furrow opening discs 19 for forming a furrow 15 with an open furrow in the soil under the seed drill 10, into which the seed is placed, and closing wheels 21 for closing the furrow over the seed placed in the furrow 15. The frame 18 can also carry a pressure wheel 84 ( Fig. 3) carrying which presses the seed onto the bottom of furrow 15, or a compaction wheel (not shown) to compact the soil over the deposited seed after the furrow has been closed.

[0010] As in Fig. Figure 3 shows a seed metering device assembly 16, consisting of one or more seed metering units 24, coupled to each row unit frame 18. The seed metering device assembly 16 is coupled to one or more of the containers 13a-13c via the lines 20. The seed metering device assembly 16 can have one, two, three, or more metering units 24 coupled to each row unit frame 18. Fig. Figures 3, 3B, 4, 5, 6, and 9-10 represent a single dosing unit 24, but two or more dosing units 24 can be used in any of these implementations, as shown in the examples in Fig. Figures 7, 8 and 11-12 show two metering devices 24, 24'. Each metering device 24 takes seed from a seed reservoir 28, which contains a seed supply ( Fig. 4), and dispenses measured seed incrementally, releasing one seed at a time (e.g., separating and counting the seeds). One or more of the metering devices 24 use a differential pressure (e.g., a vacuum), as described in more detail below, to hold seed against the metering device 24, which may be in the shape of a disc, a tray, or more generally, a plate with openings 26 passing through it. The openings 26 are generally arranged circumferentially around a measuring axis A, essentially in a circle, close to the outer edge of the metering device 24. The metering device 24 may be driven by a motor 30, such as an electric motor, or by any other suitable drive mechanism, such as a transversely arranged hexagonal shaft driven by a ground wheel, or an electric or hydraulic motor, and via chains or drive shafts, etc.be coupled with the individual dosing devices.

[0011] With reference to Fig. 4-7 The seed container 28, containing the seed supply, is located on a seed side 38 of each metering device 24 in a lower part thereof and is connected to one or more of the containers 13a-13c to receive seed from them via lines 20. Thus, the seed side 38 faces the seed reservoir 28. A differential pressure is applied to the metering device 24, from the seed side 38 of the metering device 24 to a non-seed side 40 of the metering device 24, through the openings 26. In the examples shown, a negative pressure or vacuum on the non-seed side 40 provides a suction force that holds a seed S on the seed side of the metering device 24 against the openings 26. The differential pressure is in the Fig. The vacuum zone 42 shown in Figure 4 is applied over a portion of the metering device 24 and over some, but not all, of the passages 26. The vacuum zone 42 is formed by a vacuum chamber defined by the housing or cover of the metering device and a seal that engages on the non-seed side of the metering device 24. In the illustrated implementations, the differential pressure attracts seeds to be held on the seed side 38 of the metering device 24. To release a single seed at a time (e.g., for counting or separating the seeds), the vacuum is cut off at a desired release point in a region referred to herein as the vacuum cut-off 44. The vacuum cut-off 44 is a region located directly adjacent to the vacuum chamber in a rotational direction with respect to the measuring axis X, and the vacuum cut-off 44 is not subject to the influence of the differential pressure.Mechanical and / or pneumatic assistance (described in more detail below) is used to push, pull, or press the seed away from the metering device 24, which obstructs the passage 26 to disturb the differential pressure, or otherwise to release the seed. The mechanical and / or pneumatic assistance described below can be arranged at the vacuum cut-off 44 or used without a vacuum cut-off, while the seed is held at the metering device 24 by the differential pressure. In other implementations, other types of metering devices 24 can be used to count / separate the seed. In further implementations, instead of applying a vacuum to the non-seed side of the metering device 24, an overpressure can be applied to the seed side to hold the seeds S at the metering device 24. It should be noted that "over" and "under" are relative terms.The terms "overpressure" and "underpressure" are to be understood as descriptions of the relative pressure within a pressure differential. For example, overpressure is pressure that is higher than its surroundings (e.g., higher than atmospheric pressure or another pressure in the seed drill 10), and underpressure is pressure that is lower than its surroundings (e.g., lower than atmospheric pressure or another pressure in the seed drill 10).

