SEEDS DISTRIBUTION DEVICE FOR PRECISION SOWING MACHINES AND PRECISION SOWING MACHINE COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE

Abstract

A seed distribution device for precision sowing machines. The device includes a housing for a seed selector disc which is mounted for rotation about a central rotation axis, at least one ring of holes in the seed selector disc which is provided to transport seeds over a circular trajectory, a first singulator and a second singulator which are mounted so as to be radially facing on the housing at opposite sides of the circular trajectory of the seeds and the first and second singulator being distal and proximal with respect to the central rotation axis, respectively, the first singulator and second singulator defining a disruptive selection path for the seeds and being independently and selectively adjustable to modify at least locally the disruptive path so as to eliminate duplicates of seeds from the disc without creating failures.

Claims

1. A seeds distribution device for precision sowing machines comprising: a housing for a seed selector disc which is mounted for rotation about a central rotation axis and which has at least one ring of holes provided to transport seeds over a circular trajectory having opposite sides; and a first singulator and a second singulator which are mounted so as to be radially facing on the housing at the opposite sides of the circular trajectory and so as to be distal and proximal with respect to the central rotation axis, respectively, first singulator and the second singulator being configured so as to both act on at least a portion of the circular trajectory, defining a disruptive selection path for the seeds, wherein one or both of the first singulator and the second singulator are adjustable to modify at least locally the disruptive selection path so as to eliminate duplicates of seeds from the disc without creating failures.

2. The seed distribution device according to claim 1, further comprising an eccentric element rotatably secured to the housing and to which is fixedly secured a first pin, wherein the housing has a second pin and the first singulator comprises a through-hole and a through-slot, the through-hole being engaged rotatably on the second pin and the through-slot being engaged on the first pin and configured to allow the first singulator to move along, a circumferential arc which is centred on the through-hole during rotation of the eccentric element.

3. The seed distribution device according to claim 1, further comprising an eccentric element rotatably secured to the housing and to which is fixedly secured a first pin, wherein the housing has a second pin and the first singulator comprises a through-hole rotatably engaged with the first pin and a through-slot engaged on the second pin and configured to allow a rotational-translational movement of the first singulator with respect to the second singulator during rotation of the eccentric element.

4. The seed distribution device according to claim 3, wherein the through-slot has a rectangular form with rounded vertices, two long sides, and a spacing between the two long sides and the second pin which the through-slot engages has a substantially cylindrical form with a diameter smaller than the spacing.

The seed distribution device according to claim 4, wherein the seed selector disc has a radius with an extension and the through-slot comprises a main longitudinal axis which is inclined by an angle between 90 and 115 with respect to the extension of the radius of the seed selector disc passing through the location of the through-slot which is most proximal to the central rotation axis.

6. The seeds distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the first singulator and the second singulator are substantially plate-like and co-planar relative to each other.

7. The seed distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the first singulator comprises at least a first tooth which projects towards the central rotation axis.

8. The seed distribution device according to claim 7, wherein the tooth has a profile which gradually becomes more proximal with respect to the circular trajectory which is travelled by the seed as a function of the direction of rotation of the seed selector disc.

9. The seed distribution device according to claim 7, wherein the first singulator comprises three teeth which are spaced apart from each other by a first pitch and which are spaced apart by two recesses.

10. The seed distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the second singulator comprises a second main portion and at least one second tooth which projects from the second main portion and which faces the first singulator.

11. The seed distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the first singulator has at least on first tooth and the second singulator has at least on second tooth and the at least one first tooth of the first singulator and the at least one second tooth of the second singulator are positioned angularly around the central rotation axis, wherein the disruptive selection path is defined by the teeth in an annular portion between the first singulator and the second singulator.

12. The seed distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the first singulator comprises three teeth separated by two recesses and the second singulator comprises at least two teeth, wherein the three teeth of the first singulator and the two teeth of the second singulator are arranged in a co-planar and alternating manner relative to each other so that each of the two teeth of the second singulator faces one of the two recesses of the first singulator, thereby defining the disruptive selection path so that the disruptive selection path is sinusoidal between the first singulator and the second singulator.

13. The seed distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the first singulator and the second singulator are adjustable in a selective and independent manner.

14. A precision sowing, machine comprising the seed distribution device according to claim 1.

15. The seed distribution device according to claim 2, wherein the through-slot has a rectangular form with rounded vertices, two long sides, and a spacing between the two long sides and the first pin which the through-slot engages has a substantially cylindrical form with a diameter smaller than the spacing.

16. The seed distribution device according to claim 15, wherein the seed selector disc has a radius with an extension and the through-slot comprises a main longitudinal axis which is inclined by an angle between 90 and 115 with respect to the extension of the radius of the seed selector disc passing through the location of the through-slot which is most proximal to the central rotation axis.

