Grain planting equipment

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a seed planting device, and envisions a grain sowing device (100). The grain sowing device (100) includes at least one grain sowing unit (104) mounted on a frame (102). The grain sowing unit (104), a container (108), a distribution mechanism (110) disposed in a housing (106), a drive shaft (116), and an outlet manifold (118). The distribution mechanism (110) includes an inner drum (112) and a drum cover (114). The inner drum (112) is configured with a first plurality of slits (113). The drum cover (114) is configured with a second plurality of slots (115). The inner drum (112) and the drum cover (114) are rotated to distribute seeds through the slots (115) to the outlet manifold (118). A drive shaft (116) connects the grain dispensing mechanism (110) with the PTO shaft for rotating the inner drum (112) and drum cover (114).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of agricultural devices, and more particularly to seed planting devices.

Background Art

[0002] The following background information of the present invention is related to the present disclosure, but is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] Normally, grains and cereals, particularly rice, are cultivated by transplanting seedlings or scattering seeds. Transplanting seedlings involves making a seedling mat and transplanting it after a specific number of days, either with the help of a seeding device or manually, which involves a great deal of labor. Direct seeding is relatively advantageous as it avoids repeated waterlogging and subsequent soil degradation. Furthermore, at least 35-40% of water is conserved, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Additionally, energy, fuel, labor shortages, drudgery, and seeds are also conserved.

[0004] Direct seeding is usually carried out with the help of a seed drill or a precision pneumatic seeder. However, a seed drill requires highly skilled labor to avoid seed loss. On the other hand, a precision pneumatic seeder is not practical for sowing rice seeds, particularly germinated seeds, as the shape of the seeds needs to be uniform for efficient seeding. Furthermore, it is difficult to handle germinated seeds without damage, so sowing germinated seeds is a difficult task. Conventional seeding devices (described above) are insufficient for handling germinated seeds and, in most cases, will damage the seeds during distribution, thereby rendering the entire seeding operation futile. Additionally, most seeding devices are manually operated. Furthermore, conventional seeding devices require another device that helps create ridges and valleys in the field in a systematic manner to significantly reduce weeds and increase yields. As a result, the time and labor required for seed planting increase significantly. Conversely, scattering dry seeds cannot use germinated seeds and thus hinders the possibility of the seeds growing.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a seeding device that can mitigate the aforementioned shortcomings. the purpose

[0006] Some of the objectives of this disclosure that at least one embodiment of this specification satisfies are as follows:

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a grain seeding apparatus.

[0008] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a grain seeding apparatus that allows for easy handling of germinated seeds.

[0009] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a grain seeding apparatus that can create hills and valleys in a field, thereby saving the time, cost, and labor required to create hills and valleys.

[0010] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a grain seeding apparatus capable of distributing seeds of any various lengths.

[0011] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a grain planting apparatus that avoids repeated waterlogging and subsequent soil degradation.

[0012] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a grain planting apparatus that saves water, production costs, energy, fuel, labor shortages, drudgery, and seeds.

[0013] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a grain seeding apparatus that does not require skilled labor for seedling dispersal.

[0014] Other purposes and benefits of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description. It is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0015] This disclosure envisions a grain seeding apparatus. The grain seeding apparatus comprises a frame and at least one grain seeding unit mounted on the frame. The grain seeding unit comprises a grain container, a housing attached to the grain container, a grain distribution mechanism located in the housing, and a drive shaft coupled to the grain distribution mechanism. The grain distribution mechanism is configured to communicate with the grain container. The grain distribution mechanism includes an inner drum housed in a drum cover. The inner drum has a first plurality of slits configured to receive seeds inside. The drum cover has a second plurality of slots configured on it. The drive shaft is connected to a prime mover and configured to be driven by the prime mover in order to facilitate relative rotation between the inner drum and the outer drum. At least one of the inner drum and the drum cover is configured to rotate in order to facilitate alignment of the slits and slots and enable seed distribution. An outlet manifold is configured to communicate with the drum cover in order to allow seeds distributed by the grain distribution mechanism to pass through and fall.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the drum cover is configured to rotate relative to the inner drum in a direction opposite to the direction in which the seeds fall from the container.

[0017] In the embodiment, the frame is configured to facilitate the attachment of the device to a self-propelled machine having a prime mover provided with a power take-off shaft. The drive shaft is configured to be coupled to the power take-off shaft to facilitate relative rotation between the inner drum and drum cover of the grain distribution mechanism.

[0018] In another embodiment, the prime mover is an electromechanical device. In yet another embodiment, the prime mover is a portable internal combustion engine.

