• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    Seed Feeder Control System A seed feeder control system is provided that allows you to control seed feeders from a row crop seeder in a mode that reduces the frequency of skip occurrences in which seeds are not delivered during an event. delivery and double occurrences where more than one seed is delivered during a delivery event. A target seeding session performance can be compared to an observed seeding session performance value and a delivery anomaly value to determine whether to take corrective action by controlling at least one of the seed feeders.
    公开号:BR102014003136B1
    申请号:R102014003136-7
    申请日:2014-02-10
    公开日:2019-09-24
    发明作者:Dean J. Mayerle
    申请人:Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd.；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION [001] The matter in question disclosed in this document relates in general to planters or sowers of agricultural culture in rows having seed dosers and, in particular, the systems for controlling and monitoring seed dosers.
    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [002] Modern agricultural practices work to increase yields from agricultural fields. One way to increase yields is to improve plant appearance uniformity. Improvements in seed depth consistency and consistent row spacing typically improve uniformity of plant growth. However, in a single-row seeder, there may be differences in performance in each of the individual row units and corresponding seed feeders that may result in inconsistencies in row spacing and less than ideal plant appearance uniformity.
    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [003] The present invention relates to a seed metering control system for an agricultural crop sower in rows having seed meters for individualized seed delivery and which allows decisions to be made about whether to operate a sower as it is, operate it with alternative operating parameters of the seed dispenser (s), or make repairs. The seed metering control system can allow detecting intervals between seeds delivered by the seed metering device (s) and determining performance and / or performance characteristics based on statistical calculations regarding the intervals and / or other characteristics of performance. This can allow you to control operating parameters of the seed feeders while using the seed drill.
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    2/21 as in use for point-to-point performance tuning towards optimal performance. The seed feeder control system can allow you to control seed feeders from an agricultural crop sower in rows in a way that reduces the frequency of hop occurrences in which seeds are not delivered during a delivery event and double occurrences in which more than a seed is delivered during a delivery event. A target sowing session performance can be compared to an observed sowing session performance value and a delivery anomaly value to determine whether to take corrective action when controlling at least one of the seed feeders. This can allow for improved row spacing and accurate seed populations that can provide uniform plant growth in an agricultural field.
    [004] According to one aspect of the invention, a seed metering control system is provided for use with a seeder opening multiple furrows in an agricultural field. The seed metering control system includes multiple seed metering arranged in the sower and receiving seeds from a hopper for bulk seed storage. Each of the multiple seed feeders individualizes the seeds to release the seeds out of the seed feeder for individual delivery to the furrow during delivery events. Each delivery event can define a period of time to release an individual seed from the seed feeder and direct the individual seed from the seed feeder into the groove. The seed metering control system may include a sensor arranged with respect to each of the multiple seed metering devices to detect the presence of seed during delivery events and transmit a corresponding signal. A seed metering control system controller can monitor at least one performance characteristic of each seed metering and sets a value of
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    3/21 corresponding observed sowing session performance. The controller can be operationally connected to the seed metering sensors to receive their signals. The controller can identify a delivery anomaly based on the signals coming from the seed metering sensors corresponding to a failure to deliver an individual seed during at least one delivery event. The delivery failure can include at least one first delivery failure component and a second delivery failure component. The first component of a delivery anomaly can define one of a hop frequency or double occurrences. Each hop occurrence can correspond to an absence of a seed during a delivery event and each double occurrence can correspond to more than one seed delivered during a delivery event. The controller can define the second delivery anomaly component when evaluating the first delivery anomaly component against the observed seeding session performance value. This can allow the controller to identify potential performance issues with seed feeders that could influence seed spacing.
    [005] According to another aspect of the invention, the controller can define a target seeding session performance value corresponding to a predetermined target spacing characteristic of seeds delivered by the seed dosers. The controller can determine whether corrective action is required based on an assessment of the target seeding session performance value, the observed seeding session performance value and at least one of the first and second delivery anomaly components. The controller can control at least one of the seed feeders to take corrective action to reduce a discrepancy between the target sowing session performance value and the observed sowing session performance value, which may include indicating to a user that the corrective action must be
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    4/21 performed for the seed doser (s). This may allow for automatic point-to-point adjustments of the seed feeder (s) or an indication that a user must manually or otherwise adjust the seed feeder (s) to improve seed spacing.