17. A seed distribution device for precision sowing machines comprising: a housing for a seed selector disc which is mounted for rotation about a central rotation axis and which has at least one ring of holes provided to transport seeds over a circular trajectory having opposite sides; a first singulator and a second singulator which are substantially plate-like and co-planar relative to each other, adjustable in a selective and independent manner, and mounted so as to be radially facing on the housing at the opposite sides of the circular trajectory and so as to be distal and proximal with respect to the central rotation axis, respectively, the first singulator and the second singulator being configured so as to both act on at least a portion of the circular trajectory, defining a disruptive selection path for the seeds; and an eccentric element rotatably secured to the housing and to which is fixedly secured a first pin and configured to allow the first singulator to move along a circumferential arc with respect to the second singulator during rotation of the eccentric element, wherein one or both of the first singulator and the second singulator are adjustable to modify at least locally the disruptive selection path so as to eliminate duplicates of seeds from the disc without creating failures.

18. The seed distribution device according to claim 17, wherein the first singulator has at least one first tooth and the second singulator has at least one second tooth and the at least one first tooth of the first singulator and the at least one second tooth of the second singulator are positioned angularly around the central rotation axis, wherein the disruptive selection path is defined by the teeth in an annular portion between the first singulator and the second singulator.

19. The seed distribution device according to claim 17. wherein the first singulator comprises three teeth separated by two recesses and the second singulator comprises at least two teeth, wherein the three teeth of the first singulator and the two teeth of the second singulator are arranged in a co-planar and alternating manner relative to each other so that each of the two teeth of the second singulator faces one of the two recesses of the first singulator, thereby defining the disruptive selection path so that the disruptive selection path is sinusoidal between the first singulator and the second singulator.

20. A precision sowing machine comprising the seed distribution device according to claim 17.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] The features and advantages of the invention will be better appreciated from the detailed description of embodiments thereof which are illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0064] FIG. 1 is a front view of a seed distribution device constructed according to the present invention;

[0065] FIG. 2 is a front view, to an enlarged scale, of singulators of the seed distribution device of FIG. 1;

[0066] FIG. 3 is a front view, to an enlarged scale, of another embodiment of singulators of the seed distribution device of FIG. 1;

[0067] FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c are front views of different configurations of use of the device of FIG. 1; and

[0068] FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c are front views of different configurations of use of the device of FIG. 1 when the singulators of FIG. 3 are installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0069] In the Figures, the reference numbers 1, 100 designate a seed distribution device for a precision sowing device.

[0070] Preferably, the seed distribution device 1, 100 for a precision sowing device comprises a housing 60 for a seed selector disc which is mounted for rotation about a central rotation axis Z, at least one ring of holes on the seed selector disc provided to transport seeds S, over a circular trajectory C, a first singulator 10, 110 and a second singulator 20, 120 which are mounted radially facing the housing 60 at opposite sides of the circular trajectory C of the seeds S and Which are distal and proximal with respect to the central rotation axis Z, respectively.

[0071] FIG. 2 shows an example of the circular trajectory C illustrated with broken lines.

[0072] Advantageously, the first singulator 10, 110 and the second singulator 20, 120 are configured, that is to say, arranged, so as to both act on at least a portion of the circular trajectory C of the seeds S, defining a disruptive selection path for the seeds S.

[0073] The first singulator 10, 110 and the second singulator 20, 120 define a disruptive selection path for the seeds S so that the first singulator 10, 110 and/or the second singulator 20, 120 is/are independently adjustable selectively in order to modify at least locally the disruptive path so as to eliminate duplicates of seeds S by the seed selector disc without creating failures.

[0074] The above-mentioned seed selector disc is capable of conveying and transporting the seeds S set down in the above-mentioned cell along the circular trajectory C.

[0075] By way of non-limiting example, the circular trajectory C illustrated in FIG. 2 has a laying radius of the holes of the seed selector disc equal to 95 mm and is equivalent (even if not indicated) in all the Figures of the present invention.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the first singulator 10, 110 and the second singulator 20, 120 comprise first and second engagement elements 9a, 9b, respectively, which are arranged to interact with an engagement mechanism 9c of the housing 60 so as to allow the above-mentioned independent selective adjustment of the first singulator 10, 110 and/or second singulator 20, 120 in order to modify at least locally the disruptive selection path.

[0077] Preferably, the above-mentioned first and second engagement elements 9a, 9b are elements of the mechanical type (for example, holes, slots, etc.), magnetic type (permanent magnets, electromagnets, etc.), or the like, and the engagement mechanism 9c is of the mechanical type (for example, pins, teeth, etc.), magnetic type (permanent magnets, electromagnets, etc.), or the like.

