• 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:
    The present invention relates to a system for spraying a fluid on or near seeds which, in one aspect, may include a planter that has a seed meter configured to dispense seed from a hopper, a seed tube that extends from the seed meter towards a notch, and a rotary driven belt positioned inside the seed tube. the belt can be configured to transport the seeds from the seed meter through the seed tube to the notch. the planter also includes a sprinkler assembly that has a nozzle configured to spray a fluid on or near seeds dispensed from the seed meter. the system may additionally include a controller configured to determine a current belt speed relative to the seed tube and control the sprinkler assembly based on the current belt speed so that the nozzle sprays fluid on at least one of the or near each of the seeds.
    公开号:BR102018017296B1
    申请号:R102018017296-4
    申请日:2018-08-23
    公开日:2022-01-04
    发明作者:Trevor L. Kowalchuk
    申请人:CNH Industrial Canada, LTD；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
    [001] The present invention relates generally to row crop planters or seeders, and more particularly to systems and methods for spraying fluids on and/or near seeds from a seed meter. a planter. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    [002] Modern farming practices strive to increase yields from agricultural fields. For example, seeds can be coated with various fluids, such as fungicides, herbicides, and/or fertilizers, that enhance seed performance based on field-specific agronomic characteristics. As such, farmers typically order seeds that are pre-coated with the desired fluid well in advance of the planting season to ensure availability and/or reasonable prices. However, the agronomic characteristics of the field may change as the planting season approaches, due to unforeseen weather conditions, pests and/or the like. In this sense, the specific fluid coating selected for the seeds may be, at least partially, based on speculation. In addition, coated seeds can be harmful to livestock and wildlife, thus complicating their handling and storage.
    [003] Accordingly, systems and methods for sprinkling or otherwise coating seeds during planting operations have been developed. Since seeds are generally spread out when planted, it is desirable to only sprinkle the seeds or the area immediately around the seeds so as not to waste fluid by sprinkling the soil between the seeds. For example, planters often include a seed meter, which dispenses seeds at a specific rate to achieve the desired spacing of seeds within a notch. Therefore, conventional systems and methods perform seed spraying based on the speed at which the seed meter is operating. However, seeds can bounce inside a seed tube that extends from the seed meter to the notch, such that the seeds can land in the notch at a slightly different frequency than that distributed by the seed meter.
    [004] Consequently, an improved system and method for spraying fluid on or near seeds dispensed from a seed meter of a planter will be welcome in the technology. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    [005] Aspects and advantages of the technology will be presented, in part, in the following description, or they may be obvious from the description, or they may be learned through practice of the technology.
    [006] In one aspect, the subject matter relates to a system for spraying a fluid on or near seeds dispensed from a seed meter of a planter. The system may include a planter that has a seed gauge configured to dispense seed from a hopper, a seed tube that extends from the seed gauge towards a notch, and a rotary driven belt positioned within the tube. of seeds. The belt can be configured to transport the seeds from the seed meter through the seed tube to the notch. The planter may also include a sprinkler assembly that has a nozzle configured to spray a fluid on or near seeds dispensed from the seed meter. The system may additionally include a controller communicatively coupled to the sprinkler assembly. The controller can be configured to determine a current belt speed relative to the seed tube and control the sprinkler assembly based on the current belt speed so that the nozzle sprays fluid on at least one of over or near each of the seeds.
    [007] In another aspect, the present subject relates to a method for spraying a fluid on or near seeds dispensed from a seed meter of a planter. The method may include controlling, with a computing device, an operation of a planter seed meter so that seeds are dispensed into a planter seed tube. The seed tube may include a rotatably driven belt positioned therein. The method may further include determining, with the computing device, a current speed of the belt relative to the seed tube as seeds are transported through the seed tube via the belt and dispensed from the seed tube into a notch. Additionally, the method may include controlling, with the computing device, an operation of a planter sprinkler assembly based on current belt speed so that a nozzle of the sprinkler assembly performs spraying fluid on at least one of or near the seeds.
