Methods for operating an agricultural loading wagon and agricultural loading wagon

Abstract

Method for operating an agricultural forage wagon (1), wherein the forage wagon (1) has a loading unit (2) preferably positioned in a lower front area (13) thereof, by means of which harvested material can be picked up, preferably chopped, and transferred into a loading space (3) of the forage wagon (1) during a loading process, wherein the forage wagon (1) further comprises a transport device (4) by means of which, during the loading process of the forage wagon (1), the harvested material can be transported within the loading space (3) towards an unloading flap (6) of the forage wagon (1) positioned in a rear area (14) of the forage wagon (1), and wherein the forage wagon (1) further comprises a filling flap (11) positioned in an area above the loading unit (2), wherein, during the loading process of the forage wagon (1), the filling flap (11) presses against the harvested material with a force to compact it.and during the loading process of the loading wagon (1), the displacement of the filling flap (11) is monitored and, depending on this, the transport device (4) is controlled, namely such that if, during the loading process of the loading wagon (1), the displacement of the filling flap (11) is greater than a limit value, the transport device (4) is driven to transport the harvested crop further towards the unloading flap (6), whereas, if, during the loading process of the loading wagon (1), the displacement of the filling flap (11) is less than the limit value, the transport device (4) is stopped, the filling flap (11) interacts with a hydraulic cylinder (18), namely such that an actual pressure prevailing in the hydraulic cylinder (18) determines the force with which the filling flap (11) presses against the harvested crop during the loading process, characterized in that the actual pressure in the hydraulic cylinder (18) is regulated to a target pressure,that the filling flap (11) presses against the crop with a constant force dependent on the target pressure during the loading process of the loading wagon (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating an agricultural loading wagon according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to an agricultural loading wagon.

[0002] Agricultural forage wagons with a loading unit for loading crops such as cut grass, cut hay, or cut straw are common. Such a forage wagon is typically pulled by a tractor along a swath of crops gathered on the ground.

[0003] The loading unit of such an agricultural forage wagon comprises at least a pickup device, a conveying device, and a cutting device. The pickup device of the loading unit is used to pick up the crop from the ground, particularly when the forage wagon is moving along a swath. Such a pickup device is also called a pickup. The conveying device of the loading unit transports the crop picked up by the pickup device toward the cutting device of the loading unit, and is also referred to as a rotor. The cutting device of the loading unit comprises several cutting blades with which the crop can be chopped.

[0004] The harvested crop, picked up and shredded by the loading unit of the forage wagon, can be transferred into the loading area of ​​the wagon. Within the loading area, the crop can be further transported towards an unloading flap, preferably by means of a conveyor system extending along the length of the loading area, designed as a scraper floor.

[0005] An agricultural forage wagon, in addition to the loading unit and transport mechanism, has a filling flap, which, like the loading unit, is positioned at the front of the wagon. While the loading unit is located at the lower front of the wagon, the filling flap is positioned at the upper front. During the loading process, the chopped crop is pressed against the filling flap for compaction. The filling flap then exerts a force against the chopped crop to compact it.

[0006] Such a forage wagon is known from DE 41 22 024 A1. This forage wagon, known from this prior art, has a loading unit in a lower front section, a filling flap (also called a press flap) in an upper front section, and a conveyor system designed as a scraper floor. This conveyor system cyclically transports the harvested crop towards the unloading flap, which is closed during the loading process. In this prior art forage wagon, the filling flap is pre-tensioned by a spring element. This spring element determines the force with which the filling flap presses against the harvested crop during loading. To adjust this force, the prior art forage wagon must be stopped and its design modified by replacing the spring element.It is not possible to adjust the force with which the filling flap presses against the crop during loading, for example, to different operating conditions of the forage wagon, during the filling process and therefore during its use. The loading process can thus only be influenced to a limited extent. This means that an optimal loading result for the forage wagon is not possible.