[0078] With reference to FIG. 3, the first singulator 10 preferably comprises a through-hole 11 and a through-slot 12, the through-hole 11 being engaged rotatably on a second pin 12a so that the first singulator 10 can rotate about the axis X, the through-slot 12 being engaged rotatably on a first pin 11a which is fixedly secured to an eccentric element 11b, this eccentric element 11b being rotatably secured to the housing 60. Furthermore, the through-slot 12 is formed so as to allow the first singulator 10 to move along a centered circumferential arc in the through-hole 11 dining rotation of the eccentric element 11b.

[0079] With reference to FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c, there are shown three configurations in which the first singulator 10 and the central rotation axis Z are at a minimum, mean, and maximum mutual distance, respectively.

[0080] According to another embodiment, the first singulator 110 comprises a through-hole 111 and a through-slot 112 in which the through-hole 111 is engaged with permitted rotation on a first pin 111a, the first pin 111a being fixedly secured to an eccentric element 111b which is rotatably secured to the housing 60, the through-slot 112 being engaged with a second pin 112a and the through-slot 112 being formed so as to allow a rotational-translational movement of the first singulator 110 with respect to the second singulator 120 during rotation of the eccentric element 111b.

[0081] Advantageously, the first singulator 10, 110 and the second singulator 20, 120 are produced from materials having high levels of modulus of elasticity and hardness, such as, for example, steel, anodized aluminum, materials sintered so as to ensure good resistance to wear, etc. Furthermore, the above-mentioned through-hole 11, 111 and through-slot 12, 112 are preferably produced by molding or casting or drilling or milling processing or similar industrial techniques.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the housing is produced from aluminum.

[0083] Preferably, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the through-slot 12, 112 has a rectangular form with the vertices being rounded and a spacing L between the two long sides and the pin 11a, 112a on which the through-slot 12, 112 engages has a substantially cylindrical form having a diameter smaller than the spacing L.

[0084] According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the through-slot 12, 112 comprises a main longitudinal axis I which is inclined by an angle o. between 90 and 115 with respect to the extension of the radius of the seed selector disc passing through the location of the through-slot 12, 112 which is most proximal to the central rotation axis Z. Advantageously, this angle is equal to 100.

[0085] Preferably, the first singulator 10, 110 and the second singulator 20, 120 are substantially plate-like and co-planar relative to each other.

[0086] Advantageously, the first singulator 10, 110 and the second singulator 20, 120 have a thickness between 2 mm and 3 mm and a linear extent between 60 mm and 180 mm.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the first singulator 10, 110 comprises at least one tooth, preferably at least two teeth, and possibly a plurality of teeth 14, 114 which project(s) towards the central rotation axis Z from a first central portion 13, 113 which is circumferentially arcuate.

[0088] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first central portion 13, 113 is an annular or toroidal sector which extends circumferentially in accordance with a preferred radius of curvature. Advantageously, this radius of curvature is greater than or equal to the radius of curvature of the circular trajectory C.

[0089] Preferably, the first plurality of teeth 14, 114 comprise at least one tooth 14a, 114a which has a substantially saw-tooth-like form.

[0090] Advantageously, the connection points between the first central portion 13, 113 and the saw tooth 14a, 114a define inflection points between changes of concavity of the first central portion 13, 113 and a portion of the saw tooth 14a, 114a which is distal from the first central portion 13, 113 itself.

[0091] In this manner, it is possible to have a profile of the tooth which engages with the seed S in a selectively gradual manner, increasing the possibility of removing the excess seeds and correctly centering the desired seed in the predetermined cell.

[0092] According to an embodiment, each tooth of the first plurality of teeth 14, 114 has a profile which is increasingly proximal with respect to the circular trajectory C travelled by the seed S as a function of the direction of rotation of the seed selector disc.

[0093] Advantageously, the difference between the distances of the teeth 14, 114 which can be measured by the distal or local portion thereof with respect to the central rotation axis Z is more or less, from 0 to 15% of the mean of the distances of the teeth 14, 114 themselves.

[0094] Preferably, the first plurality of teeth 14, 114 comprise three teeth 14a, 14b, 14c, 114a, 114b, 114c which are spaced apart from each other by a first pitch P1 and which are spaced apart by two recesses 14d, 14e, 114d, 114e of the first singulator 10, 110. With reference to FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c and 5a, 5b, 5c, it is clearly evident that the same portions of the above-mentioned first singulator 10 are located with minimum, mean, and maximum spacings with respect to the central rotation axis Z as a function of the angles of rotation applied to the eccentric element 111b, 111b.

