Depth adjustment system for seed planting units of an agricultural implement and related assemblies

A seed planting unit of an agricultural implement may include a depth adjustment assembly having a cam member and a depth adjustment gear rotatably coupled to the cam member. The cam member may be configured to be rotated to adjust a vertical position of a wheel of the unit relative to a ground engaging tool of the unit. The seed planting unit may also include an actuating member configured to rotationally drive the depth adjustment gear. The depth adjustment gear and the actuating member include interlocking engagement elements, such that when the actuating member is rotated, the cam member is rotated relative to the support structure to vary the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to agricultural implements, and more specifically, to a system for adjusting the penetration depth settings of seed planting units of an agricultural implement, as well as a related depth adjustment assembly provided in operative association with each seed planting unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, agricultural seed planting units are towed behind a tractor or other work vehicle via a mounting bracket secured to a rigid frame of an agricultural implement, such as a planter or seeder. These seed planting units typically include a ground engaging tool or opener that forms a furrow or seed planting trench for seed deposition into the soil. Specifically, the opener is used to break the soil to enable seed deposition. After the seed is deposited, the opener is followed by a packer wheel that packs the soil on top of the deposited seed. The packer wheel also serves to adjust the penetration depth of the opener within the soil. In certain configurations, the penetration depth of the opener is adjustable by varying a vertical position of the packer wheel relative to the opener.

In typical configurations, the packer wheel is pivotally coupled to a packer support structure by a packer arm. Rotation of the packer arm relative to the packer support structure varies the vertical position of the packer wheel, thereby, in turn, adjusting the penetration depth of the opener. In certain configurations, the packer arm includes a series of openings configured to receive a fastener. The openings are positioned such that the angle of the packer arm relative to the packer support structure may be varied by securing the fastener to a particular opening. However, removing the fastener from one opening, rotating the packer arm relative to the packer support structure, and securing the fastener within another opening is a time consuming process. Furthermore, certain agricultural implements have multiple seed planting units, and therefore have multiple openers (e.g., greater than 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or more). Because the openers are typically configured to maintain the same penetration depth setting, the duration of the depth adjustment process is multiplied by the number of openers coupled to the implement. Consequently, reconfiguration of the implement for a different penetration depth setting may result in large delays in seeding operations, thereby decreasing seeding efficiency.

Accordingly, an improved system for use within an agricultural implement that allows more efficient reconfiguration of the depth settings of the implement's openers would be welcomed in the technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present subject matter is directed to a seed planting unit of an agricultural implement, with the seed planting unit generally including a support structure, a ground engaging tool supported by the support structure and configured to penetrate a soil surface, a wheel support arm, and a wheel. The wheel may be configured to be rotatably supported by the wheel support arm and to contact the soil surface to define a penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool relative to the soil surface. The seed planting unit may further include a depth adjustment assembly having a cam member and a depth adjustment gear rotatably coupled to the cam member. The cam member may be configured to be rotated to adjust a vertical position of the wheel relative to the ground engaging tool. The seed planting unit may further include an actuating member configured to rotationally drive the depth adjustment gear. Additionally, the depth adjustment gear and the actuating member may include interlocking engagement elements, such that when the actuating member is rotated, the cam member is rotated relative to the support structure to vary the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.

In another embodiment, the present subject matter is directed to a seed planting unit for an agricultural implement, with the seed planting unit generally including a support structure, a ground engaging tool supported by the support structure and configured to penetrate a soil surface, a wheel support arm having an upper portion and a lower portion and configured to be pivotally coupled to the support member at a pivot point between the upper and lower portions, and a wheel. The wheel may be rotatably supported by the lower portion of the wheel support arm and may be configured to contact the soil surface to define a penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool relative to the soil surface. The seed planting unit may further include a depth adjustment assembly including a cam member and a depth adjustment gear rotatably coupled to the cam member. The cam member may be configured to be rotated to adjust a vertical position of the wheel relative to the ground engaging tool. Additionally, the upper portion of the wheel support arm may be configured to abut against the cam member to set the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.

In yet another embodiment, the present subject matter is directed to an agricultural implement including a frame, a plurality of seed planting units supported by the frame, with the seed planting units being configured to deposit seeds within a field as the implement is moved across the field. Each seed planting unit may generally include a support structure, a ground engaging tool supported by the support structure and configured to penetrate a soil surface, a wheel support arm having an upper portion and a lower portion and configured to be pivotally coupled to the support member at a pivot point between the upper and lower portions, and a wheel. The wheel may be rotatably supported by the lower portion of the wheel support arm and may contact the soil surface to define a penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool relative to the soil surface. Each seed planting unit may further include a depth adjustment assembly having a cam member and a depth adjustment gear rotatably coupled to the cam member. The cam member of each seed planting unit may be configured to be rotated to adjust a vertical position of the wheel relative to the ground engaging tool. Each seed planting unit may additionally include an actuating member configured to rotationally drive the depth adjustment gear, wherein, when the actuating member is rotated, the cam member is rotated relative to the support structure to vary the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.