    [008] These and other aspects, functions and advantages of the present technology will become better understood by reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of this specification, illustrate the achievements of the technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [009] A complete and enabling description of the present technology, which includes the best way of it, directed to a technician in the subject, is established in the descriptive report, which makes reference to the attached Figures, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a view in perspective of an embodiment of a planter in accordance with aspects of the present art; Figure 2 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a row unit suitable for use with a planter, in accordance with aspects of the present art; Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a seed tube in accordance with aspects of the present matter, particularly illustrating a rotationally driven belt positioned within a passage defined by the seed tube; Figure 4 illustrates a partial side view of a realization of a rotationally driven belt suitable for positioning itself within a seed tube in accordance with aspects of the present illustrating, in particular, a plurality of bristles coupled to the belt and configured to receive seeds from a seed meter; Figure 5 illustrates a partial side view of a further embodiment of a seed tube in accordance with the aspects of the present matter, particularly illustrating a pair of rotatably driven belts positioned within a passage defined by the seed tube; Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of a system for spraying a fluid on or near dispensed seeds from a seed meter of a planter in accordance with aspects of the present art, particularly illustrating the system including a sprinkler assembly configured to spray fluid onto the seeds after the seeds have been dispensed into the notch; Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of another embodiment of a system for spraying a fluid on or near seeds dispensed from a seed meter of a planter in accordance with aspects of the present matter; Figure 8 illustrates a schematic view of a further embodiment of a system for spraying a fluid on or near seeds dispensed from a seed meter of a planter in accordance with aspects of the present art, particularly illustrating the system including a sprinkler assembly configured to spray the fluid over the seeds before the seeds are dispensed into the notch; and Figure 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for spraying a fluid on or near seeds dispensed from a seed meter of a planter in accordance with aspects of the present art.
    [010] The repeated use of reference characters in this specification and drawings is intended to represent the same elements or features or analogous elements or features of this technology. DESCRIPTION OF ACHIEVEMENTS
    [011] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples thereof being illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, functions illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to produce a still further embodiment. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to cover such modifications and variations as set out in the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
    [012] In general, the present subject refers to systems and methods for spraying fluids on or near seeds dispensed from a seed meter of a planter. Specifically, in various embodiments, the planter may include a seed meter configured to dispense seed from a hopper, a seed tube that extends from the seed meter toward a notch, and a rotatably driven belt positioned inside. of the seed tube. Therefore, the belt can be configured to transport the seeds dispensed by the seed meter through the seed tube to the notch, thus preventing the seeds from bouncing around the seed tube. The planter may additionally include a sprinkler assembly that has a nozzle configured to spray a fluid on or near seeds dispensed from the seed meter. For example, the nozzle can be configured to spray the fluid onto the seeds at the same time the belt is transporting the seeds through the seed tube or after the seeds have been deposited into the notch. Additionally, a controller communicatively coupled to the sprinkler assembly can be configured to determine a current belt speed relative to the seed tube. In this sense, the belt speed can be indicative of the frequency with which the seeds pass through the nozzle of the sprinkler assembly. Consequently, the controller can be configured to control the sprinkler assembly based on the current belt speed so that the nozzle sprays the fluid over or near each of the seeds.
    [013] Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a planting implement or planter 10 in accordance with aspects of the present matter. As shown in Figure 1, the planter 10 may include a laterally extending toolbar or frame assembly 12 connected at its midsection to a forward extending tow bar 14 to allow the planter 10 to be towed by a work vehicle (not shown), such as a farm tractor, in one direction of travel (eg as indicated by arrow 16). Frame assembly 12 may generally be configured to support a plurality of seed planting units (or row units) 18. As is generally understood, each row unit 18 may be configured to deposit seeds in a desired depth below the soil surface and at a desired seed spacing as the planter 10 is towed by the work vehicle, thereby establishing rows of planted seeds. In some embodiments, the amount of seed to be planted can be stored in one or more hoppers or seed tanks 20. Thus, as seeds are planted by row units 18, a pneumatic delivery system can deliver additional seeds to from seed tanks 20 to individual row units 18. Additionally, one or more fluid tanks 22 can store agricultural fluids such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers and/or the like. As will be described below, fluids can be supplied to the individual row units 18 for spraying over the seeds during planting.
    [014] It should be noted that, for illustrative purposes, only a portion of the row 18 units of the planter 10 has been shown in Figure 1. In general, the planter 10 can include any number of row 18 units, such as 6, 8 , 12, 16, 24, 32 or 36 row units. Additionally, it should be noted that the lateral spacing between row 18 units can be selected based on the type of crop to be planted. For example, row units 18 can be spaced approximately 76.2 cm between each other for planting corn and approximately 38.1 cm between each other for planting beans and soybeans.
