JP2022162001A - Fertilizer distributor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fertilizer distributor attached to a tractor that allows setting of an accurate spreading amount to be easily executed.

SOLUTION: A fertilizer distributor 30 whose body is attached to a tractor for spreading a fertilizer includes: a hopper 35 for storing a fertilizer; an actuator 20; a shutter 37 for adjusting an opening degree for discharging the fertilizer from the hopper 35 in conjunction with the actuator 20; a calculation part 11 for calculating the opening degree of the shutter 37; a control part 12 for controlling the actuator 20 on the basis of a result of the calculation by the calculation part 11; and a setting input part 14 for transmitting information to the calculation part 11. A scale display 60 having a scale and a numerical value is provided on a side face of the hopper 35. A numerical value corresponding to the scale equivalent to a top face of the fertilizer in a prescribed amount stored in the hopper 35 is input to the setting input part 14, and the calculation part 11 uses the input numerical value for calculating the opening degree of the shutter 37. The numerical value is a specific gravity or a value having correlation with the specific gravity.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fertilizer spreader, and more particularly to a fertilizer spreader to be attached to a tractor that can easily set an accurate spread amount.

With a conventional fertilizer spreader, in order to accurately set the amount of fertilizer to be spread, the degree of opening of the opening for spraying fertilizer is determined based on a reference table, and then trial spread is actually performed. I was doing work to check if that opening was good. In addition to this, there is also known a method of actually spraying a spray amount for a certain period of time at a certain degree of opening, measuring the spray amount (adjustment value), and using that value for setting.

Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, from the detected falling time of the fertilizer and the mass of the fallen fertilizer, a fluidity index value indicating the ratio of the measured flow rate value of the fertilizer to the flow rate value of the reference fertilizer measured in advance is automatically calculated. Then, a technology is described in which the shutter opening corrected by the fluidity index corresponding to the flow rate is selected.

JP 2012-90547 A

However, in the method of determining the degree of opening based on a reference table and then performing trial spreading, it is necessary to perform trial spreading each time to check the state of spraying, which takes time and effort. In addition, the method of measuring the amount of fertilizer actually applied for a certain period of time at a certain opening requires a container to receive the actually applied fertilizer and a measuring device to measure the amount of fertilizer applied. rice field.

Moreover, in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to obtain the fluidity index value for each flow rate value in advance, and for this purpose, it is necessary to measure each flow rate value of the fertilizer.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a fertilizer spreader that can be attached to a tractor and that can easily set an accurate spread amount.

In order to achieve the above object, one typical fertilizer spreader of the present invention is a fertilizer spreader that spreads fertilizer with a main body attached to a tractor, comprising a hopper for storing fertilizer, an actuator, and the actuator. a shutter that adjusts the opening degree for discharging the fertilizer from the hopper in conjunction with it; a calculation unit that calculates the opening degree of the shutter; a control unit that controls the actuator based on the calculation result of the calculation unit; a setting input unit capable of transmitting information to a calculation unit; and a scale display having a scale and numerical values on the side surface of the hopper, the scale corresponding to the upper surface of a predetermined amount of fertilizer stored in the hopper. When the numerical value corresponding to is input to the setting input unit, the calculation unit uses the input numerical value to calculate the opening degree of the shutter, and the numerical value is a specific gravity or a value correlated with the specific gravity. It is characterized by

Further, in one of the fertilizer spreaders of the present invention, the hopper is characterized in that at least a side surface having the scale display is formed of a transparent member.
Further, in one of the fertilizer spreaders of the present invention, the calculation unit uses the spread amount per unit time obtained from the spread width, the work speed, and the spread amount per unit area, and the opening degree using the numerical value. is characterized in that the calculation of
Furthermore, one of the fertilizer spreaders of the present invention is characterized in that the setting input unit can set the predetermined amount of the fertilizer.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it is the fertilizer spreader with which a tractor is mounted|worn. WHEREIN: Setting of an exact spread amount can be made easy.
Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a block diagram which shows 1st Embodiment of the fertilizer spreader of this invention. It is a side view which shows an example of the main body of the fertilizer spreader of this invention. It is a front view which shows an example of the main body of the fertilizer spreader of this invention. It is a top view which shows the example of the state of the shutter opening degree in the fertilizer spreader of this invention, (a) shows a fully closed state, (b) shows a small amount spraying state, and (c) shows a fully open state. It is a figure which shows the example of the state in a hopper in 1st Embodiment of the fertilizer spreader of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation box in 1st Embodiment of the fertilizer spreader of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the state in a hopper in 2nd Embodiment of the fertilizer spreader of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation box in 2nd Embodiment of the fertilizer spreader of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the state in a hopper in 3rd Embodiment of the fertilizer spreader of this invention.