In another embodiment, the present subject matter is directed to a system for adjusting penetration depth settings of seed planting units of an agricultural implement. The system may generally include a plurality of seed planting units and a common drive assembly. Each of the seed planting units generally includes a depth adjustment assembly, wherein the common drive assembly may be configured to drive the depth adjustment assemblies of the seed planting units to simultaneously adjust a penetration depth setting of each respective seed planting unit.

In a further embodiment, the present subject matter is directed to an agricultural implement including a frame and a plurality of seed planting units supported by the frame, wherein the seed planting units may be configured to deposit seeds within a field as the implement is moved across the field. Each seed planting unit may generally include a support structure, a ground engaging tool supported by the support structure and configured to penetrate a soil surface, a wheel support arm having an upper portion and a lower portion and configured to be pivotally coupled to the support member and a wheel. The wheel may be rotatably supported by the lower portion of the wheel support arm and be configured to contact the soil surface to define a penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool relative to the soil surface. Each seed planting unit may further include a depth adjustment assembly configured to be rotated adjust a vertical position of the wheel relative to the ground engaging tool. Additionally, the agricultural implement may include a common drive assembly. The common drive assembly may be configured to rotationally drive the depth adjustment assembly of each of the seed planting units to simultaneously adjust the penetration depth setting of each respective seed planting unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present subject matter is directed to a system for adjusting the penetration depth settings of a plurality of seed planting units of an agricultural implement. In addition, the present subject matter is also directed to a depth adjustment assembly configured to be provided in operative association with a given seed planting unit to allow its respective penetration depth setting to be adjusted.

In several embodiments, the agricultural implement may correspond to a planter or seeder and may include a plurality of seed planting units coupled to or otherwise supported by a frame of the planter/seeder. In one embodiment, each seed planting unit may include a ground engaging tool configured to open the soil surface to create a seed trench or furrow, and a wheel rotatably supported by a corresponding wheel support arm of the seed planting unit, with the wheel being configured to roll across or otherwise contact the soil surface to set a penetration depth of the ground engaging tool, as well as to close the seed trench upon deposition of seed therein. Additionally, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, each seed planting unit may be configured to allow a penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool to be selectively adjusted. Specifically, the seed planting unit may include a depth adjustment assembly configured to allow the vertical position of the wheel to be adjusted relative to the ground engaging tool, which, in turn, may result in a corresponding adjustment in the penetration depth setting. As such, the depth adjustment assembly may be used to set the desired penetration depth for the ground engaging tool based on, e.g., the soil composition or seed type, to allow for more efficient and/or effective seeding operations.

In several embodiments, the depth adjustment assembly may be selectively movable relative to the support structure to adjust the penetration depth for the ground engaging tool. Specifically, in one embodiment, the depth adjustment assembly may include a cam member. As will be described below, the cam member may include a cam surface defining a cam profile, with a portion of the wheel support arm configured to be supported by or otherwise contact the cam surface when the support structure is in a working position to set a penetration depth setting of the associated ground engaging tool. In such an embodiment, the cam member may be configured to be rotatable relative to the support structure to vary the portion of the cam surface being contacted by the wheel support arm, thereby adjusting the vertical position of the wheel relative to the ground engaging tool and, thus, adjusting the associated penetration depth setting of the ground engaging tool.

Moreover, in several embodiments, to allow the cam member to be rotated relative to both the support structure and the wheel support arm, the depth adjustment assembly may also include an associated depth adjustment gear coupled to the cam member such that rotation of the gear results in corresponding rotation of the cam member. In such embodiments, the depth adjustment gear may be configured to be engaged with a rotational drive source, such as an actuating member, configured to rotationally drive the gear. For instance, the depth adjustment gear and the associated actuating member may include mating or corresponding engagement elements, with the engagement elements of the gear being configured to engage or otherwise interlock with the engagement elements of the actuating member. In such an embodiment, the depth adjustment gear and, thus, the cam member of the depth adjustment assembly may be configured to be rotated relative to the support structure with rotation of the actuating member (e.g., to adjust the penetration depth setting of the associated ground engaging tool).

It should be appreciated that, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, the rotational position of each depth adjustment assembly of the agricultural implement may be configured to be adjusted either manually or automatically to adjust the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tools. For instance, in one embodiment, an operator may be allowed to manually adjust the position of each depth adjustment assembly (e.g., by rotating the associated actuating member). Alternatively, the various depth adjustment assemblies of the seed planting units may be incorporated within an automatically controlled depth adjustment system for simultaneously adjusting the penetration depth settings of two or more of the seed planting units.