    [015] It should be noted that the configuration of the planter 10 described above and shown in Figure 1 is provided only to place the present matter in an exemplary field of use. Therefore, it should be appreciated that the present material can be readily adaptable to any manner of planter configuration.
    [016] Referring now to Figure 2, a side view of an embodiment of a row unit 18 is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present matter. As shown, the row unit 28 includes a linkage assembly 24 configured to mount the row unit 18 to the toolbar or frame assembly 12 of the planter 10. As shown in Figure 2, the row unit 18 also includes an assembly notch opening assembly 26, a notch closing assembly 28, and a press wheel 30. In general, the notch opening assembly 26 may include a regulating wheel (not shown) operatively connected to a frame 34 of the row unit. 18 via a support arm 36. Additionally, the aperture assembly 26 may also include one or more aperture discs 38 configured to excavate a notch or groove in the ground and a wedge point 32. The adjusting wheel is not shown to illustrate the aperture disc 38 is better. As will be generally understood, the adjuster wheel may be configured to engage the surface of the field, with the height of the aperture disk (or disks) 38 being adjusted with a relay. action to the position of the adjuster wheel to set the desired depth of the notch to be excavated. Furthermore, as shown, the notch closure assembly 28 may include a closure disc 40 configured to close the notch after seeds have been deposited in the notch. Press wheel 30 can then be configured to roll over the closed groove to firm the soil over the seed and promote favorable seed-to-soil contact.
    [017] Additionally, as shown in Figure 2, the row unit 18 may include one or more seed hoppers 42, 44 and a fluid tank 46 supported on the frame 34. In general, the hopper (hoppers) 42, 44 may be configured to store seed received from seed tanks 20, which must be deposited into the notch as the row unit 18 moves over and across the field. For example, in various embodiments, the row unit 18 may include a first seed hopper 42 configured to store seeds of a first type of seed and a second hopper 44 configured to store seeds of a second type of seed. However, both seed hoppers 42, 44 can be configured to store the same type of seed. In addition, fluid tank 46 can be configured to store fluid received from fluid tank 22 (Figure 1), which is to be sprinkled over seeds dispensed from seed hoppers 42, 44. For example, as per will be described below, a sprinkler assembly 48 of the row unit 18 can be configured to spray the fluid over the seeds.
    [018] In addition, in accordance with the aspects of the present matter, the row unit 18 may include a seed meter 50 provided in operative association with the seed hopper (hoppers) 42, 44. In general, the seed meter 50 can be configured to evenly release seeds received from the hopper (hoppers) of seed(s) 42, 44 for depositing within the notch. For example, in one embodiment, the seed meter 50 may be coupled to a suitable vacuum source (e.g., a blower powered by a motor and associated with production tubes or hoses) configured to generate a vacuum or negative pressure that couples the seeds to a rotating seed disc of the seed meter 50, which controls the rate at which the seeds exit the seed meter 50 into an associated seed tube 52. As shown in Figure 2, the seed tube 52 can extend vertically from the 50 seed gauge towards the ground to facilitate delivery of the supplied seeds from the 50 seed gauge to the notch.
    [019] It should be noted that the configuration of row unit 18 described above and shown in Figure 2 is provided only to place the present matter in an exemplary field of use. Therefore, it should be appreciated that the present material can be readily adaptable to any manner of seed planting row unit configuration.
    [020] Referring now to Figure 3, a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the seed tube 52 shown in Figure 2 is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present matter. In general, the seed tube 52 may extend between an upper end 54, which is configured to be coupled or otherwise positioned adjacent to a seed outlet (not shown) of the seed meter 50, and a lower end 56, which is configured to be positioned close to the notch. Furthermore, the seed tube 52 may define a passage 58 that extends between the upper and lower ends 54, 56 through which the seeds 62 travel once dispensed from the seed meter 50.
    [021] In accordance with aspects of the present matter, a rotary driven belt 60 configured to transport seeds 62 from the seed meter 50 to the notch may be positioned within the passage 58 of the seed tube 52. Specifically, in various embodiments , the belt 60 may be pivotally supported relative to the seed tube 52 by an upper pulley 64 positioned near the upper end 54 of the seed tube 52 and a lower pulley 66 positioned near the lower end 56 of the seed tube 52. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, an actuator 68, such as an electric motor, may be configured to rotatably drive the upper pulley 64 relative to the seed tube 52 through an upper shaft 70. In such embodiments, the lower pulley 66 may rotate relative to seed tube 52 about a lower axis 72, but not be driven. However, it will be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the actuator 68 may be configured to rotatably drive the lower pulley 66 with respect to the seed tube 52 via the lower shaft 72, while the upper pulley 64 may not be driven.
