Depth adjustment features for a seed planting unit of an agricultural implement

A seed planting unit of an agricultural implement may include a wheel support arm having an upper portion and a lower portion. A wheel may be rotatably supported by the lower portion of the wheel support arm, the wheel configured to contact the soil surface to define a penetration depth setting for a ground engaging tool relative to the soil surface. A depth stop member may be provided in operative association with one of the support structure or the wheel support arm. A depth adjustment member may be selectively movable relative to the other of the support structure or the wheel support arm to vary a relative position between the depth adjustment member and the depth stop member. The depth stop member may selectively abut one of the plurality of steps when the wheel is contacting the soil surface to set 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 depth adjustment features for a seed planting unit of an agricultural implement.

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, a seed planting unit for use within an agricultural implement that includes improved depth adjustment features for allowing 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 ground engaging tool configured to penetrate a soil surface, a support structure configured to support the ground engaging tool, a wheel support arm, and a wheel. The wheel support arm may be pivotally coupled to the support structure of the seed planting unit at a pivot point and may include an upper portion and a lower portion. 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 stop member and a depth adjustment member. The depth stop member may be provided in operative association with one of the support structure or the wheel support arm while the depth adjustment member may be provided in operative association with the other of the support structure or the wheel support arm. The depth adjustment member may generally include a base surface and define a stepped profile spaced apart from the base surface, the stepped profile defining a plurality of steps disposed at varying distances relative to the base surface. The depth adjustment member may be configured to be selectively movable relative to the other of the support structure or the wheel support arm to vary a relative position between the depth adjustment member and the depth stop member. Additionally, the depth stop member may be configured to selectively abut one step of the plurality of steps when the wheel is contacting the soil surface to set the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.

In another 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, with the seed planting units being configured to deposit seeds within a field as the implement is being moved across the field. Each seed planting unit may generally include a ground engaging tool configured to penetrate a soil surface, a support structure configured to support the ground engaging tool, a wheel support arm, and a wheel. The wheel support arm may be pivotally coupled to the support structure of the seed planting unit at a pivot point and may include an upper portion and a lower portion. 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 stop member and a depth adjustment member. The depth stop member may be provided in operative association with one of the support structure or the wheel support arm while the depth adjustment member may be provided in operative association with the other of the support structure or the wheel support arm. The depth adjustment member may generally include a base surface and define a stepped profile spaced apart from the base surface, the stepped profile defining a plurality of steps disposed at varying distances relative to the base surface. The depth adjustment member may be configured to be selectively movable relative to the other of the support structure or the wheel support arm to vary a relative position between the depth adjustment member and the depth stop member. Additionally, the depth stop member may be configured to selectively abut one step of the plurality of steps when the wheel is contacting the soil surface to set the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present subject matter is directed to a seed planting unit for an agricultural implement. In several embodiments, the 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 seeds 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 one or more depth adjustment components and/or features 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 components(s) and/or feature(s) 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 seed planting unit may include a depth stop member provided in operative association with one of the support structure or the wheel support arm. Additionally, the seed planting unit may include a depth adjustment member configured to be selectively movable relative to the other of the support structure or wheel support arm to adjust the penetration depth for the ground engaging tool. Specifically, in one embodiment, the depth adjustment member may be configured to have a stepped profile, with the stepped profile defining a plurality of stepped surfaces or “steps.” As will be described below, the depth stop member may be configured to abut against one of the steps when the support structure is in a working position (i.e., when the wheel is contacting the surface of soil) to set a penetration depth setting of the associated ground engaging tool. In such an embodiment, the depth stop member may be configured to be spaced apart from the depth adjustment member when the support structure is in an adjustment position such that the depth adjustment member may be moved relative to the support structure or wheel support arm to vary a relative position between the depth adjustment member and the depth stop member (e.g., to adjust the penetration depth setting of the associated ground engaging tool). Moreover, in one embodiment, the various steps of the depth adjustment member may be spaced apart from its base surface by varying distances to allow the depth stop member to be held at differing discrete distances from the wheel support arm or the support structure, thereby permitting the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool to be similarly adjusted in incremental amounts corresponding to the difference in distances between adjacent steps of the depth adjustment member.

