Output unit, agricultural implement and method for adjusting a gauge wheel

Abstract

An output unit (14, 14a-14j) for an agricultural implement (1) for outputting a product to ground over which the agricultural implement travels, the output unit (14, 14a-14j) comprises at least one furrow opener disc (1431), rotatable about a disc axis (Ad), which is transverse of a working direction (Dw) of the agricultural implement (1), and at least one gauge wheel (1451), which is rotatable about a gauge wheel axis (Ag), which is transverse of the working direction (Dw). The gauge wheel axis (Ag) is radially offset relative to the disc axis (Ad). A portion of an axially outermost periphery (14511) of the gauge wheel (1451) contacts a main surface (14311) of the furrow opener disc (1431). The gauge wheel (1451) is axially slidably mounted relative to the furrow opener disc (1431). The gauge wheel (1451) is axially biased towards the furrow opener disc (1431). There is provided an agricultural implement comprising a plurality of such output units and a method of mounting a gauge wheel on an output unit.

Description

[0001] OUTPUT UNIT, AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING A GAUGE WHEEL

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to agricultural implements, and in particular to agricultural implements having output units for dispensing a product, in particular a granular product, such as seeds, fertilizer and / or pesticide, to ground over which the agricultural implement travels. The disclosure particularly relates to such agricultual implements having output units with a furrow opener disc and a gauge wheel, which overlaps and optionally abuts the furrow opener disc.

[0004] Background

[0005] Agricultural implements are known which include output units, such as row units, having a furrow opener in the form of a disc and a gauge wheel, that overlaps and optionally abuts the disc.

[0006] In such output units, the disc is typically formed of a metal, such as steel, while the gauge wheel, or at least the part of it that is closest to the disc, may be formed of a polymeric material. Hence, as a consequence of contact between the gauge wheel and the disc, or as a consequence of dirt and debris entering a gap formed between the gauge wheel and the disc, the gauge wheel is prone to wear, such that its extent in the axial direction is reduced.

[0007] As it is desirable to maintain contact, and / or a very small gap, axially between the gauge wheel and the disc, it is necessary to periodically adjust the relative positions of the gauge wheel and the disc in order to compensate for this wear by manually manipulating e.g. each gauge wheel connection.

[0008] However, with agricultural implements becoming larger and comprising a great number of output units, such manual manipulation will become timeconsuming, and often difficult, as the output units may be closely spaced, such that it may be difficult to access the connections.

[0009] Hence, there is a need for solutions which can reduce or eliminate the need for manually manipulating the connection between gauge wheel and furrow-opener disc to compensate for wear. Summary

[0010] It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide solutions which eliminate or alleviate at least some of the disadvantages mentioned above. A particular objective is to provide solutions that reduce the need for manual work in response to wear of the gauge wheels.

[0011] The invention is defined by the appended independent claims. Embodiments are set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the following description and in the attached drawings.

[0012] According to a first aspect, there is provided an output unit for an agricultural implement for outputting a product to ground over which the agricultural implement travels. The output unit comprises at least one furrow opener disc, rotatable about a disc axis, which is transverse of a working direction of the agricultural implement, and at least one gauge wheel, which is rotatable about a gauge wheel axis, which is transverse of the working direction. The gauge wheel axis is radially offset relative to the disc axis. A portion of an axially outermost periphery of the gauge wheel contacts a main surface of the furrow opener disc. The gauge wheel is axially slidably mounted relative to the furrow opener disc.

[0013] The gauge wheel is axially biased towards the furrow opener disc.

[0014] The term "transverse of the working direction" implies a generally horizontal direction that extends across the working direction, such as perpendicular + / - 20 degs, preferably + / - 15 degs, + / - 10 degs or + / - 5 degs.

[0015] The term "main surface" is the surface of the disc that is axially exposed. In many discs, this surface is generally convex, possibly with a curved cross section.

[0016] The terms "axially slidably" and "axially biased" imply that the sliding direction and / or the biasing direction may, but need not, be exactly parallel with the axial direction of the rotation axis of the gauge wheel. In particular, an angular deviation between the sliding direction and / or the biasing direction and the rotation axis may be on the order of less than 20 degs, preferably less than 10 degs, less than 5 degs or less than 1 deg.

