EP3863392A1

EP3863392A1 - Retrofitting kit to be mounted on an agricultural implement

Info

Publication number: EP3863392A1
Application number: EP19797163.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hendrik Vennemann
Original assignee: Lemken GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Lemken GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2018-10-08
Filing date: 2019-10-07
Publication date: 2021-08-18
Also published as: US20220030756A1; DE102018124705A1; WO2020074043A1; CA3116281A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a retrofitting kit (3) which includes electric and/or electronic components and is to be mounted on an agricultural implement (4) that can be mounted on/attached to a tractor (2) and is operated in combination with the tractor (2).

Description

Retrofit kit for attachment to an agricultural device

The present invention relates to a retrofit kit, which has electrical and / or electronic components, for attachment to an agricultural implement, which can be attached / attached to a tractor and is operated in combination therewith.

From document EP 1 666 996 B1 it is known to use tractors with work tools attached to them, but the work tools are each already equipped with their own job computer. Retrofitting existing devices that are attached or attached to a tractor with sensors, actuators and a job computer is not disclosed there. State of the art is the permanent affiliation of a control device to an agricultural device. The job computer on the implement can be connected to the tractor via an Isobus interface. For implements without a job computer, the electronics installed on the tractor take over the task of optimizing the implement. However, the tractor generally does not have any software and hardware that is specially designed for the optimized operation of the attached or attached implements. In agricultural engineering, there are still many tractors attached to the front, side or rear of the tractor and used as trailed or trailed implements on tractors that have no or only minimal electronics. At the same time, however, there is an increasing need, thanks to the use of expert systems, the simple use of electronics to make equipped equipment more efficient and to relieve the tractor driver of his work whenever possible. However, since the various devices are only used regularly in certain limited periods of a few weeks a year, the profitability calculation for these devices does not involve large investments in electronics.

Nevertheless, it would be desirable if, even today, devices with little or no electronics could be equipped with electronics that support the function of the devices and relieve the tractor driver. This applies in particular to the high number of existing machines on the market that could be operated more efficiently by using more electronics. However, the hardware and software development and manufacture of device-specific on-board electronics for agricultural equipment is associated with high costs, so that this is often not done to this day. Upgrading agricultural equipment with function-supporting electronics must therefore be carried out as inexpensively as possible.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an attachment option for electronic components on agricultural implements which enables an electronically controlled function optimization of these implements including an option for inexpensive retrofitting of control electronics at low investment costs. The task is solved by a retrofit kit which has device-specific components for permanent attachment to the agricultural device and a first interface for the electronic connection of the device-specific components with a portable computer unit that can be used as required.

The possibility of inexpensively retrofitting electronic components to agricultural implements arises from the idea of creating a retrofit kit that has machine-specific components that remain permanently on the respective implement, as well as an interface to which a portable computer unit can be used if necessary can be connected. The device-specific components of the retrofit kits open up the possibility of equipping and retrofitting simpler mechanical devices with intelligent and networked electronics without making the agricultural equipment excessively expensive. This is based on the knowledge that the expensive electronic components that the portable computer unit contains as hardware do not have to be kept permanently and simultaneously available on all agricultural equipment. Rather, it is possible to use the portable computer unit, which can be used on different devices, only when a respective agricultural device is currently in use. When a tractor driver uses a first agricultural implement, he places the portable computer unit on this implement and starts working with it. When the current use of the first agricultural device has been completed, the tractor driver can remove the portable computer unit from this device and rebuild it on a second agricultural device, which as next device to be used. This can be repeated any number of times. The device-specific components remain on the respective agricultural device and the portable computer unit moves. The portable computer unit of the retrofit kit is therefore a mobile computer unit which can be exchanged between different agricultural devices and which can be connected quickly and easily and is ready for operation via a defined first interface with the respective agricultural device via the device-specific components installed there. The portable computer unit can always be very easily attached and detached via the first interface for the electronic connection of the device-specific components to a portable computer unit that can be used as required. The mobile electronic hardware and software of the portable computer unit covers a variety of applications.

The portable computer unit generates a one-off cost because it contains many components that are necessary for the electronic function aid of various types of agricultural equipment. In addition to the pure computer and electronic memories for storing software and / or data, additional modules can also be added, such as a power store, a radio module for data exchange with external devices, one or more bus interfaces, for example for communication with the Job computer on the tractor and a navigation module to determine the current location during processing. Different evaluation units for different can also be on the portable computer unit Sensors are available. However, since the portable computing unit is only purchased once for several different devices, the purchase pays off for the user. The portable computer unit preferably has various software packages which are tailored for use in the operation of the respective agricultural implements and are each activated for the use of an implement currently in use. Depending on the scope of the software package, different functional levels are possible in the combination of the portable computer unit with the device-specific components. From simple control and monitoring functions, via remote-controlled settings and adjustments of the work components and work processes, to automated controls and regulations including the automated optimization of the device settings, all options are available here that can be implemented with the retrofit kit. Diagnostic systems can be integrated into the portable computer unit if the necessary components are installed on the machine. Via the radio module, data can be exchanged with external manufacturer-bound or manufacturer-independent expert systems. The portable computer unit can be learned by installing new, supplementary and updated software and can be expanded to include other existing and new agricultural equipment as required. The first interface is preferably standardized for all agricultural implements that are to be equipped and operated with the retrofit kit. The standardization relates in particular to the number and spatial arrangement and design of the electrical and electronic connections, the power supply, the communication and the data exchange between the electronic components connected to one another via the first interface, but also the installed computing power, Clock rates, software packages and the like for the connected modules. The standardization of the interface preferably ensures that the portable computer unit is ready for operation immediately after it is connected to the first interface without any additional manual connection, setting, adjustment and test work.

