Calibration tool for granular products and seed metering units

Abstract

A calibration tool (1) for a volumetric metering unit having a rotating dispensing drum comprises a mounting device (2) for the calibration port of the metering unit and a collection means (3) for the calibration material fixed to the mounting device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a calibration tool for a volumetric metering unit having a rotating dispensing drum, the calibration tool comprising a mounting device for a calibration port of the metering unit and a collection means for a calibration material fixed to the mounting device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a calibration tool including the above-mentioned features is known from https: / / youtube / CMPUyINqAhY. This specification provides a pneumatic multi-row seed drill equipped with a volumetric metering unit in the form of a rotating distribution drum used for both seed distribution and fertilizer and other granular materials distribution. Such a metering unit is used to dispense an adjustable amount of seed or fertilizer per unit of treated surface area. The adjustment is performed by an electronic control unit, which provides an initial calibration step in which the amount of granular material or seed dispensed per rotation of the distribution drum is detected. This is done by opening a calibration port in the metering unit and attaching a calibration bag thereto. Thus, with the appropriate instructions, the machine is activated to rotate the distribution drum, and the amount dispensed at a given number of rotations is measured. The net weight of the material dispensed into the calibration bag and the desired amount for distribution per hectare serve as input data for programming the machine.

[0003] Before the calibration step, the metering unit must have a dispensing drum appropriate for the material to be dispensed. This requires opening the appropriate port on the metering unit, removing the drum, and inserting the desired drum. All these steps—handling the calibration bag and replacing the drum on the volumetric metering unit—require a high degree of dexterity to access the calibration receptacle and manipulate the metering cylinder. This drawback is essentially related to the fact that seeds, fertilizers, and additives applied to the ground often have a certain degree of toxicity, either as a result of the product itself or the chemical composition associated with them. Seeds are usually treated with tanning agents or fungicides that are harmful to contact or inhalation. Fertilizers and additives often release dangerous powders or at least irritants, or contain products that are themselves dangerous.

[0004] Other prior art solutions are described in British Patent Application No. 609989A, German Patent Application No. 102011053746A1, European Patent Application No. 3991536A1, German Patent Application No. 3818145C1 or German Patent Application No. 102007034997A1. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem at least partly addressed by the present invention is to provide a calibration tool for a volumetric metering unit having a rotatable dispensing drum, and a kit comprising the calibration tool, that are structurally and functionally configured to at least partly overcome one or more of the drawbacks described with reference to the prior art mentioned above, which are structurally and functionally configured to facilitate the calibration operation and minimize risks to the operator.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to minimize operator contact with contaminated surfaces of the volumetric metering unit.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to make the calibration tool self-sustaining during the calibration step.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to facilitate movement of the dispensing drum, in particular removal / insertion of the dispensing drum, and its handling in general, thereby reducing the risk of accidents (e.g. cuts to the skin or crushed fingers) that can occur when using common tools such as hammers and screwdrivers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The above-mentioned problem is at least partly solved by the present invention and the above-mentioned object is at least partly achieved by a calibration tool for a volumetric metering unit having a rotating dispensing drum, which comprises one or more of the features set out in the claims.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a calibration tool for a volumetric metering unit having a rotatable dispensing drum comprises a mounting device for a calibration port of the metering unit and a calibration material collection means secured to the mounting device.

[0011] Preferably, the mounting device comprises an engagement member adapted to releasably engage the distribution drum to facilitate movement thereof.

[0012] In this way, a single tool not only engages the collection means with the calibration port of the metering unit, but also allows for very safe and contact-free handling of the metering unit drum. In fact, an operator can move and rotate the dispensing drum by simply gripping the calibration tool without touching it with their hands. Furthermore, whenever the drum becomes blocked inside the metering unit housing due to granular material or seeds, the calibration tool with its engagement member can forcefully remove the drum from the metering unit.

[0013] It is therefore noted that in some embodiments, an engagement member may be provided to removably engage with the dispensing drum to facilitate its extraction / insertion, preferably with the purpose of facilitating overall handling and movement of the drum, including outside the metering unit.