[0017] The gauge wheel may be axially slidable along its own rotation axis.

[0018] The disc axis may be a rotation axis of the furrow opener disc about which the furrow opener disc is arranged to rotate. The disc axis (or axes, as the case may be) may be non-perpendicular to the working direction as well as non-horizontal.

[0019] The gauge wheel axis may be a rotation axis of the gauge wheel about which the gauge wheel is arranged to rotate.

[0020] The gauge wheel axis (or axes, as the case may be) may be non-perpendicular to the working direction as well as non-horizontal.

[0021] The term "radially offset" implies an offset in radial direction. Radial direction of an axis may be perpendicular to a direction of the axis extent.

[0022] The term "axially outermost periphery" is to be understood in relation to the gauge wheel as such, rather than to the output unit as a whole.

[0023] The gauge wheel being axially slidably mounted implies that the connection is sufficiently non-fixed and that there is some axial space for an axial motion of the gauge wheel and / or of the gauge wheel arm to be possible.

[0024] By biasing the gauge wheel towards the furrow opener disc and mounting it slidably, the gauge wheel is allowed to move, without the need for manual manipulation, axially towards the furrow opener disc as it wears, such that the effect of any undesirable gap is reduced.

[0025] The gauge wheel axis may be non-parallel with the disc axis. In such case, "radially offset" applies for portions of the gauge wheel axis and the disc axis that are inside of the physical axial extent of the gauge wheel and the furrow opener disc respectively. This since non-parallel axes may coincide in the far remote of the output unit while being "radially offset" in the vicinity of the output unit.

[0026] The gauge wheel axis may be parallel with the disc axis.

[0027] The furrow opener disc may be rotatably supported on an output unit frame, wherein the gauge wheel is rotatably supported on a gauge wheel arm, which is pivotably connected to the output unit frame about a gauge wheel arm axis.

[0028] The arm axis (or axes, as the case may be) may be non-perpendicular to the working direction as well as non-horizontal.

[0029] The use of a gauge wheel arm provides for furhter flexibility in the positioning of the gauge wheel, as well as for mutual adjustability of the gauge wheel and the furrow opener.

[0030] The gauge wheel arm may be slidably connected to the output unit frame, such that it is slidable along the gauge wheel arm axis. Hence, the sliding motion may be provided away from the gauge wheel as such, rendering it less exposed to soil and plant residues.

[0031] A gauge wheel shaft may be mounted to the output unit frame and the gauge wheel arm is pivotably, and optionally slidably, connected to the gauge wheel shaft.

[0032] Hence, the gauge wheel arm may provide for both the pivoting motion and the sliding motion, or, where the sliding motion is provided at the gauge wheel axle, only the pivoting motion.

[0033] A biasing element may be configured to axially bias the gauge wheel arm along the gauge wheel arm axis.

[0034] The biasing element may be provided as any type of resilient element capable of providing a biasing force along the shaft, such as a helical spring, a torsion rod, a plate spring, a ring spring, or the like.

[0035] The gauge wheel arm may comprise a sleeve, which is configured to receive the gauge wheel shaft, wherein an axial length of the gauge wheel shaft is greater than an axial length of the sleeve by a length corresponding to at least 120 % of an axial length of the biasing element in its maximum compressed state, preferably at least 150 % or at least 200 %.

[0036] Hence, an axial gap may be provided along the gauge wheel shaft, which will allow the sleeve to move along the shaft under the biasing force provided by the biasing element, as the gauge wheel wears at its portion contacting the disc.

[0037] The gauge wheel arm axis may be positioned rearward ly of, and optionally at a higher vertical level than the gauge wheel axis, as seen relative to the working direction.

[0038] The gauge wheel arm axis may be positioned rearward ly of, and optionally at a higher vertical level than the disc axis, as seen relative to the working direction.

[0039] According to a second aspect, there is provided an agricultural implement comprising a plurality of output units as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which are distributed over a width of the agricultual implement and supported by a tool-carrying frame section.