    [022] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the strap 60 may include a plurality of outwardly extending fingers 74. Specifically, the fingers 74 may be evenly spaced along the strap 60 to define a pocket 76 positioned between each adjacent pair of fingers 74. Thus, each pocket 76 can be configured to receive one of the seeds 62 dispensed from the seed meter 50. In that sense, as the actuator 68 drives the belt 60, the belt 60 can carry seeds 62 positioned in pockets 76 from the upper end 54 of the seed tube 52 to the lower end 56 of the seed tube 52. Once at the lower end 56 of the seed tube 52, the seeds 62 can be gravity deposited into the seed tube 52. notch. However, in alternative embodiments, the belt 60 may not include the plurality of fingers 74. For example, as illustrated in the alternative embodiment of Figure 4, a plurality of bristles 78 may extend off the belt 60 in place of fingers 74. As such, bristles 60 may be configured to receive and retain seeds 62 dispensed from seed meter 50 as belt 60 transports seeds 62 between upper and lower ends 54, 56 of seed tube 52.
    [023] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of seed tube 52 in accordance with aspects of the present matter. As shown, a pair of rotary driven belts 60 configured to transport seeds 62 from seed meter 50 to notch may be positioned within passage 58 of seed tube 52. Unlike the embodiments of belt 60 shown with reference to the Figures 3 and 4, the belts 60 shown in the Figure. 5 may not include fingers 74, bristles 78, and/or any other projections configured to receive seeds 62 dispensed from seed meter 50. Instead, pair of belts 60, which are rotatably driven in opposite directions (e.g., one belt 60 rotates clockwise, while the other belt 60 rotates counterclockwise), depends on friction to transport seeds 62 through seed tube 52. Specifically, belts 60 define a gap 80 between the same that is dimensioned so that the belts 60 frictionally engage the seeds 62 when the seeds 62 enter the gap 80. Thus, the rotation of the belts 60 transports the seeds 62 from the first end 54 of the seed tube 52. to the second end 56 of the seed tube 52 while maintaining the desired spacing between the seeds 60.
    [024] It should be noted that the configurations of the seed tube 52 and the belt (belts) 60 described above and shown in Figures 3 to 5 are provided only to place the present matter in an exemplary field of use. Therefore, it should be appreciated that the present material can be readily adaptable to any manner of seed tube and/or belt configuration.
    [025] Referring now to Figures 6 to 8, schematic views of various embodiments of a system 100 for spraying a fluid on or near seeds dispensed from a seed meter of a planter are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present matter. In general, system 100 will be described herein with reference to planter 10, row unit 18, and seed tube 52 described above, with reference to Figures 1 to 5. However, it should be verified by those skilled in the art. that the disclosed system 100 may generally be used with seed tubes that have any other suitable seed tube configuration, where the row units have any other suitable row unit configuration, and/or planters that have any other suitable seed tube configuration. suitable planter.
    [026] As shown in Figures 6 through 8, the system 100 may include a sprinkler assembly 48, which may include a nozzle 82 configured to spray a fluid 84 over seeds 62 dispensed from the seed meter 50. For example, in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7, the nozzle 82 may be configured to spray the fluid 84 onto the seeds 62 after the seeds 62 have been deposited in the notch 86 formed in the soil (e.g., by the aperture disc 38). In such embodiments, nozzle 82 may be mounted on row unit 18 so that nozzle 82 is positioned to spray fluid 84 between opening disc 38 and closing disc 40. However, in the embodiment shown in Figure 8, nozzle 82 may be configured to spray fluid 84 onto seeds 62 when seeds 62 are positioned within seed tube 52. In that embodiment, nozzle 82 may be coupled to seed tube 52 and/or extended therethrough, such as in a generally centrally located position between the upper and lower ends 54, 56 of the seed tube 52. Accordingly, the nozzle 82 may be configured to spray fluid 84 over the seeds 62 as the seeds 62 are being transported through the seed tube 52 by the belt 60 and pass through the nozzle 82.
