IMPLEMENTO AGRÍCOLA E MÉTODO PARA OPERAR UM IMPLEMENTO AGRÍCOLA
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- BR · BR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
1 / 23 Agricultural implement and method for operating an agricultural implement. Technical area
[0001] The invention relates to an agricultural implement for distributing spreading material, such as fertilizer and / or seeds. State of the art
[0002] Such agricultural implements are already known, for example, as centrifugal spreaders. It is also known that these spreaders can be used to simultaneously distribute more than one type of material.
[0003] Document EP 0 497 166 A1 describes a centrifugal fertilizer spreader in which the dispensing devices for different types of fertilizer are arranged at different heights relative to each other, so that the spreading puffs of the different types of fertilizer can form without disturbance. Document DE 197 42 441 A1 deals with a similar centrifugal spreader, with two storage containers and dosing and dispensing devices assigned to each of the storage containers, which also has sensor elements to detect the spreading puffs produced by the dispensing devices.
[0004] However, with known centrifugal fertilizer spreaders, it can be difficult to attribute the spreading puff detected by a sensor element to one of the material types. The invention, therefore, is based on the task of providing an agricultural implement with which the applied material can be better detected. Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, p. 12 / 44 2 / 23 Summary
[0005] The task is solved by an agricultural implement as per claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.
[0006] The agricultural implement for distributing spreading material, such as fertilizer and / or seed, comprises a first spreading device for a first spreading material; a second spreading device for a second spreading material; a first sensor arrangement adapted to detect the first spreading material by the first device in order to determine a spreading blow; a second sensor arrangement adapted to detect the second spreading material by the second device in order to determine a spreading blow. The first spreading device is arranged above the second. The first sensor arrangement is positioned and / or controllable so that the detection of the second spreading material by it is suppressed. Alternatively or additionally, the second sensor arrangement is positioned and / or controllable so as to suppress the detection of the first spreading material.
[0007] It is possible that the first spreading material comprises a first type of spreading material and the second spreading material comprises a second type of spreading material. In this case, it is possible that the first type of spreading material is different from the second type of spreading material. It is also possible that the first and second spreading materials comprise the same type of spreading material. The first and / or the second material of Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 13 / 44 3 / 23 spreading may include a fertilizer, in particular a mineral fertilizer.
[0008] It is possible that a separate scattering puff is determined for the first and second scattering material. It is also possible that a common scattering puff can be determined for both the first and second scattering materials.
[0009] Here and below, the terms above and in the direction of travel refer to the relative arrangement of certain elements of the agricultural implement during the operation of the agricultural implement.
[0010] The agricultural implement may be a spreader, in particular a fertilizer spreader. In particular, the fertilizer spreader may be a centrifugal fertilizer spreader. The spreader may be a towed, self-propelled or mounted spreader. The first and / or second spreading device may each comprise a metering device. The first and / or second spreading devices may each comprise a distribution disc. It is also possible that the first and / or second spreading devices may each comprise several spreading discs, in particular two. A metering device may be assigned to each spreading disc of the first and / or second spreading device. The spreading discs may be individually controlled, for example, by a control device on the agricultural implement.In particular, it is possible that the operating parameters of the first and / or second spreading device, such as the amount of spreading material, the rotation speed of a spreading disc, or the point of application of fertilizer on a disc. Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 14 / 44 4 / 23 of spreading, can be adjusted individually for each spreading disc of the first and / or second spreading device.
[0011] The first and / or second sensor arrangement may comprise one or more sensors for optical detection of scattering material. Alternatively or additionally, the first and / or second sensor arrangement may be adapted to detect scattering material by means of the reflection of electromagnetic waves and / or sound waves. In particular, the first and / or second sensor arrangement may comprise at least one sound transmitter, in particular an ultrasonic transmitter, and a corresponding receiver, or a transmitter for electromagnetic waves, in particular radar waves, and a corresponding receiver. It is possible that the first and / or second sensor arrangement operates according to the Doppler principle. In this way, the flight direction and / or speed and / or projection distance of the scattered material and / or the distribution of the scattering and scattered material around the scattering device can be determined.For example, the scattering material can be exposed to sound waves or electromagnetic waves during flight via the transmitter, and the properties of the radiation reflected by the scattering material, such as intensity and frequency, can be measured using the detector. The flight direction and / or speed and / or projection distance and / or distribution of the scattering material can then be compared with target values, for example, in an agricultural implement control device.
