Seed Implement Incorporating A Down Pressure Sensing And Adjustment System

摘要

Data is collected from sensors related to the opener assembly for seeders, such as for discs and hoe drills, in order to better determine how the opener assembly reacts while operating in various conditions and to more precisely control operation of the opener assembly. Accordingly, a control system and a sensor array are utilized to provide automatic and continuous down pressure adjustments (according to a certain user specified range) at various speeds to substantially maintain a relatively constant seed depth. The sensor array could also be monitored and controlled by an operator to control settings (such as with respect to seed depth and/or opener down pressure) of the seeding implement from the cab to provide manual down pressure adjustments at various speeds. In various aspects, seeding speed and/or tractor speed may also be parameters controlled via the sensor feedback according to a certain user specified range of sensor variation.

主权项

1. A seeding implement, comprising:
a frame; a linkage coupled to the frame; an opener coupled to the linkage for cutting a furrow into a ground surface; a down pressure mechanism operable to apply an adjustable down pressure onto the opener, the down pressure mechanism configured to exert a user settable down pressure onto the opener; a sensor providing an electrical output signal, the sensor configured to measure a sensed value related to at least one of the frame and the opener; and a controller operatively connected to the sensor for receiving the electrical output signal there from, the controller being configured to adjust the down pressure mechanism to the user set down pressure based on the electrical output signal.