For clarification, it is pointed out that the retrofit kit is not only suitable for retrofitting used devices that are already on the market, but can also be installed as an option or as standard equipment in new machines. The advantage can be seen in the fact that the operator of a machine park can use the portable computer unit both in his new agricultural equipment and in existing equipment. There is then no system break in the usable electronics between new and existing devices, which would prevent the portable computer unit from being used throughout the machine park. Rather, the electronics package that is used in new devices can also be used in older devices in this way. According to one embodiment of the invention, the first interface has one or more electrical and / or electronic plug connections that connect the portable computer unit in the operating position with at least one of the device-specific components, and in addition there is between the device-specific components and the portable computer unit in the Operating position an additional mechanical connection for fixing the position of the portable computer unit in the operating position. When the portable computer unit is inserted into the interface, the electrical plug connections are necessarily functionally and spatially correctly connected to one another, so that not every plug connection has to be made individually. The portable computer unit is fixed in the operating position via the mechanical connection, so that despite vibrations and shocks during the work of the agricultural implement, there are no malfunctions, especially not in the electrical connections. According to one embodiment of the invention, the device-specific components and / or the portable computer unit have a second interface to the control electronics of the tractor and / or to an operator terminal arranged in the tractor cabin. The agricultural device can use the second interface to exchange data with the electronics of the tractor, for example via a CAN bus, Isobus or other interface for data exchange between electronic systems, or to display information on the operator terminal in the tractor cabin. Warning and malfunction reports, optimization suggestions for the operation of the agricultural device, control displays, statistical or business data or other data which are generated in the portable computer unit Sensors and / or the actuators can be made available to the tractor driver in this way. As a result, the portable computer unit does not require its own operating terminal, but can build on the existing hardware of the tractor. As a result, the electronics remain cheap overall. Via the second interface, a communication unit located in the tractor can also be used to exchange data with external computers. This is particularly advantageous if the portable computer unit itself does not have a communication module that enables wireless data exchange with external computers. According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and / or second interface are designed as a data bus connection, via which data can be exchanged with other electronic components connected to the data bus. Communication via a data bus is advantageous because communication with various connected systems can be organized well. Each network node can read out data from the data bus that it needs for its own function and send data to the data bus that could be useful to other network nodes. By standardizing the first and / or second interface, the possible network nodes in the respective device-specific components of the agricultural device can be organized, addressed and coordinated in a hierarchy. The portable computer unit can be optimally connected to the other electronic components of an agricultural implement via the data bus, because only a single connection has to be made, and the same applies to the electronic connection to the tractor. For the Various bus systems are available in agricultural equipment, such as the CAN bus, but also other bus systems such as the agriBus, FlexRay or the like. According to one embodiment of the invention, the device-specific components of the retrofit kit include sensors for determining process-relevant data and technical transmission means with which the data determined by the sensors can be transmitted to the portable computer unit. The sensors for determining process-relevant data can be optical sensors, acoustic sensors, sensors for measuring physical properties such as the device load or utilization, or sensors for monitoring and documenting work processes. The sensors installed in an agricultural device can be selected very differently depending on what the sensors have to monitor. The quality of a tillage carried out with the agricultural device can be assessed with cameras with image evaluation and / or ultrasound, and the effects of changes in process parameters such as the angle of attack and working depth of work tools can be assessed and controlled and / or displayed using such sensors. The moisture in the soil, mineral content, quality parameters of the agricultural crop or harvested fruit, or the like, can also be recorded with the appropriate sensors. There is also the fact that, depending on the arrangement and width of the work organs of a device, the sensors have to be placed in very different places on the device and in different numbers in order to timal to function. For this reason, it makes sense to view the sensors as a device-specific component that remains on the agricultural device. The technical means of transmission can be cabling, which usually has to be device-specific. The cabling enables reliable and interference-free data transmission between the existing network nodes and therefore also offers functional advantages. The cabling is comparatively complex to install in a device, for this reason too it is advantageous to leave the cabling in an agricultural device which also remains permanently on the device. However, other transmission means, such as components for radio transmission of sensor values, infrared transmission means or laser flashes, which are fed into optical waveguides and optical cables for data transmission, can also be considered as technical transmission means.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the device-specific components include a device-specific wiring harness. A cable harness that is pre-assembled for a specific agricultural device is easier to install and connect in a device than a hodgepodge of colored cables, which may have to be cut to a suitable length and installed in the device. A wiring harness and the function tests that can be carried out prior to installation in an agricultural device significantly reduce the errors that can occur during its installation and laying. According to one embodiment of the invention, the device-specific components include an actuator system that can be controlled by the portable computer unit. Hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic and pneumatic valves, electric motors, oil motors and the like come into consideration as actuators. These actuator components are controlled by the portable computer unit in order to make settings on the agricultural implement, to change work processes and to adjust work tools. According to one embodiment of the invention, the device-specific components include electronic slave modules which can be operated as a function of the portable computer unit. Functions can be mapped in the slave modules that are not required in other agricultural implements and should therefore only be implemented in a device-specific manner, or they are function modules that can only be obtained as a supplier as a unit and therefore as one be operated device-specific kit that is operated with the portable computing unit in a functional dependency.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first interface for the electronic connection of the device-specific components to the exchangeable portable computer unit has a connection for the electrical voltage supply. If the portable computer unit is supplied with an operating voltage via the first interface, there is no need for another power supply. The power supply does not have to be through separate cables and separate connections only be manufactured with great effort. It is sufficient to connect the portable computer unit to the first interface and thus to manufacture and secure the power supply at the same time. According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable computer unit has a communication module. The portable computer unit can in particular exchange data with manufacturer-specific or manufacturer-independent websites via a communication module. In particular, a module that can also communicate over a further distance in a mobile radio network can be considered as the communication module. In particular, the Internet can be reached via the mobile radio network, via which data exchange is easily possible. Operating data, device settings, error conditions, load profiles and the like can be transmitted by the agricultural implement, and recommendations for device settings, error conditions, repair paths, load profiles and the like can be downloaded in data form from the websites to the portable computer unit to improve the operation of the agricultural equipment. Software updates can also be carried out or additional software packages can be loaded onto the portable computing unit. The communication module enables direct or indirect data exchange with your own farm or company computer, the agricultural machinery dealer, the cultivation consultant, external service providers, equipment manufacturers such as fertilizer or seed manufacturers, the contractor or the farmer, authorities, platforms for data exchange or customers agricultural product. All of this can be device-specific and stored for the respective device. With one installed on the portable computing unit Communication module, a single SIM card installed in it with a corresponding network provider contract is sufficient to operate all agricultural implements networked with the portable computer unit during operation. According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable computer unit has a position determination module. The current processing of agricultural land can be georeferenced via the location. The exact location of the current position also makes it possible to implement precision farming processes in data generation by the agricultural implement and in the processing of work processes according to a previous site-specific planning.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable computer unit has a wirelessly communicating module such as, for example, also a WLAN module, an IR module, an NFC module or comparable technologies which enable data to be exchanged even over shorter ranges. Via a wirelessly communicating module, data can be exchanged with smart devices in range. If, for example, operating application software for the currently used agricultural device is installed on a smartphone of the tractor driver, operating data of the agricultural device can be displayed on the smartphone via the wireless connection, and the tractor driver can also use the wireless connection to issue commands or other commands Transfer operating instructions to the portable computer unit. The wireless connection is It is also particularly suitable to implement the functions described above for the communication module indirectly via the smart device if it is equipped accordingly. According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable computer unit has one or more connections to a data bus network. The data bus connections can be used to connect the portable computer unit to the tractor's data bus, such as a CAN bus network, but also to operate a separate bus network for the agricultural equipment in question independently of the tractor bus network or I / Connect O modules.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable computer unit has its own rechargeable storage for electrical energy. So that the portable computer unit can be operated independently of the power supply from the agricultural implement or the tractor, it is advantageous to equip the portable computer unit with its own power supply. A dedicated power supply also enables theft protection with or without geofencing functions. According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable computer unit has a module for communication with the tractor. Via the communication module with the tractor, tractor-specific functions such as the PTO speed, hydraulic power, driving speed, and height of the 3-point hydraulic system can be carried out and the like can be influenced or fully controlled according to the device-specific requirements of the agricultural device currently in use.

