DOWNFORCE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A SEEDING IMPLEMENT

A row unit system for a seeder includes a frame, a parallel linkage configured to couple the frame to a mount associated with a toolbar of the seeder, an opener disc rotatably coupled to the frame, and a packer wheel assembly. The packer wheel assembly includes a packer wheel arm pivotally coupled to the frame, a packer wheel rotatably coupled to the packer wheel arm, and a packer wheel actuator pivotally coupled to the packer wheel arm and the frame, wherein the packer wheel actuator is configured to control a downforce applied by the packer wheel to soil.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a downforce control system for a seeding implement, and more particularly to a downforce control system that includes a parallel linkage and one or more downforce actuators.

Generally, a seeding implement (e.g., seeder) is towed behind a tractor or other work vehicle via a mounting bracket secured to a rigid frame of the seeding implement. The seeding implement typically includes multiple row units distributed across a width of the seeding implement. Each row unit is configured to deposit seeds at a target depth beneath a soil surface of a field, thereby establishing rows of planted seeds. For example, each row unit typically includes a ground engaging tool (e.g., opener disc) that forms a seeding path (e.g., trench) for seed deposition into the soil. A seed tube (e.g., coupled to the ground engaging tool) is configured to deposit seeds and/or other agricultural products (e.g., fertilizer) into the trench. The ground engaging tool and the seed tube may be followed by at least one wheel, such as a closing wheel that moves displaced soil back into the trench and/or a packer wheel that packs the soil on top of the deposited seeds.

SUMMARY

In certain embodiments, a row unit system for a seeder includes a frame, a parallel linkage configured to couple the frame to a mount associated with a toolbar of the seeder, an opener disc rotatably coupled to the frame, and a packer wheel assembly. The packer wheel assembly includes a packer wheel arm pivotally coupled to the frame, a packer wheel rotatably coupled to the packer wheel arm, and a packer wheel actuator pivotally coupled to the packer wheel arm and the frame, wherein the packer wheel actuator is configured to control a downforce applied by the packer wheel to soil.

In certain embodiments, a row unit system for a seeder includes a frame, a parallel linkage configured to couple the frame to a mount associated with a toolbar of the seeder, an opener disc rotatably coupled to the frame, and a packer wheel assembly. The packer wheel assembly includes a rigid packer wheel arm pivotally coupled to the frame, a packer wheel rotatably coupled to the rigid packer wheel arm, and a packer wheel actuator pivotally coupled to the rigid packer wheel arm and the frame. A controller is configured to control a valve assembly to control a downforce applied by the packer wheel to soil.

In certain embodiments, a method of operating a row unit system for a seeder includes linking, via a parallel linkage, a frame of a row unit to a mount associated with a toolbar of the seeder. The method also includes positioning an opener disc in contact with soil in a field, wherein the opener disc is rotatably coupled to the frame. The method further includes positioning a packer wheel in contact with the soil in the field, wherein the packer wheel is rotatably coupled to a rigid packer wheel arm, and the rigid packer wheel arm is pivotally coupled to the frame. The method further includes controlling a valve assembly to increase a fluid pressure at a packer wheel actuator that is coupled to the rigid packer wheel arm to thereby decrease a downforce applied by the packer wheel to the soil in the field.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a perspective view of an embodiment of an agricultural seeding implement10(e.g., seeder). The agricultural seeding implement10may include a frame12(e.g., implement frame) and a tow bar14coupled to the frame12. The tow bar14may be coupled to the frame12and include a hitch16. The hitch16may be configured to interface with a corresponding hitch of a work vehicle (e.g., tractor), thereby enabling the work vehicle to tow the agricultural seeding implement10through a field along a forward direction of travel18.