[0040] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of mounting a gauge wheel on an output unit of an agricultural implement, wherein the output unit comprises at least one furrow opener disc, rotatable about a disc axis, which is transverse of a working direction of the agricultural implement, at least one gauge wheel, which is rotatable about a gauge wheel axis, which is transverse of the working diretion, the gauge wheel axis being radially offset relative to the disc axis, a portion of an axially outermost periphery of the gauge wheel contacting a lateral surface of the furrow opener disc. The method comprises arranging the gauge wheel axially slidably relative to the furrow opener disc, and axially biasing the gauge wheel towards the furrow opener disc.

[0041] The gauge wheel may be initially mounted with an axial gap, wherein said gap allows axial movement of the gauge wheel as it wears at its axially outermost periphery close to the furrow opener disc.

[0042] The axial gap may be provided along a gauge wheel arm axis, between the gauge wheel arm and an output unit frame, such that the gauge wheel arm is axially movable by said bias.

[0043] Fig. 1 is a schematic top view of an agricultural implement.

[0044] Figs 2a-2b schematically illustrate side views of an output unit.

[0045] Fig. 3 is a schematic top view of the output unit in figs 2a-2b.

[0046] Fig. 4 is a schematic perspecive view of an output unit.

[0047] Fig. 5 is a schematic detail view of a portion of the output unit in fig. 4.

[0048] Fig. 6 is a schematic detail sectional view of part of the output unit in fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a sectional view, taken so as to include the axes of rotation of one of the discs, one of the the gauge wheels and one of the arms.

[0049] Detailed description

[0050] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0051] The terms "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than one element. In the context of this specification, modifying terms, such as "about", "approximately", "substantially", and other approximators, are understood to refer to a range of numbers that a person of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value in the context of achieving the same function or result. Any value, range or term thus modified is to be understood as being disclosed also without the modifying term.

[0052] In the following description, the concept will be described with reference to an agricultural implement 1 comprising output units configured for distributing a product, in particular seeds, to relatively closesly spaced rows. However, the concept may also be used for other types of output units, including row units.

[0053] The agricultural implement 1 may comprise an implement frame 10, which may comprise a main frame section 11, a coupling 12 and a tool-carrying frame section 13. Optionally, ground supports 15a, 15b, such as wheels or rollers, may be provided for supporting the agricultural implement towards the ground over which it travels, e.g. in order to provide a predetermined vertical distance between the frame and the ground.

[0054] The tool-carrying frame section 13 may be formed by one or more beams, and may comprise at least one transversely (relative to the working direction Dw) extending beam, along which tools, such as output units 14a-14j, may be attached. Each tool, and in particular each output unit, may be movably connected to the toolcarrying frame section 13 by a linkage arrangement 141.

[0055] The agricultural implement 1 may, by means of the coupling 12, be configured for being towed, or wholly or partially carried by a traction vehicle (not shown). The agricultural implement 1 may also be designed for being used with a gantry type traction vehicle, or as a self-propelled autonomous implement.

[0056] In orderto enable the agricultural implement 1 to follow undulations of the ground over which the agricultural implement 1 travels, the tool carrying frame may be divided into two or more side frame sections, which may be pivotably connected to each other about an inter-frame pivot joint (not shown), which may provide an inter-frame pivot axis that is horizontal and approximately parallel with a working direction Dw of the agricultural implement 1.

[0057] A plurality of output units 14, 14a-14j are distributed over the width of the tool-carrying frame section 13. Each output unit 14, 14a-14j may be connected to the tool-carrying frame section 13 by a parallel linkage 141. A biasing device 142, such as an actuator or a spring may be provided for biasing the output unit 14, 14a-14j towards the ground. The biasing device 142 may also be used to control a force by which the output unit is pressed towards ground, and / or to lift the output unit out 14, 14a-14j of the ground, if desired.

[0058] Referring to figs 2a-2b, each of the output units 14, 14a-14j may comprise an output unit frame 140, to which the links forming the parallel linkage 141 may be pivotably connected. Alternatively, the output unit frame 140 may be integrated with e.g. the lower links, such that the entire output unit frame 140 is pivotable relative to the tool-carrying frame 13.

