Tine seed drill equipped with at least one rotary cutting tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a tine seeder comprising a frame (12), a plurality of tines (18) connected to the frame (12) and configured to cut furrows in which seeds are deposited, at least one rotary cutting tool (34) for each tine (18), pivoting in a plane approximately parallel to the tine (18), and at least one rotary drive system (36) configured to rotate at least the rotary cutting tools (34). In operation, each rotary cutting tool (34) cuts the vegetation and prevents the formation of vegetation clumps at each tine (18). Figure 8

Description

Title of the invention: Seed drill with tines equipped with at least one rotating cutting tool

[0001] The present application relates to a tine seeder equipped with at least one rotary cutting tool.

[0002] According to one embodiment, a tine seeder comprises a frame, a hitch for connecting the frame to a motorized vehicle, a hopper for storing the seeds to be planted, a plurality of tines connected to the frame, and tubes, one for each tine, configured to convey the seeds from the storage hopper to the furrows made by the tines and positioned behind them. This type of seeder allows the seeds to be planted regardless of the soil conditions.

[0003] During operation, clumps of vegetation form in front of each tine. When these clumps become too large, they detach from the tines and pass between them. To allow these clumps to pass, the tines are spaced approximately 80 cm apart. To reduce the spacing between the furrows, the seed drill has several rows of tines with staggered spacing between them. This design results in relatively bulky seed drills, particularly in length (depending on the direction of travel). Furthermore, even though the tines are spaced apart to allow the passage of vegetation clumps, this type of seed drill cannot be used for sowing certain cover crops containing sticky plants, which tend to adhere to the tines.

[0004] According to another embodiment, a disc seeder comprises, instead of tines, a pair of closely spaced discs and a cutting disc positioned at the front, the various discs having a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. In operation, the discs roll on the soil, and the discs of each pair form a furrow into which the seeds fall regularly. Due to their shape, the cutting discs cut the vegetation and prevent the formation of clumps. Consequently, the pairs of discs can be placed closer together, which reduces the spacing between two furrows. Thus, the pairs of discs are arranged in a row, or even in two rows to increase the sowing density. This solution makes it possible to obtain a compact seeder, particularly in length.

[0005] However, this type of seed drill is not always efficient. When the soil is too loose and / or wet, the cutting discs fail to cut the vegetation and tend to push it to the bottom of the furrow. In this case, the seeds deposited in the furrow are not in contact with the soil but are placed on the vegetation, which does not promote germination.

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a tine seed drill characterized in that it includes at least one rotary cutting tool for each tooth, pivoting in a plane approximately parallel to the tooth, and at least one rotary drive system configured to rotate at least the rotary cutting tools.

[0008] In operation, each rotating cutting tool cuts the vegetation and prevents the formation of vegetation piles at the location of each tooth.

[0009] Unlike the prior art, the tines can be placed closer together and possibly arranged in a single row, resulting in a more compact tine drill, particularly in length. Regardless of soil conditions, the rotary cutting tools slice through the vegetation so effectively that the bottom of each furrow is free of vegetation.

[0010] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0011] [Fig. 1] is a top view of a tine seed drill without a storage tank illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0012] [Fig.2] is a side view of the tine seeder visible on [Fig.1], the tank of storage and distribution conduits are represented by dashed lines,

[0013] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the tine seeder visible in [Fig.1],

[0014] [Fig.4] is a perspective view from a first viewing angle of a tooth and a a rotary cutting tool illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0015] [Fig.5] is a perspective view from a second viewing angle of a tooth and a a rotary cutting tool illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0016] [Fig. 6] is a side view of a tooth and a rotating cutting tool illustrating a mode of the realization of the invention,

[0017] [Fig.7] is a bottom view of a tooth and a rotating cutting tool illustrating a mode of the realization of the invention,

[0018] [Fig.8] is a perspective view from a first viewing angle of a tooth and a a rotary cutting tool illustrating another embodiment of the invention,

[0019] [Fig.9] is viewed from the side according to a second viewing angle of the tooth and the tool cutting visible on [Fig.8].

[0020] According to an embodiment visible in Figures 1 to 3, a tine seed drill 10 comprises a frame 12, a hitch 14 connected to the frame 12 and configured to be connected to a motorized vehicle such as a tractor, for example, a storage tank 16 (visible only in Figures 2, 8 and 9) for seeds to be planted fixed to the frame 12, A plurality of tines 18 connected to the frame 12, as well as tubes 20 (visible in [Fig. 2]), one for each tine 18, are configured to convey the seeds from the storage hopper 16 to the furrows made by the tines 18 behind them. In operation, the tine seeder 10 moves along a longitudinal direction DL.

