System and method for detecting a connection error

Abstract

System for detecting a connection fault associated with an agricultural implement, the system comprising: a first supply source for delivering a quantity of air at a first pressure into a hydraulic line arranged on an agricultural implement; a second supply source for delivering a quantity of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic line at a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure, and is introduced into the hydraulic line after the first medium has been removed; and at least one protective device coupled to the hydraulic line, wherein at least one protective device is configured to prevent flow of hydraulic fluid supplied by the second supply source through an inlet of the protective device when a pressure differential exceeds a specified threshold.

Description

Territory of Revelation

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to fault detection systems and in particular to a system and a method for detecting a connection fault in a hydraulic line of an agricultural device. Background of the Revelation

[0002] Detecting connection faults in hydraulic systems has become increasingly difficult. Some conventional methods involve using standard compressed air to check that connections are properly seated. For example, German patent application DE 43 37 521 A1 proposes checking the functionality of hydraulic units, particularly pumps, using a compressible medium such as air. However, disadvantages of this approach include poor detection capabilities to ensure that connections are fully tightened. This can, in turn, lead to significant oil leaks and system failures. Therefore, there is a need for an improved detection system to address these problems. Summary of Revelation

[0003] The objective of the present invention is to provide an improved system for determining correctly seated and complete connections.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for detecting a connection fault in connection with an agricultural implement is disclosed. The system comprises a first supply source configured to deliver a quantity of air at a first pressure into the hydraulic line attached to the agricultural implement. A second supply source is configured to deliver a quantity of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic line at a second pressure lower than the first pressure, and is introduced into the hydraulic line after the first medium has been removed. A protective device is coupled to the hydraulic line and configured to prevent the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied by the second supply source through an inlet of the protective device when a pressure differential exceeds a defined threshold.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an agricultural vehicle for detecting a connection fault is disclosed. In some embodiments, the agricultural vehicle may comprise a vehicle frame supported by a plurality of ground-acting implements and an agricultural implement coupled to the vehicle frame. The first supply source is configured to deliver a quantity of air at the first pressure to a hydraulic line on at least one of the vehicle frames or the agricultural implement. A second supply source is configured to deliver a quantity of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic line at a second pressure lower than the first pressure. A monitoring device is coupled to the hydraulic line and configured to monitor the second pressure.An electronic control unit is communicatively coupled to the monitoring device, with the electronic control unit being configured to generate an operator alarm when the second pressure exceeds a specified threshold.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for detecting a connection fault in an agricultural implement is disclosed. The method comprises introducing a first medium into a hydraulic line at a first predetermined pressure; monitoring the pressure of the first medium in a supply line; removing the first medium from the hydraulic line; introducing a second medium into the hydraulic line at a second predetermined pressure, which is lower than the first predetermined pressure; monitoring the pressure in the hydraulic line while the hydraulic fluid at the second predetermined pressure is being introduced; and triggering a protective device located in the hydraulic line to block the flow of the hydraulic fluid when a pressure differential across an inlet of the protective device exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0007] Further features and aspects become apparent when considering the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0008] The detailed description of the drawings refers to the associated figures, whereby: Fig. 1 a top view of an agricultural device according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 a block diagram of a system for detecting a connection fault according to an embodiment; Fig. 3 a block diagram of a system in Fig. 2. Control system used to detect a connection error according to one embodiment; and Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method for detecting a connection fault.

[0009] The same reference numbers are used to display the same elements in different figures. Detailed description of the drawings

[0010] With reference to Fig. Figures 1-3 show a system 100 for detecting a connection fault associated with a hydraulic line according to one embodiment. Although in the embodiments shown herein the system is associated with an agricultural implement 108, it should be noted that embodiments of the present disclosure may be useful in various hydraulic systems. With reference to Fig. 1. The agricultural implement 108 can include an agricultural vehicle 107 designed to pull an agricultural implement 109 (e.g., a row planter). The agricultural implement 109 includes a toolbar 111 as part of an implement frame 113. The implement frame 113 includes a drawbar 115 by which the planter is coupled to the agricultural vehicle 107. The implement frame 113 is supported by three sets of wheels in contact with the ground. The middle set has four wheels 117, while the left set has two wheels 121 and the right set has two wheels 119. Several row planting implements 125 are mounted on the toolbar 111.

[0011] In some embodiments, the system 100 can comprise an air system 100, a hydraulic circuit 106, and a protective circuit 168, the latter comprising a protective device 167 communicatively connected to an electronic control unit 110. For example, the hydraulic circuit 106 and the air system 100 can be arranged such that a medium such as air or pressurized hydraulic fluid (e.g., hydraulic oil) is supplied via one or more supply lines to a plurality of pipes 105 arranged on or near the agricultural implement 108. For example, the hydraulic circuit 106 can be arranged to supply fluid to one or more lifting cylinders (not shown) that can be used to raise and lower the implement frame 113. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of pipes 105 (e.g.,Pipelines and hoses) comprising one or more associated couplings 107, which are attached at least at one end of each pipe 105 to form seals impermeable to liquids between the pipes 105.

