Variable rate meter drive system

• US 6,851,377 B2
• Filed: 06/03/2003
• Issued: 02/08/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd (CNH Industrial N.V.)
• Original Assignee: CNH Canada Limited (CNH Industrial N.V.)
• Inventors: Burns, Dustin G., Mayerle, Dean
• Primary Examiner(s): Pezzuto, Robert E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MAMMEN, NATHAN SCOTT
• Application Number:
  US10/453,334
• Publication Number:
  US 20040244659A1
• Time in Patent Office: 616 Days
• Field of Search: 111/200, 111/925, 111/170, 111/174, 111/921
• US Class Current: 111/174
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 19/02 by a motor
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 7/081 Seeders depositing seeds in rows using pneumatic means
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 11/162 for giving priority to particular servomotors or users
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/30595 with additional valves between the groups of valves for multiple output members
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/3127 Floating position connecting the working ports and the return line
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/4053 using valves
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/50518 using pressure relief valves
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/50563 the pressure control means controlling a differential pressure
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/5154 being connected to multiple ports of an output member
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/7058 Rotary output members
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/7142 the output members being arranged in multiple groups
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 2211/781 one or more output members having priority
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 111/921 Unique motor drive

Abstract

A hydraulic drive system provides a priority flow of hydraulic fluid to a variable rate drive system for powering the operation of the metering mechanisms before hydraulic fluid is supplied to a secondary drive mechanism for powering the operation of secondary devices, such as the fan mechanism or the loading auger. The hydraulic drive system includes a priority flow divider valve that diverts a predetermined flow rate to the variable rate drive system. The variable rate drive system includes a drive mechanism arranged in series for a plurality of metering mechanisms. The secondary drive system includes a selector valve that permits a selection between the alternative secondary devices. An alternative embodiment of the hydraulic drive system includes a counter balance valve that operates to provide a priority flow to the variable rate drive system.

Claims

1. In an agricultural planting implement having a frame adapted for movement over the ground;

a tank supported on said frame for carrying a product to be dispensed to the ground;

a metering mechanism for controlling the flow of said product to the ground, said metering mechanism being operably powered by a first hydraulic motor;

a remote planting mechanism for receiving said product from a conduit and depositing said product into the ground; and

a hydraulic system to provide a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure to said first hydraulic motor to power the operation of said metering mechanism and to a secondary hydraulic apparatus, the improvement comprising;

said hydraulic system including a priority system to provide a supply of hydraulic fluid to said first hydraulic motor before supplying hydraulic fluid to said secondary hydraulic apparatus;

wherein said secondary apparatus is a second hydraulic motor for powering a fan mechanism for creating a flow of air through a conduit associated with said metering mechanism;

wherein said priority system comprises;

a priority flow divider valve that directs a constant predetermined flow rate of hydraulic fluid to said variable rate drive system; and

wherein said secondary apparatus includes a selector valve to select between said drive system for said fan mechanism and a drive mechanism for a loading auger.

2. The agricultural planting implement of claim 1, wherein said variable rate drive system includes a plurality of drive mechanisms associated with a corresponding number of hydraulic motors and metering mechanisms, said drive mechanisms being arranged in series.

3. The agricultural planting implement of claim 2, wherein the drive mechanism for each said metering mechanism is provided with a proportional valve that directs a selected amount of hydraulic fluid to the corresponding hydraulic motor for the meter roller and diverts any unutilized hydraulic fluid to the subsequent drive mechanism.

4. A hydraulic system for an air seeder having a frame adapted for movement over the ground;

a tank supported on said frame for carrying a product to be dispensed to the ground;

a metering mechanism for controlling the flow of said product to the ground, said metering mechanism having a rotatable meter roller operably powered by a first hydraulic motor, a fan mechanism for creating a flow of air through a conduit associated with said metering mechanism; and

a remote planting mechanism for receiving said product from said conduit and depositing said product into the ground, said hydraulic system providing a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure to a hydraulic motor to power the operation of said meter roller and to a hydraulic motor to power the operation of said fan mechanism, comprising;

a variable rate drive system associated with said hydraulic motor for said meter roller;

a secondary drive system for said fan mechanism; and

a priority system to provide a supply of hydraulic fluid to said variable rate drive system before providing a supply of hydraulic fluid to said secondary drive system;

wherein said priority system comprises;

a priority flow control valve that directs a constant predetermined flow rate of hydraulic fluid to said variable rate drive system;

wherein said variable rate drive system includes a plurality of drive mechanisms associated with a corresponding number of hydraulic motors and metering mechanisms, said drive mechanisms being arranged in series;

wherein the drive mechanism for each said mechanism is provided with a proportional valve that directs a selected amount of hydraulic fluid to the corresponding hydraulic motor for the meter roller and diverts any unutilized hydraulic fluid to the subsequent drive mechanism; and

wherein said secondary drive system is also operable to power the operation of a loading auger, said secondary drive system including a selector valve to select between said fan mechanism and said loading auger.