Sowing element for agricultural seed-drills

Abstract

Sowing element (1) for agricultural twin-row seed-drills, comprising a main frame (2) which carries a first seed distributor (3) and a second seed distributor (4). The main frame is mounted on a ground-support carriage (5) through a first adjustment device (6) configured to raise or lower the main frame with respect to the carriage so as to adjust the sowing depth (D1, D2) of the distributors. The second distributor is mounted on a secondary frame (7) which is connected to the main frame through a second adjustment device (8) which is configured to raise or lower the secondary frame with respect to the main frame and the carriage in order to selectively adjust the sowing depth (D2) of the second distributor.

Description

[0001] Sowing element for agricultural seed-drills

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a sowing element for agricultural twin-row seeddrills comprising a main frame carrying a first seed distributor and a second seed distributor.

[0004] Twin-row sowing is an agricultural sowing technique in which seeds are distributed in pairs of parallel rows, maintaining a certain distance between them. In practice, "twin" rows are formed, i.e. close pairs of rows, followed by a larger space before the next twin row. This method is used to optimise the distribution of plants on the land and facilitate agricultural operations, such as irrigation or harvesting. The advantages of twin-row sowing include better aeration and access to light for plants, as well as more efficient management of resources such as water and nutrients.

[0005] A sowing element for sowing in twin rows, already known from the Applicant's own production, comprises a ground-support carriage, on which the main frame is mounted through a mechanical crank jack. This mechanism allows the sowing depth of the distributors to be adjusted by raising or lowering the main frame with respect to the carriage.

[0006] Although appreciated for its construction simplicity, the main drawback of this sowing element is that it does not always allow an even sowing depth to be maintained between the two distributors. This situation can occur, for example, when the sowing element is not perfectly horizontal due to uneven ground contours or when the front distributor generates a trail that interferes with the rear distributor, altering the sowing depth. This drawback compromises the precision and homogeneity of seed distribution.

[0007] Solving this problem is not easy, as a solution has to be found that not only ensures a more homogeneous depth adjustment, but also optimises the time required to make this adjustment. In fact, during the sowing activity, an agricultural tractor typically pulls a multi-row seed-drill to which numerous sowing elements, e.g. 12, are attached. When changing fields or crops, the farmer is forced to adjust the depth of each element, e.g. by turning the mechanical jack on each of the 12 elements by half a turn. Afterwards, the farmer must check the appropriateness of the set depth and, if necessary, repeat the operation until the desired result is obtained. This problem is particularly marked in vegetable sowing, which often takes place on small fields of less than one hectare and requires frequent adjustments.

[0008] EP1210856B1 describes a seed-drill in which seeds from a seed box mounted on a frame for connection to a towing vehicle are distributed through coulters and into furrows in the soil, and rotating elements in contact with the soil are adapted to compact the soil and close the furrows after the seeds have been planted in them. The frame is supported at opposite ends on front and rear sets of rotating elements in contact with the ground, and the cutting depth can be determined either by raising or lowering the rotating elements of at least one of the sets or by raising or lowering the coulters themselves with respect to the frame.

[0009] Although EP1210856B1 offers depth control solutions, these do not allow a combination of simultaneous control of several distributors with the possibility of selective correction of individual distributors, e.g. to compensate for the trail of the front distributor or set-up variations. This limitation reduces efficiency in the frequent resets required for growing vegetables on small plots.

[0010] The problem underlying the present invention is that of providing a sowing element that is structurally and functionally improved and conceived to at least partially obviate one or more of the drawbacks complained of with reference to the cited prior art.

[0011] In the context of this problem, an aim of the present invention is to provide a sowing element that can be adapted to different crops and sowing grounds in an efficient manner.

[0012] A further aim of the present invention is to provide a sowing element designed to offer maximum precision for sowing vegetables in a twin row.

[0013] Another aim of the present invention is to provide a sowing element that can be easily adapted to the profile of the sowing ground.

