WO2016134402A1

WO2016134402A1 - A planter

Info

Publication number: WO2016134402A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/050073
Authority: WO
Inventors: Emanuel Joseph Galea
Original assignee: Emanuel Joseph Galea
Priority date: 2015-02-24
Filing date: 2015-02-24
Publication date: 2016-09-01

Abstract

A machine for manipulating the ground, the machine comprising a means for operating the machine, a chassis for supporting the machine, containers for containing products, manipulators for manipulating the ground and means for depositing product from the containers into the earth. The characterising feature of the machine is that it includes means for individually operating each manipulator.

Description

A PLANTER

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to machines for manipulating the ground and, more particularly, to a mechanical planter for sugar cane.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Planters are machines used to plant sugar cane. The sugar cane is cut into sections called 'billets' which are typically 250 to 350 millimetres long. The billets are put into a bin on the back of the planter. The planter travels along a field, simultaneously ploughing a furrow in the dirt and dropping the billet from the bin into the furrow. New sugar cane then grows from the billet.

[0003] The planters developed to date have not successfully solved all the problems associated with planting cane, as outlined below.

Visibility

[0004] Planters are typically pulled by a tractor. One problem with this form of planter is that the driver of the tractor cannot see the billets flowing into the furrows. This means that he cannot ascertain the flow rate of the billets. Moreover, he cannot see if there has been a blockage in the flow of the billets. A farmer could potentially plough a section of the field and no billets may actually fall into the furrow in that section because of a blockage in the system.

[0005] In order to overcome this problem, prior art planters typically require more than one person to operate them. A first person is used to drive the tractor and a second person is used to control the planter. The second person monitors and controls the flow rate of the billets onto the ground to ensure that there are no blockages. In addition, the second man must also ensure fertilizer is flowing from the planter onto the billets which are being buried in the ground. However, a problem with this method is that it doubles the man power required to operate the planter and thereby increases overheads.

[0006] Some farmers use a camera to monitor the flow rate of the billets in order to ensure that a blockage does not occur. However, there are problems with using cameras. Dust is frequently stirred up during the planting process (because the planter is digging a furrow in dry dirt) and this dirt often clogs the visibility of the camera. In addition, when there is rain, the camera view can also be obscured by droplets of water. Safety

[0007] When two men operate the planter, one drives the tractor and the other rides on the planter to monitor the flow rate of the billets and fertilizer. That second person frequently has to jump on and off the planter and in doing so, may be injured.

Manoeuvrability

[0008] Traditional planters are pulled by tractors. These planters are not easy to manoeuvre in tight areas, such as the end of a row or the edge of paddock which abuts a fence, trees or a drain. The tractor cannot adequately turn in a tight area. Therefore, there is a need for a more compact planter.

Depth control

[0009] Billets need to be buried at a certain depth in order to strike and grow effectively. If billets are planted in a furrow which is too close to the surface, they will dry out in the sun and not germinate. If the billets are buried too deep, then again they will not be able to effectively germinate and fewer plants will emerge and become established. The best soil cover will depend on soil type, time of year and local conditions. Usually a burial depth of 45 to 65 millimetres is acceptable.

[0010] The depth of the furrow is set by the farmer using depth wheels fitted to the ploughs on the planter. The wheels can be adjusted to control the depth of the furrow (i.e. they can be lifted up and down). However, once the farmer sets the wheels to a certain height, they cannot be adjusted whilst the planter is in operation. This is a problem because soil may have different levels of compaction. For instance, a paddock may have different soil types -in one section the soil may comprise wet soft clay through which the depth wheels may sinks. Alternatively, some other parts of the paddock may have dry, highly compacted soil. Other parts of the paddock may be sandy and loose. If the soil is loose, the wheels on the ploughs will sink deeper so that the billets are buried at inconsistent depths. There is a need for a planter on which the desired depth is not affected by the different soil conditions.

