FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is directed generally to agricultural implements, and more specifically to seed planting devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Seeding implements being manufactured at increasingly larger scales. Presently, these implements can be 120 feet in width and can have 54 or more individual seeding row units attached thereto. As the implement travels through the field, the frame is limited in the amount that it can flex in order to compensate for changes in the terrain. Such seeding implements utilize linkages to attach the individual seeding row unit to the implement frame. The linkages allow the individual seeding row units to move upward or downward in relationship to the implement frame. As the implement moves through the field, the movement of each individual seeding row unit is needed in order to compensate for lateral differences in the terrain or in the case of encountering an obstruction.

The individual seeding row units of these seeding implements can also include adjustable depth gauging wheels used to change the depth of seeding or tillage as soil conditions change. That is, the desired depth of seeding or tillage can be different for dry, hard or rocky soil than for soft, wet or sandy soil. Many seeding implements utilize hydraulic cylinders to apply force to the linkages to help the seeding row unit maintain the proper amount of penetration of the soil. Some further utilize hydraulic actuation of individual attachments ahead of each row. These attachments are used, for example, to move residue, perform tillage, or apply fertilizer ahead of each row.

Existing systems, however, do not provide a robust implementation wherein the operating depth of the tillage row unit is maintained in a known relationship with the operating depth of the associated seeding row unit.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various embodiments of the disclosure provide a robust implementation wherein an operating parameter, such as the operating depth of a tillage row unit relative to an associated seeding row unit, is dynamically maintained utilizing a central controller that sends set points to individual or grouped seeding row assemblies. Local controllers then control the individual or grouped seeding row assemblies to the received set points. In various embodiments, control to the set point variable is automated, for example by closed loop control.

Certain embodiments enable the operator to make on the go changes in the depth of the tillage row unit in relationship to the seeding unit. Accordingly, as soil conditions change the operator can instantly adjust the operating position of the tillage row units and/or the seeding row units from the tractor cab. In some embodiments, local soil conditions are correlated with coordinate positions provided, for example, by a global positioning system (GPS); the central controller can automatically update the control set points based on the GPS coordinate and the attendant soil conditions.

In some embodiments, either the seeding row unit or the tillage row unit is controlled to a position relative to the implement frame, and the other of the seeding row unit or the tillage row unit is actively controlled to target an operating position relative thereto. In some embodiments, one of the seeding row unit or the tillage row unit is exerted with a known downward force, and the other of the seeding row unit or the tillage row unit is actively controlled to target an operating position relative thereto.

In various embodiments, the seeding row unit and the tillage row unit both depend from an implement frame of the planter and are not directly coupled to each other. In one embodiment, the seeding row unit passively rides atop the terrain, with the depth of the seeding row unit relative to the implement frame being maintained by gauging wheels, while the tillage row unit is actively maintained at a depth relative to the seeding row unit by the local controller. By this arrangement, the need for direct linkage between the seeding row unit and the tillage row unit is eliminated, as well as any need for a second set of gauging wheels for maintaining the position of the tillage row unit.

Conventional seeding implements often utilize some type of individual tillage row unit ahead of each seeding row unit. The primary parameter that is characteristic of a successful seeding is the depth of the seed placement, which may be tailored to changing soiled conditions. Depth of seed placement can be affected not only by the operating depth of the seeding row unit, but also by the operating depth of the tillage row unit. Some planters, such as the John Deere Model 1770NT CCS planter, implement separate gauging wheels for the tillage row unit and the seeding row unit, the gauging wheels providing independent depth gauging for the respective tillage row unit and seeding row unit. This approach, of course, necessitates the mechanical complexity and cost of two sets of gauging wheels. In addition, any dynamic control for changing the depth of the tillage row unit relative to the seeding row unit must be designed to accommodate the presence of two sets of gauging wheels, further adding to the mechanical complexity and cost. Another approach is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,448,717 to Adams et al., disclosing a hydraulically driven tillage row unit coupled to a hydraulically driven seeding row unit. U.S. Pat. No. 8,201,637 to Ripple discloses a similar arrangement that utilizes reversible gear motors to drive the tillage implement. Coupling the tillage row unit to the seeding row unit can, to a certain extent, provide matching of the penetration depths of the tillage row unit and the seeding row unit. However, coupling the tillage row unit to the seeding row unit can present its own set of challenges. The vibration from the tillage row unit can translate to the seeding row unit, affecting the seeding distribution and general performance of the seeding row unit. Furthermore, altering the force exerted by the tillage row unit also influences the force exerted by the seeding row unit; that is, increasing the force to the tillage row unit “takes away” from the force exerted by the seeding row unit, thus requiring more force to be transferred to the seeding row unit, which in turn exerts still more force to the tillage row unit. This give-and-take dynamic between the tillage row unit and the seeding row unit can lead to control instabilities.

Other seeding implements utilize tillage row units that are coupled to the implement frame, thereby enabling down forces to be exerted independent of the seeding row unit. See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0192186 to Bassett, disclosing a device that includes adjustable force gauging equipment coupled to the implement frame to maintain the tillage row unit at a substantially constant engagement force with the ground. However, maintaining constant forces on the tillage row unit and/or the seeding row unit does not assure that the respective operating depths of the tillage row unit and the seeding row unit are suitably matched, particularly where soil conditions can vary significantly. That is, the relative forces (e.g., force ratios or force differences) required between the tillage row unit and the seeding row unit can vary with soil conditions, adversely affecting depth differences and control therebetween. Furthermore, controlling to a constant force does not assure a desired penetration depth, especially under changing soil conditions over the course of a row planting. Ergo, control of the penetration depth is effectively open loop with force-controlled systems, and therefore prone to wide variations.

The various embodiments disclosed herein overcomes these shortcomings. Controlling the position metrics between the seeding row unit and the tillage row unit provides more direct control of seed placement depth, and also lends itself to automated depth control of seed placement for varying soil conditions. The optimum or desired planting depth may vary with the soil type. For example, the depth of the seed placement may be deeper for soil having a high sand content than for soil having a high clay content. In various embodiments, not only is the depth of seed placement more directly controlled, but the ability to change the depth of the seed placement based on soil composition and characteristics can be provided on the go.

Structurally, the tillage row units are coupled to the implement frame, thereby enabling down forces to be exerted independent of the seeding row unit. However, rather than maintaining constant forces on the tillage row unit and/or the seeding row unit, various embodiments of the disclosure endeavor to control the relative operating position between the tillage row unit and the seeding row unit.

In one embodiment, the control system electronically monitors and send an electronic signal to make changes in the position of the tillage row units. In one embodiment, an electro-hydraulic valve system receives the electronic signal and makes adjustments in hydraulic oil flow to change the position of the tillage row units relative to the implement frame.

The principles presented herein can also be used to control tillage row units on tillage and fertilizer application implements.