[0012] The agricultural implement may comprise a control device. The control device may be, for example, a Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 15 / 44 5 / 23 on-board computer of the agricultural implement or of a towing vehicle of the agricultural implement. The control device can be connected to the first and second sensor arrays and to the first and second spreading devices. The control device can be adapted to receive signals from the first and second sensor arrays. The control device can be adapted to send control signals to the first and second spreading devices. The control device can be adapted to send control signals to the first and second sensor arrays.
[0013] The control device can be configured to control and / or regulate the first and / or second scattering device based on sensor data from the first and / or second sensor array.
[0014] For example, the control device can be configured to compare the scattering values of the scattering material detected by the first and second sensor arrays, for example, direction and / or flight speed and / or projection distance, and / or variables derived from the detected scattering values, such as working width or projection angle of the scattering material, with the stored target values.
[0015] If the detected properties deviate from the target values, in particular if the deviation exceeds a specified limit value, the control device can be configured to adjust the operating parameters of the corresponding spreading device, such as rotor speed, dosing cursor position, or adjustment of an application point. Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 16 / 44 6 / 23 scattering material on a scattering disc, in order to obtain an adjustment to the target values.
[0016] In particular, it is possible that the control device may be configured to control the first and second spreading devices based on the detected spreading values of the spreading material, so that the first and second spreading material are spread with the same working width. In addition, the control device may be configured to control the first and second spreading devices so that the working width is kept constant during the operation of the agricultural implement.
[0017] The control device can also be configured to take into account additional properties of the first and second spreading materials, such as size, mass, geometry or grain density, when controlling the first and second spreading devices. In addition, the control device can be configured to take into account environmental influences, such as wind speeds and / or directions, when controlling the first and second spreading devices. The agricultural implement may have sensors to determine environmental influences for this purpose.
[0018] It is possible that the first sensor arrangement comprises a first group of sensors adapted to detect scattering material that is scattered by a first scattering disc of the first scattering device. Furthermore, the first sensor arrangement may comprise a second group of sensors adapted to detect scattering material scattered by a second scattering disc of the Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 17 / 44 7 / 23 first scattering device. In other words, it is possible that each scattering disc of the first scattering device is assigned to one or more dedicated sensors. The sensors may comprise one or more of the characteristics described above.
[0019] Similarly, it is possible that the second sensor array comprises a first group of sensors adapted to detect scattering material scattered by a first scattering disc of the second scattering device. Furthermore, the second sensor array may comprise a second group of sensors adapted to detect scattering material scattered by a second scattering disc of the second scattering device. In other words, it is possible that each scattering disc of the second scattering device is assigned to one or more dedicated sensors. The sensors may have one or more of the characteristics described above.
[0020] According to the invention, the determination of the distribution of the first scattering material can be improved by arranging the first sensor array in such a way that the detection of the second type of scattering material discharged by the first sensor array is suppressed. In particular, it is possible to prevent measurements of the second scattering material from being incorrectly included in the determination of the distribution of the first scattering material. The detection of the first scattering material can also be improved by alternative or additional controllability of the first sensor array. Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 18 / 44 8 / 23
[0021] The first sensor array can be arranged above and moved forward in the direction of travel relative to the second scattering device.
[0022] In known centrifugal spreaders of the prior art with two distribution elements arranged one above the other, the upper distribution elements with their associated sensor elements are generally positioned offset backward in the direction of travel above the lower distribution elements.