[0021] For the purposes of this application, a longitudinal plane is a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal direction. A transverse direction is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0022] In one configuration, the chassis 12 comprises two cross members 12.1, 12.2 parallel to each other, parallel to the transverse direction, and positioned in a substantially horizontal plane, as well as longitudinal end walls 12.3, 12.4 positioned in longitudinal planes at the ends of the cross members 12.1, 12.2 and connecting them. In one embodiment, the coupling 14 is a three-point coupling. Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the chassis and the coupling.

[0023] Each tooth 18 comprises two parallel lateral faces 22.1, 22.2, positioned approximately in longitudinal planes. Each tooth 18 has a C-shaped profile extending between the first and second ends 24.1, 24.2, the first end 24.1 being reinforced and configured to penetrate the soil to create a furrow, the second end 24.2 being connected to the frame 12 by a link 26. According to one arrangement, the frame 12 comprises a transverse support 28 connected at each of its ends to the longitudinal end walls 12.3, 12.4.

[0024] By way of example, each tooth 18 is cut from a sheet with a thickness of 12 to 15 mm.

[0025] Each link 26 is configured to allow the tooth 18 to pivot slightly about a transverse pivot axis. For this purpose, the link 26 comprises: a. a sleeve 30 attached to the second end 24.2 of the tooth 18 and positioned around the transverse support 28, said sleeve 30 having a cross-section greater than that of the transverse support 28, and b. at least elastically deformable element 32, interposed between the sleeve 30 and the transverse support 28.

[0026] According to a configuration visible in [Fig. 6], the transverse support 28 has a square cross-section and four edges 28.1 to 28.4. In addition, the sleeve 30 has a square cross-section and four edges 30.1 to 30.4, the transverse support 28 and the sleeve 30 being arranged such that the edges 28.1 to 28.4 of the transverse support 28 are located between the edges 30.1 to 30.4 of the sleeve so as to define four triangular zones between the sleeve 30 and the transverse support 28, at which the elastically deformable elements 32 are positioned. This configuration allows each tooth 18 to pivot slightly around the support transverse 28 to avoid a hard element of the ground, such as a stone for example, then return to working position.

[0027] Of course, the invention is not limited to this configuration for the links 26 connecting the teeth 18 and the frame 12. Thus, each tooth could be connected to the frame by a deformable parallelogram in a vertical plane.

[0028] According to one feature, the tine seeder 10 includes at least one rotating cutting tool 34 for each tine 18, pivoting in a plane approximately parallel to the associated tine 18, and at least one rotation drive system 36 configured to rotate at least the rotating cutting tools 34.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the tine seeder 10 comprises at least one pivot shaft 38, coupled to the rotational drive system 36, connected by a pivot joint to the frame 12, and on which the rotating cutting tools 34 are mounted. In one configuration, the tine seeder 10 comprises a single pivot shaft 38, extending over the entire width of the tine seeder 10, connected at each of its ends to the longitudinal end walls 12.3, 12.4 by means of bearings. Of course, the invention is not limited to this number of pivot shafts 38 or this type of joint for connecting the pivot shaft to the frame 12.

[0030] According to one configuration, the rotation drive system 36 comprises a motor 36.1 and a coupling system 36.2 connecting the motor 36.1 and the pivot shaft 38. By way of example, the motor 36.1 is a hydraulic motor, for example, connected to a hydraulic power source of the motorized vehicle to which the tine seeder 10 is attached. The coupling system 36.2 can be a belt, a chain or gears connecting an output shaft of the motor 36.1 and the pivot shaft 38.

[0031] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the rotation drive system 36. By way of example, the pivot shaft 38 could be connected by transmission systems, such as cardan shafts for example, to a power take-off of the motorized machine to which the tine seeder 10 is attached.

[0032] Regardless of the embodiment, the rotary drive system 36 is configured to rotate each rotary cutting tool 34 at a rotational speed such that the linear speed of each rotary cutting tool 34 at its periphery is greater than the machine's feed speed, thus achieving relative movement between the periphery of the rotary cutting tool 34 and the ground. In one embodiment, the rotational speed is greater than or equal to 300 rpm, preferably between 500 and 1000 rpm.

[0033] The tine seeder 10 comprises, for each rotating cutting tool 34, a coupling system 40 between the rotating cutting tool 34 and the pivot shaft 38 to prevent each rotating cutting tool 34 from rotating relative to the shaft. Pivoting shaft 38. In one configuration, the pivoting shaft 38 is splined, and each rotating cutting tool 34 includes a through hole 34.1 provided with splines that cooperate with the splined pivoting shaft 38. Of course, the invention is not limited to this coupling system 40 between the pivoting shaft 38 and each rotating cutting tool 34.

[0034] According to a first variant, the rotation drive system 36 is configured to rotate the rotating cutting tools 34 in a clockwise direction, as illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0035] According to a second variant, the rotation drive system 36 is configured to rotate the rotating cutting tools 34 in the counterclockwise direction.

