AU2021221643A1

AU2021221643A1 - Plough assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2021221643A1
Application number: AU2021221643A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Garry Richardson
Original assignee: Cahejo Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Cahejo Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-05
Filing date: 2021-08-25
Publication date: 2022-09-22

Abstract

A plough assembly that is mountable to a towable agricultural apparatus comprises a digging tine adapted to extend downwardly into a soil layer and a frame assembly attached rearwardly to the digging tine. The frame assembly comprises upper and lower support arms extending laterally from the digging tine, wherein the support arms are spaced apart from one another and are pivotally connected to the digging tine. A support member is pivotally connected to each of the support arms, wherein the support member can be raised and lowered relative to the digging tine and comprises at least one agricultural implement adapted to engage the soil layer. A linear actuator is connected to the frame assembly, wherein the linear actuator is operatively configured to actuate the frame assembly to control a downwards pressure exerted by the agricultural implement on the soil layer. 1/4 12 26 2 10 18 30 16 10 ||o 18 o 00 r °°- 20 38 22 240111-9)1 @ o 46 44 40 42 Figure 1

Description

1/4

12 26 2 30 16 10 18

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Figure 1

PLOUGH ASSEMBLY

Field

[0001]The present invention relates to agricultural equipment and, more particularly, to a plough assembly for towable agricultural equipment such as seeding bars and tillage machines.

Background

[0002] Various types of towable machinery and equipment are commonly used in agriculture to carry out work on farmland. For example, seeding bars are used to sow and plant seeds into soil across large paddocks. A seeding bar typically comprises a wide chassis frame that has a drawbar on its frontmost leading edge for connecting the seeding bar to a tractor or other towing vehicle. The chassis frame comprises a set of downwardly extending digging tines that create channels in the soil to receive seed as the seeding bar is towed across the paddock.

[0003] Various ground-engaging implements may be disposed rearwardly of each digging tine. These implements may operate to deposit seed into the channel formed by the digging tine and to cultivate the soil. Typically, a seed dispenser tube is provided that deposits seed into the channel. A packer wheel may also be included that applies downwards pressure onto the seed bed at the base of the channel to ensure that the seed is planted firmly in the soil. A fertiliser dispenser and a channel closing tool may also be provided behind the digging tine to prepare the soil in the channel for growing crops.

[0004] It is advantageous to control the pressure exerted onto the soil by various of the ground-engaging implements during use. For example, the pressure exerted downwardly onto the seed bed by the packer wheels and channel closing tools may need to be adjusted. The optimal pressure that is required may depend on a variety of factors including the consistency of the soil, the depth of the channels and the particular depth at which the seeds need to be planted.

[0005] The pressure applied by each packer wheel is commonly controlled by an adjustable spring mechanism that is connected to the frame assembly that rotatably holds the wheel. The spring mechanism causes the packer wheel to be held at a particular height and to apply a resultant downwards pressure onto the seed bed. The height and pressure can be varied by adjusting the position at which the spring mechanism is connected to the frame assembly. However, this requires the farmer to make manual adjustments which is time consuming and can only be performed when the seeding bar is stationary. Furthermore, the farmer is not able to make precise adjustments because the spring can only be connected to the frame assembly in one of several set positions. The spring mechanism can also suffer from spring memory deterioration over time as well as resistance changes due to temperature fluctuations.

[0006] The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

Summary

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a plough assembly that is mountable to a towable agricultural apparatus, wherein the plough assembly comprises: a digging tine adapted to extend downwardly into a soil layer; a frame assembly attached rearwardly to the digging tine, wherein the frame assembly comprises: upper and lower support arms extending laterally from the digging tine, wherein the support arms are spaced apart from one another and are pivotally connected to the digging tine; a support member pivotally connected to each of the support arms, wherein the support member can be raised and lowered relative to the digging tine and comprises at least one agricultural implement adapted to engage the soil layer; and a linear actuator connected to the frame assembly, wherein the linear actuator is operatively configured to actuate the frame assembly to control a downwards pressure exerted by the agricultural implement on the soil layer.

[0008] The linear actuator may be connected between the digging tine and the frame assembly.

[0009] The linear actuator may be connected between the digging tine and the upper support arm.

[0010] The linear actuator may be connected between the digging tine and the lower support arm.