    [006] According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided to control seed doser (s) during planting of crop in rows. The method includes making a furrow in an agricultural field with a furrow opening mechanism mounted on a seed drill and arranged to fit with the agricultural field. Seeds are delivered from a hopper for bulk seed storage to the seed dispenser (s) arranged in the sower. Seeds are particularized in the seed dispenser to individually release the seeds out of the seed dispenser. The seeds are delivered sequentially into the furrow during delivery events collectively defining a sowing session. Each delivery event defines a period of time to release an individual seed from the seed feeder and direct the individual seed from the seed feeder into the groove. A delivery anomaly can be identified that corresponds to a failure to deliver an individual seed during at least one delivery event. A delivery failure value can be defined that corresponds to the delivery failure. A target sowing performance value can be defined corresponding to a predetermined target spacing characteristic of seeds delivered by the seed feeder. An observed sowing session performance value can be defined based on a performance characteristic of the seed dispenser during the sowing session. A determination can be made to take corrective action based on an assessment of the target sowing session performance value, the observed sowing session performance value and the delivery anomaly value. The doser (s) for
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    5/21 minds can be controlled to take corrective action to reduce a discrepancy between the target sowing session performance value and the observed sowing session performance value.
    [007] According to another aspect of the invention, the observed sowing session performance value can define an average seed delivery rate of the seed dispenser during the sowing session. Detecting the delivery anomaly can include at least one of detecting a presence of a seed or an absence of a seed during each of the delivery events. The delivery anomaly can include a first delivery anomaly component which is defined by means of at least one of detecting a presence of a seed or absence of a seed during each of the delivery events. The delivery anomaly may include a second delivery anomaly component that is determined by evaluating the first delivery anomaly component with respect to the observed sowing session performance value. The detected absence of a seed during at least one delivery event can define a jump occurrence and the first component of a delivery anomaly can correspond to a frequency of jump occurrences during the sowing session. The presence of more than one seed during the delivery event can define a double occurrence and the second delivery anomaly can correspond to a frequency of double occurrences during the sowing session. The frequency of double occurrences during the sowing session can be determined by assessing the frequency of jump occurrences during the sowing session with the average seed delivery rate of the seed dispenser during the sowing session.
    [008] According to another aspect of the invention, the sowing session and a subsequent sowing session occur during a single planting operation of the agricultural field. Controlling the seed dispenser may include adjusting a
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    6/21 air flow directed to the seed dispenser. The seed dispenser may include a rotating seed disk defining a pressure differential across it to transport individual seeds through the seed dispenser. Controlling the seed may include adjusting the pressure differential across the seed disk or adjusting a rotational speed of the seed disk. The seed dispenser may include an individualizer arranged with respect to the seed disk to prevent more than one seed from being delivered during a single delivery event. The seed dispenser can be controlled by adjusting an individualizer setting so that the individualizer acts more or less aggressively when removing extra seeds from a seed receptacle on the seed disk.
    [009] Other aspects, objects, resources and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description below and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. Many changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the same, and the invention includes all such modifications.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [010] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a tractor pulling a seed drill that incorporates a seed metering control system according to the present invention;
    [011] Figure 2 is a side elevation view of part of the seeder in Figure 1 incorporating the seed metering control system of the present invention;
    [012] Figure 3 is a simplified illustrated view of a seed feeder used with the seed feeder control system;
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    7/21 [013] Figure 4 is another simplified illustrated view of a seed feeder used with the seed feeder control system; and [014] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a procedure for using the seed metering control system.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION [015] Referring now to the drawings and specifically to figure 1, a part of a sowing implement or agricultural crop sower in multiple rows 5 is shown schematically. Seeder 5 can be one of the seeders in the EARLY RISER® series available from Case IH and is typically pulled by a traction device such as a tractor 6. In this mode, seeds are retained in bulk storage in the primary seed hoppers 8 which are supported by a frame 10. The seeds are routed pneumatically, or otherwise, through a seed duct (not shown) to several planting units in rows 12 which are also supported by the sowing frame 10. The planting units in rows 12 are substantially identical and each can deliver seeds individually for planting agricultural crops in rows in an agricultural field, as explained in more detail elsewhere in this document.
