DE8124578U1 - SEED MONITORING DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

•! ■ I I I t I

description

The present invention relates to over |

monitoring of the flow of a particle, in particular.

more on the exact recording and counting of the I:

seeds brought out by a seed drill. |]

The object of the present invention is that

Task based on a seed monitoring device ^: f,

tion that is able to generate a very $

exact count of different, from ein and the sei- | jj

count types of seeds given by the seed drill because $

no additional work on the part of the operator

work with regard to changes and exchanges of ρ

Components of the seed drill are required. !

Seed monitoring devices used in the past!

and counting devices have a housing or on- ■

other institutions that raise one from the seed <

the passage to be traversed from the seedbed j |

Form a corridor path, usually one made of one *

one or more light-emitting devices £

and one or more photosensitive elements B existing photosensor arrangement used, where $ Γ the light-emitting devices and the photo-sensitive elements in general on opposite-r lying sides of the through channel are attached. This arrangement has the consequence that a through channel The passing seed instantly hits one or more light-sensitive elements falling light is partially obscured and consequently the output of a signal from the person concerned photosensitive elements. These #

■ ■ ■

Signals are received by suitable circuitry and derive from them a pulse signal with which a visual display device such as a signal lamp or a totalizer is controlled, whereby the number of seeds sown is continuously displayed.

Although these known devices are used in monitoring and / or counting of seeds one and the same Art have proven to be very reliable, it has been very difficult or impossible to date to provide a single monitoring device capable of detecting different types of seeds or - great to capture and monitor. In this regard, there are at least three different problems when changing the seed drill from one type of seed to another. First, put the different sizes of different seeds (for example corn kernels on the one hand and Soybeans on the other hand) poses a problem in that an existing detection device with predetermined fixed sensitivity, which is based on the detection of relatively large seeds (e.g. corn kernels) is aligned, then fails if it is a much smaller seed (e.g. soybeans) reliably should capture. Second, the seed density of different seed types can differ significantly from one another differ, so that a sensor with sufficient sensitivity for a relatively low Seed density (e.g. when sowing maize) fails if the seed is much higher Sown density (e.g. soybeans) should count sufficiently fast enough. Third, the Position of the individual seeds when placing them under

J— -—— "—__ · ■ '.' ■! : t *
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* m f
" M " Capture by - 8th - Seed types at the location the 1 different

essentially distinguish the sensor from one another. In addition to the difficulties mentioned above Both the seed density and the position of the individual seeds can differ significantly from one another the use of seed drills from different manufacturers and different models or types differ from each other.

In view of the above-described difficulties encountered when switching the sowing of corn kernels or set of soybeans, it should be noted that soybeans are much smaller than Corn kernels are and that, moreover, the usual seed density for soybeans is much higher than the one for corn kernels. Accordingly, a soybean passing through the seed detector is not only considerably smaller than a corn kernel passing through the seed detection device, but it becomes also followed at a much closer distance by other soybeans. It follows that the Detecting and counting soybeans have significantly greater requirements in terms of both reaction speed as well as the accuracy with regard to the sensor and the monitoring device connected to it is considered to be the scanning or Detecting and counting corn kernels. Another problem with the known devices was capture an adequate area of the entire through canal without making the through path so narrow is made that it clogs especially with the high density of seeds of soybeans. On the other Page was found to attempt to use two or more photosensitive devices

Using the registration of a substantial part of the pass-through path resulted in an incorrect seed count, that a single seed often causes a trigger pulse in both photosensitive elements Has.

On the basis of the above-mentioned prior art, the present invention is based on the object a new improved device for monitoring the passage of seeds along a predetermined one To create a passage path in a seeder capable of accurately determining the passage of seeds monitor even when the seeder is completely from sowing a certain type of seed to one another type of seed is switched without any changes in the monitoring device required and which is able to open the passage of either large or small seeds, e.g. of maize kernels or soybeans, to be recorded through one and the same passage path of a seed drill, without making any changes to the seed monitoring device to be carried out when the seeder is to be used for sowing corn kernels, for example is switched to the sowing of soybeans and vice versa.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a single monitoring device to create that for a variety of seed drill makes and models of various types is suitable, with only minor modifications or for adaptation to the respective make or model Modifications of the device according to the invention required are.

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This object is achieved with a seed monitoring device of the type mentioned at the outset in that a light-emitting device and several on the a light-emitting device and a predetermined ;; ί part of the Passage aligned photosensitive | Elements are attached, which in the event of a sudden change in the light intensity falling on them at the | Passage of a seed along the path J between the light-emitting device and the light-sensitive elements emitted an electrical signal, and through a monitoring circuit which receives the electrical signals and generates one or more pulses and which receives a device for controlling the number of pulses, the f number of pulses in a predetermined manner both in dependence of the density \ or speed of the output of the electric signals and in dependence thereof, which emits an electrical signal of the plurality of photosensitive members; is produced. "

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention,

is through a new sensor for a seed over- f ¹

wachungssvorrichtung of the above type marked, '

which provides a housing for the passage of seeds £,

and a light source attached to the housing, which optically I

is aligned with the passage of the seed and |.

several light-sensitive elements, which are both on the |

Light sources as well as on a cross-sectional plane of the ί

Passage paths are optically aligned, with the >

light-sensitive elements in relation to the passage path ■?

are aligned in such a way that a single seed initially traverses the cross-sectional plane of the passage path .muB ,, "Φ

■ '' ■ till

- 11 - j

associated with a first of the photosensitive elements is, before it crosses the cross-sectional plane of the passage path, which is another of the photosensitive Elements is assigned.

