JP3113565B2 - A clogging detection device for the powder sprayer - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a powder and granular material spraying device provided in a working machine such as a rice transplanter for multi-row planting, and more particularly, to an operation control of a clogging sensor even in a field or a weather condition. The present invention relates to a technique for realizing a clogging detection device that does not require a device and has easy handling.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, Japanese Patent Application No. 7-242, filed earlier.
No. 676, in a fertilizer application device of a rice transplanter, a clogging sensor of fertilizer provided in a groove generator for each strip is configured to detect by energization through fertilizer attached to a pair of electrodes. I was That is, the configuration is such that a change in the output signal voltage due to conduction between the pair of electrodes is detected, and the degree of clogging can be determined by comparing the output signal voltage with a preset reference voltage.

[0003]

That is, when the fertilizer is clogged, the conductivity becomes good and the detection voltage becomes high. Therefore, when the difference voltage from the reference voltage exceeds a certain value, that is, when the threshold value exceeds the threshold value, the clogging occurs. It is considered to have occurred. However, depending on field conditions such as mud is soft or clayey, and depending on weather conditions such as fine weather and rainy weather, the flow rate of fertilizer changes, so it is necessary to adjust and set the above-described threshold value each time, which is troublesome. There was a face. An object of the present invention is to provide a clogging detection device that does not require the adjustment setting operation and is easy to handle.

[0004]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

[Constitution] A first invention for achieving the above object is to detect clogging of a granular material in a plurality of groovers of a granular material spraying device by conducting electricity through a granular material attached to a pair of electrodes. In a clogging detection device of a powder and granular material dispersing device provided with a clogging sensor, a difference voltage between a minimum voltage and a maximum voltage of an output signal voltage of the clogging sensor for each groove generator is set to a predetermined reference difference. It is characterized by comprising a first relative comparing means for comparing with a voltage, and an alarm device which is activated when the difference voltage is larger than the reference difference voltage.

In a second aspect of the present invention, a clogging sensor for detecting clogging of a plurality of granules in a plurality of groovers in a granule dispersing apparatus by applying current through a granule attached to a pair of electrodes is provided. In a clogging detection device of a certain granular material spraying device, a difference voltage between a minimum voltage among output signal voltages of clogging sensors for each groove generator and an output signal voltage of other ones, and a preset reference difference voltage And a warning means for each of the clogging sensors, and when the difference voltage is larger than the reference difference voltage, the warning means for the clogging sensor which has become larger is activated. As described above, the second relative comparison unit and each alarm unit are linked.

In a third aspect based on the first or second aspect, the first voltage for comparing the maximum voltage of the output signal voltages of the respective clogging sensors with a preset first reference minimum voltage.
A first alarm device is provided, which is provided with an absolute comparing means and is activated when the maximum voltage is higher than the first reference minimum voltage.

In a fourth aspect based on the first or second aspect, the second voltage comparing the minimum voltage of the output signal voltages of the respective clogging sensors with a preset second reference minimum voltage.
A second alarm device is provided which includes an absolute comparison means and operates when the minimum voltage is higher than the second reference minimum voltage.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a means for judging clogging based on a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of output signal voltages detected by a plurality of clogging sensors. For example, in a state in which the granular material is flowing normally, the detection voltage of the clogging sensor exists in a certain value range, and there is not so much difference between the detection voltages. Therefore, if one of the groove generators becomes clogged, the detection voltage of the clogging sensor becomes remarkably high, the difference from the minimum detection voltage becomes large, and the alarm device is activated. It is possible to recognize that clogging has occurred.