[0059] The output unit 14, 14a-14j, and in particular the output unit frame 140, may support a furrow opener 143, which has the form of one or a pair of discs, as illustrated, and / or which may be provided as a seed knife or other type of coulter.

[0060] Referring to fig. 3, in the case of a single disc, this disc may be rotatable about a disc axis Ad that is transverse of the working direction Dw. The disc may be oriented with a convex disc surface facing slightly forwardly and slightly downwardly.

[0061] In projection on a horizontal plane (i.e. as seen in fig. 3), the disc axis Ad may present a small angle to a direction that is perpendicular to the working direction Dw. This angle may be on the order of 1-15 degs, preferably 5-10 degs.

[0062] In projection on a vertical plane perpendicular to the working direction Dw, the disc axis Ad may present a small angle to a direction that is horizontal and perpendicular to the working direction Dw. This angle may be on the order of 1-15 degs, preferably 5-10 degs.

[0063] In the case of a pair of discs 1431 and gauge wheels 1451, which is illustrated in fig. 3, these may be rotatable about disc axes Ad which both meet the above criteria and which are non-parallel with each other. For example, the discs may be arranged symmetrically about a vertical plane containing the working direction Dw.

[0064] Referring to figs 2a-2b, the output unit 14, 14a-14j may further comprise a seed tube 144, which, as illustrated, may be connected to a coulter 1441, or which may be merely a tube, which may be rearwardly bent and protected by the seed disc(s). The output unit 14, 14a-14j comprises one or more gauge devices 145, such as gauge wheels 1451, configured for limiting a working depth of the furrow opener 143. The gauge device 145 comprises a gauge wheel 1451, which may be supported by a gauge wheel arm 1452.

[0065] An axially exposed surface of at least a portion of a perimeter of the gauge wheel 1451 contacts a face of the disc 1431, e.g. as indicated by the dashed arc in fig. 2a, providing a contact portion Pc. Preferably, the gauge wheel is biased towards the disc 1431 at this contact portion Pc. As both the disc 1431 and the gauge wheel 1451 rotate, and the environment is aggressive with soil and dust, the gauge wheel, which is typically made of a polymeric material, will wear axially due to this contact.

[0066] The gauge wheel 1451 is rotatable about a gauge wheel axis Ag. The gauge wheel axis Ag may be parallel with its corresponding disc axis Ad, i.e. the disc axis of the disc abutted by the gauge wheel. Alternatively, a small angle between the axes Ag, Ad may be provided, such that effectively a point contact is achieved between the gauge wheel and the disc.

[0067] The output unit 14, 14a-14j may further comprise a press device 146 configured for pressing the product into contact with the soil. The press device 146 may be formed as a press wheel 1461, which may be supported by a press wheel arm 1462.

[0068] The output unit 14, 14a-14j may further comprise a furrow closer 147 configured for closing a furrow formed by the furrow opener. The furrow closer 147 may be formed as one or a pair of wheels 1471, which may be supported by a furrow closer arm 1472.

[0069] The output unit 14, 14a-14j may further comprise a metering device 148, which may be configured to meter product that is output throught the seed tube 144, such that a precise amount of the product is provided, e.g. a precise number of seeds, or an even volume flow of seeds.

[0070] Referring to fig. 4, the gauge wheel arm 1452 may comprise an arm mounting portion 14521 at a proximal end of the gauge wheel arm 1452, and a gauge wheel mounting portion 14522 at a distal portion of the arm 1452.

[0071] While the arm mounting portion 14521 is configured for mounting of the arm relative to the output unit frame 140, the gauge wheel mounting portion 14522 may form a free end of the arm 1452, with a mount for rotatably supporting the gauge wheel 1451.