It should be appreciated that the tow bar14may have any suitable configuration (e.g., A-frame; a single bar) and may be either pivotally or rigidly coupled to the frame12. In addition, the agricultural seeding implement10may carry or be coupled to an air cart (e.g., via the hitch16, and then the air cart may be coupled to the work vehicle such that the agricultural seeding implement10and the air cart are towed together by the work vehicle) that provides agricultural product (e.g., seeds, fertilizer) to the agricultural seeding implement10for distribution to soil in the field. Furthermore, the agricultural seeding implement10may be towed by the work vehicle or may itself be part of a self-propelled vehicle (e.g., in which the frame of the agricultural seeding implement10is coupled to a main frame/chassis of the self-propelled vehicle). Regardless of the configuration, the agricultural seeding implement10may travel via operator control or via autonomous control. For example, the agricultural seeding implement10may be towed by the work vehicle that operates under control of an operator in a cab of the work vehicle or that operates autonomously (e.g., autonomously or semi-autonomously via a control system executing autonomous driving algorithms). It should be appreciated that various configurations and arrangements of the agricultural seeding implement10are envisioned. For example, the air cart may be towed behind the agricultural seeding implement10. As another example, the air cart may be mounted on the agricultural seeding implement10(e.g., on the frame12; a mounted tank disk drill).

As shown, the frame12of the agricultural seeding implement10includes two toolbars20and four supports22. Wheels are coupled to the supports22, and the supports22are coupled to the toolbars20(e.g., via fasteners, via a welded connection). In particular, front wheel(s)24are rotatably coupled to a respective front portion of each support22, and rear wheel(s)26are rotatably coupled to a respective rear portion of each support22. The wheels24,26maintain the supports22above a surface of the soil in the field and enable the agricultural seeding implement10to move along the forward direction of travel18. Pivotal connections may be provided between the front wheel(s)24and the respective supports22to enable the front wheel(s)24to caster, thereby enhancing the turning ability of the agricultural seeding implement10(e.g., at a headland, during transport). It should be appreciated that the frame12of the agricultural seeding implement10may have any number of supports22(e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the toolbars20of the frame12may be supported by other and/or additional suitable structures (e.g., connectors extending between toolbars, wheel mounts coupled to toolbars).

As shown, a first row28of row units30is supported by a front toolbar20, and a second row32of row units30is supported by a rear toolbar20. The agricultural seeding implement10may have any number of toolbars20(e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more) and corresponding rows of row units30. For image clarity,FIG.1is simplified to show two row units30in the first row28of row units30and two row units30in the second row32of row units30. However, it should be appreciated that any number or row units30(e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 20, 30, or more) may be provided across a width of the agricultural seeding implement10.

In the illustrated embodiment, each row unit30of the agricultural seeding implement10is configured to deposit the agricultural product into the soil. For example, certain row units30(e.g., all of the row units30of the agricultural seeding implement10, a portion of the row units30of the agricultural seeding implement10, at least one row unit30of the agricultural seeding implement10) may include an opener disc that is configured to form a trench within the soil for deposition of the agricultural product into the soil. The row unit30also includes a gauge wheel (e.g., positioned adjacent to the opener disc) configured to control a penetration depth of the opener disc into the soil. For example, the opener disc may be rotatably and non-movably coupled to a frame of the row unit30, and the gauge wheel may be movably coupled to the frame of the row unit30and configured to contact a surface of the soil during operation of the row unit30. Accordingly, adjusting the vertical position of the gauge wheel relative to the frame of the row unit controls the penetration depth of the opener disc into the soil. In addition, the row unit30includes a product tube (e.g., seed tube) configured to deposit the agricultural product into the trench formed by the opener disc.

The opener disc/agricultural product tube may be followed by a closing system. In the illustrated embodiment, the closing system includes a packer assembly having a packer wheel configured to pack the soil on top of the deposited agricultural product. In certain embodiments, each row unit30of the second row32is laterally offset (e.g., offset in a lateral direction perpendicular to the forward direction of travel18) from a respective row unit30of the first row28, such that two adjacent rows of agricultural product are established within the soil. To facilitate discussion, the agricultural seeding implement10and its components (e.g., the row unit30) may be described with reference to a lateral axis or direction2, a longitudinal axis or direction4, and/or a vertical axis or direction6.

As described herein, at least one row unit30(e.g., each row unit30) may include one or more biasing members and/or one or more downforce actuators that are configured to affect and/or control downforce applied by ground-engaging components of the at least one row unit30. For example, the row unit30may include one biasing member (e.g., spring) that is positioned to drive the frame of the row unit30toward the soil to affect the downforce applied by the gauge wheel to the surface of the soil and the downforce applied by the packer wheel to the surface of the soil. The row unit30may also include a downforce actuator (e.g., packer wheel actuator) that is positioned and operated to independently further affect and/or adjust the downforce applied by the packer wheel to the surface of the soil. As discussed herein, various configurations of the one or more biasing members and/or the one or more downforce actuators are envisioned to enable more efficient and/or effective seeding operations.

