Position and pressure depth control system for an agricultural implement

A control system for an agricultural implement, the agricultural implement comprising a frame, a ground-engaging tool coupled to the frame, and an adjustment device coupled to the frame, the adjustment device configured for raising and lowering the ground-engaging tool between a transport position and a pre-selected operating depth and configured for providing a pre-selected operating pressure, the control system comprising:

• a position sensor configured for measuring a depth indication of an actual operating depth of the ground-engaging tool and configured for generating a corresponding position signal;
• a pressure sensor configured for measuring a pressure indication of an actual operating pressure and configured for generating a corresponding pressure signal;
• and
• an electronic or electro-hydraulic implement control unit configured for receiving the position signal and the pressure signal and configured for controlling the adjustment device so that the pressure indication targets a pressure set point that is indicative of the pre-selected operating pressure, based upon, at least in part, determining whether the depth indication is within a pre-selected depth range.

An agricultural implement adapted to be moved by a vehicle in a forward direction of travel, the agricultural implement comprising:

• a frame;
• a ground-engaging tool coupled to the frame;
• an adjustment device coupled to the frame and configured for raising and lowering the ground-engaging tool between a transport position and a pre-selected operating depth and configured for providing a pre-selected operating pressure;
• and
• a control system comprising a position sensor configured for measuring a depth indication of an actual operating depth of the ground-engaging tool and configured for generating a corresponding position signal, a pressure sensor configured for measuring a pressure indication of an actual operating pressure and configured for generating a corresponding pressure signal, and an electronic or electro-hydraulic implement control unit configured for receiving the position signal and the pressure signal and configured for controlling the adjustment device so that the depth indication targets a depth set point that is indicative of the pre-selected operating depth, based upon, at least in part, determining whether the pressure indication is within a pre-selected pressure range.

A method of controlling an agricultural implement, the agricultural implement comprising a frame, a ground-engaging tool coupled to the frame, and an adjustment device coupled to the frame, the adjustment device configured for raising and lowering the ground-engaging tool between a transport position and a pre-selected operating depth and configured for providing a pre-selected operating pressure, the method comprising:

• measuring a depth indication of an actual operating depth of the ground-engaging tool;
• generating a corresponding position signal;
• measuring a pressure indication of an actual operating pressure;
• generating a corresponding pressure signal;
• receiving the position signal and the pressure signal;
• and
• controlling the adjustment device so that the depth indication targets a depth set point that is indicative of the pre-selected operating depth, based upon, at least in part, determining whether the pressure indication is within a pre-selected pressure range.