[0012] A seed displacer 36 is arranged next to the measuring disc(s) 24 for removing seeds from the metering device and moving the seeds to or towards the furrow 15, as described below. In general, the seed displacer 36 facilitates the release of counted seeds from one (or both) metering devices 24 and moves the counted seeds to or towards the furrow 15. The seed displacers described herein are pneumatic seed displacers that use air to move counted seeds away from the metering device 24 by either pushing or pulling, and they can be used in combination with mechanical assistance, as described in more detail below.

[0013] In relation to Fig. 4-5 supplies an air pressure source, such as a blower 46 or a pump, with pressurized air to a main line 48 with an air funnel 50 (e.g., a constriction, an outlet opening, etc.) located next to the vacuum shut-off 44 of the metering device 24. More precisely, the air funnel 50 is located next to the metering device 24 in the longitudinal direction (parallel to axis A) on the seed side 38 of the metering device next to the vacuum shut-off 44. An inlet 52 (such as an opening) can be provided in the line 48 at the constriction to provide suction on the seed side 38 of the metering device 24. The air funnel 50 thus provides a pressure drop, referred to herein as air funnel zone 54, on the seed side 38 in order to draw the seed away from the metering device 24 and into the line 48, and it is arranged so that it does this at a location immediately next to the end of the vacuum zone 42 (in the vacuum cut-off 44).The air funnel 50 is positioned such that it attracts a seed during or shortly after the vacuum holding the seed to the metering device 24 is switched off. In other implementations, the air funnel 50 can be positioned in or next to the vacuum zone 42 to draw a seed away from the metering device 24 even while the vacuum is still being applied to hold the seed.

[0014] On the seed side 38 of the metering device 24, a wing 56 ( Fig. 5) for mechanically moving or guiding the counted seed into the line 48 and towards the seed dispensing mechanism 32. The wing 56 may include a rib, a flap, a projection, or a protruding portion that projects from, is formed with, or is separate from the line 48. The wing 56 is stationary with respect to the row unit frame 14, while the metering device 24 rotates with respect to the row unit frame 14 and the wing 56. The wing 56 may be coupled to or separate from the line 48. The far end of the wing 56 may be in contact with the metering device 24 or positioned close to it, such that at least the counted seed S is in contact, but a distance to the metering device 24 is maintained. The far end of the wing 56 can be blunt, sharp, rounded, pointed, like a knife blade, or in any other suitable design.The wing 56 can be flexible and supported on the metering device 24. The wing 56 is arranged in the air funnel zone 54 to mechanically guide the measured seed into the line 48; it thus works together with the air funnel 50 to draw the measured seed into the line 48. The air funnel 50 can be used with or without the wing 56. Likewise, the wing 56 can be used without the air funnel 50.

[0015] In addition to the negative pressure of the air funnel 50, which draws seeds into the line 48, the seed displacer 36 can also use positive pressure to remove seeds from the metering device ( Fig. 5) contribute). A pressure relief line 60, such as a pipe or hose, can be connected to the blower outlet 46 and / or can discharge excess pressure from the main line 48 in a common pressure source relationship. In other implementations, the pressure relief line 60 can be connected to a separate pressure source. The line 60 terminates in a nozzle 58 located next to the non-seed side of the metering device 24 along the path of the passages 26 at or immediately after the vacuum cut-off 44. The nozzle 58 can be fixed relative to the frame 12. The pressure from the nozzle 58 passes through the passages 26 to the seed side 38 of the metering device 24 and can push, force, or blow the metered seed from the metering device 24 and into the main line 48. The pressure can be applied continuously or in pulsating bursts.Pulsating air bursts can be timed to coincide with the passage of each opening 26 into the vacuum cut-off 44 and directed into the overpressure line 60 by controlling a valve (not shown). The nozzle 56 can be used with or without the air funnel 50 and with or without the vane 56. The air funnel 50 can be used independently, alone with the vane 56, alone with the overpressure nozzle 58, or with the vane 56 and the nozzle 58.