[0023] In contrast, in the present invention, the first sensor array can be arranged above and offset forward relative to the second scattering device, which allows increasing the distance between the material discharged from the second scattering device and the first sensor array. In particular, this allows increasing the distance between the first sensor array and a trajectory described by the second scattering material after it leaves the second scattering device compared to the prior art. This increased distance can suppress the detection of the second scattering material by the first sensor array, since the second scattering material is not in the field of view or is only at the edge of the field of view of the first sensor array after leaving the second scattering device.
[0024] The displacement in the direction of displacement of the first sensor array relative to the second scattering device can be between 0.1 m and 2.5 m, in particular between 0.3 m and 1.5 m. By choosing this distance, it is possible to reduce the detection of the second scattering material by the first sensor array, without, at the same time, impairing the detection. Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, p. 19 / 44 9 / 23 of the first scattering material by the first sensor array. In other words, the field of view of the first sensor array can thus be optimized.
[0025] The displacement in the direction of travel between the first sensor array and the second spreading device can be determined, for example, as follows: a first perpendicular, i.e., a vertical axis perpendicular to the ground, is determined, wherein the first perpendicular passes through the sensor of the first sensor array that is located furthest back on the agricultural implement in the direction of travel. A second perpendicular is then determined, which passes through a point located at the rear of the second spreading device in the direction of travel, for example, at the rear edge of a spreading disc of the second spreading device in the direction of travel. The first and second perpendiculars are projected onto a plane perpendicular to the ground and parallel to the direction of travel, i.e., onto a side view of the machine.The distance between the projection of the first perpendicular and the projection of the second perpendicular onto this plane can then correspond to the displacement between the first sensor array and the second sensor array.
[0026] In particular, if the sensors of the first sensor array are arranged with rotational symmetry and the second scattering device also has rotational symmetry, the displacement between the first sensor array and the second scattering device can also be determined by the distance between their respective axes of symmetry. If the axes of symmetry are not parallel to each other, the displacement can be Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 20 / 44 10 / 23 determined in a manner analogous to the method described above, forming perpendiculars that pass through the center of the first sensor array and the second scattering device.
[0027] Alternatively, the first sensor array can also be arranged above the second scattering device without displacement in the direction of displacement or against the direction of displacement. In other words, the first sensor array can be arranged essentially directly above the second scattering device. Even with such an arrangement, a greater distance between the first sensor array and a trajectory described by the second scattering material after its exit from the second scattering device can already be achieved compared to the previous technique, with the advantages described above.
[0028] The agricultural implement may comprise a separating element, which is disposed between the first sensor array and the second spreading device. A separating element should be understood here as an element that restricts the field of view of the first sensor array in such a way that the detection of the second spreading material by the first sensor array is suppressed. Such a separating element may, for example, comprise a disc or be designed as a disc. It is also possible that the separating element comprises a grid structure. In this case, it is possible, in particular, that the grid has a grid spacing smaller than a wavelength of electromagnetic radiation or a sound wave emitted by the first and / or second sensor array.
[0029] This separating element can further suppress the detection of the second scattering material emitted by Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, p. 21 / 44 11 / 23 second scattering device by the first sensor array.
[0030] The separating element may comprise or consist of a material opaque to electromagnetic waves, in particular radar waves and / or sound waves, in particular ultrasonic waves. In particular, the separating disc may comprise or consist of a foam material. The use of such material prevents electromagnetic waves and / or sound waves emitted by the first sensor array from being detected by the second sensor array, and vice versa.
[0031] The separator element can extend across the entire width of the machine. It is also possible for the separator element to be sized so that it covers the detection range of the first sensor array across the entire width of the machine, taking into account the opening angle of the sensors in the first sensor array and the distance of the sensors to the separator element. In other words, if the sensors are closer to the separator element and / or the opening angle of the sensors is small, the dimensions of the separator element can be reduced accordingly. This ensures that the second spreading material is sufficiently protected from the first sensor array without impairing the distribution of the first and / or second spreading material.