The idea on which the invention is based is intended to be based on an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing and further features and advantages of the present invention are explained in more detail. Show it:

1 shows a diagram of the monitoring device according to the invention with a section of the seed sensor, which is shown partly in plan view and partly in cross-section ff is shown and with a monitoring circuit shown as a block diagram connected is;

2 shows the signal curve during operation of part of the monitoring circuit according to the invention;

3 shows a schematic representation of one and four functional parts of the seed sensor according to FIG of the present invention and the signal curve during the operation of this functional part the monitoring device according to the invention;

? _"Fi the representation of another Signalver ^u run in terms of other functional parts of the new monitoring device according to the present invention;

¹ I "ο similar to the illustration according to FIGS. 3 and 4, a schematic illustration of a further functional part of the sensor according to the invention as well as the signal profile when the relevant functional part of the seed monitoring device according to the invention is operated;

¹ I * ₁₀ a schematic representation of the seed sensor and a further signal curve: · - ■■ similar to that of the representation in FIGS. 7 and 8, 1

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which represent a further detail of the mode of operation according to the invention;

Fi he 11

to "18 further signal curves and representations

From functional parts of the invention Device and its mode of operation according to the invention / each based on the Type of representation of FIGS. 3 and 4 or 5 and 6, etc.;

19 is a circuit diagram scheme of the invention

monitoring device; and 1

Fig. 20 <3θρ Sicrnelverleuf when operating the ver ~

"different parts of the invention

monitoring device according to FIG. 19.

In Fig. 1, a seed sensor designed and folded in accordance with the principles of the present invention is shown. a seed detection device with the reference number 20 is shown. This seed detection device 20 is connected to a monitoring circuit according to the invention, denoted by the reference number 22. First of all, the seed detection device or the seed sensor 20 will be explained in more detail, in which a substantially tubular Line 24 inside a through path biW. a passageway for the delivery of the seeds from the sowing machine (not shown in more detail) to the one to be provided with seeds Soil forms. With the reference numeral 28, a symbolic seed is shown in dashed lines, its direction of passage is entered inside the line 24 by means of the arrow 30.

In accordance with a feature of the present invention, three photosensitive devices 32, 34 and 36, all three of which are optically aligned with part of the passage 26. At a loading

I I I 1 I I »I I I to I

■ ■ 1 111 ·

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Preferred embodiment of the present invention consist of these photosensitive elements 32, 34 and of phototransistors of the commercially available type CLR 2050, in the wall of the line 24 "opposite the Phototransistors 32, 34 and 36 are attached to an illuminating device which optically points both to the through path 26 of the line 24 and to the phototransistors 32, 34 and 36 is aligned. In a preferred embodiment, this lighting device consists of three light emitting diodes (LED) 38, 39 and 40, which are commercially available under the designation SG1009A and each facing with respect to one of the phototransistors 32, 34 and 36. As a result causes a between the light emitting diodes 38, 39, 40 and the associated phototransistors 32, 34 or 36 seed 28 passing through a brief change in the on the phototransistor in question falling light intensity and consequently causes the output of an electrical signal to be processed further the relevant phototransistor 32, 34 or 36.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, these three phototransistors 32, 34 and 36 are in one substantially triangular arrangement in the wall of the line 24 ″, the one phototransistor 34 forms the apex of the triangle, while the other phototransistors 32 and 36 are the two endpoints of the base of the triangle. The phototransistor 34 forming the apex of the triangle is facing the Direction of movement of the seeds 28 registered by the arrow 30 at the upper or front end of the pipeline 24 arranged. In addition, the space is zi-jisch den die The base of the triangle-forming phototransistors 32 and 36 so big that a typical soybean (cf.

in Fig. 7) cannot pass the pipeline in optical correspondence with both phototransistors. In other words: a corn kernel, such as, for example, the seed kernel 28 shown in FIG. 1, can form the through path 26 pass and thereby emit an electrical signal from each one or more Phototransistors 32, 34 or 36 cause, but not a typical soybean like the one shown in Figure 7 Seed 29. Such a seed is capable of, due to the spatial distance between the two Base of the triangle forming phototransistors 32 and not the output of a signal from both phototransistors 32 and 36 to initiate.

In an alternative embodiment not shown in detail According to the present invention, the lighting device consists of two such light emitting devices Diodes, which are roughly in the middle between the corresponding pair of phototransistors 32, 34 and 36 spatially are arranged. In other words, a pair of light emitting diodes can optionally be spatially opposite the lines formed by the two sides of the triangle by means of the phototransistors 32, 34 and 34, 36, respectively will. Suitable converging lenses, also not shown in detail, can also be used for focusing that emitted by the light emitting diodes Installed so as to make all three phototransistors 32, 34 and 36 largely uniform with the light to illuminate light emitted by only one pair of light emitting diodes.

The monitoring circuit, which is provided with the reference number 22, is shown as a block diagram below will be explained with the sensor described above

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cooperates in such a way that the flow of seeds along the passageway 26 is precisely monitored. Advantageously, this monitoring circuit 22 works with the sensor 20 so that an exact Counting of both corn kernels and soybeans is enabled without both sensor 20 and the circuit 22 must be changed or modified in any way if the associated seeder the sowing of one type of seed is switched to the other type of seed.

The sensor 32 feeds a first input of two gates or gate circuits each provided with three inputs 42 and 44. In the same way, the phototransistor 36 feeds the second input of each of the two Gates 42 and 44. The permanent phototransistor 34 is, however, both with a delay circuit 46 as also connected to a circuit for delivering a single pulse. The delay circuit 46 feeds the remaining one Input of the gate circuit 42, while the circuit for delivering a single pulse 46 with the remaining input of the gate circuit 44 connected is. Each of the gate circuits 42 and 44 is constructed so that it has a predetermined number of pulses to their output if they have a corresponding electrical signal from the phototransistor concerned 32, 36 or from the phototransistor 34 via the delay circuit 46 and the circuit for delivering a single pulse 48 receives. A seed detection circuit 50 for either corn kernels or soybeans is connected to the output of the gate circuit 42 and switches optionally the outputs of the corresponding gate circuits 42, 44 depending on whether or not either corn kernels or soybeans can be sown.

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Accordingly, the gate circuit 42 will hereinafter be referred to as the corn kernel circuit, while the gate circuit 44 will hereinafter be referred to as the soybean circuit.