[0014] It should be noted that, in this specification, the term "collection means" is synonymous with "collection device." For example, the collection means preferably comprises a calibration bag having an opening. The calibration bag is secured to the mounting device in a position such that, when the calibration tool is mounted on the calibration port, the calibration bag is positioned to be fed from the calibration port by gravity.

[0015] In some embodiments, the same calibration tool is provided with a handle fixed to the mounting device, preferably on the opposite side of the engagement member, to further simplify handling of the calibration bag (or other collection means) without touching it, and to provide a more secure and easier grip while handling both the calibration bag and the drum.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the mounting device comprises a pair of spaced apart walls and preferably a cross member extending between the walls, such that the walls and cross member provide structural rigidity to the calibration tool.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first engagement means is provided on the wall opposite the collection means. Advantageously, the first engagement means is connectable to a corresponding first counter engagement means provided on the calibration port.

[0018] Preferably, the engaging member comprises second engaging means on the cross member, the second engaging means being connectable to second engaging counter means respectively provided on the distribution drum.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second engagement means comprises a recess formed in the cross member, advantageously allowing the recess to engage with an annular slot formed in the shaft of the distribution drum.

[0020] Preferably, the opening of the recess faces the collecting means, so that the calibration tool can engage the shaft of the drum by moving from top to bottom, maintaining the collecting means in a substantially vertical position.

[0021] Preferably, the wall of the calibration tool has a cam-type profile extending beyond the cross member opposite the handle, the cam-type profile facilitating handling of the drum in removal from and insertion into a corresponding housing in the metering unit.

[0022] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a kit comprising a calibration tool constructed according to one or more of the above-mentioned features and a rotatable dispensing drum, preferably having engagement counter means connectable to engagement members of the calibration tool to facilitate movement of the drum by the calibration tool.

[0023] In some embodiments, the drum is supported on a shaft having an annular slot formed therein that is connectable with an engagement member of the calibration tool, more particularly with the second engagement means of the calibration tool. Preferably, the annular slot is formed in the shaft at an opposite portion of the drum to facilitate connection.

[0024] In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a flange on which a drum having a corresponding shaft is rotatably supported.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the kit comprises a calibration tool, a metering unit including a rotatable dispensing drum with a corresponding shaft, a housing for the drum, and preferably at least one closure flange for the housing. Preferably, the drum is rotatably supported by the corresponding shaft and optionally the flange. Preferably, the shaft comprises an engagement counter means suitable for connection with an engagement member of the calibration tool to facilitate movement of the drum by the calibration tool. Preferably, the engagement counter means comprises an annular slot formed in the shaft at an opposite portion of the drum.

[0026] In some embodiments, the metering unit further comprises a calibration port provided with engagement means suitable for connection to a mounting device of the calibration tool in order to enable the collection means to be engaged with the calibration port of the metering unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] The features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the detailed description of a number of illustrative embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a calibration tool engaging a rotatable distribution drum according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an agricultural machine to which the calibration tool of FIG. 1 is attached. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a volumetric metering unit during seeding. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a volumetric metering unit during calibration using the calibration tool of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is an exploded perspective view of a volumetric metering unit having a respective rotatable dispensing drum with the calibration tool of FIG. 1 engaged therewith; FIG. [Figure 5]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the calibration tool shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the drum shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a calibration tool engaged with a rotatable distribution drum according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Referring to Figure 2, an exemplary agricultural machine for applying the present invention, typically a sower, is generally designated by the reference numeral 100. The agricultural machine 100 is provided with a volumetric metering unit 11 having a rotary distribution drum. For example, in Figure 4, the rotary distribution drum is generally designated by the reference numeral 15.

[0029] The metering unit 11 is provided with a calibration port 12 that can be opened by a control unit with a lever 14 (see FIG. 3A). A handle 14a may be provided for actuating the lever 14. A calibration tool, generally indicated by the reference numeral 1, can be removably attached to the calibration port 12.