[0016] As an alternative to the fixed nozzle 58, the seed displacer 36 can include a rotating discharge wheel 74, as shown in Fig. Figure 8 shows the discharge wheel 74. It comprises a hub 76 rotatably mounted about an axis B and a plurality of projections 78, which generally project radially with respect to the axis B. The discharge wheel 74 is arranged on the non-seed side 40 of the metering device 24 such that each projection 78 extends at least partially into or completely through one of the openings 26 of the metering device 24 as the discharge wheel 74 rotates. The hub is thus set into rotation by the engagement of the projections 78 with the metering device 24. A flow path 80 can be defined by a channel of the discharge wheel 74 between an inlet and an outlet (outlets).The inlet can be arranged in the hub, so that the flow path 80 generally leads radially into the discharge wheel 74, and the outlets can be arranged at the far ends of each of the projections 78, so that the flow path 80 then generally leads radially out of the discharge wheel 74. Thus, the projections 78 are shaped as air nozzles. An air source, such as the blower 46 or another independent air source, such as another blower, compressed air, etc., supplies pressurized air to the discharge wheel 74. The discharge wheel 74 can be coupled to the line 60 to receive pressurized air from the air source. The discharge wheel 74 can be configured for continuous discharge of air, or only when a projection 78 is inserted into, or near the insertion of, a passage 26 of the metering device 24.For example, all projections 78 can continuously expel air, or the ejection wheel 74 can include a seal (not shown) or a suitable structure that closes the projections 78 that are not at or near the passage 26, and only allows the one projection 78 that is at or near the passage 26 to expel air. The projections 78 provide a focused airflow that is directed through the passage 26 toward the counted seed S. The projection 78 mechanically and pneumatically forces the seed S away from the metering device 24 and toward the furrow 15.

[0017] As a further alternative to the fixed nozzle 58, the overpressure line 60 can lead to an overpressure chamber (not shown) on the non-seed side 40.

[0018] The seed displacer 36 can also include an air knife 64, as shown schematically in Fig. Figure 6 shows that the air knife 64 can include a nozzle 66, an outlet, or other concentrated means configured to provide a focused stream of high-velocity compressed air directed toward the seed side 38 of the metering device 24 in the vacuum cut-off 44. More precisely, the nozzle 66 is directed toward the vacuum cut-off 44 immediately adjacent to the vacuum zone 42 in the circumferential direction, toward a region of the metering device 24 that is not under the influence of the differential pressure that holds the seeds S to the metering device 24. “Immediately adjacent” can encompass an area of ​​5 degrees of angle (around the measuring axis A) at one end of the vacuum zone 42, an area of ​​10 degrees of angle (around the measuring axis A) at one end of the vacuum zone 42, an area of ​​15 degrees of angle (around the measuring axis A) at one end of the vacuum zone 42, an area of ​​20 degrees of angle (around the measuring axis A) at one end of the vacuum zone 42, etc.Specifically, the air meter 64 is directed to discharge an airflow 98 at, near, above, or below a counted seed in the vacuum shut-off 44. The nozzle 66 can deliver a thin but relatively wide airflow, or a narrow airflow. The air meter 64 can be used with or without the vane 56, with or without the overpressure nozzle 58, and with or without the air funnel 50. The air meter 64 can, for example, be positioned next to the main line 48 and directed towards the seed side 38 of the metering device 24 in the vacuum shut-off 44, just above the vane 56. As in . Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the air cutter 64 is configured to deliver the airflow 98 in the direction of the seed side 38, i.e., not parallel to the seed side 38. The direction of the airflow 98 can be divided into vector components or directional components, X and Y (and Z, not shown). Note that the direction of the airflow 98 may not include a component in the Z direction. The directional component X is parallel to the measuring axis A and normal to the surface of the seed side 38. The directional component Y is normal to the measuring axis A and parallel to the surface of the seed side 38. The directional component Z (not shown) is normal to the measuring axis A, parallel to the surface of the seed side 38, and normal to the directional component Y. Preferably, the nozzle 66 is oriented to deliver the airflow 98 in one direction including a component parallel to the measuring axis A (e.g., having a component in the X direction).In other implementations, the air knife 64 can be directed straight at the seed S parallel to the surface of the metering device on the seed side 38 (e.g., it has only one component in the Y direction). In other implementations, the air knife 64 can, however, be directed towards the non-seed side 40 in order to blow onto the seed S from behind through the opening 26.

