Machine for the pneumatic distribution of preferably granular materials

Abstract

A machine (1) for the pneumatic distribution of preferably granular materials, in particular seeds and fertilizers, includes a containment hopper (2) for the material to be distributed, a metering member (4) which is connected to the hopper (2) in order to introduce the granular material in a pneumatic transport system towards a distribution head (9) and distribution lines (11) which are connected to the distribution head (9) in order to dispense the material which is distributed by the head to a respective dispenser (12).

Description

[0001] MACHINE FOR THE PNEUMATIC DISTRIBUTION OF PREFERABLY GRANULAR MATERIALS

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The invention relates to a machine for the pneumatic distribution of preferably granular materials, intended in particular for distribution in rows , such as seeds and fertilizers and the like. The machine is of the type including the features mentioned in the preamble of claim 1. In the following text, reference will expressly be made to an agricultural sowing machine but it will be understood that the invention is suitable for the distribution of different materials and that the granular formation thereof represents only one preferred example, it being understood that the machine is also suitable for distributing materials of other types, such as powders and the like.

[0004] A number of types of cultivation require that, after the sowing and germination, there are carried out treatments which require that relatively heavy machines enter the field.

[0005] Such machines, which are normally mounted on wheels, produce a localized flattening in the region of the individual path which causes irremediable damage to the plants, which cannot reach normal growth.

[0006] In the case of distributed products which are particularly expensive, it is evident that this flattening results in a useless waste of product particularly during the sowing which negatively influences the agricultural economy. For this reason, it is preferable to leave in the field marks (pathways) without any seed and / or the treatment which it is intended to carry out, which are used during the transit of the machine or the machines used for the subsequent treatments in the field. Conventionally, the machines for the pneumatic distribution of granular materials in rows, which are widely used for sowing an entire field, comprise at least one seed containment hopper, a metering member generally of the volumetric type which introduces a desired and adjustable quantity of seed into an air flow which is generated by a blower, a pipe (in particular, a riser, that is to say, a rising pipe), for pneumatically transporting the seed from the metering member to a distribution head and a plurality of pneumatic distribution lines for the seed from the distribution head to a system for transferring the distributed material to the ground and where applicable for burying it.

[0007] Some of these machines are equipped to exclude the transmission of the material to one or more distribution lines in order to generate unseeded and / or non-treated pathways so that the distributed product is saved in the region of these pathways. The solutions used for this purpose provide for intercepting two or more distribution lines with a return of the flow of product in the riser and where applicable also of air or the discharge of the product which is intercepted into the hopper.

[0008] In the first case, there is an inevitable disturbance of the flow of seed in the rows adjacent to the ones which are intercepted, in particular a distribution of a quantity of seed which is increased in the open distribution lines which receive the recirculation of the seed which is intended for the closed distribution lines. In the second case, however, undesirable limits are placed on the positioning of the distribution head which has to allow the return to the hopper of the nondistributed seed.

[0009] An example of the first case is described in US10779460 and in EP3372065. An example of the second case is described in EP0252348.

[0010] In both cases, there is an undesirable limitation of the machine in any case.

[0011] EP0865718 describes a machine for distributing agricultural products, in which there is provision for one or more of the distribution lines to converge in a funnel type conveyor which is connected at one side to the hopper and at the other side to an apparent chimney, which is not described in the patent text but which is illustrated in the drawings of the patent. The system which is set out in this document affords an important advantage because the return material is brought back to the hopper in the region of the drawing zone of the metering member, in a state protected in this case by a type of roof which serves to prevent the metering member from being flooded as a result of the effect of the pile of granular material above it. However, the system is subject to at least two important disadvantages. If the system is not provided with a discharge for the transport air for the granular material, the air which is supplied at the metering member for transporting the material being returned to the hopper generates a type of air cushion which obstructs the flow which is dispensed, further altering the even distribution of the material in the pipes which are adjacent in the distribution head. In fact, it may be considered that the non-seeded paths are not effectively carried out for each passage of the sowing machine but only when the interdistance coincides with the operating width of the subsequent treatment operations. If, for example, the treatment operations following sowing are carried out with sprayers which typically have a working width which is far greater than the working width of the sowing machine, the production of unseeded pathways is brought about once for every specific number of passages and therefore the sowing machine works in alternating phases with a partialization of the seed which is redirected towards the hopper or with all the distribution lines operational and open. This variation causes an undesirable disturbance of the operation of the sowing machine. Even considering that the apparent chimney which is illustrated in the drawings is used for the discharge of the air for the pneumatic transport of the seed towards the hopper, the situation is not improved. In fact, if the air is discharged through the presumed chimney, it is no longer used for the descent and transport of the seed into the hopper, which could therefore accumulate in the transport pipe, obstructing it (in fact, the apparent diameter of this tube is much greater than the diameter of the remaining distribution pipes which start from the distribution head). Furthermore, it is necessary for the redirecting system for the flow from the distribution pipe to the return pipe into the hopper to be carried out at a specific spacing from the distribution head, which involves a useless raising of the riser and the distribution head above the hopper (having to supply the return pipe by a falling action) and an undesirable additional spatial requirement in an intermediate position of the riser.