    [027] Sprinkler assembly 48 may also include any suitable combination of related fluid delivery components configured to deliver fluid 84 to nozzle 82. As shown in Figures 6 through 8, in various embodiments, sprinkler assembly 48 may include a pump 88 configured to deliver fluid 84 from fluid tank 46 to nozzle 82 (e.g., through fluid conduits 90, 92) at a pressure sufficient so that fluid 84 can be sprayed or otherwise form ejected from the nozzle 82 in a manner that covers or coats the seeds 62 with fluid 84. Once the seeds 62 are deposited in the notch 86 in a retracted manner, a valve 94 (e.g., solenoid valve) can be configured to selectively occlude the flow of fluid 84 supplied to nozzle 82 by pump 88 so that nozzle 82 sprays pulses of fluid 84. As will be described below, pulses of fluid 84 can be timed so that in which the nozzle 82 sprays the fluid 84 on or near the seeds 62. In this sense, the valve 94 can prevent the fluid 84 from leaving the nozzle 82 when the valve 94 is in a closed position, while the valve 90 can allow fluid 84 exits nozzle 82 when valve 94 is in an open position. In alternative embodiments, as shown in Figure 7, pump 88 may be configured to deliver pulses of fluid 84 to nozzle 82 so that a valve is not required. In that embodiment, the pump 88 may correspond to a peristaltic pump. However, it should be noted that the 88 pump can match any pump type and/or configuration.
    [028] Referring further to Figures 6 to 8, the system 100 may also include a speed sensor 102 configured to detect an operating parameter indicative of a current speed speed of belt 60 relative to seed tube 52. In general , the speed sensor 102 may correspond to any suitable sensor (sensors) or sensing device (devices) configured to directly or indirectly detect the movement of the belt 60. For example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the speed sensor 102 may be provided in an operative association with the belt 60. In such embodiments, the speed sensor 102 may correspond to a Hall Effect sensor coupled to and/or extending through the seed tube 52, as shown in Figure 3 In that sense, the speed sensor 102 can be configured to detect when one of the fingers 74 coupled to the belt 60 passes the speed sensor 102, which can be indicative of the speed. belt city 60. In alternative embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, speed sensor 102 may be provided in operative association with actuator 68. Accordingly, speed sensor 102 may be configured to sense a current speed of a drive shaft. output (e.g. upper shaft 74) of actuator 68, which may be indicative of the current speed of belt 60. However, it should be noted that speed sensor 102 may correspond to any other sensor (sensors) or device ( appropriate detection devices) configured to detect belt movement 60.
    [029] In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the system 100 may additionally include a controller 104 configured to electronically control the operation of one or more components of the planter 10 or work vehicle (not shown). In general, controller 104 may comprise any suitable processor-based device known in the art, such as a computing device or any combination of computing devices. Therefore, in various embodiments, controller 104 may include one or more processors 106 and associated memory devices 108 configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions. As used herein, the term "processor" refers not only to integrated circuits referred to in the art as being included in a computer, but also to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller ( PLC), an application-specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits. Additionally, the memory device (devices) 108 of the controller 104 may generally comprise a memory element (or memory elements) which includes, but is not limited to, a computer readable medium (e.g., a random access memory RAM), a computer-readable non-volatile medium (for example, flash memory), a floppy disk, a read-only memory compact disc (CD-ROM), a magnetic-optical disc (MOD), a digital versatile disc (DVD) and/or other suitable memory elements. Such memory devices (or devices) 108 may, in general, be configured to store suitable computer-readable instructions which, when implemented by the processor (or processors) 106, configure the controller 104 to perform various computer-implemented functions, such as a or more aspects of method 200 described below with reference to Figure 9. In addition, controller 104 may also include various other suitable components, such as a communications circuit or module, one or more input/output channels, a data bus /control and/or similar.
    [030] It should be noted that the controller 104 may correspond to an existing planter 10 or work vehicle controller or the controller 104 may correspond to a separate processing device. For example, in one embodiment, the controller 104 can form all or part of a separate plug-in module that can be installed inside the planter 10 or work vehicle to allow the disclosed system and method to be deployed without requiring additional software. be loaded into existing planter 10 or work vehicle control devices.
