DE102022131557A1 - Agricultural conveying system and method for conveying distribution material - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an agricultural conveying system (200) for conveying at least one distribution material, with a first container (B1) and with a second container (B2), wherein the first container (B1) and the second container (B2) are designed to receive at least one distribution material and with a first dosing device (20A) for feeding the at least one distribution material from the first container (B1) into a main connecting structure (VS), and with a first conveying air generating device (30A) which is designed to generate a conveying air flow (FS) in the main connecting structure (VS) and to convey the at least one distribution material from the first container (B1) into the second container (B2) by means of the conveying air flow (FS). The agricultural conveying system (200) comprises at least a portion of the main connecting structure (VS) which is formed by a line system which is arranged between the first container (B1) and the second container (B2) and has a minimum length of 1 meter and/or a minimum cross-sectional area of 250 square millimeters. The invention also relates to a method for conveying at least one distribution material.

Description

The invention relates to an agricultural conveying system for conveying at least one distribution material. The invention also relates to a method for conveying at least one distribution material.

Agricultural conveyor systems for conveying distribution goods are known with various tank systems from the state of the art. Agricultural vehicles are generally known to have a container for receiving distribution goods attached to the rear. Other known agricultural vehicles have, alternatively or additionally, a container for receiving distribution goods attached to the front of the vehicle.

Such conveyor systems usually comprise row units (e.g. for spreading seeds, fertilizers, etc.), whereby distribution material is conveyed to the respective row units and spread on an agricultural area by means of a container which is attached either to the front or to the rear of the vehicle.

The EN 10 2020 133 366 A1 shows such an agricultural conveyor system, in which the container for receiving distribution material is attached to the front of the vehicle. Row units are attached to the rear of the vehicle, the distribution material is transported from the container to the row units. The distribution material is only transported when distribution material is required in the respective row units. If there is enough distribution material in the row units, no distribution material is transported from the container to the row units. It is practical to supply the row units as needed.

The prior art document shows an agricultural conveyor system with which it is possible to transport distribution material from a container attached to the front of the vehicle to row units at the rear of the vehicle. However, it is not possible to transport distribution material from a first container to a second container in order to increase the amount of distribution material carried, for example.

The object of the invention is therefore to eliminate the described disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, an agricultural conveying system is to be provided with which it is possible to convey distribution material from a first container into a second container without thereby negatively influencing the dosing of the distribution material in the area of the second container.

These objects are achieved by an agricultural conveying system having the features of independent claim 1, as well as by a method for conveying at least one distribution material having the features of method claim 13. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are disclosed in the claims and the following description with partial reference to the figures.

The invention relates to an agricultural conveying system for conveying at least one distribution material. The at least one distribution material preferably comprises granular distribution material such as seed and/or fertilizer.

The agricultural conveying system comprises a first container and a second container, wherein the first container and the second container are designed to receive at least one distribution material. The first container and/or the second container are preferably designed as pressure vessels, in particular there is an overpressure in the first container and/or in the second container.

Preferably, the first container may be designed to be arranged on the front side of an agricultural vehicle (e.g. tractor) and the second container may be designed to be arranged on the rear side of the agricultural vehicle.

It is also possible that the first container and the second container are designed to be arranged at the front of the vehicle or at the rear of the vehicle.

The agricultural vehicle can preferably be designed as a towing vehicle (e.g. tractor, wide-span tractor, gantry tractor, etc.) for attaching the first container and/or the second container. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle can also be designed as an autonomous vehicle (e.g. fully autonomous or partially autonomous). In particular, the vehicle is designed for agricultural use.

Preferably, it is also possible for the first container and the second container to be mounted on a frame structure of a towed machine, whereby the towed machine can be designed, for example, as a seed drill and/or as a soil tillage machine. The machine can be towed, for example, by a towing vehicle (tractor, wide-span tractor, gantry tractor, etc.).

It is possible, for example, that the first container can be mounted on the front of a vehicle or on a frame structure of a towed machine and that the second container can be mounted on a row structure of a towed machine or on the side wings of the towed machine. For example, it is also possible for a first container to be mounted on the front of a vehicle and for two further containers to be mounted on the side wings of a towed machine. This allows a compact design of the towed machine without sacrificing container volume.

The agricultural conveyor system also comprises a first metering device for feeding the at least one distribution material from the first container into a main connecting structure. The first container preferably comprises a discharge opening for discharging the at least one distribution material from the first container into the first metering device. The discharge opening of the first container is preferably arranged in the lower region of the first container.

The agricultural conveying system also comprises a first conveying air generating device which is designed to generate a conveying air flow in the main connecting structure and to convey the at least one distribution material from the first container into the second container by means of the conveying air flow. The conveying air generating device can, for example, comprise one or more fans, turbines, etc. and can be attached, for example, to a container or an agricultural vehicle or the like.