According to one embodiment of the invention, operating commands are input to the portable computer unit and / or information from the portable computer unit is output to an operator via app software installed on a separate mobile device and between the portable computer unit and the separate mobile unit Device existing wireless communication connection on the separate mobile device. The integration of smart devices in the operation, control and monitoring of the agricultural implement means that there is no need for separate display screens in the portable computer unit, which makes them cheaper and simplifies operation for the tractor driver.

According to one embodiment of the invention, operating commands are input to the portable computer unit and / or information from the portable computer unit is output to an operator via the second interface to the control electronics of the tractor and / or to an operating terminal arranged in the tractor cabin. By integrating the tractor operating terminal into the operation of the agricultural implement, the tractor driver can concentrate on the operating terminal of the tractor. The installation effort remains low since the operator terminal of the tractor is preferably controlled by the portable computer unit, preferably directly via the communication interface to the tractor. According to one embodiment of the invention, the first interface for the electronic connection of the device-specific components to an exchangeable portable computer unit has an identification device by means of which the portable computer unit recognizes the respective agricultural device when connected to the first interface. It is advantageous if the portable computer unit recognizes directly during installation and automatically which agricultural implement is to be operated with it. The portable computer unit can then automatically or user-guided start the software required for control, query authorizations and default settings, establish connections, query updates, load and synchronize job data, start the bus network (s), activate operator displays and the like. As soon as the portable computing unit has recognized the agricultural device which it is now to control, it can automatically configure itself in such a way that the agricultural device is ready for use. In the same way, the portable computer unit can issue error messages if the software required for controlling this agricultural device is not loaded or other error states are determined. The automated functions make operation much easier. The change of the portable computing unit is also uncomplicated and is therefore accepted by the users without reservation.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable computer unit has a control program which, via the device recognition, is available in the portable computer unit and / or is available remotely via a data connection Control software for controlling the recognized agricultural implement starts. The above statements apply accordingly to this feature.

According to one embodiment of the invention, depending on the technical equipment and the setting during operation of the agricultural device, the portable computer unit stores the data that arises on the portable computer unit and / or transmits the data that arises to a remote computer via a data connection. Data storage and management is becoming increasingly important for users of agricultural machines. A function that makes it possible to collect data for trailed or attached agricultural equipment and to determine where it is stored, making it easier for the user to use the agricultural equipment. The selected settings can be saved specific to the device and changed as required. According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable computer unit has software that guides the user through an operating process in a dialog system, the software interacting with the operator and issuing relevant setting commands to the control unit for the operation of the agricultural device. electronics of the tractor. A dialog system also enables an inexperienced operator to issue the correct setting commands for optimally setting the agricultural implement equipped with the portable computer unit. The dialog system can be organized in the manner of a decision tree, in which different dependencies of partial decisions in a are shown in a sensible decision-making process. Especially if a decision-making aid for machine settings is available for an agricultural device that is not used so often by the operator, which incorporates expert knowledge, an inexperienced operator can be prevented from doing so with a dialog system or make suboptimal decisions, because the dialog enables dependencies, effects and side effects of the decisions to be made to be illustrated by additional information. Various dialogs for many agricultural devices and operating situations can be stored on a portable computer unit, or it is possible to download the operating dialogs from a remote server for the specific application situation and to activate them as required.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable computer unit has software that can be operated in an automatic mode, the software in the automatic mode sending control commands relevant to the operation of the agricultural device to the control electronics of the tractor. The computer unit can of course also be operated simultaneously or alternatively in dialog mode, the system then offering the user one or more input options, waiting for input commands and reacting accordingly to one or more manually entered operating commands. In dialog mode, an operator can also request individual information, the computer unit can deliver and display information continuously or selectively under program control, and upon input, the computer unit can show a new operating screen in which new operating commands are entered. give or process flows can be followed. An automatic mode naturally offers greater ease of use, since the operator does not have to continuously make individual control entries. This automatic function can be used, for example, to influence the forward speed of the tractor, the speed of the PTO shaft, the delivery rate of the hydraulic pump or the like. An automated lifting and lowering function can be implemented, for example on the headland, when components are threatened or partial area-specific variations in the working depth, for example in tillage, fertilization or seed placement. Control system-supported control parameters can also form the basis for control commands that are transmitted to the control electronics of the tractor, for example if the work quality achieved with the current settings during tillage, fertilization or seed placement by the sensors and the evaluation algorithms of the Expert system is recognized as not optimal and adjustments to the settings are required.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable computer unit has software that can be operated in an automatic mode, the software in automatic mode being used by the control electronics of the tractor and / or the operator terminal to issue control commands relevant to the operation of the agricultural implement received and forwarded to the connected device-specific components for execution. Depending on the operating state and the agricultural equipment being operated, it is possible for the control electronics of the tractor or the tractor driver to be used in the control and regulation of the agricultural equipment must or should intervene. For such cases, it is advantageous if the portable computer unit enables this in an automatic mode.