[0011] Traditional double row planters have two ploughs that are fixed together and fitted with depth wheels to make two furrows. However, when the paddock undulates between the two rows, the two ploughs will make furrows at different depths, which is undesirable. There is a need for a machine that is capable of adjusting the depths of the ploughs independently and automatically whilst the planter is in motion so that both rows are planted at a consistent depth. [0012] Traditional planters are pulled by a tractor. The distance between the ploughs of the planter and the front tyres of the tractor can be several meters. This becomes a problem when paddocks slope down toward a drain at their edge, or slope up toward a train line (for example). If the tractor slopes downward, then the back of the ploughs will be angled upwards, this results in the cane being buried at a more shallow depth. If the tractor slopes upward, then the back of the ploughs will be angled downwards, this results in the cane being buried deeper. This problem arises because traditional planters are pulled by a tractor which makes the distance between the ploughs and the front tyres of the tractor too great. There is a need for a planter that is not affected by sloping headlands.

Independent Ploughs

[0013] Some paddocks may require an uneven amount of rows in order to fully utilize the paddock. Traditional double row planters cannot plant an uneven amount of rows because two rows have to be planted on each pass. This problem arises because the ploughs on each side of the planter cannot be independently operated. Therefore, the planter must plant an even amount of rows.

[0014] Some paddocks have angled headlands and require some rows of the paddock to be longer than other rows. Traditional double row planters are forced to plant rows in pairs and they do not allow the operator to lift up the first plough when it reaches the end and continue to carry through with the second plough which has not reached the end due to the angled headland. This is a problem because every second row is cut short and as a result the farmer is unable to fully utilize the paddock. This problem also arises because the ploughs cannot be independently operated.

Bin Capacity

[0015] Some paddocks have long rows and require the bin on the back of the planter to be filled to maximum capacity so that the operator does not run out off billet cane. Traditional double row planters rely on a loading vehicle to carry the billet to be inserted into the planter for planting. (The loading vehicle is typically a tractor pulling a large container filled with cane.) The loading vehicle has to tip the cane into the planter. A problem arises because when the cane is tipped into the planter is often forms heaps in one particular corner of the planter, so that the planter is not filled to capacity. If the planter is not filled to capacity, it has to be filled more often. The filling process detracts from the planting time and therefore decreases the overall efficiency of the planting process. [0016] The object of the present invention is to overcome or at least substantially ameliorate at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0017] According to the present invention there is provided a machine for manipulating the ground, the machine comprising:

(a) a chassis;

(b) at least one container mounted on the chassis for containing a product;

(c) a number of manipulators mounted on the chassis for manipulating the ground; and

(d) at least one conveyor mounted on the chassis for conveying product from each at least one containers to the ground;

(e) controls mounted on the chassis for controlling the machine; wherein the manipulators are adapted to be individually operated using the controls.

[0018] The manipulators may be ploughs, a fertilizer system or a pesticide spraying system, for example. Preferably, each manipulator includes a hinge system for controlling the vertical movement of each manipulator so that the height of the chassis does not have to be adjusted to change the height of the manipulator. More preferably, the hinge system comprises arms attached to the top and bottom of each manipulator so as to allow the manipulator to remain parallel to the ground as the machine moves. The manipulators may include a ram for moving each hinge system horizontally relative to the axis of the machine.

[0019] The containers may be a bin for products, such as billet cane, for example. Other containers could be used on the machine, such as tanks for liquids. The liquids could be water or fertilizer. Preferably, the bin includes one or more paddles for distributing products within container.

[0020] In a preferred form of the invention, the product being applied to the ground can be viewed from the controls of the machine. For example, a driver can view the billet being planted by the machine via a window from the cockpit.

[0021] It is preferred that the machine is adapted so that more than one means of manipulating the ground is able to be used simultaneously on the machine. The means of manipulating the ground could include, for instance a plough and a spray system for a product such as fertilizer. More than one type of product may be simultaneously deposited into the ground using the machine, for example a herbicide and a fungicide may be deposited into the ground with cane billet using the machine.

[0022] Preferably, the chassis of the machine has two back wheels and one front wheel. The front wheel may be adapted to turn at a right angle to the axis of the machine. Preferably, the front wheel is steered with a reduction hub.

[0023] The chassis may include means for lifting the containers. The chassis may include means for attaching the tank to the bin, so that the tank can be lifted with the bin.