[0014] A further aim is to provide a compact and resistant sowing element.

[0015] This problem is solved and these aims are at least partly achieved by the invention by a sowing element for agricultural twin-row seed-drills comprising a main frame that preferably carries a first seed distributor and a second seed distributor. Preferably the main frame is mounted on a ground-support carriage through a first adjustment device. Preferably, the first adjustment device is configured to raise or lower the main frame with respect to the carriage in order to adjust the sowing depth of the distributors. Preferably, the second distributor is mounted on a secondary frame which is connected to the main frame through a second adjustment device which is configured to raise or lower the secondary frame with respect to the main frame and the carriage in order to selectively adjust the sowing depth of the second distributor.

[0016] This solution allows the sowing depth of both distributors to be reset synchronously via the first control device whenever a change of soil or crop requires it. At the same time, it offers the flexibility to correct the working depth of the second distributor independently, via the second adjustment device, only when necessary. In particular, this is useful to compensate for any variations in sowing depth due to the sowing element set-up or the trail produced by the first distributor. This results in greater sowing precision and optimises the time required for adjustment since, if intervention on the second device is not required, it is sufficient to act on the first device to adjust both distributors simultaneously.

[0017] The present invention may also have one or more of the following preferred features in addition to those previously mentioned.

[0018] Preferably the distributors are of the pneumatic type. This ensures more even and precise seed dispensing.

[0019] Preferably the first distributor is actuated by a first motor, preferably electric, which is fixed to the main frame. Preferably the second distributor is actuated by a second motor, preferably electric, which is fixed to the secondary frame. These features further contribute to improved sowing accuracy and facilitate independent distributor adjustment.

[0020] Preferably the first device comprises a first jack, which connects the carriage to the main frame. Preferably the second device comprises a second jack, which connects the main frame to the secondary frame. This advantageously simplifies the construction of the sowing element and makes it easier to adjust the sowing depth of the distributors.

[0021] In embodiments, the first and / or second jack can be of the mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical type. Mechanical jacks, particularly screw jacks, are preferred for their precision and high reliability. Pneumatic, hydraulic or electric jacks, on the other hand, have the advantage that they can be controlled in position via a control terminal, e.g. a monitor installed on the agricultural tractor, thus improving the adjustment efficiency.

[0022] Preferably the carriage has at least two wheels with parallel, spaced axles. Preferably, the distributors are positioned between said axles. This advantageously aligns the distributors along the direction of travel of the seed-drill, resulting in a compact sowing element that can be easily integrated into a multi-row seed-drill. It is preferred that the jacks be parallel to each other. Further preferred is that the jacks be perpendicular to a plane passing through the wheel axles. This advantageously ensures that the jacks act directly on the vertical position of the main frame and secondary frame.

[0023] Preferably the wheels are mounted on a chassis of the carriage. Preferably the chassis extends mainly along a longitudinal direction. Preferably the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the wheel axles. Preferably the distributors are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction. This advantageously results in a compact and stable sowing element, in which the distributors are arranged in line along the direction of travel of the seed-drill.

[0024] Preferably the second device is mounted on an extension piece of the main frame. In particular, the extension piece is positioned between the distributors. Advantageously, the second device is easily accessible for the operator to fine-tune the sowing depth of the second distributor.

[0025] Preferably the extension piece is secured to the chassis through a system with a slot and pin. In particular, the pin is slidingly engaged in the slot so as to guide the raising and lowering of the main frame with respect to the carriage. This solution has the advantage of allowing fine and precise adjustment of the vertical position of the main frame, while ensuring stability and parallelism to the carriage during raising and lowering operations.

[0026] Preferably, the second device is secured to the extension piece through an auxiliary positioning device which is configured to adjust the position of the secondary frame transversely to the longitudinal direction. Thus, advantageously, the lateral position of the second distributor can also be selectively adjusted, ensuring optimal positioning of the twin rows on the ground. This solution is particularly useful for ridged soil used for vegetable cultivation, where the distance between the two rows of the twin-row must be adjusted to the shape of the ridge.