[0019] Fig. Figure 7 shows an example of the seed displacer 36 used with two metering units 26, 26'. Parts of the seed displacer 36 and the metering unit 24 can be mirrored and are marked here with a ' after the same reference number used previously. For example, the metering units 26, 26' can be arranged such that the seed sides 38, 38' are opposite each other, with the seed reservoir 28 located between the metering units 26, 26'. In other implementations, separate seed reservoirs 28 (not shown) can be provided for each metering unit 24, 24', so that each metering unit 24, 24' draws seed from different seed stores. In this way, different types of seed can be dispensed into a single furrow 15.The seed displacer 36 can have a second inlet 52' in the main line 48 and a second vane 56', both arranged next to the seed side 38' of the second metering device 24', similar to the description above regarding the first vane 56 and the first inlet 52. The seed displacer 36 can also include a second overpressure nozzle 58'. The seed displacer 36 can also include two air knives 64, 64', the second air knife 64' being arranged similarly to the one described above, but facing the second metering device 24'. The seed displacer 36 can also include two vanes 56, 56', arranged similarly to the one described above, but facing the second metering device 24'. Each combination of air funnel 50, the vanes 56, 56', the overpressure nozzles 58, 58' and the air knives 64, 64' can be used with the two metering devices 26, 26'.

[0020] In the implementations shown, the blower 46 provides the vacuum in the vacuum zone 42 on an inlet side of the blower 46. The blower 46 also provides the overpressure on the outlet side of the blower 46 for the overpressure nozzles 58, 58' and / or for the main line 48 with the air funnel 50 and / or the air knife 64, 64'. In other implementations, the blower 46 may be separate from a blower that generates the vacuum for the vacuum zone 42. The overpressure nozzle(s) 58, 58', the main line 48, and the air knife(s) 64, 64' may each have their own dedicated blower or share one or more blowers in any combination to direct the overpressure to them, with one or more of the blowers also generating the vacuum for the vacuum zone 42.

[0021] In relation to Fig. 9-12 A seed dispensing mechanism 32 can be coupled to each row unit frame 18. The seed dispensing mechanism 32 receives counted seeds S from each metering device 24 and delivers the seed to the furrow 15. The seed dispensing mechanism 32 can include a line extending from a pneumatic hose for guiding the seed from one or more metering devices 24 to the furrow 15 by means of pressurized air ( Fig. 3-3B), as discussed in more detail below. In other implementations, a conduit 22, or a conveyor belt, can form a channel for a belt 34 (e.g., as in Fig. (9-12 shown), which receives the measured seed from each metering device 24, conveys the measured seed to the ground, and delivers the measured seed into the furrow 15. The belt 34 can be driven by a motor (not shown), such as an electric motor, or by any other hydraulic or pneumatic drive, as well as various types of mechanical drives. The belt 34 can be in the form of a brush belt (e.g., Fig. 10) with bristles for capturing, holding, and releasing the measured seed, controlling the seed movement between the seed metering device and the furrow 15. In other implementations, the seed dispensing mechanism 32 may include other types of belts, such as a foam rubber belt, a conveyor belt, a feathered belt (e.g., Fig. 9, Fig. 11 and Fig. 12), a perforated belt, a belt with elastic fingers, etc. In still other implementations, the seed dispensing mechanism 32 may include other types of mechanisms suitable for receiving seed from each metering device 24 and for conveying the seed into the furrow 15.

[0022] Once again, with regard to Fig. Alternatively, the seed can be delivered to the furrow 15 via a pneumatic seed tube 68. The seed tube 68 can be a line with an inlet 72 and a vent outlet 70. The inlet 72 receives air to direct the seed from one or more metering devices 24 with pressurized air through the vent outlet 70 to the furrow 15. The air pressure can be provided by overpressure on the seed side 38 of the metering device 24 in an overpressure gauge. This could include a nozzle 86 on the non-seed side 40 to blow seeds from the openings 26 into the seed tube 68, as shown in Fig. Figure 3A shows that, as an alternative to the nozzle 86 on the non-seed side 40, an air knife 64 and / or vane 56 (like the one described above) can be used to guide seed from the metering device 26 into the seed tube 68. Regarding Fig. 3B The blower 46 can generate the overpressure for the seed tube 68. For example, the main line 48 can merge with the seed tube 68 and extend to the furrow 15. The vent of the main line 48 supplies the air to deliver the seed to the seed tube 68. The main line 48 and the seed tube 68 can be formed as one part or as separate, coupled parts. The air funnel 50 and / or other features of the seed displacer 36 described above (e.g., with respect to Fig. 4-5) may be included in this implementation. Alternatively, neither an air hopper nor other features of the seed displacer 36 need be included in this implementation. This implementation can be used with either an overpressure gauge or a vacuum gauge, since the overpressure required for delivering the seed to the furrow 15 is generated by the blower 46. In other implementations, a different air source, or a substitute, may provide the air pressure in the seed tube 68. An air brake (not shown) may be located near the vent outlet 70 ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 3B) are provided in the seed tube 68, where the seed is released into the furrow 15 to reduce the velocity of the airflow at the vent outlet 70.