FIG.2is a side view of an embodiment of the row unit30that may be employed within the agricultural seeding implement10ofFIG.1. As shown, the row unit30includes a linkage assembly34configured to couple (e.g., pivotally couple) the row unit30to a respective toolbar20of the agricultural seeding implement. The linkage assembly34includes an upper link36and a lower link38. A first end of the upper link36is pivotally coupled to a mount40(e.g., bracket) via a fastener42(e.g., pin), and a first end of the lower link38is pivotally coupled to the mount40via a fastener44(e.g., pin). The mount40may be a one-piece structure or a multi-piece structure that is associated with (e.g., configured to couple to; fixed or pivotally; directly or indirectly) to the respective toolbar20of the agricultural seeding implement.

In addition, a second end of the upper link36is pivotally coupled to a frame46of the row unit30via a fastener48(e.g., pin), and a second end of the lower link38is pivotally coupled to the frame46of the row unit30via a fastener50(e.g., pin). As shown, the upper link36and the lower link38are each coupled between the mount40and the frame46to be parallel to one another (e.g., form a parallel linkage). The linkage assembly34enables the frame46of the row unit30to move vertically (e.g., raise and lower in the vertical direction6) relative to the mount40and the respective toolbar20(e.g., in response to an opener disc52and/or a gauge wheel54contacting an obstruction and/or due to variations in terrain).

As shown, the row unit30includes the opener disc52(e.g., opener; opener device or tool) rotatably and non-movably coupled to the frame46by a bearing assembly56(e.g., pin; axle). The bearing assembly56enables the opener disc52to freely rotate as the opener disc52engages the soil, thereby enabling the opener disc52to excavate a trench within the soil. The row unit30may also include the gauge wheel54configured to control a penetration depth of the opener disc52into the soil. The gauge wheel54is configured to rotate along the surface of the soil. Accordingly, adjusting the vertical position of the gauge wheel54relative to the frame46controls the penetration depth of the opener disc52into the soil.

The gauge wheel54is rotatably coupled to a gauge wheel support arm, and the gauge wheel support arm is pivotally coupled to the frame46. In some embodiments, a depth adjustment handle may be coupled to the gauge wheel support arm, such that adjustment of the depth adjustment handle drives the gauge wheel54to move vertically relative to the frame46, thereby controlling the penetration depth of the opener disc52into the soil. It should be appreciated that any other suitable depth adjustment assembly/device, such as an actuator, may be used to control the vertical position of the gauge wheel54and the penetration depth of the opener disc52. In certain embodiments, the gauge wheel54is positioned against the opener disc52to remove soil from a side of the opener disc52during operation of the row unit30. Furthermore, the row unit30includes an agricultural product tube (e.g., seed tube) configured to direct agricultural product into the trench formed by the opener disc52.

In certain embodiments, the row unit30includes a spring assembly70(e.g., biasing member; biasing assembly) is configured to urge the opener disc52into engagement with the soil, to urge the gauge wheel54against the surface of the soil, and to enable upward vertical movement of the frame46(e.g., in response to contact between the opener disc52and an obstruction within the field). In some embodiments, the spring assembly70includes a bolt/tube assembly that connects a lower trunnion to an upper trunnion, and the bolt/tube assembly is surrounded by a compression spring. As shown, a first end of the spring assembly70is pivotally coupled to the mount40via a fastener72(e.g., pin), and a second end of the spring assembly70is pivotally coupled to the lower link38by a fastener74(e.g., pin). However, it should be appreciated that the first end of the spring assembly70may be pivotally coupled to the mount40via the fastener72, and the second end of the spring assembly70may be pivotally coupled to the frame46via a respective fastener (e.g., pin). As another example, the first end of the spring assembly70may be pivotally coupled to the upper link36via a respective fastener, and the second end of the spring assembly70may be pivotally coupled to the lower link38by the fastener74or to the frame46via a respective fastener (e.g., pin). As another example, the first end of the spring assembly70may be pivotally coupled to the frame46via a respective fastener (e.g., pin), and the second end of the spring assembly70may be pivotally coupled to the lower link38by the fastener74. Thus, the spring assembly70may be coupled to other components of the row unit30in any suitable arrangement that drives movement (e.g., pivoting; rotation) of the lower link38relative to the mount40.