[0027] Preferably, the sowing element comprises an articulated parallelogram type mechanism having one side fixed to said first adjustment device and the opposite side configured for connection to an element-carrying bar of an agricultural seeddrill. In this way, advantageously, the main frame can be connected to the element-carrying bar while maintaining a substantially constant parallelism to the ground, irrespective of the vertical position of the frame itself.

[0028] The present invention also relates to an agricultural twin-row seed-drill comprising an element-carrying bar, to which there are fixed a plurality of sowing elements, preferably regularly spaced apart. This configuration allows the sowing of several twin rows at the same time, ensuring an even distribution of seeds on the ground. Further preferred aspects are also defined in the appended claims as well as in the following description.

[0029] The characteristics and the advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive form illustrated, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

[0030] - Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of a sowing element made in accordance with the present invention;

[0031] - Figure 3 is a top view of the sowing element of the previous figures;

[0032] - Figures 4 and 5 are seen in cross-section along section lines IV-IV and V-V respectively of the sowing element in Figure 3;

[0033] - Figures 6, 7 and 8 are side views of the sowing element from the previous figures in three different operating configurations.

[0034] In the figures, an example of a sowing element for agricultural twin-row seed-drills made in accordance with the present invention is indicated overall by the number 1. The sowing element 1 is intended to be mounted on an element-carrying bar of a multi-row agricultural seed-drill, not shown in the figure, for sowing different types of seeds, particularly vegetables. The agricultural seed-drill can be towed by an agricultural tractor and can comprise a plurality of sowing elements 1 regularly spaced apart along the element-carrying bar.

[0035] The sowing element 1 comprises a main frame 2 carrying a first seed distributor 3 and a second seed distributor 4. In particular, the first distributor 3 is positioned in front of the second distributor 4 with respect to the direction of travel of the seed-drill.

[0036] The distributors 3, 4 are preferably of the pneumatic type. Specifically, inside the distributors 3, 4 respective seeding discs are housed bearing one or more rings of holes. One of these seeding discs is indicated by 19 in the example in Figure 5. The seeds are held at the holes by a pressure difference generated by a ventilation system. As will be explained in more detail below, the seeding discs are driven in rotation by the distributor drive in such a way as to distribute the seeds on the ground with precision and uniformity.

[0037] The main frame 2 is mounted on a ground-support carriage 5, which has the function of supporting the main frame 2 and allowing it to move over the ground during sowing.

[0038] In embodiments the carriage 5 comprises a chassis 15 and at least two wheels 13, 14 with axles XI, X2 parallel and spaced apart between which the distributors 3, 4 are positioned. Preferably the chassis 15 extends mainly along a longitudinal direction Y. The wheels 13, 14 are preferably mounted at the opposing longitudinal ends of the chassis 15. In particular, one of the wheels 13 is mounted in front of the first distributor 3 and the other 14 is mounted to the rear of the second distributor 4 with respect to the direction of travel of the seed-drill.

[0039] In embodiments, the chassis 15 comprises a pair of longitudinal members 151, 152 parallel to each other and spaced apart so as to delimit a central compartment housing the distributors 3, 4. Preferably the longitudinal members 151, 152 are joined together by the axles XI, X2 of the wheels as well as a pair of cross members 153, 154. Preferably, the cross members 153, 154 are arranged transverse to the longitudinal members 151, 152. In embodiments, one of the cross members 153 is positioned between the wheel 13 and the distributor 3, while the other cross member 154 is positioned between the two distributors.

[0040] Preferably the longitudinal direction Y is perpendicular to the axles XI, X2 of the wheels 13, 14 and is aligned with the direction of travel of the seed-drill. Preferably, the distributors 3, 4 are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction Y so that they are aligned along the direction of travel of the seed-drill. In particular, the first distributor 3 is positioned in front of the second distributor 4 with respect to the direction of travel.