The cases in which this is possible can be precisely defined in the software of the portable computer unit for the respective agricultural equipment.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the retrofit kit allows the agricultural implement to be operated even without a portable computer unit in the operating position. It is important that the respective agricultural device is ready for operation even if the portable computer unit should not be available. The implement-specific components installed on the agricultural implement are then in an inactive status in which they do not interfere with the basic functions of the agricultural implement. If there are actuators that can be controlled by the portable computer unit, they are set and controlled in the inactive status of the retrofit kit in a conventional manner, manually, directly by the operator or via control buttons from the tractor cabin, so that the conventional usability of the agricultural equipment is not disturbed by the installation of the retrofit kit, you can also remain in an inactive position until a portable computer unit is connected again. If the portable computer unit is removed from an agricultural device, the device-specific components preferably switch automatically to the inactive status, in which they do not impair the conventional operation of the agricultural device. According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable computer unit is designed to exchange data via a communication module with another external computer connected wirelessly to the portable computer unit, the data being location and / or operating data of the agricultural device and / or is data for the control and regulation of the agricultural device controlled by the portable computer unit. The communication module can be the communication module, the wirelessly communicating module or another electronic module which is set up to carry out electronic communication with other electronic modules. The other external computer, which is connected wirelessly to the portable computer unit, can be, for example, a server or computer connected to a network in another way. For this purpose, the communication module has the necessary hardware and software. The location and / or operational data can be used for proof of work and billing purposes as well as for map creation for precision farming applications.

The data can also be stored on user platforms, which are kept there for further processing. For example, user platforms are offered by manufacturers of seeds and crop protection products in order to propose optimizations based on the stored data. The data for the control and regulation of the agricultural implement is data which is of interest for own optimization purposes or for analyzes in a best practice comparison or in the context of expert systems. According to one embodiment of the invention, the retrofit kit is intended for use on a plow as an agricultural device, the retrofit kit having a sensor for detecting the actual working width of the plow and / or for detecting an angle of rotation, the sensor being connected to the portable computer unit and the portable computer unit has software via which the sensor value and / or an actuating signal derived from the sensor value is sent to the control electronics of the tractor and / or via a communication module to another external device via the first or second interface and / or Computer wirelessly connected to the portable computing unit. So far, plows have not been equipped with electronic components that allow the plow to be automatically adjusted to the width of a plow line previously planned in a lane planning system during operation. Due to the sensor-based detection of the actual working width, the software-supported comparison of the actual working width with a target working width and the software-based adaptation of the actual working width to the target working width, if deviations are found, by transmitting appropriate control signals to the usually from This is now possible with a tractor from a controlled working width cylinder. The same applies to the actual rotation angle of the plow to the ground or to the direction of travel detected by the sensor and the adaptation of the rotation angle to a desired rotation angle. Otherwise, an actuator can also be controlled directly on the agricultural implement if it is possible to use it to adjust the working width. According to one embodiment of the invention, the retrofit kit is intended for use on a plow as an agricultural device, the portable computer unit being designed to transmit data via a communication module to another external computer connected wirelessly to the portable computer unit - To exchange, the data being data for the control and regulation of the plow controlled by the portable computer unit. The possibility of communication with external computers opens up the possibility, for example, of transferring externally created processing cards to the portable computer unit and implementing them with the portable computer unit. The processing card can have been created on an external farm or operating computer, but it is also possible to create the processing card on a terminal in the tractor and to transmit it from there to the portable computer unit. The communication module can be arranged in the portable computing unit itself, or the portable computing unit uses the Internet access of a smart device coupled to the portable computing unit, to which the portable computing unit is connected via a wireless connection, or Internet access on the tractor with which the portable computer unit is connected via an ISOBUS connection. The communication option makes it possible to automatically control the working width of plows with a variable working width control, taking into account planning specifications from a previously created processing card. In the same way, the documentation data can be forwarded to the storage or further processing location via the communication module. According to one embodiment of the invention, the retrofit kit is intended for use on a cultivator or a short disc harrow as an agricultural device, the retrofit kit having a sensor for detecting the actual working depth of the cultivator or the short disc harrow, the sensor with the portable rake - Connected unit and the portable computer unit has software via which the sensor value and / or a control signal derived from the sensor value to the control electronics of the tractor and / or via a communication module to another external via the first or second interface and / or wirelessly computer connected to the portable computer unit can be transmitted. The sensor enables a current and ongoing comparison of the working depth during cultivation with a previously planned setpoint, and the comparison results in control values for the height adjustment, which is implemented, for example, by the tractor. If the working depth is adjusted using a hydraulic cylinder controlled by the tractor, it makes sense to transmit the control signal for height adjustments to the tractor. Otherwise, an actuator can also be controlled directly on the agricultural device if it is possible to use it to adjust the working depth. The combination of features enables automatic working depth guidance for a cultivator or a compact disc harrow. Cultivators or compact disc harrows have so far not been equipped with electronic components that enable automated control of the working depth of the cultivator or compact disc harrow during operation. With the combination of features mentioned above, this is now possible. According to one embodiment of the invention, the retrofit kit is intended for use on a cultivator or a compact disc harrow as an agricultural device, the portable computer unit being designed to be connected via a communication module to another external, wirelessly connected to the portable computer unit Exchange computer data, the data being data for controlling and regulating the cultivator or the short disc harrow controlled by the portable computer unit. The possibility of communication with external computers opens up the possibility, for example, of transferring processing cards which have been created externally to the portable computer unit and of implementing them with the portable computer unit. The processing card can have been created on an external farm or operating computer, but it is also possible to create the processing card on a terminal in the tractor and to transmit it from there to the portable computer unit. The communication module can be arranged in the portable computing unit itself, or the portable computing unit uses the Internet access of a smart device coupled to the portable computing unit, to which the portable computing unit is connected via a wireless connection, or Internet access on the tractor to which the portable computer unit is connected via an ISOBUS connection. The communication option makes it possible to automatically control the working depth of cultivators or compact disc harrows with a variable working depth control, taking into account planning specifications from a previously created processing card. In the same way, the documentation data can be forwarded to the storage or further processing location via the communication module. According to one embodiment of the invention, the retrofit kit is intended for use on a seed drill as an agricultural device, the retrofit kit having a sensor for recording the work quality of the seed drill, the sensor being connected to the portable computer unit and the portable computer unit having software , via which the sensor value and / or a control signal derived from the sensor value to the control electronics of the tractor and / or via a communication module to another external via the first or second