Additionally, in several embodiments, the seed planting unit may include a locking plate generally positioned against a side of the support structure or wheel support arm opposite the depth adjustment member. In such embodiments, the locking plate may be configured to be coupled to the depth adjustment member such that the depth adjustment member may be tightened against the support structure or wheel support arm in order to limit movement of the depth adjustment member relative to the support structure or wheel support arm.

In another embodiment, the seed planting unit may include an actuator configured to adjust the position of the depth adjustment member relative to the support structure or wheel support arm. Specifically, the actuator may be configured to selectively actuate the depth adjustment member such that the depth adjustment member may be moved relative to the support structure or wheel support arm, thereby permitting the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool to be adjusted automatically.

It should be appreciated that, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, the position of the depth adjustment member relative to the support structure or wheel support arm may be adjusted either manually or automatically to adjust the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool. For instance, in one embodiment, an operator may be allowed to manually adjust the positioning of the depth adjustment member (e.g., pushing and/or pulling against the depth adjustment member). In another embodiment, as indicated above, the seed planting unit may include an electronically controlled actuator coupled to the depth adjustment member (e.g., a fluid-drive actuator). In such an embodiment, the actuator may be configured to be selectively controlled to actuate the depth adjustment member so as to move the member relative to the support structure or wheel support arm, thereby permitting the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool to be adjusted automatically.

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 depth adjustment 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.

As is illustrated inFIG. 2, the cylinder116may be attached to a shank118via a pin at the end of the piston rod. 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 the 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 arm128with respect to the support structure126. However, in a working mode, rotation of the wheel support arm128relative to the support structure126is blocked by selective contact between a depth adjustment member200and a depth stop member202of the seed planting unit108.

As discussed in detail below, in one embodiment, the depth adjustment member200is configured to be movable relative to the wheel support arm128when it is desired to adjust the penetration depth setting122of the opener120. Specifically, in several embodiments, the depth adjustment member200is configured to define a stepped profile along which the depth stop member202, which is operatively associated with the support structure126, may abut or contact during the working mode to limit rotation of the wheel support arm128. In such embodiments, the depth adjustment member200, and its associated stepped profile, may be moved relative to the wheel support arm128to adjust which “step” of the stepped profile the depth stop member202is configured to contact when in the working mode, which, in turn, varies the vertical positioning of the opener120relative to the packer wheel130, thereby altering the penetration depth setting of the opener120. Once a desired penetration depth setting122has been established, the depth adjustment member200may be locked into position relative to the wheel support arm128, thereby limiting rotation of the wheel support arm128and enabling the seed planting unit108to enter the working mode. As previously discussed, the packer wheel130rotates across the surface of the soil to 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. 3-8, various views of one embodiment of 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 unit108described above with reference toFIG. 2, 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 member200shown inFIGS. 2 and 3.FIGS. 5 and 6illustrate partial perspective views of the seed planting unit108shown inFIG. 3, particularly illustrating the depth adjustment member200exploded away from a portion of the wheel support arm128.FIG. 7illustrates a side view of the support structure126of the seed planting unit108shown inFIG. 3, particularly illustrating the depth stop member202formed integrally with the support structure126and abutting against the depth adjustment member200. Additionally,FIGS. 8 and 9illustrate differing views of the seed planting unit108shown inFIG. 3, particularly illustrating the depth adjustment member200positioned at a maximum depth setting corresponding to a deepest penetration depth setting of the opener120(FIG. 8) and at a minimum depth setting corresponding to a shallowest penetration depth setting of the opener120(FIG. 9).