[0012] In all cases, the precision of the sowing and / or the practicality of use of the machine is compromised.

[0013] Another example of a machine for pneumatically distributing granular materials is described in EP0799560B1.

[0014] The technical problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a machine for pneumatically distributing preferably granular materials which is structurally and functionally configured to overcome at least some of the disadvantages which can be attributed to the machines constructed according to the prior art.

[0015] In this technical context, a primary object of the invention is to provide a machine of the type indicated, wherein the sowing precision is not influenced in any way or is influenced only minimally by the partialization of the distribution lines.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to prevent the partialization of the distribution lines from involving an increase of the sowing density in the adjacent distribution lines.

[0017] Furthermore, an important object of the invention is to provide a machine as set out which is structurally simple and has a high level of reliability.

[0018] According to a feature of the invention, a machine for the pneumatic distribution, particularly in rows, of preferably granular and / or powdered materials, in particular seeds and fertilizers, includes a containment hopper for the material to be distributed, a metering member which is connected to the hopper in order to introduce the granular material in a pneumatic transport system towards a distribution head and distribution lines which are connected to the distribution head in order to dispense the material which is distributed by the head to a respective dispenser. Preferably, there are provided on at least one of the distribution lines deflector means for redirecting the granular material which is dispensed from the respective distribution line in a return pipe towards the hopper. According to an embodiment of the invention, the return pipe has an outlet in the hopper near the metering member, particularly where the granular material is extracted from the hopper through the metering member. Preferably, the pneumatic transport system comprises a blower. More particularly, the blower is configured to produce an air flow for pneumatically transporting the granular material. According to a preferred feature of the invention, the return pipe is supplied by the air produced by the blower. More particularly, the return pipe is pressurized by the blower. It is thereby ensured that the granular product which is returned to the hopper is pneumatically transported as far as the outlet into the hopper, that is to say, with forced conveying which is suitable for avoiding undesirable obstructions of the return pipe.

[0019] In one embodiment, the invention comprises in the hopper, near the outlet of the return pipe, a discharge pipe for the transport air in order to at least partially discharge the transport air which is emitted by the return pipe. In this manner, the air flow used for the return to the hopper of the non-distributed granular material is prevented from being able to disturb in any case the regular distribution in the field of the material dispensed on the ground.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the machine for pneumatically distributing materials is an agricultural sowing machine.

[0021] By providing a cover above the metering member and providing for the outlet of the return pipe to be carried out below this cover, the disturbance of the pneumatic system of the machine is further minimized.

[0022] This is even more the case if the discharge pipe is also open below this cover. Preferably, the above-mentioned cover is formed with a sloping roof. This prevents the accumulation of material in the hopper above the cover. It is preferable for the cover to be formed with a double sloping roof. The double sloping roof may comprise two slopes, that is to say, two inclined planes, which converge in the region of a ridge line.

[0023] It is further preferable for the slope under which the outlet of the return pipe is open to be opposite the slope under which the inlet of the discharge pipe is open.

[0024] In this manner, the air flow used for returning the non-distributed granular material to the hopper can flow directly into the discharge pipe without being obstructed by the accumulation of granular material on the bottom of the hopper. Preferably, two or more return pipes, which are preferably separate and independent, are provided. In some embodiments, the outlet of the return pipes is carried out under the cover at the slope opposite the slope under which the inlet of the discharge pipe is open.

[0025] In some embodiments, the hopper has a smaller base which defines an outlet opening for the granular material. The metering member is preferably applied to the outlet opening.

[0026] It is preferable for the cover to be mounted on the smaller base of the hopper above the outlet opening. This feature allows a further limitation of the accumulation of material at the outlet opening, preventing the compaction thereof.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the cover is mounted on the smaller base of the hopper by means of a support structure which extends longitudinally from a peripheral edge of the cover to a peripheral edge of the outlet opening there below.

