• 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:
    It is a planter in paired lines configured to plant different types of seeds in different areas of an agricultural field. The planter can be a bulk loading type planter that has multiple line segments with a pair of line units and a pair of corresponding seed feeders in each line segment respectively to receive seeds of a first and a second type from centrally located compartments of a bulk filling tank (s) for planting in different areas. A control system controls the planter to plant the seeds of the first and / or second type of seed based on which area of the field the planter is planting at any given time. The control system prepares the seed feeders, making them ready for seed release, and keeps both seed feeders in each line segment in a condition prepared with the different types of seeds to allow quick switching between distributions of seed types when the planter reaches different areas of the field requiring different types of seeds.
    公开号:BR102015031264B1
    申请号:R102015031264-4
    申请日:2015-12-14
    公开日:2021-02-23
    发明作者:Jason T. Czapka；Benjamin A. Coats
    申请人:Cnh Industrial America Llc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
    [001] The invention relates, in general, to seeders or planters of row cultivation and, in particular, seed dosers of planters for the planting of multiple varieties of seeds. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    [002] Modern agricultural practices strive to increase the productivity of agricultural fields. Productivity can be increased by increasing plant populations. Efforts have been made to increase plant populations by planting crops in rows with narrower row spacing, allowing more rows to be planted in a field, which may require a crop with special equipment set up for a crop with narrow rows , as well as narrow line heads for harvesting instruments. Planters in paired lines have been developed, so that the seeds of plants as a pair of line segments are separated closely in width and longitudinally staggered in each line. Each pair of line segments is separated from adjacent pairs of line segments in conventional line widths, allowing conventional heads to be used in harvesting instruments. Still other efforts to increase productivity include planting a single field with different varieties of seeds, based on variations in soil types and management areas such as irrigated and non-irrigated areas in the field. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    [003] The present invention is directed to a planter in paired rows configured to plant different types of seeds in different areas of an agricultural field. The planter has multiple line segments with a pair of line units and a corresponding pair of seed feeders in each line segment. In each line segment, a first seed doser in the pair receives and plants a first type of seed and a second seed doser in the pair receives and plants a second type of seed. A control system controls the planter to plant seeds of the first and / or second type of seed based on which part of the field the planter is planting at any given time. The control system prepares the seed feeders, making them ready for seed release, and keeps both seed feeders in each line segment in a condition prepared with the different types of seeds to allow quick switching between distributions types of seed when the planter reaches different areas of the field requiring different types of seeds. This is done through the selective activation and deactivation of the seed dosers with the different types of seeds.
    [004] According to one aspect of the invention, a method of planting multiple types of seeds in a single planting pass is provided during the planting of an agricultural field with a planter in paired rows. A control system can be used to define a first type of seed and a second type of seed. The first and second types of seeds are stored in the planter, such as in central bulk storage boxes on the planter itself or attached to the planter, or in hoppers for inline bulk storage. The first and second types of seeds are transported to be planted in the first and second respective areas of an agricultural field. The first and second zones correspond to the first and second characteristics of the agricultural field in relation to at least one of the soil types and management types. The planter has multiple planter line segments, each of which includes a pair of seed feeders arranged transversely adjacent to each other in a paired line configuration. A first seed feeder from the seed feeder pair is prepared in each of the planter line segments with the first seed type. This is done by rotating a seed disk of the first seed feeder through the first seed feeder, where the seed disk takes seeds of the first seed type that are individualized in the first seed feeder. The seed disk of the first seed dispenser is kept in a ready-to-plant ready position in which the seed disk is kept in a non-rotating position, where individualized seeds are transported by the seed disk kept in separate locations on the disk of seed. A second seed feeder from the seed feeder pair is prepared in each of the planter line segments with the second seed type. This is done by rotating a seed disk of the second seed dispenser through the second seed dispenser, where the seed disk takes the seeds of the second seed type that are individualized in the second seed dispenser. The seed disk of the second seed dispenser is kept in a ready-to-plant position in which the seed disk is held in a non-rotating position, where individualized seeds are transported by the seed disk kept in separate locations on the disk of seed. If the planter in paired lines moves through the agricultural field along a path that has a starting point within the first zone of the agricultural field, then the first seed dispenser is activated at the same time as the planter moves the first zone. This is done by rotating the seed disk of the first seed dispenser to release seeds of the first seed type from the first seed dispenser over the first area of the agricultural field. While the seeds of the first type of seed are being released from the first seed dispenser over the first zone of the agricultural field, the second seed dispenser is deactivated keeping the seed disk of the second seed dispenser as retained without rotation in the position of prepared ready to plant. When the planter is moved away along the path and crosses from the first zone to the second zone of the agricultural field, when crossing from the first zone to the second zone, the second seed dispenser is activated and the first seed dispenser is disabled. This is done by rotating the seed disk of the first seed feeder and retaining the seed disk of the first seed feeder in the ready-to-plant ready position, while the seed disk of the second seed feeder is rotated to release seeds of the second type of seed from the second seed dispenser over the second zone of the agricultural field.