[0007] From DE 10 2006 039 672 A1, a loading wagon for bringing in harvested crops is known, with a loading space bounded by a loading space floor and loading space walls, wherein at least one of the loading space walls is designed in multiple parts and comprises a lower base part, an upper first hinged part which is hinged about a horizontal axis relative to the base part, and a second hinged part which is hinged to the first hinged part about a horizontal axis, and with a crop pressure detection device for detecting the crop pressure on the second hinged part and a loading space conveyor control device which controls a loading space conveyor depending on the crop pressure, wherein the loading space conveyor control device switches on the loading space conveyor provided in the loading space or increases its speed when the crop pressure detection device detects a crop pressure on the second hinged part which exceeds a predetermined limit value.The crop pressure acting on the second folding part can be detected by a motion sensor, which records corresponding movements of the second folding part.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a method for operating an agricultural loading wagon and for an agricultural loading wagon that can improve the loading process.

[0009] Based on this, the present invention aims to create a novel method for operating an agricultural loading wagon and a corresponding agricultural loading wagon.

[0010] This problem is solved by a method for operating an agricultural loading wagon according to claim 1. According to the invention, the displacement of the filling flap is monitored during the loading process of the loading wagon, and the transport device is controlled accordingly, such that if the displacement of the filling flap exceeds a limit value during the loading process of the loading wagon, the transport device is driven to transport the harvested crop further towards the unloading flap, whereas if the displacement of the filling flap is less than a limit value during the loading process of the loading wagon, the transport device is stopped.The filling flap works in conjunction with a hydraulic cylinder, such that the actual pressure prevailing in the hydraulic cylinder determines the force with which the filling flap presses against the crop during the loading process, whereby the actual pressure in the hydraulic cylinder is regulated to a target pressure in such a way that the filling flap presses against the crop during the loading process of the loading wagon with a force dependent on the target pressure.

[0011] The invention enables optimal loading of a forage wagon. The filling flap interacts with a hydraulic cylinder, whereby the actual pressure in the hydraulic cylinder, which also depends on the position of the filling flap, is regulated to a target pressure. This allows the force with which the filling flap presses against the crop to compact it to be precisely adjusted during the loading process by changing the target pressure. This ensures that an optimal loading result is always achieved for the forage wagon, regardless of its current operating conditions. Furthermore, the invention monitors the position of the filling flap so that, if the filling flap has shifted beyond a certain limit above the crop, the transport mechanism is driven, thus moving the crop further towards the unloading flap.

[0012] Following a further advantageous development, the target pressure for the hydraulic cylinder is automatically determined based on operator inputs and / or at least one actual dimension of the crop or harvesting conditions and / or at least one actual operating state of the towing vehicle. This allows, particularly during transport and thus during the loading process of the forage wagon, a target pressure for the hydraulic cylinder to be automatically determined based on operator inputs and / or the actual dimensions of the crop or harvesting conditions and / or the actual operating state of the towing vehicle, ensuring a desired, optimal loading result during the loading process.

[0013] Preferably, the target pressure for the hydraulic cylinder is automatically and thus dynamically adjusted during the loading process, depending on operator inputs and / or the actual size of the crop or the harvesting conditions and / or the current operating status of the towing vehicle. This dynamic adjustment of the target pressure while driving allows for optimal adaptation to changing harvesting conditions.

[0014] The agricultural loading wagon is defined in claim 10.

[0015] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, without being limited thereto. The drawing shows: Fig. 1. a state-of-the-art agricultural loading wagon; Fig. 2 a section of a loading wagon according to the invention; Fig. 3 a block diagram to further illustrate the invention; and Fig. 4. Another block diagram to further illustrate the invention,

[0016] The invention presented here relates to a method for operating an agricultural loading wagon and to an agricultural loading wagon.

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 shows the basic structure of an agricultural forage wagon 1, which is a forage wagon pulled by a tractor. The agricultural forage wagon 1 can be coupled to the tractor via a drawbar 9. To load the forage wagon 1 with crop, the forage wagon 1 is pulled by a tractor (not shown) along the crop, which is gathered into a swath. A loading unit 2 of the forage wagon 1 serves to pick up the crop from the ground and load it into a loading space 3 of the forage wagon 1.