[0028] In some embodiments, the cover and the support structure are made from a single member, for example, a single metal sheet which is suitably shaped.

[0029] In some embodiments, the support structure is connected to the smaller base of the hopper by means of a bolted connection.

[0030] In some embodiments, the hopper has a frusto-parallelepipedal formation and / or the smaller base of the hopper has a rectangular or square outline.

[0031] Preferably, the projection of the cover onto the smaller base of the hopper is inside or substantially coincides with the outline of the smaller base of the hopper. This formation allows the flow of the seeds to be improved in the free space present between the cover and the walls of the hopper.

[0032] Preferably, each return pipe includes a wall feed-through member, by means of which it extends through the wall of the hopper in order to open inside the hopper near the outlet opening which supplies the metering member.

[0033] In one embodiment, there is provision for the deflector means which are configured to redirect the dispensed material to be placed immediately behind the distribution head, more particularly immediately downstream of the distribution head. This promotes the compactness of the machine and minimizes the dimensions thereof.

[0034] Furthermore, there is advantageously provision for the deflector means to be such as to close the pneumatic communication between the distribution line which is intercepted and the return pipe in the hopper, and vice versa, in accordance with the intercepted pipe.

[0035] The features and advantages of the invention will be better appreciated from the following detailed description of a preferred through non-limiting embodiment thereof which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0036] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a machine according to an embodiment of the invention in which a wall has been removed to show otherwise concealed components;

[0037] - Figure 2 is a rear view of the machine in Figure 1;

[0038] - Figure 3 is a side view of the machine in Figure 1;

[0039] - Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the detail designated A in Figure 3;

[0040] - Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a detail of the machine of the preceding

[0041] Figures.

[0042] In the Figures, there is generally designated 1 a machine for the pneumatic distribution of preferably granular and / or powdered materials. The machine illustrated is particularly suitable for sowing entire fields with cereals, peas, rapeseed and other seeds which require distribution in relatively dense parallel rows.

[0043] The machine 1 preferably comprises a carrier structure 10 on which the following components are mounted.

[0044] At least one hopper 2 which, in the embodiment set out, has a frusto- parallelepipedal formation having a smaller base which, still in the embodiment set out, has a square outline and defines an outlet opening 3 for the granular material. There is applied to the opening 3 a metering member 4, preferably of the volumetric type, for example, a star-like or vaned valve. The connection between the opening 3 and the metering member 4 can preferably be intercepted, for example, by means of a gate.

[0045] Preferably, there is provided a blower 6 which is mounted, for example, on the carrier structure 10 with an intake 7 which is joined to the metering member 4 so as to generate an air flow which receives from the metering member a preferably adjusted and / or adjustable quantity of granular material. In a manner known per se, the material is thereby introduced into an air flow which is generated by the blower which brings about the pneumatic transport thereof, in particular via a main pipe (riser) 8, towards a distribution head 9.

[0046] Preferably, there extend from the head 9 tubular distribution lines 11 which each lead to a dispenser 12, for example, a seed coulter in the case of a sowing machine. In some embodiments, the distribution lines 11 are inserted in corresponding holes of the head 9 by means of respective collectors 13. One or more (preferably two) of the collectors 13 are preferably provided with deflector means 14 in order to redirect the granular material which is dispensed from the respective distribution line into a return pipe 15 which is directed towards the hopper 2.

[0047] The deflector means preferably have electromechanical control with a movable vane 21, the movement of which between two operating positions alternately produces the closure of the respective distribution line 11 and the opening 22 of the return pipe, and vice versa, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5.

[0048] Preferably, the two distribution lines 11 which are provided with deflector means 14 have respective independent return pipes 15. There is provision for a number, which may also be greater, of distribution lines to be equipped with respective deflector means. There is further provision for the return pipes 15, instead of being independent, to be able to be merged in groups.

[0049] In some embodiments, each return pipe 15 includes a wall feed-through member 16, by means of which it extends through the wall of the hopper 2 in order to open inside it near the outlet opening 3 which supplies the metering member 4.