    [016] Referring now to figure 2, in this modality, the seeds are not retained remotely to the row planting units 12 as shown in figure 1. Instead the seeds for each row planting unit 12 are retained in each row planting unit 12, only one of which is shown for simplicity. Each row planting unit 12 includes a subframe 14 which is connected to the frame 10 by means of a parallel connection system 16. A lower part of the subframe 14 supports a groove opening mechanism 18 and a support extending backwards 17 in the which a groove closing mechanism 20 is arranged behind the groove opening mechanism 18. The
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    8/21 groove opening mechanism 18 includes the opening disc (s) 22 that penetrates the ground and creates a groove and the measurement wheel 24 that has limited displacement with respect to ( opening disc (s) 22. This allows the depth of the groove to be selected by an operator by adjusting the amount of movement allowed for the measuring wheel 24 in order to control the depth at which the disc (s) opening 22 can penetrate the ground. The groove closing mechanism 20 includes the closing disc (s) 26 that close the groove after the row planting unit 12 deposits seeds within the groove and a pressure flywheel 28 that rolls over the groove closed to firm the soil on the seeds to further close the furrow and promote seed contact with favorable soil.
    [017] Referring further to figure 2, sub-frame 14 includes a shelf 30 which is arranged above and generally parallel to the backbone 17. Shelf 30 is shown supporting an optional pesticide hopper 32 which contains, for example , a herbicide or an insecticide, along with a known pesticide dispensing system (not shown) to apply controlled amounts of the content to the desired location (s) while using the seeder
    5. Shelf 30 also supports a seed hopper 34 that retains the seed supply for planting by the row planting unit 10. Regardless of whether seeds are stored in the seed hopper 34 (figure 2) or remotely in the seed hoppers a bulk 8 (figure 1), the seeds are directed to a seed delivery system 35 that includes a seed dispenser 36. The air flow system 38 is operationally connected to the seed dispenser 36 to establish air flows for pneumatically transporting seeds of primary seed hoppers 8 for individual row units for modalities using remote bulk storage tanks for seed storage. The airflow system 38 is also operationally connected to the seed dispenser 36 to establish
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    9/21 air to the seed feeder 36 and through it that can create a vacuum and / or positive pressure to and within the seed feeder 36 for its individualization and delivery functions, as described in more detail elsewhere in this document . The airflow system 38 includes known pumps, fans, blowers and / or other known system components.
    [018] Each seed feeder 36 is operationally connected to a seed feeder control system 40 which includes a controller 42 to monitor and / or control seed feeder (s) 36 and the airflow system 38, which may include detecting intervals between seeds delivered by the seed dispenser (s) 36 and determining performance and / or performance characteristics based on statistical calculations and / or other characteristics of the intervals. This can make it possible to control operating parameters of the seed feeders 36 and / or the airflow system 38 with the seed feeder control system 40 to provide relatively more consistent spacing within the row between adjacent seeds, explained in more detail in elsewhere in this document. Controller 42 may include an industrial computer or, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC), together with corresponding software and adequate memory to store such software and hardware including interconnecting conductors for power and signal transmission to control electronic or electromechanical components of the seed feeder 36, which may include controlling at least parts of the airflow system 38 to influence seed feeder performance 36. A user console 44 is operationally connected to controller 42 and includes a user interface such as lights indicators, a display, keys, switches and / or levers that can be manipulated by an operator to control operation of the seed feeders 36 from inside the tractor cabin 6, which may include performing corrective actions when controlling the feeder (s) seed (s) 36 via the console. In one mode, the user console
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    10/21 ary 44 can be an Early Riser III ™ monitor or an AFS PRO 700 ™ touchscreen display available from Case IH.
    [019] Referring now to figures 3 and 4, the seed dispenser 36 of this modality is shown to be a pneumatic seed dispenser that uses pneumatic pressure for various operations. In another embodiment, the seed dispenser 36 can be a purely mechanical seed dispenser. The illustrated seed feeder 36 includes a multi-component housing 48 that supports the total seed feeder 36 and its components and temporarily retains the seed being dosed. Housing 48 includes a doser cover 50 and a seed disk cover 52 that fit with each other on respective outer peripheries in order to define a cavity 54 within housing 48. A seed individualizer 58 that is configured to prevent more than one seed is discharged by the seed dispenser 36 per seed discharge event is arranged in housing 48. The seed individualizer 58 has multiple spools (not shown) and are arranged on opposite sides of seeds as they are displaced through individualizer 58 in order to prevent groups of more than one seed and single seeds that are spaced from each other while moving through the rest of the seed dispenser 36. The seed individualizer 58 has multiple configurations and is adjustable in such a way different settings can be selected to vary the spacing between the spools (not shown), for example example, by means of a motor, to provide different, more aggressive or less aggressive individualization action, within the seed doser 36. The seed individualizer 58 can be operationally connected to the seed doser control system 40 to adjust the setting of the seed individualizer 58 and more or less aggressive individualization action. A seed opening 60 (figure 4) extends into the metering cover 50 and provides an entrance through which the
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    11/21 seeds enter the seed dispenser 36 so that the seeds can be retained in an area of the doser housing cavity 54 that is confined by a dividing wall (not shown) and a seed disk 64 (figure 3) which is arranged rotatably within the housing cavity 54. As shown in figure 4, a drive assembly 65 is mounted on the seed feeder 36 to drive the rotating components of the seed feeder 36. The drive assembly 65 is operationally connected to the seed metering control system 40 (figure 2) and controlled by it and may include, for example, various electric or hydraulic motors, drive shafts, chains and belts, pin and bore drive systems and / or other arrangements such as a directly driven arrangement in which a motor directly drives the seed disk 64 at its center or at its periphery, as it is known.