A mode for carrying out the present invention will be described.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the fertilizer spreader of the present invention. The fertilizer spreader of the first embodiment has a spreading mechanism that attaches the main body to the tractor and spreads the fertilizer in the container. A sensor 13 , a setting input section 14 , an output section 16 and an actuator 20 are provided. Furthermore, a display unit 15 and a state detection unit 17 can be provided as required. These placement locations are installed at suitable locations according to their purposes, as will be described later. Note that the calculation unit 11 and the control unit 12 may be integrally configured as the control system unit 10 .

The calculation unit 11 performs calculations necessary for controlling the actuator 20 based on information from the sensor 13, information input from the setting input unit 14, and information from the state detection unit 17 if the state detection unit 17 is provided. Based on this calculation, the actuator 20 can be controlled to adjust the application amount. The calculation unit 11 can also perform information processing for display on the display unit 15 . The calculation unit 11 can have a storage unit for storing data required for control as needed. Specific calculation contents in the calculation unit 11 will be described later.

The control unit 12 controls the actuator 20 by issuing an operation command to the output unit 16 based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 11 . Also, a command for displaying on the display unit 15 is issued.

The sensor 13 is a sensor that acquires information for calculating the specific gravity of the fertilizer. For example, a distance sensor or the like that measures the distance to fertilizer can be applied. The sensor 13 can be installed on the fertilizer applicator.

The setting input unit 14 is means for the operator to input values necessary for control (for example, set values for determining the amount of application) and signals for operation as necessary. For example, switches such as push button switches and toggle switches, and touch panels can be applied. The setting input unit 14 may be arranged near the driver's seat of the tractor so that the operator can easily operate it. Then, an operation signal is transmitted from the setting input unit 14 to the calculation unit 11 . Here, the setting input unit 14 and the calculation unit 11 may be a wired transmission/reception system or a wireless transmission/reception system. The setting input unit 14 may have a storage unit for storing set information.

The output section 16 operates the actuator 20 based on the operation command from the control section 12 .

The actuator 20 is an actuator for adjusting the spread amount in the spreading mechanism of the fertilizer spreader. Examples of actuators include cylinders such as hydraulic cylinders and electric hydraulic cylinders, motors, and the like.

The display unit 15 is means for displaying information such as the degree of opening of the shutter and the amount of spraying as required. The display unit 15 can employ various display means such as an LED lamp, 7 segments (7 segments), liquid crystal, touch panel display, and the like. It may also include sound or voice means. The display unit 15 may be arranged near the driver's seat of the tractor so that the operator can easily check it. Also, the display unit 15 can be formed integrally with the setting input unit 14 .

The state detector 17 is means for detecting the current state of the actuator 20 or a portion of the fertilizer spreader operated by the actuator 20 . For example, the state may be detected using various sensors such as a stroke sensor and a rotation sensor. Also, the current state may be detected from the current or voltage value of the actuator 20 . Information from the state detector 17 can also be used for accurate control of the actuator 20 .

Here, the calculation unit 11 and the control unit 12 (control system unit 10) can be installed on the main body side of the fertilizer spreader attached to the tractor. Moreover, when the setting input section 14 is wired connection, it may be installed integrally with the setting input section 14 or in the vicinity of the setting input section 14 . Electronic devices such as a CPU can be applied to the calculation unit 11 and the control unit 12 .

FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of the main body of the fertilizer spreader of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example of the main body of the fertilizer spreader of the present invention. The left side of FIG. 2 indicates the front side, the right side indicates the rear side, and the horizontal direction of FIG. 2 indicates the lateral direction. The vertical direction in FIGS. 2 and 3 is the same as the vertical direction.

