阅读说明：本技术 流体控制组件和系统 (Fluid control assembly and system ) 是由 T·赫尔曼 J·施托勒 B·施利普夫 于 2019-09-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请公开了一种流体系统,该流体系统包括与流体源流体连通的流体控制组件,所述流体源与流体供应端口流体连通,并且所述流体控制组件经由出口端口与致动器流体连通。控制器控制至少一个供应阀和至少一个排放阀。所述至少一个供应阀和排放阀处于常闭位置,直到被控制器致动到打开位置。流体控制组件包括与出口端口连通的压力传感器。由此,当出口端口中的压力小于预定压力时,控制器打开供应阀,以经由致动器管线将流体连通至致动器,当出口端口中的压力大于预定压力时,控制器打开排放阀,从而以预定范围通气到外部。(A fluid system includes a fluid control assembly in fluid communication with a fluid source, the fluid source being in fluid communication with a fluid supply port, and the fluid control assembly being in fluid communication with an actuator via an outlet port. A controller controls the at least one supply valve and the at least one drain valve. The at least one supply valve and the drain valve are in a normally closed position until actuated to an open position by the controller. The fluid control assembly includes a pressure sensor in communication with the outlet port. Thus, when the pressure in the outlet port is less than the predetermined pressure, the controller opens the supply valve to communicate fluid to the actuator via the actuator line, and when the pressure in the outlet port is greater than the predetermined pressure, the controller opens the discharge valve to vent to the outside in a predetermined range.)

1. A fluid control assembly, the fluid control assembly comprising:

a first supply valve having a first supply valve inlet and a first supply valve outlet, the first supply valve being in a normally closed position in which fluid cannot pass between the first supply valve inlet and the first supply valve outlet until the first supply valve is actuated to an open position in which fluid can pass between the first supply valve inlet and the first supply valve outlet;

a first discharge valve having a first discharge valve inlet and a first discharge valve outlet, the first discharge valve being in a normally closed position in which fluid cannot pass between the first discharge valve inlet and the first discharge valve outlet until the first discharge valve is actuated to an open position in which fluid can pass between the first discharge valve inlet and the first discharge valve outlet;

a housing receiving the first supply valve and the first discharge valve, the housing defining:

a first supply port having a first supply passage in fluid communication with the first supply valve inlet;

a first outlet port having a first outlet passage in fluid communication with the first supply valve outlet, the first outlet port having a second outlet passage in fluid communication with the first discharge valve inlet;

a first discharge port having a first discharge passage in fluid communication with the first discharge valve outlet;

a first pressure sensor port in fluid communication with the first outlet port.

2. The fluid control assembly of claim 1, wherein the first supply valve, the first exhaust valve, the first supply port, the first outlet port, the first exhaust port, and the first pressure sensor port comprise a descent circuit portion of the fluid control assembly, and wherein the fluid control assembly further comprises a lift circuit portion comprising:

a second supply valve having a second supply valve inlet and a second supply valve outlet, the second supply valve being in a normally closed position in which fluid cannot pass between the second supply valve inlet and the second supply valve outlet until the second supply valve is actuated to an open position in which the fluid can pass between the second supply valve inlet and the second supply valve outlet;

a second discharge valve having a second discharge valve inlet and a second discharge valve outlet, the second discharge valve being in a normally closed position in which the fluid cannot pass between the second discharge valve inlet and the second discharge valve outlet until the second discharge valve is actuated to an open position in which fluid can pass between the second discharge valve inlet and the second discharge valve outlet;

wherein the housing receives the second supply valve and the second drain valve, the housing further defining:

a second supply port having a second supply passage in fluid communication with the second supply valve inlet;

a second outlet port having a third outlet passage in fluid communication with the second supply valve outlet, the second outlet port having a fourth outlet passage in fluid communication with the second drain valve inlet;

a second discharge port having a second discharge passage in fluid communication with the second discharge valve outlet;

a second pressure sensor port in fluid communication with the second outlet port.

3. A fluid system for controlling agricultural operations, the fluid system comprising:

the fluid control assembly of claim 1;

a controller in signal communication with the first supply valve and the first discharge valve;

an actuator configured to exert a force on an agricultural implement;

a first fluid supply line fluidly connecting the first supply port to a fluid source;

a first actuator line fluidly connecting the actuator to the first outlet port;

a first pressure sensor in fluid communication with the first pressure sensor port, the first pressure sensor in signal communication with the controller.