For example, in several embodiments, the disclosed system may include a common drive assembly coupled to two or more of the depth adjustment assemblies of the various seed planting units of the agricultural implement. In such embodiments, the common drive assembly may be configured to function as a common rotational drive source for rotationally driving the depth adjustment assemblies coupled thereto, thereby allowing the penetration depth settings of the associated seed planting units to be automatically and simultaneously adjusted. For instance, in one embodiment, the common drive assembly may include a rotational drive unit rotationally coupled to a plurality of depth adjustment assemblies of the seed planting units via torque transmitting members (e.g., flexible torque cables) to transmit torque from the rotational drive unit to the depth adjustment assemblies for adjusting the penetration depth setting(s) of the associated ground engaging tool(s).

Referring now to the drawings,FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of an agricultural implement100. In general, the implement100is configured to be towed behind a work vehicle, such as a tractor (not shown). As shown inFIG. 1, the implement100may include a tow bar assembly102, which is shown in the form of an A-frame hitch assembly. The tow bar assembly102may include a hitch configured to attach to an appropriate tractor hitch via a ball, clevis, or other coupling. Additionally, the tow bar assembly102may be coupled to a tool bar104, which, in turn, supports multiple tool frames106. Moreover, in several embodiments, each tool frame106may include multiple seed planting units108, such as a plurality of hoe openers, coupled thereto or supported thereby. As discussed in detail below, each seed planting unit108may be configured to facilitate quick and efficient reconfiguration of the unit108for varying penetration depth settings in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter.

It should be appreciated that the configuration of the implement100described above and shown inFIG. 1is provided only to place the present subject matter in an exemplary field of use. Thus, it should be appreciated that the present subject matter may be readily adaptable to any manner of implement configuration.

Referring now toFIG. 2, a side view of one embodiment of a seed planting unit108suitable for use within an agricultural implement (e.g., the implement100shown inFIG. 1) is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, particularly illustrating the unit108including one embodiment of a depth adjustment assembly having components or features configured to facilitate reconfiguration of the unit's penetration depth setting. It should be appreciated that, although the seed planting unit108is shown and described herein as corresponding to a hoe opener, the seed planting unit108may generally correspond to any suitable row unit having any suitable configuration that facilitates the deposition of seeds within the soil. Additionally, it should be appreciated that, although the seed planting unit108will generally be described in the context of the implement100shown inFIG. 1, the unit108may generally be configured to be installed on any suitable implement having any suitable implement configuration.

As shown inFIG. 2, the seed planting unit108includes a mounting bracket110, a first linkage member112, a second linkage member114, and a biasing device or actuator, such as a cylinder116(e.g., hydraulic and/or pneumatic piston-cylinder assembly). In one embodiment, the cylinder116may be hydraulically coupled to a power supply that provides a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid which displaces a piston rod extending from the cylinder. The mounting bracket110and associated hardware are generally configured to interface with the tool frame106(FIG. 1), thereby securing the seeding planting unit108to the implement100(FIG. 1). For instance, multiple seed planting units108may be mounted in parallel along the tool frame106(FIG. 1) to form a seeding assembly or unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the first linkage member112, the second linkage member114, and the mounting bracket110generally form elements of a parallel linkage, also known as a four bar linkage. As will be appreciated, components of the seed planting unit108, such as the mounting bracket110(and associated hardware), first linkage member112, and second linkage member114, may be made of any suitable material, such as steel. It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, any other suitable linkage(s) or linkage assembly may be used to couple the seed planting unit108to the tool frame106. For example, in an alternative embodiment, only one of the linkage members112,114may be used to couple the seed planting unit108to the frame106, such as configuring a single linkage for use in a trailing arm opener design.

As is illustrated inFIG. 2, the cylinder116may be attached to a shank118either directly, e.g., via a pin at the end of the piston rod, or indirectly, e.g., via a swing link or other linkage coupled between the shank118and the cylinder116. A ground engaging tool, such as the illustrated opener120, is also attached to the shank118and is configured to engage the soil. Contact force between the opener120and the soil establishes a moment about a shank pivot joint. This moment is resisted by the force applied to the shank118by the cylinder116. Furthermore, the linkage is configured to facilitate vertical movement of the implement100, while maintaining the opener120at a desired penetration depth setting122within soil124. The desired penetration depth setting122may be selected based on soil conditions, or environmental factors, among other considerations. As illustrated, the linkage is coupled to a wheel support structure, such as the illustrated support structure126.

A wheel support arm128, including a packer wheel130, is pivotally coupled to the support structure126by a pin132disposed through openings within the wheel support arm128and the support structure126. The pin132is generally positioned at an interface between an upper portion134and a lower portion136of the wheel support arm128. The packer wheel130is rotatably coupled to the lower portion136of the wheel support arm128and is configured to roll along or otherwise contact the soil surface to both pack the soil on top of deposited seeds and limit the penetration depth setting122of the opener120. The pin132enables rotation of the wheel support arm128about a pivot point defined by the pin132with respect to the support structure126. However, in a working mode, rotation of the wheel support arm128relative to the support structure126is blocked by a depth adjustment assembly200of the seed planting unit108.

