WO2023198243A1

WO2023198243A1 - Agricultural spreading machine

Info

Publication number: WO2023198243A1
Application number: PCT/DE2023/100241
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander Dals; Bernd Valtwies
Original assignee: Lemken Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2022-04-11
Filing date: 2023-03-29
Publication date: 2023-10-19
Also published as: DE102022108775A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an agricultural spreading machine (1) comprising a spreading device (3) for applying liquid or granular material, which spreading device comprises a frame (2) and blades (4) for spreading the material, which blades are arranged on the frame in at least one row. The blade comprises a first material guide (5) for applying granular material, wherein a second material guide (6) for applying liquid material is provided, which second material guide is integrated into the first material guide.

Description

Agricultural distribution machine

The invention relates to an agricultural distribution machine according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Agricultural distribution machines, in particular drills or precision seeders, are used to spread seeds and/or fertilizer on or into the surface of arable land.

From the German disclosure DE1782477A1 a drill for spreading seeds and fertilizer is known. From a first storage container, seeds are dispensed into seed coulters arranged offset from one another by means of several metering units arranged next to one another. The seed coulters draw a furrow in the ground to deposit the seeds. The seed coulter arrangement is preceded by a further row of fertilizer coulters, which are supplied with granulated fertilizer from a second container by means of further dosing units arranged next to one another. The fertilizer is also incorporated into the soil using the fertilizer coulters, preferably at a lateral and/or vertical offset to the sowing furrows.

From EP2374343A1 a precision seed drill with an upstream fertilizer coulter for the simultaneous delivery of seeds and granulated fertilizer is known. To introduce liquid fertilizer, disclosure US20210251133A1 proposes a cutting share, which is followed by another tine share for opening a fertilizer furrow. A metering line for dispensing liquid fertilizer into the ground runs under cover of the tine share. This means that the line is not exposed to abrasive wear caused by floor material passing by, as would be the case if it were arranged directly behind the cutting disc. At the same time, the storage of the cutting disc does not come into contact with the liquid fertilizer. The liquid fertilizer usually consists of a salty or basic solution, which would oxidize the storage in a short time. This would also be a concern if liquid fertilizer were supplied to the disc coulter from EP2374343A1 through the supply line shown. The object of the invention is a distribution machine with spreading coulters for the simultaneous or alternative application of liquid and/or granulated or granular material, such as seeds and/or fertilizer in solid or granulated or granular form as well as liquid fertilizer, additives or other suspensions or solutions.

This task is solved by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

An agricultural distribution machine contains a distribution device for dispensing liquid or granular material as well as a frame and with coulters arranged on the frame in at least one row for distributing the material. The coulter has a first material guide for dispensing granular material. According to the invention, the coulter has a second material guide for dispensing liquid material, which is integrated into the first material guide. By selectively using the second material guide for dispensing liquid material into the first material guide for dispensing granular material, liquid and/or granular material can be dispensed alternatively or simultaneously with the same share with little change or assembly effort.

In a special embodiment, the first and second material guides are designed as hollow bodies with an inlet area and an outlet area. The inlet area of the first material guide is detachably connected to a feed line for granular material. Instead of the supply line or together with it, the inlet area of the second material guide is inserted into the inlet area of the first material guide. Furthermore, securing means are provided which secure the second material guide against movement relative to the first material guide. This allows the outlet area of the second material guide to be fixed relative to the coulter. The material guides have an axial extension. The securing means serve in particular as protection against displacement within the axial extent of the material guides. Furthermore, this can also be designed as axial anti-rotation devices,

In a further improved design, the securing means are designed as a quick coupling. The quick coupling has an adapter for accommodating the inlet area of the second material guide and/or a connecting device for accommodating a liquid line. This significantly reduces setup times for assembling the second material guide for liquid material into the first material guide.

In an optimized design of the agricultural distribution machine, the quick coupling has an opening for receiving a material line for granular material or for alternatively receiving the adapter. In particular, the feed line for granular material also has a suitable quick coupling. This can therefore be exchanged quickly and without tools for the adapter with the second material guide for liquid material.

In a special form of agricultural distribution machine, the adapter has a quick coupling on the side opposite the second material guide for receiving a material line for granular material. This achieves a simultaneous supply of granular and liquid material into the coulter. The granular material is guided through the first material guide into the furrow drawn by the coulter. Liquid material can also be dispensed into the same furrow using the second material guide. This is particularly advantageous when sowing seeds with simultaneous application of starter fertilizer. By cleverly placing the second material guide within the first material guide, blockage-free operation of the material delivery can be achieved while at the same time precise placement of the materials in the furrow. In a further improved form of the invention, the adapter is assigned a metering orifice and/or a switching or drip stop valve. This ensures flexible cable routing for supplying the liquid material to the coulter and prevents the cables from running unintentionally.