4. The fluid system of claim 3, wherein the agricultural implement is a downforce assembly.

5. The fluid system of claim 3, wherein the agricultural implement is a ridge cleaner.

6. The fluid system of claim 3, wherein the agricultural implement is a closed trench assembly.

7. The fluid system of any one of claims 3-6, wherein the actuator is a cylinder.

8. The fluidic system of any of claims 3-6, wherein said actuator is a balloon.

9. The fluidic system of any of claims 7-8, wherein:

when the first pressure sensor detects that the pressure in the first actuator line is less than a predetermined pressure, the controller is configured to generate a signal to actuate the first supply valve to an open position of the first supply valve, followed by fluid flow from the fluid source through the open first supply valve via the first fluid supply line and then to the actuator via the first actuator line connecting the first outlet port to the actuator while the first exhaust valve is always in a normally closed position of the first exhaust valve; and is

When the first pressure sensor detects that the pressure in the first actuator line is greater than a predetermined pressure, the controller is configured to generate a signal to actuate the first discharge valve to an open position of the first discharge valve to cause fluid to flow from the actuator through the open first discharge valve via the first fluid supply line to discharge the fluid through the first discharge port while the first supply valve is always in a normally closed position of the first supply valve.

10. A fluid system for controlling agricultural operations, the fluid system comprising:

the fluid control assembly of claim 2;

a controller in signal communication with the first supply valve, the first discharge valve, the second supply valve, and the second discharge valve;

an actuator configured to exert a force on an agricultural implement;

a first fluid supply line fluidly connecting the first supply port to a fluid source;

a second fluid supply line fluidly connecting the second supply port to the fluid source;

a first actuator line fluidly connecting the actuator to the first outlet port;

a second actuator line fluidly connecting the actuator to the second outlet port;

a first pressure sensor in fluid communication with the first pressure sensor port, the first pressure sensor in signal communication with the controller;

a second pressure sensor in fluid communication with the second pressure sensor port, the second pressure sensor in signal communication with the controller.

11. The fluid system of claim 10, wherein the agricultural implement is a downforce assembly.

12. The fluid system of claim 10, wherein the agricultural implement is a ridge cleaner.

13. The fluid system of claim 10, wherein the agricultural implement is a closed trench assembly.

14. The fluidic system of any of claims 10-13, wherein:

when the first pressure sensor detects that the pressure in the first actuator line is less than a predetermined pressure, the controller is configured to generate a signal to actuate the first supply valve to an open position of the first supply valve and to actuate the second exhaust valve to an open position of the second exhaust valve, whereby fluid flows from the fluid source through the open first supply valve via the first fluid supply line, then to the actuator via the first actuator line connecting the first outlet to the actuator, and whereby fluid flows from the actuator out through the second actuator line connecting the actuator to the second outlet port, thereby exhausting the fluid through the second exhaust port.

15. The fluidic system of any of claims 10-14, wherein:

when the second pressure sensor detects that the pressure in the second actuator line is less than a predetermined pressure, the controller is configured to generate a signal to actuate the second supply valve to an open position of the second supply valve and to actuate the first exhaust valve to an open position of the first exhaust valve, whereby fluid flows from the fluid source through the open second supply valve via the second fluid supply line, then to the actuator through the second actuator line connecting the second outlet port to the actuator, and whereby fluid flows from the actuator out through the first actuator line connecting the actuator to the first outlet port, thereby exhausting the fluid through the first exhaust port.

16. The fluidic system of claim 14, wherein said actuator is a balloon.

17. The fluid system of any one of claims 14-15, wherein the actuator is a cylinder having a lowering chamber and a lifting chamber, and wherein the first actuator line is in fluid communication with the lowering chamber and the second actuator line is in fluid communication with the lifting chamber.

18. The fluid system of claim 14 or 15, wherein the actuator comprises a first balloon and a second balloon, the first actuator line being in fluid communication with the first balloon and the second actuator line being in fluid communication with the second balloon.

19. The fluidic system of any of claims 10-13, wherein said actuator is a balloon, and wherein:

when the first pressure sensor detects that the pressure in the first actuator line is less than a predetermined pressure, the controller is configured to generate a signal to actuate the first supply valve to an open position of the first supply valve, and actuating the second supply valve to an open position of the second supply valve whereby fluid flows from the fluid source through the open first supply valve via the first fluid supply line, and to the bladder via the first actuator line connecting the first outlet port to the actuator, fluid flowing from the fluid source via the second fluid supply line through an open second supply valve, flow to the bladder via the second actuator line connecting the second outlet port to the actuator while the first and second bleed valves are always in a normally closed state.

20. The fluidic system of any of claims 10-13, wherein said actuator is a balloon, and wherein:

when the first pressure sensor detects that the pressure in the first actuator line is greater than a predetermined pressure, the controller is configured to generate a signal to actuate the first discharge valve to an open position of the first discharge valve and to actuate the second discharge valve to an open position of the second discharge valve, whereby fluid flows from the bladder via the first actuator line connecting the bladder to the first outlet port and through the open first discharge valve to discharge fluid from the first discharge port, and fluid flows from the bladder via the second actuator line connecting the bladder to the second outlet port and through the open second discharge valve to discharge fluid from the second discharge port.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a fluid control assembly.