According to the invention, at least a portion of the main connecting structure is formed by a line system which is arranged between the first container and the second container and has a minimum length of 1 meter and/or a minimum cross-sectional area of 250 square millimeters.

The pipe system preferably has a round cross-section, but other cross-sections such as square ones are also conceivable. The pipe system can comprise one pipe or several pipes.

As a result of the measures according to the invention, an agricultural conveying system is provided with a first container and a second container, with which it is possible to convey distribution material from a first container into a second container. This is done in particular in such a way that a dosage of distribution material in the second container is not influenced. It is particularly advantageous that such a conveying system allows more distribution material to be transported simultaneously by a vehicle or a towed machine and thus more distribution material is provided for spreading preferably on an agricultural area.

A preferred embodiment of the invention can provide that the main connection structure is designed as a circulation system, which circulation system is set up to be supplied at least in sections with the at least one distribution material from the first container and to be subjected to a conveying air flow generated by the first conveying air generating device. The circulation system preferably makes it possible for the conveying air flow generated by the first conveying air generating device to circulate in the main connection structure, i.e. preferably in a type of circuit, for example from the conveying air generating device along the first metering device of the first container, into the second container and from the second container back to the conveying air generating device.

Preferably, the transport of distribution material from the first container to the second container can be demand-dependent. Thus, circulation of the conveying air flow in the main connection structure is interrupted as soon as, for example, the fill level in the second container reaches a maximum. As a result, no new conveying air is sucked in by the first conveying air generating device and the flow is thus completely interrupted, since the high fill level in the second container prevents circulation of the conveying air flow and thus air flow.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the circulation system is designed as an at least largely closed circulation system, wherein the circulation system comprises at least one air exchange device for exchanging conveying air of the conveying air flow with atmospheric air from the atmosphere. By means of the first conveying air generating device, it is possible to specifically suck in atmospheric air or to supply it to the system through the air exchange device, whereby, for example, an air volume in the circulation system is increased. Thus, preferably the first conveying air generating device is supplied with a higher conveying air flow. It is also possible for conveying air of the conveying air flow to be specifically released into the atmosphere, whereby the air volume and/or the pressure level in the circulation system is reduced and thus the first conveying air generating device is operated with a lower conveying air flow. the air flow can be supplied. If the first conveying air generating device is supplied with a higher conveying air flow (more air volume), for example, the air pressure in the conveying air flow increases and thus also in the second container (more air supply through conveying air flow). Preferably, several air exchange devices can be provided, whereby the air exchange devices can, for example, influence the pressure in the second container (e.g. pressure increase in the second container by air supply to the circulation system). An air exchange device can, for example, be designed as a flap whose opening cross-section can be adjusted manually (e.g. by means of a hole gate) or whose position can be adjusted automatically by means of a control device (e.g. control and/or regulation of a valve). It is also possible that, for example, conveying air is sucked in at a first air exchange device by the first conveying air generating device, while conveying air is released at a second air exchange device.

It is possible for the second container to be assigned a suction area, wherein the first conveying air generating device is set up to suck in conveying air from the conveying air flow through the suction area, and wherein the suction area and the second container are part of the main connecting structure. The suction area is preferably funnel-shaped and arranged in the upper area of the second container. It is also possible, for example, for the suction area to be assigned a perforated grid; in particular, a perforated grid can be arranged in the transition area between the second container and a line forming the suction area (preferably part of the main connecting structure). The perforated grid can in particular have a large number of openings.

It is also possible for the first conveying air generating device to be set up to suck in atmospheric air from the atmosphere through the intake area, whereby the intake area can be part of the first conveying air generating device. It is thus possible to suck in atmospheric air into the main connecting structure, to feed distribution material into the resulting conveying air flow and to transport it to the second container.

It is also possible for the second container to be assigned a separating device, which separating device is set up to separate the at least one distribution material contained in the conveying air flow of the line system from the conveying air flow in the second container. The separating device comprises, for example, a cyclone separator, a cylinder separator or the like. It is also possible for the separating device to comprise, for example, a perforated grid, which perforated grid, for example, prevents the distribution material from being entrained by the suction area.

It is also possible that at least one outlet area is preferably assigned to the second container. For example, the outlet area can comprise a perforated grid, an outlet line or the like. The conveying air flow separated from the material to be distributed can be released into the atmosphere (outside the second container) by means of the outlet area. It is also possible for the separated conveying air flow to be released, for example, by means of an outlet line in the area of the second dosing device. In this way, a self-regulating conveying system can be created.

A preferred embodiment of the invention can provide that a second dosing device is provided, which is set up to dose the at least one distribution material from the second container into supply lines, with series units being coupled to the supply lines. The second container preferably comprises a discharge opening for discharging the at least one distribution material from the second container into the dosing device. The discharge opening of the second container is preferably arranged in the lower region of the second container. Preferably, one supply line is provided for supplying a series unit with distribution material.