As indicated above, the seed planting unit108may include both a depth adjustment member200and a depth stop member202to allow the penetration depth setting of the opening120to be adjusted, as desired or necessary. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the depth adjustment member200is generally provided in operative association with the wheel support arm128of the seed planting unit108while the depth stop member202is generally provided in operative association with the support structure126of the seed planting unit108. Specifically, as will be described below, the depth adjustment member200may be configured to be movably or slidably coupled to the wheel support arm128to allow the relative positioning of the depth adjustment member200to be adjusted, while the depth stop member202may be configured to be fixed relative to the support structure126(e.g., by being formed integrally with the support structure126or by being rigidly coupled to the support structure126). However, as will be described below with reference toFIGS. 10 and 11, the configuration of the depth adjustment components may be reversed, with the depth adjustment member200being movably or slidably coupled to the support structure126and the depth stop member202being fixed relative to the wheel support arm128.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the depth stop member202is generally configured to contact or abut against a portion of a stepped profile defined by the depth adjustment member200. In general, the depth adjustment member200may be configured to be moved relative to the wheel support arm128to adjust the relative positioning between the depth adjustment member200and the depth stop member202, thereby varying which portion of the stepped profile the depth stop member202is configured to engage and, thus, varying the amount that the wheel support arm128is configured to pivot relative to the support structure126. Specifically, the adjustment of the relative positioning between the depth adjustment member200and the depth stop member202varies the amount that the wheel support arm128is allowed to pivot before coming into contact with the depth stop member202, 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. Additionally, in one embodiment, the depth adjustment member200may be configured to be selectively locked or otherwise engaged relative to the wheel support arm128to prevent further movement of the depth adjustment member200relative to both the wheel support arm128and the depth stop member202, thereby setting the desired penetration depth for the opener120.

As particularly shown inFIG. 4, the stepped profile (e.g., stepped profile204) of the depth adjustment member200generally corresponds to a plurality of steps206formed within or defined along an upper surface208of the depth adjustment member200. In such an embodiment, the depth stop member202may be generally configured to selectively abut one of the plurality of steps206when the wheel130is contacting the surface of the soil124to set the penetration depth setting122for the opener120. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the depth adjustment member200generally extends along a length210defined between a first end212and a second end214and along a width216defined between a first side218and a second side220. The stepped profile204generally extends along the length210of the depth adjustment member200such that the plurality of steps206are spaced apart along the length210, with each step206being defined at a different location along the length210. The stepped profile204is generally configured to be spaced apart from a bottom or base surface222of the depth adjustment member200such that the steps206are disposed at varying distances relative to the base surface222. For example, a first end step206A is positioned proximate the first end212of the depth adjustment member200and is spaced apart from the base surface222by a first distance DA, where the first distance DA generally corresponds to or is associated with a maximum depth setting (FIG. 8) of the seed planting unit108. A second end step206E is positioned proximate the second end214of the depth adjustment member200and is spaced apart from the base surface222by a second distance DE, where the second distance DE corresponds to or is associated with a minimum depth setting (FIG. 9) of the seed planting unit108.

Additionally, as shown inFIG. 4, the stepped profile204of the depth adjustment member202may include a series of intermediate steps positioned between the first and second end steps206A,206E. In this regard, each of the intermediate steps may be spaced apart from the base surface222by a respective larger distance than a respective previous step as the stepped profile extends from the first end212to the second end214of the depth adjustment member200. For example, a first intermediate step206B positioned adjacent the first end step206A is spaced apart from the base surface222by a first intermediate distance DB, which is larger than the first distance DA. Similarly, a second intermediate step206C positioned adjacent the first intermediate step206B is spaced apart from the base surface222by a second intermediate distance DC, which is larger than the first intermediate distance DB. Additionally, a third intermediate step206D positioned between the second intermediate step206C and the second end step206E is spaced apart from the base surface222by a third intermediate distance DD, which is larger than the second intermediate distance DC and smaller than the second distance DE. Thus, the distance between respective, consecutive steps of the plurality of steps206and the base surface222increases from the first end212to the second end214of the stepped profile204. In such an embodiment, the depth adjustment member200may be configured to be installed on the wheel support arm128such that the first end step206A is positioned closest to the pivot point of the wheel support arm128(e.g., at pin132inFIG. 3) and the second end step206E is positioned furthest from the pivot point.