As will be explained in more detail below, the corn-soybean detection circuit operates according to the Principle that the seed density of soybean seeds is generally much higher than the seed density the shark grains. Accordingly, a threshold is established below which the circuit 50 provides the output of the corn kernel circuit 42 switches through, which is shown schematically by a closed switch 52 and disconnect the soybean circuit 44, which is also shown schematically by an open switch is shown. Above this fixed threshold value, the circuit 50 performs the opposite Function through, i.e. the output of the soybean circuit 44 is switched through while the output of the corn kernel circuit 42 is disconnected. As shown in more detail below, the Corn kernel circuit 42 functions as an OR circuit (OR circuit), while soybean circuit 44 essentially acts as a NOR circuit.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the output of soybean circuit 44 is with an addition circuit 56 is connected. The number of outputs from this addition circuit 56 Pulses is equal to the sum of that to it from the soybean circuit 44 and that from a collection detector and Multiplication circuit 58 emitted pulses. This collective detector and multiplier circuit 58 is connected to the output of phototransistors 32 and 36

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connected and gives a predetermined Ai, number additional Pulses to adder circuit 56 when electrical signals are nearly simultaneous from the two Phototransistors 32 and 36 get on its inputs. Since a single seed, such as that in of the drawing shown seed 28, is unable to simultaneously emit electrical signals from to cause both phototransistors 32 and 36, it is clear that the occurrence of such is simultaneous Signals is an indication that two or more seeds are in the passage path 26 of the sensor 20 at the same time available. From the interaction of the detection device according to the invention and the one according to the invention Circuit is clear that the displayed on a sowing terminal 60 or given to him number the impulses very accurately reproduces the number of seeds passing through the through path 26 and thus also the number of seeds by the with the through-path 26 connected sowing tube or sowing groove of the associated seed drill.

With reference to the following Figures 2 to 18 various individual functions of the operation of the invention Monitoring device according to FIG. 1 explained in more detail, with reference in the description is taken on the drawing according to Fig. I *

First, the mode of operation of the corn kernel circuit (OR circuit) 42 is illustrated with reference to FIGS in cooperation with the delay circuit 46 explained in more detail. Both circuits work in the Way together that only a single pulse or a single one Counting pulse is given for each grain of corn that passes through path 26, even if that

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individual corn kernels cause a signal output from both phototransistors, ie both from phototransistor 32 and from phototransistor 34 or from phototransistor 34 and phototransistor 36. It should be noted that - as already explained above) '- also a single maize kernel may cause by the phototransistor 36, the output of an electrical signal from both the phototransistor 32 as well. As shown in FIG. 3, a single seed 28a moves in the direction indicated by arrow 30 | dciirgestfil 1 th 'Rjob + uncr and causes, dex "row n? .ch ^ the output of a signal from the phototransistor 34 and then from the phototransistor 36.»

At this point it should be pointed out that the index "a ⁿ | in FIGS. 2-8 in connection with the reference symbols used for the various elements shown in FIG. 1 | is used to denote the individual output signals i of these elements to be marked at the output of the photo-} transistor 34 signal emitted contains 34a (Fig. 3) ϊ a pulse train of relatively small pulse width that _is;.. which is required for the signal level \ of the photo transistor 34 corresponds substantially to the time to ξ after the transit passage of a seed grain, such as the return to the J initial state of the seed grain 28a the by Verzögerung3- _|. However, circuit output delayed signal 46 has a larger, predetermined pulse width, so that it is ensured that the slightly later in the The output of the phototransistor 36, the pending signal 36a, is merged with the output signal of the OR circuit or the corn-grain control circuit 42, so that output signals 42a are formed, whereby only one pulse is emitted for each individual seed.

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In the following, brief reference should be made to the illustration according to FIG. 4. In this illustration removing the delay circuit 46, the output of the OR circuit 42 could easily emit two pulses 42a for the passage of only a single oil grain 28a, as shown in FIG. 3. The delay circuit 46, however, prevents overcounting caused by those seeds that have driven two of the phototransistors.

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makes clear when a seed, such as the seed 28a, almost simultaneously has two phototransistors, for example the phototransistors 34 and 36 reached and controls them. Due to the effect of the delay circuit 46, there is a proportional one large delay of the resulting output signal, which, although strictly speaking for the delay of a single pulse is not required, shows no adverse effect, since in this case too the Output of the OR circuit 42 emits only a single pulse 42a.

In the illustration according to FIG. 6 it is assumed that two corn kernels fall close to the sensor 36 and him drive twice so that the phototransistor emits two pulses 36a one behind the other. The OR circuit 42 therefore correctly becomes two in almost all cases, as can also be seen from the illustration Reproduce pulses 42a. The delay time of the circuit 46 is advantageously set to be shorter than the time typically required for a second kernel of corn to traverse passage 26 can, with the typical seed density with which the

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Corn kernels are usually sown, is entered.

Referring next to Figures 7-16, the interaction of soybean circuit 44 with the circuit 48 for delivering a single pulse with regard to the different combinations relatively large and relatively small soybeans, which are used in different positions and in different ways Number of sensors or phototransistors 32, 34 and 36 falling past is shown.

Using the illustration of FIGS. 7 and 8, the mode of operation of the circuit 48 for outputting a Single pulse can be displayed. In Fig. 7, two soybean seeds 29 (1) and 29 (2) are shown which Pass the through path in the direction of arrow 30 and control an output of phototransistor 34. In Fig. 8, the typical pulses 34a (1) and 34a (2) emitted as signals from the phototransistor 34a are for the passage of these two soybean seeds. The two shown in pulse train 48a Pulses are those from the circuit to send a single pulse 48 generated pulses, the circuit for delivering a single pulse being a negative edge triggered circuit. Of the first pulse 48a (1) is switched off by the rising edge of pulse 34a (2), with the falling edge Edge of the pulse 34a (2) causes the delivery of a second pulse 48a (2), which has a typical pulse width of the circuit 48 for delivering a single pulse i.e. is not switched off or interrupted. It should be noted at this point that the use this circuit 48 for delivering a single pulse

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prevents the undesirable effect of counting corn kernels caused by the delay circuit 46. This measure proves to be very advantageous when counting soybean seeds because the Soybean seeds are sown with a much greater seed density and therefore much more frequently in the vicinity of a single sensor, such as phototransistor 34, than usual and is to be expected from the sowing of maize kernels as explained above. As a result, canceling the Pulse by means of the circuit for delivering a single pulse to generate another pulse advantageously ensure that a separate output pulse for each a single sensor, such as soybean passing through the phototransistor 34 is safely discharged.