It is preferably possible to provide a second conveying air generating device which is designed to generate a secondary air flow and is set up to convey the at least one distribution material from the second container along the supply lines. The second conveying air generating device can, for example, comprise one or more fans, turbines, etc. and can, for example, be attached to a container or an agricultural vehicle or the like. For example, the second conveying air generating device can be arranged in the area of the second container in order to convey the distribution material from the second container along the supply lines.

It would also be conceivable that the first conveying air generating device and the second conveying air generating device are formed by a blower.

A row unit preferably comprises a sowing coulter or similar for spreading the at least one distribution material. The row units can in particular be movable. For example, it is possible for individual row units to be lifted or, for example, moved transversely to the direction of travel.

The row units can in particular be designed to be mounted on a support of a machine or on a support of a respective side wing of a towed machine.

The row units preferably each comprise a singling device (e.g. with a rotatable singling element, in particular a rotatable singling disc or a rotatable singling drum) for singling distribution material. The row units are designed in particular for distributing appropriately singulated distribution material (e.g. into a soil furrow). For distributing singulated distribution material, the row units can each comprise, for example, a discharge line.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the first dosing device and/or the second dosing device comprise at least one demand-dependent supply of the distribution material and/or at least one quantity-dependent supply of the distribution material. A demand-dependent supply preferably comprises a pneumatic supply of the distribution material by means of a large number of pneumatic supply devices (e.g. seed-on-demand boxes, in particular dosing boxes). The supply devices are preferably supplied with an air flow by the conveying air generation devices. This air flow transports distribution material from one of the containers into the supply devices and from there it is conveyed further as required (e.g. to the row units) or not. As soon as, for example, there is enough distribution material at the respective row units, no distribution material is supplied from the supply devices; however, if the supply of distribution material in the respective row units decreases again, distribution material is further conveyed from the supply devices. Additional conveying can preferably take place as soon as exhaust air openings in the separating units are no longer sealed by the material to be distributed. A quantity-dependent feed can, for example, comprise a volumetric feed by means of a cell roller, dosing roller, screw or similar. It is possible, for example, for the first dosing device to comprise a quantity-dependent feed, while the second dosing device comprises a demand-dependent feed. It is also conceivable, for example, for the first dosing device and the second dosing device to comprise a demand-dependent feed.

The feed devices are preferably designed to feed (e.g. meter) distribution material provided in particular by means of the first container and/or second container to the main connection structure and/or to the row units, in particular their separation devices.

In particular, the feed devices are designed as pneumatic conveying devices, i.e. they are set up to selectively convey or not convey the material to be distributed based on an existing air volume flow, without the need for a motor-driven dosing roller, dosing disc or the like, and a demand-dependent supply is achieved.

It is also possible that at least one control device is provided, wherein the control device is designed to control and/or regulate a speed of the first conveying air generating device largely independently of a speed of the second conveying air generating device and/or to control and/or regulate a speed of the first conveying air generating device taking definable and/or defined limits into account and/or to control and/or regulate a speed of the second conveying air generating device taking definable and/or defined limits into account. In particular, it is possible that, for example, the speed of the first conveying air generating device is reduced while the speed of the second conveying air generating device is not changed, for example. For example, a fill level in the second container could reach a maximum, whereby further transport of distribution material from the first container to the second container is no longer possible. It is possible that the limits include, for example, speeds of a fan or the like. This makes it possible, for example, for a first rotational speed of the first conveying air generating device to be a maximum of 200 revolutions per minute higher than a rotational speed of the second conveying air generating device.

It is also possible for each individual separating device of row units to be assigned a receiving unit for receiving the distribution material that can be supplied by means of the respective secondary air flow and for at least partially separating the distribution material that can be supplied from the respective secondary air flow. For this purpose, the respective receiving unit can comprise, for example, at least one inlet and at least one outlet.

The respective receiving unit can be connected on the input side to an associated dosing device (preferably to the second dosing device) by means of a respective supply line.

The supply lines can in particular have the same or different lengths and/or cross sections. The supply lines can preferably have a minimum length of 1 meter. Alternatively or additionally, the supply lines can have a respective cross-sectional area of preferably at least 50 square millimeters and/or at least 250 square millimeters and/or at least 500 square millimeters.

The respective receiving unit can be conveniently connected on the output side to a distribution material supply of the associated singling device for the supply of distribution material.

It is possible for a respective receiving unit to be connected, in particular pneumatically, to an associated air line via a connecting device (e.g. an air duct), preferably in such a way that a secondary air flow that can be fed to the respective receiving unit can be fed at least partially to the associated air line, preferably upstream of the respective separating device. The connecting device can, for example, open into one of the two sections, open into the associated air line upstream of the two sections and/or lead into the associated separating device and/or output line, bypassing the distribution material supply (expediently directly or indirectly).