[0019] In yet another embodiment, the outlet manifold is configured to move over a mound formed in the planting area to facilitate the dropping of seeds onto the mound.

[0020] In an embodiment, a channel is provided between the grain container and the grain distribution mechanism to allow seeds to pass from the grain container to the grain distribution mechanism.

[0021] In another embodiment, each slot of the outer drum cover is defined by an arcuate configuration having a wide operable first end that tapers toward a relatively narrow operable second end of the slot.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the size of the first plurality of slits is relatively larger than the size of the second plurality of slots.

[0023] In yet another embodiment, the configuration of the slit is selected from the group consisting of oval, diamond, circular, oval, and teardrop shapes.

[0024] In an embodiment, the inner drum is configured to rotate in a predetermined direction relative to the drum cover to vary the dimensions of the slots to facilitate the distribution of seeds of a desired length through the slots.

[0025] In another embodiment, the rotational speed of the prime mover is configured to be changed to vary the distance between each drop of the grain.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the grain distribution mechanism includes a locking mechanism for fixing the grain distribution mechanism to the grain seeding unit. The locking mechanism has a locking plate configured to fit within the inner drum and further configured to be attached to an outer plate mounted on an operable inner surface of the seeding unit.

[0027] In yet another embodiment, the inner drum, the drum cover, and the locking plate have bores configured to allow a drive shaft to pass through their centers.

[0028] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a wrapping mechanism provided adjacent to the arcuate portion of the drum cover. The wrapping mechanism includes a plurality of rollers and a conveyor belt disposed on the rollers, and is configured to wrap a part of the drum cover to prevent seeds from accidentally falling.

[0029] In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a bristle brush configured to rotatably abut the drum cover. The brush is configured to push excess grains coming out through the slots therein and wipe excess seeds from the drum cover.

[0030] In an embodiment, the grain seeding device has a plurality of grain seeding units. The frame is configured to support the plurality of grain seeding units. The grain seeding units are fitted into the frame to define a row of grain seeding units spaced equidistantly at a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance corresponds to the desired row spacing between the seeds to be distributed.

[0031] In an embodiment, a plurality of protrusions are configured on the operable bottom of the frame to facilitate the formation of hills and valleys when the seeding device moves along the planting area.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the protrusions are scattered between the grain seeding units along the length of the frame.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] Now, the grain seeding device of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] An isometric view of a grain seeding device mounted on a frame is shown. [Figure 2] An isometric view of the grain seeding unit of the device of FIG. 1 is shown. [Figure 3A] Different cross-sectional views of the grain seeding unit of FIG. 2 are shown. [Figure 3B] Different cross-sectional views of the grain seeding unit of FIG. 2 are shown. [Figure 4]Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of grain through the grain planting unit. [Figure 5] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the grain distribution mechanism of the grain sowing unit. [Figure 6] An isometric view of the application of device fixing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 7] Exemplary patterns of slits and slots of this disclosure are shown. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 100 Grain Seeding Equipment 102 frames 104 Grain Seeding Unit 106 Housing 108 grain containers 110 Grain distribution mechanism 112 Inner drum 113 Slits 114 Drum Cover 115 slots 115A slot's first operable end 115B slot's second operable end 116 Drive shaft 118 Exhaust Manifold 120 protrusions 122 channels 124 Lock Plate 125 Spacer 126 Outer plate 127 Wrapping mechanism 128 Laura 129 Conveyor Belt 132 Bristle Brush 134 Tray 136 rails [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0036] Embodiments are presented to fully and completely convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Numerous details of specific components and methods are provided to provide a complete understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the details presented in the embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0037] The terms used in this disclosure are for the sole purpose of describing specific embodiments and should not be considered to limit the scope of this disclosure. Where used in this disclosure, the forms "a," "an," and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having" are open-ended transitional clauses that specify the presence of a described feature, element, module, unit, and / or component, but do not prohibit the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0038] When it is mentioned that one element is "attached" to another element, it may be attached to the other element even if it is in direct contact with it.

[0039] The grain seeding apparatus 100 of this disclosure will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The grain seeding apparatus 100 is used particularly for sowing germinated seeds.

[0040] The grain seeding device 100 (hereinafter referred to as "device 100") is configured to be attached to a self-propelled machine having a prime mover equipped with a power take-off (PTO) shaft. In one embodiment, the seeding device is a self-propelled machine pulled out by a tractor, tiller, direct field seeder, or fixed mechanism for tray seeding applications. In another embodiment, the prime mover is an electric machine or a portable internal combustion engine.