    [005] According to another aspect of the invention, the first and second seed metering devices are pneumatic seed metering devices. The preparation of the first and second seed feeders includes introducing pneumatic pressure within each of the first and second seed feeders to direct seeds of the first and second seed types against the respective seed disks. When the first and / or second seed feeder is deactivated, the pneumatic pressure can be maintained within the first and / or second seed feeder deactivated. Each of the first and second seed feeders can be a positive pressure pneumatic seed feeder. During the preparation of each one of the first and second seed feeders, a positive air pressure is introduced into the first and second seed feeders, which pushes the seeds of the first and second seed types into the seed pockets of the seed disks. respective seed. Positive air pressure can be maintained within the first and / or second deactivated seed doser to help retain seeds in the seed pockets, while the respective seed disk is kept in the ready position for planting. Each of the first and second seed metering units can be a pneumatic vacuum pressure seed metering device. During the preparation of each of the first and second seed feeders, a vacuum air pressure is introduced into the first and second seed feeders, which pulls the seeds of the first and second seed types into the seed pockets of the discs respective seed. The vacuum air pressure can be maintained within the deactivated first and / or second seed doser to help retain the seeds in the seed pockets, while the respective seed disk is kept in the ready position for planting.
    [006] According to another aspect of the invention, the deactivated seed doser can be monitored to detect an unprepared condition. The unprepared condition can occur when seeds fall out of the seed disc seed pockets in the deactivated seed dispenser. Monitoring may include detecting at least one empty seed pocket from the seed disk in the deactivated seed dispenser. This can be done by means of a sensor (s) inside a seed doser housing, arranged to detect the presence of seeds in the seed pockets of the seed disk. If an unprepared condition is detected in the deactivated seed feeder, then the deactivated seed feeder can be prepared again. This may include rotating the seed disk of the deactivated seed feeder to pick and individualize the corresponding seeds. When the seed pockets of the seed disk are loaded, the seed disk is again retained in the ready to plant position. During the new preparation of the deactivated seed feeder, the deactivated seed feeder is temporarily activated as a temporary activation of new preparation. During the temporary activation of a new preparation, the remaining seeds retained in the seed disk are released at the same time as the seed release from the seed disk of the activated seed doser. This provides a relatively short planting period in paired rows during the temporary activation of new preparation of the seed doser, otherwise deactivated, in preference to a potential gap in planting or flawed spacing and corresponding unplanned segment that may have occurred upon the activation of an unprepared seed dispenser.
    [007] According to another aspect of the invention, in each line segment, the first and second seed feeders are longitudinally staggered in relation to each other. During a seed type change event, the timing of seed deactivation and activation is coordinated to provide a dual-purpose deactivation period in which both seed dosers are simultaneously deactivated for a period of time or a period of dual-purpose activation in which both seed feeders are simultaneously activated for a period of time to avoid discontinuity of seed release events and thus the spacing between the first and second seed types during the seed exchange event type of seed. The first and second longitudinally staggered seed feeders can be provided with the first seed feeder which defines a front seed feeder arranged relatively closer to a front part of the planter and the second seed feeder which defines a relatively more rear seed feeder away from the front of the planter. When the seed type change event corresponds to an interruption in the seed release of the first seed type from the front seed feeder and the start of seed release of the second seed type from the rear seed feeder, the front seed feeder can be deactivated to define a final seed release location from the front seed feeder, while keeping the rear seed feeder deactivated until the rear seed feeder reaches the last seed release location of the front seed feeder. When the rear seed feeder reaches the last seed release location of the front seed feeder, then the rear seed feeder is activated. When the seed type change event corresponds to the interruption of the seed release of the second seed type from the rear seed feeder and the start of seed release of the first seed type from the front seed feeder, the front seed feeder can be activated to define an initial seed release location for the front seed dispenser. The rear seed feeder is kept activated until the rear seed feeder reaches the initial release location of the front seed feeder. When the rear seed feeder reaches the initial seed release location of the front seed feeder, the rear seed feeder is deactivated.
    [008] According to another aspect of the invention, the first and second seed feeders are prepared by rotating the seed discs thereof, while the application of pneumatic pressures within the seed feeders directs the seeds of the first and second types of seeds to the seed pockets of the respective seed discs within the first and second seed feeders. When the seed pockets are loaded with seeds, the seed discs stop rotating inside the seed dispensers. The planter is moved through one of the first and second zones of the field to define a newly planted zone. Based on which of the first and second zones is the newly planted zone, one of the seed feeders is activated in each line segment of the planter. The activated seed dispenser releases individualized seeds from it over the newly planted area. The deactivated seed doser remains subjected to internal pneumatic pressure to maintain the prepared condition of the seed doser, but the seed disk does not rotate. The deactivated seed doser is monitored to detect an unprepared condition by detecting at least one empty seed pocket from the seed disk in the deactivated seed doser. Upon detecting the unprepared condition of the deactivated seed feeder, the deactivated seed feeder is prepared again before it has to start releasing seeds at a boundary between the zones of the field, when the deactivated seed feeder becomes activated in a seed type change event.