[0036] According to one embodiment, each rotary cutting tool 34 comprises two faces 42.1, 42.2 slightly spaced apart from each other and at least one cutting edge configured to cut vegetation when the rotary cutting tool 34 pivots around the pivot shaft 38. The two faces 42.1, 42.2 are positioned in longitudinal planes parallel to the lateral faces 22.1, 22.2 of the teeth 18.

[0037] Each rotary cutting tool 34 has a thickness of less than 10 mm, preferably in the order of 4 to 5 mm.

[0038] According to one configuration, the tine seeder 10 comprises, for each tine 18, a single rotary cutting tool 34 closely spaced from the corresponding tine 18. Closely spaced means that the tine 18 and the associated rotary cutting tool 34 are separated by a distance of 10 mm or less, preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm. This configuration, combined with the rotational speed of the rotary cutting tool, makes it possible to obtain a shearing effect between the tine 18 and the associated rotary cutting tool 34.

[0039] Alternatively, the tine seeder 10 may include two rotating cutting tools 34 on either side of each tine 18.

[0040] The rotary cutting tool 34 is inscribed in a circle having a diameter greater than or equal to 300 mm, preferably on the order of 400 mm.

[0041] According to one configuration, the pivot shaft 38 and the rotary cutting tools 34 are configured so that, during operation, when the teeth 18 make furrows, the rotary cutting tools 34 are not in contact with the ground and are positioned at a height of between 100 and 200 mm above the ground. This configuration reduces wear on the rotary cutting tools 34.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the rotating cutting tool 34 comprises several branches 44, each extending in a radial direction substantially perpendicular to the pivot shaft 38, which are regularly distributed around the pivot shaft 38 and each have a pointed shape with at least one cutting edge 44.1. According to one configuration, each branch 44 comprises two cutting edges 44.1, 44.2. Of course, the invention is not limited to this geometry for rotary cutting tools 34. As an example, each rotary cutting tool can be in the form of a disc with sharp teeth on its periphery.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the tine seed drill 10 comprises at least one protective plate 46 positioned below the pivot shaft 38, interposed between the latter and the ground during operation. The protective plate 46 has a cutout 46.1 for each rotary cutting tool 34 to allow its passage. This protective plate 46 prevents vegetation at ground level from wrapping around the pivot shaft 38. In one configuration, the rotary cutting tool 34 is centered with respect to the cutout 46.1 and spaced from the edges delimiting the cutout 46.1 by a distance less than or equal to 20 mm. This value is not limiting and is given by way of example only.

[0044] According to one arrangement, the tine seeder 10 comprises a single protective plate 46 which extends over the entire width of the tine seeder 10. According to another arrangement, the tine seeder 10 comprises several protective plates 46 (one for each rotating cutting tool 34) juxtaposed to each other in the transverse direction.

[0045] According to one embodiment, each protective plate 46 is connected to the transverse support 28 by U-shaped brackets 48. Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the connection between each protective plate 46 and the chassis 12.

[0046] According to another embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9, the tine seeder 10 comprises a frame 12 and several tines 18, each connected to the frame 12 by a link 26. At least one link 26 is configured to allow the tine 18 to pivot relative to the frame 12 about a first pivot axis A26 that is substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction DL. The tine seeder 10 includes, for each tine 18, a return element 32' that tends to maintain the tine 18 in a given position. In one configuration, the return element 32' is a compression spring or other type of spring having a first end connected to the frame 12 at a point distant from the link 26 and a second end connected to the tine 18 at a point distant from the link 26.

[0047] According to one embodiment, each tooth 18 comprises first and second parts 18.1, 18.2 connected to each other by a removable linkage 18.3 (for example, several bolts), the first part 18.1 being connected to the frame 12 by the linkage 26, the second part 18.2 being a wear part in contact with the ground during operation. This solution allows only the second part 18.2 to be replaced in case of wear by unscrewing the bolts of the removable linkage 18.3.

[0048] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9, each tooth 18 supports a rotating cutting tool 34. The frame 12 comprises, for each rotating cutting tool 34, a pivoting link 50, connecting the rotary cutting tool 34 and the tooth 18, configured to allow the rotary cutting tool 34 to pivot relative to the tooth 18 about a second pivoting axis A50 substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction DL, substantially parallel to the first pivoting axis A26. In the presence of a tooth 18 in two parts, the pivoting link 50 is provided at the level of the first part 18.1.

[0049] According to this embodiment, the first and second pivot axes A26, A50 are spaced at a substantially constant distance regardless of the angular positions of the tooth 18 relative to the frame 12 and of the rotary cutting tool 34 relative to the tooth 18. This solution simplifies the design of the rotation drive system 36 for rotating the rotary cutting tools 34.