[0041] The grain seeding apparatus 100 comprises a frame 102 and at least one grain seeding unit 104 mounted on the frame 102. The grain seeding unit 104 comprises a grain container 108 for storing seeds, a housing 106, a grain distribution mechanism 110 located in the housing 106, and an outlet manifold 118. The grain distribution mechanism 110 is configured to communicate with the grain container 108. The grain distribution mechanism 110 includes an inner drum 112 housed in a drum cover 114. The inner drum 112 has a first plurality of slits 113 configured to receive seeds inside. The drum cover 114 has a second plurality of slots 115 configured on it. The inner drum 112 and drum cover 114 are configured to rotate to facilitate alignment of the slits 113 and slots 115 and enable seed distribution. The outlet manifold 118 is configured to communicate with the drum cover 114 and is configured to allow seeds to fall through it.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the drum cover 114 is configured to rotate relative to the inner drum 112 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the seeds fall from the container 108.

[0043] The frame 102 is configured to facilitate the attachment of the device 100 to the self-propelled machine. In one embodiment, the frame 102 is configured to be mounted on the operable rear end of the self-propelled machine.

[0044] The apparatus 100 includes a drive shaft 116 coupled to the PTO shaft and coupled to the grain distribution mechanism 110 to facilitate relative rotation between the inner drum 112 and the drum cover 114.

[0045] In one embodiment, a plurality of projections 120 are configured on the movable bottom of the frame 102 to facilitate the formation of hills and valleys as the seeding device moves along the planting area. In another embodiment, the device 100 is configured to move so that the outlet manifold 118 moves over the hills formed in the planting area to facilitate the dropping of seeds onto the hills. In one embodiment, the number of projections 120 configured on the frame 102 corresponds to the number of grain seeding units 104 mounted on the frame 102.

[0046] In this embodiment, a channel 122 is provided between the grain container 108 and the grain distribution mechanism 110 to allow seeds to pass from the grain container 108 to the grain distribution mechanism 110.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the drum cover 114 and the inner drum 112 are configured to form a cylinder. In this embodiment, each slot 115 of the drum cover 114 is defined by an arc-shaped configuration having a broad, operable first end that tapers toward an operable second end of the slot. In a preferred embodiment, the first plurality of slits 113 are relatively larger than the size of the second plurality of slots 115. In another embodiment, the configuration of the slits is selected from a group consisting of oval, diamond, circular, egg-shaped, and teardrop shapes, only some of which are shown in Figure 7, and the black portion is thinned and serves as a seat for the slot.

[0048] The inner drum 112 is configured to rotate in a predetermined direction relative to the drum cover 114 to change the dimensions of the slots 115 to facilitate the distribution of seeds of a desired length through the slots. For example, if the inner drum 112 is rotated clockwise so that the slits 113 of the inner drum 112 align with the slots 115 of the drum cover 114, the dimensions of the slots 115 widen to allow the distribution of longer seeds. Conversely, rotating the inner drum 112 counterclockwise narrows the slots 115, allowing the distribution of shorter grains through the slots. The slots 115 can be selected by rotating the drum cover 114 by a predetermined angle of 20 degrees in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0049] In one embodiment, by making the inner drum 112 and outer cover 114 relatively long, the width of the inner drum 112 and drum cover 114 can be customized for a single outlet and for multiple outlets.

[0050] In this embodiment, the rotational speed of the prime mover is configured to be varied to change the distance between each grain drop. More specifically, when the prime mover rotates at a relatively slow speed, the drive shaft 116 rotates at the same slow speed, thereby causing the inner drum 112 to rotate at a slower speed relative to the drum cover 114. As a result, the distance between each grain drop is shortened.

[0051] In the embodiment, the grain distribution mechanism 110 includes a locking mechanism (shown in Figure 5) for securing the grain distribution mechanism 110 to the grain seeding unit 104. The locking mechanism includes a locking plate 124 configured to fit into the inner drum 112 and to be attached to an outer plate 126 mounted on the operable inner surface of the seeding unit 104. A number of springs and fasteners are used to attach the locking plate 124 and the outer plate 126 to the inner drum 112 and the seeding unit 104.

[0052] In one embodiment, the inner drum 112, drum cover 114, and lock plate 124 have bores in their central portions that are configured to allow the drive shaft 116 to pass through. In this embodiment, the drive shaft 116 is a keyway shaft.