    [020] Referring now to figure 3, as it is known, the seed disk 64 includes the seed receptacles 66 which are distinctive openings that include holes that extend between the front and rear surfaces and thus through the total thickness of the disk of seeds 64. The seed receptacles 66 are spaced from each other and, in this embodiment, are arranged in a pattern in the form of a single circle. In other modalities of the seed disk 64 that are configured for planting relatively small seeds such as soybeans and sorghum, relatively more seed receptacles 66 are provided and are arranged in patterns of multiple concentric circles in such a way that the seed receptacles 66 occupy a relatively larger percentage of the seed disc surface area 64. A vacuum inlet 68 and vacuum supply hose (not shown) connect seed dispenser 36 to a vacuum source in the airflow system 38. The inlet vacuum 68 is arranged in the seed disk cover 52 to create a vacuum pressure within part of the cavity 54 to retain seeds within the seed receptacles 66
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    12/21 of the seed disk 64 while the seeds are displaced through the seed dispenser 36.
    [021] Referring now to figures 2, 3 and 4, a seed tube 70 is arranged downstream from a removal location within the seed dispenser 36 through which the seed receptacles 66 pass to release each seed from a respective seed receptacle 66, through an outlet of the seed dispenser 36 and into the seed tube 70. The seed tube 70 extends from the outlet of the seed dispenser 36 and is arranged to deliver the individual seeds to the groove of the seed agricultural field. A period of time to release an individual seed from the seed dispenser 36 and direct the individual seed from the seed dispenser into the groove through the seed tube 70 defines a delivery event. Multiple delivery events, for example, sequential delivery events, can define a sowing session. Multiple sowing sessions can take place during a single planting operation of the agricultural field, in such a way that a first sowing session and a second sowing session can be separated by adjusting at least one of the seed feeders 36, without the sower 5 leave the agricultural field and it can be done in motion, without stopping.
    [022] Referring also to figures 2, 3 and 4, a seed sensor 72 is arranged with respect to the seed tube 70 to detect the presence of seed while seed is being delivered by the seed dispenser 36 to the furrow during the event Of delivery. The seed sensor 72 detects seed passage (s) during delivery of each delivery event and provides a corresponding signal to the seed metering control system 40. In another embodiment, the seed sensor 72 is arranged inside the feeder of seeds 36 instead of in the seed tube 70 to detect the presence of individualized seeds being released by the seed doser 36 during the delivery event. In a fashion
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    13/21 quality, the seed sensor 72 is an optical sensor that can include a light source and a light sensor arranged on opposite sides to the path where the seeds move to detect the presence of seeds moving between the light source and the sensor. A pressure sensor 74 is arranged within the seed dispenser 36 to detect an amount of pressure within the seed dispenser 36, which can correspond to a differential vacuum pressure across the seed disk 64, and provides a corresponding signal to the seed metering control system 40.
    [023] Referring now to figure 5 with additional reference to figure 2, the seed metering control system 40 can control seed metering (s) 36 generally in the following way to control spacing of seed within row. As shown in block 76, delivery preparation and seed delivery are performed. This may include towing the seeder 5 through the agricultural field so that the furrow opening mechanism (s) 18 create furrow (s) to receive seeds. Seeds can be delivered from a hopper 8 (figure 1), 34 (figure 2) to the seed doser (s) 36 (figure 2) that individualizes the seeds for individual release by the doser (s) of seeds 36. Individualized seeds are delivered sequentially to the furrow during delivery events that collectively define a sowing session.