    [031] In various embodiments, controller 104 can be configured to operate planter 10 such that planter 10 deposits seeds 62 into notch 86 at the desired spacing. Specifically, in various embodiments, as planter 10 moves in a direction of travel (e.g., as indicated by arrow 110 in Figures 6 and 7), controller 104 can be configured to control seed meter 50 (for example, as indicated by arrow 110 in Figures 6 and 7). example, controlling a suitable actuator of the seed meter 50) such that the seed meter 50 dispenses one of the seeds 62 into the seed tube at a frequency that achieves the desired velocity spacing within the notch 86. controller 104 may be configured to control belt 60 (e.g., by controlling actuator 68) such that belt 60 transports seeds 62 from seed meter 50 through seed tube 52 at a speed that maintains the desired velocity spacing within notch 86. Once the seeds 86 reach the lower end 56 of the seed tube 52, the seeds 62 can be gravity deposited into the notch 86.
    [032] During the operation of the planter 10, the controller 104 can be configured to determine a current speed of the belt 60 with respect to the seed tube 52. Specifically, the controller 104 can be communicatively coupled to the speed sensor 102 through a connection wired or wireless to allow measurement signals (e.g., indicated by dashed row 112 in Figures 6 to 8) to be transmitted from speed sensor 102 to controller 104. Controller 104 can then be configured to determine or estimating the current speed of belt 60 with respect to seed tube 52 based on measurement signals 112 received from speed sensor 102. For example, controller 104 may include a lookup table or a suitable mathematical formula stored within of its memory 108 which correlates the sensor measurements with the current speed of the belt 60.
    [033] In addition, in one embodiment, the controller 104 may be configured to determine a target pulse frequency based on the current speed of belt 60. In general, the target pulse frequency may correspond to the frequency at which the sprinkler assembly 48 can spray pulses or volumes of fluid 84 to coat each of the seeds 62 or the area immediately around the seeds 62 without wasting a portion of the fluid 84 by significantly spraying the area between the seeds 62. seeds 62 may be carried through the seed tube 52 by the belt 60 so as to be dispensed into the notch 86 in a spaced manner. In this sense, the actual speed of belt 60 can be indicative of the target pulse frequency. For example, controller 104 may include a lookup table or a suitable mathematical formula stored within its memory 108 that correlates the determined current speed of belt 60 to the target pulse rate.
    [034] In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the controller 104 can also be configured to control the sprinkler assembly 48 based on the determined or monitored speed of the belt 60 so that the sprinkler assembly 48 performs the spraying of the fluid 84 on and/or near seeds 86. Specifically, controller 104 may be communicatively coupled to various components of sprinkler assembly 48, such as pump 88 and/or valve 94, via a wired or wireless connection to allow control signals (e.g., indicative by dashed row 114 in Figures 6 to 8) to be transmitted from controller 104 to sprinkler assembly 48. For example, in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 8, controller 104 may be configured to transmit control signals 112 to valve 94 that instruct valve 94 to open, thus allowing a volume of fluid 84 to be sprayed from nozzle 84 onto seeds 62. Thus, in an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, controller 104 may be configured to transmit control signals 112 to pump 88 (e.g., a peristaltic pump) that instruct pump 88 to deliver a volume of fluid 84 to nozzle 82 to sprinkle over and/or near seeds 62. In general, controller 104 may be configured to transmit control signals 112 at a frequency, e.g., the target pulse frequency, so that the sprinkler assembly 48 sprays a volume of fluid 84 over and/or near seeds 86 without significantly spraying the area between seeds 62. However, it should be noted that controller 104 can be configured to control the sprinkler assembly 48 in any suitable form.
    [035] During the operation of the planter 10, the current speed of the belt 60 may change, such as when the current speed of the planter 10 changes or when the desired spacing of the seeds 62 changes. In such cases, controller 104 can be configured to update the target pulse frequency when the current speed of belt 60 changes, thus ensuring that seeds 62 and/or the surrounding area are coated with fluid 84 even when the frequency at which 62 seeds are dispensed alters.
    [036] In various embodiments, controller 104 can be configured to control sprinkler assembly 48 based on parameters other than the current speed of belt 60. For example, in various embodiments, controller 104 can be configured to control assembly 48 based on a current speed of planter 10. In these embodiments, controller 104 can be configured to determine a duration or volume of pulse of fluid 84 sprayed by nozzle 82 onto seeds 86 based on current speed of planter 10. However, it should be noted that the controller 104 can be configured to control the sprinkler assembly 48 based on any suitable parameter or criteria other than the actual speed of the belt 60.