9 and 10 are a single, relatively small soybean 29 and those at various points of the Circuit 22 occurring signals up to and including the output of the NOR circuit 44 shown. The soybean 29 moves as shown in FIG. 9 in the direction of the arrow 30 and calls the output of a signal from the phototransistor and shortly thereafter the output of a signal from the phototransistor 32 emerged. As shown in Fig. 10, the signal at the output of the phototransistor 34 is applied to the Input of the circuit 48 placed for the delivery of a single pulse, which is a single pulse 48a more common Width similar to the individual pulse 48a (2) shown in FIG. 8 and described in this context. Accordingly, the following pulse triggered by the passage of the soybean on the phototransistor 32 is 32a by the applied at the input of the NOR circuit 44

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Single pulse 48a effectively covered. The resulting
Output pulse 44a of the NOR circuit 44 exists
consequently from a single impulse, which the soybean 29
only counts once, even though it has two of the phototransistors
effectively controlled. Since the gate circuit 44
provides a NOR function, the pulse 44a behaves
inversely to the other pulses shown in FIG. |;

A similar effect occurs as in FIGS. 11 and 12 i

is shown in a relatively large soybean. -

The pulse width of the pulse trains 34a and 32a is due l

of the larger dimensions of the soybean 29 in FIG. 11 |

relative to the pulse width of the previous figures %

greater. The circuit with negative edges for the ■

Delivery of a single pulse 48 generates a pulse 48a '| s

(Fig. 12), which is so wide and at a time on- £

occurs that he is essentially the phototransistor 32 *

output pulse 32a, so that the result

again only a single output pulse 34a from the gate ^!

Circuit 44 is output, so that again exactly the;

Passage of a single soybean 29 shown; will.

In the schematic representation according to FIGS. 13 and f

% 15 in connection with the pulse diagrams of FIG. 14

or 16 becomes the operation of the soybean circuit
44 and the circuit 48 for delivering a single pulse
explained in more detail in cases where two relatively small resp.
two relatively large soybeans driving the phototransistors. In Fig. 13, a pair of relatively small soybeans 29 (1) and 29 (2) is shown, which move in the direction of arrow 30 shown and thus the delivery
of a signal from phototransistors 32 and 36, do not
but from the phototransistor 34, cause. As in the in

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14, no output signal is emitted from the phototransistor 34 and consequently the output signal is also 48a. of the circuit 48 for delivering a single pulse to zero potential. The pulse signal 32a emitted by the phototransistor 32 has a usual pulse width for the relatively small soybean 29 (1), which is also largely due to the signal 36a emitted by the phototransistor 36 is true, although this latter signal occurs a little later because the soybean 29 (2) is slightly behind the Soybean 29 (1) is located. The resultant output 44a of the NOR circuit 44 consists of one Pulse pair that correctly represents the passage of the two soybeans 29 (1) and 29 (2).

As shown in Fig. 15, two move relatively large soybeans 29 (1) and 29 (2) uniformly in the direction of the registered arrow 30. However, the soybean is 29 (1) large enough both the output of a signal from the phototransistor 34 and a short time later the output a second corresponding signal from the phototransistor. The second soybean 29 (2) missed this one Embodiment, however, the phototransistor 34 and only causes the output of a corresponding Signal from the phototransistor 36. The waveform shown in Fig. 16 is that described above Felling distance of the two soybeans again, with the pulse 34a being one for the relatively large soybean 29 (1) typical pulse width and with its negative edge the delivery of a typical single pulse 48a des Single pulse circuit 48 causes. Compared to the pulse 34a occurring a little later and by the Detection of the soybean 29 (1) by the phototransistor generated pulse and also a little later by the

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Covering the phototransistor 36 by means of the second soybean 29 (2) triggered similar pulse 36a form the two other input signals of the NOR circuit. The output pulse 44a of the NOR circuit 44 consists, however, of the pulse diagram shown in FIG can be seen from a single pulse. This is primarily a result of the relatively large dimensions and the short distance between the two soybeans 29 (1) and 29 (2), so that the resulting pulses tend to overlap and in this way only a single pulse at the output of the NOR circuit 44 is output. In such cases, however, the provision of the collective detector and multiplication circuit 58, which is briefly described below, has a particularly advantageous effect in that it outputs the output signal of the monitoring circuit in a certain way ^1! corrected".

On the basis of FIGS. 17 and 18 is to summarize a normal or average situation in the functioning of the soybean circuit will be explained. In Fig. are two soybeans 29 (1) and 29 (2) of usual size when traversing the passage path in the direction of the inscribed Arrow 30 and shown at a generally customary or typical distance from one another, one after the other cause the "output of one signal each from both phototransistors 34 and 32. In Fig. 18 are with the pulse train 34a both generated by the phototransistor 34 pulse signals 34a shown, which by means of the monostable Multivibrators 48 are converted into typical output signals 48a. Similar to the phototransistor 34 two pulse signals are emitted by the phototransistor 32, which are shown in the pulse train 32a. Since each both signal generated by one and the same soybean

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and consequently the signals 48a and 32a overlap, only a single one will be in the pulse train 44a output from the gate circuit 44, the two of the soybeans 29 (1) and 29 (2) induced pulse pairs 32a and 48a are far enough apart in time so that as a result those shown in pulse train 44a and from the NOR circuit 44 emitted signals occur as expected.