    [024] Referring still to figure 5 with additional reference to figure 2 as represented in block 78, a target seeding session performance value can be defined. The target sowing session performance value may correspond to a desired performance characteristic of the seed feeder (s) 36, such as a predetermined target spacing characteristic of seeds delivered by the seed feeders. Such target seeding performance value can be a spacing distance value, a va
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    14/21 delivery fee amount such as an average delivery fee amount, or a time between delivery events. The target seeding performance value can be stored in controller memory 42 and can be selectable by the operator via user console 44, for example, when selecting or defining a seed type, desired installation population density, or other operating feature via user console 44 to set the target seeding session performance value. As shown in block 80, an observed sowing session performance value of the seed doser (s) 36 can be defined based on actual operation during the sowing session. Such observed sowing session performance value can be a spacing distance value, a delivery rate value such as an average delivery rate value, or a time between delivery events that can be based on the signals from the sensing sensors. seeds 72 sent to controller 42 during the sowing session and which can be stored by the seed metering control system 40 as corresponding data.
    [025] Referring still to figure 5 with additional reference to figure 2 as represented in block 82, an evaluation of the performance values of target sowing session and observed in relation to each other can be made. In one embodiment, target and observed sowing session performance values are average delivery rates for the seed doser (s) 36 that the controller 42 evaluates against each other to determine whether the observed average delivery rate defines an acceptable value. An acceptable value can be defined by means of target and observed average delivery rates that closely match each other, for example, differing by less than about 5%, 2% or another value that is stored by the control system of seed metering 40 as an acceptable discrepancy between the average target and observed delivery rates or that have been selected by the operator as a discrepancy
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    15/21 acceptable. An unacceptably low or high value can be defined by an observed average delivery rate that is greater than about 5% or another predetermined value less than or greater than the target delivery rate, respectively. Controller 42 can also make determinations of acceptable / unacceptable values for performance discrepancies through standard deviation analyzes based on periodic calculations using stored data corresponding to the performance characteristics of the seed feeder (s) 36. Substantially, the same assessment can be made for the other target and observed sowing session performance values, in addition to average delivery rates.
    [026] Referring still to figure 5 with additional reference to figure 2 as represented in block 84, based on the signal (s) sent by the seed sensors 72, the controller 42 can identify a delivery anomaly corresponding to a failure to deliver an individual seed during at least one delivery event during the sowing session. The delivery anomaly can be a jump occurrence in which seeds are not delivered during a delivery event. This can happen when there is no seed in a seed receptacle 66 during rotation of the seed disk 64, so that during a delivery event there is no seed to release into the seed tube 70 when that particular seed receptacle 66 passes through the seed dispenser removal location 36. The delivery anomaly can also be a double occurrence in which more than one seed is delivered during a delivery event. This can happen when there are two or more seeds in a seed receptacle 66 during rotation of the seed disk 64, so that during a delivery event the two or more seeds of the seed receptacle 66 are released simultaneously from the seed disk 64 and into the seed tube 70 when such a particular overloaded seed receptacle 66 crosses the seed dispenser removal location 36. The control
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    16/21 side 42 can define a delivery fault value that corresponds to the delivery fault. In one embodiment, the delivery anomaly value can indicate whether a jump occurrence for a double occurrence occurred in one or more of the seed feeders 36. This delivery anomaly value can be indicative of a total number of jump occurrences and / or doubles during the sowing session, a percentage or ratio of occurrences of jumps and / or doubles with respect to occurrences of normal placements during the placement events, or may correspond to a frequency of such occurrences of jumps and / or doubles during the sowing session. Like acceptable values and unacceptably low and high values of target and observed sowing session performance values, delivery anomaly values can define acceptable default values and unacceptable low and high values based on acceptable discrepancy information stored by the system seed metering control unit 44 or that is selected by the operator.
    [027] Referring further to figure 5 with additional reference to figure 2 as shown in blocks 86 and 88, in one embodiment, the delivery anomaly can include multiple delivery anomaly components. A first component of a delivery anomaly may correspond to the occurrence of a jump (s) and double occurrence (s) and a second component of a delivery anomaly may correspond to the other occurrence of an occurrence (s) ( s) of jump (s) and double (s). In this way, each of the first and second delivery anomaly components can be indicative of a total number of the respective occurrences of jumps or doubles during the sowing session, a percentage or ratio of the respective occurrences of jumps or doubles in relation to the occurrences of normal placements during the placement events, or it can correspond to a frequency of the respective occurrences of jumps or doubles during the sowing session. Like acceptable values and unacceptably low and high values of de
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    17/21 target and observed sowing session performance and those of the delivery anomaly values, the first and second delivery anomaly components, and thus the occurrences of hops and doubles, can define acceptable values and unacceptably low and high predetermined values based on acceptable discrepancy information stored by the seed metering control system 44 or which is selected by the operator. Presence of at least one of the first and second delivery anomaly components defines an unacceptable value which can correspondingly define an unacceptable delivery anomaly value.