The fertilizer spreader 30 is a spreader that has a mounting portion 32 attached to the rear portion of the tractor and that spreads fertilizer stored in a hopper 35 that is a container over a field. The mounting portion 32 includes a mast 32a and a hitch 32c. The mast 32a is provided with a top pin 32b, and the hitch 32c is provided with a lower pin 32d. The mounting portion 32 is supported by a frame 33 that supports the hopper 35 . When viewed from the side, the hopper 35 is shaped like an isosceles triangle with the vertex on the lower side and the base on the upper side, and this shape is arranged along the lateral direction. In addition, since the upper part of the hopper 35 is open, fertilizer can be put in from here. The lid 39 covers the entire upper portion of the hopper 35, and is attached to the hopper 35 via hinges 39a so as to be openable and closable.

The fertilizer is spread by passing the fertilizer through an opening 36a of a bottom plate 36 provided across the lower portion of the hopper 35 and discharging it onto the ground of the field. A shutter 37 having a shutter opening 37a is provided in the opening 36a, and the opening amount of the opening 36a of the bottom plate 36 can be adjusted. Further, when spraying, a driving vane 38 provided in the lower part of the hopper 35 in the horizontal direction is configured to rotate by power from the tractor input through the input shaft 31 . The delivery blade 38 has a spiral blade 38b on a shaft 38a having a lateral direction as a longitudinal direction, and by rotating the blade, the fertilizer is loosened and reliably discharged from an opening 36a at the bottom thereof. make it possible.

The fertilizer spreader 30 has an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the opening amount of the opening 36 a of the bottom plate 36 . Specifically, the opening amount of the opening portion 36a is adjusted by moving the shutter 37 through the shutter opening/closing link 45 from the shutter opening/closing cylinder 41 . These are mounted on the frame 33 in front of the hopper 35 . The shutter opening/closing link 45 has a first link bar 46 , a second link bar 47 and a third link bar 48 . The first link bar 46 has one end connected to the shutter opening/closing cylinder 41 and the other end connected to the second link bar 47, and is configured to be rotatable around a midpoint fulcrum 46a. The second link bar 47 has one end connected to the first link bar 46 and the other end connected to the third link bar 48 at an intermediate point 48b. The third link bar 48 is configured to be rotatable around a front fulcrum 48a, and is connected to a shutter frame 49 fixed to the shutter 37 at the lower side behind the intermediate point 48b. As a result, when the shutter opening/closing cylinder 41 expands and contracts, the first link bar 46 rotates to rotate the third link bar 48 via the second link bar 47, thereby sliding the shutter 37 in the horizontal direction. make it possible.

The actuator 20 in FIG. 1 corresponds to the shutter opening/closing cylinder 41 . A control box 42 containing the calculation unit 11 and the control unit 12 is fixed to the frame 33 . When the state detection unit 17 of FIG. 1 is used, the state of the shutter opening/closing cylinder 41 or the state of the shutter 37, which is the actuator 20, can be detected.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the state of shutter opening in the fertilizer spreader of the present invention, where (a) is the fully closed state, (b) is the small amount spraying state, and (c) is the fully open state. show. FIG. 4 shows a view of the bottom plate 36 viewed from above inside the hopper 35, where the left-right direction is the horizontal direction and the up-down direction is the front-rear direction.

The bottom plate 36 is provided with a plurality of openings 36a. A large number of openings 36a are formed along the horizontal direction, and FIG. 4 shows an example of a rectangular opening 36a. A plate-shaped shutter 37 is provided below the bottom plate 36 so as to overlap the bottom plate 36 . A plurality of shutter openings 37a are formed in the shutter 37 along the horizontal direction. The shutter opening 37a has a narrow portion 37b with a narrow width in the front-rear direction at one end in the horizontal direction, and a wide portion 37c with a maximum width in the front-rear direction at the other end in the horizontal direction. The width in the front-rear direction changes at . The pitch at which the opening 36a of the bottom plate 36 and the shutter opening 37a are formed is the same. Further, the lateral width of the shutter opening 37a is wider than the lateral width of the opening 36a of the bottom plate 36 by the narrow portion 37b. Here, since the opening 36a of the bottom plate 36 and the shutter opening 37a are overlapped, the manure can fall downward and be discharged.

In the state shown in FIG. 4A, the opening 36a of the bottom plate 36 and the shutter opening 37a do not overlap, so the opening 36a is closed by the shutter 37 and the fertilizer is not discharged.

The state of FIG. 4(b) is a state in which the shutter 37 is slightly slid leftward from the state of FIG. 4(a). In this state, the opening 36a of the bottom plate 36 overlaps with the narrow portion 37b that is part of the shutter opening 37a. Since the fertilizer is discharged from this overlapping portion P1, a small amount of fertilizer can be spread.