[0032] The separating element can be designed as a flat element. The separating element can be arranged parallel to the ground. It is also possible for the separating element to be arranged parallel to an element of the first or second spreading device, for example, a blade of Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 22 / 44 12 / 23 throw. It is also possible that the separating element is arranged in the direction, in particular approximately parallel, to a part, in particular the initial course, of the flight curve of the first or second scattering material.
[0033] The first sensor array can be arranged so that the measurement direction of the first sensor array is from bottom to top. In other words, the first sensor array can be directed from bottom to top towards the first scattering material spread by the first scattering device. In particular, the first sensor array can be arranged below the first scattering device and above the second scattering device. With this alignment of the first sensor array, the detection of the second scattering material by the first sensor array can be substantially suppressed altogether.
[0034] The second sensor array can be arranged so that the measurement direction of the first sensor array is from top to bottom. In other words, the second sensor array can be directed from top to the second scattering material scattered by the second scattering device. In particular, the second sensor array can be arranged below the first scattering device and above the second scattering device. With this arrangement of the second sensor array, the detection of the first scattering material by the second sensor array can be essentially suppressed completely.
[0035] The first sensor array can be placed directly on or in the immediate vicinity of the first scattering device. It is possible that several elements of the first Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 23 / 44 13 / 23 sensor arrays are arranged concentrically around an axis of rotation of a scattering disk of the first scattering device. In particular, each scattering disk of the first scattering device can be assigned to a group of elements of the first sensor array, wherein the elements are arranged concentrically around an axis of rotation of the respective scattering disk.
[0036] The second sensor array can be arranged directly on or in the immediate vicinity of the second scattering device. It is possible that several elements of the second sensor array are arranged concentrically around an axis of rotation of a scattering disk of the second scattering device.In particular, each scattering disc of the second scattering device can be assigned to a group of elements of the second sensor array, where each element is arranged concentrically around an axis of rotation of the respective scattering disc.
[0037] By arranging the respective sensor array directly on or in the vicinity of the respective spreading device, as described above, it is possible to ensure that the respective sensor array can optimally detect the respective spreading material immediately after it leaves the spreading device.
[0038] If the respective sensor array is arranged directly on or in the vicinity of the respective scattering device, the first scattering device may be arranged above and displaced forward relative to the second scattering device. The displacement of the first scattering device in the direction of displacement in Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 24 / 44 14 / 23 in relation to the second spreading device can be between 0.1 m and 2.5 m, in particular between 0.3 m and 1.5 m. This arrangement can optimize the detection of the first and second spreading materials, while allowing for a compact design of the agricultural implement. The displacement of the first spreading device in the direction of travel relative to the second spreading device can be determined, for example, analogously to the method described above, by forming perpendiculars, where each perpendicular can pass through a rear point of the first and second spreading devices or through the respective centers of the first and second spreading devices.
[0039] Alternatively, in this case, the first scattering device can also be arranged above the second scattering device without an offset in the direction of travel or against the direction of travel. In other words, the first scattering device can be arranged essentially directly above the second scattering device. Such an arrangement can also, compared with the previous technique, achieve a greater distance between the first sensor array and a trajectory described by the second scattering material after its exit from the second scattering device, with the advantages described above.
[0040] The first sensor array and the second sensor array can be configured to measure in different time windows. In particular, it is possible for the time windows not to overlap. In particular, in the case where the first and second sensor arrays each comprise a sensor that operates based on the reflection of sound waves or waves Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 25 / 44 15 / 23 electromagnetic interference, particularly according to the Doppler principle, it is possible to prevent signals emitted by the second sensor array from being detected by the first sensor array, particularly after being reflected by the second scattering material, and vice versa. This avoids interference between the first sensor array and signals emitted by the second sensor array, and vice versa.
[0041] The duration of the respective time windows can be determined depending on at least one operational parameter of the first and / or second spreading device. In particular, the duration of the respective time windows can be determined depending on at least one operational parameter, such that at least one packet of spreading material discharged by an output device can be completely detected within a time window. In particular, a packet of spreading material can be understood here as the amount of spreading material that is ejected by a launching blade of a spreading disc of the first and / or second spreading device during one revolution of the spreading disc. At least one operational parameter may comprise, in particular, the rotational speed of a spreading disc of the first and / or second spreading device.