    [028] Referring still to figure 5 with additional reference to figure 2, the first component of delivery anomaly can correspond to the signal (s) coming from the seed sensor 72 and thus to the presence or absence detection of seeds during delivery events, so the first delivery failure component may be an observed delivery failure component. The second delivery anomaly component can be a calculated delivery anomaly component, instead of being observed, as represented in block 90. This can be done in order to determine the second delivery anomaly component when evaluating the first component of delivery anomaly in relation to the observed sowing session performance value. In one embodiment, the target and observed sowing session performance values are average delivery rates and the seed metering control system 40 monitors jump occurrences during the sowing session in such a way that the first delivery anomaly component is defined by the jump occurrences. If the observed average delivery rate (s) is acceptable and the jump occurrences of the first delivery anomaly component are relatively high, then controller 42 can determine that the double occurrences of the second component of delivery anomaly are also relatively high, in such a way that the extra seeds during the double occurrences balance the few seeds supplied during the
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    18/21 bounce occurrences to provide the total acceptable average observed delivery rate. If the observed average delivery rate (s) is unacceptably low and the jump occurrences of the first delivery anomaly component are relatively high, then controller 42 can determine that the double occurrences of the second delivery anomaly component are nominal, so the jump occurrences of the first delivery anomaly component can be a primary influence on the observed unacceptably low average delivery rate. If the observed average delivery rate (s) is unacceptably high and the jump occurrences of the first delivery anomaly component are relatively high, then controller 42 can determine that the double occurrences of the second delivery anomaly component are substantially greater than the jump occurrences of the first delivery anomaly component, so the double occurrences of the second delivery anomaly component can be a primary influence on the observed average delivery rate unacceptably high. The same assessments can be made when the seed metering control system 40 monitors for double occurrences during the sowing session in such a way that the first component of delivery anomaly is defined by the double occurrences, in such a way that the evaluations provide the reverse results indicated above in relation to the occurrences of jumps and doubles. Substantially, the same assessment can be made for the other target and observed sowing session performance values, in addition to average delivery rates.
    [029] Referring still to figure 5 with additional reference to figure 2 as represented in block 92, controller 42 can determine that a corrective action (s) should be performed ) for at least one of the seed feeders 36. Controller 42 can determine that a corrective action should be taken based on an assessment (s) of the target sowing session performance value, the session performance value observed sowing rate and the
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    19/21 value of delivery anomaly. Controller 42 can determine that a corrective action (s) should be performed based on the evaluation of the target seeding session performance values and observed in relation to each other, for example , when the observed sowing session performance value defines an unacceptable value. Controller 42 can then evaluate the first and second delivery anomaly components to determine whether a corrective action (s) should mitigate bounce occurrences and / or double occurrences.
    [030] Referring still to figure 5 with additional reference to figure 2 and as represented in block 92, even when the observed sowing session performance value defines an acceptable value, controller 42 additionally evaluates the performance value sowing session observed with respect to the delivery anomaly value to determine whether a corrective action (s) should be performed despite the acceptable observed sowing session performance value. If both the observed sowing session performance value and the delivery anomaly value are acceptable, controller 42 can determine that seed metering (s) 36 are in good working order, so corrective action (s) should not be taken. In such a situation, the controller 42 or the operator can determine that the seeder 5 can be operated at a higher seeding speed. If the observed sowing session performance value is acceptable and the delivery anomaly value is unacceptable, then controller 42 can evaluate the first and second delivery anomaly components to determine whether a corrective action (s) ( s) should (m) mitigate occurrences of jump and / or double occurrences.