As discussed in detail below, the depth adjustment assembly200is configured to be rotated relative to the support structure126when it is desired to adjust the penetration depth setting122of the opener120. Specifically, the depth adjustment assembly200may be configured to include a cam member defining a cam profile along which a portion of the wheel support arm128contacts or otherwise follows with rotation of the depth adjustment assembly200. As such, movement of the depth adjustment member200, and its associated cam profile, relative to the support structure126may result in the portion of the wheel support arm128contacting the cam member being raised or lowered relative to the rotational axis of the cam member, which, in turn, varies the vertical positioning of the opener120relative to the packer wheel130, thereby altering the penetration depth setting122of the opener120. As previously discussed, the packer wheel130rotates across the surface of the soil124to limit the penetration depth setting122of the opener120. Consequently, the difference in vertical position between the packer wheel130and the opener120defines the penetration depth setting122of the opener120within the soil124.

Referring now toFIGS. 3-5, various views of one embodiment of a depth adjustment assembly200configured for use with a seed planting unit (e.g. the unit108shown inFIG. 2) are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically,FIG. 3illustrates a partial, perspective view of the seed planting unit108described above with reference toFIG. 2having the illustrated depth adjustment assembly200installed relative thereto, particularly depicting various components of the unit108(e.g., the opener122and the packer wheel132) removed from the drawing for purposes of illustration.FIG. 4illustrates a perspective view of the depth adjustment assembly200shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. Additionally,FIG. 5illustrates a partial, perspective view of features for rotationally driving the depth adjustment assembly200relative to the support structure126and/or the adjacent wheel support arm128.

As shown inFIG. 3, in several embodiments, the depth adjustment assembly200may be configured to be installed relative to or otherwise supported by the support structure126of the seed planting unit108such that it is selectively rotatable relative to the support structure126about a central rotational axis202. As indicated above, rotation of the depth adjustment assembly200relative to the support structure126may result in the portion of the wheel support arm128(FIG. 3) contacting the depth adjustment assembly200being raised or lowered relative to the rotational axis202of the depth adjustment member200, which, in turn, varies the vertical positioning of the opener120(FIG. 2) relative to the packer wheel130(FIG. 2) and, thus, adjusts the penetration depth setting122of the opener120, as desired or necessary.

As shown inFIG. 4, in several embodiments, the depth adjustment assembly200includes a cam member204having a cam surface206defining a cam profile. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, the cam profile is a non-circular cam profile, such as by configuring the cam member204to have a lob cam design. However, in other embodiments, the cam member204may define any other suitable cam profile that allows the cam member204to function as described herein. For example, in one embodiment, the cam profile of the cam member204may be a circular profile (not shown). In such an embodiment, a geometric center of the cam member204may be offset from the rotational axis202of the depth adjustment member200.

In several embodiments, the cam surface206may be an outer cam surface, spaced apart radially from the rotational axis202of the depth adjustment member200such that a radial distance defined between the cam surface206and the rotational axis202varies around the perimeter of the cam profile. For example, as shown inFIG. 4, the cam surface206may be spaced apart from the rotational axis202at a first end208of the cam profile by a first radial distance R1and may be spaced apart from the rotational axis202at an opposed second end210of the cam profile by a second radial distance R2, with the second radial distance R2being greater than the first radial distance R1. In such an embodiment, the radial spacing defined between the cam surface206and the rotational axis202may generally increase as the cam surface206extends between the first and second ends208,210of the cam profile.

As indicated above with reference toFIG. 2, a portion of the wheel support arm128may be configured to contact or otherwise follow the cam surface206as the depth adjustment assembly200is rotated relative to the support structure126. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, the wheel support arm128may include an abutment portion212positioned at an end of the upper portion134of the wheel support arm128, opposite the pin132. In such an embodiment, the abutment portion212of the wheel support arm128may be configured to be supported on top of the cam surface206such that the vertical positioning of the abutment portion212(and, thus, the relative vertical positioning of the packer wheel130) varies with rotation of the depth adjustment assembly200.

For example, as the depth adjustment assembly200is rotated relative to the support structure126in one direction such that radial spacing defined between the rotational axis202of the depth adjustment assembly200and the portion of the cam surface206on which the abutment portion212is supported decreases, the abutment portion212may pivot downwardly, closer to the rotational axis202, about the pivot point defined by pin132, thereby causing the opposed end of the wheel support arm128to pivot upwardly, which, in turn, raises the packer wheel130relative to the opener120and, thus, increases the penetration depth setting122for the opener120. Similarly, as the depth adjustment assembly is rotated relative to the support structure126in the opposite direction such that radial spacing defined between the rotational axis202of the depth adjustment assembly200and the portion of the cam surface206on which the abutment portion212is supported increases, the abutment portion212may pivot upwardly, further from the rotational axis202, about the pivot point defined by pin132, thereby causing the opposed end of the wheel support arm128to pivot downwardly, which, in turn, lowers the packer wheel130relative to the opener120and, thus, decreases the penetration depth setting122for the opener120. Accordingly, by rotating the depth adjustment assembly200(and, more specifically, the cam member204) relative to the support structure126, the abutment portion212may be move further from or closer to the rotational axis202of the depth adjustment assembly200, thus, pivoting the wheel support arm128about the pin132to adjust the vertical positioning of the packer wheel130relative to the opener120in a manner that varies the associated penetration depth setting122.