[0042] The time windows can have a duration of 0.1 s ≤ 10 s, preferably 0.5 s ≤ 2 s. With this duration of the time windows, it can be ensured that a sufficient number of measurements are performed on both the first and second scattering material during the scattering process, in order to accurately detect the scattering values of Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 26 / 44 16 / 23 respective scattering material. Furthermore, with time windows of this duration, in particular 0.5 s 2 s, a complete detection of the first and second scattering material can be achieved even with alternating measurements.
[0043] The first sensor array and the second sensor array can be adapted to measure with different measurement frequencies and / or different polarizations. This configuration prevents the signals emitted by the first sensor array from influencing the second sensor array and vice versa.
[0044] The agricultural implement may also include one or more storage containers for the first and second spreading material.
[0045] The invention also provides a method for operating an agricultural implement, wherein the agricultural implement may comprise one or more of the features described above. The method comprises the following steps: • Distribution of an initial spreading material by the first spreading device; • Distribution of a second spreading material by the second spreading device; • Detection of the first scattering material distributed by a first array of sensors to determine a scattering puff; and • Detection of the second scattering material distributed by a second array of sensors to determine a scattering puff.
[0046] The method may also include processing data transmitted from the first sensor array and / or the Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 27 / 44 17 / 23 second sensor array for an agricultural implement control device. The data may, in particular, comprise the detected scattering values of the first distributed scattering material and / or the second distributed scattering material and / or data derived from the detected scattering values.
[0047] The method may also comprise the control of the first and / or second spreading device by a control device on the agricultural implement. The first and / or second spreading device may be controlled, in particular, based on the processing of the aforementioned data transmitted from the first sensor array and / or the second sensor array to a control device on the agricultural implement.
[0048] The method may also include comparing the detected spreading values of the distributed spreading material of the first type of spreading material and / or the second type of spreading material with the target values of the agricultural implement control device. It is possible that the first spreading device and / or the second spreading device are controlled by the control device based on the detected deviations of the properties of the distributed spreading material of the first type of spreading material and / or the second type of spreading material in relation to the target values. Brief description of the drawings
[0049] Other features and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the illustrative figures. These show: Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 28 / 44 18 / 23
[0050] Figure 1, a schematic side view of a prior art agricultural implement;
[0051] Figure 2, a schematic side view of an embodiment of an agricultural implement; and
[0052] Figure 3, a schematic side view of an embodiment of an agricultural implement. Detailed description
[0053] Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of an agricultural implement 1 according to the prior art, which is a towed centrifugal spreader. The centrifugal spreader 1 comprises a first storage container 2 for a first type of spreading material and a second storage container 3 for a second type of distribution material. The centrifugal spreader 1 further comprises a first spreading device 4 and a second spreading device 5.
[0054] The first spreading device 4 is connected to the first storage container 2 so that the spreading material can be distributed from the first storage container 2 by means of the first spreading device 4. Similarly, the second spreading device 5 is connected to the second storage container 3 so that the spreading material can be distributed from the second storage container 3 by means of the second spreading device 5.
[0055] Figure 1 shows that the first scattering device 4 and the second scattering device 5 each comprise at least one scattering disk 6 and 7, respectively. In particular, the first device of Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 29 / 44 19 / 23 Spreading device 4 and the second spreading device 5 may each comprise two spreading discs. During the operation of the centrifugal spreader 1, the spreading discs 6 and 7 are respectively supplied with spreading material of the first and second types of spreading material by a metering device of the first spreading device 4 and the second spreading device 5, which is not shown in Figure 1. The respective spreading material is then distributed in a known manner through the spreading discs 5 and 6.