The state of FIG. 4(c) is a state in which the shutter 37 is further slid leftward from the state of FIG. 4(b). In this state, the opening 36a of the bottom plate 36 overlaps most of the shutter opening 37a except for the narrow width portion 37b. This overlapped portion P2 is larger than the overlapped portion P1 of FIG. 4(b), and the fertilizer is discharged from here, enabling maximum spreading.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the state inside the hopper in the first embodiment of the fertilizer spreader of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the hopper 35 taken near the center in the horizontal direction along a plane in the front-rear direction.

A distance sensor 43 is fixed to the inside (rear side) of the lid 39 positioned above the hopper 35 . The distance sensor 43 is fixed on the flat surface 39b on the back side of the lid 39 with the measurement surface facing downward, and can measure the distance L to the upper surface 100 of the fertilizer S in the hopper 35 below. That is, the distance sensor 43 is positioned above the hopper 35 . The distance sensor 43 can be installed at the center of the hopper 35 in the longitudinal direction. Thus, even when the amount of fertilizer S is small, the distance L to the upper surface 100 can be measured. Further, if the installation position of the distance sensor 43 in the horizontal direction is near the center of the hopper 35, the measurement can be performed at a position near the center, so that well-balanced measurement can be achieved.

Distance sensor 43 corresponds to sensor 13 in FIG. Various sensors can be used as the distance sensor 43 as long as the distance to the upper surface 100 of the fertilizer S can be measured. For example, sensors using lasers, infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, and the like.

Information from the distance sensor 43 is sent to the calculation unit 11 in the control box 42 (see FIG. 3). Then, the calculation unit 11 calculates the specific gravity of the fertilizer S. For the specific gravity, water at 4°C can be used as a standard substance. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, according to the distance L from the upper surface 100 of the fertilizer S, information (for example, calculation formula, etc.). This is because if the shape of the hopper 35 is known in advance, the volume can be calculated from the position of the upper surface 100 corresponding to the distance L. FIG. Thereby, the capacity (volume) of the fertilizer S is calculated. On the other hand, the operator puts a predetermined weight of the fertilizer S into the hopper 35 so that the weight becomes constant. Thereby, the specific gravity can be automatically calculated by the calculation unit 11 . Density can also be used instead of specific gravity.

The specific gravity affects the spray amount per hour with respect to the opening of the shutter 37 . This is because it is assumed that if the weight per unit volume is different, the amount of fertilizer S passing through the opening 36a per unit time will also be different. That is, by using the specific gravity to calculate the degree of opening of the opening 36a, it is possible to accurately set the application amount. In the past, in order to obtain an accurate degree of opening, the spray amount per hour was sometimes adjusted by actually spraying (discharging). However, by using this specific gravity, it is possible to accurately calculate the degree of opening by previously obtaining the relationship between the measured value and the specific gravity without actually performing the measurement. That is, there is a correlation between the specific gravity and the actual measured value.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation box in the first embodiment of the fertilizer spreader of the invention. The operation box 50 here is configured by integrating the setting input section 14 and the display section 15 shown in FIG.

The operation box 50 can be arranged in the vicinity of the driver's seat of the tractor, and is an operation/display unit that allows remote operation and input. Here, a wireless example is shown, and information can be transmitted and received wirelessly to and from the calculation unit 11 and the control unit 12 (control system unit 10) installed on the main body side of the fertilizer spreader 30. FIG. The operation box 50 includes switches such as a power switch 51a, a setting switch 51b, an open/close switch 51c, an adjustment switch (increase) 51d, and an adjustment switch (decrease) 51e. Also, these switches can be push-button switches, for example. Furthermore, a shutter opening degree display 52a and a spread amount display 52b are provided, and these can be the display section 15. FIG. Furthermore, the operation box 50 has an explanation display 53 .

The power switch 51a is a switch for turning on and off the power of the operation box 50 .

The setting switch 51b is a switch for activating and setting a menu for each item such as setting of spraying amount, input of vehicle speed, input of spray width, input of correction value, and the like. Further, a switch for determining the input or selected value. In addition, this switch allows the entry of a reference weight of fertilizer for specific gravity calculations. It can also be a switch for starting calculation of specific gravity. As for the vehicle speed (working speed), if information is obtained from the tractor, that information may be used.