To allow the rotational position of the depth adjustment assembly200and associated cam surface206to be adjusted relative to the support structure126and to the abutment portion212of the wheel support arm128, the depth adjustment assembly200may also include a depth adjustment gear214rotationally fixed or otherwise coupled to the cam member204. As such, as the gear214is rotationally driven above the rotational axis204of the depth adjustment assembly200, the cam member204may similarly rotate to adjust the positioning of the cam surface206relative to the abutment portion212of the wheel support member128so as to vary the associated penetration depth setting. In the illustrated embodiment, the cam member204and associated gear214correspond to separate components configured to be coupled to each other. However, in other embodiments, it should be appreciated that the cam member204and depth adjustment gear214may be formed integrally as a single unitary component. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the gear214may include an outer perimeter218radially spaced apart from the rotational axis202of the depth adjustment member by a third radial distance R3, with the third radial distance R3being larger than the second radial distance R2defined at the second end210of the outer cam profile of the cam member204. As such, the depth adjustment gear214may extend or project radially outwardly relative to the outer surface206of the cam member204.

In several embodiments, the depth adjustment gear214may be configured to be coupled to a suitable rotational drive source, thereby allowing the depth adjustment assembly to be rotationally driven. Specifically, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the depth adjustment gear is provided in interlocking engagement with an actuating member216configured to serve as the rotational drive source of the depth adjustment assembly200. In such an embodiment, the actuating member216and the gear214may be configured to include interlocking engagements elements for transmitting torque between such components. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the actuating member216and the associated gear214may be configured to form a worm drive for rotationally driving the depth adjustment assembly200. Specifically, the actuating member216may be configured as a worm including a screw thread222configured to engage corresponding gear teeth220defined around the outer perimeter218of the gear214. In such an embodiment, the gear teeth220may, for example, be circumferentially spaced apart along the outer perimeter218of the depth adjustment gear214by a circumferential offset A1. Additionally, the screw thread222may be configured to wrap around a base shaft224of the actuating member216at a screw angle A2corresponding to the circumferential offset A1of the gear teeth220to allow the screw thread222to mesh with the gear teeth220for transferring torque from the actuating member216to the gear214.

By configuring the depth adjustment gear214as a worm gear and the actuating member216as a worm, it can be ensured that the depth adjustment assembly200may only rotate when the actuating member216is rotated. In this regard, torque may not be transferred, or may not effectively be transferred, vice versa, i.e. from the gear214of the depth adjustment assembly200to the actuating member216. As such, accidental rotation and, thus, accidental adjustment of the position of the depth adjustment assembly200is prevented. However, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the depth adjustment gear214may be configured to allow the depth adjustment assembly200to be rotated relative to the actuating member216, as necessary or desired.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3 and 5, the actuating member216may be configured to be supported by a mounting bracket226rigidly coupled or otherwise fixed relative to the support structure126. Specifically, the actuating member216may be rotatably supported by the mounting bracket226such that the screw thread222is maintained in engagement with the gear teeth220of the depth adjustment gear214as a torsional force is being applied to the actuating member216, e.g., via a handle228. In such an embodiment, the actuating member216may be configured to be manually rotated via the handle228so as to manually adjust the penetration depth setting122of the opener120. For example, the handle228may be configured to be ergonomically formed and positioned, such that an operator may easily grasp and rotate the actuating member216. Such a configuration may allow the depth adjustment assembly200of each seed planting unit108to be individually adjustable, i.e., adjusted independently of the other depth adjustment assembly(s)200of the agricultural implement100, thereby increasing the control that an operator has on the placement of the openers120into the ground.

Alternatively, the handle228may, for example, be configured as, or be coupled to, an output shaft for a separate rotational drive source, such as a motor230, so that each depth adjustment assembly200may be configured to be automatically adjustable via operation of the motor230. In such an embodiment, the motors230associated with two or more of the depth adjustment assemblies200may be configured to be controlled individually or as a group via one or more controllers232. The controller(s)232may include a communications interface234to provide a means for the controller232to communicate with any of the various other system components of the agricultural implement and/or any components of the work vehicle towing the implement. For instance, one or more communication links or interfaces236may be provided between the communications interface234and a user interface238to allow the controller232to receive input signals from the user interface238. The user interface238may be configured to receive information from the operator such as, but not limited to, information regarding the desired penetration depth setting for the opener120, and to send input signals to the communications interface234via the communication link(s)236. Similarly, one or more communicative links or interfaces240may be provided between the communications interface234and the motor(s)230to allow the operation of the motor(s)230to be controlled by the controller(s)232.