Fig. 2 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the fluid control assembly of fig. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded top perspective view of the fluid control assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the fluid control assembly of FIG. 1 showing the bottom side of the fluid control assembly housing.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of a valve including the fluid control assembly of FIG. 1.

Fig. 6A and 6B schematically illustrate operation of a fluid system in which the fluid control assembly of fig. 1 controls a hydraulic cylinder to increase a downforce and an upflow force, respectively.

Fig. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate operation of a fluid system in which the fluid control assembly of fig. 1 controls a bladder to increase and decrease downforce, respectively.

Fig. 8A and 8B schematically illustrate operation of a fluid system in which the fluid control assembly of fig. 1 controls a pair of bladders to increase a downforce and an upflow force, respectively.

Fig. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of a ridge unit of an agricultural planter showing an embodiment of a ridge cleaner assembly, an embodiment of a lower pressure assembly, and an embodiment of a closure wheel assembly, each of which may be operated by the fluid control assembly of fig. 1.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a fluid control assembly.

Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the fluid control assembly of fig. 10.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the fluid control assembly of FIG. 10 with the top cover removed.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a circuit board for the fluid control assembly of FIG. 10 with the valve removed.

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a top cover of the fluid control assembly of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional front view of a top cover of the fluid control assembly of FIG. 10.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view in cross-section of a top cover of the fluid control assembly of FIG. 10.

17A and 17B schematically illustrate operation of a fluid system in which the fluid control assembly of FIG. 10 controls a bladder to increase and decrease downforce, respectively.

Detailed Description

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, fig. 1 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of a fluid control assembly 10, an exemplary use of which will be described later. Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded bottom perspective view of the fluid control assembly 10 of fig. 1. As used herein, the term "fluid" is intended to encompass any type of gas, including, but not limited to, air, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. Thus, while the term "air" may be identified in some of the figures referred to herein in connection with the description of the exemplary embodiments, systems, and uses disclosed herein, it should be understood that the fluid control assembly 10, as well as the systems and uses disclosed herein, may be used with any of the fluids defined above.

The fluid control assembly 10 includes a housing 12, the housing 12 including a top cover 14 and a bottom plate 16. A plurality of valves 30, 31, 32, 33 (fig. 2-4) are mounted to the circuit board 18, which is received within the top cover 14. As shown in fig. 4, the base plate 16 and circuit board 18 include aligned holes 17, 19, the holes 17, 19 further aligning with holes 21 in posts 20 extending downwardly from the underside of the top cover 12. Threaded connectors (not shown) extend through the holes 17, 19 and into the holes 21 to secure the base plate 16 and circuit board 18 to the top cover 14, thereby encapsulating the circuit board 18 and valves 30, 31, 32, 33 within the housing 12.

The top cover 14 includes a communication port 34 for providing data/signal connection with the circuit board 18. The communication port 34 may receive a connector 35 on the circuit board 18 for mating with a mating connector (not shown) for signal communication with a remote control 110 (discussed later). The communication port 34 may be for a 6 pin DT connector, a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus connector, USB, ethernet, RS-232 or any other type of data/signal connector.

The top cap 14 also includes first and second fluid inlet ports 52, 62, first and second discharge ports 54, 64, and first and second fluid outlet ports 56, 66. As best seen in fig. 4, the top cover 14 further includes a descent pressure sensor tube 68 in communication with the first fluid outlet port 56 and a ascent pressure sensor tube 70 in communication with the second fluid outlet port 66. The droop pressure sensor tube 68 is aligned with a droop pressure sensor 69 provided on the circuit board 18 and provides communication with the droop pressure sensor 69 to detect fluid pressure within the first fluid outlet port 56 for purposes discussed later. Similarly, the lift pressure sensor tube 70 is aligned with a lift pressure sensor 71 disposed on the circuit board 18 and provides communication with the lift pressure sensor 71 to detect the pressure within the second fluid outlet port 66 for purposes discussed later.

Referring to fig. 5, each of the valves 30, 31, 32, 33 includes a fixture 34 at one end, the fixture 34 having a pair of longitudinally aligned valve passages (represented by the reference "X-1" or "X-2", where "X" is a variable corresponding to each of the respective valves 30, 31, 32, 33). The valves 30, 31, 32, 33 may be two-way pneumatic valves from Asco Valve, inc.,160Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ,07932 that are in a normally closed position (i.e., so that fluid cannot pass between the channels X-1, X-2 of the Valve) until energized or actuated, thereby opening the Valve (i.e., so that fluid can pass between the channels X-1, X-2 of the Valve). The upper end of the fixture 34 also includes an alignment hole 37 for aligning with a pin 38 (fig. 4) on the underside of the top cap 14 to ensure that the valve channels X-1, X-2 are aligned with the corresponding openings of each of the ports 52, 54, 56, 62, 64, 66 in the top cap 14. The gasket 47 is disposed over the valve passages X-1, X-2 and seated within a recess 39 (fig. 4), which recess 39 surrounds each opening associated with each of the ports 52, 54, 56, 62, 64, 66 in the bottom side of the top cover 14, thereby providing an air-tight seal between the valve passages and the aligned port openings.