[0012] The air system 100 can include a supply source 130 (e.g., a compressed air tank) connected to a supply line 132. The supply source 130 can be used to introduce a quantity of highly compressed air into the supply line 132 until each of the plurality of tubes 105 is under a first pressure (e.g., about 100 psi). This, in turn, activates the pressure test of each coupling associated with the tubes 105 to ensure that each coupling is tightly sealed. In other embodiments, the supply source 130 can also be configured to supply noble gases or materials based on design and specification requirements. Although not in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a variety of flow control and monitoring devices can be installed in the supply line 132 to obtain and monitor parameters such as airflow and pressure. Additionally, a vacuum system 104 can be arranged, comprising a vacuum pump 140 coupled to a vacuum line 142, to remove a quantity of vacuum (e.g., negative pressure) from the air supplied by the variety of pipes 105. A vent outlet 103 with a variety of air outlets can be arranged in the system 100 to release air from the pipes 105 while it is being filled with hydraulic oil.

[0013] The hydraulic circuit 106 may include a hydraulic pump 158, which is arranged in fluid connection with a tank 165 (e.g., hydraulic fluid tank) to supply hydraulic fluid to one or more hydraulic lines 162. In some embodiments, the hydraulic pump assembly 158 may include a hydraulic pump 160 coupled to a pressure control device 166. The hydraulic pump may be a variable-speed pump or other suitable flow devices with adjustable output power (e.g., flow rate) that is adjustable as a function of the pressure in the hydraulic line 162. The pressure control device 166 may include a pressure control valve that regulates the outlet pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the hydraulic line 162 within an operating pressure range of approximately 300 to 3,000 psi.

[0014] In other embodiments, the hydraulic circuit 106 may further comprise a control valve or other suitable device configured to generate a control signal for hydraulic displacement, which varies the displacement of the hydraulic pump 160 to control a flow rate of the hydraulic fluid directed to the plurality of pipes 105. The control valve may also be operated to ensure that a system pressure of the hydraulic circuit of approximately 80 psi is maintained.

[0015] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a pressure monitoring device 164, such as a pressure sensor or a pressure transducer, can be arranged to monitor hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic line 162. For example, the pressure monitoring device 164 can be configured to verify the integrity (i.e., sealed connections) of the couplings 107 by monitoring the pressure levels in the hydraulic line 162.

[0016] In relation to Fig. As discussed previously, a protective circuit 168 can include a protective device 167 coupled to an inlet of the hydraulic actuator 169 and arranged in the hydraulic circuit 106 to enable automatic shut-off of the flow into the hydraulic line 162 in the event of a connection fault. For example, the protective device 167 can be configured to block the flow of fluid to a partially inserted coupling in response to a pressure differential across a control orifice exceeding a defined threshold (i.e., detection of a leak or faulty connection of one or more couplings). In embodiments, the protective device 167 can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following devices: a speed lock, a test valve, a safety valve, an actuator and a ball screw, combinations thereof, or other devices suitable for blocking the flow.The protective device 167 is arranged, as shown, to block downstream flowing fluid supplied by the hydraulic pump 160 to the one or more couplings arranged in the pipes 105.

[0017] In various embodiments, the electronic control unit 110 can include a programmable circuit, a processor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic controller (PLC), or other suitable processing devices capable of receiving and transmitting data signals. The electronic control unit 110 can be configured to receive inputs from various sensors (e.g., the pressure monitoring device 164) and generate control signals to control the operation of different system components, such as the hydraulic pump 160, the pressure control device 166, and other control devices. For example, in some embodiments, and as described in relation to Fig. 4 discussed, to activate the protective device 167 or to generate an alarm signal for testing by an operator at a user interface (not shown), based on the received pressure readings.

[0018] In relation to Fig. 1-3 experts will recognize that the Fig. Figures 1-3 are not drawn to scale and are intended solely for illustrative purposes to show exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, the structural arrangement and number of the various components can and will vary in other embodiments. For example, as discussed above, System 100 may, in some embodiments, include one or more pressure sensors. Furthermore, System 100 may, in other embodiments, include a variety of valve arrangements and hydraulic circuits based on design and / or application requirements.

[0019] In relation to Fig.Figure 4 shows a flowchart of procedure 300 for detecting a connection fault on agricultural equipment. At 302, compressed air received from the supply source 130 is delivered to the plurality of pipes 105 located on or near the agricultural equipment 108, pressurizing the hydraulic circuit 106 to a pressure of approximately 100 psi. Next, at 304, the pressure in the supply line 132 is monitored to ensure that each of the couplings 107 located on the pipes 105 is properly seated and complete connections are in place. Once the outlet pressure is verified, the vacuum pump 140 of the vacuum system 104 at 306 is activated via the electronic control unit 110 to remove the compressed air from the hydraulic line (i.e., the plurality of pipes 105) before it is filled with hydraulic fluid.After the air is removed, the hydraulic pump 160 at 308 is activated to fill the multitude of tubes 105 with pressurized hydraulic fluid at a set pressure. While fluid is being introduced into the multitude of tubes 105, an output signal is sent from the pressure monitoring device 164 to the electronic control unit 110 and compared with a reference value to ensure that the pressure in the hydraulic line 162 at 310 does not exceed the set value of 100 psi. If a pressure spike is detected at 312 (i.e., if a pressure differential exceeds a set value), the protective device 167 is activated. Once the protective device 167 is activated, the fluid flow in the hydraulic line 162 is significantly blocked until the protective device 167 is reset manually or electrically via an operator input or based on a time-definite reset of the protective device 167.This in turn greatly reduces or stops the flow of hydraulic fluid through hydraulic line 162. The observed peak may indicate a faulty connection or another potential defect (e.g., erosion, crack, or break) associated with one or more couplings 107.