[0030] Preferably, the calibration tool 1 comprises an attachment device 2 for the calibration port of the metering unit, a collection means 3 for the calibration material, preferably including a calibration bag 5 and an opening 6 fixed to the attachment device 2 by means of screws 18.

[0031] Preferably, the calibration tool 1 with the calibration bag 5 is applied only during the calibration step of the machine 100, as shown in FIG. 3B (the calibration port 12 is additionally closed, as shown in FIG. 3A), and serves to receive and measure the amount of material dispensed by the metering unit 11 at a given number of rotations of the distribution drum 15 using a balance (not shown). The measurements obtained before dispensing the entire field serve to calibrate the amount of material dispensed per unit surface area. This amount varies with the rotation speed of the distribution drum 15 and is a function of the number and volume of cells formed on the distribution drum 15 and the forward speed of the machine. The entire process is controlled by an electronic system (not shown).

[0032] Preferably, the calibration bag 5 is removable. The calibration tool 1 may therefore not be provided with a calibration bag 5 or the calibration bag itself may be attached in another way. However, it is preferred that the calibration bag 5 is fixed by screws 18 to a mounting device having an opening in such a position that, when the calibration tool is attached to the calibration port 12, the calibration bag 5 is arranged to be fed by gravity from the port 12. In a preferred solution, the dispensing bag 5 is intended to be located directly below the calibration port 12.

[0033] Preferably, the calibration tool 1 is provided with a handle 7 fixedly joined to the mounting device 2 .

[0034] Preferably, the mounting device 2 comprises two opposite, spaced apart walls 8. The walls 8 are interconnected by a handle 7 on the one hand and by a cross member 9 on the other hand.

[0035] Preferably, the wall 8 has holes 27 for screws 18 by means of which the calibration bag 5 is fixed to the mounting device 2. However, other fixing means may be used, such as, for example, rivets or tear-off fastening devices (of the type known under the trademark Velcro). Preferably, the wall 8 further has releasable first engagement means 10 opposite the calibration bag 5 at a suitable position as will be described below. The first engagement means 10 enables the mounting device 2 to releasably engage with the calibration port 12 below it for gravity feeding of material dispensed via the metering unit 11.

[0036] The first engagement means 10 are similar to the first engagement counter means 30 provided in the calibration port 12. For example, the first engagement counter means are formed by pins 31, as shown in Figure 2. In this case, the first engagement means 10 may advantageously be configured to have open slots 29 suitable for engaging with these pins 31. In this sense, it should be noted that reference to a suitable engagement position indicates the positioning and relative formation of the first engagement means 10 and counter means 30 so as to facilitate interconnection for the purposes described above.

[0037] Preferably, the handle 7 has the form of a cantilevered handle extending from the wall 8 and bent in the opposite direction to the first engagement means 10. This configuration allows good maneuverability in all use states of the calibration tool 1. It should be noted that in this specification the term "cantilever" preferably means a rigid structural element that extends, in particular like a shelf, and is preferably supported at only one end.

[0038] Advantageously, the mounting device 2 comprises an engagement member 4 arranged to releasably engage with the distribution drum 15 to facilitate its movement. In particular, the engagement member 4 comprises second engagement means 20 on the cross member 9 (Fig. 5) suitable for connection to corresponding second engagement counter means 50 of the distribution drum (Fig. 6). The second engagement means 20 may, for example, comprise a recess 21 formed in the cross member 9. The second engagement counter means 50 may, for example, comprise an annular slot 39 formed in the shaft 32 of the distribution drum.

[0039] Therefore, preferably, a recess 21 is formed in the cross member 9 and the wall 8 has a profile 40 formed and positioned relative to the recess 21 on the side opposite the handle 7 so as to function to engage with the distribution drum 15, as described below.

[0040] Preferably, the distribution drum 15 is mounted and rotated by a shaft 32 rotatably connected to a drive unit 33 (in the form of a gear motor in Figure 2) of the volumetric metering unit. Preferably, the shaft 32 is supported on a flange 34 provided to removably close a housing 52 of the drum 15 in the body of the metering unit 11 opposite the drive unit 33. The housing 52 is shown in Figure 4.