    [009] According to another aspect of the invention, a planter in paired rows is provided for planting multiple types of seeds in a single planting pass during the planting of an agricultural field. The planter includes a structure and a seed storage system supported by the structure. The seed storage system includes a first compartment that stores seeds of the first type and a second compartment that stores seeds of the second type to be planted correspondingly in the first and second areas of an agricultural field. Multiple line segments are supported by the structure. Each of the multiple line segments includes a first seed dispenser that receives seeds of the first type from the first compartment and has a first seed disk to rotate inside the first seed dispenser to pick seeds of the first type to move the seeds through the first seed dispenser to distribute over a first area of the field. A second seed doser receives seeds of the second type from the second compartment and includes a second seed disk to rotate within the second seed doser to pick the seeds of the second type to move the seeds through the second seed doser to distribute over the second countryside area.
    [010] A control system is operationally connected to the first and second seed feeders. The control system is configured to command the preparation of the first and second seed feeders by rotating the seed disks within the first and second seed feeders to pick and hold individual seeds from the respective seed disks, at the point where the feeders seed are in a prepared condition. The control system identifies which of the first and second zones of the field will be planted first, defining an initial planting zone. The control system activates the first and second seed dosers that correspond to the initial planting zone, defining an activated seed doser. The control system deactivates the other seed doser, defining a deactivated seed doser and preventing a rotation of the seed disk of the same, while maintaining the prepared condition of the deactivated seed doser, at the same time that the planter plants the initial zone with the seed dispenser (s) activated.
    [011] Other aspects, objectives, resources and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to those individuals 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 only and not by way of limitation. Many changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from its spirit, and the invention includes all of these modifications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [012] The preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which similar reference numbers represent similar parts throughout.
    [013] Figure 1 illustrates a simplified schematic view of a planter in paired rows that plants multiple types of seeds according to the present invention;
    [014] Figure 2 illustrates a variant of the planter in Figure 1;
    [015] Figure 3 illustrates a simplified schematic view of a portion of the planter in Figure 1;
    [016] Figure 4 illustrates a screen capture showing a prescription map of seed types for use with planter according to the present invention; and
    [017] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a planter usage according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERENTIAL MODALITIES
    [018] Referring now to the drawings and, specifically, to the simplified schematic representations of Figures 1 and 2, a planter in paired lines 5 is shown, so that it is configured to plant different types of seeds over different areas of an agricultural field . Planter 5 can be or can include planter components available from Case IH, such as planters in the EARLY RISER® series and / or planters in paired rows, such as Twin-Row4025A3PS, 1225AFF, 1625AFF and 825A3PM, as well available from Case IH. Planter 5 is coupled behind a tractor 7 and has a frame 9 that supports multiple line segments 11 that are substantially identical. Each line segment 11 has a paired line configuration, with a pair of line units such as the first line unit 13A and the second line unit 13B. In each line segment 11, the line units 13A, 13B and components thereof are arranged transversely adjacent to each other and are shown as staggered longitudinally in relation to each other. In this mode, the first line unit 13A shown on the left side of each line segment 11 defines a rear line unit 13A arranged relatively farther from the front of planter 5 and the second line unit 13B shown on the right side of each segment line 11 defines a front line unit 13B arranged relatively closer to a front part of the planter 5. Each line unit 13A, 13B has tools that engage the ground (not shown) which may include opening and closing mechanisms, such as such as opening discs for closing discs, respectively, or other tools that attach to the ground for opening and closing a groove. Tools that engage the ground can also include a gauge wheel configured to adjust the depth of the groove by limiting the penetration of the ground in the groove-opening mechanism of tools that engage the ground while creating a groove, and a compaction wheel it can be arranged to roll over the closed furrow in order to firm the soil over the seeds for further furrow closure and to promote favorable seed-to-soil contact.
    [019] Still referring to Figures 1 and 2, a seed storage system 15 is supported by structure 9 for bulk storage of seeds 17 of a first type of seed 17A and a second type of seed 17B for planting in different zones of type or variety, shown as zones VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 on the prescription map PM in Figure 4. The different zones of type or variety VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 of the agricultural field are defined at least in part by characteristics related to at least least one among soil type and management type. Although seeds 17 may be described elsewhere in this document as different types 17A, 17B, it should be understood that the description of the different types includes different varieties. In other words, the different types 17A, 17B of seeds 17 include not only different varieties of the same plant species, but also different seed products. Different seed products may include seeds of different species, coated and uncoated seeds, such as coated seeds without insecticide and coated with insecticide. The different seed products may also include seeds of refuge in the bag and seeds of non-refuge in the bag, seeds resistant to plant parasites and seeds not resistant to plant parasites, such as seeds resistant to cyst nematodes and seeds not resistant to nematodes. cyst, herbicide-tolerant seeds and non-herbicide-tolerant seeds, or other different products. The different seed products can also include different cultivation seeds, such as corn and soybeans.
    [020] Still referring to Figures 1 and 2, the seed storage system 15 of planter 5 shown in Figure 1 is configured as a central bulk storage system with compartments 19 separated from each other by a partition wall within a bulk filling tank 21 and wants to keep seed types 17A, 17B separately. In place of two compartments 19 in a single bulk filling tank 21, the central bulk storage system may have two separate bulk filling tanks 21 to maintain seed types 17A, 17B separately. The central bulk storage system, as well as the seed storage system 15, pneumatically distributes seeds 17A, 17B from compartments 19 of bulk filling tanks 21 to line units 13A, 13B. The seed storage system 15 for planter 5 shown in Figure 2 is configured as a bulk inline storage system with compartments 23 defined within bulk inline hoppers 25 that hold seed types 17A, 17B in the row units 13A, 13B, respectively.