[0095] In order to provide a more comprehensive description and with reference to FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, there are defined three distances from the central rotation axis Z of a first, second, and third tooth D110a, D110b, D110c, respectively. By way of non-limiting example, reference may be made below to a Table (Table 1) which indicates the above-mentioned values as a function of the configuration of the first singulator 10, 110 with minimum, mean, and maximum spacings with respect to the central rotation axis Z.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Minimum Mean Maximum Distance configuration configuration configuration D110a 94.95 97.34 97.34 D110b 94 98.93 100.75 D110c 93.53 98.63 101.52

[0096] Similarly, in order to provide a more comprehensive description and with reference to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, there are defined three distances from the central rotation axis Z of a first, second, and third tooth D10a, D10b, D10c, respectively, in relation to another embodiment of the present invention. By way of non-limiting example, reference may be made below to a Table (Table 2) Which indicates the above-mentioned values as a function of the configuration of the first singulator 10, 110 with minimum, mean, and maximum spacings with respect to the central rotation axis Z.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Minimum Mean Maximum Distance configuration configuration configuration D11a 94.7 95.8 97 D11b 94.2 97.2 100.4 D11c 94 97.9 102

[0097] It can readily be seen (in particular in the configuration with maximum spacing) by comparing the data contained in Table 1 and in Table 2 how the embodiment of FIG. 2 allows a spacing to be maintained with respect to the central rotation axis Z which is more uniform between the various teeth.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the second singulator 20, 120 comprises a second plurality of teeth 24, 124 which project from a second central portion 23, 123 of the second singulator 20, 120 and which face the first singulator 10, 110.

[0099] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3., the second central portion 23, 123 is an annular or toroidal sector which extends circumferentially in accordance with a preferred radius of curvature. Advantageously, this radius of curvature is smaller than or equal to the radius of curvature of the central trajectory C. As illustrated, the second singulator 20, 120 comprises a first opening 25, 125 and a second opening 26, 126. The first opening 25, 125 engages a first post 25a, 125a and the second opening 26, 126 engages a second post 26a, 126a to fix the second singulator 20, 120 in position.

[0100] Preferably, the second plurality of teeth 24, 124 comprise at least one tooth 24a, 124a which has a substantially saw-tooth-like form.

[0101] Advantageously, the connection points between the second central portion 23, 123 and the saw tooth 24a, 124a define inflection points between changes of concavity of the second central portion 23, 123 and a portion of the saw tooth 24a, 124a which is distal from the second central portion 23, 123 itself.

[0102] In this manner, it is possible to have a profile of the tooth which engages with the seed S in a selectively gradual manner by increasing the possibility of removing the excess seeds and correctly centering the desired seed in the predetermined cell.

[0103] According to an embodiment, each tooth of the second plurality of teeth 24, 124 has a profile which becomes increasingly more proximal to the circular trajectory C which is travelled by the seed S as a function of the direction of rotation of the seed selector disc.

[0104] Advantageously, the difference between the distance of the teeth 24, 124 which are measurable by the distal or local portion thereof with respect to the central axis of rotation Z is between more or less 0 and 15% of the mean of the distances of the teeth 24, 124.

[0105] Preferably, the second plurality of teeth 24, 124 comprise two teeth 24a, 24b, 124a, 124b.

[0106] Advantageously, the two teeth 24a, 24b, 124a, 124b of the second plurality of teeth 24, 124 are positioned at the distal ends of the second central portion 23, 123, respectively.

[0107] According to an embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the three teeth 14a, 14b, 14c, 114a, 114b, 114c of the first plurality of teeth 14, 114 and the two teeth 24a, 24b, 124a, 124b of the second plurality of teeth 24, 124 are arranged in a co-planar and alternating manner relative to each other so that each of the two teeth 24a, 24b, 124a, 124b of the second plurality of teeth 24, 124 faces one of the two recesses 14d, 14e, 14d, 14e of the first singulator 10, 110, thereby defining a disruptive selection path which can be adjusted with a sinusoidal development between the first plurality of teeth 14, 114 and the second plurality of teeth 14, 124.

[0108] In the embodiments described above, the first singulator 10, 110 can be moved while the second singulator 20, 120 is fixed. This technical solution may be considered simply by way of non-limiting example and in fact the present invention includes the embodiments in which the first singulator 10, 110 is fixed and the second singulator 20, 120 is movable or both the separators can be moved independently.

[0109] The present invention relates to a precision seeding device comprising a seeds distribution device 1, 100 which is constructed according to the characteristics described above.

[0110] Although illustrated and described above with reference to certain specific, embodiments, the present disclosure is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.