i With the aid of the circuit diagram shown in FIG

Hy the structure of the monitoring circuit 22 in detail

I * in connection with the phototransistors 32, 34 and

\ and the light-

f. emitting elements 38, 39, 40 shown. As

) has already been explained above, the bright, ttie

j generating elements 38, 39, 40 optically on each

> associated photosensitive transistor 32, 34 and

. 36 aligned. In this way the passage calls

t of a seed between the light emitting element

; and the phototransistor assigned to it a short-term

'Decrease in the amount falling on the respective phototransistor

* Luminous intensity. The collector of each of the phototrans-

; transistors 32, 34 and 36 has an appropriate positive

i voltage biased while the emitter of each of the photo

; transistors 32, 34 and 36 with the anode of a

; arranged diode 72, 74, 76 is connected, their cathodes

\ are each connected to ground. The base of each of the

i phototransistors 32, 34, 36 themselves form the light

sensitive part of the phototransistor, ie depending on the light intensity falling on the base electrode, the passage behavior of the phototransistor changes. The emitter of each phototransistor 32, and 36 is also connected to the non-inverting ! Input of an operational amplifier 82, 84, 86 connected.

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whose inverting input is connected to the respective output via a feedback connection,
being the outputs of the operational amplifiers 82, 84, 86
with the_ inverting input followed by another
Operational amplifiers 92, 94, 96 are connected. The inverting and non-inverting inputs of the S three further operational amplifiers 92, 94 and 96 are i _; connected to one another by means of a suitable resistor 78, 79, 80. These resistors bridging the inverting and non- U inverting inputs of the operational amplifiers 92, 94, &. · 96 together with j each form a further resistor 88, 89,? 90 a voltage divider for the inputs of the three \

Operational amplifier 92, 94, 96. A matched RC-

Delay element between the corresponding invertie->

Yy. ending and non-inverting inputs of these three jS Operational amplifiers 92, 94, 96 are each connected to the resistors ί parallel to the ground by means of I 88, 89 and 90 formed.

The function of the monitoring circuit is described below with reference to the mode of operation of the phototransistor
32 and the input circuit connected to it \. explained. If a seed interrupts the light emitted by the light-emitting diode 38: onto the phototransistor 32, then there is an immediate drop in the
Bias current of the base electrode of the phototransistor 32
tied together. This short-term decrease in the bias current
calls for a corresponding short-term reduction in the
Collector current of the phototransistor 32 so that
less current flows through the diode 72 connected to the emitter of the phototransistor 32, so that a corresponding decrease in the voltage drop occurring across the diode 72 occurs in the forward direction. ! '

III ··· · ·

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This reduction in forward voltage is provided by the non-inverting input of the operational amplifier 82 recorded and accordingly amplified. The one with the exit. output of the first operational amplifier 82 directly connected negative or inverting input of the nachgesci '-ilteten second operational amplifier 92 detects this change in the output amplified voltage, whereas the non-inverting or positive input of the second operational amplifier 92 due to the action of the capacitor 98 therefrom The change in voltage remains unaffected. T Rt the short-term If the voltage change is greater than the voltage drop across the resistor 78, then the second operational amplifier gives 92 from a corresponding voltage pulse.

The outputs of operational amplifiers 92 and 96 are interconnected with the inputs of two downstream Schmitt triggers 102 and 106, their outputs again apply to two inputs of a downstream NAND gate 108. In addition, the outputs are the two Schmitt triggers 102 and 106 with two inputs of a likewise downstream NAND gate 110, which also has three inputs. The remaining one, with the one at the top of the triangle attached "phototransistor 34 connected operational amplifier" 94 (i.e. the phototransistor 34 forms the tip of the through the three phototransistors formed triangle, as can be seen in Fig. 1 best) feeds the delay circuit 46 and the single pulse circuit or monostable multivibrator 48. The delay circuit 46 contains a Schmitt trigger 104, which is connected to the output of the operational amplifier 94 via a Diode 105 is connected. At the entrance of the Schmitt

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Trigger 104 , a suitable time constant is generated by means of the parallel connection of a resistor 107 with a capacitor 109 connected to ground. . ... .......

The single-pulse circuit or monostable multivibrator 48 is formed by a further Schmitt trigger 112, which is fed from the output of an exclusive OR gate 114 via a capacitor 116. One of the two inputs of the exclusive OR gate is connected to ground, while the other input ■ fftl- »« ·% w »^% A » * ir * v \ ü ^> ■! T> * ·% ***, j J _n ^ m _n J_ "^ _-4 J 1 * | Q * wi "! ^ * 3 * ■> * ¥! Ά * ^ * ■» * ■ * ·> V ^ ^ »Λ Λ» * "·

Operational amplifier 94 is connected. This last-mentioned input of the exclusive-OR gate 114 is additionally a feedback resistor 120 is connected. In addition to the connection of the input of the Schmitt trigger 112 through the capacitor 116 to the output of the exclusive OR gate 114 is the input of the Schmitt trigger 112 via a threshold value resistor ' 122 connected to the positive terminal of the voltage source + V.

The output of Schmitt trigger 104 feeds the remaining third input of one NAND gate 108, while the output of Schmitt trigger 112 is connected to one input of a two-input NOR gate 124, the other input of which is connected to the output signal of the second NAND -Gatters 110 is applied. As can be seen from this illustration, the combination of Schmitt triggers 102, 104 and 106 with NAND gate 108 forms a logically equivalent circuit to an OR gate with three inputs, hence the designation of circuit 42 in FIG. 1 was chosen as a three input OR gate. In the same way, the combination forms

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the Schmitt trigger 102 and 106 with the NAND gate 110 and also the series connection of the NAND gate 110 and the Schmitt trigger 11.2 with the NOR gate 124 is a logical equivalent to a NOR gate with three inputs, which is why that shown in FIG Circuit 44 was also drawn as a three input NOR gate.

jji The corn-soybean detection circuit 50 receives

a single signal from the output of NAND gate 108 which is both inputs of a NOR gate 126 through a

appropriately dimensioned capacitor 128 feeds.