It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the distance between respective, consecutive steps of the plurality of steps206and the base surface222may be configured to non-linearly increase from the first end212to the second end214of the depth adjustment member200. With such a non-linear increase, the penetration depth setting122may be configured to provide more fine or gradual changes within certain ranges (e.g., shallower ranges) of the opener's penetration depth that may require more precise positioning of the seed within the soil124and coarser or larger changes within other ranges (e.g., deeper ranges) of the opener's penetration depth where less precise positioning of the seed within the soil124is required. Further, while the stepped profile204of the depth adjustment member200is shown as only including five steps, this should not be construed as limiting. Instead, the stepped profile204may be configured to define any number of steps206to provide a desired range of incremental steps for adjusting the penetration depth setting122.

As indicated above, the depth adjustment member200may be configured to be coupled to or supported by the wheel support arm128of the seed planting unit108such that it may be selectively slideable or movable relative to the wheel support arm128. Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 5, the depth adjustment member200may be configured to be slideably coupled to the lower portion136of the wheel support arm128such that the depth adjustment member200may slide along its base surface222across the adjacent surface of the wheel support arm128. For example, in one embodiment, the depth adjustment member200may include a protrusion224configured to be slideably engaged within a depth adjustment slot226(hereinafter referred to as “slot226”) formed within the lower portion136of the wheel support arm128. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 4, the protrusion224may be configured to extend outwardly from the base surface222, opposite the stepped profile204, to allow the protrusion224to be received within the slot226defined by the wheel support arm128. Similarly, as shown inFIG. 5, the slot226is configured such that it may at least partially receive the protrusion224when the depth adjustment member200is positioned relative to the wheel support arm128. For example, in one embodiment, the slot226may generally extend along a length230, where the length230of the slot226is greater than a corresponding length228of the protrusion224to allow the depth adjustment member200to be slid or moved relative to the wheel support arm128across a range of positions to set the desired penetration depth for the opener120. Additionally, the slot may also generally extend along a width232, wherein the width232of the slot226is less than the width216of the depth adjustment member200to allow the base surface222of the depth adjustment member200to be supported by the wheel support arm128as the protrusion224is slid or moved within the slot226.

By movably or slidably coupling the depth adjustment member200to the wheel support arm128, the depth adjustment member200may be moved relative to the wheel support arm128in a direction away from the depth stop member202to a suitable position that allows the depth stop member202to abut against the first end step206A of the depth adjustment member200when the seed planting unit108is located at its working position. As shown inFIG. 8, at such position, the opener120may be disposed at its maximum penetration depth setting122. Similarly, the depth adjustment member200may be moved relative to the wheel support arm128in a direction towards the depth stop member202to a suitable position that allows the depth stop member202to abut against the second end step206E of the depth adjustment member200when the seed planting unit108is located at its working position. As shown inFIG. 9, at such position, the opener may be disposed at its minimum penetration depth setting122.

As indicated above, in several embodiments, the depth stop member202may be fixed relative to the support structure126, such as by being formed integrally with the support structure126and/or by being rigidly coupled to the support structure126. As shown inFIG. 7, in one embodiment, the depth stop member202may generally include an extending portion234and an abutment portion236. The extending portion234extends generally outwardly from the support structure126along a length238defined between a proximal end240and a distal end242. The length238of the extending portion234is configured to be approximately equal to or greater than the length210of the depth adjustment member200such that all of the steps206may be positioned below the extending portion234to prevent interference between the abutment portion236and the steps206at locations further from the pivot point of the wheel support arm128. Additionally, the abutment portion236may generally extend downwardly from the distal end242of the extending portion234to form an abutment surface244configured to contact or otherwise abut against the steps206during the working mode. The abutment surface244may be configured, as shown inFIG. 7, to be planar such that, when the depth stop member202abuts the depth adjustment member200, the abutment surface244is substantially parallel to the steps206. However, it should be appreciated that the abutment surface244may have any other suitable configuration that allows it to abut against the steps206.