In a further embodiment, a liquid nozzle, in particular a point, flat or cone jet nozzle, is arranged at the lower end of the second material guide opposite the inlet of the second material guide. This enables precise delivery of liquid into the furrow or wetting of the furrow cross-section with liquid. Examples include the administration of a low-dose starter fertilizer or the in-situ administration of plant protection products or dressings.

In an improved embodiment of the invention, the first material guide and the second material guide have at least a partial section with a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axes being arranged parallel and preferably coaxial or eccentric to one another. As a result, the first material guide forms a protective jacket for the second material guide. Their central or concentric arrangement prevents the second material guide or the material dispensed thereby from coming into contact with the adjacent cutting disks. An eccentric arrangement is advantageous if, parallel to the delivery of liquid material through the second material guide, granular or granulated material is simultaneously delivered through the first material guide. This prevents blockages when dispensing larger quantities.

For improved delivery and placement of the liquid material in the furrow drawn by the coulter, the first material guide and the second material guide each have a different cross section. The cross section of the first material guide is at least twice, more preferably at least three times, in particular at least four times in extent larger than the cross section of the second material guide. The extent of the cross-section is measured as the diameter, as the axes of the ellipse or as the diagonal of a polygon of the cross-sectional shape. Particularly when liquid or solid material is being dispensed at the same time, it is recommended to select a cross section of the second material guide that is at least three times smaller, in particular at least four times smaller, than the first material guide in order to avoid blockages in the first material guide.

The invention is characterized in particular by the fact that by integrating a second material guide for liquid material into a first material guide intended for the delivery of solid material, a flexible coulter system is created for the selective or simultaneous delivery of materials in different aggregate states, which can be any can be configured and adapted to the respective delivery purpose at any time. This can happen when the agricultural distribution machine is delivered, as a later retrofit or at any time and immediately before it is used.

Further details and advantages of the subject matter of the invention result from the following description and the associated drawings, in which an exemplary embodiment with the necessary details and individual parts is shown. Show it:

Fig. 1 shows an agricultural distribution machine in a perspective view from the front,

Fig.2 shows a coulter for spreading granular material,

3 shows a coulter for dispensing liquid material,

Fig. 4 shows a cross section from Fig. 2,

5 shows a cross section from FIG. 3,

Fig. 6 shows a combined embodiment of Figs. 2 and 3 and Fig. 7 shows a cross section from Fig. 6.

Figure 1 shows an agricultural distribution machine 1 in a perspective view, which is operated in a direction of travel F by a towing vehicle, not shown, and is moved over an agriculturally used ground surface. This is a precision seed drill with four visible of a total of eight precision seed units 16, which are arranged next to one another and spaced apart on a frame 2 of the distribution machine 1. The precision sowing units 16 are supplied with seeds from a container 20 by means of an air flow from a fan 19. At the same time, the air flow from the fan 19 serves to generate a pressure difference in the connected precision sowing units 16, with which the seeds can be delivered individually into seed furrows. The precision sowing units 16 are preceded by one or more depth guides 18, which are designed as a roller or roller. In order to promote the emergence and subsequent growth of the seeds and the resulting plants, a fertilizer band is placed near the seed furrows. To introduce the fertilizer into the soil near the seed furrows, the precision sowing units 16 are assigned one or more distribution devices for distributing solid, granulated or granular material, in particular fertilizer. Alternatively, liquid material such as fertilizer or crop protection solutions etc. can also be applied. The respective material is introduced into the ground using shares 4. At least one coulter 4 is assigned to each precision sowing unit 16. Instead of the precision sowing units 16, a further distribution device 3 with coulters 4 can also be arranged on the distribution machine in the same or another row in order to enable volume-metered drill seeding. The coulters 4 are designed as double disc coulters, in which two cutting disks 17 are rotatably mounted in pairs on a holder. The coulters 4 with their holders 22 on the frame 2 of the distribution machine are arranged at regular intervals from one another along a transverse direction to the direction of travel F. There are more on the holders 22, Star-shaped clearing discs arranged to remove plant residues from the work area. The cutting disks 17 of the coulters 4 protrude with their rear segment into a recess in the depth guide 18. This results in a self-cleaning effect of the cutting disks 17 in that adhering soil material is scraped off by the subsequent roller elements of the depth guide 18.