[0018] The loading unit 2 of the forage wagon 1 is positioned at the bottom – preferably in a front area 13 of the forage wagon 1 – and comprises a receiving device 2a, which serves to receive the harvested crop from the ground. This receiving device 2a is also referred to as a pickup. Furthermore, the loading unit 2 has a conveying device 2b and preferably a cutting device 2c, wherein the conveying device 2b serves to transport the harvested crop from the receiving device 2a towards the cutting device 2c. In the area of ​​the cutting device 2b, the harvested crop can be chopped and conveyed as chopped crop into the loading space 3 of the transport wagon 1.

[0019] A transport device 4, preferably designed as a scraper floor, serves to further transport the harvested and, if necessary, shredded crop in the loading space 3. The scraper floor typically has link chains and transport rails to transport the crop, which is picked up via the loading unit 2 at the bottom of the front area 13 adjacent to a front wall 5 of the loading wagon 1, towards a rear area 14 or towards an unloading flap 6 of the loading wagon 1.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the transport device 4, designed as a scraper floor, has a section 7 adjacent to the loading unit 2 that can be pivoted about an axis 10 in the direction of arrow 8. Of course, a loading wagon according to the invention can also be equipped with a floor that does not have a pivotable section.

[0021] While the loading unit 2 is active only during a loading operation of the loading wagon 1, the transport device 4 is active during both a loading and an unloading operation. During a loading operation, the transport device 4, which is preferably designed as a scraper floor, serves to transport the harvested crop towards the closed unloading flap 6. During an unloading operation, the transport device 4 serves to transport the harvested crop towards the open unloading flap 6.

[0022] The transport cart 1 also has a filling flap 11 positioned in the area above the loading unit 2. The filling flap 11 is pivotable or displaceable about an axis 12. The filling flap 11 can form an upper section of the front wall 5 of the loading cart 1 or be designed as a separate assembly detached from the front wall 5.

[0023] During the loading process of the loading wagon 1, the movement of the filling flap 11 is monitored, namely according to Fig. 2 with the aid of a position sensor 15. The position sensor 15 transmits its measurement signal to a control unit 16. Depending on the displacement of the filling flap 11, the transport device 4 is controlled, namely via the control unit 16.

[0024] Then, if the displacement of the filling flap 11 during the loading process of the forage wagon is less than a limit value, the transport device 4 is stopped, so that it no longer conveys the harvested material towards the closed unloading flap 6. In this case, the control unit 16 controls a motor 17 of the transport device 4 such that the transport device 4 is stopped.

[0025] However, if the displacement of the filling flap 11, which is monitored by the position sensor 15, exceeds the limit value, the transport device 4 is driven to transport the harvested material further towards the closed discharge flap 6. In this case, the control unit 16 then activates the motor 17 of the transport device 4, thus driving the transport device 4.

[0026] If the position sensor 15 detects that the displacement of the filling flap 11 during the loading process of the loading wagon 1 is greater than the corresponding limit value, the control unit 16 controls the transport device 4, namely the motor 17, such that the transport device 4 is driven. Conversely, if the displacement of the filling flap 11, which is monitored by the position sensor 15, is less than the corresponding limit value during the loading process of the loading wagon 1, the transport device 4 is stopped by the control unit 16 by correspondingly controlling the motor 17.

[0027] The filling flap 11 of the loading wagon interacts with a hydraulic cylinder 18. This shows Fig. 2, that a cylinder rod 18a of the hydraulic cylinder 18 engages the filling flap 11 and is guided in a cylinder bushing 18b of the hydraulic cylinder 18. Depending on the pivot position of the filling flap 11, the cylinder rod 18a projects further into the cylinder bushing 18b of the hydraulic cylinder 18, thereby fundamentally influencing the actual pressure prevailing in the hydraulic cylinder 18.

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 further shows a hydraulic valve 19 cooperating with the hydraulic cylinder 18 and a hydraulic oil pressure accumulator 20 cooperating with the hydraulic cylinder 18, wherein hydraulic oil can flow between the hydraulic cylinder 18 and the hydraulic oil pressure accumulator 20 depending on the position of the hydraulic valve 19.