[0024] In a preferred form of the invention, the machine includes sonars to gauge the height of the ground in front of the manipulators in the ground, so that the hinge system can adjust the height of the manipulator accordingly.

[0025] Preferably, the machine includes a distribution apparatus to distribute product evenly across the bin so as to maximise the loading capacity of the bin.

[0026] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the front of a machine according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the rear of machine of figure 1, from the right side (as viewed from the cockpit of the machine).

[0030] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rear of machine of figure 1, from the left side (as viewed from the cockpit of the machine).

[0031] Figure 4 is a right side view of the machine of figure 1.

[0032] Figure 5 is a close up view of the left side view of the machine of figure 1, showing a hinge system for a plough on the machine according to the present invention. [0033] Figure 6 is a close up view of chutes and elevator on the left side of the machine as shown in figure 5.

[0034] Figure 7 is a close up view of the front of the hinge system on right side of the machine of figure 1.

[0035] Figure 8 is a rear cross-section view of cane billet in the bin of the machine of figure 1, showing a billet distribution apparatus according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the inside of the bin on the machine of figure 1.

[0037] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the chutes on the right side of the machine as viewed from the cockpit of the machine of figure 1.

[0038] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a hill-up cultivator apparatus extending from the body of the machine of figure 1.

[0039] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the hill-up cultivator apparatus of figure 11, retracted into the body of the machine of figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Figure 1 shows a machine 10 manipulating the ground. The machine 10 is capable of many forms of cultivation, such as ploughing, planting, or spraying. The machine 10 includes a chassis 12 which is supported by a front wheel 14, a left rear wheel 16 and a right rear wheel 18 (which is not visible in figure 1, but is shown in figure 2). The left and right hand sides of the machine 10 are defined by the forward direction of movement of the machine 10.

[0041] The three wheels 14, 16 and 18 allow the machine 10 to be conveniently turned on its own axis. The front wheel 14 is used to steer the machine 10 and is powered by a reduction hub. The ability of the machine 10 to turn on its own axis is a particularly useful feature as it provides a driver 22 with the ability to turn the machine 10 quickly at the end of each row of a field. By contrast, prior art planters which are typically towed by a tractor, have a large turning circle.

[0042] The chassis 12 supports a bin 24 for containing products, such as billet cane, liquids such as fertilizer or fungicides, and other material to treat billet cane. The chassis 12 also supports an engine 23 (see figure 2), which drives the hydraulic pumps (not shown) that powers all hydraulic components on the machine 10, including the wheels 14, 16 and 18. The engine 23 makes the machine 10 self-propelled, which obviates the need for a tractor to pull the machine 10.

[0043] The machine 10 also includes a means of manipulating the ground, in the form of a plough 44 in this particular embodiment of the invention. (In other forms of the invention, the means of manipulating the ground could include a fertilizer system or a pesticide spraying system, for example.)

[0044] The machine 10 also comprises a means for operating the machine 10 in the form of a cockpit 20 for driving the machine 10 by the driver 22. The cockpit 20 includes an angled portion 11, which has a window 13 that allows the driver 22 to directly see the plough 44 in action. Figure 10 shows the view of the driver 22 from the window 13. The window 13 enables the driver 22 to ascertain if there is a problem with the plough, or the flow of billet cane into the ground. This viewing arrangement is preferable to a viewing arrangement which involves the use of cameras because camera lenses can often become obscured by dust stirred up during the ploughing process, or obscured by water droplets during rain.

[0045] The chassis 12 also supports a first tank 26 (see figure 2) for holding chemicals, such as fungicide (mixed with water), pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers depending on the desired application. The first tank 26 has a first inlet 28 for inserting chemicals, a second inlet 30 for inserting water into the tank 26 (see figure 3) on the left side of the chassis 12 and a third inlet 32 (not shown) for inserting water on the right side of the chassis 12. It is convenient to have water inlets on both sides of the chassis 12, so that the driver 22 of the machine 10 can insert water into the machine 10 from a water source which could be on either side of the machine 10.

[0046] The chassis 12 also supports a second tank 34 (see figure 5) and a third tank 36 (see figure 5), which can be used to contain other chemicals, depending on the desired application.