As shown, the row unit30also includes a packer assembly80(e.g., closing assembly) configured to close the trench formed by the opener disc52and to pack soil on top of the deposited agricultural product. The packer assembly80includes a packer wheel82and a packer wheel arm84. The packer wheel arm84is pivotally coupled to the frame46via a fastener86(e.g., pin), and the packer wheel82is rotatably coupled to the packer wheel arm84via a bearing assembly88(e.g., pin; axle). The packer wheel arm84may be a one-piece and/or a rigid structure that extends between the fastener86at the frame86to the bearing assembly88at the packer wheel82. A soil-contacting surface of the packer wheel82may have any suitable shape (e.g., v-shaped, flat) and/or any suitable tread pattern (e.g., chevron treads). In addition, the packer wheel arm84positions a rotational axis90of the packer wheel82rearward of a rotational axis92of the opener disc52relative to the forward direction of travel18of the row unit30. In the illustrated embodiment, the packer wheel arm84is configured to pivot relative to the frame46. Accordingly, the packer wheel arm84may pivot relative to the frame46in response to contact between the packer wheel82and an obstruction in the field and/or variations in terrain.

In the illustrated embodiment, the packer assembly80includes a packer wheel actuator100(e.g., closing wheel actuator; downforce actuator; fluid actuator, such as hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic motor, pneumatic cylinder, pneumatic motor) pivotally coupled to the frame46and the packer wheel arm84. In particular, a first end of the packer wheel actuator100is pivotally coupled to the frame46via a fastener102(e.g., pin), and a second end of the packer wheel actuator100is pivotally coupled to the packer wheel arm84via a fastener104(e.g., pin). As shown, the first end of the packer wheel actuator100is pivotally coupled to the frame46via the fastener102at a respective location that is vertically below a respective connection between the packer wheel arm84and the frame46via the fastener86. It should be appreciated that the first end of the packer wheel actuator100may instead be pivotally coupled to the frame46via the fastener102at a respective location that is vertically above the respective connection between the packer wheel arm84and the frame46via the fastener86. Additionally, the second end of the packer wheel actuator100is pivotally coupled to the packer wheel arm84via the fastener104at a respective location that is in a middle portion of the packer wheel arm84(e.g., between the first end and the second end of the packer wheel arm84; between a respective connection between the packer wheel arm84and the frame46via the fastener86and a respective connection between the packer wheel arm84and the packer wheel82via the bearing assembly88). Such a configuration may provide various advantages, such as a low profile toward at rearward end of the row unit30, for example. However, the packer wheel actuator100may be coupled to other components of the row unit30in any suitable arrangement that drives movement (e.g., pivoting; rotation) of the packer wheel arm84relative to the frame46.

The packer wheel actuator100is configured to control downforce applied by the packer wheel82to the soil. For example, the downforce applied by the packer wheel82to the soil may be adjusted by varying a fluid pressure within the packer wheel actuator100. More particularly, the downforce applied by the packer wheel82to the soil may be increased by decreasing a fluid pressure within the packer wheel actuator100(e.g., to compress or shorten the packer wheel actuator100to drive the packer wheel82toward the frame46), and the downforce applied by the packer wheel82to the soil may be decreased by increasing the fluid pressure within the packer wheel actuator100(e.g., to extend or lengthen the packer wheel actuator100to drive the packer wheel82away from the frame46).

A valve assembly106is fluidly coupled to the packer wheel actuator100. The valve assembly106is configured to control the fluid pressure within the packer wheel actuator100, thereby adjusting the downforce applied by the packer wheel82to the soil. While the packer wheel actuator100includes the fluid actuator in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the packer wheel actuator may include another or an alternative suitable actuating device, such as any electromechanical actuator, any linear actuator, any rotary actuator, and so forth. Furthermore, while the packer wheel actuator100includes a single actuating device inFIG.2, it should be appreciated that the packer wheel actuator100may include multiple actuating devices (e.g., of the same type or of different types).