[0029] A pressure sensor 21 measures the actual pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 18, and the pressure sensor 21 provides its measurement signal to the control unit 16. Depending on the actual pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 18, the filling flap 11 exerts a defined force on the crop to be compacted during the loading process of the forage wagon 1. The actual pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 18 is regulated to a target pressure by means of the control unit 16. As already explained, the actual pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 18 is measured by the pressure sensor 21, and the target pressure to which the actual pressure is to be regulated is stored in the control unit 16, for example, by a corresponding operator input at an operating terminal 22.

[0030] By regulating the actual pressure in hydraulic cylinder 18 to a target pressure, the force with which the filling flap 11 presses against the crop during the loading process of the forage wagon 1 is ultimately controlled. This allows the crop to be compacted with a defined force, ultimately regulated by hydraulic cylinder 18, throughout the entire loading process, ensuring that the filling flap 11 presses against the crop with a constant force during the loading process of the forage wagon 1.

[0031] Fig. Figure 3 shows a block diagram to illustrate the invention, wherein in Fig. Figure 3 shows a controller 23 implemented in the control unit 16, wherein the controller 23 regulates the actual pressure p-IST in the hydraulic cylinder 18 to a predetermined target pressure p-SOLL. Depending on the control deviation Δp between the target pressure p-SOLL and the actual pressure p-IST, the pressure controller 23 implemented in the control unit 16 generates a control signal for the hydraulic valve 19 or the hydraulic cylinder 18, so that ultimately the desired pressure is established in the hydraulic cylinder 18, i.e., the actual pressure p-IST is approached the target pressure p-SOLL.

[0032] The block diagram of the Fig. Figure 3 further shows a setpoint generation device 24. The setpoint generation device 24 automatically determines the setpoint pressure p-SOLL for the hydraulic cylinder 18. The setpoint generation device 24 is preferably part of the control unit 16.

[0033] As already explained, an operator or driver of the loading wagon 1 can enter operator-specific settings at the operating terminal 22, based on which the setpoint generation unit 24 then automatically determines the target pressure for the hydraulic cylinder 18. Fig. 3 an arrow 25 visualizes such operator-side inputs made at the operator terminal 22, whereby the operator-side inputs may be, for example, a loading strategy chosen by the operator.

[0034] As a loading strategy, for example, it can be specified to load the maximum mass of crop into the loading space 3 of the forage wagon 1. As an alternative loading strategy, the driver or operator can specify, for example, to load the crop into the loading space 3 of the forage wagon 1 as gently as possible. Depending on such operator inputs at the operating terminal 22, the setpoint generation unit 24 can then automatically determine a target pressure p-SOLL for the hydraulic cylinder 18, based on which the pressure regulator 21 then regulates the actual pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 18 so that the actual pressure corresponds to the target pressure.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the setpoint generation device 24 can take into account additional data besides the operator inputs visualized by arrow 25 when automatically determining the setpoint pressure p-SOLL for the pressure control of the hydraulic cylinder 18.

[0036] Thus, in Fig. 4. It is provided that the setpoint pressure p-setpoint pressure control of the hydraulic cylinder 19 is determined not only depending on the operator inputs, but also depending on at least one actual parameter of the crop or at least one actual parameter of the harvesting conditions. Each actual parameter of the crop or harvesting conditions can, for example, be monitored or recorded using a sensor 26.

[0037] The actual size of the harvested crop can, for example, be automatically determined using a sensor, whereby the determined cutting length of the harvested crop then serves as an input variable for the setpoint generation device 24, which then automatically takes the cutting length into account when determining the setpoint pressure.

[0038] Furthermore, it can be provided that the moisture content of the harvested crop can be taken into account as an additional actual parameter, based on the harvesting conditions, which also represents an actual parameter of the harvested crop. The target pressure for the pressure control of hydraulic cylinder 18 is then automatically determined depending on the moisture content of the harvested crop, which can also be detected by a sensor.