[0011] The linear actuator may be connected between the digging tine and the support member.

[0012] The linear actuator may be connected between the upper support arm and the lower support arm.

[0013] The linear actuator may comprise a hydraulic linear actuator.

[0014]A hydraulic hoseline of the hydraulic linear actuator may be fluidly connected to a hydraulic accumulator.

[0015] The digging tine may be configured to be raised and lowered relative to the towable agricultural apparatus.

[0016] The digging tine may be slidably receivable into a retainer provided on a frame of the towable agricultural apparatus and an actuator may be connected between the digging tine and the frame for controlling a height of the digging tine relative to the frame.

[0017] The plough assembly may comprise: a seed dispenser attached to the support member; and a press member attached to the support member rearwardly of the seed dispenser, the press member being adapted to press seeds deposited by the seed dispenser into the soil layer.

[0018] The press member may comprise a packer wheel rotatably supported by the support member.

[0019] The plough assembly may comprise a seed bed forming tool attached to the support member forwardly of the seed dispenser.

[0020] The plough assembly may comprise a fertiliser dispenser attached to the digging tine.

[0021]The present invention also provides a towable agricultural apparatus comprising a plurality of soil engaging plough tools, wherein each of the soil engaging plough tools comprises the plough assembly as described above.

[0022] The towable agricultural apparatus may comprise a hydraulic accumulator and the linear actuator of the plough assembly of each soil engaging plough tool may be fluidly connected to the hydraulic accumulator.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0023] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a plough assembly according to an example embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a side elevation of a plough assembly according to a further example embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a side elevation of a plough assembly according to a further example embodiment of the invention; and Figure 4 is a side elevation of a plough assembly according to a further example embodiment of the invention.

Description of Embodiments

[0024] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, an example embodiment of the present invention provides a plough assembly 10 that is mountable to a towable agricultural apparatus 12. The plough assembly 10 comprises a digging tine 14 adapted to extend downwardly into a soil layer and a frame assembly 16 attached rearwardly to the digging tine 14. The frame assembly 16 comprises an upper support arm 18 and a lower support arm 20 extending laterally from the digging tine 14, wherein the support arms 18, 20 are spaced apart from one another and are pivotally connected to the digging tine 14. The frame assembly 16 also comprises a support member 22 pivotally connected to each of the support arms 18, 20, wherein the support member 22 can be raised and lowered relative to the digging tine 14 and comprises at least one agricultural implement

24 adapted to engage the soil layer. The plough assembly 10 also comprises a linear actuator 26 connected to the frame assembly 16, wherein the linear actuator 26 is operatively configured to actuate the frame assembly 16 to control a downwards pressure exerted by the agricultural implement 24 on the soil layer.

[0025] The plough assembly 10 may be used with a variety of different types of towable agricultural apparatus. In the examples depicted, the plough assembly is attached to a chassis frame member of a seeding bar 12 of the type that is commonly towed by a tractor and used to plant seeds in farmland. The linear actuator 26 actuates the frame assembly 16 independently of the digging tine 14 and may be disposed at a number of different positions on the plough assembly 10. For example, the actuator 26 may be connected and spanned between the digging tine 14 and the frame assembly 16.

[0026] More particularly, as shown in Figure 1 the linear actuator 26 may be connected between the digging tine 14 and the upper support arm 18 of the frame assembly 16. The cylinder of the actuator 26 may be pivotally connected to the digging tine 14 by a pin joint and mounting bracket 28 attached to the digging tine 14. The piston of the actuator 26 may be pivotally connected to the upper support arm 18 by a pin joint 30. In this configuration, linear movement of the actuator piston causes the upper support arm 18 to pivot about its point of connection with the digging tine 14. The pivotal movement of the upper support arm 18, in turn, causes (i) the lower support arm 20 to pivot about its point of connection with the digging tine 14, and (ii) the support member 22 to move vertically relative to the digging tine 14.

[0027] The linear actuator 26 may be connected between the digging tine 14 and other parts of the frame assembly 16. For example, referring to Figure 2 the linear actuator 26 may be connected between the digging tine 14 and the lower support arm 20. In another example, referring to Figure 3 the linear actuator 26 may be connected between the digging tine 14 and the support member 22 by a pin joint 32 provided on a frame element of the support member 22. The linear actuator 26 may be connected between the frame assembly 16 and parts of the plough assembly 10 or seeding bar 12 other than the digging tine 14. For example, the actuator 26 may be connected between a chassis frame member of the seeding bar 12 and the frame assembly 16.