Referring to fig. 3, the fluid control assembly 10 is divided into a descent circuit 50 and a lift circuit 60.

Descending loop

The droop circuit 50 includes a first fluid inlet port 52, a first exhaust port 54, a first fluid outlet port 56, a first fluid supply valve 30, a first fluid exhaust valve 32, a droop pressure sensor tube 68, and a droop pressure sensor 69.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, in the descent circuit 50, the valve passage 30-1 of the first fluid supply valve 30 is aligned with the opening 52-1 at the bottom of the first fluid inlet port 52. The other valve passage 30-2 of the first fluid supply valve 30 is aligned with the first opening 56-1 of the first fluid outlet port 56. The valve passage 32-1 of the first fluid discharge valve 32 is aligned with the second opening 56-2 of the first fluid outlet port 56. The other valve passage 32-2 of the first fluid discharge valve 32 is aligned with the opening 54-1 of the first discharge port 54.

Lifting loop

The lift circuit 60 includes a second inlet port 62, a second exhaust port 64, a second outlet port 66, a second fluid supply valve 31, a second fluid exhaust valve 33, a lift pressure sensor tube 70, and a lift pressure sensor 71.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, in the lift circuit 60, the valve passage 31-1 of the second fluid supply valve 31 is aligned with the opening 62-1 at the bottom of the second fluid inlet port 62. The other valve passage 31-2 of the second fluid supply valve 31 is aligned with the second opening 66-2 of the second fluid outlet port 66. The first valve passage 33-1 of the second fluid discharge valve 33 is aligned with the first opening 66-1 of the second fluid outlet port 66. The other valve passage 33-2 of the second fluid discharge valve 33 is aligned with the opening 64-1 of the second discharge port 64.

Overview of System and operation

The operation of the fluid control assembly 10 is described below and schematically illustrated in connection with various fluid system configurations as shown in fig. 6A-8B. In each configuration, the fluid system includes a fluid control assembly 10 in communication with a fluid source 80 and one or more pneumatic actuators 90. Fluid source 80 may be a tank of fluid under pressure with a compressor or other suitable fluid source. The pneumatic actuator 90 may be a hydraulic cylinder or a fluid bag. The pneumatic actuator 90 is schematically shown as having one end supported by a fixed or non-movable bracket, arm or frame member 97, while the other end is connected to a movable bracket or arm 99, which movable bracket or arm 99 moves or pivots in response to a downward or upward force applied by the pneumatic actuator 90. The circuit board 18 includes electrical traces or signal paths 83 between the communication port 34/connector 35 and each of the valves 30, 31, 32, 33 for signal communication therebetween. The circuit board 18 also includes electrical traces 85, 87 between the communication port 34/connector 35 and the respective drop pressure sensor 69 and lift pressure sensor 71 for signal communication therebetween. In some embodiments, all processing of the signals for controlling the valves 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 may be performed by a processor on the circuit board 18. In other embodiments, the data/signal line 89 may connect the remote control 110 to the communication port 34/connector 35 for signal communication of the remote control 110 with the pressure sensors 69, 71 and valves 30, 31, 32, 33. In yet another alternative embodiment, closed loop control may be used to control the pressure in the droop circuit 50 and the lift circuit 60 to selected values set by the operator. In such embodiments, the selected value may be a selected amount of pressure in the outlet ports 56, 66, or the selected value may be a predetermined position of the movable member 99 detected by a position sensor (not shown) disposed to detect a position of the movable member 99.

Referring to fig. 6A-6B, a system 100A is shown in which the inlet port 52 of the descent circuit 50 of the fluid control assembly 10 is in communication with a fluid source 80 via a descent circuit supply line 82. The inlet port 62 of the lift circuit 60 communicates with the fluid source 80 through a lift circuit supply line 84. The descent circuit actuator line 86 is connected between the descent circuit outlet port 56 and the descent chamber 94 of the pneumatic actuator 90A. The lift circuit actuator line 88 is connected between the lift circuit outlet port 66 and the lift chamber 96 of the pneumatic actuator 90A. In this embodiment, the pneumatic actuator 90A includes a fluid cylinder having a cylinder 92 with an internal piston 98, with a piston rod 98A extending from the internal piston 98. The area of the cylinder 92 above the piston 98 defines a drop chamber 94. The area of the cylinder below the piston 98 defines the lift chamber 96. The piston rod 98A is pivotally connected to the movable arm 99.