[0047] Once the billets are deposited in the ground by the machine 10 they are treated with liquid fertilizer and pesticide. The flow rate of the liquid fertilizer and pesticide are controlled by variable speed electric motors. The flow rate of these motors is connected to a GPS system (not shown) on the machine 10 which monitors the speed and location of the machine 10. This ensures that the accurate flow rate varies with the speed of the machine 10.

[0048] The bin 24 can be raised (see figure 1) in order to tip the billet cane in the bin 24 toward the front of the machine 10, so that the billet cane can fall into a dip area 38 (see figure 3) within the bin 24. (The dip area 38 is also shown in figure 9.) The dip area 38 is filled with a small amount of liquid fungicide in order to treat the billet cane before it is planted in the ground. [0049] Referring to figure 3, the first tank 26 can be attached to the bin 24 using a pin 25 and then raised up in order for a person to conveniently access and maintain the engine 23.

[0050] The machine 10 includes elevators 40 to lift the billet cane onto chutes 39 (see figure 6) on both sides of the chassis 12. The elevators 40 are comprised of a rubber conveyor belt 41 which has metal flights 43.

[0051] The billet cane falls down the chutes 39 into a plough 44 on the left side of the machine 10 (there is a corresponding plough on the right side of the machine 10). The plough 44 includes a pair of furrow opening discs 46 (see figure 5) to open a furrow in the ground for the billet cane to be deposited into the ground and another set of furrow closing discs (not shown) to cover the billet cane in the ground.

[0052] Referring to figure 5, the machine 10 includes a hopper 47 for holding herbicide granules which can be distributed onto the planted billet cane via a hose 49.

[0053] Figures 5 and 7 shows the plough hinge system 48 according to the present the invention. The hinge system 48 is a system for individually operating each plough 44 (or any other device which may be used by a farmer to manipulate the ground). The hinge system 48 enables the driver 22 to control the vertical movement of each plough 44 so that the height of the chassis 12 does not have to be adjusted to change the height of the plough 44, as in prior art planting machines.

[0054] The hinge system 48 also includes an upper frame 56, a lower frame 58 and a vertical ram 60 to move the plough 44 vertically up and down (compare figures 5 and 7). The hinge system 48 comprises a top arm 50, a bottom arm 52 and a horizontal ram 54 to move the plough 44 horizontally back and forth. This enables the driver 22 to control the distance between each plough 44 on the machine 10 and thereby control the spacing between each row of furrows in a field. In many instances, the driver 22 (i.e. a farmer) will want to control the distance between each furrow in a field in order to determine how much cane is planted in that field, or to suit the lay of the land in a particular field. Once the desired row spacing is achieved, the plough 44 is typically fixed into position and the row spacing is no longer adjusted.

[0055] Billet cane is more likely to germinate if it is properly buried at a certain depth. The appropriate depth to bury the billet cane can vary depending on environmental conditions. For example, if the ground is dry, then the billet cane should be buried deep; if the ground is wet, then the billet cane should be buried shallow. [0056] It is desirable to bury the billet cane at a consistent depth across a field. Prior art planters typically use depth wheels on the plough in an attempt to bury the billet cane at a consistent depth. Theoretically, as the height of the ground undulates across a field, the height of the planter also varies as the depth wheels move across the ground. However, in reality, the depth wheels typically move lower through soft soil and higher through dry compacted soil. In addition, if the ground dips, then the depth wheels could pass over the top of the soil altogether.

[0057] The hinge system 48 on each plough 44 enables the depth of each plough 44 to be individually controlled. The depth of the ploughs 44 is controlled using sonar sensors 62 (shown in figure 5). The sonar sensors 62 measure the height of the ground as the machine 10 moves so that the ploughs 44 can plant at a consistent depth. The sonar sensors 62 are mounted at the front of the plough 44.

[0058] The driver 22 may set the desired planting depth for the billet to be a certain depth (e.g. 10 cm beneath the ground). However, as the machine 10 moves along the ground, the height of the ground may vary. At one point in a field, the sensor may measure the ground to 1 meter away. At another point in the field, the sensors 62 may measure the ground to be 1.1 meters away. If the ground is 1.1 meters away, then the vertical ram 60 will force the plough to move down by 10 cm. This enables the plough 44 to plant the billet at the consistent depth.