Moreover, as indicated above, the support structure126may be movable between a working position and an adjustment position. More specifically, when the seed planting unit108is lifted (e.g., by cylinder116) such that the wheel130and opener120are no longer in engagement or contact with the soil124, the support structure126(and associated depth stop member200) may rotate into the adjustment position and the wheel support arm128may pivot downward into a more vertical orientation relative to the soil124such that the depth adjustment member200is spaced apart from the depth stop member202. While the support structure126is in the adjustment position, the depth adjustment member200may be configured to be slidable or movable relative to the wheel support arm128. When the desired position of the depth adjustment member200relative to the wheel support arm128is reached, the seed planting unit108may be lowered such that the support structure126rotates into the working position and the wheel130again engages the soil124, causing the lower portion136of the wheel support arm128to pivot upward until the abutment surface244of the depth stop member202abuts against the adjacent step206of the depth adjustment member200, thus limiting further rotation of the wheel support arm128relative to the support structure126.

Additionally, in several embodiments, the depth adjustment member200may be configured to be locked or otherwise fixed relative to the wheel support arm128. For example, in one embodiment, the depth adjustment member200may be configured to be secured to the wheel support arm128via a locking plate300. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 5, the locking plate300may configured to be positioned on the side (i.e., a lower side302) of the wheel support arm128opposite the side (i.e., an upper side304) on which the depth adjustment member200is positioned. For example, the locking plate300may be positioned on the lower side302of the wheel support arm128such that a protruding member306of the locking plate300is received within the slot226defined through the wheel support arm128. Additionally, as shown inFIG. 5, aligned fastener openings308,310may be defined in both the locking plate (e.g., openings308defined through the protruding member306) and the depth adjustment member200(e.g., openings310defined through the protrusion224) for receiving fasteners312for coupling the locking plate to the depth adjustment member200. In such an embodiment, the openings310defined in the depth adjustment member200may, for example, be threaded to allow the depth adjustment member200and the locking plate300to be selectively tightened relative to the wheel support arm128. Specifically, by tightening the fasteners312, the depth adjustment member200and the locking plate300may be clamped against the wheel support arm128thereby preventing movement of the depth adjustment member200relative to the arm128. Similarly, by loosening the fasteners312a sufficient amount, the depth adjustment member200may be moved relative to the wheel support arm128to allow the penetration depth setting122for the opener120to be adjusted. In another embodiment, the depth adjustment member200may be configured to be secured to the wheel support arm128in any other suitable manner, such as by simply using the fasteners312without the locking plate300. For example, washers or other suitable elements may be installed on the fasteners312such that, when the fasteners312are inserted through the slot226from the bottom side302of the wheel support arm128and into the fastener openings308,310, the fasteners312may be tightened to clamp the depth adjustment member200against the wheel support arm128.

By configuring the seed planting unit108to include the locking plate300as described above with reference toFIG. 5, the protrusion224of the depth adjustment member200may be retained or trapped within the slot226of the wheel support arm128along at least a part of the protruding member306of the locking plate300such that the clamping force applied on the depth adjustment member200and the locking plate300is distributed evenly across the base surface222of the depth adjustment member200and the locking plate300to improve the contact between the depth adjustment member200, the locking plate300and the wheel support arm128. In such an embodiment, the wear on the openings310of the depth adjustment member200and the fasteners312may also be reduced, allowing for a longer and more reliable usable life. Further, the locking plate300may serve as an additional damping member against vibrations during operation of the seed planting unit108, thus preventing accidental disengagement during operation and therefore improving the reliability of locking of the depth adjustment member200relative to the wheel support arm128.

Additionally, in another embodiment, the depth adjustment member200may be configured to be secured to the wheel support arm128in discrete positions. For example, as shown inFIG. 6, the depth adjustment member may be configured to be fastened to the wheel support arm128via at least one fastener (e.g., set pin320). Specifically, as shown inFIG. 6, corresponding fastener openings316,318may be defined in both a flange314extending outwardly from the depth adjustment member200adjacent the base surface222(e.g., opening316defined through the flange314) and the wheel support arm128(e.g., openings318defined at least through the upper side304) for receiving the set pin320for coupling the depth adjustment member200to the wheel support arm128. The openings318defined in the wheel support arm128may be spaced apart along the length230of the slot226by discrete increments.