    [021] Referring now to Figures 1 to 3, in each line segment 11, each line unit 13A, 13B includes a seed doser 27 that individualizes and distributes individual seeds 17 through a seed tube 29 that extends from a feeder housing 31 from seed feeder 27 to the field. Referring now to Figure 3, each seed dispenser 27 includes an internal seed disk 33 with seed pockets 35 for picking up and transporting individual seeds 17 via seed dispenser 27. Each seed disk 33 is rotated by a system seed disk drive 38 to rotate the seed disk 33 through a seed cluster within the seed dispenser 27 to expose the seed pockets 35 to the seeds 17 in the seed cluster to catch the seeds 17 in the seed pockets 35 Although shown as extending axially across or between opposite surfaces of the seed disk 33, the seed pockets 35 may extend at least partially to an outer circumferential surface of the seed disk 33. At least one seed sensor 36 is within the feeder housing 31 from seed feeder 27 to detect the presence or absence of seeds 17 in the seed pockets 35 of the seed disk 33. The sensor (s) 36 can be sensor Infrared sensors and / or other sensors configured to detect the presence or absence of seeds 17 in the seed pockets 35, such as optical sensors configured to detect the light that passes through the empty seed pockets 35. The seed metering 27 can be metering purely mechanical seed type 27 or can be pneumatic seed dosers 27. Pneumatic seed dosers 27 are operatively connected to an air flow system 39 which may include a positive air pressure source and / or a source of air vacuum to establish positive and / or vacuum pressures and corresponding air flows for operating seed dosers 27 in line units 13A, 13B. The source of positive air pressure and vacuum sources can be known pumps, fans, blowers and / or other known air flow system components. When the seed storage system 15 is configured with a central bulk storage system (Figure 1), the air flow system 39 includes a seed transport air flow system that provides an air flow that drags the seeds seeds 17 to move seeds 17 from bulk storage in compartments 19 of bulk filling tank (s) 21 through seed conduits to line units 13A, 13B, such as mini shafts 37 (Figure 1) in line units 13A, 13B that feed the seed metering 27. When the seed metering 27 is pneumatic positive pressure seed metering 27, the air flow system 39 is configured to provide positive air flow and positive pressure corresponding within the seed dispensers 27 to push and hold the seeds 17 in the seed pockets 35 of the seed disks 33 by positive pressure by introducing pressurized air through an air inlet (not shown) of the housing feeder 31. When seed feeders 27 are pneumatic vacuum pressure seed feeders 27, the air flow system 39 is configured to provide a vacuum air flow and a corresponding negative pressure within the seed feeders 27 to pull and hold the seeds 17 in the seed pockets 35 of the seed disks 33 by vacuum pressure introduced by a vacuum air inlet 41 through which the air is evacuated from the doser housing 31.
    [022] Still referring to Figure 3, the seed disk drive system 38 is configured to allow seed dosers 27 in line units 13A, 13B of each line segment 11 to be controlled separately by activation and deactivation individual to selectively release a specific seed type (s) 17A, 17B based on which zone VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 is being planted at a given time. The seed disk drive system 38 is shown with mechanical chain drives 43 that deliver rotary drive power from a rotary axis 45 through claws 47 and chains 49, which rotate sprockets that are fixed to spindles 51 that drive the rotation of the seed disks 33. The rotary axis 45 is driven from the soil by the movement of the planter 5, such as by a drive wheel type drive by traction, toothed drive wheel by engagement with the soil, or can be rotated by a motor, such as an electric motor, air motor or hydraulic motor. The claws 47 can be, for example, pneumatic claws or electromechanical claws, configured to selectively transmit the rotation of or prevent the transmission of rotation from the shaft (s) 45 to the seed disks 33, coupling or decoupling power between the spindle (s) 45 and the seed disks 33. The seed disk drive system 38 may instead be an electric direct drive system that uses an electric motor to directly rotate the seed disk 33 or rotate the support center or spindle of the same 51. Rotating one of the seed disks 33, such as by engaging the corresponding claw 47 of the same, activates the seed doser 27 in the respective line unit 13A, 13B of each segment of line 11. The interruption of the rotation of one of the seed disks 33, such as by disengaging the corresponding claw 47 of the same, deactivates the seed doser 27 in the line unit 13A, 13B of each line segment 11.