A preferred embodiment of the invention can provide that a flow air generating device is provided and/or a second conveying air generating device is provided, which is set up to generate an overpressure for the pressure difference-based separation of distribution material by means of a respective air flow that can be generated in air lines in singling devices of row units and/or to dispense separated distribution material with the aid of air flow by means of output lines. This preferably makes it possible to enable a faster dispensing of separated distribution material (e.g. into a soil furrow) compared to a free fall of distribution material. For this purpose, the respective air line can, for example, comprise at least two sections, wherein preferably one section can open into an associated singling device and/or the other section can expediently open into an associated output line. Alternatively, it is also possible for the pressure from the singling device to be used.

The flow air generation device can, for example, comprise one or more fans, turbines, etc. and can be attached, for example, to a container or an agricultural vehicle or the like.

At least one measuring device can be provided in the circulation system and/or at least two measuring devices can be provided at different positions in the circulation system and be set up to at least detect conveying speeds of the conveying air flow in the main connection structure and/or to detect pressures of the conveying air flow in the main connection structure and/or to detect pressures of the conveying air flow in the main connection structure and/or pressures in the second container. The measuring device preferably comprises at least one sensor, such as a flow sensor or a pressure sensor. Preferably, for example, a measuring device can be provided at two positions. For example, a first measuring device can be present in the area of the first conveying air generation device in order to measure the conveying speed of the distribution material present in the conveying air flow. A second measuring device can preferably be mounted in the area of the second container in the connection structure in order to detect a conveying speed of the conveying air flow before it enters the second container.

The control device has, for example, a computer unit, an on-board computer and/or the like and also comprises a control and/or regulating circuit, in particular a hydraulic and/or pneumatic and/or electrical control and/or regulating circuit, wherein the control and/or regulating circuit is expediently designed for hydraulic and/or pneumatic and/or electrical signal and/or command transmission. This signal and/or command transmission can also take place wirelessly (e.g. via WLAN).

In the context of the invention, the term control device includes in particular the entirety of the components for signal and/or command transmission. Accordingly, this also includes computer units, CPUs and/or the like. Control devices integrated in the respective sensors or sensor units or sensor arrangements are also included. It should also be noted that the signals and/or data from the sensors/measuring devices/detection devices and/or the like can each be used as feedback for a control and/or regulating variable.

It should also be noted that the terms “control” and “regulation” and “control device” can refer to electronic and/or pneumatic and/or hydraulic controls or regulations, which, depending on their design, can take on control and/or regulation tasks. Even if the term “control” is used here, it can also be used to mean It is appropriate to also include “rules”. Likewise, when using the term “rules” it can also include “control”.

To avoid repetition, it should be noted that the embodiments and features according to the invention can be freely combined in any way with the agricultural conveyor system and/or the method. Accordingly, all embodiments and features according to the invention are disclosed and claimable both for the conveyor system and for the method.

The invention also includes a method for conveying at least one distribution material by means of an agricultural conveying system.

The method includes receiving at least one distribution item through a first container and through a second container.

The method also comprises feeding the at least one distribution material from the first container into a main connecting structure by means of a first dosing device.

The method also includes generating a conveying air flow for conveying the at least one distribution material from the first container into the second container by a first conveying air generating device.

The method further includes arranging a portion of the main connecting structure between the first container and the second container, which portion is formed by a conduit system, the conduit system having a minimum length of 1 meter and a minimum cross-sectional area of 250 square millimeters.

In particular, it is possible for the method to be carried out with an agricultural conveyor system according to one of the embodiments described above, preferably with a conveyor system according to one of claims 1 to 12.

With regard to the advantages and embodiments of the method according to the invention, reference is made to the advantages and embodiments of the agricultural conveyor system according to the invention.

• 1 eine Perspektivansicht eines landwirtschaftlichen Fahrzeugs mit dem landwirtschaftlichen Fördersystem gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 2A eine Perspektivansicht des landwirtschaftlichen Fördersystems gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 2B eine Perspektivansicht des landwirtschaftlichen Fördersystems gemäß 2A, mit einer Anordnung des zweiten Behälters am Seitenflügel,
• 3 eine schematische Prinzipdarstellung des landwirtschaftlichen Fördersystems gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 4 eine schematische Prinzipdarstellung des landwirtschaftlichen Fördersystems gemäß 3, mit einer Verbindungseinrichtung und Luftaustauschvorrichtungen,
• 5a eine Perspektivansicht einer Dosiereinrichtung der in 3 und 4 gezeigten Dosiereinrichtungen,
• 5b eine Schnittdarstellung der in 3 und 4 gezeigten Dosiereinrichtung, gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 6a eine schematische Prinzipdarstellung eines Teilbereichs des in 3 und 4 gezeigten landwirtschaftlichen Fördersystems, mit einer Vereinzelungseinrichtung und einer dazugehörigen Aufnahmeeinheit in nur zum Teil gefülltem Zustand,
• 6b eine Draufsicht auf die Prinzipdarstellung des landwirtschaftlichen Fördersystems der 6a,
• 6c eine schematische Prinzipdarstellung des landwirtschaftlichen Fördersystems der 6a und 6b, mit der Vereinzelungseinrichtung und der Aufnahmeeinheit in gefülltem Zustand,
• 7 eine schematische Prinzipdarstellung eines landwirtschaftlichen Fördersystems gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, mit einer Strömungsmaschine.
• 8 eine schematische Prinzipdarstellung eines landwirtschaftlichen Fördersystems gemäß einem anderen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, mit einem Lochgitter.

Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual proportions, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration. They show:

• 1 a perspective view of an agricultural vehicle with the agricultural conveyor system according to an embodiment of the invention,
• 2A a perspective view of the agricultural conveyor system according to another embodiment of the invention,
• 2 B a perspective view of the agricultural support system according to 2A , with an arrangement of the second container on the side wing,
• 3 a schematic diagram of the agricultural conveyor system according to an embodiment of the invention,
• 4 a schematic representation of the agricultural support system according to 3 , with a connecting device and air exchange devices,
• 5a a perspective view of a dosing device of the 3 and 4 Dosing devices shown,
• 5b a sectional view of the 3 and 4 shown dosing device, according to a further embodiment of the invention,
• 6a a schematic representation of a part of the 3 and 4 shown agricultural conveyor system, with a separating device and an associated receiving unit in only partially filled state,
• 6b a plan view of the principle representation of the agricultural support system of the 6a ,
• 6c a schematic representation of the agricultural support system of the 6a and 6b , with the separating device and the receiving unit in filled state,
• 7 a schematic diagram of an agricultural conveying system according to an embodiment of the invention, with a turbomachine.
• 8th a schematic diagram of an agricultural conveyor system according to another embodiment of the invention, with a perforated grid.

The 1 to 8 The embodiments shown correspond at least partially, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and for their explanation reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures in order to avoid repetition.

1 shows a perspective view of an agricultural vehicle 300 with the agricultural conveyor system 200.

The agricultural vehicle 300 is designed as a tractor and is equipped with the agricultural conveyor system 200. Alternatively, the agricultural vehicle 300 can be designed as a gantry tractor, wide-span tractor or similar.

The agricultural conveyor system 200 is equipped with a first container B1 and a second container B2 for receiving at least one distribution material.

The agricultural conveyor system 200 comprises a first dosing device 20A for supplying the at least one distribution material from the first container B1 into a main connection structure VS.

A first conveying air generating device 30A is configured to generate a conveying air flow FS in the main connecting structure VS and to convey the at least one distribution material from the first container B1 into the second container B2 by means of the conveying air flow FS.

At least a portion of the main connection structure VS is formed by a line system which is arranged between the first container B1 and the second container B2 and has a minimum length of 1 meter and/or a minimum cross-sectional area of 250 square millimeters.

According to the embodiment, the distribution material is transported from the first container B1 attached to the front of the vehicle 300 into the upper part of the second container B2 attached to the rear. The distribution material is transported as in 1 shown through a discharge opening of a lid of the second container B2 into the latter. It would also be possible, for example, to convey the distribution material sideways into the second container B2.

According to the embodiment, twelve row units 10, each with one sowing coulter, are connected to the agricultural conveyor system 200.

2A shows a perspective view of the agricultural conveyor system 200, according to another embodiment of the invention.

The agricultural conveyor system 200 is arranged on a frame structure 90 of a towed machine (e.g. seed drill). The first container B1 and the second container B2 are arranged on the frame structure 90. In the rear area along the direction of travel FR, the frame structure 90 is assigned a chassis (e.g. drive, axle) with running wheels 91 that rest on the ground and rotate. In addition, the frame structure 90 comprises a drawbar 92 in the front area along the direction of travel FR, which drawbar 92 can be connected to an agricultural vehicle 300 (e.g. tractor, gantry tractor, wide-span tractor or similar). In addition, nine row units 10 are attached to the frame structure 90 behind the running wheels 91 in the direction of travel FR.

According to the embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, three supply lines 11 are shown as an example, which supply lines 11 connect the second dosing device 20B with the respective row units 10 for supplying the material to be distributed.

2 B shows a perspective view of the agricultural conveyor system 200 according to 2A , with an arrangement of the second container B2 on the side wing 93.

According to the embodiment, a first container B1 and two second containers B2 are present, wherein the two second containers B2 are each supplied with distribution material from the first container B1.

According to the exemplary embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, four supply lines 11 are shown as examples, which supply lines 11 connect the respective second dosing device 20B of a second container B2 with the respective series units 10 for supplying the material to be distributed.

3 shows a schematic diagram of the agricultural conveyor system 200 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The main connection structure VS is designed as a circulation system, wherein the circulation system is set up to be supplied at least in sections with the at least one distribution material from the first container B1 and to be subjected to a conveying air flow FS generated by the first conveying air generating device 30A.