[0053] In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a wrapping mechanism 127 provided adjacent to the arched portion of the drum cover 114. The wrapping mechanism 127 includes a plurality of rollers 128 and a conveyor belt 129 positioned on the rollers 128, such that the conveyor belt 129 contacts the drum cover 114. The wrapping mechanism 127 is configured to wrap around a portion of the drum cover 114, preventing seeds from inadvertently falling out of the slots 115 of the drum cover 114. In one embodiment, the rollers 128 are arranged in a triangular configuration, and segments of the belt 128 between pairs of rollers 128 contact the drum cover 114. In one embodiment, the belt 128 is made of polyurethane.

[0054] In one embodiment, the device 100 includes a bristle brush 132 configured to rotatably contact the drum cover 114. The brush 132 is configured to push in excess grain coming out through the slots 115 as it rotates, and at the same time wipe away excess seeds from the drum cover 114.

[0055] In one embodiment, the housing 106 is a metal housing. In another embodiment, the housing 106 is a polymer housing 106.

[0056] The apparatus 100 of this disclosure enables the sowing of germinated seeds, such as rice (paddy field seeds), without any damage, regardless of the shape of the seeds. The slits can be selected by relative rotation between the inner drum 112 and the drum cover 114 to facilitate the selection between long grains and short grains. The apparatus 100 can handle long grain varieties of rice, such as basmati rice. Furthermore, the formation of hills and valleys is facilitated by the apparatus 100, which enables weeding and water saving without relying on any skilled labor.

[0057] In an embodiment, the grain seeding device 100 includes a plurality of grain seeding units 104, as shown in Figure 1. The frame is configured to support the plurality of grain seeding units 104. The grain seeding units 104 are fitted into the frame 102 to define rows of grain seeding units 104 that are spaced equally apart by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance corresponds to the desired distance between rows of seeds to be distributed. In an embodiment, a plurality of projections 120 are configured on the movable bottom of the frame 102 to facilitate the formation of hills and valleys as the seeding device moves along the planting area. In a preferred embodiment, the projections 120 are scattered between the grain seeding units 104 along the length of the frame 102.

[0058] A fixed application of the apparatus 100 according to an alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 7, in which the grain seeding unit 104 is mounted on a tray 134, and the tray 134 is slidably mounted on a rail 136.

[0059] The above description of embodiments is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally interchangeable and not limited to that particular embodiment. Such modifications should not be considered deviations from the disclosure, and all such modifications should be considered within the scope of the disclosure. Technological advancements

[0060] The disclosure described herein has several technical advantages, including but not limited to the realization of a grain seeding apparatus, which, • Germinated seeds can be easily handled. • Eliminates the tedious work required when transplanting grains and reduces the work involved in preparing the land. • Facilitates direct sowing of seeds in systematic row and column structures for higher yields. • Can be used with any self-propelled machine for sowing purposes. • Facilitates sowing of germinated seeds and ensures 100% crop growth. • Makes time and water management relatively easy. • To prevent forced labor, • It is possible to create hills and valleys in the field, thereby saving the time, cost, and labor required to create hills and valleys, • It can distribute seeds of any length.

[0061] The embodiments and various features and advantageous details described herein will be explained below with reference to non-limiting embodiments. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques will be omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended solely to facilitate understanding of how the embodiments herein may be carried out and to further enable those skilled in the art to implement the embodiments herein. Therefore, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0062] The foregoing description of specific embodiments fully illustrates the general nature of the embodiments herein, so that others can readily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various uses without departing from the general concept by applying their current knowledge, and such adaptations and modifications should be understood, and intended, within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that any expressions or terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and not to limit them. Thus, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be modified and implemented within the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0063] The use of the phrases "at least" or "at least one" implies the use of one or more elements, components, or quantities, which may be used in embodiments of this disclosure to achieve one or more desired objectives or results.

[0064] Any discussion of devices, materials, articles, etc., included herein is intended solely to present the context of this disclosure. It should not be construed as an admission that any or all of these matters existed somewhere prior to the priority date of this application, formed part of the basis of the prior art, or were common general knowledge of the art relating to this disclosure.

[0065] While this specification has given considerable emphasis to the components and parts of preferred embodiments, it will be understood that many embodiments are possible and that many modifications can be made to preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of this disclosure. These modifications and other modifications in preferred embodiments and other embodiments of this disclosure will be obvious to those skilled in the art from this disclosure, and it should be clearly understood that the foregoing descriptions should be interpreted merely as examples of this disclosure and not as limitations.