[0023] As schematically in Fig. As shown in Figure 4A, in other implementations the main line 48 can blow the metered seed under pressure into a belt-driven seed dispensing mechanism 32 (such as the brush belt, the feathered belt, etc., as described above). The excess pressure can be released naturally through openings in the seed dispensing mechanism 32, or a dispensing slot (not shown) can be provided in the seed dispensing mechanism 32 or in the main line 48. In still other implementations, the air pressure source can include other devices, such as a pressure vessel containing pressurized air, a pump, a vent, etc.

[0024] Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 illustrates an alternative seed displacer 88 which has a fixed nozzle 90 that discharges concentrated air from an air source 92 at or near the passages 26 to force the counted seeds S directly into the seed dispensing mechanism 32. Fig. Figure 9 illustrates the seed dispensing mechanism 32 with a feathered belt 94, and Fig. Figure 10 illustrates a seed dispensing mechanism 32 with a brush belt 96. The nozzle 90 is located on the non-seed side 40 and at the radial distance of the orifices 26 with respect to the measuring axis A. The nozzle 90 is directed towards the seed dispensing mechanism 32 to blow the seeds S directly into the feathered belt 94 or into the bristles of the brush belt 96 or any other type of seed dispensing mechanism 32. The nozzle 90 can be arranged normal to the metering device 24 or at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the surface of the metering device (e.g., the non-seed side 40). The seed dispensing mechanism 32 can be arranged to receive the seeds S from a top or a side of the seed dispensing mechanism 32.The air source 92 can include a blower (such as the blower 46), or any other suitable air source, such as a pressure vessel containing compressed air, a pump, a vent of another component, etc.

[0025] Fig. Figures 11-12 illustrate the seed displacer 88 in use with two metering units 24, 24' coupled to a simple row unit frame 12, as described above in relation to Fig. 7 as described. The parts of the seed displacer 88 may be mirrored and are marked herein with a ‘ after the same reference number used above and need not be introduced again. The nozzles 90, 90' are oriented together inwards towards the seed dispensing mechanism 32. The nozzles 90, 90' may be arranged normal to the metering device 24, 24', or at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the metering device 24, 24'. The seed S may be received from the top or the side of the seed dispensing mechanism 32. While the feathered belt 94 in the Fig. As illustrated in 11-12, it should be noted that the brush belt is 96 ( Fig. 10), or any other suitable type of seed dispensing mechanism 32, with two metering devices 24, 24' can be used.

[0026] Fig. 9A illustrates an alternative to Fig.9 with the fixed nozzle 90' ​​arranged on the seed side 38 of the metering device 24. The nozzle 90' ​​is arranged radially on the inside of the passages 26 with respect to the measuring axis A. The nozzle 90 is directed towards the seed dispensing mechanism 32 to blow the seeds S directly into the feathered belt 94 or into the bristles of the brush belt 96 or any other type of seed dispensing mechanism 32. The nozzle 90 can be arranged parallel to the metering device 24 or at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the surface of the metering device (e.g., the seed side 38). The seed dispensing mechanism 32 can be arranged to receive the seeds S from a top or a side of the seed dispensing mechanism 32.