[0041] The main frame 2 is mounted on the carriage 5 through a first adjustment device 6 which allows the main frame 2 to be raised or lowered with respect to the carriage 5 in order to adjust the sowing depth DI, D2 of the distributors with respect to the ground surface G. Preferably, the first adjustment device 6 comprises a first jack 11 which connects the carriage 5 to the main frame 2. Preferably, the first jack 11 is positioned in front of the first distributor 3 with respect to the direction of travel of the seed-drill.

[0042] As better seen in the example in Figure 4, the first jack 11 preferably comprises a first rod 110 sliding within a first seat 111. In the illustrated embodiment the first rod 110 is fixed to the carriage 15 and the first seat 111 is fixed to the main frame 2, but it is also contemplated that alternatively the first rod 110 may be fixed to the main frame 2 and the first seat 111 may be fixed to the carriage 15. The first jack 11 is preferably a mechanical jack with a screw 112. In particular, the first jack 11 is actuated by the screw 112 which slides inside a nut-screw 113 integral with the first rod 110. The screw 112 is preferably actuated manually by a hand crank 114 or a hand wheel.

[0043] The second distributor 4 is mounted on a secondary frame 7 which is advantageously connected to the main frame 2 through a second adjustment device 8. The second adjustment device 8 allows the secondary frame 7 to be raised or lowered with respect to the main frame 2 and carriage 5 to selectively adjust the sowing depth D2 of the second distributor 4. Preferably, the second adjustment device 8 comprises a second jack 12 that connects the main frame 2 to the secondary frame 7. Preferably, the second jack 12 is positioned in front of the second distributor 4 with respect to the direction of travel of the seed-drill.

[0044] As best seen in the example in Figure 5, the second jack 12 preferably comprises a second rod 120 sliding within a second seat 121. In the illustrated embodiment, the second rod 120 is fixed to the main frame 2 and the second seat 121 is fixed to the secondary frame 7, but it is also contemplated that alternatively the second rod 120 may be fixed to the secondary frame 7 and the second seat 121 may be fixed to the main frame 2. The second jack 12 is preferably a mechanical jack with a screw 122. In particular, the second jack 12 is actuated by the screw 122 which slides inside a nut-screw 123 integral with the second rod 120. The screw 122 is preferably actuated manually by a hand crank 124 or a hand wheel.

[0045] By turning the screws 112, 122 it is possible to vary the longitudinal extension LI, L2 of the respective jacks 11, 12. In embodiments, the jacks 11, 12 have a total stroke of at least 50 mm and preferably 80 mm. This total stroke allows fine adjustment of the sowing depth, adapting the sowing element to different soil conditions and crop types.

[0046] In embodiments each jack 11, 12 comprises a respective locking device configured to lock the movement of the jack itself in a predetermined position. The locking device may comprise, for example, a fastening screwll5, 125 which, when tightened, prevents the respective jack from moving. Additionally or alternatively, the locking device may comprise a stop latch 116, 126 which, when engaged, prevents the respective crank from turning.

[0047] In embodiments, the jacks 11, 12 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to a plane passing through the axles XI, X2 of the wheels 13, 14. In this way, the jacks 11, 12 can act directly on the vertical position of the main frame 2 and secondary frame 7.

[0048] In embodiments, the second jack 12 is mounted on an extension piece 16 of the main frame. In particular, the extension piece 16 is positioned between the distributors 3, 4 with respect to the longitudinal direction Y. This configuration allows easy access to the second jack 12 for fine tuning the sowing depth D2 of the second distributor 4. In embodiments, the extension piece 16 coincides with the cross member 153, which connects the longitudinal members 151, 152 of the chassis 15. In this way, the extension piece 16 is integrated into the chassis of the carriage.