    [023] Still referring to Figure 3, a control system 53 controls the individual seed feeders 27 in each of the line segments 11 to selectively release a specific seed type (s) 17A, 17B based on in which zone VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 (Figure 4) is being planted at a given time. The control system 53 can keep each seed dispenser 27 in both line units 13A, 13B in each of the line segments 11 in a prepared condition, regardless of which seed dispenser 27 is releasing seeds 17, facilitating quick changeover for which seed doser 27 releases the seed types of the same 17A, 17B based on which zone VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 is being planted, as explained in greater detail elsewhere in this document. The control system 53 is operatively connected to each of the jaws 47 to disengage and prevent transmission of the rotating drive power from axis 45 or engaging and allowing the transmission of rotating drive power from axis 45 for each of the seed disks 33 in each of the seed feeders 27 of the line units 13A, 13B in each line segment 11. The control system 53 includes a planter controller 55 and a tractor controller 57 that communicate operationally with each other, for example, via an ISOBUS connection, to coordinate the planter controls 5, such as the seed dosers 27, the seed disk drive system 38 and the airflow system 39 and tractor 7 (Figure 1) based on the type or varieties of zone VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 of the agricultural field, which can correspond to a type of seed or prescription map of PM varieties as shown in Figure 4. The planter controller 55 is shown to include a controller 59 and a power supply 61. Controller 59 of the planter controller 55 may include an industrial computer or, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC), along with corresponding software and adequate memory to store such software and hardware including interconnect conductors for the transmission of power and signal to control electronic, electromechanical and hydraulic components of the seed feeders 27 and seed disk drive system 38 and other planter components 5. The tractor controller 57 is configured to control tractor 7 operations, such as steering, speed, braking, travel, and other tractor 7 control. Tractor controller 57 is shown to include a controller 63 and power supply 65. Tractor controller 57 is configured to control the functions of the tractor 7 by controlling the various steering systems by GPS, trans mission, engine, hydraulics and / or other tractor systems 7. Like controller 59 of the planter controller 55, controller 63 of tractor controller 57 can include an industrial computer or, for example, a programmable logic controller, along with corresponding software and adequate memory to store such software and hardware that include interconnecting conductors for power and signal transmission to control tractor electronic, electromechanical and hydraulic components. A tractor interface system 67 is operationally connected to the tractor controller. 57 and includes a monitor and various input devices to allow an operator to view the various tractor 7 situation and control operations from inside the tractor cab 7. The 67 tractor interface system can be a MultiControl Armrest ™ console available for use with Case IH Maxxum ™ or Magnum ™ series tractors.
    [024] The control system 53 controls the preparation, maintaining the prepared conditions, and activates and deactivates the seed dosers 27 of line units 13A, 13B in each line segment 11 to selectively plant zones VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 with the corresponding seed types 17A, 17B. The control system 53 prepares the seed dosers 27, making them ready for seed release, and keeps both seed dosers 27 in each line segment in a condition prepared with the different types of seeds 17A, 17B to facilitate the quick switch between seed type distributions when the planter crosses from one zone VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 to another zone VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 through the selective activation and deactivation of the various seed dosers 27 in each line segment 11.
    [025] Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, when using planter 5, now referring to Figures 3 and 4, during use, an operator first displays the type of seed or prescription map for the PM variety (Figure 4) on the computer screen or monitor of the tractor interface system 67, which would typically be inside the tractor cab. The prescription map PM shows which zones of type or variety VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 are in which place in the agricultural field and which types of seeds 17A, 17B can be planted in zones of variety VZ1, VZ2, VZ3. As shown in Figure 4, in this modality, seed type 17A is shown as acceptable for use in the VZ1 variety zone, shown as VARIETY A in the screenshot. Seed type 17B is shown as acceptable for use in the VZ2 variety zone, shown as marked VARIETY B in the screenshot. Both types of seeds 17A, 17B are shown as acceptable for planting in simultaneous paired rows in the VZ3 variety zone, shown marked VARIETY A + B in the screenshot. That VZ3 variety zone can correspond to field characteristics in that particular VZ3 zone that potentially benefits more from a relatively higher population density of application in paired lines than any of the 17A, 17B seed types as a single line application. The operator inserts which type of seed 17A, 17B is stored in compartments 19 of the bulk filling tank (s) 21 of the seed storage system 15 as a central bulk storage system and in which line unit 13A .13B in each line segment 11 receives seeds 17A, 17B from the respective compartments 19 (Figure 1). When the seed storage system 15 is configured as an inline bulk storage system, the operator inserts which type of seed 17A, 17B is stored in compartments 23 of the line hoppers 25 in line units 13A, 13B in each segment line 11 (Figure 2).
    [026] Referring now to Figures 3 and 5, a modality of use for planter 5 for the selective planting of multiple types of seeds 17A, 17B in multiple zones VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 is schematically represented as method 69. As represented in block 71, control system 53 prepares seed metering 27. For pneumatic seed metering 27, this includes controlling the air flow system 39 and seed metering 27 to introduce pneumatic pressure into the seed metering 27, while controls the seed disk drive system 38 to rotate the seed disks 33 into the feeder housing 31. When the seed feeders 27 are pneumatic seed feeders of positive air pressure 27, a positive air pressure is introduced within of the first and second seed feeders 27 in the line units 13A, 13B of each line segment 11. This will push the seeds 17 of the first and second seed types 17A, 17B into the pockets seed 35 from the respective seed disks 33. When the seed pockets 35 are loaded with seeds 17, the control system 53 can command the interruption of the rotation of the seed disks 33, while maintaining positive air pressure inside the seed metering units. seed 27, defining a prepared condition for each of the seed feeders 27 and a ready-to-plant ready position of the seed disks 33. When the seed feeders 27 are pneumatic seed feeders with vacuum pressure 27, a vacuum pressure is introduced into the first and second seed feeders 27 in line units 13A, 13B of each line segment 11. This pulls seeds 17 from the first and second seed types 17A, 17B into the seed pockets 35 of the seed disks respective 33. The control system 35 controls the interruption of the rotation of the seed discs 33, while maintaining the vacuum air pressure inside the seed feeders 27 of the seed feeders 2 7 to retain the seed disks 33 in the ready to plant non-rotating ready position when seed dosers 27 are prepared.