In operation, referring to FIG. 6A, if the droop pressure sensor 69 detects that the pressure in the droop circuit actuator line 86 is below a predetermined or selected pressure, a signal is generated to open the first fluid supply valve 30 (all valves 30, 31, 32, 33 are normally in the closed position, as previously described). With the first fluid supply valve 30 open, pressurized fluid from the fluid source 80 travels through the supply line 82 and into the inlet port opening 52-1, then into the first and second valve passages 30-1 and 30-2, then into the opening 56-2, then out through the drop circuit outlet port 56 and into the drop chamber 94 through the drop circuit actuator line 86, which forces the piston 98 and the movable arm 99 downward. As the piston 98 moves downward, the pressure in the lift circuit actuator line 88 increases. When the lift pressure sensor 71 detects that the pressure in the lift circuit actuator line 88 exceeds a predetermined or set pressure, a signal is generated to open the second vent valve 33, allowing fluid to vent from the lift chamber 96 through the lift circuit actuator line 88 and the lift circuit outlet port 66, then through the passages 33-1, 33-2 of the second vent valve 33 and the vent port opening 64-1, and then to atmosphere. When the lower pressure sensor 69 detects that the pressure in the drop circuit actuator line 86 reaches a predetermined or set pressure, a signal is generated to close the previously opened valve 30, 33.

As shown in fig. 6B, if the lift pressure sensor 71 detects that the pressure in the lift circuit actuator line 88 is below a predetermined or selected pressure, a signal is generated to open the second fluid supply valve 31 from its normally closed position. With the second fluid supply valve 31 open, pressurized fluid from the fluid source 80 travels through the second supply line 84 into the inlet port opening 62-1, then into the first and second valve passages 31-1 and 31-2, then into the opening 66-2, then out through the lift circuit outlet port 66 and into the lift chamber 96 through the lift circuit actuator line 88, which forces the piston 98 and the movable arm 99 upward. As the piston 98 moves upward, the pressure in the descent circuit actuator line 86 increases. When the lower pressure sensor 69 detects that the pressure in the descent circuit actuator line 86 exceeds a predetermined or set pressure, a signal is generated to open the first exhaust valve 32, allowing fluid to exhaust from the descent chamber 94 through the descent circuit actuator line 86 and the descent circuit outlet port 56, then through the passages 32-1, 32-2 of the first exhaust valve 32 and the exhaust port opening 54-1, and then to the atmosphere. When the lift pressure sensor 71 detects that the pressure in the lift circuit actuator line 86 reaches a predetermined or set pressure, a signal is generated to close the previously opened valve 31, 32.

Fig. 7A-7B schematically illustrate another embodiment of a fluid system 100B. The configuration of system 100B is similar to that of system 100A, except that: the pneumatic actuator 90 is an air bag 90B having only a single chamber. One end of the air bag 90B is mounted on the fixed bracket 97 or the stationary bracket 97. The other end of the air bag 90B is fixed to the movable arm 99. Comparing fig. 7A and 7B, it can be seen that when the fluid bag is inflated (fig. 7A), the inflation of the bladder forces the moveable arm downward. When the balloon is deflated or compressed (fig. 7B), the movable arm 99 moves upward.

In operation, referring to fig. 7A, if the droop pressure sensor 69 detects that the pressure in the droop circuit output line 86 is below a predetermined or selected pressure, a signal is generated to open the first and second fluid supply valves 30, 31. With the first and second fluid supply valves 30, 31 open, pressurized fluid from the fluid source 80 travels through the respective supply lines 82, 84 and into the respective inlet port openings 52-1, 62-1 and the respective first and second valve passages 30-1, 30-2, 31-1, 31-2, then into the respective openings 56-2, 66-2, then out through the descent circuit outlet port 56 and the lift circuit outlet port 66 and into the fluid bag 90B through the respective actuator lines 86, 88, thereby inflating the air bag 90B, forcing the movable arm 99 downward. When the lower and lift pressure sensors 71 detect that the pressure in the respective lines 86, 88 exceeds a predetermined or set pressure, a signal is generated to close both supply valves 30, 31.

As shown in fig. 7B, if the droop pressure sensor 69 detects that the droop pressure in the droop circuit actuator line 86 exceeds a predetermined or selected pressure, a signal is generated to open the first and second discharge valves 32, 33 from their normally closed positions. With the first and second discharge valves 32, 33 open, fluid is allowed to vent from the air bags through the respective actuator lines 86, 88 and outlet ports 56, 66, then through the passages 32-1, 32-2, 33-1, 33-2 of the first and second discharge valves 32, 33 and the respective discharge port openings 54-1, 64-1, and then to atmosphere. When the lower pressure sensor 69 detects that the pressure in the drop circuit actuator line 86 reaches a predetermined or set pressure, a signal is generated to close both of the discharge valves 32, 33.

It should be appreciated that instead of both supply valves 30, 31 being open to allow fluid to inflate the bladder 90B and both vent valves 32, 33 being open to allow fluid to escape into the bladder 90B, only one supply valve and only one vent valve need be open at a time, but that bladder inflation or deflation can take longer.