By providing each seed planting unit108in association with an individual, electronically controlled actuator or rotational drive source, such as the motor230described above with reference toFIG. 5, the penetration depth of the seed planting unit108may be adjusted automatically (i.e., without manual manipulation of the depth adjustment assembly200). As such, the time required to adjust the penetration depth may be reduced significantly, thus increasing seeding efficiency. For example, in instances in which each seed planting unit108includes an associated motor230or other rotational drive source, the operator may provide an input (via the user interface238) instructing the controller(s)232to control the operation of the various motors230(or other rotational drive sources) such that the penetration depth setting for each opener120of the implement is adjusted to a given operator-selected setting. Additionally, the depth adjustment assembly200may be locked into position relative to the support structure126by use of the rotary motor230alone, thus reducing material costs and the complexity of the seed planting unit108.

Referring now toFIG. 6, a schematic view of one embodiment of a system300for simultaneously adjusting the penetration depth settings for two or more seed planting units of an agricultural implement is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the system300will be described herein with reference to the agricultural implement100(including the seed planting units108) and the depth adjustment assemblies200described above with reference toFIGS. 1-5. However, it should be appreciated that the disclosed system300may generally be utilized with any planter or seeder having any suitable implement configuration, with seed planting units having any suitable row unit configuration, and with depth adjustment assemblies having any suitable adjustment configuration. In general, the system300may include a common drive assembly301for rotationally driving the depth adjustment assemblies200of a plurality of different seed planting units108. In several embodiments, the common drive assembly301may include a rotational drive unit302(alternately referred to herein as “common drive unit302” or “drive unit302”) configured to be operatively coupled to the various depth adjustment assemblies200via a plurality of torque transmission members304. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 6, the common rotational drive unit302may be coupled to each depth adjustment assembly200via a respective torque transmission member304. As a result, torque deriving from the rotational drive unit302may be transmitted through each transmission member304to its respective depth adjustment assembly200for rotationally driving such assembly200(e.g., the cam member204and associated gear216), thereby allowing the penetration depth setting of each associated seed planting unit108to be adjusted.

It should be appreciated that, although the common drive unit302is shown inFIG. 6as being coupled to four separate depth adjustment assemblies via a like number of torque transmission members304, the drive unit302may generally be configured to be coupled to any suitable number of depth adjustment assemblies200(e.g., via a corresponding number of transmission members304or via one or more shared torque transmission members304). For instance, in one embodiment, the depth adjustment assembly200of each seed planting unit108of a given implement may be coupled to a single common drive unit302. Alternatively, the various seed planting units108may be sub-divided into different groups, with each the depth adjustment assemblies200of each group of units108being coupled to a common drive unit102. In such instance, the disclosed system300may include a common drive assembly301(e.g., a rotational drive unit302and associated torque transmission members304) for each predetermined group of seed planting units108.

It should also be appreciated that, in several embodiments, the operation of the rotational drive unit302may be configured to be automatically controlled via a suitable controller, such as controller306shown inFIG. 6. In such embodiments, the controller306may be configured to control the operation of the rotational drive unit302to automatically adjust the penetration depth settings of the associated seed planting units108based on, for example, inputs received from the operator and/or based on any other suitable inputs received at the controller306(e.g., sensor inputs).

Referring now toFIG. 7, one embodiment of a suitable torque transmission member304that may be utilized within the disclosed system300for transmitting torque for the common drive unit302to a given depth adjustment assembly200is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. As shown, the torque transmission member304may include a flexible shaft314(e.g., a torque cable) extending lengthwise between an input end308and an output end310, with the input end308configured to be rotationally coupled to the common drive unit302of the system300and the output end310configured to be rotationally coupled to the associated depth adjustment assembly200. In the illustrated embodiment, a drive or input gear312is provided at the input end308of the flexible shaft314for coupling the shaft314to the common drive unit302. Example of suitable configurations for the common drive unit302will generally be described below with reference toFIGS. 8-10. Additionally, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, a driven or output gear315is provided at the output end310of the flexible shaft314for rotationally driving the depth adjustment assembly200. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 7, the output gear315may be configured the same as or similar to the worm-type actuating member216described above (e.g., with reference toFIG. 5) to allow the output gear to mesh with the depth adjustment gear214of the depth adjustment assembly200. Accordingly, by rotationally driving the input gear312, torque may be transmitted through the flexible shaft314to the output gear315, which may, in turn, rotationally drive the depth adjustment assembly200to adjust the penetration depth setting of the associated seed planting unit108.

It should be appreciated that, by configuring the various transmission members304to include flexible shafts314, torque may be generally remotely transmitted from the common drive unit302to each respective depth adjustment assembly200through tortuous paths. For example, two or more of the flexible shafts314may extend between the common drive unit302and the associated depth adjustment members200along paths incorporating one or more turns, bends, and/or loops. Thus, the flexible shafts314may allow an operator to actuate the various depth adjustment assemblies200from a single location on the agricultural implement100, which may be remote to the locations of the associated seed planting units108.

Referring now toFIGS. 8-10, examples of various embodiments of a common drive unit302suitable for use within the disclosed system300are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. As will be described below, the common drive unit302may, in several embodiments, be configured such that rotational torque is able to be simultaneously transmitted to two or more of the depth adjustment assemblies200of the seed planting units108through the associated torque transmission members304.