Claims

1. A grain seeding apparatus (100), wherein the grain seeding apparatus (100) is Frame (102), - At least one grain sowing unit (104) mounted on the frame (102), wherein the grain sowing unit (104) is ○Grain container (108), ○ Housing (106) attached to the grain container (108), ○A grain distribution mechanism (110) is arranged in the housing (106) and configured to communicate with the grain container (108), wherein the grain distribution mechanism (110) is - An inner drum (112) having a first set of multiple slits (113) configured on top for receiving seeds inside, and - A drum cover (114) that houses the inner drum (112) and has a second set of slots (115) on top of it, A grain dispensing mechanism (110) comprising, wherein at least one of the inner drum (112) and the drum cover (114) is configured to rotate to facilitate the alignment of the slit (113) and the slot (115) and to allow seeds to be distributed as they pass through, ○ A drive shaft (116) coupled to the grain distribution mechanism (110), wherein the drive shaft (116) is connected to a prime mover and is driven by the prime mover to facilitate relative rotation between the inner drum (112) and the drum cover (114), and A grain seeding unit (104) is provided with an outlet manifold (118) that communicates with the drum cover (114) to allow the seeds distributed by the grain distribution mechanism (110) to pass through and fall. A grain seeding apparatus (100) equipped with the following.

2. The grain seeding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the drum cover (114) is configured to rotate relative to the inner drum (112) in a direction opposite to the direction in which the seeds fall from the container (108).

3. The grain seeding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the frame (102) is configured to facilitate the attachment of the apparatus (100) by a self-propelled machine having a prime mover provided with a power extraction shaft.

4. The grain seeding apparatus (100) according to claim 3, wherein the prime mover is a portable internal combustion engine or an electric machine.

5. The grain seeding apparatus (100) according to claim 3, wherein the drive shaft (116) is configured to be coupled to the power take-off shaft to facilitate relative rotation between the inner drum (112) and the drum cover (114) of the grain distribution mechanism (110).

6. The grain seeding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the outlet manifold (118) is configured to move over a mound formed in the planting area to facilitate dropping the seeds onto the mound.

7. The grain seeding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein a channel (122) is provided between the grain container (108) and the grain distribution mechanism (110) to allow seeds to pass from the grain container (108) to the grain distribution mechanism (110).

8. The grain seeding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein each slot (115) of the drum cover (114) is defined by an arc shape having a broad, movable first end (115A) that tapers toward a relatively narrow, movable second end (115B) of the slot (115).

9. The grain seeding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the size of the first plurality of slits (113) is relatively larger than the size of the second plurality of slots (115).

10. The grain seeding apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the configuration of the slit is selected from the group consisting of oval, diamond, circular, egg-shaped, and teardrop-shaped.

11. The grain seeding apparatus (100) according to claim 8, wherein the inner drum (112) is configured to rotate in a predetermined direction relative to the drum cover (114) to change the dimensions of the slots (115) in order to facilitate the distribution of seeds of a desired length through the slots.

12. The grain seeding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the rotational speed of the prime mover is configured to be changed to vary the distance between each drop of grain.

13. The grain distributing mechanism (110) includes a locking mechanism for fixing the grain distributing mechanism (110) to the grain seeding unit (104), the locking mechanism having a locking plate (124) configured to fit into the inner drum (112) and to be attached to an outer plate (126) mounted on the operable inner surface of the seeding unit (104), the grain seeding apparatus (100) according to claim 1.

14. The grain seeding apparatus (100) according to claim 13, wherein the inner drum (112), the drum cover (114), and the lock plate (124) have bores configured in their centers to allow the passage of the drive shaft (116).

15. The grain seeding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, comprising a wrapping mechanism (127) provided adjacent to the arched portion of the drum cover (114), wherein the wrapping mechanism (127) comprises a plurality of rollers (128) and a conveyor belt (129) positioned on the rollers (128) and configured to wrap around a portion of the drum cover (114) to prevent the seeds from falling unintentionally.

16. The grain seeding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a bristle brush (132) configured to rotatably contact the drum cover (114), wherein the bristle brush (132) is configured to push out excess grain coming out through the slot (115) and to wipe excess seeds from the drum cover (114).

17. The grain seeding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of grain seeding units (104), wherein the frame (102) is configured to support the plurality of grain seeding units (104), the grain seeding units (104) being fitted into the frame to define rows of grain seeding units (104) arranged at equal intervals at a predetermined distance, the predetermined distance corresponding to a desired distance between rows of seeds to be distributed.

18. The grain seeding apparatus (100) according to claim 17, wherein a plurality of protrusions (120) are provided on the operating bottom of the frame (102) to facilitate the formation of hills and valleys as the grain seeding apparatus moves along the planting area.

19. The grain seeding apparatus (100) according to claim 17, wherein the projections (120) are scattered between the grain seeding units (104) along the length of the frame (102).

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