    [027] Still referring to Figures 3 and 5, as represented in block 73, the control system 53 identifies which of the zones VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 of the field will be planted first, defining an initial planting zone. This can be done, for example, by evaluating a position and direction of pointing or trajectory of the tractor 7 in relation to zones VZ1, VZ2, VZ3. The control system 53 activates the seed doser 27 of the line unit (s) 13A, 13B which distributes the seed type 17A, 17B which corresponds to the initial planting zone, defining an activated seed doser 27 as the seed doser 27 which distributes the newly planted seed type 17A, 17B. The control system 53 controls the seed disk drive system 38 to rotate the seed disk 33 in the activated seed doser 27 in the corresponding activated line unit 13A, 13B to release the newly planted seed type 17A, 17B over the initial planting area. The control system 53 deactivates the other seed doser 27, defining a deactivated seed doser 27, through the command of the seed disk drive system 38 to prevent the rotation of the seed disk 33 of the deactivated seed doser 27 in the unit corresponding deactivated line 13A, 13B, while the planter plants in the initial zone VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 with the activated seed doser (s) 27. In this way, the activated seed doser 27 of the line unit activated 13A, 13B in each line segment 11 releases individualized seeds 17A, 17B from them over the recently planted zone VZ1, VZ2, VZ3. For pneumatic pressure seed metering 27, the deactivated seed metering 27 of the deactivated line unit 13A, 13B in each line segment 11 remains subjected to internal pneumatic pressure to maintain the prepared condition of the seed metering 27, but the seed 33 of it does not rotate.
    [028] Still referring to Figures 3 and 5, as represented in blocks 75 and 77, in a modality, in addition to the control of other planter operations 5, the control system 53 monitors the deactivated seed doser 27 to detect a unprepared condition by detecting the presence of empty seed pockets 35, indicating that at least some of the seeds 17A, 17B have fallen out of the seed pockets 35 of the seed disk 33 in the deactivated seed doser 27. The control system 53 evaluates signals from seed sensor (s) 36 to determine whether a seed pocket (s) 35 that should have seeds is empty instead. If the control system 53 determines that the deactivated seed feeder 27 is in an unprepared condition, then the control system 53 exerts a new preparation command from the unprepared seed feeder 27, as represented by block 79. For this, the control system 53 controls the seed disk drive system 38 to rotate the seed disk 33 in the deactivated unprepared seed doser 27 in the corresponding deactivated line unit 13A, 13B, while maintaining the pneumatic pressure inside the housing from feeder 31 to pneumatic seed feeders 27. This temporarily activates the deactivated seed feeder 27 as a temporary activation of new preparation, while the activated seed feeder 27 continues the planting of the newly planted seed type 17A, 17B over the recently planted zone. planted VZ1, VZ2, VZ3. This provides a relatively short period of planting in paired rows during the temporary activation of new preparation of the deactivated seed doser 27. After the temporary activation of new preparation of the deactivated seed doser 27, the deactivated seed doser 27 is again monitored by the control system 53 as shown in block 75. In this way, the deactivated seed feeder 27 can be continuously monitored by control system 53 and periodically prepared again as needed. This provides a seed disk 33 in the deactivated seed doser 27 with seed pockets 35 that carry seeds 17A, 17B and held in the ready to plant position before the deactivated seed doser 27 starts releasing seeds at a boundary between the zones VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 of the field, until the point at which the deactivated seed doser 27 becomes activated in a seed type change event, represented in block 81.
    [029] Still referring to Figures 3 and 5, during the event of changing the type of seed in block 81, in a modality in which the line units 13A, 13B and, thus, the seed dosers 27 of each line segment 11 are longitudinally staggered in relation to planter 5, during the seed change event, the synchronization of deactivation and activation of seed dosers 27 of line units 13A, 13B in each line segment 11 can be coordinated to provide a dual-purpose deactivation period or activation period to provide a soil transition between seed types 17A, 17B without gap or gap. The control system 53 commands a double deactivation to deactivate both seed dosers 27 of line units 13A, 13B in each line segment 11 when the seed type change event corresponds to an interruption of the first type seed release seed 17A from front seed dispenser 27 from front line unit 13A and start of seed release of second seed type 17B from rear seed dispenser 27 from rear line unit 13B from line segment 11. Thus, the feeder front seed unit 27 from front line unit 13A is deactivated by control system 53 to define a final seed release location of front seed doser 27 from front line unit 13A, while maintaining rear seed doser 27 from the front line unit rear row 13B deactivated until seed dispenser 27 of the same reaches the last seed release location of the front seed dispenser. When the rear seed doser 27 of the rear line unit 13B reaches the last seed release location of the front seed doser 27 of the front line unit 13A, then the rear seed doser 27 of the rear line unit 13B is activated . The control system 53 commands a double activation to activate both seed dosers 27 of the line units 13A, 13B in each line segment 11 when the seed type change event corresponds to the interruption of the seed release of the second type of seed. seed 17B from rear seed feeder 27 from rear line unit 13B and start of seed release of the first seed type 17A from front seed feeder 27 from front line unit 13A from line segment 11. In this type of exchange event For seed type, the front seed doser 27 of the front row unit 13A is activated to start releasing the first seed type 17A, while the second seed type 17B is released at the end. The initial release of the first seed type 17A defines an initial seed release location of the front seed doser 27 of the front line unit 13A. The control system 53 maintains the activation of the rear seed feeder 27 of the rear line unit 13B until the seed feeder 27 of the same reaches the initial release location of the front seed feeder 27 of the front line unit 13A. When the rear seed feeder 27 of the rear line unit 13B reaches the initial seed release location of the front seed feeder 27 of the front line unit 13A, the rear seed feeder 27 of the rear line unit 13B is deactivated. The activation and deactivation of seed dosers 27 during the event of changing seed types can be visually confirmed by the operator from inside the tractor 7, due to the fact that seed type 17A must be planted to the left of the center of the central line in each of the line 11 segments and seed type 17B must be planted to the right of the center line in each of the line 11 segments. As represented in block 83, the control system 53 evaluates whether the planter 5 is still planting, which may include assessing planter movement 5 in the field and / or may require operator confirmation via the tractor interface system 67 (Figure 3). If planting is still in progress, and a control system 53 continues to monitor the deactivated seed doser 27 for identification of an unprepared condition in block 75 or planting is complete, then the process ends as represented in block 85 .