This NOR gate 126 is connected to the voltage source V via a suitably dimensioned series resistor 130 and works as a monostable multivibrator, the one pulse of fixed pulse width for each pulse delivered to it by NAND gate 108

j generated. From this illustration it is clear that a

from any of the three phototransistors 32,34

or 3f collected seed the delivery of a corresponding

j causes the pulse through NAND gate 108, whereby

the NOR gate 126 is triggered to output pulses. These triggered pulses feed an RC circuit, which consists of a capacitor 132 connected in parallel with a resistor 134, the resistor is connected to ground via a suitably dimensioned diode 136. Capacitor 132, resistor 134 and diode 136 operate together to have one of a downstream exclusive OR gate 138 with two inputs generated single trigger pulse of constant pulse width for each of the gate cause a given trigger impulse. This exclusive-OR gate 138 feeds an integrator, which consists of a

Capacitor 140 and a resistor 142 consists.

- 30 -

The integrated signal is applied via a second resistor 144 to one input of a further exclusive OR gate with two inputs 146 , which works as a threshold value detector. A feedback resistor 148 is connected between the output of the exclusive OR gate 146 and its input connected to the resistor 144. The output of the exclusive OR gate 146 additionally feeds an input of a NOR gate 150 with two inputs and the remaining third input | of the three input NAND gate 110.

NOR gate 150 and NAND gate 110 satisfy I.

Thus, the functions of the switching elements f schematically shown in Fig. 1 and 54 and 52 are also follow demzu- f in Fig. 19 the same reference numerals jj, ^1.

been designated. f.

How the corn kernel | Soybean detection circuit 50 is hereinafter referred to as | on the basis of the pulses of the pulse diagram shown in connection with FIG. 1 according to FIG. 20. Based on the notation used in the pulse diagram already described the signals appearing at the outputs of the individual circuit elements in FIG. 19 with the reference symbols of the corresponding circuit element together with the index letter "a". Like the pulse diagram According to FIG. 20, there is a pulse train 108a with gradual at the output of the gate 108 increasing momentum density, i.e. with. gradually increasing pulse frequency that of the sensors 32, 34 and / or 36 encompassed gradually increasing seed density corresponds. The output of the trigger circuit, i.e. the output of NOR gate 126,

CtIC U

- 31 -

triggered by the pulse signal 108a represented by the pulse train 126a, which is triggered from one of the negative flanks of the pulse train 108a Gerten pulses of constant pulse width exist.

With these trigger pulses 126a, the charging and discharging curves of the capacitor 132, which are generated by the Pulse train 132a are shown triggered. As can be seen from this illustration, the capacitor is 132 is no longer able to completely discharge itself as the frequency of the pulses 126a increases if the following single impulse already occurs. The pulse train 138a represents the output of the Exclusive-OR gate 138 during the pulse train of the subsequent exclusive-OR gate 146 is provided with the reference number 146a. The pulse frequency increases 138a beyond a certain value, for example with a proportion of the impulses opposite the pulse gaps greater than 50%, the pulse train 146a goes from a low level to FIG a higher level state, which is noted in the timing diagram of FIG. 20 at point 146a (1) is. That portion of the monitoring circuit formed by the exclusive OR gate 146 and resistors 142, 144 and 148 provides sufficient hysteresis so that the output of the Exclusive = oscillates OR gate 146 during the pulse train 146a in FIG. 20 entered relatively long transition time is prevented.

From the foregoing description it is clear that when the output of gate 146 is low has (logic 0), the seed flow along the passage path 26 is equal to or less than a predetermined one Seed density is, whereas at high

J) !! 3 «

- 32 -

Output level of gate 146 is the density of the seeds in the seed flow along the through-path 26 is greater than this τor-determined density. In. one before, train ^, v.,., ^, In the first exemplary embodiment, this predeterminable threshold value was set at around 30 seeds per second. This value proves to be particularly advantageous for differentiating between corn kernels and soybeans, since the latter are generally in a seed density of more than 30 seeds per second over the seed path 26 are sown, while corn kernels are generally sown at a much lower density. In addition, it is clear that a logic 0 at the output of the gate circuit 146 is that of the corn grain control circuit 42 at the NOR gate 150 passes the signal, while that at the NAND gate 110 of the soybean circuit 44 output signal is switched off. In the opposite case, a logical 1 or a high level at the output of the gate 146 the am Gate 150 standing signal effectively switched off while the signal at the output of gate 110 is passed on.

The output signals of the gate 110 feed a downstream NOR gate 124, which in turn acts on an input of the addition circuit 56. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the ΑΛΛή4- r \ f \ c-C ^ Vts Ί 4- ¹ U - ^ - O in CC _Λ A »- * IPxJ- ¹ U Ί 11 r ~ A •. τ _{Ι =} <"ΜΓΛΤ? Γ> _ ₌ Ο. ₌ ι 4-4- λ ·» - 1 C C

<nuuJ.lJwil0 | ^^ / UU4.l-Jl.l.CXD • J \ J CLAA JJAJVXU0J.V Ul / ll £ \ \ jai »UC ^ I * J \ J

with two entrances. The NOR gate 124 feeds one input of the exclusive OR gate 156. The NOR gate 150 and Exclusive-OR gate 156 each feed an input of a further NOR gate 158 with two inputs, the output of which in turn is the seed count output 60 of the monitoring circuit feeds via a suitable gate transistor 160. To this Purpose the NOR gate 158 is connected to the base of the transistor 160 via a resistor 162,

- 33 -

1 while a capacitor 164 between the collector peat terminal and the base terminal of transistor 160

2 -r-'ί.ΐ .. and the emitter of transistor 160 with ....., .., %

I connected to ground.