The opening/closing switch 51c is a switch for controlling the shutter opening/closing cylinder 41 (actuator 20) to open the shutter 37 to a predetermined opening when starting work. In addition, when the button is pressed again, the shutter 37 can be closed.

The adjustment switch (increase) 51d and the adjustment switch (decrease) 51e are switches for inputting values such as the spray amount, vehicle speed, spray width, and correction value. For example, pressing the adjustment switch (increase) 51d increases the value, and pressing the adjustment switch (decrease) 51e decreases the value.

The shutter opening degree display 52a displays the shutter opening degree numerically using 7 segments or the like. When setting, the set value of the shutter opening is displayed. During operation, the current shutter opening is displayed based on the information from the state detection unit 17 if the state detection unit 17 is provided, or the information on the control value in the control unit 12. Degree values can be displayed.

The application amount display 52b displays the application amount numerically using 7 segments or the like. When setting, values such as spraying amount, vehicle speed, spraying width, correction value, etc. can be displayed. Also, during work, the set application amount may be displayed. At this time, the type of display such as "1", "2", "3", . . . A distinguishing number can be displayed.

The explanation display 53 is a display for explaining what the numbers (numbers) shown in the shutter opening degree display 52a corresponding to the display contents shown in the spraying amount display 52b are for each number. . In the example of FIG. 6, at the time of setting, "1" represents "working speed (km/h)", "2" represents "spreading width (m)", and "3" represents "correction (%)". represents. That is, when the display of the shutter opening degree display 52a is "1", the number of the application amount display 52b represents "working speed (km/h)". Further, when the display of the shutter opening degree display 52a is "2", the number of the spraying amount display 52b represents the "spreading width (m)". Further, when the display of the shutter opening degree display 52a is "3", the number of the spread amount display 52b represents "correction (%)". The explanation display 53 can be represented by printing, liquid crystal display, or the like, and FIG. In this way, by looking at the explanation display 53, the operator can confirm what numerical value is displayed in the application amount display 52b.

Next, calculation of specific gravity will be described.

An operator opens the lid 39 and puts the fertilizer S into the hopper 35. - 特許庁At this time, the amount of fertilizer S shown in FIG. 5 becomes a predetermined amount. For example, if the weight is a multiple of one bag of commercially available fertilizer, the worker can put it in without weighing it. A specific example is 100 kg of fertilizer or the like. This weight can be stored in advance in the calculation unit 11, or can be set using the setting switch 51b, the adjustment switch (increase) 51d, and the adjustment switch (decrease) 51e of the operation box 50. FIG. Then, the operator flattens the upper surface 100 of the fertilizer S. Then, the lid 39 is closed.

Next, the operator operates the setting switch 51b or the like of the operation box 50 to start calculating the specific gravity. Then, the distance sensor 43 set on the lid 39 shown in FIG. 5 measures the distance L from the upper surface 100 of the fertilizer S in the hopper 35 . Information on the distance L is then sent to the calculator 11 . Since the relationship between the volume of the fertilizer S and the distance L is recorded in advance, the calculation unit 11 can calculate the volume of the fertilizer S. Moreover, since the weight with respect to the fertilizer S is predetermined as described above, the specific gravity can be calculated. The calculated specific gravity is recorded in the calculation unit 11 .

Next, calculation and setting of the opening degree of the shutter 37 will be described.

For example, the application amount x per minute is determined by the following formula.
x=(A×B×C)/60 (Formula 1)
Here, A is the spread width (m), B is the vehicle speed (km/h), and C is the spread amount per 10a.

That is, as shown in the example of Equation 1, if the spraying width, vehicle speed (working speed), and spraying amount per unit area are known, the spraying amount x per unit time can be obtained. Here, the spray width, vehicle speed, and spray amount per unit area are input by the operator using the setting switch 51b, adjustment switch (increase) 51d, adjustment switch (decrease) 51e, etc. of the operation box 50 shown in FIG. It is possible to In addition, the calculation unit 11 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) obtains the input information and uses a preset formula 1 or the like, thereby making it possible to calculate the application amount per unit time.