A controller110(e.g., electronic controller) is configured to output an output signal to the valve assembly106indicative of instructions to control the packer wheel actuator100. As shown, the controller110includes a processor112and a memory device114. The controller110may also include one or more storage devices and/or other suitable components. The processor112may be used to execute software, such as software for controlling the valve assembly106. Moreover, the processor112may include multiple microprocessors, one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor112may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors.

The memory device114may include a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory device114may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory device114may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for the processor112to execute, such as instructions for controlling the valve assembly106. The storage device(s) (e.g., nonvolatile storage) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. The storage device(s) may store data, instructions (e.g., software or firmware for controlling the first valve assembly), and any other suitable data.

The controller110may be located in/on the agricultural seeding implement, in/on an air cart coupled to the agricultural seeding implement, in/on a work vehicle coupled to the agricultural seeding implement, or in any other suitable location that enables the controller110to perform the operations described herein. It should also be appreciated that a respective controller may be provided for each row unit30(e.g., to control each row unit separately), a respective controller may be provided for a subset of row units (e.g., some of the row units; to control some of the row units together), or the controller may be provided for all of the row units (e.g., to control all of the row units together).

In certain embodiments, the controller110is configured to determine the instructions to control the packer wheel actuator100based at least in part on a contact force (e.g., determined contact force; measured contact force) between the packer wheel82and the soil. For example, as discussed in detail here, the controller110may determine a target contact force between the packer wheel82and the soil based on soil condition(s), residue characteristics (e.g., coverage), trench closing effectiveness, or a combination thereof. Then, the controller110may control the packer wheel actuator100such that the contact force between the packer wheel82and the soil is maintained within a threshold range of the target contact force.

In some embodiments, a downforce sensor120is configured to output an input signal to the controller110indicative of the contact force between the packer wheel82and the soil. In addition, the downforce sensor120includes a fluid pressure sensor fluidly disposed between the valve assembly106and the packer wheel actuator100. The downforce sensor120may monitor the pressure of the fluid supplied to the packer wheel actuator100, thereby enabling the controller110to determine the downforce applied by the packer wheel82to the soil based on the monitored pressure.

While the downforce sensor120may include fluid pressure sensors, it should be appreciated that the downforce sensor may include other suitable type(s) of sensor(s) configured to output respective input signal(s) indicative of the downforce (e.g., alone or in combination with the fluid pressure sensor). For example, in certain embodiments, at least one downforce sensor may include a torque sensor configured to monitor torque about the connection between the packer wheel arm84and the frame46. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, at least one downforce sensor may include a strain gauge configured to monitor a bending force within the packer wheel arm84. In addition, in certain embodiments, at least one downforce sensor may include a position sensor (e.g., ultrasonic transducer, capacitance sensor, inductance sensor, infrared sensor, radio frequency sensor, a sensor integrated within the respective actuator) configured to monitor an orientation of the packer wheel arm84relative to the frame46. In such embodiments, the controller110may determine the downforce based on the orientation of the packer wheel arm84(e.g., a lower position of the packer wheel arm84may be indicative of a higher contact force, and a higher position of the packer wheel arm84may be indicative of a lower contact force). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, at least one downforce sensor may be omitted, and the controller110may provide open-loop control of the respective actuator.

As previously discussed, the controller110may determine the target contact force between the packer wheel82and the soil based on the soil condition(s), the residue characteristics, the trench closing effectiveness, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, a soil sensor122is configured to output an input signal to the controller110indicative of a measured soil condition. In certain embodiments, the controller110is configured to determine the instructions to control the packer wheel actuator100based at least in part on the measured soil condition. The soil sensor122may include an electrical conductivity sensor configured to monitor soil moisture content. For example, if the controller110determines that the soil moisture content is high, the controller110may reduce (e.g., from a first higher contact force to a second lower contact force) the target contact force for the packer wheel82to reduce compaction of the soil by the packer wheel82. While the soil sensor122may include an electrical conductivity soil moisture content sensor, it should be appreciated that the soil sensor122may include another suitable type of soil moisture sensor, such as a non-contact electrostatic sensor. Furthermore, the soil sensor122may include a sensor configured to monitor soil composition, soil firmness, soil density, or a combination thereof. Such sensors may include radio frequency transducer(s), infrared transducer(s), optical sensor(s) (e.g., camera(s)), LIDAR sensor(s), RADAR sensor(s), another suitable sensor type, or a combination thereof.