[0059] Figure 8 shows a rear section view of the bin 24, filled with billet cane 64. In this embodiment of the invention, the machine 10 includes a distribution apparatus 66 which distributes the billet cane 64 evenly across the bin 24. If a farmer was pouring billet cane 64 into one side of the bin 24, then it will fill that side of the bin 24 to the top of the bin 24, but not necessarily the other side of the bin 24. This could reduce the overall amount of billet cane 64 which can be fit into the bin 24. For example, filling the bin 24 with billet cane 64 on only one side of the bin 24 may only fill 5 tonnes of billet cane into the bin 24, when its capacity is 6 tonnes. The distribution apparatus 66 allows the bin 24 to evenly distribute the billet cane across the bin, so that it can be filled to capacity.

[0060] Figure 9 shows a view of the interior of the bin 24, as viewed a platform 70 of the machine 10 (see Figure 1). The bin 24 includes paddles 68 to feed billet cane (not shown) in the bin 24 toward the rear side of the elevators 40.

[0061] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the hinge system 48 on the right side of the chassis 12 (compare with figure 4). In this embodiment of the invention, a sidebar 72 (see figure 4) has been removed from the chassis 12, so that the plough 44 can also be removed and replaced with a "hill-up" cultivator apparatus 74. The apparatus 74 includes a quick hitch mount 77, arrow-shaped cultivator legs 76 and a wing-shaped cultivator leg 78 which are mounted on a frame 80. The "hill-up" cultivator apparatus 74 is used on the machine 10 to cover billet cane that has been previously planted by the machine 10. The apparatus 74 also includes a spray bar 82, through which water and pesticides can be piped and sprayed onto the ground.

[0062] The frame 80 extends beyond the body of the chassis 12 when the machine is in use on a field. However, this can be inconvenient when the machine 10 is driven down roads or is to be stored in a garage. Accordingly, the frame 80 can be folded back into the body of the chassis 12, as shown in figure 12.

[0063] The "hill-up" cultivator apparatus 74 is another example of a manipulator which can be used the machine 10, aside from the aforementioned plough 44. Other forms of manipulators can also be adapted to fit onto the chassis 12 of the machine 10. Each form of manipulator can be adapted to fit with the quick hitch mount 77 so that the manipulators can be easily, safely and quickly changed.

[0064] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0065] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0066] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A machine for manipulating the ground, the machine comprising:

(a) a chassis;

(b) at least one container mounted on the chassis for containing a product;

(e) controls mounted on the chassis for controlling the machine;

wherein the manipulators are adapted to be individually operated using the controls.

2. The machine of claim 1, wherein the manipulators include a hinge system for controlling the vertical movement of each manipulator on the chassis.

3. The machine of claim 2, wherein the manipulators have a ram for moving each hinge system horizontally relative to the axis of the machine.

4. The machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the manipulators are ploughs.

5. The machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the manipulators are a fertilizer system.

6. The machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the manipulators are a pesticide spraying system.

7. The machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the containers is a bin for products.

8. The machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the containers is a tank for liquids.

9. The machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the product being applied to the ground can be viewed from the controls of the machine.

10. The machine of claim 7, wherein the bin includes one or more paddles for distributing products within bin.

11. The machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the machine is adapted so that more than one means of manipulating the ground is used simultaneously on the machine.

12. The machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the machine is adapted to deposit more than one type of product simultaneously into the ground.

13. The machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chassis has two back wheels and one front wheel.

14. The machine of claim 13, wherein the front wheel is adapted to turn at a right angle to the axis of the machine.

15. The machine of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the front wheel is steered with a reduction hub.

16. The machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chassis includes means for lifting the containers.

17. The machine of claim 7 and claim 16, wherein the chassis includes means for attaching the tank to the bin, so that the tank can be lifted with the bin.

18. The machine of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the machine includes sonars to gauge the height of the ground in front of the manipulators, so that the machine can adjust the height of the manipulators accordingly.

19. The machine of any of the preceding claims, wherein the machine further includes a

distribution apparatus for evenly distributing the product within the containers.