    [031] Referring also to figure 5 with additional reference to figure 2 and as represented in block 94, as a corrective action (s), at least one of the seed dosers 36 is controlled at in order to mitigate jump occurrences and / or double occurrences. This can be done manually by the operator or auto
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    20/21 matically by the seed feeder control system 40. Manual control of seed feeder (s) 36 is a corrective action that can be performed by the operator by manually changing a feeder (s) setting of seeds 36, in the seed doser (s) 36 itself, or can be performed from inside the cab of the tractor 6, for example, by controlling the seed doser (s) 36 using user console 44. Automatic control of the seed metering device (s) 36 is a corrective action that can be performed by the seed metering control system 40 itself, which may include the controller 42 controlling operating characteristics of the seed metering device (s) 36 using predetermined commands based on instructions from the stored seed metering control system software 40. Controlling the seed metering (s) 36 may include controlling the airflow system 38 to vary the characteristics pneumatic operating s of the seed feeder 36, including the vacuum pressure inside the seed feeder 36 and the pressure differential across the seed disk 34. An individualizer setting 58 can be adjusted to control the feeder (s) ) of seeds 36. Adjusting a rotational speed of the seed disk 34 can be done to control the seed doser (s) 36. If controller 42 determines that both hop and double occurrences should be attenuated, then the controller 42 can command user console 44 to display a suggestion to operate seeder 5 at a lower seeding speed. After such a change in speed, controller 42 re-evaluates performance during a subsequent seeding session. To mitigate skip occurrences, controller 42 can command user console 44 to display a suggestion to perform at least one procedure of operating seeder 5 at a lower seeding speed and, for the feeder (s) relevant seed 36, adjust individualizer 58 to a less aggressive setting, control airflow system 38 to increase
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    21/21 vacuum in the seed dispenser 36 and / or the pressure differential through the seed disk 34, or clean the seed receptacles 66 of the seed disk 64. For a seed dispenser 36 purely of the mechanical type, the controller 42 can command user console 44 to display a suggestion for inspecting and repairing seed catchers catches 36. To mitigate double occurrences, controller 42 can command user console 44 to display a suggestion to perform at least one operate seeder 5 at a lower sowing speed and, for the relevant seed doser (s) 36, adjust individualizer 58 to a more aggressive setting, control airflow system 38 to decrease the vacuum in the seed dispenser 36 and / or the pressure differential through the seed disk 34. In one embodiment, the controller 42 can automatically perform various tasks of the control tasks of the (s) seed doser (s) 26 to perform a corrective action (s) when executing the predetermined commands based on instructions from the stored software of the seed doser control system 40. Either way, after one (s) ) corrective action (s) have been taken when controlling seed doser (s) 36, controller 42 reassesses performance and, if the delivery anomaly value remains unacceptable, the controller 42 can command user console 44 to display a suggestion for additional corrective action (s) and / or for an inspection of seed feeder (s) 36 and their components.
    [032] Many changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit. The scope of these changes will become apparent from the attached claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (11)
    [1]
    1. Method of controlling a seed dispenser (36) during planting of agricultural crop in rows, the method CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises:
    opening a furrow in an agricultural field with a furrow opening mechanism (18) mounted on a seeder (5) and arranged to fit with the agricultural field;
    delivering seeds from a hopper (8) for bulk storage of seeds to a seed dispenser (36) arranged in the sower (5);
    particularize seeds in the seed dispenser (36) to individually release the seeds out of the seed dispenser (36);
    deliver seeds sequentially to the furrow during delivery events collectively defining a sowing session, in which each delivery event defines a period of time to release an individual seed from the seed dispenser (36) and direct the individual seed from the seed dispenser (36) into the groove;
    defining a target sowing performance value corresponding to a predetermined target spacing characteristic of seeds delivered by the seed dispenser (36);
    define a sowing session performance value observed based on a performance characteristic of the seed dispenser (36) during the sowing session;
    identify a delivery anomaly corresponding to a failure to deliver an individual seed during at least one delivery event and define a corresponding delivery anomaly value, the delivery anomaly including a first delivery anomaly component which is defined by means of at least minus one detection of the presence of a seed or absence of a seed during each of the delivery events and a second component of
    Petition 870190075202, of 08/05/2019, p. 15/19
    [2]
    2/5 delivery anomaly which is determined when evaluating the first delivery anomaly component with respect to the observed sowing session performance value and corresponds to a frequency of double occurrences during the sowing session;
    determine the frequency of double occurrences during the sowing session by evaluating the frequency of jump occurrences during the sowing session with an average seed delivery rate of the seed dispenser (36) during the sowing session;
    determine to take corrective action based on an assessment of the target sowing session performance value, the observed sowing session performance value and the delivery anomaly value; and controlling the seed dispenser (36) to take corrective action to reduce the delivery anomaly value.
    2. Method, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the observed sowing performance value defines the average seed delivery rate of the seed doser (36) during the sowing session.
    [3]
    3. Method, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the detected absence of a seed during at least one delivery event defines a jump occurrence and in which the first component of a delivery anomaly corresponds to a frequency of occurrences jump during the sowing session.
    [4]
    4. Method, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the sowing session and a subsequent sowing session occur during a single planting operation of the agricultural field.