[0049] In embodiments, the extension piece 16 is secured to the chassis 15 through a system with a slot 17 and pin 18, which is slidingly engaged in the slot 17. In this way, the extension piece 16 is guided when raising and lowering the main frame 2 with respect to the carriage 5. Preferably a respective slot 17 and pin 18 system is formed on each side of the extension piece 16 at each of the longitudinal members 151, 152.

[0050] In embodiments, the main frame 2 is connected to the first device 6 through a positioning device 23 which allows the position of the first distributor 3 to be adjusted transversely to the longitudinal direction Y. In this way, the position of the first distributor 3 can be adjusted laterally with respect to the direction of travel. The positioning device 23 may comprise, for example, a pair of sliding guides integral with the first jack 11 and the main frame 2 respectively. An auxiliary positioning device 24 that connects the second device 8 to the main frame 2 is also provided in embodiments. The auxiliary positioning device 24 is configured to adjust the position of the secondary frame 7 transversely to the longitudinal direction Y. Thus, advantageously, the lateral position of the second distributor 4 can also be adjusted, ensuring optimal positioning of the twin rows on the ground. The auxiliary positioning device 24 may comprise, for example, a pair of sliding guides integral with the main frame 2 and the second jack 12 respectively. In practice, as shown in the example in Figure 3, the distance D between the two distributors 3, 4 transversely to the direction of travel can be adjusted through the positioning device 23 and / or the auxiliary positioning device 24 in such a way that the sowing element 1 can be adapted to different sowing situations.

[0051] Preferably the seeding discs of the distributors 3, 4 rotate around axes parallel to the axles XI, X2 of the wheels. In this way, the seeding discs are aligned with the direction of travel of the seed-drill and an even seed delivery is ensured during sowing.

[0052] Preferably, the seeding discs of the distributors 3, 4 are driven in rotation by respective drives. In a preferred example, the first distributor 3 is actuated by a first motor 9 that can be fixed to the main frame 2, and the second distributor 4 is actuated by a second motor 10 that can be fixed to the secondary frame 7. Preferably the motors 9, 10 are of the electric type. It is understood that, alternatively, the distributors 3, 4 can be connected with a mechanical transmission in such a way that they share the same drive or derive motion from one or more drive wheels in rolling contact on the ground. However, the presence of respective independent drives is preferable, not only because it allows the rotation speed of each distributor to be controlled independently, but also because it simplifies the structure which allows the second distributor 4 to be selectively raised, lowered or moved.

[0053] In embodiments, the motors 9, 10 have respective axes of rotation parallel to each other and parallel to the jacks 11, 12. Thus, the motors 9, 10 are arranged in such a way that they do not interfere with the raising or lowering movement of the main frame 2 and the secondary frame 7. Preferably an angular deflection is provided between the motors 9, 10 and the axis of the respective seeding discs.

[0054] In embodiments the sowing element 1 comprises an articulated parallelogram mechanism 20 arranged in front of the distributors 3, 4 with respect to the direction of travel. In particular, the articulated parallelogram mechanism 20 has two pairs of opposing sides, parallel to each other two by two. Preferably one of the sides 21 of the articulated parallelogram mechanism 20 is fixed to the first jack 11. The opposite side 22 of the articulated parallelogram mechanism 20 may comprise a connection device to an element-carrying bar of an agricultural seeddrill. In this way, advantageously, the main frame 2 can be connected to the element-carrying bar while maintaining a substantially constant parallelism to the ground, regardless of the vertical position of the frame itself. In embodiments a first hopper 30 is mounted on the main frame 2 close to the first distributor 3 and a second hopper 40 is mounted on the secondary frame 7 close to the second distributor 4. In this way, the seeds can be collected in hoppers 30, 40 and conveyed to the respective distributors 3, 4.