Interface and / or computer connected wirelessly to the portable computer unit. So far, seed drills have not been equipped with electronic components that enable an automated assessment of the work quality of the seed drill during operation. The sensor enables a current and ongoing comparison of the quality of the seedbed preparation with a previously planned target value, and the comparison results in manipulated variables for setting the parameters that influence the seedbed preparation and those of the tractor and / or actuators that are on the Seed drill are arranged and can be controlled directly there. The dosing of the seed, the precision of the placement, the placement depth and the reconsolidation are considered as parameters. If the parameters relevant for seed spreading are adjusted using a device controlled by the tractor, it makes sense to transmit the control signal for the adjustment to the tractor. Otherwise, an actuator can also be controlled directly on the agricultural device if it is possible to use it to adjust a relevant parameter. The combination of features enables automatic control of the parameters relevant for seed spreading. Seed So far, machines have not been equipped with electronic components that enable automated control of the desired seeding quality during operation. This is now possible with the combination of features mentioned above. According to one embodiment of the invention, the retrofit kit is intended for use on a seeder as an agricultural device, the portable computer unit being designed to exchange data via a communication module with another external computer connected wirelessly to the portable computer unit , the data being data for controlling and regulating the seed drill controlled by the portable computer unit. The communication module can be arranged in the portable computer unit itself, or the portable computer unit uses the Internet access of a smart device coupled to the portable computer unit, to which the portable computer unit is connected via a wireless connection, or Internet access the tractor with which the portable computer unit is connected via an ISOBUS

Connection is connected. The communication option makes it possible to automatically control the work quality of seed drills, taking into account planning specifications, from a previously created processing card. In the same way, the documentation data can be forwarded to the storage or further processing location via the communication module.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the retrofit kit is intended for use on a rotary harrow as an agricultural device, the retrofit kit having a sensor for detecting the quality of work of the rotary harrow, the sensor is connected to the portable computer unit and the portable computer unit has software via which the sensor value and / or an actuating signal derived from the sensor value is sent to the control electronics of the tractor and / or via a communication module to another external one via the first or second interface and / or computer connected wirelessly to the portable computer unit. Up to now, rotary harrows have not been equipped with electronic components that enable automated assessment of the quality of work of the rotary harrow during operation. The sensor enables a current and ongoing comparison of the quality of the seedbed preparation of the rotary harrow with a previously planned target value, and the comparison results in manipulated variables for setting the parameters that influence the seedbed preparation with the rotary harrow and that of the tractor and / or of Actuators that are arranged on the rotary harrow and can be controlled directly there are implemented. The PTO shaft speed of the tractor, the hydraulic working depth adjustment, the hydraulic leveling bar adjustment, the forward speed and the height of the tractor's lifting gear and the setting of the hydraulic top link are considered as parameters. If the parameters relevant for seedbed preparation are adjusted using a device controlled by the tractor, it makes sense to transmit the control signal to the tractor for the adjustment. Otherwise, an actuator can also be controlled directly on the agricultural device if it is possible to use it to adjust a relevant parameter. The combination of features enables automatic control of the quality of work of a rotary harrow. Up to now, power harrows have not been equipped with electronic components that are currently automated control of work quality. With the combination of features mentioned above, this is now possible. Plan specifications such as, for example, a predetermined crumb structure, working depths and the like can also be implemented automatically from a previously created processing card.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the sensor for recording the quality of work is an optical, radar and / or ultrasonic sensor for analyzing the crumb structure of the soil. With these sensor types, the parameters relevant to the assessment can be recorded particularly well and evaluated automatically. Through the

Combining different sensor types with one another can improve the analysis result for recording the quality of work in relation to the use of only a single sensor type. Further features of the invention result from the claims, the figures and the objective description. All of the features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown alone in the figures, are not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or else in Can be used on its own.