The controller110may adjust the target contact force for the packer wheel82based on the residue coverage (e.g., percentage of a surface area covered by residue, approximate depth of the residue, and/or approximate density of the residue) forward of the row unit30and/or rearward of the row unit30. For example, if the residue coverage forward of the row unit is high, the controller110may decrease the target contact force (e.g., from a first higher contact force to a second lower contact force) for the packer wheel82to reduce compaction of the residue over the deposited agricultural product. Additionally or alternatively, if the residue coverage rearward of the row unit30is high, the controller110may decrease the target contact force (e.g., from a first higher contact force to a second lower contact force) for the packer wheel82to reduce compaction of the residue over the deposited agricultural product. A residue sensor124may include an optical sensor or any other suitable sensor configured to monitor residue coverage, such as a radio frequency transducer, an infrared transducer, a LIDAR sensor, or a RADAR sensor.

Because the packer wheel arm84is independently pivotally coupled to the frame46of the row unit30, the contact force between the packer wheel82and the soil may be adjusted substantially independently of the contact force between the gauge wheel54and the soil. For example, the contact force between the gauge wheel54and the soil may be a first value (e.g., as detected based on sensor data) due to biasing applied by the spring assembly70, and the contact force between the packer wheel82and the soil may be further adjusted to a second value via the packer wheel actuator100. The contact force between the packer wheel82and the soil may be adjusted for particular field conditions (e.g., soil composition, soil moisture, residue coverage). As a result, the row unit30may effectively close the trench for a variety of field conditions. In combination, the parallel linkage (formed by the upper link36and the lower link38), the spring assembly70, and the packer wheel actuator100enable effective vertical motion of the frame46and parts coupled thereto (e.g., upon contact with an object in the field) and also provide adjustable downforce for ground-contacting components, such as the packer wheel82. It should be appreciated that the row unit30may include multiple packer assemblies80supported on the frame46and distributed along the lateral axis2(e.g., side-by-side), wherein each of the multiple packer assemblies80includes a respective packer wheel82, a respective packer wheel arm84, and a respective packer wheel actuator100that operate as described herein.

Further, it should be appreciated that the row unit30with the one or more packer assemblies80(e.g., with the packer wheel82) is shown and described in detail herein to facilitate detailed discussion of various structural and operational features of the row unit30. However, unless otherwise expressly specified, the one or more packer assemblies80are intended to represent and refer to any of a variety of types of assemblies that may be positioned rearward of the opener relative to the forward direction of travel18. Additionally, unless otherwise expressly specified, the packer wheel82is intended to represent and refer to any of a vareity of types of wheels (e.g., packer wheels, such as a wide wheels configured to pack the soil over the trench; closing wheels, such as a pair of angled closing wheels configured to push the soil into the trench; seed lock wheels, such as a narrow firming wheel that firms the soil over at the trench) that may be positioned rearward of the opener relative to the forward direction of travel18.

In the illustrated embodiment, the row unit30is a seeding/seeder row unit, as compared to a planting/planter row unit. Accordingly, a storage compartment (e.g., hopper, mini-hopper) for agricultural product is not non-movably coupled to the frame46(e.g., as compared to a planting/planter row unit that includes an agricultural product storage compartment, such as a hopper or a mini-hopper configured to receive agricultural product from a central storage compartment, non-movably coupled to the frame). In addition, the seeding/seeder row unit30includes a single opener disc52(e.g., as compared to a planting/planter row unit that includes a pair of opener discs arranged to form a v-shaped trench). Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, a metering device is not non-movably coupled to the frame of the row unit (e.g., as compared to a planting/planter row unit that includes a frame-mounted metering device, such as a vacuum seed meter).