Fig. 8A-8B schematically illustrate another embodiment of a fluid system 100C. In this embodiment, two balloons 90B-1, 90B-2 are stacked together with a movable arm 99 disposed between the balloons 90B-1, 90B-2, with the other ends of the two balloons being secured to fixed or stationary supports 97-1, 97-2. In practice, there is a movable arm 99 between the two stacked bladders 90B-1, 90B-2 that operates and functions substantially the same as the descent and ascent chambers of the system 100A.

Thus, in operation, referring to FIG. 8A, if the droop pressure sensor 69 detects that the pressure in the droop circuit actuator line 86 is below a predetermined or selected pressure, a signal is generated to open the first fluid supply valve 30. With the first fluid supply valve 30 open, pressurized fluid from the fluid source 80 travels through the supply line 82 into the inlet port opening 52-1, then into the first and second valve passages 30-1 and 30-2, then into the opening 56-2, then out through the descent circuit outlet 56 and through the descent circuit actuator line 86 into the upper bladder 90B-1, which causes the upper bladder 90B-1 to expand and the lower bladder 90B-2 to contract, forcing the movable arm 99 downward. As the lower air bag 90B-2 deflates, the pressure in the lift circuit actuator line 88 increases. When the lift pressure sensor 71 detects that the pressure in the lift circuit actuator line 88 exceeds a predetermined or set pressure, a signal is generated to open the second exhaust valve 33, allowing fluid to exhaust from the lower bladder 90B-2 through the lift circuit actuator line 88 and the lift circuit outlet port 66, then through the passages 33-1, 33-2 of the second exhaust valve 33 and the second exhaust port opening 64-1, and then to the atmosphere. When the lower pressure sensor 69 detects that the pressure in the drop circuit actuator line 86 reaches a predetermined or set pressure, a signal is generated to close the previously opened valve 30, 33.

As shown in fig. 8B, if the lift pressure sensor 71 detects that the pressure in the lift circuit actuator line 88 is below a predetermined or selected pressure, a signal is generated to open the second fluid supply valve 31 from its normally closed position. With the second fluid supply valve 31 open, pressurized fluid from the fluid source 80 travels through the second supply line 84 into the inlet port opening 62-1, then into the first and second valve passages 31-1 and 31-2, then into the opening 66-2, then out through the lift circuit outlet 66 and into the lower bladder 90B-2 through the lift circuit actuator line 88, which causes the lower bladder 90B-2 to expand and the upper bladder 90B-1 to contract, forcing the movable arm 99 upward. As the upper bladder 90B-1 deflates, the pressure in the descent circuit actuator line 86 increases. When lower pressure sensor 69 detects that the pressure in the descent circuit actuator line 86 exceeds a predetermined or set pressure, a signal is generated to open first exhaust valve 32, allowing fluid to be exhausted from upper bladder 90B-1 through descent circuit actuator line 86 and descent circuit outlet port 56, then through passages 32-1, 32-2 of first exhaust valve 32 and first exhaust port 54-1, and then to atmosphere. When the lift pressure sensor 71 detects that the pressure in the lift circuit actuator line 88 reaches a predetermined or set pressure, a signal is generated to close the previously opened valve 31, 32.

Exemplary use

Fig. 9 is a side view of a ridge unit 200 of an agricultural planter moving in the direction of travel shown by arrow 201. The ridge unit 200 includes a ridge unit frame 202, the ridge unit frame 202 supported from a transverse tool bar 204 by parallel linkage 206, the parallel linkage 206 allowing the ridge unit frame 202 to move vertically independent of the tool bar 204. The ridge unit frame 202 supports a seed hopper 208, a seed trench opening assembly 210, a seed meter 212, and a seed tube or seed conveyor 214. Generally, the sowing trench opening assembly 210 includes an opening disc 216, a ranging wheel 218, and a depth adjustment mechanism 220. The opening disc 216 is rotatably supported on a downwardly extending shank 222 of the ridge unit frame 202. The ranging wheel 218 is pivotally supported from the ridge unit frame 202 by a ranging wheel arm 224. In operation, as the ridge unit 200 travels in the forward direction of travel, the trench disk 216 forms a seed trench 230 in the soil. The seed meter 212 discharges seeds 232, which seeds 232 are deposited in the open seed furrows 220 by the seed tube or conveyor 214.

The ridge unit 200 may include a supplemental downforce assembly 300, a ridge cleaner 400, and a moat closure assembly 500. The supplemental downforce assembly 300, the ridge cleaner 400, and the close trench assembly 500 may be collectively referred to as an "agricultural implement".

