Suspension system for planting unit

• US 7,426,893 B2
• Filed: 11/02/2007
• Issued: 09/23/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/02/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Blue Leaf IP Incorporated (CNH Industrial N.V.)
• Original Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC (CNH Industrial N.V.)
• Inventors: Wendte, Keith W, Adams, Brian T
• Primary Examiner(s): Novosad; Christopher J.
• Application Number:
  US11/934,535
• Publication Number:
  US 20080087205A1
• Time in Patent Office: 326 Days
• Field of Search: 111/149, 111/157, 111163-169, 111190-196, 111/200, 111/900
• US Class Current: 111/164
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 5/064 with rotating tools
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 7/203 comprising depth regulation means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 111/90 Methods of planting seeds and miscellaneous compositions

Abstract

A planting unit is provided having a seed trench opener that forms a seed trench in a ground surface as the planting unit travels along the ground. A depth regulating member is provided that has a predetermined vertical position relative to the opener. The depth regulating member is operable to ride along the ground and thus predetermined the seed trench depth. A suspension assembly is provided to reduce the shock forces on the planting unit when obstacles are encountered. Furthermore, a suspension system is provided to the seed trench opener, in addition to the depth regulating member.

Claims

1. A seed planting assembly supported by a frame, the assembly comprising:

a seed trench opening assembly operable to create a seed trench in a ground surface;

a seed delivery assembly delivering seeds into the seed trench;

a seed trench closing assembly operable to close the seed trench, the seed trench closing assembly supported by a first arm having a lower segment connected to the frame and an upper segment extending upwards therefrom; and

a depth regulating member having a vertical position relative to the seed trench opening assembly, the depth regulating member being supported by a second arm having a lower segment connected to the frame and an upper segment extending upwards therefrom; and

a shock absorbing member connected between the upper segments of the first and second arms.

2. The seed planting assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing member comprises a compression coil spring.

3. The seed planting assembly as recited in claim 2, further comprising a threaded depth adjustment arm extending through corresponding threads on the upper segment of the first arm.

4. The seed planting assembly as recited in claim 3, wherein the shock absorbing member is connected between the adjustment arm and the upper segment of the second arm.

5. The seed planting assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein the depth regulating assembly comprises a pair of depth regulating members, each being supported by an arm having a lower segment connected to the frame and an upper segment extending upwards therefrom, the assembly further comprising a spring connected between each upper segment and a plate spanning between the springs.

6. The seed planting assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein the depth adjustment arm is in communication with the plate.

7. The seed planting assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing member comprises an air spring.

8. The seed planting assembly as recited in claim 7, further comprising a valve connected to the depth regulating member via an arm moves in response to depth regulating member movement that actuates the valve to introduce air into, and remove air from, the air spring as the depth regulating member varies in height during the planting operation.