Further, the calculation unit 11 calculates the degree of opening from the spray amount per hour. As shown in FIG. 4 and the like, the more the shutter 37 is opened, the more the amount of fertilizer S that passes per hour increases. However, as explained with reference to FIG. 5, the amount of fertilizer S passing through per hour also varies depending on the specific gravity of the fertilizer S. Therefore, the calculation unit 11 determines the degree of opening of the opening 36a by the shutter 37 using the calculated specific gravity as well. For example, a relational expression or the like that considers the influence of specific gravity is prepared, and the opening is determined based on that. The relational expression here is based on the actual influence of the specific gravity in advance by means of weighing or the like, and a suitable expression may be applied. When the opening degree of the shutter 37 is calculated by the calculation unit 11, the control unit 12 controls the shutter opening/closing cylinder 41 to set the target opening degree.

Next, the actual work will be explained.

The operator mounts the fertilizer applicator 30 on the tractor and starts fertilizing work. At this time, fertilizer is added to the hopper 35, and the required amount for spraying is added. Then, the opening/closing switch 51c of the operation box 50 shown in FIG. 6 is pressed to perform the work. In this case, the shutter opening/closing cylinder 41 is controlled so that the opening degree of the shutter 37 is the calculated opening degree. When the state detection unit 17 shown in FIG. 1 is used, the actual opening is displayed in the shutter opening display 52 a of the operation box 50 . The spray amount display 52b of the operation box 50 displays the target spray amount per unit area.

For example, the amount of fertilizer remaining in the hopper 35 may be displayed on the shutter opening display 52a or the application amount display 52b. The calculation unit 11 can calculate the volume of the remaining fertilizer based on the shape of the hopper 35 by measuring the upper surface of the fertilizer with the distance sensor 43 . Therefore, the remaining amount can be displayed by volume, weight, degree, or the like. The remaining amount by weight can be calculated by using the calculated specific gravity.

Furthermore, the calculation unit 11 may correct the opening degree of the shutter 37 by comparing whether the actual remaining amount of fertilizer in the hopper 35 during work is the remaining amount according to the calculated spread amount. good. The opening degree of the shutter 37 is set so as to achieve the target spray amount per unit time, but if the actual spray amount differs, the actual remaining amount will also differ from the calculated value. Therefore, the amount of fertilizer at the start of work is grasped by the amount obtained from the measurement by the distance sensor 43, the amount input by the operation box 50, or the amount when the amount of fertilizer at the time of specific gravity measurement is used as it is. do. The current remaining amount of fertilizer in the hopper 35 calculated based on the amount of fertilizer at the start of work and the spread amount per hour, and the actual remaining amount of fertilizer in the hopper 35 measured by the distance sensor 43 are compared, and if they are different, the opening degree of the shutter 37 is corrected. At this time, if the actual residual amount of fertilizer in the hopper 35 is less, the opening is decreased, and if the actual residual amount of fertilizer in the hopper 35 is greater, the opening is increased. good.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the distance sensor 43 is used to automatically calculate the specific gravity of the fertilizer S in the hopper 35, and the calculated specific gravity is used for the degree of opening of the shutter 37. Precise spray rate control can be achieved without volume control.

(Second embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the points different from the first embodiment are mainly described, the same reference numerals are given to the same portions, and the same descriptions of the portions without particular description are omitted.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the state inside the hopper in the second embodiment of the fertilizer spreader of the present invention. The second embodiment can be configured without the distance sensor 43 (sensor 13) as in the first embodiment. Moreover, in the second embodiment, a scale display 60 is provided as shown in FIG. The scale display 60 is provided along the vertical direction inside the side surface of one or both ends of the hopper 35 in the horizontal direction. In the scale display 60, scales 60a are written step by step along the vertical direction, and numerical values 60b corresponding to the scales 60a are respectively displayed. Here, the interval of the scale 60a in the horizontal direction depends on the shape of the hopper 35 and the numerical value 60b. In the example of FIG. 7, since the numerical values 60b are arranged at regular intervals, the interval between the scales 60a becomes wider as it goes downward. This is because the lower the hopper 35 is, the narrower the cross-sectional area with respect to the plane. A numerical value 60b corresponding to the scale 60a indicates a metering value on the upper surface 100 when a predetermined weight of the fertilizer S is put into the hopper 35, and the numerical value 60a indicates that value. The scale display 60 can be added to the hopper 35 afterward if it is configured by a sticker. Alternatively, coating or the like may be used.