In such an embodiment, each opening318in the wheel support arm128may generally correspond to a position of a respective one of the steps206when the set pin320is received within the respective opening318. For example, an operator may remove the pin320from the opening318in the wheel support arm128, slide the depth adjustment member200along the slot226to the desired position, and then reinsert the fastener320into one of the corresponding openings318to fix the position of the depth adjustment member200relative to the wheel support arm128. This allows the depth adjustment member200to be correspondingly moved into discrete positions relative to the wheel support arm128. As such, an operator may more easily and securely adjust the penetration depth setting122of the opener120to a desired penetration depth.

In embodiments in which the fastener320is configured as a set pin, the fastener320may, for example, include a detent ball322at one end, such that the fastener320may be slidably removable from the openings316,318while preventing accidental or unintentional of the fastener320therefrom. Additionally, in one embodiment, the fastener320may include a pull ring324, by which the operator may more easily remove the fastener320from the opening318.

Moreover, in embodiments including both the locking plate300and the fastener320described above, the fasteners312associated with the locking plate300need not be fastened or tightened in a manner that clamps the depth adjustment member200against the wheel support arm128. Instead, the depth adjustment member200can be held in place relative to the wheel support arm128by the fastener320, while the locking plate300can be used to guide the sliding movement of the depth adjustment member200relative to the wheel support arm128. As such, the operator may adjust the penetration depth setting122of the opener120more quickly and with fewer tools.

Referring now toFIG. 10, a side view of a further embodiment of the seed planting unit108described above is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically,FIG. 10illustrates an alternative embodiment of the seed planting unit108having the depth adjustment member200and an actuator400configured for adjustment of the position of the depth adjustment member200relative to the wheel support arm128and the depth stop member202, thereby allowing the penetration depth setting122of the opener120to be automatically adjusted. As discussed in detail below, the depth adjustment member200is configured to be slidable or otherwise moveable by the actuator400relative to the wheel support arm128when it is desired to adjust the penetration depth setting122of the opener120. Further, the depth adjustment member200may be configured to be selectively locked relative to the wheel support arm128by the actuator400to prevent further relative sliding movement of the depth adjustment member200, thereby setting the desired penetration depth for the opener120.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator400includes a base cylinder402and an actuating arm404, with the base cylinder402being rotatably mounted to the wheel support arm128of the seed planting unit108and the actuating arm404being rotatably coupled to the depth adjustment member200. As such, movement of the actuating arm404relative to the base cylinder402causes the depth adjustment member200to slide relative to the wheel support arm128such that the depth stop member202may abut against a different step206of the depth adjustment member200when the support structure126is in the working position to adjust the penetration depth setting of the opener120.

In several embodiments, the operation of the actuator400may be electronically controlled via a controller406, such as 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 controller406may be configured to control the operation of one or more components that regulate the actuation of the actuating arm404relative to the cylinder402. For example, the controller406may be communicatively coupled to one or more control valve(s)408configured to regulate the supply of fluid410(e.g., hydraulic fluid or air) to the actuator400. In such instance, the control valve(s)408may be fluidly connected to the actuator400through a hydraulic line(s)412.

Moreover, the controller406may also include a communications interface414to provide a means for the controller406to 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 interfaces416may be provided between the communications interface414and a user interface418to allow the controller to receive input signals from the user interface418. The user interface418may 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 interface414via the communication link(s)416. Similarly, one or more communicative links or interfaces420may be provided between the communications interface416and the actuator(s)400(and/or a related component configured to control the operation of the actuator(s)400, such as a related control valve(s)408) to allow the operation of the actuator(s)400to be controlled by the controller406.