The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred exemplary embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of a tractor with an agricultural device and a retrofit kit installed on it. 1 shows a tractor 2 to which an agricultural implement 4 is attached. The agricultural implement 4 is equipped with a retrofit kit 3. The retrofit kit 3 consists of a portable computer unit 6 and a number of device-specific components 5. While the portable computer unit 6 is designed to be easily removed from the agricultural device 4 and to be able to be operated on changing agricultural devices 4, these are device-specific components 5 are intended to remain permanently on the respective agricultural device 4. The device-specific components 5 are tailored precisely to the individual requirements in the respective agricultural device.

The device-specific components 5 can be, for example, a wire harness 8, a sensor 10, an actuator 12 and a first interface 14 and / or a second interface 16. Of course, the aforementioned components can also be present several times.

The sensors 10 used are each designed appropriately in order to be able to fulfill the control purpose for which they are installed on the agricultural device 4. are. The sensors 10 can be speed, laser or ultrasonic sensors, for example. Cameras that are coupled to an image evaluation software can also be considered as sensors 10. Radar sensors can also be used to assess the quality of work of an agricultural implement 4. Other suitable sensor types are also possible.

An actuator 12 can be, for example, an electrical switch, a hydraulic or pneumatic switching valve, a hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical motor, a hydraulic cylinder, a mechanically, hydraulically or electrically actuated clutch, a speed controller or another component that is activated by a movement. changed an operating state in the device. An actuator 12 can have an electronic component that converts an electrical or electronic control signal that the portable computer unit 6 has issued into a control command that can be implemented by the actuator 12.

The first interface 14 has one or more electrical plug connections. The plug connections preferably also serve the purpose of ensuring the power supply of the portable computer unit 6. The portable computer unit 6 can be connected via the first interface 14 to the power supply of the tractor 2, which consists of a battery and / or an alternator placed there. As a result of this power supply, the portable computing unit 6 either does not require its own storage for electrical energy, or the electrical storage can be considerably smaller than would be necessary to operate the portable computing unit 6 for hours with the electrical energy stored therein. The electrical and / or electronic plug connections include further connections in order to connect the portable computer unit 6 to the device-specific components 5. The electrical and / or electronic connections can be made via the cable harness 8, which can be designed to keep a connection cable to the portable computer unit 6 available for each of the existing device-specific components 5. In order to reduce the number of cables contained in the cable harness 8, one or more of the electrical and / or electronic plug connections can also be a bus connection via which data bus communication is possible. At least one data bus connection is also advantageous in order to be able to communicate with the bus network in the tractor 2 via the second interface 16. The portable computer unit 6 can represent a supplement to the bus network in the tractor 2, but additionally or alternatively the portable computer unit 6 can also organize and operate its own bus network with the device-specific components 5.

The first interface 14 also has a mechanical connection for fixing the position of the portable computer unit 6. This can be a form-fitting holder with which the portable computer unit 6 is held in the operating position. In addition to the positive locking, further mechanical securing means can be provided in order to keep the portable computer unit in the installed position. There may be special clips, clamps, bolts and the like there, which on the one hand have a good, preferably form-fitting position fix Enable, but which are also easily displaceable in order to easily unlock the portable computer unit 6 for removal. The locking elements can preferably be operated without tools. The above statements regarding the design of the first interface 14 also apply accordingly to the second interface 16.

In the exemplary embodiment, an operator terminal 18 is arranged in the driver's cabin of the tractor 2. The operator terminal 18 has a graphic display and further operating elements, such as keys and / or softkeys. The control terminal 18 can also be controlled via a touch-sensitive control surface of the screen. The operator terminal 18 is connected to the bus network of the tractor 2. Via the bus network in the tractor 2, the operator terminal 18 can communicate with the portable computer unit 6 via the second interface 16 and the first interface 14. Thus, the portable computer unit 6 can transmit data to the operator terminal 18 that are displayed to an operator on the operator terminal 18, and vice versa, operator input information that an operator makes on the operator terminal 18 can be transmitted to the portable computer unit 6. In this way, it is possible for an operator to operate and control the towed agricultural machine 4 through the communication between the portable computer unit 6 and the operator terminal 18.

The device-specific components 5 can also have a slave module 20 which performs subordinate computing, control and control functions. The Slave module 20 can be organized in such a way that it only communicates with the portable computer unit 6 if any fault conditions occur or the slave module 20 requires operating specifications that the portable computer unit 6 provides.

The portable computer unit 6 can have a communication module 22 which enables wireless mobile communication with a radio network. The communication module 22 can be used for the portable computer unit 6 to exchange data with external computers 38. The external computer 38 can be a farm or farm computer that the farmer or contractor can use for planning and control machine use as well as for precision farming applications. The data exchange can take place bidirectionally, so that the portable computer unit 6 both receives data from the external computer 38 and also transmits operating data of the agricultural device 4 to the external computer 38. However, communication can also be organized in one direction. The external computer can also be service offers from the Internet. The manufacturers of agricultural equipment 4, authorities, agricultural machinery dealers, other service providers in agriculture or suppliers of consumables such as seed, fertilizer or crop protection agent manufacturers can be involved and interested in data exchange. Communication with the external computers 38 of these participants is possible via the communication module 22. However, data exchange is not limited to the communication module 22. Wireless data communication can also be organized, for example, via the operator terminal 18 if it has a corresponding communication module 22. Data communication with an external computer 38 can also take place via the control electronics 34 of the tractor 2 if it has a communication module 22, or the communication module 22 or a wirelessly communicating module 26 of the portable computer unit 6 communicate with a mobile device 32 as a smart device Devices such as a cell phone, a tablet or a laptop, which then have their own communication module 22.