[0072] The arm mounting portion 14521 is shown in greater detail in fig. 5. The arm mounting portion 14521 is pivotably connected to the output unit frame 140. To this end, a gauge wheel shaft 1401 (fig. 6) may be fixedly connected to the output unit frame 140, with the arm mounting portion 14521 being formed with a sleeve 14526 (fig. 6) configured to receive the gauge wheel shaft 1401 such that the arm mounting portion is slidably and pivotably mounted to the gauge wheel shaft 1401. Hence, the arm mounting portion 14521 may pivot about an arm axis Aa, and slide axially along the arm axis Aa. The gauge wheel shaft 1401 may exend approximately horizontally and transversely of the working direction Dw.

[0073] The arm axis Aa may optionally be parallel with its corresponding gauge wheel axis Ag and / or with its corresponding disc axis Ad.

[0074] At a free end of the gauge wheel shaft 1401, a biasing element 14523 may be arranged to provide a biasing force axially between the arm mounting portion 14521 and a counterhold 14525, which may be attached to the gauge wheel shaft 1401 by a fastener 14524.

[0075] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a cross sectional view of the arm mounting portion 14521 and of the gauge wheel shaft 1401.

[0076] At a proximal portion 1403 of the gauge wheel shaft 1401, the gauge wheel shaft is connected to the output unit frame 140, e.g. by means of a threaded connection.

[0077] A bearing arrangement 1402 may be provided, such as a glide bearing or a roller bearing. The bearing arrangement 1402 may be provided radially between the gauge wheel shaft 1401 and a shaft aperture of the arm mounting portion 14521, such that the arm mounting portion 14521 may pivot and slide relative to the gauge wheel shaft 1401. At the bearing arrangment, a radial play may be provided, which may faciliate the axial and / or pivotal motion. Moreover, a lubricant may be provided in the bearing arrangement.

[0078] Axial seals 1404a, 1404b may be provided between the sleeve and the gauge wheel shaft 1401 to protect the bearing arrangement 1402 from dirt and debris.

[0079] The counterhold 14525 may be provided as a washer, which provides an axially exposed surface facing the arm mounting portion 14521. The biasing element 14523, which may be provided as an axial biasing element, here a helical spring operating in compression mode, may be operable between an axially exposed surface of the arm mounting portion 14521 and the axially exposed surface of the counterhold 14525.

[0080] The fastener 14524, which may be provided in the form of a screw, may attach the counterhold 14525 to the distal portion of the gauge wheel shaft 1401.

[0081] At a proximal portion of the gauge wheel shaft 1401, axially between the arm mounting poriton 14521 and the output unit frame 140, there is initially provided an axial gap, Ga.

[0082] Referring to fig. 7, at the contact between the gauge wheel 1451 and the disc 1431, the axial periphery 14511 of the gauge wheel 1451 abuts the face 14311 of the disc 1431, effectively providing an arc-shaped contact area. The face 14311 of the disc may be flat or convex. The gauge wheel 1451 is axially biased towards the disc 1431, such that a biasing force is transferred at the contact area.

[0083] The gauge wheel 1451 is rotatably by a gauge wheel hub 14521 provided at a distal portion of the arm 1452, which is pivotably and slidably mounted to the output unit frame 140.

[0084] The arm 1452 is slidably mounted to the gauge wheel shaft 1401, with the biasing element laterally outside the proximal portion 14522 of the arm and an initial gap Ga lateria lly inside the proximal portion 14522.

[0085] Hence, the biasing element 14523 biases the arm 1452 axially inwardly to provide the biasing force, which is counteracted by the contact force at the contact area between the gauge wheel 1451 and the disc 1431.

[0086] Consequently, as the the axial periphery 14511 of the gauge wheel 1451 wears from its sliding contact with the disc 1431, the biasing force provided by the biasing element 14523 (fig. 6) causes the sleeve 14526 of the arm to slide axially along the shaft 1401 towards the output unit frame 140, until the gap Ga (fig. 6) between the sleeve 14526 and the output unit frame 140 is consumed.