[0039] Fig. Figure 4 further shows a control unit 27 of the towing vehicle, which can transmit data about the current operating state of the towing vehicle to the setpoint generation unit 24. This data can include, for example, the engine operating point of the towing vehicle and / or its fuel consumption. The setpoint generation unit 24 can take this data into account when automatically determining the setpoint pressure for the pressure control of the hydraulic cylinder 19.

[0040] The invention makes it possible to ensure a defined compaction of the harvested crop via the filling flap 11 without any structural changes to the loading wagon 1 by automatically controlling the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 18, wherein the actual pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 18 ultimately determines the force with which the filling flap 11 compacts the harvested crop during the loading process.

[0041] The corresponding target pressure for the pressure control of the hydraulic cylinder 18 can be automatically determined on the basis of operator inputs and / or at least one actual size of the harvested crop or the harvesting conditions and / or at least one actual operating state of the vehicle and stored as a static value in the control unit 16 in order to then compact the harvested crop with an approximately constant force during the entire loading process via the filling flap 11.

[0042] The invention enables a defined compaction of the harvested crop to be achieved throughout the entire loading process. Constant compaction of the harvested crop can be ensured by regulating the actual pressure in the hydraulic cylinder 18 to the target pressure, whereby the target pressure for the pressure control of the hydraulic cylinder 18 is automatically determined by a target value generation device 24.

[0043] The setpoint generation unit 24 can automatically determine the target pressure based on operator input and / or on actual dimensions of the crop or harvesting conditions and / or on the current operating state of the tractor. This enables optimal loading results to be achieved during the loading process of the forage wagon 1.

[0044] As an alternative to the automatic determination of the target pressure by the target value generation device, an input option can also be provided by which the operator can manually set a value for the target pressure.

[0045] As an alternative to the illustrated and described embodiments, the loading unit of a forage wagon according to the invention can also be arranged in the rear lower area. In such a case, the filling flap is also located in the rear area, specifically in a region above the loading unit. With this design, the harvested crop is conveyed during loading by the transport device – such as a scraper floor – further into a front area of ​​the loading space, possibly up to a front wall.

[0046] The loading unit described above can also be designed without a cutting device or be equipped with a deactivatable cutting device, so that the harvested material can also be conveyed into the loading space unchopped, if necessary. Reference symbol list 1 loading wagon 2 charging unit 2a Reception facility 2b Support facility 2c cutting device 3 cargo space 4 Transport equipment 5 Front wall 6 Discharge flap Section 7 8 Movement 9. Folding drawbar 10-axis 11 Filling flap 12-axis 13 Front area 14 Rear area 15 Position sensor 16 Control unit 17 Engine 18 hydraulic cylinders 18a Cylinder rod 18b Cylinder bushing 19 Hydraulic valve 20 hydraulic oil pressure accumulators 21 Pressure sensor 22 Operator terminal 23 pressure regulators 24 Setpoint generation unit 25 Arrow 26 Sensor 27 Control unit