The supplemental down force assembly 300 may be an AirForce system, available from Precision placement LLC,23207Townline Rd, Tremont, IL 61568, that includes a pneumatic actuator 302, which pneumatic actuator 302 is securely supported at its upper end by a bracket fixed to the tool shaft. The other end of the actuator is connected to one of the linkages of the parallel linkage 206. The supplemental downforce assembly 300 may be incorporated with the fluid control assembly 10 and utilize the fluid system 100A described above, wherein the pneumatic actuator 90A of the system 100A corresponds to the actuator 302 and the parallel linkage 206 corresponds to the movable member 99 of the system 100A, wherein the fluid supply lines 82, 84 communicate fluid from the fluid tank 80 supported on the tool shaft 204 to the respective lower and upper chambers of the actuator 302, as described in connection with the system 100A. Alternatively, supplemental downforce assembly 300 may utilize fluid system 100B described above, wherein actuator 302 corresponds to bladder 90B of system 100B, and parallel linkage 206 corresponds to movable member 99. Alternatively, supplemental downforce assembly 300 may utilize the fluid system 100C described above, wherein actuator 302 may be replaced by two bladders 90B-1 and 90B-2 of system 100C, and parallel linkage 206 corresponds to movable member 99.

The ridger 400 includes a pair of rotating wheels 402 supported by forwardly extending arms 404 pivotally connected to the ridge unit frame 202. An actuator 406 is supported at one end thereof from the ridge unit frame 202 and connected at the other end thereof to the arm 404. In operation, wheel 402 is caused to rotate by engaging the soil and moving debris to both sides, thereby leaving the soil clear of debris in front of furrow opening disc 216. The actuator 406 adjusts the downward pressure on the arm to vary how aggressive the wheel 402 engages the soil. The ridger assembly 400 may be substantially identical to the ridger apparatus disclosed in U.S. patent No. US9,752,596, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The ridger 400 may incorporate the fluid control assembly 10 and utilize the fluid system 100A described above, wherein the pneumatic actuator 90A of the system 100A corresponds to the actuator identified by the reference numeral "200" in U.S. patent US9,752,596. Commercial examples disclosed in US9,752,596 are sold as clearsweep, available from Precision placement LLC,23207Townline Rd, trimont, IL 61568.

The gutter assembly 500 may be any embodiment of a gutter assembly disclosed in the applicant's co-pending international patent application PCT/US2019/020452, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The cloacal assembly 500 may incorporate the fluid control assembly 10 and utilize the fluid system 100B described above, wherein the pneumatic actuator 90B of the system 100B corresponds to the actuator identified by reference numeral "259" in international patent application PCT/US 2019/020452.

Alternative fluid control system

Fig. 10-16 illustrate an embodiment of an alternative fluid control system 10' suitable for applications requiring only downward pressure control. Thus, in this embodiment, only the droop circuit 50' is provided.

Similar to the fluid control assembly 10 described above, the fluid control assembly 10' includes a housing 12', the housing 12' including a top cover 14' and a bottom plate 16 '. A plurality of valves 30', 31' (fig. 11-12) are mounted to the circuit board 18 'housed within the top cover 14'. The base plate 16' and circuit board 18' include aligned holes 17', 19', the holes 17', 19' further aligning with holes 21' in posts 20' extending downwardly from the underside of the top cover 12 '. Threaded connectors (not shown) extend through the holes 17', 19' and into the holes 21 'to secure the base plate 16' and circuit board 18 'to the top cover 14', thereby encapsulating the circuit board 18 'and valves 30', 32 'within the housing 12'.

The top cover 14' includes a communication port 34' for providing data/signal connection with the circuit board 18 '. As described above, the communication port 34' may receive a connector 35' on the circuit board 18' for mating with a mating connector (not shown) for signal communication with the remote controller 110. The communication port 34' may be for a 6 pin DT connector, a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus connector, USB, ethernet, RS-232 or any other type of data/signal connector.

Top cap 14 'also includes fluid inlet port 52', exhaust port 54', and outlet port 56'. As shown in fig. 14 and 16, the top cap 14' also includes a falling pressure sensor tube 68' in communication with the fluid outlet port 56 '. The descent pressure sensor tube 68' is aligned with a descent pressure sensor 69' disposed on the circuit board 18' and provides communication with the descent pressure sensor 69' to detect fluid pressure within the fluid outlet port 56 '.

Referring to fig. 11, each of the valves 30', 32' has a fixture 34 'at one end, the fixture 34' having a pair of longitudinally aligned valve passages 30'-1, 30' -2, 32'-1, 32' -2. The valves 30', 32' may be two-way pneumatic valves from Asco Valve, inc.,160Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ,07932 that are in a normally closed position (i.e., so that fluid cannot pass between the channels 30'-1 to 30' -2 of the Valve 30 'or between the channels 32' -1 to 32'-2 of the Valve 32') until energized or actuated, thereby causing the valves to open (i.e., so that fluid can pass between the channels 30'-1 to 30' -2 of the Valve 30 'or between the channels 32' -1 to 32'-2 of the Valve 32'). The upper end of each fixture 34 'also includes an alignment hole 37' for aligning with a peg 38 '(fig. 16) on the underside of the top cap 14' to ensure proper alignment of the valve channel with the corresponding opening of each of the ports 52', 54', 56 'in the top cap 14'. The gasket 47' is disposed over the valve passages 30' -1, 30' -2, 32' -1, 32' -2 and is seated within a recess 39' (fig. 16), the recess 39' surrounding each opening associated with each of the ports 52', 54', 56' on the bottom side of the top cover 14', thereby providing an air-tight seal between the valve passages and the aligned port openings.