Since the degree of continuity between the electrodes due to changes in conditions such as the field and the weather has the same effect on any clogging sensor, means for observing the difference voltage between the sensors requires absolute detection voltage. The value doesn't matter. Therefore, unlike the related art, it is not necessary to adjust and set the threshold value as a detection value for determining whether or not clogging occurs depending on field conditions or the like, and can be omitted.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, it is possible to detect at which groove forming device the clogging has occurred. That is, in the configuration of the first aspect, it is only possible to recognize that clogging has occurred in any of the plurality of groove generators, and it is not possible to specify which groove generator is clogged. Therefore, if the difference voltage between the lowest detection voltage and the other clogging sensors other than the clogging sensor that outputs the lowest value is obtained, and the respective difference voltages are compared to the reference difference voltage, It becomes possible to determine whether or not clogging has occurred in the groove device. For example, in a planting device for eight-row planting, if clogging occurs in the three and seven groovers, the third and seventh alarm lamps light up, and so on. And the location can be specified.

When clogging occurs in all of the plurality of groove forming devices, the difference voltage remains lower than the reference difference voltage, resulting in an erroneous detection state that no clogging has occurred, which is inconvenient. Therefore, in the configuration of claim 3, the absolute comparison means compares the maximum voltage of the output signal voltages of the respective clogging sensors with a preset first reference minimum voltage, and determines that the maximum voltage is higher than the first reference minimum voltage. Is larger, the first alarm device operates to operate.

For example, in a state where the reference difference voltage is 2V and the first reference minimum voltage is set to 5V, when the minimum value of the detection voltage is 3.6V and the maximum value is 5.5V, the difference voltage is
The detection result is 1.9V, and since 1.9V <2V, there is no clogging. However, by comparing the maximum value of the detected voltage with the reference minimum voltage, 5.5V> 5V, and it can be determined that all of them are blocked. That is, it is means for controlling by comparing the absolute value of the highest detected voltage with the reference minimum voltage, and it is possible to detect the full clogging state which cannot be covered by the configuration of claim 1 or 2.

The structure of claim 4 has the following operation. That is, the configuration of claim 3 compares the maximum voltage with the first reference minimum voltage (5V), and the detection voltage at the time of occurrence of clogging is regarded as 3V (5V-2V).
Therefore, if the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the detection voltage is a relative difference voltage, and the difference between the clogging voltage and the detection maximum voltage is an absolute difference voltage, for example, the detection voltage result of the eight clogging sensors is 3.1 V Up to 4.0V: (Relative difference voltage 1.1V Absolute difference voltage 1.0V) 3.1V to 5.0V: (Relative difference voltage 1.9V Absolute difference voltage 2.0V) 4.3V to 5.2V: (Relative difference voltage 1.9V Absolute difference voltage 2.2 If we consider the three cases V), they are all numerically stuffed. However, in the case of (1), all clogging is detected, but in the case of (1), the detection result is not abnormal in either of the first relative comparing means and the first absolute comparing means, and contradiction occurs.

Therefore, the detection minimum voltage and the second reference voltage (3
In the configuration of claim 4 in which the absolute difference voltage is determined based on the difference from V), clogging is detected in all cases in any of the cases (1), (2), (3). Then, claim 3 is imperfect, but not so simple. That is, in a structure in which sensing is performed by a decrease in resistance between a pair of electrodes, the state is not clearly detected as to whether or not conduction has occurred. Therefore, clogging is considered with a certain decrease in resistance (increase in detection voltage). Therefore, the configuration according to claim 3 and the configuration according to claim 4 are selectively used depending on whether a complete blockage or a narrowing of the passage is regarded as a blockage (actually, a very small amount is flowing). is there.

That is, if the configuration of claim 4 is adopted, the detection of clogging is defined as "completely clogged" when the detection voltages of the plurality of clogging sensors all exceed the second reference minimum voltage. As described above, it can be detected in any of the above cases. However, "narrow passages are considered clogged."
In the above setting, in which the granules are actually supplied in a small amount in most of the groove generators, it is not appropriate to the actual situation. It adopts a configuration. Then, in the case of the above, in which the highest detected voltage does not exceed the first reference minimum voltage (a state in which the granular material is supplied a little), all the clogging is not detected, and the state in which the detected voltage is exceeded (the granular material is exceeded) In the case where the supply is interrupted), all the clogs are detected, and the clogging can be detected according to the actual situation. [Effect] In the clogging detection device according to the first aspect, the clogging is accurately performed by the mutual comparison means of the detection values of the plurality of clogging sensors without the need to adjust the threshold value according to the type of the granular material or the condition of the field. The detection operation is simple and convenient.