The metered value indicates the actually measured discharge amount per hour, but as described in the first embodiment, there is a correlation between the specific gravity and the metered value. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a metered value having a correlation with the specific gravity according to the capacity when the fertilizer S having a predetermined weight is put therein, so that the metered value can be indicated at the position of the upper surface 100 . Here, the numerical value 60b of the scale display 60 indicates the value.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation box in the second embodiment of the fertilizer spreader of the invention. Since the operation box 50' shown in FIG. 8 is basically the same as the operation box 50 shown in FIG. 6, only different points will be described.

With the setting switch 51b, it is possible to switch to a mode for activating and setting a menu of items for inputting the adjustment value. The metering value is a numerical value 60b corresponding to the corresponding scale 60a with respect to the upper surface 100 when the fertilizer S having the predetermined weight is put into the hopper 35 as described above. The value at this time can be determined by operating the adjustment switch (increase) 51d and the adjustment switch (decrease) 51e.

In the example of FIG. 8, the explanatory display 53' is set so that "1" represents "working speed (km/h)", "2" represents "spreading width (m)", and "3" represents "Adjustment value (kg)" and "4" represent "correction (%)". These show display contents corresponding to the numerical display of the shutter opening degree display 52a, as in the first embodiment.

Next, the input of the adjustment value will be explained.

An operator opens the lid 39 and puts the fertilizer S into the hopper 35. - 特許庁At this time, the amount of fertilizer S shown in FIG. 7 is a predetermined amount. If the amount here is, for example, a multiple of the weight of one commercially available bag, the worker can put in without measuring the weight. A specific example is 100 kg of fertilizer or the like. Then, the operator flattens the upper surface 100 of the fertilizer S and reads the numerical value 60b corresponding to the scale 60a corresponding to the upper surface 100. FIG. Then, the operator inputs the read adjustment value using the setting switch 51b, the adjustment switch (increase) 51d, the adjustment switch (decrease) 51e, and the like.

Next, the determination of the degree of opening of the opening 36a by the shutter 37 will be described.

Calculation of the application amount per unit time is the same as in the first embodiment described using the example of Equation 1 and the like. The calculation unit 11 calculates the degree of opening from the spray amount per hour, and the input metering value is also used to calculate the degree of opening. Depending on the input metering value, the amount of fertilizer S passing through the opening 36a differs even for the same opening of the shutter 37 (as described in FIG. 5 of the first embodiment). Therefore, the calculation unit 11 determines the degree of opening of the opening 36a by the shutter 37 using the adjustment value calculated above. For example, a relational expression or the like that also considers the metering value is prepared, and the opening degree is determined based on the relational expression. The relational expression here is based on the actual influence of the adjustment value through experiments, etc., and a suitable expression may be applied. When the opening degree of the shutter 37 is calculated by the calculation unit 11, the control unit 12 controls the shutter opening/closing cylinder 41 to set the target opening degree.

Next, the actual work is the same as in the first embodiment, and the necessary amount of fertilizer is put into the hopper 35 by, for example, adding fertilizer. Then, by pressing the open/close switch 51c of the operation box 50 shown in FIG. 8, the shutter 37 can be opened to the calculated degree of opening and work can be performed.

As described above, in the second embodiment, by reading and inputting the metering value of the fertilizer S from the scale display 60, it is possible to accurately control the application amount without actually metering. Moreover, since it can be realized without providing the distance sensor 43 as in the first embodiment, the cost can be suppressed.

Also, the sides of the hopper 35 having the scale markings 60, for example the lateral sides, may be transparent. In this case, the relevant portion of the hopper 35 can be made of a transparent member. Then, the operator can check the upper surface 100 of the fertilizer S from outside the hopper 35 . Since it is from the outside, it is easy to see from the horizontal direction and it is easy to read the value accurately. Also, if the side of the container is transparent, it is possible to provide a scale display 60 on the outer side of the hopper 35 . Alternatively, the entire hopper 35 can be made transparent.

(Third Embodiment)
In the third embodiment, points different from the second embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the same portions, and the same description will be omitted for portions that have no particular description.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the state inside the hopper in the third embodiment of the fertilizer spreader of the present invention. The third embodiment differs in that a separate gauge member 70 is used instead of the scale display 60 of the second embodiment.