Figure 2 shows a single coulter 4 for spreading granular material, which is movably arranged with its holder 22 on the indicated transverse axis of the frame 2 by means of a joint bearing 21. The coulter 4 is held in position relative to the frame 2 by an overload element also arranged between the frame 2 and the holder 22, but can move upwards if it hits a foreign body in the ground. By rotating a frame tube along the transverse axis of the frame 2, the working depth of the respective coulters 4 can be adjusted. Of the coulter 4 designed as a double-disc coulter, only the right-hand cutting disk 17 in the direction of travel F can be seen. The left cutting disc is omitted for clarity. The storage 26 for the cutting disks 17 can be seen at the lower end of the holder 22. The bearing 26 is arranged obliquely and on both sides of the holder 22, so that the cutting disks are aligned in a V-shape towards one another in the direction of travel and downwards. This cuts an approximately V-shaped furrow into the ground into which the material to be distributed can be placed. In the rear area of the share 4, the first material guide 5 extends from the upper circumference of the cutting disks 17 along the holder 22 to approximately below the bearing 26 of the cutting disks 17. The length of the first material guide 5 is therefore at least equal to or greater than the outer radius of a cutting disk and ends at the lower outlet area 8. The inlet area 7 of the first material guide 5 is located on the upper circumference of the cutting disks 17. A tubular material line 13 and a clamping ring 25 are inserted into this by means of a quick coupling 10 and can be pulled out with a pluggable one Bracket 24 locked. Through the material line 13, granular material to be dispensed can be metered in using a dosage (not shown) and placed in the furrow created by the coulter 4 in the ground. The material can be transported by gravity or a gradient in the material line 13, but preferably by means of a transport air flow.

Figure 3 shows the arrangement from Figure 2 with largely the same reference numbers. However, the material line 17 is removed by means of the quick coupling 10 and instead a second material guide 6 is inserted and integrated into the inlet area 7.1 of the first material guide 5. The invisible inlet area of the second material guide 6 is held in the upper area by an adapter 11 and with this the entire second material guide 6 is fixed in the first material guide 5 by means of a pluggable bracket 24 in the quick coupling 10. A valve 15 with the liquid line 14 connected to it continues upwards from the adapter 11. The other end of the liquid line 14 is connected to a frame-side distribution line, with which the liquid to be dispensed is pumped or metered in under pressure from a tank (not shown). The valve 15 is provided as a drip stop valve with a spring-loaded valve membrane and prevents the liquid line 14 from running unintentionally. The valve 15 only opens at a certain delivery pressure and directs liquid through the second and first material guide 6, 5 into the material guide drawn into the ground by the coulter Furrow. By loosening the quick coupling 10, the adapter 11 together with the valve 14 and the second material guide 6 can be removed and exchanged or replaced with the material line 13, as described in FIG. 2, at any time and without any further assembly work.

Figure 4 shows a lateral cross section of the arrangement from Figure 2 with identical reference numbers. The first material guide 5 is arranged directly behind the holder 22 of the share 4. The material guide 5 has a material guide 5 on the upper circumference of the cutting share 17, which is dimensioned with the disc radius Rs Inlet 7 with a quick coupling 10. The first material guide 5 preferably has a length L, which is at least equal to or greater than the radius Rs. The outlet 8 of the first material guide 5 thus protrudes below the storage 26 of the cutting pads 17, so that escaping material does not come into contact with the storage 26. The material line 13 is inserted into the quick coupling 10 by means of a clamping ring 24 and secured against being pulled out via a bracket 24, the material cross sections of which can be seen. Instead of the bracket, plug-in pins can also be used, which are inserted through openings in the quick coupling and form an axial positive connection with an annular groove in the clamping ring 24. Alternative plug-in coupling forms or bayonet fittings can also be used as a quick-coupling device.

Figure 5 shows a lateral cross section of the arrangement from Figure 3. Instead of the material line from Figure 4, the second material guide 6 is inserted into the inlet 7.1 of the first material guide 5. The inlet 7.2 of the second material guide 6 is connected to the adapter 11, which is held in the plug-in coupling 10 of the securing means 9. Due to the non-positive or positive connection of the second material guide 6 with the adapter 11 on the one hand and the adapter with the securing means 9 or the quick coupling on the other hand, a constant, defined position of the second material guide 6 relative to the first material guide 5 is achieved. The two material guides 5 and 6 preferably run parallel to one another, and even more preferably coaxially to one another. This prevents contact between the second material guides 6 and the cutting disks 17 or other components of the coulter 4. The first material guide 5 thus forms a kind of protective jacket over at least a portion of the second material guide 6. Analogous to Figure 4, the adapter 11 is inserted into the quick coupling 10 and secured against being pulled out via a bracket 24, the material cross sections of which can be seen. Instead of the bracket, plug-in pins can also be used, which are inserted through openings in the Insert the quick coupling and form an axial positive connection with an annular groove of the adapter 11. Alternative plug-in coupling forms or bayonet fittings can also be used as a quick-coupling device. Above the adapter, the valve 15 is arranged, which is supplied with liquid material through the liquid line 14, which is fed through the second material guide 6 to the furrow drawn through the coulter 4. The valve 15 can be screwed into a threaded seat formed in the adapter 11 or inserted and locked into a molded plug-in coupling seat, which is preferably designed as a bayonet lock. Below the valve 15, an elastic sealing ring and a metering orifice can be inserted into the adapter 11 . These can be put together from a commercially available range, only the adapter 11 is designed according to the components used. The second material guide 6 can also be screwed into a threaded seat formed in the adapter 11 or inserted into a molded plug-in coupling seat. Alternatively, the use of a cutting ring or Sealing ring arrangement for movably securing the second material guide 6 relative to the adapter 11 is provided.