Claims

[1] A method for operating an agricultural self-loading wagon (1), wherein the self-loading wagon (1) has a loading unit (2) preferably positioned in a lower front region (13) thereof, by means of which, during a loading process of the self-loading wagon (1), crop material can be picked up, preferably shredded, and transferred into a loading space (3) of the self-loading wagon (1), wherein the self-loading wagon (1) further has a transport device (4) by means of which, during the loading process of the self-loading wagon (1), the crop material can be transported within the loading space (3) in the direction of a discharge flap (6) of the self-loading wagon (1) positioned in a rear region (14) of the self-loading wagon (1), and wherein the self-loading wagon (1) further has a filling flap (11) positioned in a region above the loading unit (2), wherein, during the loading process of the self-loading wagon (1), the filling flap (11) presses against the crop material with a force to compact it,and during the loading process of the loader wagon (1), the displacement of the filling flap (11) is monitored and the transport device (4) is controlled depending thereon, namely in such a way that if during the loading process of the loader wagon (1) the displacement of the filling flap (11) is greater than a limit value, the transport device (4) is driven to transport the crop further in the direction of the unloading flap (6), whereas if during the loading process of the loader wagon (1) the displacement of the filling flap (11) is smaller than the limit value, the transport device (4) is stopped, the filling flap (11) cooperates with a hydraulic cylinder (18), namely in such a way that an actual pressure prevailing in the hydraulic cylinder (18) determines the force with which the filling flap (11) presses against the crop during the loading process, characterized bythat the actual pressure in the hydraulic cylinder (18) is adjusted to a target pressure in such a way that the filling flap (11) presses against the crop with a constant force dependent on the target pressure during the loading process of the loading wagon (1). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the target pressure for the hydraulic cylinder (18) can be adjusted manually or is determined automatically depending on operator inputs. [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by that the target pressure for the hydraulic cylinder (18) is automatically determined depending on a loading strategy selected by the operator. [4] Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the target pressure for the hydraulic cylinder (18) is automatically determined depending on at least one actual size of the crop or the harvesting conditions. [5] Method according to claim 4, characterized bythat the target pressure for the hydraulic cylinder (18) is automatically determined depending on the cutting length of the crop. [6] Method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the target pressure for the hydraulic cylinder (18) is automatically determined depending on the moisture content of the crop. [7] Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the target pressure for the hydraulic cylinder (18) is automatically determined depending on at least one actual operating state of a towing vehicle. [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by that the target pressure for the hydraulic cylinder (18) is automatically determined depending on an engine operating point and / or depending on a fuel consumption of the towing vehicle. [9] Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized bythat the target pressure for the hydraulic cylinder (18) is automatically adjusted during the loading process depending on operator inputs and / or depending on at least one actual size of the crop or the harvesting conditions and / or depending on at least one actual operating state of a towing vehicle. [10] Agricultural self-loading wagon (1), wherein the self-loading wagon (1) has a loading unit (2) preferably positioned in a lower front region (13) thereof, by means of which, during a loading process of the self-loading wagon (1), crop material can be picked up, preferably shredded, and transferred into a loading space (3) of the self-loading wagon (1), wherein the self-loading wagon (1) further has a transport device (4) by means of which, during the loading process of the self-loading wagon (1), the crop material can be transported within the loading space (3) in the direction of a discharge flap (6) of the self-loading wagon (1) positioned in a rear region (14) of the self-loading wagon (1), and wherein the self-loading wagon (1) further has a filling flap (11) positioned in an area above the loading unit (2), which presses against the crop material with a force during the loading process of the self-loading wagon (1) to compact it,and during the loading process of the loader wagon (1), a sensor (15) monitors the displacement of the filling flap (11) and, depending thereon, a control device (16) controls the transport device (4), namely in such a way that if, during the loading process of the loader wagon (1), the displacement of the filling flap (11) is greater than a limit value, the transport device (4) is driven to transport the crop further in the direction of the unloading flap (6), whereas if, during the loading process of the loader wagon (1), the displacement of the filling flap (11) is smaller than the limit value, the transport device (4) is stopped, the filling flap (11) cooperates with a hydraulic cylinder (18), namely in such a way that an actual pressure prevailing in the hydraulic cylinder (18) determines the force with which the filling flap (11) presses against the crop during the loading process, characterized bythat the control device (16) regulates the actual pressure in the hydraulic cylinder (18) to a target pressure in such a way that the filling flap (11) presses against the crop during the loading process with a constant force dependent on the target pressure. [11] Loading wagon according to claim 10, characterized by that a setpoint generation device (24) automatically determines the setpoint pressure for the hydraulic cylinder (18) depending on operator inputs. [12] Loading wagon according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by that a setpoint generation device (24) automatically determines the setpoint pressure for the hydraulic cylinder (18) depending on at least one actual size of the crop or the harvesting conditions. [13] Loading wagon according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by that a setpoint generation device (24) automatically determines the setpoint pressure for the hydraulic cylinder (18) depending on at least one actual operating state of a towing vehicle. [14] Loading wagon according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized by that the setpoint generation device (24) automatically adjusts the setpoint pressure for the hydraulic cylinder (18) during the loading process depending on the operator inputs and / or depending on the respective actual size of the crop or the harvesting conditions and / or depending on the respective actual operating state of the towing vehicle.

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