The gauge member 70 has a rod-shaped bar 71 and a scale portion 72 fixed in the middle of the bar 71 . The scale portion 72 is provided with graduated scales 72a along the longitudinal direction, and each scale 72a displays a corresponding numerical value 72b. Here, the display contents of the scale 72a and the numerical value 72b are the same as the contents of the scale 60a and the numerical value 60b in the second embodiment.

As in the second embodiment, the operator opens the lid 39 and puts a predetermined amount of fertilizer S into the hopper 35 . Then, the gauge member 70 is inserted into the fertilizer S from above. At this time, it is better for the operator to grip the upper portion of the bar 71 of the gauge member 70 (the portion above the scale portion 72) as shown in FIG. In addition, the gauge member 70 is vertically inserted into the fertilizer S until the bottom tip 70a of the gauge member 70 contacts the bottom of the hopper 35 (the portion of the bottom plate 36). Then, the scale portion 72 is positioned on the upper surface 100 of the fertilizer S. A numerical value 72b corresponding to the scale 72a measured on the upper surface 100 indicates the metering value of the fertilizer S having a predetermined weight on the upper surface 100. As shown in FIG. Then, if the operator inputs the read metering value using the setting switch 51b, the adjustment switch (increase) 51d, the adjustment switch (decrease) 51e, etc., the opening of the shutter 37 is adjusted as in the second embodiment. can be controlled.

As described above, in the third embodiment, by reading and inputting the metered value of the fertilizer S from the scale portion 72 of the gauge member 70, the spread amount can be accurately controlled without actually metering. can be done. Moreover, in the third embodiment, since the gauge member 70 can be used as a separate member, there is no need to newly process the hopper 35 .

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and includes various embodiments. For example, it is not limited to those having all the configurations provided in the above-described embodiments. It is also possible to delete part of the configuration of one embodiment, replace it with the configuration of another embodiment, or add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment.

For example, the specific gravity may be used as in the first embodiment instead of the metering values used in the second and third embodiments. This is possible because the specific gravity and the metering value are correlated. In this case, the numerical value 60b of the scale display 60 and the numerical value 72b of the scale portion 72 are the values of the specific gravity of the fertilizer S with respect to the upper surface 100. FIG. The calculation unit 11 prepares a relational expression or the like so that the specific gravity can be used to calculate the opening degree from the spray amount per hour.

Also, in any of the embodiments, density can be used in place of specific gravity and similar control can be performed.

In addition, although an embodiment of a fertilizer spreader that spreads fertilizer as a material to be spread has been shown, the present invention can also be applied to a spreader that spreads materials other than fertilizer.

10 control system unit 11 calculation unit 12 control unit 13 sensor 14 setting input unit 15 display unit 16 output unit 17 state detection unit 20 actuator 30 fertilizer spreader 32 mounting unit 33 frame 35 hopper 36 bottom plate 36a opening 37 shutter 37a shutter opening 39 lid 41 shutter opening/closing cylinder 43 distance sensor 45 shutter opening/closing links 50, 50' operation box 51b setting switch 60 scale display 60a scale 60b numerical value 70 gauge member 71 bar 72 scale portion 72a scale 72b numerical value S fertilizer 100 upper surface

Claims (4)

In a fertilizer spreader that spreads fertilizer by attaching a main body to a tractor,
A hopper that stores fertilizer, an actuator, a shutter that adjusts an opening degree for discharging the fertilizer from the hopper in conjunction with the actuator, a calculation unit that calculates the opening degree of the shutter, and calculation by the calculation unit. A control unit that controls the actuator based on the result, and a setting input unit that can transmit information to the calculation unit,
The side surface of the hopper is provided with a scale display having a scale and numerical values,
When the numerical value corresponding to the scale corresponding to the upper surface of a predetermined amount of fertilizer stored in the hopper is input to the setting input unit, the calculation unit is input to calculate the opening degree of the shutter. Using the numerical value,
The fertilizer spreader, wherein the numerical value is a specific gravity or a value correlated with the specific gravity. The fertilizer spreader according to claim 1,
The fertilizer spreader, wherein at least a side surface of the hopper having the scale display is formed of a transparent member. In the fertilizer spreader according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The calculation unit calculates the degree of opening using the spread amount per unit time obtained from the spread width, the work speed, and the spread amount per unit area, and the input numerical value. Fertilizer spreader. In the fertilizer spreader according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The fertilizer spreader, wherein the setting input section can set the predetermined amount of the fertilizer.

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