The coulter 4 is vertically movable and pivotable about at least one joint bearing 21 relative to the cross tube of the frame 2 shown and is held in position by the overload element 23. A distribution line is preferably arranged along the frame 2, to which the end of the liquid line 14 opposite the valve 15 is connected. This can also be done using a quick coupling or a union screw connection. The liquid line 14 is designed as an elastic hose or plastic line and is arranged in an arc shape. The arc shape preferably runs within an enveloping circle, which extends with a radius Ru from the axis of the joint bearing 21 to the valve 15 or to the securing means 9 or the adapter 11. Alternatively, the liquid line 14 extends in an S-shaped bend directly from the valve 15 in the direction of Distribution line, which is arranged near the frame 2 or the axis of the joint bearing 21.

An alternative embodiment for the simultaneous application of liquid and solid material is shown in side view in Figures 6 and 7 and in cross section in Figure 7. The adapter 11 is inserted into the inlet of the first material guide 5 as in Figure 5 and locked with the securing means 9 or the quick coupling. The adapter 11 is designed as a hollow body and has a further quick coupling 10 'at the other end opposite the inlet 7.1 of the first material guide 5. As already described in FIG. 4, a material line 13 for supplying solid material is assigned to this. The inlet 7.2 of the second material guide is bent laterally and protrudes into a further lateral connection piece, on which the valve 15 and, continuing thereon, the liquid line 14, as otherwise described for Figures 3 and 5, are arranged. Unlike in Figure 5, the second material guide 6 is arranged parallel, but eccentrically to the cross section of the first material guide 5. By arranging the second material guide 6, which has a significantly smaller cross-section, in the wall area of the significantly larger first material guide 5, clogging or blocking of the granular material supplied through the material line 13 is avoided both in the cavity of the adapter 11 and subsequently in the first material guide 5. For the sake of clarity, the valve 15 and the line 14 are shown protruding towards the rear. The course of the line 14 is preferably arranged as shown in Figure 5.

Four sheets of drawings follow. REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

Claims

PATENT CLAIM E

1. Agricultural distribution machine (1) with a distribution device (3) for dispensing liquid or granular material, with a frame (2) and with coulters (4) arranged on the frame (2) in at least one row for distributing the material, whereby the coulter (4) has a first material guide (5) for dispensing granular material, characterized in that the coulter (3) has a second material guide (6) for dispensing liquid material, which is integrated into the first material guide (5). .

2. Agricultural distribution machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and the second material guide (5, 6) are designed as hollow bodies with an inlet region (7) and an outlet region (8), the inlet region (7.2) of the second material guide ( 6) is inserted into the inlet area (7.1) of the first material guide (5), with securing means (9) being provided which secure the second material guide (6) against movement relative to the first material guide (5).

3. Agricultural distribution machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the securing means (9) are designed as a quick coupling (10), the quick coupling (10) having an adapter (11) for receiving the inlet area (7.2) of the second material guide (6 ) and/or a connection device (12) for receiving a liquid line (14).

4. Agricultural distribution machine according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the quick coupling (10) has an opening for receiving a material line (13) for granular material or for alternatively receiving the adapter (11).

5. Agricultural distribution machine according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter (11) has a quick coupling (10) on the side opposite the second material guide (6) for receiving a material line (13) for granular material.

6. Agricultural distribution machine according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter (11) is assigned a metering orifice and / or a switching or drip stop valve (15).

7. Agricultural distribution machine according to the preceding claims, characterized in that a liquid nozzle, in particular a point, flat or cone jet nozzle, is arranged at the lower end of the material guide (6) opposite the inlet (7.2) of the second material guide (6).

8. Agricultural distribution machine according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the first material guide (5) and the second material guide (6) have at least a partial section with a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axes being arranged parallel and preferably coaxial or eccentric to one another.

9. Agricultural distribution machine according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the first material guide (5) and the second material guide (6) each have a cross section, the cross section of the first material guide (5) being at least double, more preferably at least triple, in particular at least four times larger than the cross section of the first material guide (5).