The clogging detecting device according to the second aspect has the above-mentioned effect, and additionally has an advantage that the clogging location and the number of clogging can be specified, so that clogging countermeasures and processing can be performed more promptly.

In the clogging detecting device according to the third or fourth aspect, it is possible to detect all clogging which cannot be detected by the configuration of the first and second aspects, and to provide a more satisfactory clogging detection. In the case of claim 3, it is preferable to set "almost clogged state" as the definition of clogging, and in the case of claim 4, it is preferable to set "completely clogged state" as the definition of clogging. It is.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a rice transplanter for eight-row planting, 1 is a traveling body, 2 is a hydraulic lift cylinder, 3 is a link mechanism for lifting and lowering, 4 is a planting device, 5 is a steering front wheel, 6 is a driving rear wheel. The planting device 4 includes four left-side planting devices 4A each.
And the right planting device 4B, and is configured to be foldable, and has a known structure in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-274624 and the like.

The planting device 4 is provided with a planting transmission case 10, a seedling planting mechanism 11, a seedling mounting table 12, a ground float 13, a fertilizer (an example of a granular material spraying device) 14, and the like. . The fertilizer applicator 14 includes a hopper 15 for storing powdered and granular fertilizer, a feeding mechanism 16 for feeding the fertilizer in the hopper 15 by a predetermined amount, a fertilizer supply hose 17 for guiding the fed fertilizer down, and a mud surface in a field. Grooving device 18 for burying fertilizer that is grooved and guided downwards in the groove
And so on.

The ditch cultivator 18 is provided with a ground float 13 near a lateral side of the seedling planting mechanism 11 so as to supply fertilizer near the side of the planted seedling planted by each seedling planting mechanism 11.
Is mounted via a grooved plate 19. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, there is a groove generator 18 for each seedling planting mechanism 11, and one for each row is provided, such as eight for eight rows.

Each groove generator 18 is equipped with a clogging sensor S for detecting clogging of fertilizer due to adhesion of fertilizer containing muddy water to its inner surface. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the groove generator 18 is formed of a conductive plate such as a steel plate, and an insulating member 29 is bolted to a lower side portion of the fertilizer supply hose 17 on a front wall 18 a of the groove generator 18. 2
One of the electrodes 0 and 20 has a tip of a groove generator 18.
The insulating member 29 is embedded and supported so as to face the inner passage. The other electrode is constituted by the groove generator 18 itself by bolting the lead wire 21 to the groove generator front wall 18a.

In other words, conduction occurs due to the bridge phenomenon caused by the adhesion of fertilizer between the groove generator 18 and one of the electrodes 20, and the electric resistance is reduced by the energization. It can detect narrowing of the fertilizer passage. Clog sensor S
Is an electrode 20, a groove generator 18, and two lead wires 21,
21.

As shown in FIG. 4, eight clogging sensors S
1 to S8, a first buzzer 8, a second buzzer 9, a first setting device 22 for setting a reference difference voltage, and a second setting device 23 for setting a first reference minimum voltage are connected to a control device 24. . Then, a first relative voltage for comparing a difference voltage between the minimum voltage and the maximum voltage among the output signal voltages of the clogging sensor S for each groove generator 18 with a reference difference voltage preset by the first setting device 22. The comparison means 7 is provided in the control device 24 and is linked so that the first buzzer 8 is activated when the obtained difference voltage is larger than the reference difference voltage. Also, each clogging sensor S1 ~
The maximum voltage among the output signal voltages of S8 and the second setting unit 2
A first reference voltage to be compared with a first reference minimum voltage preset in step 3
An absolute comparing means 25 is provided, and is linked so that the second buzzer 9 operates when the maximum voltage is higher than the first reference minimum voltage.