The second container B2 is assigned a suction region 40, wherein the first conveying air generating device 30A is configured to suck in conveying air of the conveying air flow FS through the suction region 40 and wherein the suction region 40 and the second container B2 are part of the main connecting structure VS.

According to the embodiment, the first dosing device 20A is mounted below the first container B1 and connected to the main connection structure VS. The second dosing device 20B is mounted below the second container B2.

4 shows a schematic diagram of the agricultural conveyor system 200 according to 3 , with a connecting device 50A and with air exchange devices 41.

The circulation system is designed as an at least largely closed circulation system, wherein the circulation system comprises at least one air exchange device 41 for exchanging conveying air of the conveying air flow FS with atmospheric air from the atmosphere. According to the exemplary embodiment, two air exchange devices 41 are present, which are designed as flaps.

According to the exemplary embodiment, the first connecting device 50A connects the main connecting structure VS in the area to the left of the first dosing device 20A of the first container B1 and in the area to the right of the first dosing device 20A of the first container B1. Accordingly, it is possible for the main connecting structure VS to consist of several line sections which, for example, have different line cross-sections (e.g. a larger line cross-section to the left of the first container B1 than to the right of the first container B1). The first connecting device 50A therefore ensures an exchange of air and thus a pressure equalization of the various line sections.

A second dosing device 20B is provided and configured to dose the at least one distribution material from the second container B2 into supply lines 11, wherein series units 10 are coupled to the supply lines 11.

A second conveying air generating device 30B is provided, which is designed to generate a secondary air flow LS1 and is configured to convey the at least one distribution material of the second container B2 along the supply lines 11.

At least one measuring device 70; 70A; 70B is provided in the circulation system and/or at least two measuring devices 70; 70A; 70B are provided at different positions in the circulation system, which are designed to at least detect conveying speeds of the conveying air flow FS in the main connection structure VS and/or to detect pressures of the conveying air flow FS in the main connection structure VS and/or to detect pressures of the conveying air flow FS in the main connection structure VS and pressures in the second container B2. According to the exemplary embodiment, two measuring devices 70A, 70B are present, wherein the first measuring device 70A is arranged in the main connection structure VS to the left in front of the first container B1, while the second measuring device 70B is arranged to the right in front of the second container B2.

5a shows a perspective view of a dosing device 20A, 20B of the 3 and 4 dosing devices 20A, 20B shown.

The first dosing device 20A and/or the second dosing device 20B comprises at least one demand-dependent supply of the distribution material and/or one quantity-dependent supply of the distribution material.

According to the exemplary embodiment, the dosing device 20A, 20B shown has a rotating dosing roller 21 (or cell roller) for supplying the distribution material in a quantity-dependent manner. The rotating dosing roller 21 can in particular comprise a cylindrical outer surface in which openings with a defined size and/or defined cross-section and/or depressions are provided. The size and/or cross-section of the openings can be designed differently. Depending on the size of the openings and/or the cross-section, the amount of distribution material to be removed from a container B1, B2 can be varied. The dosing roller 21 can, for example, be formed from one or more sections.

5b shows a sectional view of the 3 and 4 shown dosing device 20A, 20B, according to a further embodiment of the invention.

According to the embodiment, the dosing device 20A, 20B shown has a plurality of feed devices 22 (e.g. seed-on-demand boxes) for the demand-dependent supply of the distribution material. The at least one distribution material is fed by gravity to a feed device 22, which is schematically indicated by the reference symbol A1. As a result, distribution material accumulates in the feed device 22, which is schematically indicated by the reference symbol A2 in 3 Reference symbol P indicates an overpressure for the feed device 22, expediently provided bar by a second conveying air generating device 30B or a flow air generating device 60.

If there is sufficient distribution material for the singling device 80, in particular if it is made available in the associated receiving unit 82, no distribution material is fed by the feeding device 22 because no conveying air flow FS is generated.

If the distribution material in the associated receiving unit 82 decreases to a suitably predetermined level, distribution material is fed from the feed device 22 to the associated receiving unit 82, because due to the reduced distribution material in the associated receiving unit 82, a conveying air flow FS can arise by means of the overpressure P, which is schematically indicated by reference symbol A3.

If the material to be distributed in the associated receiving unit 82 increases to a suitably predetermined level (preferably to the point where air can escape), the conveying air flow FS is stopped again.

This makes it possible to supply distribution material from the feed devices 22 as needed, in particular to convey distribution material on a seed-on-demand basis.

Preferably, a supply line 11 with a feed device 22 is provided below the second container B2 (see e.g. 3 ) and each connected to a series unit 10.

6a shows a schematic representation of a part of the 3 and 4 shown agricultural conveyor system 200, with a separating device 80 and an associated receiving unit 82 in only partially filled state, wherein 6c a corresponding schematic diagram of the separating device 80 with filled receiving unit 82. 6b shows a plan view of the principle diagram of the agricultural conveyor system 200 of the 6a and 6c . The agricultural support system can be as in 1 shown, for example, comprise twelve row units 10. According to the embodiment, the dosing device 20B is designed as a feed device 22.