[0041] Preferably, the flange 34 is of a type that provides for quick attachment, for example having a slot 35 with a central widened portion 36 that allows the passage of a nut or wing nut 37. The nut or wing nut 37 is threaded onto a corresponding threaded pin 38 and can pass through the widened portion 36 but not through the remainder of the slot 35, so that the flange 34 can be removed from the metering unit 11 by rotating the flange 34 until the nut or wing nut 37 is aligned with the widened portion 36, while the flange 34 remains axially held in its remaining position.

[0042] 6, in some embodiments, the flange 34 has a support 41 at its center with a collar 42 that projects away from the drum 15 so as to be on the outside of the metering unit when the drum is inserted into its housing 52. Advantageously, the shaft 32 has a portion that projects beyond the collar 42, this portion having an annular slot 39 suitable for engaging and connecting with the recess 21 of the cross member 9.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the opening of the recess 21 faces the calibration bag 5. This preferably allows the calibration tool 1 to engage the shaft 32 of the drum by moving from top to bottom, maintaining the calibration bag 5 in a substantially vertical position. Preferably, the tool 1 can then be rotated by a certain angle about the axis of the shaft 32, as shown in Figure 4, to securely hold the flange 34 with the associated shaft 32 and the drum 15 attached thereto on the calibration tool 1.

[0044] 2, preferably, the wall 8 has a cam-type profile 40 extending beyond the cross member 9 opposite the handle 7. The formation and position of the cam-type profile 40 relative to the cross member allows the cam-type profile 40 to interact with the flange 34 and with the connection between the recess 21 of the cross member 9 and the annular slot 39, blocking the flange 34 together with the associated shaft 32 and calibration tool 1 and the drum 15 mounted thereon. This facilitates handling of the drum 15 in removing it from and inserting it into the housing 52 of the metering unit 11. It should be noted that this solution facilitates not only the axial movement of the dispensing drum, but also its rotational movement and handling in general.

[0045] In some embodiments, wall 8 preferably has form-fitting means extending beyond cross member 9 opposite handle 7. The form-fitting means is configured to connect to corresponding counter means formed on flange 34 so as to allow the flange to rotate with the calibration tool. It will be appreciated that this configuration also allows the calibration tool to rotate the drum together with the flange.

[0046] 1, the form-fitting means may comprise one or more teeth 16. In particular, the wall 8 may have one or more teeth 16 projecting beyond the cross member 9 on the side opposite the handle 7. The teeth 16 are suitable for engaging with corresponding recesses 17 formed in the flange 34 so as to allow rotation of the flange together with the calibration tool.

[0047] Of course, the teeth 16 and recesses 17 are illustrated in Figures 1 and 6 purely as non-limiting examples and can be replaced by other form-fitting means.

[0048] 7, in particular, the form-fitting means essentially comprises a cam-type profile 40 that extends beyond the cross member 9 on the opposite side of the handle 7. The cam-type profile 40 facilitates connection as a result of pressing against the surface of the flange 34, and allows the surface of the flange 34 to rotate with the calibration tool as a result of friction. Naturally, this arrangement allows the calibration tool to rotate the drum together with the flange.

[0049] In this case, the calibration tool 1 does not need teeth 16 and the surface of the flange 34 does not need recesses 17 .

[0050] In some embodiments, the calibration bag 5 is formed from a flexible material, such as a woven fabric, so that it can be easily moved or removed from the mounting device 2 whenever a portion of the bag interferes with connecting the calibration tool 1 to the drum 15 or calibration port 12.