For example, in a general field, when the reference difference voltage A is set by the first setting device 22, the reference minimum voltage B is a value obtained by adding the setting value of the second setting device 23 to the reference difference voltage. Is set. For example, the first setting device 22
When the second setting device 23 is operated at 2V and the second setting device 23 is operated at 3V, the reference difference voltage A becomes 2V and the first reference minimum voltage B becomes 2V + 3V.
= 5V.

In the above state, for example, the output signal voltages (detection voltages) of the respective clogging sensors S1 to S8 are S1 = 2.3V S2 = 2.5V S3 = 2.4V S4 = 3.6V S5 = 4.3V S6 = Assuming that 2.9V S7 = 3.7V S8 = 2.8V, the maximum value is 4.3V of S5, and the minimum value is S5.
1 is 2.3V, and the differential voltage C is: 4.3V−2.3V = 2.0V ≧ 2V (reference differential voltage A). Therefore, the first buzzer (an example of an alarm device) 8 sounds. As a result, it is possible to notify that the fertilizer is clogged in any one of the eight groove generators 18.

However, clogging occurs in all groove generators 18, and the output signal voltages (detection voltages) of the respective clogging sensors S1 to S8 are S1 = 3.6V S2 = 3.8V S3 = 3.9V S4 = 4.2, respectively. Assuming that V S5 = 5.5V S6 = 3.9V S7 = 4.5V S8 = 4.7V, the maximum value is 5.5V of S5 and the minimum value is S5.
1, 3.6 V, the difference voltage C is: 5.5 V−3.6 V = 1.9 V <2 V (reference difference voltage A), indicating that no clogging has occurred in the control by the first relative comparison means 7. It becomes sick.

Therefore, in the control by the first absolute comparison means 25, from the maximum value S5, 5.5 V (detection maximum value) ≧ 5.0 V (first reference minimum voltage) [5.5 V
−3.0V = 2.5V ≧ 2V], the second buzzer (an example of the first alarm device) 9 sounds, and the eight groove generators 1 are thereby generated.
It informs that all 8 are clogged. It is considered that the first buzzer 8 and the second buzzer 9 preferably have different tone colors, and the buzzer may be replaced with a lamp.

[Alternative Embodiment] As shown in FIG. 5, the difference voltage between the minimum voltage among the output signal voltages of the clogging sensors S1 to S8 of each groove generator 18 and the output signal voltage of the other ones, A second relative comparing means 26 for comparing with a preset reference difference voltage is provided, and each of the clogging sensors S1 to
S8 alarm lamps L1 to L8 are provided, and when the difference voltage is larger than the reference difference voltage, the clogging sensor S becomes larger.
The second relative comparing means 2 so that the warning lamp for
6 and each warning lamp (an example of warning means) L1 to L8 may be linked.

That is, a second relative comparing means 26 is provided in the control device 24 instead of the first relative comparing means 7,
Eight alarm lamps L1 to L8 are connected to the controller 24. In this state, for example, each of the clogging sensors S1 to S1
The output signal voltage (detection voltage) of S8 is S1 = 2.3V (minimum value) S2 = 2.5V (C: 2.5V-2.3V = 0.2V) S3 = 5.0V (C: 5.0V-2.3V = 2.7V) S4 = 3.7V (C: 3.7V-2.3V = 1.4V) S5 = 4.3V (C: 4.3V-2.3V = 2.0V) S6 = 2.9V (C: 2.9V-2.3V = 0.6V) S7 = 3.5V (C: 3.5V-2.3V = 1.2V) If S8 = 4.5V (C: 4.5V-2.3V = 2.2V), the minimum value is 2.3V of S1. The difference voltage C at the clogging sensors S2 to S8 is detected as shown on the right side of each of the output signal voltages.