According to the embodiment, the distribution material is conveyed from the second container B2 by means of the secondary air flow LS1. 6c shown state (ie fill level) is reached, the secondary air flow LS1 is stopped so that no more distribution material is supplied.

The agricultural support system 200 of the 6a until 6c comprises the second conveying air generating device 30B (e.g. blower) in order to convey distribution material from the feed devices 22 to the row units 10 by means of a respective secondary air flow LS1 that can be generated in supply lines 11.

The respective supply lines 11 can be dimensioned in particular depending on the main connection structure VS (e.g. the cross-sectional area of the main connection structure VS). The cross-sectional area of the main connection structure VS can be defined in particular by the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the supply lines 11 of the series units 10.

The agricultural support system 200 of the 6a until 6c comprises the flow air generating device 60 (e.g. a blower) and/or a conveying air generating device 30B (e.g. a blower) in order to generate an overpressure in the separating devices 80 for the pressure difference-based separation of distribution material by means of an air flow LS2 that can be generated in the air lines LL, and to dispense separated distribution material with the aid of air flow by means of output lines 81 and thus advantageously more quickly than free fall. For this purpose, the respective air line LL can be divided into two sections LL1 and LL2, for example, whereby one section LL1 can flow into an associated separating device 80 and the other section LL2 can flow into an associated output line 81.

The separating device 80 (e.g. overpressure dosing device) comprises a rotatable separating element 84 for separating the goods to be distributed. The separating element 84 can be designed, for example, as a separating disk or a separating drum.

The respective air flow LS2 can thus preferably be used to generate an overpressure for pressure difference-based separation of distribution material on the one hand, and on the other hand to dispense separated distribution material with the aid of air flow by means of discharge lines 81 and thus advantageously more quickly than free fall.

The respective receiving unit 82 is connected on the input side via a supply line 11 to an associated feed device 22 and is connected on the output side to a distribution material supply 83 of the associated singling device 80 for the supply of distribution material.

The respective receiving unit 82 is designed to receive by means of the secondary air stream LS1 and for at least partially separating the supplied distribution material from the secondary air stream LS1.

The respective receiving unit 82 is pneumatically connected to an associated air line LL via a second connecting device 50B, so that a secondary air flow supplied to the receiving unit 82 can expediently be guided at least partially via the receiving unit 82 into the air line LL.

The connecting device 50B can be dimensioned in particular depending on the supply lines 11 (e.g. the cross-sectional area of the supply lines 11) and/or the respective air line LL.

Each of the separating devices 80 of row units 10 is assigned a receiving unit 82 for receiving distribution material that can be supplied by means of the respective secondary air flow LS1 and for at least partially separating the distribution material that can be supplied from the respective secondary air flow LS1.

7 shows a schematic diagram of an agricultural conveyor system 200 according to an embodiment of the invention.

In the 7 In the embodiment shown, a single flow machine S (e.g. a blower) takes over the function of the conveying air generating device 30A, 30B as well as the function of the flow generating device 60.

The flow machine S is thus designed to generate an overpressure for the pressure difference-based separation of distribution material by means of a respective air flow LS2 in associated air lines LL in the separating devices 80, and to convey distribution material from the feed devices 22 by means of a respective secondary air flow LS1 in associated feed lines 11 via respective receiving unit 82 to the separating devices 80.

8th shows a schematic diagram of an agricultural conveyor system 200 according to another embodiment of the invention.

In the 8th In the embodiment shown, the respective receiving unit 82 comprises a perforated grid (e.g. formed by cutouts, holes, perforations or the like).

A respective supply line 11 can lead into the perforated grid on the input side (e.g. axially).

A respective air line LL can lead into the perforated grille on the inlet side (e.g. diagonally or transversely to the axial direction).

On the output side (e.g. axially on the output side), the perforated grid can be connected to a distribution material supply 83 of the respective separating device 80.

On the output side (e.g. obliquely or transversely to the axial direction on the output side), the perforated grid can connect to a respective bypass line, wherein the bypass line can be pneumatically connected, e.g. on the output side and in particular downstream of the distribution material supply 83, to the associated separating device 80 and/or the associated output line 81.

Although the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the subclaims independent of the claims referenced.