[0027] During operation, the seed displacer 36 pneumatically conveys the counted seeds away from the metering unit 24 and towards or into the seed dispensing mechanism 32. While the metering unit 24 rotates, a vacuum is applied to the vacuum zone 42, which attracts seeds from the seed reservoir 28 to the metering unit 24. Ideally, one seed adheres to each opening 26 of the metering unit 24. The metering unit 24 rotates, carrying the counted seeds to the vacuum cut-off 44, where the vacuum force is released. In the vacuum shutdown 44, the seed displacer 36 forces (e.g., by overpressure and / or a pressure drop) the counted seeds to or into the seed dispensing mechanism 32 or to / into the seed tube 68. The seed displacer 36 can, for example, use the overpressure nozzles 58, 78 on the non-seed side 40 of the metering device 24 through the passages 26 to force the counted seeds away from the metering device 24.The seed displacer 36 can also employ a pressure drop on the seed side 38 of the metering device 24, generated by the air funnel 50, to force counted seeds away from the metering device 24. The seed displacer 36 can also employ a focused overpressure airflow on the seed side 38 to force the counted seeds to detach from the metering device 24. This focused overpressure can be generated by the air knife 64. The seed displacer 36 can also employ the mechanical wing 56 independently, or in conjunction with any combination of the aforementioned pneumatic means, to detach the counted seeds and move them to the seed dispensing mechanism 32 or the seed tube 68. Alternatively, the seed displacer can blow 88 counted seeds directly into the seed dispensing mechanism 32 or the seed tube 68.In implementations where positive pressure holds the seeds at the dosing unit 24, negative pressure can be used to remove the counted seeds from the dosing unit 24. In other words, a change from negative pressure to positive pressure, or from positive pressure to negative pressure, can be used to remove counted seeds from the dosing unit 24.

[0028] Thus, the disclosure provides, among other things, a pneumatic seed displacer for moving seeds from one, two or more metering devices to or towards a furrow in the soil.

Claims

[1] Row unit (14) for a seed drill, the row unit (14) consisting of: a seed reservoir (28); a seed metering device including a metering unit (24) configured to rotate about an axis (A), wherein the metering unit (24) has a seed side (38) facing the seed reservoir (28), a non-seed side (40) opposite the seed side (38), and a plurality of passages (26) extending from the seed side (38) to the non-seed side (40), wherein the axis (A) is perpendicular to a surface of the seed side (38), the seed metering device operating by differential pressure between the non-seed side (40) and the seed side (38) to retain seeds on the seed side (38) and to remove them from the seed reservoir (28); a pressurized compressed air source; an air outlet fluidly coupled to the overpressure compressed air source, which is arranged on the seed side (38) to discharge an airflow in the direction of a passage (26) from the plurality of passages (26), wherein the discharged airflow has a directional component parallel to the axis (A), and a seed tube (68) which is configured to guide the seeds from the metering device (24) to a seed outlet, wherein the air outlet is configured to release the seeds from the metering device (24) into the seed tube (68). [2] Series unit (14) according to claim 1, wherein the air outlet comprises an air knife (64) which has an opening for releasing the airflow, and this opening is extended in a direction transverse to the released airflow. [3] Series unit (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the overpressure compressed air source comprises a blower, and wherein the blower is also configured to generate the differential pressure. [4] Series unit (14) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the seed metering device including a blower has an intake side and an output side, wherein the intake side is configured to generate a pressure below atmospheric pressure on a part of the non-seed side (40), wherein the overpressure compressed air source is the outlet side of the blower. [5] Row unit (14) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the seed metering device comprises a housing which partially forms a chamber which maintains the differential pressure, wherein the seed metering device further comprises an area immediately adjacent to the chamber in a circumferential direction with respect to the axis (A) which is not subject to the influence of the differential pressure, wherein the air outlet is directed in the direction of the area immediately adjacent to the chamber in the circumferential direction. [6] Row unit (14) according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an air brake which is arranged close to the seed outlet to reduce the air velocity. [7] Row unit (14) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the metering device (24) is a first metering device (24), the axis (A) is a first axis, the surface is a first surface, and the seed side (38) is the first seed side, wherein the seed metering device comprises a second metering device (24) rotatable about a second axis and has a second seed side (38'), the second axis generally being perpendicular to a second surface of the second seed side (38'), wherein the air outlet is a first air outlet, the row unit further comprising a second air outlet fluidly coupled to the overpressure compressed air source, the second air outlet being arranged on the second seed side (38') and being designed to release a further airflow in the direction of the second surface, wherein the other releaseable airflow has a directional component parallel to the second axis. [8] Series unit (14) according to claim 7, wherein the first and second air outlets are arranged between the first and second metering device (24, 24'). [9] Row unit (14) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the seed metering device comprises a housing which is a chamber which maintains the differential pressure, wherein the seed metering device further comprises an area immediately adjacent to the chamber in a circumferential direction with respect to the axis (A) which is not subject to the influence of the differential pressure, wherein the air outlet comprises a nozzle which is directed in the direction of the area immediately adjacent to the chamber.

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