    [5]
    5. Method, according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that controlling the seed dispenser (36) includes adjusting a directed air flow
    Petition 870190075202, of 08/05/2019, p. 16/19
    3/5 for the seed dispenser (36).
    [6]
    6. Method, according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the seed dispenser (36) includes a seed disk (34) defining a pressure differential across the seed disk (34) to transport individual seeds through the seed metering (36), and where controlling the seed metering (36) includes adjusting the pressure differential through the seed disk (34).
    [7]
    7. Method according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the seed dispenser (36) includes a seed disk (34) for transporting individual seeds through the seed dispenser (36) and an arranged individualizer (58) with respect to the seed disk (34) to prevent more than one seed from being delivered during a single delivery event, and where controlling the seed doser (36) includes adjusting an individualizer configuration (58).
    [8]
    8. Method according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the seed dispenser (36) includes a seed disk (34) to transport individual seeds through the seed dispenser (36) and in which to control the seed dispenser seed (36) includes adjusting a rotational speed of the seed disk (34).
    [9]
    9. Seed metering control system (40) for use with a seed drill (5) opening multiple grooves in an agricultural field, the seed drill (5) including multiple seed feeders (36) arranged in the seed drill (5) and receiving seeds a hopper (8) for bulk storage of seeds, each of the multiple seed feeders (36) particularizing the seeds to release the seeds out of the seed feeder (36) for individual delivery to a furrow during delivery events, where each delivery event defines a period of time to release an individual seed from the seed feeder (36) and target the individual seed from the seed feeder (36) to
    Petition 870190075202, of 08/05/2019, p. 17/19
    4/5 ra inside the groove, the seed metering control system (40) CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises:
    a seed sensor (72) arranged with respect to each of the multiple seed feeders (36) to detect the presence of seed during delivery events and transmit a corresponding signal; and a controller (42) monitoring at least one performance characteristic of each of the seed feeders (36) and defining a corresponding observed sowing performance value, the controller (42) operationally connected to the sensors (72) of the feeders seeds (36) to receive their signals, the controller (42) identifying a delivery anomaly based on the signals coming from the sensors (72) of the seed dosers (36) corresponding to a failure to deliver an individual seed for at least minus a delivery event, where the delivery anomaly includes at least one first delivery anomaly component and a second delivery anomaly component, the first delivery anomaly component defining one of a frequency of jump occurrences in which each jump occurrence corresponds to an absence of a seed during a delivery event and a frequency of double occurrences in which each double occurrence corresponds to more than one seed delivered during a delivery event, and the controller (42) being configured to determine the second delivery anomaly component by determining a frequency of double occurrences during a sowing session by evaluating a frequency of jump occurrences during the sowing session with an average seed delivery rate of the seed dispenser (36) during the sowing session, in which the controller (42) sets a target sowing performance value corresponding to a predetermined target spacing characteristic of seeds delivered by seed dosers (36); the controller (42) determines
    Petition 870190075202, of 08/05/2019, p. 18/19
    5/5 whether a corrective action is required based on an assessment of the target sowing session performance value, the observed sowing session performance value and at least one of the first and second delivery anomaly components, and that the controller (42) controls at least one of the seed feeders (36) to take corrective action to reduce a discrepancy between the target sowing session performance value and the observed sowing session performance value.
    [10]
    10. Seed doser control system (40), according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the controller (42) controls at least one of the seed dosers (36) by adjusting a flow of air directed to o at least one of the seed feeders (36).
    [11]
    11. Seed metering control system (40), according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the controller (42) controls at least one of the seed metering (36) by adjusting at least one of a configuration an individualizer (58) of at least one of the seed feeders (36), a pressure differential through a seed disk (34) of at least one of the seed feeders (36), and adjust a rotational speed of one seed disk (34) of at least one of the seed dosers (36).
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    RU2014109774A|2015-09-20|
    US8942896B2|2015-01-27|
    BR102014003136A2|2016-10-18|
    CA2839209C|2017-03-14|
    US20140261118A1|2014-09-18|
    CA2839209A1|2014-09-14|
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    法律状态:
    2016-10-18| B03A| Publication of an application: publication of a patent application or of a certificate of addition of invention|
    2017-10-31| B25D| Requested change of name of applicant approved|Owner name: CNH INDUSTRIAL CANADA, LTD. (CA) |
    2018-02-27| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according art. 34 industrial property law|
    2019-06-04| B06T| Formal requirements before examination|
    2019-09-10| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US13/829,808|2013-03-14|
    US13/829,808|US8942896B2|2013-03-14|2013-03-14|Seed meter control system|
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