t H ' ^: < _: The functionality of the collective detector and multipli-

I cation circuit 58 is to be used below with reference to the

ί remaining "part of Fig. 19 together with a

% Description of the function of the exclusive OR gate

y of the addition circuit are explained in more detail,

I; where the pulse diagram is used to clarify the function

If according to FIG. 21 is to serve. The collective detector circuit

I 58 receives as controlling or triggering signals at his

| ^r inputs the seed pulse signals of the Schmitt trigger

102 and 106, the - as a reminder - seed pulse signals in response to the detection of seeds by means of the respective phototransistors 32 and 32

_ produce. These two input signals feed the

i speaking inputs of the NOR gate 170 with two inputs

( whose output corresponds to the clock input C of a four-bit

i binary counter 172 feeds. The Q ₁ and Q _? -Outputs of the

I counters 172 are more suitable together over a pair

? ' Diodes 174 and 176 ORed together, the

I outputs of the two diodes 174, 176 both inputs

I -

feed f of a NOR gate 178 with two inputs. To-

The inputs of this NOR gate 178 are also included

^: ; a capacitor 180 and a resistor 182 connected,

;; whose other connections are connected to ground. That

The output signal of the NOR gate 178 is applied to the reset input R of a second, similar four-bit counter 184, the output Q _{1 of} which feeds the remaining input of the exclusive OR gate 156.

In the illustrated embodiment are for

■ ■■■ IMl

• ■ t ■ ι lit (I «·

- 34 -

Binary counters 172 and 184 CD4520 counters have been used. The clock input C of counter 184 is
with the output of one marked with the reference number 186 ■ ■ «. · <· 4

see clock oscillator connected, the clock-. oscillator 186 contains two Schmitt triggers, which in

in a manner known per se, the connection with the corresponding resistors and capacitors form an oscillator circuit. The remaining binary outputs Q ₂ ,
Q ₃ and Q ₄ of counter 184 can be switched separately with

the corresponding inputs of a NAND gate 188 ί

can be connected to three inputs. The output of the NAND-; '

Gate 188 is connected to both inputs of a downstream NOR gate 190 with two inputs via one
Series resistor 192 connected. Between the entrances
of NOR gate 190 and ground is a capacitor 194
switched. The output of this NOR gate 190 in turn
is connected to the reset input R of the counter 172.

The enable input of counter 184 is £

with a suitable positive supply voltage

tied, while the switch-on input of the counter 172 to γ

connected to the output of the exclusive OR gate 146 |

is so that the collective detector and multiplication ■

Circuit 58 is put into gear whenever |

the soybean circuit 44 is on. Off |

of the arrangement described above it becomes clear |

that the counting circuit 172 from gate 170 always |

is clocked when overlapping seed pulses from the I

Schmitt triggers 102 and 106 are issued. This is I

always happens if t of the passing seeds

grains on the phototransistors 32 and 36 overlapping * Seed impulses produced at short time intervals

as is shown, for example, in FIGS. 15 and 16;

and in the associated description in more detail |

has been explained; In other words, becomes-the. Circuit 58 always started when seeds appear almost simultaneously on phototransistors 32 and 36 .; Only when the control .gleichzeitiger Phötotransistoren j 32 and 36 and the circuit 58 is thus triggered. In this connection it should be noted that the Schmitt triggers 102 and 106 together with the NOR gate 170 form the logical equivalent of an AND gate.

When the clock pulse on counter 172 _{sets output Q 1} , the reset input of counter 184 is driven down, so that counter 184 is activated. The clocks of the oscillator 186 can then act on the binary outputs of the counter 184, so that the output Q ₁ with the lowest significance generates an output pulse to the exclusive-OR gate 156 for each signal received at the counter input C from the clock oscillator 186. The other binary outputs Q ₂ , Q ₃ and Q ₄ can be connected separately from one another to the corresponding inputs of a NAND gate 188, so that pulses of four to seven can be generated in this way before the counter 184 resets the counter 172 is deactivated via gates 188 and 190. From the representation described above it is clear that by selecting the switching through of one or more outputs Q ₂ , Q ₃ and Q ₄ to the corresponding inputs of the NAND gate 188, a binary code for determining the counting pulses emitted _{at output Q 1 before the} Setting the counters 172 and 184 is formed.

As a result, the exclusive OR gate 156 acts as an adder to which the seed pulses received from the gate 124 are added those of the pulses generated by circuit 58 are added.

I ·

- 36 -

Reference is now made to the pulse diagram in FIG. 21, in which an output pulse train typical for gate 124 is shown with the reference number 124a ^: - and the output signals typical for the group detector circuit are given the reference number 58a. According to the logic function of the exclusive OR gate 156, the number of output pulses 156a of the exclusive OR gate 156 corresponds to the sum of the pulses emitted by the two circuits 58 and 124 to the corresponding inputs of the exclusive OR gate 156.

Appropriate determination of the number of outputs from the collection detector and multiplier circuit 58 Impulses in response to a seed agglomeration or a seed double at the entrance can by means of the operational characteristics of the seed drill, with dedie monitoring device according to the invention is connected to take place. On the basis of empirical studies the relative abundance of such aggregated or duplicated seeds as differentiated by the different ones Seed drills are delivered, can be determined very precisely, this empirical determination of the Choice of an appropriate number of extra pulses equips the actual number for more precise feast

addition of the number of seeds due to such double or clustered seeds.

will. This determination is made on the assumption that i
\ occasionally a large number of seeds from the

The seeder is dispensed at sufficiently small intervals than is actually sensed by the circuitry connected to the phototransistors 32, 34 and 36. The respective connections of the outputs Q ₁ , Q and Q _{3 of} the counter 184 to the inputs of the NAND gate 188

te ta rs · ■ · '· ·

ι «••••» •• J J

- 37 -

can therefore be selected and specified depending on the model type of the Si seed drill, i.e. depending on the

When the seed drill is turned, an outlet or a combined

~ . , .V- 'tion of several outputs with the inputs of the SAND-

Gates 188 connected. The phenomenon of the collected

■ Occurrence of soybean seeds is the same

The field of seed drills is generally known to those skilled in the art and does not need to be explained in more detail at this point j. to become.