[0050] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, each return pipe 15 has an independent opening in the hopper below a cover 17 which is positioned above the outlet opening 3. The cover 17 serves to limit the accumulation of material at the outlet opening, preventing the compaction thereof, and is formed as a roof, preferably with a double slope 18. In this manner, the accumulation of granular material to be distributed above the cover is avoided, the material being caused to fall by gravitational force towards the smaller base of the hopper. The return pipe between the deflector means 14 and the opening into the hopper being interrupted, this results in it being, when the flow of seed is redirected by the deflector means 14 in order to be returned to the hopper, being pressurized by the air flow which is generated by the blower 6. There is thereby obtained the situation that the flow of seeds which are re-directed to the hopper 2 is assisted by the pneumatic transport similarly to the flow which is intended for the dispensing on the ground. This contributes to causing the intervention of the deflector means in order to redirect the transport of the seeds from the respective distribution line to the return pipe 15 not to alter the (extremely delicate) equilibrium of the air flow and seeds through the remaining distribution lines. This absence of disturbance is advantageously improved additionally by providing, near the outlet of the return pipes of the seed into the hopper, a discharge pipe 19 for the transport air for at least partially discharging the transport air which is emitted by the return pipe outside the hopper 2. Preferably, both the outlet of the return pipes for the seed and the inlet of the discharge pipe 19 are open via the cover 17 by constructing tubular couplings 20 which extend through the cover.

[0051] Preferably, the outlet of the return pipes 15 and the inlet of the discharge pipe 19 are open via opposite slopes 18.

Claims

Claims1. A machine (1) for the pneumatic distribution of preferably granular materials, in particular seeds and fertilizers, including a containment hopper (2) for the material to be distributed, a metering member (4) which is connected to the hopper (2) in order to introduce the granular material in a pneumatic transport system towards a distribution head (9) and distribution lines (11) which are connected to the distribution head (9) in order to dispense the material which is distributed by the head to a respective dispenser (12), there being provided on at least one of the distribution lines deflector means (14) for redirecting the granular material which is dispensed from the respective distribution line (11) in a return pipe (15) towards the hopper (2), the return pipe (15) having an outlet in the hopper near the metering member (4), where the granular material is extracted from the hopper through the metering member, the pneumatic transport system including a blower (6), the return pipe (15) being supplied by the air produced by the blower (6), the machine (1) comprising in the hopper, near the outlet of the return pipe (15), a discharge pipe (19) for the transport air in order to at least partially discharge the transport air which is emitted by the return pipe, wherein a cover (17) is provided above the metering unit (4) and there is provision for the outlet of the return pipe (15) to be carried out below this cover, and wherein the discharge pipe (19) is also open below this cover.

2. A machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cover (17) is formed with a sloping roof.

3. A machine (1) according to claim 2, wherein the cover (17) is formed with a double sloping roof (18).

4. A machine (1) according to claim 3, wherein the outlet of the return pipe (15) is carried out below this cover (17) at the slope (18) opposite the slope under which the inlet of the discharge pipe (19) is open.

5. A machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least two or more separate return pipes (15) are provided.

6. A machine (1) according to the preceding claims, wherein the outlet of the at least two or more return pipes (15) is carried out under the cover (17) at the slope (18) opposite the slope under which the inlet of the discharge pipe (19) is open.

7. A machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the hopper (2) has a smaller base which defines an outlet opening (3) for the granular material, the metering member (4) being applied to the outlet opening (3).

8. A machine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cover (17) is mounted on the smaller base of the hopper above the outlet opening (3).

9. A machine (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the hopper (2) has a frusto- parallelepipedal formation and the smaller base has a rectangular or square outline, the projection of the cover (17) onto the smaller base of the hopper is inside or substantially coincides with the outline of the smaller base of the hopper.

10. A machine (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the cover (17) is mounted on the smaller base of the hopper (2) by means of a support structure which extends longitudinally from a peripheral edge of the cover (17) to a peripheral edge of the outlet opening (3) therebelow.

11. A machine (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein each returnpipe (15) includes a wall feed-through member (16), by means of which it extends through a wall of the hopper (2) in order to open inside the hopper near the outlet opening (3) which supplies the metering member (4).

12. A machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the deflector means (14) are such that, when the distribution line (11) is closed, it results in the opening of the respective return pipe (15), and vice versa.

13. A machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the deflector means (14) which are configured to redirect the material which is dispensed are positioned immediately behind the distribution head (9).

14. A machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the deflector means (14) are configured to close the pneumatic communication between the distribution line (11) which is intercepted and the return pipe (15) in the hopper, and vice versa, in accordance with the intercepted pipe.

15. A machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the return pipe (15) is pressurized by the blower (6).

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