    [037] Referring now to Figure 9, a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 200 for spraying a fluid on or near seeds dispensed from a seed meter of a planter is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. . In general, method 200 will be described herein with reference to planter 10 and system 100 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 8. However, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that disclosed method 200 may generally , be used to spray a fluid on or near seed dispensed from any planter that has any suitable planter configuration, any row unit that has any suitable row unit configuration, and/or any seed tube that has any proper seed tube configuration. Furthermore, although Figure 9 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed in this document are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. One skilled in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will appreciate that various steps of the methods disclosed herein may be omitted, rearranged, combined and/or adapted in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
    [038] As shown in Figure 9, in (202), the method may include controlling an operation of a seed meter of a planter so that seeds are dispensed into a seed tube of the planter. For example, controller 104 can be configured to control an actuator (not shown) of seed meter 48 so that seed meter 48 dispenses seeds 62 into the seed tube at a frequency such that the desired spacing between the seeds 86 within the notch 86 is reached. In that sense, the belt 60 can then transport the seeds 62 from the seed meter 50 through the seed tube 52 to the notch 86.
    [039] Further, in (204), method 200 may include determining a current speed of a belt relative to a seed tube as seeds are being transported through the seed tube through the belt and dispensed from the belt. of the seed tube into a notch. For example, as noted above, controller 104 may be communicatively coupled to speed sensor 102, which may be configured to detect an operating parameter indicative of a current speed of belt 60 with respect to seed tube 52. Measurement signals or sensor data 112 transmitted from speed sensor 102 may be received by controller 104 to determine the current speed of belt 60.
    [040] Additionally, as shown in Figure 9, at (206), method 200 may include controlling an operation of a planter sprinkler assembly based on the current belt speed so that a sprinkler assembly nozzle performs the sprinkler of fluid in at least one of on or near the seeds. For example, as noted above, controller 104 may be communicatively coupled to various components of sprinkler assembly 48, thus allowing controller 104 to transmit control signals 114 to sprinkler assembly 48 which instruct sprinkler assembly 48 to sprinkle a volume of fluid 84. Accordingly, controller 104 may be configured to transmit these control signals 114 at a frequency, which may be based on the determined speed of belt 60, so that sprinkler assembly 48 will spray fluid 84 on and/or near the seeds 86 without significantly sprinkling the area between the seeds 62.
    [041] This description uses examples to reveal the technology, which includes the best mode, and also to enable the skilled person to practice the technology, which includes making and using any devices or systems and performing any embedded methods. The patentable scope of the technology is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Said other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (16)
    [0001]
    1. SYSTEM FOR SPRAYING A FLUID OVER OR NEAR SEEDS dispensed from a seed meter (50) of a planter (10), wherein the system (100) comprises: a planter (10) that includes: a seed meter (50) configured to dispense seed (62) from a hopper (42, 44); a seed tube (52) extending from the seed meter (50) towards a notch (86); a belt (60) rotatably driven within the seed tube (52), wherein the belt (60) is configured to transport the seeds (62) from the seed meter (50) through the seed tube (52) to the notch (86); a sprinkler assembly (48) that includes a nozzle (82) configured to spray a fluid (84) on or near seeds (62) dispensed from the seed meter (50); and a controller (104) communicatively coupled to the sprinkler assembly (48), characterized in that the controller (104) is configured to determine a current speed of the belt (60) in relation to the seed tube (52) and to control the assembly sprinkler (48) based on the current speed of the belt (60) so that the nozzle (82) sprays the fluid (84) on at least one of on or near each of the seeds (62); wherein the sprinkler assembly (48) further comprises a valve (94) configured to selectively allow fluid (84) to exit the nozzle (82), the controller (104) being communicatively coupled to the valve (94), and the controller (104) is further configured to control the valve (94) based on the current speed of the belt (60) so that the nozzle (82) sprays the fluid (84) at least over or near each of the seeds (62).
    [0002]
    2. SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (104) is additionally configured to determine a target pulse frequency based on the current speed of the belt (60) and to control the sprinkler assembly (48) of such that the nozzle (82) dispenses the fluid (84) through the nozzle at the target pulse rate.
    [0003]
    3. SYSTEM, according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the controller (104) is additionally configured to update the target pulse frequency based on changes in the current speed of the belt (60).