In one embodiment, the controller406may also include means to verify the position of the depth adjustment member200. For example, a position sensor422may be in communication with the controller406, with the position sensor422being configured to detect a position of the depth adjustment member200. The controller406may be programmed to compare the sensed position422of the depth adjustment member200detected by the position sensor to a predetermined position determined from a user input and control the actuating arm404accordingly. In such a way, the penetration depth setting122of the opener120can be actively monitored and adjusted, and/or an operator notification can be generated based on the position of the depth adjustment member200to allow for more accurate control the depth setting for the opener120.

By configuring the seed planting unit108to have an electronically controlled actuator, such as the actuator400described above with reference toFIG. 10, the penetration depth of the seed planting unit108may be adjusted automatically (i.e., without manual manipulation of the depth adjustment member200) when the support structure126is in the adjustment position. 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 actuator400, the operator may provide an input (via the user interface418) instructing the controller406to control the operation of the various actuators400such that the penetration depth setting for each opener120of the implement is adjusted to a given operator-selected setting. Additionally, the depth adjustment member200may be locked into position relative to the wheel support arm128by use of the actuator400alone, thus reducing material costs and the complexity of the seed planting unit108.

Referring now toFIG. 11, a partial, perspective view of another embodiment of a seed planting unit108suitable for use within the agricultural implement shown inFIG. 1is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically,FIG. 11illustrates an alternate embodiment of the seed planting unit108having a support structure126′, a wheel support arm128′, a depth adjustment member200′, and a depth stop member202′. As discussed in detail below, the depth adjustment member200′ is configured to be supported by and otherwise movable relative to the support structure126′ when it is desired to adjust the penetration depth setting122of the opener120. Further, the depth stop member202′ may be provided in operative association with the wheel support arm128′ to selectively abut against the depth adjustment member200′, thereby setting the desired penetration depth for the opener120.

In the illustrated embodiment, both the support structure126′ and the wheel support arm128′ are generally configured the same as or similar to the support structure126and the wheel support arm128, respectively, described above with reference to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 3-9. However, unlike the support structure126described above that includes the depth stop member202extending therefrom, the support structure126′ instead includes a depth adjustment slot226′ (e.g., configured the same as or similar to the depth adjustment slot226of the wheel support arm128described above) configured to allow the depth adjustment member200′ to be slidably or movably coupled to the support structure126′. In such an embodiment, the depth stop member202′ may, instead, be provided in operative association with the wheel support arm128′. For example, as shown inFIG. 10, the depth stop member202′ may be formed integrally with or rigidly coupled to a portion of the wheel support arm128′ such that the depth stop member202′ extends outwardly therefrom in the direction of the location at which the depth adjustment member200′ is installed on the support structure126′. As such, the depth adjustment member200′ may be moved relative to the support structure126′ in a direction away from the depth stop member202′ to a suitable position that allows the depth stop member202′ to abut against the shortest step of the depth adjustment member200′ (e.g., first end step206A shown inFIG. 4) when the seed planting unit108is located at its working position, thereby allowing the opener120to be disposed at its maximum penetration depth setting122. Similarly, the depth adjustment member200may be moved relative to the support structure126′ in a direction towards the depth stop member202′ to a suitable position that allows the depth stop member202′ to abut against the tallest step of the depth adjustment member200′ (e.g., the second end step206E shown inFIG. 4) when the seed planting unit108is located at its working position, thereby allowing the opener120to be disposed at its minimum penetration depth setting122.

Referring now toFIG. 12, another embodiment of the seed planting unit described above with reference toFIG. 11is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. The embodiment ofFIG. 12is similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 10, except that the cylinder of the actuator400is coupled to the support structure126′, while the actuating arm of the actuator is coupled to the depth adjustment member200′. However, it should be appreciated that, in general, the actuator400may be coupled between the depth adjustment member200′ and any other suitable component that allows the actuator400to function as described herein (e.g., to allow the actuator400to actuate the depth adjustment member200′ relative to the support structure126′). The penetration depth of the seed planting unit108may therefore be adjusted automatically (i.e., without manual manipulation of the depth adjustment member200′) when the support structure126′ is in the adjustment position.