    [030] Referring again to Figures 1 to 3, the control system 53 can be configured to individually control each of the seed feeders 27, thus, to control the exchange between the planting of the seed types 17A, 17B in one base per row and thus in each line segment 11. In another embodiment, the control system 53 is configured to control groups of seed dosers 27 in the same way within a common planter section 5, for example, giving a common command for all seed feeders 27 within the same outer wing section (s) and / or internal or middle sections, optionally giving a common command for all line segments 11 for an exchange between seed types 17A, 17B on an entire planter base.
    [031] Many changes and modifications can be made in relation 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 (14)
    [0001]
    1. Method of planting multiple types of seeds in a single planting pass, during the planting of an agricultural field with a planter in paired rows (5), the method comprising: defining a first type of seed and a second type of seed stored in relation to a planter in paired rows (5) to be correspondingly planted in a first zone and a second zone of an agricultural field, where the first and second zones correspond to the first and second characteristics of the agricultural field related to at least one among the type of soil and type of management, in which the planter in paired rows (5) includes multiple segments of the planter line (11) for the planting of multiple cultivation lines within the agricultural field and in which each of the segments of line (11) includes a pair of seed feeders (27); CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: placing a first seed dispenser (27) of the seed doser pair (27) of each line segment adjacent to a second seed doser (27) of the seed doser pair (27) of each line segment (11) at a transversal and longitudinally spaced location of the second seed doser (27) of the pair of seed dosers (27) of each line segment; prepare the first seed dispenser (27) of the seed dispenser pair (27) in each of the planter line segments (11) with the first type of seed by rotating a seed disk (33) of the first seed dispenser seed through the first seed dispenser that picks up and individualizes the seeds of the first type of seed; retain the seed disk (33) from the first seed dispenser in a ready and ready to plant position, where the seed disk (33) is retained in a non-rotating position with the individualized seeds carried by the seed disk (33) at locations spaced on the seed disk (33); prepare the second seed dispenser of the seed dispenser pair (27) in each of the planter row segments (11) with the second seed type by rotating a seed disk (33) of the second seed dispenser (27 ) through the second seed dispenser (27) that picks up and individualizes the seeds of the second type of seed; retain the seed disk (33) of the second seed doser (27) in a prepared and ready to plant position, in which the seed disk (33) is retained in a non-rotating position with the individualized seeds carried by the seed disk (33) at spaced locations on the seed disk (33); move the planter in paired lines (5) across the agricultural field along a path that has a starting point within the first area of the agricultural field; activate the first seed dispenser (27) while moving the planter in paired lines (5) along the path through the first zone by rotating the seed disk (33) of the first seed dispenser (27) to release seeds from the first type of seed from the first seed dispenser (27) over a first area of the agricultural field; and deactivate the second seed doser (27), maintaining the retention of the seed disk (33) of the second seed doser (27) in the prepared and ready to plant position, while releasing the seeds of the first seed type from the first seed dispenser (27) over a first area of the agricultural field.
    [0002]
    2. Method, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it also comprises moving the planter in paired lines (5) through the agricultural field along the path that crosses from the first zone to the second zone of the field and, as it crosses from the first zone to the second zone, it deactivates the first seed doser (27) preventing the rotation of the seed disk (33) of the first seed doser (27) and retains the seed disk (33) of the first seed doser (27) in the ready position for planting and activates the second seed doser (27) by rotating the seed disk (33) of the second seed doser (27) to release the seeds of the second type of seed seed from the second seed dispenser (27) over the second area of the agricultural field.
    [0003]
    3. Method, according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that, in each of the line segments, each of the first and second seed feeders (27) is a pneumatic seed feeder (27), and in which When preparing each of the first and second seed feeders (27), pneumatic pressure is introduced into each of the first and second seed feeders (27) to direct seeds of the first and second seed types against the respective seed disks (33).