In the above case, there are three cases where the difference voltage is 2 V or more, and there are three alarm lamps L for three, five and eight.
3, L5 and L8 are controlled so as to light up, so that it can be seen that clogging has occurred in the third, fifth and eighth groove generators 18. In other words, according to the second relative comparing means 26, "any of the groove producing devices 1"
Is clogging occurring at 8? Can be known.
The operation of the absolute comparing means 25 is exhibited in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, in which case all the alarm lamps L1 to L8 are turned on as the alarm device 9.

As shown in FIG. 5, each clogging sensor S
A second absolute comparison means for comparing a minimum voltage among the output signal voltages of 1 to S8 with a preset second reference minimum voltage, and when the minimum voltage is larger than the second reference minimum voltage; An operating third buzzer (an example of a second alarm device) 27 is provided. In this case, a second absolute comparing means 28 indicated by a virtual line is provided in place of the first absolute comparing means 25, and when all the blocks are detected, the third buzzer 27 sounds instead of the eight alarm lamps.

Incidentally, reference numerals are written in the claims for convenience of comparison with the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the attached drawings by the entry.

[Brief description of the drawings]

Fig. 1 Side view of rice transplanter

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the planting device.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of the clogging sensor, and a partially cutaway side view.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a clogging detection control device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a clogging detection control device having another structure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 7 First Relative Comparison Means 8 Alarm Device 9 Alarm Device 14 Powder and Granule Spraying Device 18 Groove Generator 20 Electrode 25 First Absolute Comparison Device 26 Second Relative Comparison Device 27 Second Alarm Device 28 Second Absolute Comparison Device S1 to S8 Clogging sensor L1 to L8 Alarm means

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] A clogging of powder and granules in a plurality of groove generators (18) of a powder and particle dispersion device (14) is performed by a pair of electrodes (2).
0) and (20), which are clogging detection devices for a powder and particle dispersing device provided with clogging sensors (S1 to S8) which are detected by energization through the powder and particles adhered to each other. (18) The difference voltage between the minimum voltage and the maximum voltage among the output signal voltages of the clog sensors (S1 to S8) for each
A powdery or granular material comprising first relative comparing means (7) for comparing with a preset reference difference voltage, and an alarm device (8) which is activated when the difference voltage is larger than the reference difference voltage; A device for detecting clogging of the spraying device. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the clogging of the granules in the plurality of groove generators of the granule spraying device is performed by a pair of electrodes.
0) and (20), which are clogging detection devices for a powder and particle dispersing device provided with clogging sensors (S1 to S8) which are detected by energization through the powder and particles adhered to each other. (18) A second relative comparison for comparing a difference voltage between the minimum voltage of the output signal voltages of the clogging sensors (S1 to S8) and the output signal voltages of the other ones with a preset reference difference voltage. Means (26), and alarm means (L1 to L8) for each of the clogging sensors (S1 to S8).
L8), and when the difference voltage is greater than the reference difference voltage, the second relative comparison means (26) and the respective alarms are activated so that the alarm means for the increased clog sensor is activated. A clogging detection device for a powder and granular material dispersing device which is linked to the means (L1 to L8). 3. A first absolute comparing means (25) for comparing a maximum voltage among output signal voltages of the respective clogging sensors (S1 to S8) with a preset first reference minimum voltage. 2. A first alarm device (9) which is activated when a maximum voltage is greater than said first reference minimum voltage.
Or the clogging detection device of the granular material spraying device according to 2. 4. A second absolute comparing means (28) for comparing a minimum voltage among output signal voltages of the respective clogging sensors (S1 to S8) with a preset second reference minimum voltage, 3. The clogging detection device for a powder-spraying device according to claim 1, further comprising a second alarm device that operates when the minimum voltage is higher than the second reference minimum voltage.