[0087] While the above examples provide that the gauge wheel arm 1452 is pivotably and slidably connected to the output unit frame 140, it would be possible as an alternative to mount the arm 1452 pivotably, but axially fixed, relative to the output unit frame 140, while mounting the gauge wheel rotatably and axially slidably relative to the distal portion 14522 of the arm 1452.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An output unit (14, 14a-14j) for an agricultural implement (1) for outputting a product to ground over which the agricultural implement travels, the output unit (14, 14a-14j) comprising:at least one furrow opener disc (1431), rotatable about a disc axis (Ad), which is transverse of a working direction (Dw) of the agricultural implement (1), and at least one gauge wheel (1451), which is rotatable about a gauge wheel axis (Ag), which is transverse of the working direction (Dw),the gauge wheel axis (Ag) being radially offset relative to the disc axis (Ad), a portion of an axially outermost periphery (14511) of the gauge wheel (1451) contacting a main surface (14311) of the furrow opener disc (1431), characterised in thatthe gauge wheel (1451) is axially slidably mounted relative to the furrow opener disc (1431), andthe gauge wheel (1451) is axially biased towards the furrow opener disc (1431).

2. The output unit (14, 14a-14j) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gauge wheel axis (Ag) is non-parallel with the disc axis (Ad).

3. The output unit (14, 14a-14j) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the furrow opener disc (1431) is rotatably supported on an output unit frame (140), wherein the gauge wheel (1451) is rotatably supported on a gauge wheel arm (1452), which is pivotably connected to the output unit frame (140) about a gauge wheel arm axis (Aa).

4. The output unit (14, 14a-14j) as claimed in claim 3, wherien the gauge wheel arm (1452) is slidably connected to the output unit frame (140), such that it is slidable along the gauge wheel arm axis (Aa).

5. The output unit (14, 14a-14j) as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein a gauge wheel shaft (1401) is mounted to the output unit frame (140) and the gaugewheel arm (1452) is pivotably, and optionally slidably, connected to the gauge wheel shaft (1401).

6. The output unit (14, 14a-14j) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a biasing element (14523) is configured to axially bias the gauge wheel arm (1452) along the gauge wheel arm axis (Aa).

7. The output unit (14, 14a-14j) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the gauge wheel arm (1452) comprises a sleeve (14526), which is configured to receive the gauge wheel shaft (1401),wherein an axial length of the gauge wheel shaft (1401) is greater than an axial length of the sleeve (14526) by a length corresponding to at least 120 % of an axial length of the biasing element (14523) in its maximum compressed state, preferably at least 150 % or at least 200 %.

8. The output unit (14, 14a-14j) as claimed in any one of claims 3-7, wherein the gauge wheel arm axis (Aa) is positioned rearwardly of, and optionally at a higher vertical level than the gauge wheel axis (Ag), as seen relative to the working direction (Dw).

9. The output unit (14, 14a-14j) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gauge wheel arm axis (Aa) is positioned rearwardly of, and optionally at a higher vertical level than the disc axis (Ad), as seen relative to the working direction (Dw).

10. An agricultural implement (1) comprising a plurality of output units (14, 14a-14j) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which are distributed over a width of the agricultual implement (1) and supported by a tool-carrying frame section (13).

11. A method of mounting a gauge wheel (1451) on an output unit (14, 14a-14j) of an agricultural implement (1), wherein the output unit (14, 14a-14j) comprises:at least one furrow opener disc (1431), rotatable about a disc axis (Ad), which is transverse of a working direction (Dw) of the agricultural implement (1),at least one gauge wheel (1451), which is rotatable about a gauge wheel axis (Ag), which is transverse of the working direction (Dw),the gauge wheel axis (Ag) being radially offset relative to the disc axis (Ad), a portion of an axially outermost periphery (14511) of the gauge wheel (1451) contacting a lateral surface (14311)of the furrow opener disc (1431)the method comprising:arranging the gauge wheel (1451) axially slidably relative to the furrow opener disc (1431), andaxially biasing the gauge wheel (1451) towards the furrow opener disc (1431).

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the gauge wheel (1451) is initially mounted with an axial gap (Ga), wherein said gap allows axial movement of the gauge wheel (1451) as it wears at its axially outermost periphery (14511) close to the furrow opener disc (1431).

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the axial gap (Ga) is provided along a gauge wheel arm axis (Aa), between the gauge wheel arm (1452) and an output unit frame (140), such that the gauge wheel arm (1452) is axially movable by said bias.

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