    [0004]
    4. Method, according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that each of the first and second seed dosers (27) is a pneumatic seed doser (27) of positive pressure, and in which while preparing each among the first and second seed feeders (27), a positive air pressure is introduced into each of the first and second seed feeders (27) to push the seeds of the first and second seed types into the seed discs' seed pockets ( 33) respective.
    [0005]
    5. Method, according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that each of the first and second seed dosers (27) is a pneumatic seed doser (27) of vacuum pressure, and in which while preparing each among the first and second seed feeders (27), a vacuum air pressure is introduced into each of the first and second seed feeders (27) to pull seeds from the first and second seed types into seed pockets of the seed disks (33) respective.
    [0006]
    6. Method, according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that in each of the line segments, while one of the first and second seed feeders (27) is deactivated, the pneumatic pressure is maintained within the one among the first and second seed feeders (27), while the respective seed disk (33) is retained in the ready-to-plant ready position.
    [0007]
    7. Method, according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that each of the first and second seed feeders (27) is a pneumatic seed feeder (27) with positive pressure, and in which while the one among the first and second seed feeders (27) are deactivated, a positive air pressure is maintained within one of the first and second seed feeders (27) to keep seeds from a correspondent among the first and second seed types in seed pockets of the respective seed disk (33).
    [0008]
    8. Method, according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that each of the first and second seed dosers (27) is a pneumatic seed doser (27) of vacuum pressure, and in that while the one among the first and second seed feeders (27) are deactivated, a vacuum air pressure is maintained within one of the first and second seed feeders (27) to keep seeds of a correspondent from the first and second seed types in pockets seed from the respective seed disk (33).
    [0009]
    9. Method, according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it also includes monitoring the deactivated one of the first and second seed dosers (27) and detecting an unprepared condition of the deactivated one of the first and second dosers of seed seed (27).
    [0010]
    10. Method, according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the detection of an unprepared condition of the deactivated one of the first and second seed dosers (27) includes the detection of at least one empty seed pocket of the disk of seed (33) respective from that deactivated among the first and second seed dosers (27).
    [0011]
    11. Method, according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises, still, prepare again the deactivated one not prepared among the first and second seed dosers (27).
    [0012]
    12. Method, according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the new preparation of the unprepared deactivated among the first and second seed dosers (27) includes rotating the respective seed disc (33) of the deactivated one of the first and second seed doser (27) and pick and individualize seeds from that correspondent among the first and second types of seeds and retain the respective seed disk (33) in the ready-to-plant ready position.
    [0013]
    13. Method, according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that during the new preparation of the unprepared one of the first and second seed feeders (27), the disabled one of the first and second seed feeders (27) is temporarily activated as a temporary activation of new preparation to release remaining seeds in the respective seed disk (33), while rotating through that respective one of the first and second seed dosers (27) until it reaches a fully prepared condition again at the time the respective seed disk (33) is in the ready position ready for planting.
    [0014]
    14. Method according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that in each of the line segments, the first and second seed feeders (27) are longitudinally scaled in relation to each other along the length of the line segment respective with the first seed feeder (27), defining a front seed feeder (27) arranged relatively closer to a front part of the planter (5) and the second seed feeder (27) defining a rear seed feeder (27 ) arranged relatively farther from the front of the planter (5) and where while carrying out a seed type change event to change which of the first and second seed dosers (27) is activated, when the seed type change event seed corresponds to an interruption of the seed release of the first seed type from the front seed feeder (27) and initiates the release of seeds of the second seed type from the rear seed feeder (27), the method includes i deactivate the front seed feeder (27) to define a last seed release location of the front seed feeder (27), while keeping the rear seed feeder (27) deactivated until the rear seed feeder (27) reaches the last seed release location of the front seed feeder (27) and activate the rear seed feeder (27) by the fact that the rear seed feeder (27) reaches the last seed release location of the front seed feeder (27); and when the seed type change event corresponds to an interruption of the seed release of the second seed type from the rear seed feeder (27) and initiates the release of seeds of the first seed type from the front seed feeder (27) , the method includes activating the front seed feeder (27) to define an initial seed release location for the front seed feeder (27), while keeping the rear seed feeder (27) on until the rear seed feeder ( 27) reach the front seed dispenser initial release location (27) and deactivate the rear seed dispenser (27) by the fact that the rear seed dispenser (27) reaches the initial seed release location of the seed dispenser front (27).
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    CA2913562A1|2016-06-12|
    BR102015031264A2|2016-11-01|
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    法律状态:
    2016-11-01| B03A| Publication of a patent application or of a certificate of addition of invention [chapter 3.1 patent gazette]|
    2018-12-26| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-09-10| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2020-08-25| B06A| Notification to applicant to reply to the report for non-patentability or inadequacy of the application [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-02-02| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-02-23| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 14/12/2015, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    2021-08-31| B17A| Notification of administrative nullity (patentee has 60 days time to reply to this notification)|Free format text: REQUERENTE DA NULIDADE: SEMEATO S/A INDUSTRIA E COMERCIO - 870210037263 - 26/04/2021 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US14/568,572|US9706705B2|2014-12-12|2014-12-12|Twin-row multiple seed-type planter|
    US14/568,572|2014-12-12|
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