However, in other embodiments, the row unit30may be adapted as the planting/planter row unit and/or to have any other features, such as to have the agricultural product storage compartment, the pair of opener discs, and/or the metering device supported on the frame of the row unit. It should be appreciated that other variations and/or modifications to the row unit30are envisioned. For example, the opener disc52may be coupled to any suitable location of the frame46, the lower link38, and/or at the fastener50that provides a connection (e.g., pivot connection) between the lower link38and the frame46.

FIG.3is a side view of an embodiment of the row unit30that may be employed within the agricultural seeding implement10ofFIG.1, wherein multiple actuators are positioned to adjust respective downforce applied by the gauge wheel54and the packer wheel82of the row unit30. In particular, the multiple actuators include a linkage actuator150that is configured to drive the lower link38relative to the mount40and the packer wheel actuator100that is configured to drive the packer wheel arm84relative to the frame46. As a result, the linkage actuator150may affect and/or adjust the downforce applied by the gauge wheel54to the soil and the downforce applied by the packer wheel82to the soil. Additionally, the packer wheel actuator100may separately or independently affect and/or adjust the downforce applied by the packer wheel82to the soil.

For example, the downforce applied by the gauge wheel54and the downforce applied by the packer wheel82to the soil may be adjusted by varying a fluid pressure within the linkage actuator150. More particularly, the downforce applied by the gauge wheel54and the downforce applied by the packer wheel82to the soil may be increased by increasing a fluid pressure within the linkage actuator150(e.g., to extend or lengthen the linkage actuator150to drive components directly or indirectly coupled thereto away from the mount40and toward the soil), and the downforce applied by the gauge wheel54and the packer wheel82to the soil may be decreased by decreasing the fluid pressure within the linkage actuator150(e.g., to compress or shorten the linkage actuator150to drive components directly or indirectly coupled thereto toward the mount40and away from the soil).

A valve assembly156is fluidly coupled to the linkage actuator150. The valve assembly156is configured to control the fluid pressure within the linkage actuator150, thereby adjusting the downforce applied by the gauge wheel54and the downforce applied by the packer wheel82to the soil. While the linkage actuator150includes the fluid actuator in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the linkage actuator may include another or an alternative suitable actuating device, such as any electromechanical actuator, any linear actuator, any rotary actuator, and so forth. Furthermore, while the linkage actuator150includes a single actuating device inFIG.4, it should be appreciated that the linkage actuator150may include multiple actuating devices (e.g., of the same type or of different types).

The controller110(e.g., electronic controller) may be configured to output respective output signals to the valve assembly156indicative of instructions to control the linkage actuator150and to the valve assembly106indicative of instructions to control the packer wheel actuator100. In certain embodiments, the controller110is configured to determine the instructions to control the linkage actuator150and the packer wheel actuator100based at least in part on respective contact forces (e.g., determined contact forces; measured contact forces) between the gauge wheel54and the soil and between the packer wheel82and the soil. For example, the controller110may determine respective target contact forces between the gauge wheel54and the soil and between the packer wheel82and the soil based on the soil condition(s), the residue characteristics (e.g., coverage), the trench closing effectiveness, or a combination thereof. Then, the controller110may control the linkage actuator150and the packer wheel actuator100such that the respective contact forces between the gauge wheel54and the soil and between the packer wheel82and the soil are maintained within respective threshold ranges of the respective target contact forces. It should be appreciated that any of a variety of sensors (e.g., downforce sensors) may be provided to output respective input signals to the controller110indicative of the respective contact forces and to enable feedback control of the linkage actuator150and/or the packer wheel actuator100.

Because the packer wheel arm84is independently pivotally coupled to the frame46of the row unit30, the contact force between the packer wheel82and the soil may be adjusted and/or supplemented substantially independently of the contact force between the gauge wheel54and the soil. For example, the contact force between the gauge wheel54and the soil may be a first value (e.g., as detected based on sensor data) due to force applied by the linkage actuator150, and the contact force between the packer wheel82and the soil may be further adjusted to a second value via the packer wheel actuator100(e.g., the packer wheel actuator100may supplement the linkage actuator150to enable the row unit30to achieve the respective target contact forces for both the gauge wheel54and the packer wheel82). As a result, the row unit30may effectively form and close the trench for a variety of field conditions. In combination, the parallel linkage (formed by the upper link36and the lower link38), the linkage actuator150, and the packer wheel actuator100provide vertical motion of the frame46and parts coupled thereto and also provide adjustable downforce for ground-contacting components, such as the gauge wheel54and the packer wheel82.