For example,FIG. 8illustrates one embodiment of a common drive unit302configured for rotationally driving two or more depth adjustment assemblies200in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. As shown inFIG. 8, the common drive unit302may be configured as a rack-and-pinion assembly400. In such an embodiment, the rack-and-pinion assembly400may be configured to rotationally drive the input gears312of two or more of the torque transmission members304to allow for torque to be transmitted therethrough to the respective depth adjustment assemblies200.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rack-and-pinion assembly400comprises a first rack402and a second rack404, with each of the first and second racks402,404, respectively including rack teeth406,408configured to engage or otherwise mesh with corresponding gear teeth316of the input gears312(e.g., as pinions) of the associated torque transmission members304. In addition, the rack-and-pinion assembly400may generally be configured such that the input gears312of the torque transmission members304may be rotatably driven by linear movement of one or both of the racks402,404of the rack-and-pinion assembly400. As such, by linearly actuating one of the racks relative to the other, torque may be transmitted through the transmission members304for rotationally driving the respective depth adjustment assemblies200. In another embodiment, the rack-and-pinion assembly400may only include a single rack, such as one of the first or second racks402,404, to transmit torque to the transmission members304.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the rack-and-pinion assembly400includes a first linear actuator410configured to actuate the first rack402. The first linear actuator410includes a first actuating arm414configured to be movable relative to a first base cylinder414, with the first actuating arm414being coupled to the first rack402such that the first rack402is movable in a first direction (e.g., in the direction of arrow D1) relative to the second rack404in order to rotationally drive the input gears312. Alternatively or additionally, the rack-and-pinion assembly400may include a second linear actuator416having a second actuating arm418configured to be movable relative to a second base cylinder420, with the second actuating arm418being coupled to the second rack404such that the second rack404is movable in a second direction (e.g., in the direction of arrow D2), generally opposite from the first direction, relative to the first rack402, in order to rotationally drive the input gears312.

In several embodiments, the operation of the rack-and-pinion assembly400may be configured to be electronically controlled by a controller422(e.g., which may be configured as the controller306shown inFIG. 6). More particularly, the first and/or second actuators410,416may be electronically controlled via the controller422, which may correspond to any suitable processor-based device(s) having a processor and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions that can be executed by the processor. In such an embodiment, the controller422may be configured to control the operation of one or more components that regulate the actuation of the actuating arm(s)414,418relative to the respective base cylinder(s)414,420. For example, the first controller422may be communicatively coupled to one or more control valve(s)424,426configured to regulate the supply of fluid428(e.g., hydraulic fluid or air) to the actuator(s)410,416. In such instance, the control valve(s)424may be fluidly connected to the actuator(s)410,416through a hydraulic line(s)430.

Moreover, similar to that described above with reference toFIG. 5, the controller422may also include a communications interface432to provide a means for the controller422to communicate with any of the various other system components of the agricultural implement and/or any components of the work vehicle towing the implement. For instance, one or more communication links or interfaces434may be provided between the communications interface432and a user interface436to allow the controller422to receive input signals from the user interface436. The user interface436may be configured to receive information from the operator such as, but not limited to, information regarding the desired penetration depth setting for the opener120, and to send input signals to the communications interface432via the communication link(s)434. Similarly, one or more communicative links or interfaces438may be provided between the communications interface432and the actuator(s)410,416(and/or a related component configured to control the operation of the actuator(s)410,416, such as a related control valve(s)424) to allow the operation of the actuator(s)410,416to be controlled by the controller422.

In one embodiment, the controller422may also include means to verify the position of one or both of the racks402,404. For example, a position sensor440may be in communication with the controller422, with the position sensor440being configured to detect a position of, for example, one or both of the racks402,404and/or one or both of the actuating arms414,418. The controller422may be programmed to compare the sensed position detected by the position sensor440to a predetermined position and control one or both of the actuating arms414,418accordingly. In such a way, the penetration depth settings122of the associated openers120can be actively monitored and adjusted, and/or an operator notification can be generated based on the positions of the depth adjustment assemblies200to allow for more accurate control the depth settings for the openers120.

Referring now toFIG. 9, a partial, perspective view of another embodiment of a common drive unit302rotationally driving two or more depth adjustment assemblies200is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. As shown inFIG. 9, the common drive unit302is configured as a chain drive assembly500. In such an embodiment, the chain drive assembly500may be configured to rotationally drive the input gears312of two or more of the torque transmission members304to allow for torque to be transmitted therethrough to the respective depth adjustment assemblies200.