    [0004]
    4. SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the controller (104) is additionally configured to control the sprinkler assembly (48) based on the current speed of the planter (10) and the current speed of the belt (60 ) so that the nozzle (82) sprays the fluid (84) on at least one of on or near each of the seeds (62).
    [0005]
    5. SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized in that the nozzle (82) is configured to spray the fluid (84) on or near the seeds (62) after the seeds have been arranged in the notch (86).
    [0006]
    6. SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized in that the nozzle (82) is configured to sprinkle the fluid (84) on the seeds (62) at the same time that the seeds are transported through the seed tube ( 52).
    [0007]
    7. SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a sensor (102) configured to detect a parameter indicative of the current speed of the belt (60) in relation to the seed tube (52), in which the controller (104) determines the current speed of the belt (60) based on measurement signals received from the sensor (102).
    [0008]
    8. SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises: an actuator (68) configured to rotate the belt (60); and a sensor (102) configured to detect a parameter indicative of the current speed of the actuator (68) with respect to the seed tube (52), wherein the controller (104) is configured to determine the current speed of the belt (60) based on on measurement signals received from the sensor (102).
    [0009]
    9. SYSTEM according to claim 1, characterized in that the strap (60) comprises a plurality of spaced-apart fingers (74), wherein each adjacent pair of the plurality of fingers (74) defines a pocket (76) configured for receive one of the seeds (62) dispensed from the seed meter (50).
    [0010]
    10. SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized in that the belt (60) comprises a plurality of bristles (78) configured to receive the seeds (62) dispensed from the seed meter (50).
    [0011]
    11. SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized in that the belt (60) comprises a pair of belts (60) configured to be rotatably driven in opposite directions.
    [0012]
    12. METHOD FOR SPRINKLING A FLUID ON OR NEAR SEEDS dispensed from a seed meter (50) of a planter (10), controlling, with a computing device, an operation of a seed meter (50) of the planter (10) so that the seeds (62) are dispensed into a seed tube (52) of the planter (10), characterized in that the seed tube (52) includes a rotatably driven belt (60) positioned therein. , and comprises the following steps: determining, with the computing device, the current speed of the belt (60) relative to the seed tube (52) as the seeds (62) are transported through the seed tube (52) through the belt (60) and dispensed from the seed tube (52) into a notch (86); controlling, with the computing device, an operation of a sprinkler assembly (48) of the planter (10) based on the current speed of the belt (60) so that a nozzle (82) of the sprinkler assembly (48) spraying fluid (84) on at least one of on or near the seeds (62); and controlling, with the computing device, a valve (94) of the sprinkler assembly (48) based on the current speed of the belt (60) so that the nozzle (82) performs the spraying of the fluid (84) in at least one within or near each of the seeds (62), wherein the valve (94) is configured to selectively allow fluid to exit the nozzle (82).
    [0013]
    13. METHOD, according to claim 12, characterized in that it additionally comprises: determining, with the computing device, a target pulse frequency, based on the current speed of the belt (60); and controlling, with the computing device, the operation of the sprinkler assembly (48) so that the nozzle (82) dispenses fluid (84) at the target pulse rate.
    [0014]
    14. METHOD, according to claim 12, characterized in that it additionally comprises: updating, with the computing device, the target pulse frequency based on changes in the current speed of the belt (60).
    [0015]
    15. METHOD, according to claim 12, characterized in that it additionally comprises: controlling, with the computing device, the sprinkler assembly (48) based on the current speed of the planter (10) so that the nozzle (82 ) spray the fluid (84) on at least one of on or near each of the seeds (62).
    [0016]
    16. METHOD, according to claim 12, characterized in that it additionally comprises: determining, with the computing device, the current speed of the belt (60) based on measurement signals received from a sensor (102) which is configured to detect a parameter indicative of the current speed of the belt (60) in relation to the seed tube (52).
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    CA3008991A1|2019-02-23|
    US20200170176A1|2020-06-04|
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    US20190059204A1|2019-02-28|
    US10582655B2|2020-03-10|
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    法律状态:
    2019-03-19| B03A| Publication of a patent application or of a certificate of addition of invention [chapter 3.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-09-08| B06A| Patent application procedure suspended [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-12-14| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2022-01-04| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 23/08/2018, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US15/683,943|US10582655B2|2017-08-23|2017-08-23|System and method for spraying fluid onto seeds dispensed from a planter|
    US15/683,943|2017-08-23|
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