i ΜθΓΚίΡ.ίΐ! that of the ^ estellireti preferred In the exemplary embodiment, a self-monitoring arrangement shown in FIG. 19 is provided. Of the Oscillator or clock circuit 186 is additionally connected to one input of a two-input NOR gate 200, its other input via a bias resistor 201 and a capacitor 202 to ground connected is. This NOR gate 200 feeds the base of a PNP transistor 204 through a series resistor 206. The emitter of transistor 204 is connected to a suitable positive voltage source while the collector is connected to a resistor 208, the other terminal of which is in series with the three light-emitting Elements 38, 39, 40 is connected so that the oscillations of the clock oscillator 186 an and turning off the light emitting elements 38, 39 and 40 cause the momentary interruption of the light falling on the respectively assigned phototransistors 32, 34 and 36 through a between the light-emitting Elements and the associated phototransistors located seed is simulated. Since the number of oscillations of the circuit 186 is known, the number determined at the output 60 is obtained Pulse number a statement about a correct

tctctcct rc

- 38 -

Operation of the sensor elements and the associated circuitry. If the circuit is switched on, the gate 200 is activated during the charging process of the capacitor 202 and -is then after.beendeter charging ^ • "of the capacitor'202-set except ι puncture, so thatcder, ^ o Ü" self-test "over a short Period is activated. ' \

On the basis of the embodiment described above §

is the seed monitoring device according to the invention | for a seed drill with a seed sensor that comes from

a housing forming a tubular conduit, and i

a light source attached to it and three triangle->

light-sensitive elements arranged in a shape, |

has been described. I.

The light source and the triangular f photosensor array are arranged so that a tubular | Seed crossed by the wire interrupts the light falling on J the photosensor * arranged at the apex of the triangle before it hits one of the two the.,; The light beam intersects the base of the triangle forming the phototransistor. The monitoring circuit * contains two signal paths in which different | Counting modes are used so that different pulse |

numbers from the * delivered by the three photosensors

k signals are generated. One or the other of the two

Signal paths are automatically selected depending on the recorded seed density. The one of the signal paths contains a connected to the connection to the arranged at the tip of the triangle phototransistor Delay circuit, while the other is a single pulse circuit or monostable multivibrator contains, which is also in the connection to the phototransistor arranged at the tip of the sensor triangle is switched. In addition, a concentration detector generates

ItCC (HC ί. «

- 39 -

a certain number of additional pulses or additional counting pulses for simultaneously or almost simultaneously of those arranged in the base of the triangle

. r-v ^ .- u * - * - photosensors ■! detected seeds.

The inventive idea on which the subject of the application is based is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described limited. Also covered by the idea of the invention are those familiar to those skilled in the art Modifications and alternatives that arise from the idea on which the invention is based without any inventive step are derivable.

eisenfQhb: &

Pateraanwältö '· "öJiöfDean Patent Attorney

Our reference: D 361
Applicant / Ink: Dickey- j Olm Corp.

_x reference number:. New registration.,.

Date: August 20, 1981

Patent attorneys

Dipl.-Ing. Günther Eisenfuhr,; ί · <>. ·} .. ■■ i \ Dipl.-Ing.DieterK.Speiser l> v. IVk-r K. Si Dr.-Ing. Werner W. Rabüs ii .. \ wc-rner w K, Dipl.-Ing. Detlef Ninnemann

summary

The invention relates to a seed monitoring device for a seed drill with a seed sensor, that consists of a housing forming a tubular conduit and a light source attached to it and three light-sensitive elements arranged in a triangle. The light source and the triangular one Photosensor assemblies are arranged so that a seed traverses the tubular conduit interrupts the incidence of light on the photosensor arranged at the tip of the triangle before it opens one of the two phototransistors forming the base of the triangle intersects the incident light beam. The monitoring circuit contains two signal paths in which different counting modes are used, so that different pulse numbers can be generated from the signals emitted by the three photosensors. The one or another of the two signal paths is selected automatically as a function of the detected seed density. One of the signal paths contains a phototransistor connected to the tip of the triangle switched delay circuit while

Martinislraßc 24 ■ D-2 800 Bremen I

Tdcfcr. (O421) 32 8O37 Tclccopicrer Telex 02 44 020 fcpal d

the other contains a single-pulse circuit, or monostable multivibrator, the reasonable also in the connection to the at the top of the sensor triangle _& .. associated phototransistor. "/ is connected.,> Zusätζ lent * ..% λ \ ά $. t · / 1. «-.- generates a bundling detector-j.egjie determines the · number- ■■ of additional pulses or additional counting pulses for the seeds detected simultaneously or almost simultaneously by the photosensors arranged in the base of the triangle.

Claims (3)

New demands 1. Device for monitoring the passage of seeds along a predetermined path of a seed drill, with one forming the path Guide device on which an optical light-emitting device aligned with the passage path and affixing a plurality of photosensitive elements aligned with the light emitting device are those with a sudden change in the light intensity falling on them during the passage of a seed along the path between the light emitting device and the photosensitive elements give a signal, characterized in that the photosensitive elements (32, 34, 36) are arranged with respect to the passage (26) so that a single seed first a portion of the passageway (26) in alignment on a predetermined photosensitive element (32, or 34 or 36) must traverse before it a section the continuous path (26) optically on one DN / em Martinistraße 24
D-2800 Bremen 1 Phone'! '.' :.: Telee {> pi, eTer] ·· j Telex Datex-P 04-M-3a * 8ftJ7. : 0421-32 68'3d ·· 244020 fepatd 44421040311 or both other light-sensitive elements (32 resp. 34 or 36) is aligned. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first photosensitive element (32) has the vertex of a triangle and the
second and third photosensitive element (34, 36)
form the base of the triangle, the apex of the triangle being optically aligned with the passageway (26) and with regard to the direction of the passage of the seed through the passageway (26) in front of the
Base of the triangle is arranged. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the light-sensitive elements (32, 34, 36) consist of photo elements.