[0050] The tine seeder 10 includes at least one rotary drive system which includes at least one motor 52.1, at least one first drive shaft 52.2 coaxial with the first pivot axis A26, at least one first coupling system 52.3 configured to couple the motor 52.1 and the first drive shaft 52.2, a second drive shaft 52.4 for each rotary cutting tool 34, coaxial with the second pivot axis A50, and a second coupling system 52.5 for each rotary cutting tool 34 configured to couple the first and second drive shafts 52.2, 52.4.

[0051] The motor 52.1, the drive shaft 52.2 and the first coupling system 52.3 enable several rotating cutting tools 34 to be driven in rotation.

[0052] According to one arrangement, the first coupling system 52.3 comprises a chain or belt connecting an output pinion 52.6 of the motor 52.1 and a first pinion 52.7 fixed to the first drive shaft 52.2. Each second coupling system 52.5 comprises a chain or belt connecting the first and second drive shafts 52.2, 52.4, more particularly a second pinion 52.8 fixed to the first drive shaft 52.2 and a third pinion 52.9 fixed to the second drive shaft 52.4. In addition, the rotary drive system 36 comprises, for each rotary cutting tool 34, a tensioning system 52.10 supported by the tooth 18 and configured to tension the second coupling system 52.5.

[0053] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the rotational drive system.

[0054] Regardless of the embodiment, during operation, the vegetation slides over the teeth 18 and rises to the rotating cutting tools 34, which cut the vegetation and prevent the formation of vegetation clumps at each tooth 18. Consequently, unlike the prior art, the teeth 18 can be brought closer together and arranged in a row, which makes it possible to obtain a more compact 10-tine seed drill, especially in length.

Claims

Demands

1. A tine seeder comprising a frame (12), a hitch (14) connected to the frame (12) and configured to be connected to a motorized machine, a storage tank (16) for seeds to be planted, a plurality of tines (18) each connected to the frame (12) by a link (26) and tubes (20), one for each tine (18), configured to convey the seeds from the storage tank (16) to the rear of the tines (18), the tine seeder being configured to move in a longitudinal direction in operation, each tine (18) having lateral faces (22.1, 22.2) positioned approximately in longitudinal planes;characterized in that the tine seeder comprises at least one rotating cutting tool (34) for each tine (18), pivoting in a plane approximately parallel to the tine (18), and at least one rotational drive system configured to rotate at least the rotating cutting tools (34), in that at least one linkage (26) is configured to allow one of the tines (18) to pivot relative to the frame (12) about a first pivot axis (A26) that is substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and in that the frame (12) comprises, for each rotating cutting tool (34), a pivoting linkage (50) connecting the rotating cutting tool (34) and the tine (18), configured to allow the rotating cutting tool (34) to pivot relative to the tine (18) about a second pivot axis (A50) that is substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, substantially parallel to the first pivot axis. (A26).;

2. A tine seeder according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each tine (18) comprises first and second parts (18.1, 18.2) connected to each other by a removable link (18.3), the first part (18.1) being connected to the frame (12) by the link (26), the second part (18.2) being a wear part in contact with the ground in operation.

3. Seed drill with tines according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the pivoting link (50) is provided at the level of the first part (18.1) of the tine (18).

4. A tine seed drill according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotational drive system includes at least one motor (52.1), at least one first drive shaft (52.2) coaxial with the first pivot axis (A26), at least one first coupling system (52.3) configured to couple the motor (52.1) and the first drive shaft (52.2), a second drive shaft (52.4) for each rotary cutting tool (34), coaxial with the second pivot axis (A50), and a second coupling system (52.5) ​​for each rotary cutting tool (34) configured to couple the first and second drive shafts (52.2, 52.4).

5. A tine seeder according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the motor (52.1), the drive shaft (52.2) and the first coupling system (52.3) enable several rotating cutting tools (34) to be driven in rotation.

6. Tine seeder according to any one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that each second coupling system (52.5) ​​comprises a chain or belt connecting the first and second drive shafts (52.2, 52.4).

7. A tine seeder according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rotational drive system (36) comprises, for each rotating cutting tool (34), a tensioning system (52.10) supported by the tine (18) and configured to tension the second coupling system (52.5).

8. A tine seeder according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tine seeder (10) comprises, for each tine (18), a return element (32') which tends to maintain the tine (18) in a given position.

9. A tine seeder according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotational drive system (36) is configured to rotate the rotating cutting tools at a rotational speed greater than or equal to 300 rpm, preferably between 500 and 1000 rpm.

10. A tine seeder according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tine seeder comprises, for each tine (18), a single rotating cutting tool (34) having two faces (42.1, 42.2) slightly spaced apart and positioned in longitudinal planes parallel to the lateral faces (22.1, 22.2) of the tine (18), said rotating cutting tool being spaced from the tine (18) by a distance less than or equal to 10 mm, preferably between 1 and 5 mm.

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