List of reference symbols:

10

Row unit

11

Supply lines

20A, 20B

Dosing device

21

Dosing roller

22

Feeding device

30A, 30B

Conveying air generation device

40

Intake area

41

Air exchange device

50A; 50B

Connecting device

60

Flow air generation device

70; 70A; 70B

Measuring device

80

Separation device

81

Output line

82

Recording unit

83

Distribution stock

84

Separation organ

90

Frame construction

91

Wheels

92

Drawbar

93

Side wings

B1

First container

B2

Second container

FR

Direction of travel

FS

Conveying air flow

LL

Air ducts

LS1

Secondary air flow

LS2

Air flow

S

Turbomachine

US

Main connection structure

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102020133366 A1 [0004]

Claims (14)

Agricultural conveyor system (200) for conveying at least one distribution material, with a first container (B1) and with a second container (B2), the first container (B1) and the second container (B2) being designed to receive at least one distribution material, and with a first metering device (20A) for feeding the at least one distribution material from the first container (B1) into a main connection structure (VS), and with a first conveying air generating device (30A) which is designed to generate a conveying air flow (FS) in the main connection structure (VS) and to convey the at least one distribution material from the first container (B1) into the second container (B2) by means of the conveying air flow (FS), characterized in that at least a section of the main connection structure (VS) is formed by a line system which is arranged between the first container (B1) and the second container (B2) and has a minimum length of 1 meter and/or a minimum cross-sectional area of 250 square millimeters. Agricultural support system (200) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the main connection structure (VS) is designed as a circulation system, which circulation system is set up to be supplied at least in sections with the at least one distribution material from the first container (B1) and to be subjected to a conveying air flow (FS) generated by the first conveying air generating device (30A). Agricultural support system (200) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the circulation system is designed as an at least largely closed circulation system, wherein the circulation system comprises at least one air exchange device (41) for exchanging conveying air of the conveying air flow (FS) with atmospheric air from the atmosphere. Agricultural conveying system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second container (B2) is assigned a suction region (40), wherein the first conveying air generating device (30A) is set up to suck in conveying air of the conveying air flow (FS) through the suction region (40) and wherein the suction region (40) and the second container (B2) are part of the main connecting structure (VS). Agricultural conveying system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a separating device (42) is assigned to the second container (B2), which separating device (42) is designed to separate the at least one distribution material contained in the conveying air flow (FS) of the line system in the second container (B2) from the conveying air flow (FS). Agricultural conveyor system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second metering device (20B) is provided, which is designed to meter the at least one distribution material from the second container (B2) into supply lines (12), wherein row units (10) are coupled to the supply lines (12). Agricultural conveying system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second conveying air generating device (30B) is provided, which is designed to generate a secondary air flow (LS1) and is set up to convey the at least one distribution material of the second container (B2) along the supply lines (12). Agricultural Support System (200) at least one of the Claims 1 or 6 , characterized in that the first dosing device (20A) and/or the second dosing device (20B) comprise at least one of the following: - a demand-dependent supply of the distribution material and/or - a quantity-dependent supply of the distribution material. Agricultural support system (200) according to at least one of the Claims 1 or 7 , characterized in that at least one control device is provided, wherein the control device is designed: - for controlling and/or regulating a speed of the first conveying air generating device (30A) largely independently of a speed of the second conveying air generating device (30B) and/or - for controlling and/or regulating a speed of the first conveying air generating device (30A) taking into account definable and/or defined limits and/or - for controlling and/or regulating a speed of the second conveying air generating device (30B) taking into account definable and/or defined limits. Agricultural conveyor system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that respective separating devices (80) of row units (10) each have a receiving unit (82) for receiving distribution material that can be fed by means of the respective secondary air flow (LS1) and for at least partially separating the feedable distribution material from the respective secondary air flow (LS1). Agricultural conveying system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a flow air generating device (60) is provided and/or a second conveying air generating device (30B) is provided, which is designed to generate an overpressure for pressure difference-based separation of distribution material in singling devices (80) of row units (10) by means of a respective air flow (LS2) that can be generated in air lines (LL) and/or to output singulated distribution material with the aid of air flow by means of output lines (81). Agricultural conveying system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one measuring device (70) is provided in the circulation system and/or that at least two measuring devices (70) are provided at different positions in the circulation system, which are designed to detect at least one of the following: - conveying speeds of the conveying air flow (FS) in the main connecting structure (VS) and/or - pressures of the conveying air flow (FS) in the main connecting structure (VS) and/or - pressures of the conveying air flow (FS) in the main connecting structure (VS) and/or pressures in the second container (B2). Method for conveying at least one distribution material by means of an agricultural conveying system (200), comprising the steps of: - receiving at least one distribution material through a first container (B1) and through a second container (B2), - feeding the at least one distribution material from the first container (B1) into a main connecting structure (VS) by means of a first dosing device (20A), - generating a conveying air flow (FS) for conveying the at least one distribution material from the first container (B1) into the second container (B2) by means of a first conveying air generating device (30A), characterized by an arrangement of a section of the main connecting structure (VS) between the first container (B1) and the second container (B2), which section is formed by a line system, the line system having a minimum length of 1 meter and a minimum cross-sectional area of 250 square millimeters. Procedure according to Claim 13 , characterized in that the method is carried out with an agricultural conveyor system (200) according to one of the Claims 1 until 12 is executable.

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