[0020] In other embodiments, the electronic control unit 100 can be configured to activate the protective device 167 in response to a pressure increase detected by the monitoring device 164, and optionally an operator alarm can be generated at 314. In further embodiments, the electronic control unit can be configured to initiate an automatic shutdown control scheme to shut down one or more functions of the agricultural equipment when the second pressure measured by the monitoring device 164 exceeds a defined threshold.

[0021] Without limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims listed below in any way, a technical effect of one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein is a system and a method for detecting a connection fault in a hydraulic line associated with agricultural equipment. The present disclosure is particularly advantageous because it significantly reduces the amount of oil that leaks out in the event of a system leak.

[0022] While the above describes exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, these descriptions should not be considered restrictive. Instead, other variations and modifications may be made without deviating from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

[1] System for detecting a connection fault associated with an agricultural implement, the system comprising: a first supply source for delivering a quantity of air at a first pressure into a hydraulic line arranged on an agricultural implement; a second supply source for delivering a quantity of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic line at a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure, and is introduced into the hydraulic line after the first medium has been removed; and at least one protective device coupled to the hydraulic line, wherein at least one protective device is configured to prevent flow of hydraulic fluid supplied by the second supply source through an inlet of the protective device when a pressure differential exceeds a specified threshold. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the second supply source comprises a pressurised source of hydraulic fluid. [3] System according to claim 1, further comprising a monitoring device coupled to the hydraulic line, wherein the monitoring device is configured to monitor the second pressure of the hydraulic line. [4] System according to claim 3, further comprising an electronic control unit communicatively coupled to the monitoring device, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to generate an operator alarm when the second pressure exceeds a specified threshold, or wherein the electronic control unit is configured to initiate an automatic shutdown control scheme to shut down one or more functions of the agricultural device when the second pressure exceeds a specified threshold. [5] System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one protective device comprises one or more of the following features: a speed safeguard, a pressure control valve, an actuator device, or combinations thereof. [6] System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the agricultural equipment comprises an agricultural implement mounted on an agricultural vehicle. [7] Agricultural vehicle for detecting a connection fault, comprising the agricultural vehicle: a vehicle frame supported by a multitude of ground-contacting units; an agricultural implement that is coupled to the vehicle frame; a first supply source that delivers a quantity of air at initial pressure to a hydraulic line on at least one of the vehicle frames or is configured for agricultural equipment; a second supply source configured to deliver a quantity of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic line at a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure; a monitoring device coupled to the hydraulic line, wherein the monitoring device is configured to monitor the second pressure, and a monitoring device that is communicatively coupled to the electronic control unit, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to generate an operator alarm when the second pressure exceeds a specified threshold. [8] Agricultural vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the electronic control unit is further configured to generate a control signal to initiate an automatic shutdown control scheme to shut down one or more functions of the agricultural vehicle when the second pressure exceeds a specified threshold. [9] Agricultural vehicle according to claim 7 or 8, wherein at least one protective device comprises one or more of the following features: a speed limiter, a pressure control valve, an actuator device, or combinations thereof. [10] Agricultural vehicle according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first supply source comprises an air supply and the second supply source comprises one or more hydraulic fluid tanks. [11] Agricultural vehicle according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the agricultural vehicle comprises at least one manned or unmanned vehicle. [12] Method for detecting a connection fault in an agricultural device, the method comprising: the introduction of a first medium into a hydraulic line at a first fixed pressure; monitoring the pressure of the first medium in a supply line; the removal of the first medium from the hydraulic line; the introduction of a second medium into the hydraulic line at a second fixed pressure that is lower than the first fixed pressure; monitoring the pressure in the hydraulic line while the hydraulic fluid is introduced at the second specified pressure, and The triggering of a protective device located in the hydraulic line to block the flow of hydraulic fluid when a pressure difference across an inlet of the protective device exceeds a specified threshold. [13] Method according to claim 12, wherein the introduction of a first medium comprises a quantity of air from a first supply source, and wherein the introduction of a second medium comprises the introduction of a hydraulic fluid from a second supply source. [14] Method according to claim 13, further comprising the generation of an operator alarm by an electronic control unit when the second specified pressure exceeds a threshold value. [15] Method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising the deactivation of at least one function of the agricultural device by an electronic control unit when the second specified pressure exceeds a threshold value.

Images