Referring to fig. 11 and 15-16, in the descent circuit 50', the valve channel 30' -1 of the fluid supply valve 30' is aligned with the opening 52' -1 at the bottom of the first fluid inlet port 52 '. The other valve passage 30'-2 of the fluid supply valve 30' is aligned with the first opening 56'-1 of the first fluid outlet port 56'. The valve channel 32'-1 of the fluid discharge valve 32' is aligned with the second opening 56'-2 of the fluid outlet port 56'. The other valve passage 32'-2 of the fluid discharge valve 32' is aligned with the opening 54'-1 of the discharge port 54'.

The operation of fluid control assembly 10 'is similar to that described above in connection with fluid control assembly 10 (except without the lift circuit), and thus only one example of a fluid control system 100' is described below and schematically illustrated in fig. 17A-17B. The fluid system 100 'includes a fluid control assembly 10' in communication with a fluid source 80 and one or more pneumatic actuators 90. Fluid source 80 may be a tank of fluid under pressure having a compressor or other suitable fluid source. The pneumatic actuator 90 may be a hydraulic cylinder or a fluid bag. In fig. 17A-17B, the pneumatic actuator 90 is schematically illustrated as an air bag 90B having only a single chamber. One end of the balloon 90B is mounted on a fixed or stationary support 97. The other end of the air bag 90B is fixed to a movable arm 99. Comparing fig. 17A and 17B, when the fluid bag is inflated (fig. 17A), the inflation of the bladder forces the moveable arm downward. When the balloon is deflated or compressed (fig. 17B), the movable arm 99 moves upward. As previously described, the circuit board 18' includes an electrical trace or signal path 83 between the communication port 34 '/connector 35' and each of the valves 30, 32 for signal communication therebetween. The circuit board 18 'also includes electrical traces 85 between the communication port 34'/connector 35 'and the descent pressure sensor 69' for signal communication therebetween. In some embodiments, all processing of the signals for controlling the valves 30', 32' may be performed by a processor on the circuit board 18 '. In other embodiments, the data/signal line 89 may connect the remote control 110 to the communication port 34 '/connector 35' for signal communication of the remote control 110 with the pressure sensor 69 and valves 30, 32. In another alternative embodiment, closed loop control may be used to control the pressure in the droop circuit 50' to the selected value set by the operator. In such embodiments, the selected value may be a selected amount of pressure in the outlet port 56, or the selected value may be a predetermined position of the movable member 99 detected by a position sensor (not shown) arranged to detect the position of the movable member 99.

In operation, referring to fig. 17A, if the droop pressure sensor 69 'detects that the pressure in the droop circuit actuator line 86 is below a predetermined or selected pressure, a signal is generated to open the fluid supply valve 30'. With the fluid supply valve 30' open, pressurized fluid from the fluid source 80 travels through the supply line 82 and into the inlet port opening 52' -1 of the first valve passage 30' -1, then into the opening 56' -1 of the outlet 56', then out through the actuator line 86 and into the bladder 90B, thereby inflating the bladder 90B, forcing the movable arm 99 downward. When the pressure in the descent circuit actuator line 86 is detected by the descent pressure sensor 69 to exceed a predetermined or set pressure, a signal is generated to close the supply valve 30.

As shown in fig. 17B, if the drawdown pressure sensor 69 detects that the drawdown pressure in the actuator line 86 exceeds a predetermined or selected pressure, a signal is generated to open the discharge valve 32' from its normally closed position. With the vent valve 32 'open, fluid is allowed to vent from the bladder 90B through the actuator line 86, through the outlet port 56' -2 of the outlet 56', then through the passage 32' -1, then through the passage 32'-2 of the vent valve 32', then through the vent port opening 54'-1 of the vent port 54', and then to atmosphere. When the lower pressure sensor 69' detects that the pressure in the drop circuit actuator line 86 has reached a predetermined or set pressure, a signal is generated to close the bleed valve 32.

An exemplary use of the fluid control assembly 10' is for controlling fluid flow to actuate an actuator of any of the supplemental downforce assembly 300, the furrow cleaner 400, or the furrow closing assembly 500 described above.

The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above to illustrate the details of the invention and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The details and features of the disclosed embodiments are not intended to be limiting since numerous variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.