[0028] Referring to Figure 4, in another example the linear actuator 26 may be interposed and extend between the upper and lower support arms 18, 20. The actuator 26 may be pivotally connected to the support arms 18, 20 by a pair of pin joints 34, 36. In this configuration, linear movement of the actuator's 26 piston relative to its cylinder causes the support arms 18, 20 to be pulled towards one another or pushed away from one another. Opposed pulling forces exerted by the actuator 26 cause the two support arms 18, 20 to be urged into parallel alignment with one another. Conversely, when opposed pushing forces are exerted by the actuator 26, the support arms 18, 20 are caused to pivot about their respective points of connection with the digging tine 14 and the support member 22 to be moved vertically.

[0029] The linear actuator 26 may be a hydraulic linear actuator. Hydraulic fluid may be supplied to the cylinder of the hydraulic actuator 26 by a hydraulic hoseline 38. The hoseline 38 may be connectable to the hydraulic power system of the tractor or vehicle that is being used to tow the seeding bar 12. The hoseline 38 of the hydraulic linear actuator 26 may be fluidly connected to a hydraulic accumulator (not shown) attached to the chassis of the seeding bar 12. The accumulator may comprise a pressure vessel that holds hydraulic fluid and a compressible gas, such as nitrogen. The accumulator may operate to protect the hydraulic actuator 26, and related hydraulic system elements, from any surges in hydraulic pressure that may be encountered during use. In examples where the seeding bar 12 comprises a plurality of the plough assemblies 10, the seeding bar 12 may comprise a single hydraulic accumulator that is connected to the hydraulic actuators 26 of each of the plough assemblies 20. The accumulator may operate to maintain and equalize the fluid pressure across all hydraulic actuators during use.

[0030] It will be appreciated that other types of linear actuator 26 may be used to actuate the frame assembly 16. For example, the linear actuator 26 may be a pneumatic or electro-mechanical linear actuator 26. The actuator 26 may be controlled using a control device that is remote from the plough assembly 10. For example, the hydraulic actuator 26 may be controlled by a user input device that is deployed in the cab of the vehicle that is towing the seeding bar 12.

[0031] In each of the examples depicted, the upper and lower supports arms 18, are aligned parallel to one another and the support member 22 and digging tine 14 are also aligned parallel to one another. In this configuration, the frame assembly 16 forms a parallelogram and the support member 22 advantageously remains in a fixed vertical orientation when it is moved up and down relative to the digging tine 14 by the actuator 26. The digging tine 14 may also be connected to the chassis frame 12 such that the tine 14 may be raised and lowered as required by the operator. For example, the digging tine 14 may be slidably received into a retainer (not shown) provided on the chassis frame 12. A further linear actuator (not shown) may be connected between the digging tine 14 and chassis frame 12 that causes the digging tine 14 to slide up and down through the retainer.

[0032] Referring to Figure 1, in use the seeding bar 12 is towed across a paddock by a tractor or similar farming vehicle and a blade 40 provided at a lower end of the digging tine 14 creates a channel in the soil. The digging tine 14 may also comprise a fertiliser dispenser tube 42 disposed rearward of the blade that deposits fertiliser onto the bed of the channel. The tube 42 may be adapted to deposit granular and/or liquid-based fertilisers. The support member

22 may have a closing tool 44 attached thereto that comprises a lower flange portion that is slightly wider than the width of the channel formed by the blade 40. The closing tool 44 prepares the channel to receive the seed. A seed dispenser tube 46 may be disposed rearwardly of the closing tool 44 that deposits seed into the bed of the channel. A press member that comprises a packer wheel 24 may be provided behind the seed dispenser tube 46 that applies downwards pressure onto the channel bed to ensure that the seed is planted firmly into the soil.