As shown, a first end of the linkage actuator150is pivotally coupled to the mount40via a fastener160(e.g., pin), and a second end of the linkage actuator150is pivotally coupled to the lower link38by a fastener162(e.g., pin). However, it should be appreciated that the first end of the linkage actuator150may be pivotally coupled to the mount40via the fastener160, and the second end of the linkage actuator150may be pivotally coupled to the frame46via a respective fastener (e.g., pin). As another example, the first end of the linkage actuator150may be pivotally coupled to the upper link36via a respective fastener, and the second end of the linkage actuator150may be pivotally coupled to the lower link38by the fastener162or to the frame46via a respective fastener (e.g., pin). As another example, the first end of the linkage actuator150may be pivotally coupled to the frame46via a respective fastener (e.g., pin), and the second end of the linkage actuator150may be pivotally coupled to the lower link38by the fastener162. Thus, the linkage actuator150may be coupled to other components of the row unit30in any suitable arrangement that drives movement (e.g., pivoting; rotation) of the lower link38relative to the mount40.

Further, it should be appreciated that other variations and/or modifications to the row unit30are envisioned. For example, the opener disc52may be coupled to any suitable location of the frame46, the lower link38, and/or at the fastener50that provides a connection (e.g., pivot connection) between the lower link38and the frame46. Indeed, the linkage actuator150may be provided to replace the spring assembly70ofFIG.2to provide additional levels or layers of dynamic control of the row unit30, as set forth herein.

In certain embodiments, an additional actuator may be incorporated into the row unit30(e.g., in conjunction with any of the features shown inFIGS.1-4and/or described with reference toFIGS.1-4). For example, the additional actuator may be provided between the respective toolbar20and the mount40ofFIGS.2-4. Thus, the additional actuator may be configured to drive movement (e.g., rotation; toward or away from the soil) of the mount40(and the components coupled thereto) relative to the respective toolbar20. The additional actuator also may affect and/or adjust the respective downforces applied between the gauge wheel54and the soil and the packer wheel82and the soil. Accordingly, the controller110may dynamically control any actuators (e.g., the packer wheel actuator100, the linkage actuator150, and/or the additional actuator) in a coordinated manner to achieve the target downforce(s), as described herein.

For example, with reference toFIG.2, an additional actuator170may apply force to the mount40to compress the one or more spring assemblies70of the one or more row units30(e.g., a group of row units) and/or to provide supplemental downforce to the one or more row units30. The force applied by the additional actuator170may be controlled to adjust the downforce applied by the gauge wheel54to the soil (e.g., while compressing the spring assembly70). In addition, the spring assembly70is configured to compress to facilitate upward vertical movement of the frame46in response to the opener disc52or the gauge wheel54encountering an obstruction (e.g., rock, branch, etc.) within the field.

The additional actuator170may include a fluid actuator (e.g., hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic motor, pneumatic cylinder, pneumatic motor). Accordingly, the downforce applied by the gauge wheel54to the soil may be increased by increasing the fluid pressure within the additional actuator170, and the downforce applied by the gauge wheel54to the soil may be decreased by decreasing the fluid pressure within the additional actuator170. Furthermore, in such embodiments, a valve assembly172may be fluidly coupled to the additional actuator120. The valve assembly172may be configured to adjust the fluid pressure within the additional actuator170, thereby adjusting the downforce applied by the gauge wheel54to the soil. In addition, the controller110may be communicatively coupled to the valve assembly172. The controller110may be configured to output an output signal to the valve assembly172indicative of instructions to control the additional actuator170(e.g., based on soil condition(s), residue coverage, trench closing effectiveness). While a fluid actuator is disclosed herein, the additional actuator may include other or alternative suitable actuator(s), such as electromechanical actuator(s), linear actuator(s), or electric motor(s).

While only certain features have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure. It should be appreciated that any of the features shown and described with reference toFIGS.1-4may be combined in any suitable manner.