In the illustrated embodiment, the chain drive assembly500includes a chain502and a rotary actuator504. The chain502generally includes a plurality of chain links506, with each of the chain links506being configured to engage the gear teeth316of the associated input gears312of the torque transmission members304. As shown inFIG. 9, the input gears312may be engaged with the chain502such that movement of the chain502causes each of the engaged gears312to rotate with the same rotational speed. In the embodiment shown, a shaft508of the rotary actuator504may be rotatably fixed to one of the input gears312. Thus, as the shaft508is rotatably driven by the motor510, the input gear312fixed to the shaft508is correspondingly rotated in a manner that drives chain502in the same direction of rotation as the shaft508, thereby rotationally driving the remaining input gears312coupled to the chain502. Alternatively, the rotary actuator504may be configured to rotatably drive a separate drive gear (not shown) engaged with the chain502to drive the various input gears312.

In several embodiments, the operation of the rotary actuator504may be electronically controlled via a controller514(e.g., which may be configured as the controller306shown inFIG. 6). The controller514may be configured the same as, or similar to, the controller232described above with reference toFIG. 5. For example, the controller514may be communicatively coupled to the motor510and include a communications interface516, communication links518, a user interface520and communicative links522configured the same as or similar to the communications interface234, communication links236, user interface238and communicative links240described above with reference toFIG. 5. Additionally, the controller514may also include means to verify the position of the associated depth adjustment assemblies200. For example, a rotational position sensor524may be in communication with the controller514, with the position sensor524being configured to detect a rotational position of, for example, one the input gears312and/or one of the depth adjustment assemblies200. The controller514may be programmed to compare the sensed position detected by the position sensor524to a predetermined position and control the rotary actuator504accordingly. In such a way, the penetration depth setting122of the associated openers120can be actively monitored and adjusted, and/or an operator notification can be generated based on the positions of the depth adjustment assemblies200to allow for more accurate control the depth settings for the openers120.

Referring now toFIG. 10, a partial, perspective view of another embodiment of a common drive unit302for rotationally driving two or more depth adjustment assemblies200is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. As shown inFIG. 9, the common drive unit302is configured as a meshed gear assembly600, with two or more of the input gears312of the torque transmission members304configured to be meshed with one another. In such an embodiment, one of the input gears312may be configured to be rotationally driven by a rotary actuator602when it is desired to adjust the penetration depth settings122of the various openers120. Alternatively, the rotary actuator602may be configured to rotationally drive a separate drive gear604(not shown), with the separate drive gear604configured to rotationally mesh with the input gears312. In one embodiment, the rotary actuator602may be configured the same as the rotary actuator504described above with reference toFIG. 9, such that rotation of one of the input gears312or the separate drive gear604via the rotary actuator602causes rotation of all of the meshed input gears312. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 10, the input gears312are directly meshed with one another, such that input gears312directly adjacent to one another are rotatable in opposite directions. However, in another embodiment, the input gears312may instead be directly meshed with intermediate gears (not shown), such that all of the input gears312are rotatable in the same direction.

In several embodiments, the operation of the rotary actuator602may be electronically controlled via a controller606(e.g., which may be configured as the controller306shown inFIG. 6). The controller606may be configured the same as, or similar to, the controller514described above with reference toFIG. 9. For example, the controller606may be communicatively coupled to a motor608of the rotary actuator602and include a communications interface610, communication links612, a user interface614and communicative links616configured the same as or similar to the communications interface516, communication links518, user interface520and communicative links522described above with reference toFIG. 9. Additionally, the controller606may also include means to verify the position of the associated depth adjustment assemblies200. For example, a rotational position sensor618may be in communication with the controller606, with the position sensor618being configured to detect a rotational position of, for example, one the input gears312and/or one of the depth adjustment assemblies200. The controller606may be programmed to compare the sensed position detected by the position sensor618to a predetermined position and control the rotary actuator602accordingly. In such a way, the penetration depth setting122of the associated openers120can be actively monitored and adjusted, and/or an operator notification can be generated based on the positions of the depth adjustment assemblies200to allow for more accurate control the depth settings for the openers120.

The embodiments of the common drive unit302described above with reference toFIGS. 8-10should not be construed as limiting. Instead, the common drive unit302may be configured in any other manner such that torque is transferred from the common drive unit302to two or more of the depth adjustment assemblies200via the associated torque transmission members304. For example, the common drive unit302may include a push-pull bar directly connected to the torque transmission members304via links, such that linear actuation of the push-pull bar causes torque to be transmitted through the members304to the depth adjustment assemblies200. Alternatively, for example, the common drive unit302may be configured a worm engaged with two or more of the input gears312, with the worm being configured to be rotated by a rotary drive to adjust the position of the associated depth adjustment assemblies200.

By configuring the disclosed system300to have a common drive assembly301as described above, the penetration depth of the seed planting units108may be adjusted automatically and simultaneously (i.e., without manual manipulation of the depth adjustment assemblies200). As such, the time required to adjust the penetration depths of the various seed planting units108may be reduced significantly, thus increasing seeding efficiency. For example, in instances in which each seed planting unit108is engaged with a common drive unit302, the operator may provide an input (via the user interface) instructing the controller to control the operation of the common drive unit302such that the penetration depth settings for the various openers120of the implement are adjusted to a given operator-selected setting.