[0033] The pressure exerted by the packer wheel 24 downwardly onto the channel bed may be adjusted by actuating the frame assembly 16 using the linear actuator 26. Actuating the frame assembly 16, in turn, also controls the depth at which the closing tool 44 digs into the channel. The hydraulic accumulator operates to protect the actuator 26, and related hydraulic system elements, from any surges in hydraulic pressure that may be encountered during use. For example, if the packer wheel 24 and closing tool 44 travel over a rock or hard bump on the farmland and are pushed suddenly in an upwards direction, the accumulator absorbs the sharp increase in hydraulic pressure that briefly occurs and equalizes the fluid pressure across all other hydraulic actuators of the seeding bar 12.

[0034] Now that example embodiments of the plough assembly 10 have been described, it will be apparent that it provides a number of advantages over the prior art, including the following:

(i) The linear actuator 26 controls the pressure exerted by the packer wheel 24 downwardly on the channel bed in a precise and controlled manner and in fine increments;

(ii) The pressure exerted by the linear actuator 26 may be controlled remotely by the user while the seeding bar 12 is in use;

(iii) The frame assembly 16 may be actuated independently of the digging tine 14. The pressure exerted by the packer wheel 24 may, therefore, be adjusted independently of the height at which the digging tine 14 is set relative to the seeding bar 12.

[0035] The skilled addressee will appreciate that certain features shown in the Figures may be illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been shown to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the features may be exaggerated relative to other features to facilitate an understanding of the various example embodiments exemplifying the principles described herein. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein adopt the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

[0036] The location and disposition of the features depicted in the Figures may vary according to the particular arrangements of the embodiment(s) as well as of the particular applications of such embodiment(s). For the purpose of this specification, the word "comprising" means "including but not limited to", and the word "comprises" has a corresponding meaning.

[0037] The above embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A plough assembly mountable to a towable agricultural apparatus, the plough assembly comprising: a digging tine adapted to extend downwardly into a soil layer; a frame assembly attached rearwardly to the digging tine, wherein the frame assembly comprises: upper and lower support arms extending laterally from the digging tine, wherein the support arms are spaced apart from one another and are pivotally connected to the digging tine; a support member pivotally connected to each of the support arms, wherein the support member can be raised and lowered relative to the digging tine and comprises at least one agricultural implement adapted to engage the soil layer; and a linear actuator connected to the frame assembly, wherein the linear actuator is operatively configured to actuate the frame assembly to control a downwards pressure exerted by the agricultural implement on the soil layer.

2. The plough assembly according to claim 1, wherein the linear actuator is connected between the digging tine and the frame assembly.

3. The plough assembly according to claim 2, wherein the linear actuator is connected between the digging tine and the upper support arm.

4. The plough assembly according to claim 2, wherein the linear actuator is connected between the digging tine and the lower support arm.

5. The plough assembly according to claim 2, wherein the linear actuator is connected between the digging tine and the support member.

6. The plough assembly according to claim 1, wherein the linear actuator is connected between the upper support arm and the lower support arm.

7. The plough assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the linear actuator comprises a hydraulic linear actuator.

8. The plough assembly according to claim 7, wherein a hydraulic hoseline of the hydraulic linear actuator is fluidly connected to a hydraulic accumulator.

9. The plough assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the digging tine is configured to be raised and lowered relative to the towable agricultural apparatus.

10. The plough assembly according to claim 9, wherein: the digging tine may be slidably receivable into a retainer provided on a frame of the towable agricultural apparatus; and an actuator is connected between the digging tine and the frame of the towable agricultural apparatus to raise and lower the digging tine.

11. The plough assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plough assembly comprises: a seed dispenser attached to the support member; and a press member attached to the support member rearwardly of the seed dispenser, the press member being adapted to press seeds deposited by the seed dispenser into the soil layer.

12. The plough assembly according to claim 11, wherein the press member comprises a packer wheel rotatably supported by the support member.

13. The plough assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the plough assembly comprises a seed bed forming tool attached to the support member forwardly of the seed dispenser.

14. The plough assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plough assembly comprises a fertiliser dispenser attached to the digging tine.

15. A towable agricultural apparatus comprising a plurality of soil engaging plough tools, wherein each of the soil engaging plough tools comprises the plough assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. The towable agricultural apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the towable agricultural apparatus comprises a hydraulic accumulator, and wherein a linear actuator of each of the soil engaging plough tools is fluidly connected to the hydraulic accumulator.