[0051] To use the calibration tool of the present invention while calibrating the volumetric metering unit 11, the attachment device 2 simply engages the associated calibration bag 5 beneath the calibration port 12 by means of the first engagement means 10 and pin 31, as shown in FIG. 2. The calibration port 12 is then opened by the lever 14 or handle 14a, as shown in FIG. 3B, and the drum 15 is rotated a predetermined number of revolutions, allowing a quantity of granular material to fall into the bag 5. The calibration port 12 is then closed, and the calibration tool 1 and the associated bag 5 are removed and weighed. The net weight of the material in the calibration bag 5 is then measured and used as input data for the planter's control system. If necessary, the drum 15 can be replaced beforehand with another drum suitable for the intended application. This is accomplished by engaging the calibration tool 1 in the annular slot 39 in the recess 21 of the cross member 9, removing the drum from its housing 52, and replacing it as desired. The drum can then be reinserted into the housing 52 by the reverse operation.

[0052] As a result, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems and provides a cost-effective and rational solution, while at the same time: · reducing the risk of accidents caused by the use of ergonomic and special tools for removing the distribution drum; · Avoid standing too close to the weighing unit during the calibration step to reduce or eliminate the risk of inhaling contaminated powder expelled during the drop / calibration step; reducing the risk of contamination from contact or inhalation of contaminated powder during the step of changing the dispensing drum; Reducing the risk of accidents associated with handling heavy or sharp objects (e.g. hammers and screwdrivers); and Reducing the risk of accidents related to the possibility that gloves, personal protective equipment or body parts may be left inside the distribution drum as a result of operator error and thus drawn into its rotation. It offers many benefits, including:

Claims

1. 1. A calibration tool (1) for a volumetric metering unit having a rotating dispensing drum, comprising: a mounting device (2) for a calibration port of the metering unit; and a collection means (3) for calibration material fixed to the mounting device, characterized in that the mounting device (2) comprises an engagement member (4) arranged to removably engage with the dispensing drum to facilitate its movement.

2. 2. The calibration tool (1) of claim 1, wherein the calibration material collection means (3) comprises a calibration bag (5) having an opening (6), the calibration bag being fixed to the mounting device (2) in a position such that when the calibration tool (1) is mounted to the calibration port, the calibration bag (5) is positioned to receive supply from the calibration port by gravity.

3. The calibration tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a handle (7) fixed to the mounting device (2).

4. 4. The calibration tool (1) according to claim 3, wherein the handle (7) is fixed to the mounting device (2) on an opposite side to the engagement member (4).

5. The calibration tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mounting device (2) comprises a pair of walls (8) spaced apart from each other, a cross member (9) extending between the walls (8), and first engagement means (10) provided on the walls (8) on the opposite side of the collecting means (3), the first engagement means (10) being connectable to first counter-engagement means provided on each of the calibration ports.

6. 6. The calibration tool (1) of claim 5, wherein the engaging member (4) comprises second engaging means (20) on the cross member (9), the second engaging means (20) being connectable to second engaging counter means respectively provided on the distribution drums.

7. 7. A calibration tool (1) according to claim 6, wherein the second engagement means (20) comprises a recess (21) formed in the cross member (9).

8. 8. The calibration tool (1) according to claim 7, wherein the recess (21) opens towards the collecting means (3).

9. A calibration tool (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the wall (8) has a cam-type profile (40) extending beyond the cross member (9) on the side opposite the handle (7).

10. A calibration tool (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the wall (8) has one or more teeth (16) extending beyond the cross member (9) on the opposite side of the handle (7).

11. A calibration tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the engagement member (4) is arranged to releasably engage with the distribution drum to facilitate removal / insertion thereof.

12. A kit comprising a calibration tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a rotatable distribution drum (15), the distribution drum (15) having an engaging counter means (50) connectable to an engaging member (4) of the calibration tool to facilitate movement of the distribution drum (15) by the calibration tool (1).

13. 13. The kit according to claim 12, wherein the distribution drum (15) is supported on a shaft (32) having an annular slot (39) formed therein suitable for connection with the engagement member (4) of the calibration tool.

14. 14. The kit according to claim 13, comprising a flange (34) by means of which the distribution drum (15) is rotatably supported on the corresponding shaft (32).

15. 15. A kit according to claim 13 or 14, comprising a metering unit comprising the rotatable distribution drum (15) with the corresponding shaft (32) and a housing for the distribution drum.

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