[0055] The operation of the sowing element 1 according to the invention appears clear and intuitable from what has been described so far. Specifically, the sowing element 1 is coupled to the element-carrying bar of an agricultural multi-row seeddrill. The main frame 2 is then positioned at the desired sowing depth DI, D2 through the first adjustment device 6. Subsequently, the second control device 8 is used to selectively adjust the sowing depth D2 of the second distributor 4, if required. This can be done manually by operating the screws 112, 122 which determine the longitudinal extension LI, L2 of the respective jacks 11, 12 and, consequently, the sowing depth DI, D2 of the distributors 3, 4. For example, in the transition from the configuration in Figure 6 to the configuration in Figure 7, the main frame 2 was lowered by 50 mm using the first jack 11 only. Subsequently, in the transition from the configuration in Figure 7 to the configuration in Figure 8, the secondary frame was raised by 80 mm using the second jack 12 only. Once the desired sowing depth is reached, the distributors 3, 4 can be operated by motors 9, 10 and the seed-drill can be towed over the ground to begin sowing. The distributors 3, 4 then distribute the seeds on the ground according to the set sowing depth. If there is a need to change soil or crop, the farmer can easily reposition the distributors to the new desired depth using the first device 6 to adjust the depth of both distributors simultaneously and, if necessary, the second device 8 to selectively adjust the sowing depth of the second distributor. This provides precise and time-saving adjustment, allowing the farmer to optimise his sowing operations.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A sowing element (1) for agricultural twin-row seed-drills, comprising a main frame (2) which carries a first seed distributor (3) and a second seed distributor (4), the main frame being mounted on a ground-support carriage(5) through a first adjustment device (6) which is configured to raise or lower the main frame with respect to the carriage so as to adjust the sowing depth (DI, D2) of the distributors, characterized in that the second distributor is mounted on a secondary frame (7) which is connected to the main frame through a second adjustment device (8) which is configured to raise or lower the secondary frame with respect to the main frame and the carriage in order to selectively adjust the sowing depth (D2) of the second distributor.

2. The sowing element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first distributor is actuated by a first motor (9) which is fixed to the main frame and the second distributor is actuated by a second motor (10) which is fixed to the secondary frame.

3. The sowing element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first device(6) comprises a first jack (11) which connects the carriage to the main frame and the second device (8) comprises a second jack (12) which connects the main frame to the secondary frame.

4. The sowing element (1) according to claim 3, wherein the jacks (11, 12) are of the mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical type.

5. The sowing element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the carriage has at least two wheels (13, 14) with axes (XI, X2) which are parallel with and spaced apart from each other and between which the distributors (3, 4) are positioned.

6. The sowing element (1) according to claim 5 when dependent on claim 3 or 4, wherein the jacks (11, 12) are parallel with each other and perpendicular to a plane which passes through the axes (XI, X2).

7. The sowing element (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the wheels (13, 14) are mounted on a chassis (15) of the carriage, the chassis extending mainly in a longitudinal direction (Y) which is perpendicular to the axes (XI, X2), the distributors being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction.

8. The sowing element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims,wherein the second device (8) is mounted on an extension piece (16) of the main frame, the extension piece being positioned between the distributors.

9. The sowing element (1) according to claims 7 and 8, wherein the extension piece is secured to the chassis (15) through a system with a slot (17) and pin (18) which is slidingly engaged in the slot so as to guide the raising and lowering of the main frame with respect to the carriage.

10. The sowing element (1) according to claims 7 and claim 8 or 9, wherein the second device (8) is secured to the extension piece (16) through an auxiliary positioning device (24) which is configured to adjust the position of the secondary frame (7) transversely to the longitudinal direction (Y).

11. The sowing element (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising an articulated parallelogram type mechanism (20) having one side (21) fixed to the first adjustment device (6) and the opposite side (22) configured for connection to an element-carrying bar of an agricultural seed- drill.

12. An agricultural twin-row seed-drill comprising an element-carrying bar, to which there are fixed a plurality of sowing elements (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, which are regularly spaced apart.

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