Furthermore, the portable computer unit 6 can have a position determination module 24. The position determination module 24 can determine the respective geographical position of the towed agricultural machine 4 at a desired point in time at a predetermined clock rate. This is particularly useful if geo-referenced operating data are to be collected during the work of the agricultural device 4 and are to be stored or forwarded for evaluation purposes, or the field is to be worked on in an exact position and controlled accordingly. The position determination module 22 can determine the position based on GPS, Glonass, Galileo or Beidou data. The accuracy of this position data can be improved by receiving correction signals. For this purpose, the position determination module 24 can be equipped for receiving the relevant correction signals. Equipping the portable computer unit 6 with a wirelessly communicating module 26 is also advantageous because an app can be installed on the mobile device 32, which enables data to be displayed which the portable computer unit 6 sends to the mobile device 32 transmits, for example, status and operating data displays of the agricultural device 4. However, control commands can also be transmitted to the portable computer unit 6 via the app installed on the mobile device 32, which then converts these into corresponding control commands for the device-specific components 5 and this transmitted. It is thus possible to control the agricultural device 4 via the portable computer unit 6 and the app on the mobile device 32.

The portable computer unit 6 can also communicate with the control electronics 34 of the tractor 2. Via this communication it is possible that the portable computer unit 6 influences operating parameters of the tractor 2, such as the right of way speed, the PTO speed, switching positions of hydraulic valves, the pump speed and pressures of the hydraulic or load-sensing pump in the tractor 2 or also electrical or electronic switches in the tractor 2. It is also possible for the control electronics 34 to transmit data to the portable computer unit 6, which evaluates them in order to issue control commands to the downstream device-specific components 5, if necessary.

The communication of the portable computer unit 6 with the control electronics 34 results in a machine system, the parts of which can be operated in a networked manner. The portable computer unit 6 has a central computer 30 on which the software required for the operation of the portable computer unit 6 is stored and on which it can be operated. The software is, in particular, software that is suitable for controlling the respective agricultural machine 4 on which the portable computer unit 6 is installed.

Accordingly, the central computer 30 can have a plurality of software packages that are programmed for the operation of various agricultural devices 4. The central computer 30 uses the software stored on it to communicate with the individual device-specific components 5, the further modules present in the portable computer unit 6, with the external ones

Computers 38 and the operator terminal 18 or the control electronics 34 on the tractor 2. The respective software also determines from where the data required for the operation of the agricultural device is downloaded or where it is stored. The software stored on the portable computer unit 6 can also be organized in such a way that subroutines of the software run on external computers 38 and the portable computer unit 6 only downloads selected data packets from the external computers 38 which are necessary for the current operation of agriculture Device 4 are required. The software stored on the central computer 30 enables the portable computer unit 6 and the agricultural implement 4 to be operated in an automatic mode. If the portable computer unit 6 is running in automatic mode, it is not necessary for an operator to intervene manually in the operation of the portable computer unit 6 and / or the agricultural device 4. The agricultural implements 4 can be, for example, a plow, a cultivator, a compact disc harrow, a rotary harrow, a seeder or any other implement for soil cultivation, stubble cultivation, soil consolidation, sowing, crop protection, green forage harvesting, liquid manure spreading or other agricultural Trade devices.

So that the portable computer unit 6 can recognize the type of agricultural device 4 on which it is currently mounted, it is advantageous if the first interface 14 has an identification device 36. The identification device 36 can contain information that enables the portable computer unit 6 to adjust to the agricultural device 4 in question. The identification device 36 can have additional information about previously selected operating parameters for setting the device-specific components 5. It is also possible for information for communication with external computers 38 and / or with the tractor 2 to be stored in the identification device 36. Order-related data for the operation of the agricultural device 4 in question can also be stored in the identification device 36.

The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiment described above. It is no problem for the person skilled in the art to modify the exemplary embodiment in a manner that seems suitable to him, in order to adapt it to a specific application.

Claims

1. Retrofit kit (3) comprising electrical and / or electronic components for attachment to an agricultural device (4) which can be attached to and operated with a tractor (2), the retrofit kit (3) for device-specific components for permanent attachment to the agricultural device (4) and a first interface (14) for the electronic connection of the device-specific components (5) with a portable computer unit (6) that can be used as required.

2. retrofit kit (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first interface (14) has one or more electrical and / or electronic plug connections, which the portable computer unit (6) in the operating position with at least one of the device-specific Connect components (5), and there is also an additional mechanical connection between the device-specific components (5) and the portable computer unit (6) in the operating position for fixing the position of the portable computer unit (6) in the operating position.

3. retrofit kit (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device-specific components (5) and / or the portable computer unit (6) a second interface (16) to the control electronics (34) of the tractor (2) and / or to an operating terminal (18) arranged in the tractor cabin.

4. Retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second interface (14, 16) are designed as a data bus connection, via which a data exchange with others on the data bus connected electronic components can be done.

5. retrofit kit (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device-specific components (5) of the retrofit kit (3) include sensors (10) for determining process-relevant data and technical transmission means with which those of the Data determined by sensors (10) can be transmitted to the portable computer unit (6).

6. retrofit kit (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a device-specific wiring harness (8) belongs to the device-specific components (5).

7. Retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device-specific components (5) include an actuator system (12) which can be controlled by the portable computer unit (6). 8. retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device-specific components (5) include electronic slave modules (20) which can be operated as a function of the portable computer unit (6).

9. retrofit kit (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first interface (14) for the electronic connection of the device-specific components (5) with the exchangeable portable computer unit (6) has a connection for the electrical power supply.

10. retrofit kit (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable computer unit (6) has a communication module (22). 11. retrofit kit (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable computer unit (6) has a position determination module (24).

12. retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable computer unit (6) is a wirelessly communicating module

(26).

13. Retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable computer unit (6) has one or more connections to a data bus network.

14. retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable computer unit (6) has its own rechargeable memory (28) for electrical energy.

15. retrofit kit (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable computer unit (6) identifies a module for communication with the tractor (2).

16. Retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input of operating commands to the portable computer unit (6) and / or the output of information from the portable computer unit (6) to an operator via one on a separate one Mobile device (32) installed app software and there is a wireless communication connection between the portable computer unit (6) and the separate mobile device (32) on the separate mobile device (32).

17. retrofit kit (3) according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 16, characterized in that the input of operating commands to the portable computer unit (6) and / or the output of information from the portable computer unit (6) to an operator via the second interface (16) to the control electronics (34) of the tractor (2) and / or to an operating terminal (18) arranged in the tractor cabin.

18. Retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first interface (14) for the electronic connection of the device-specific components (5) with an exchangeable portable computer unit (6) has an identification device (36) by means of which the portable computer unit (6) recognizes the respective agricultural device (4) when connected to the first interface (14). 19. retrofit kit (3) according to claim 18, characterized in that the portable

Computer unit (6) has a control program which uses the device recognition to start a control software stored in the portable computer unit (6) and / or available remotely via a data connection to control the recognized agricultural device (4).

20. retrofit kit (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable computer unit (6), depending on the technical equipment and setting during operation of the agricultural device (4), stores data accumulated on the portable computer unit (6) and / or transmits the resulting data to a remote computer (38) via a data connection.

21. Retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable computer unit (6) has software that guides the user through an operating process in a dialog system, the software interacting with the operator of this sends relevant control commands issued for the operation of the agricultural implement (4) to the control electronics (34) of the tractor (2).

22. Retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable computer unit (6) has software that can be operated in an automatic mode, the software in automatic mode for the operation of the agricultural implement (4 ) sends relevant control commands to the control electronics (34) of the tractor (2).

23. Retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable computer unit (6) has software that can be operated in an automatic mode, the software being in automatic mode by the control electronics (34) of the tractor (2 ) and / or the operator terminal (18) for the operation of the agricultural implement (4) receives relevant control commands and forwards them to the connected implement-specific components (5) for execution. 24. Retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retrofit kit (3) allows operation of the agricultural implement (4) even without a portable computer unit (6) in the operating position. 25. retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable computer unit (6) is designed to communicate via a communication module (22, 26) with another external, wirelessly with the portable computer unit (6) connected computer (38) to exchange data, whereby it the data are location and / or operating data of the agricultural device (4) and / or data for controlling and regulating the agricultural device (4) controlled by the portable computer unit (6). 26. Retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retrofit kit (3) is intended for use on a plow as an agricultural device (4), the retrofit kit (3) being a sensor (10 ) for detecting the actual working width of the plow and / or for detecting a turning angle, the sensor (10) is connected to the portable computer unit (6) and the portable computer unit (6) has software via which the sensor value and / or a control signal derived from the sensor value to the control electronics (34) of the tractor (2) and / or via a communication module (22, 26) to another external one via the first or second interface (14, 16) and / or Computer (38) connected wirelessly to the portable computer unit (6) can be transmitted.

27. Retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retrofit kit (3) is intended for use on a plow as an agricultural device (4), the portable computer unit (6) being is set to exchange data via a communication module (22, 26) with another external computer (38) wirelessly connected to the portable computer unit (6), the data being data for controlling and regulating the portable computer Computer unit (6) controlled plow.

28. Retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims 1-25, characterized in that the retrofit kit (3) is intended for use on a cultivator or a compact disc harrow as an agricultural device (4), the retrofit kit (3) being a sensor (10) for detecting the actual working depth of the cultivator or the compact disc harrow, the sensor (10) is connected to the portable computer unit (6) and the portable computer unit (6) has software that the Sensor value and / or a control signal derived from the sensor value to the control electronics (34) of the tractor (2) and / or via a communication module (22, 26) to another external via the first or second interface (14, 16) and / or a computer (38) connected wirelessly to the portable computer unit (6).

29. Retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims 1-25 and 28, characterized in that the retrofit kit (3) is intended for use on a cultivator or a compact disc harrow as an agricultural device (4), the portable computer unit (6) is designed to exchange data via a communication module (22, 26) with another external computer (38), which is connected wirelessly to the portable computer unit (6), the data being data to control and regulate the cultivator controlled by the portable computer unit (6) or the compact disc harrow.

30. retrofit kit (3) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-25, characterized in that the retrofit kit (3) for use on a seeder as a device (4) is determined, the retrofit kit (3) having a sensor (10) for recording the work quality of the seed drill, the sensor (10) being connected to the portable computer unit (6) and the portable computer unit (6) has software via which the sensor value and / or a control signal derived from the sensor value is sent to the control electronics (34) of the tractor (2) and / or via a communication module (22, 26) to another external one via the first or second Interface (14, 16) and / or computer (38) connected wirelessly to the portable computer unit (6). 31. Retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims 1 - 25 and 30, characterized in that the retrofit kit (3) is intended for use on a seeder as an agricultural device (4), the portable computer unit ( 6) is designed to exchange data via a communication module (22, 26) with another external computer (38), which is wirelessly connected to the portable computer unit (6), the data being data for control and Regulation of the seeding machine controlled by the portable computer unit (6).

32. Retrofit kit (3) according to one of the preceding claims 1-25, characterized in that the retrofit kit (3) is intended for use on a rotary harrow as an agricultural device (4), the retrofit kit (3) comprising a sensor ( 10) for recording the quality of work of the rotary harrow, the sensor (10) is connected to the portable computer unit (6) and the portable computer unit (6) has software via which the sensor value and / or a control signal derived from the sensor value is sent to the control electronics (34) of the tractor (2) and / or via a communication module (22, 26) to another external device via the first or second interface (14, 16) and / or computer (38) connected wirelessly to the portable computer unit (6).

33. retrofit kit (3) according to claim 32, characterized in that the sensor (10) for detecting the quality of work is an optical, radar and / or ultrasonic sensor for analyzing the crumb structure of the soil.