[0056] Figure 1 further shows that the centrifugal scatterer 1 comprises a first sensor array 10 and a second sensor array 11. The first sensor array 10 is arranged in the first scattering device 4, and the second sensor array 11 is arranged in the second scattering device 6. The first sensor array 10 and the second sensor array 11 each comprise radar sensors 12 with which the scattering material ejected from the first scattering device 4 or the second scattering device 5 can be detected. In the centrifugal scatterer shown in Figure 1, the radar sensors 12 are arranged above the scattering discs 6 and 7. If the first scattering device 4 and the second scattering device 5 each comprise several scattering discs, in particular two each, each of which can be assigned to a group of radar sensors 12.
[0057] It can be seen in Figure 1 that the first scattering device 4 and the first set of sensors 10 are positioned above and displaced backwards in the direction of travel. Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, pages 30 / 44 20 / 23 F of spreader 1 in relation to the second spreading device 5.
[0058] Arrows 21 and 22 indicate the initial flight directions of the scattering material distributed from the first scattering device 4 and the scattering material distributed from the second scattering device 5, respectively. The double arrow 23 indicates the distance between a radar sensor 12 of the first sensor set and the flight direction 22 of the second scattering material.
[0059] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the agricultural implement 1 according to the present invention, which is a towed centrifugal spreader. In Figure 2, the same reference numbers indicate the same components as in Figure 1. It can be observed that, in contrast to the centrifugal spreader of the prior art shown in Figure 1, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the first spreading device 4 and the first sensor array 10 are arranged above and displaced forward of the second spreading device 5 in the direction of travel F of the centrifugal spreader 1.
[0060] It can be clearly observed that the distance 23 between a radar sensor 12 and the flight direction 22 of the second scattering material location is significantly increased compared to the previous technique. This suppresses the detection of the second scattering material location by the first sensor array 10.
[0061] Furthermore, the embodiment shown in Figure 2 comprises a separating element 8, which is arranged vertically between the first scattering device 4 and the second scattering device 5 and extends at least Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 31 / 44 21 / 23 partially along the direction of travel F. In the embodiment shown, the separating element 8 is designed as a disc and comprises a material that absorbs radar waves. It can be observed that the separating element 8 obscures at least the view of a portion of the radar sensors 12 of the first sensor array 10 in the direction of flight 22 of the second type of scattered material.
[0062] Figure 3 schematically shows another embodiment of the agricultural implement 1 according to the present invention, which is a centrifugal spreader. In Figure 3, the same components of Figures 1 and 2 are designed with the same reference numbers.
[0063] In Figure 3, the first scattering device 4 and the first sensor array 10 are also arranged above the second scattering device 5. However, in contrast to the centrifugal scatterer shown in Figure 1, the first sensor array 10 with its radar sensors 12 is arranged below the scattering disc 6 of the first scattering device 4. This means that the measurement direction of the radar sensors 12 of the first sensor array 10 points away from the flight direction 22 of the second scattering material.
[0064] The second sensor array 11, with its radar sensors 12, is positioned above the scattering disc 7 of the second scattering device, as in Figure 1. The measurement directions of the first sensor array 10 and the second sensor array 11 therefore point away from each other. This prevents the radar waves emitted by the second sensor array 11 and reflected by the scattering material from Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, pages 32 / 44 22 / 23 of the second scattering material location are detected by the radar sensors 12 of the first sensor array 10. Similarly, in such an array, the radar waves emitted by the first sensor array 10 and reflected by the scattering material from the first scattering material location are not detected by the radar sensors 12 of the second sensor array 11.
[0065] It should be noted that, in the implementation shown in Figure 3 shows that the first scattering device 4 and the first sensor array 10 are arranged, as an example, above and offset backward in the direction of displacement F of the scatterer 1 relative to the second scattering device 5. However, this embodiment is not limited to this specific arrangement of scattering devices. Instead, the radar sensor array 12 shown in Figure 3 can also be combined, for example, with the scattering device array shown in Figure 2.
[0066] The radar sensors 12 of the first and second scattering devices can be adapted to measure with different frequencies and / or polarizations. This can prevent the radar waves emitted by the second sensor array 11 from being reflected by the scattering material from the second scattering material location and then reaching a radar sensor 12 of the first sensor array 10 and being registered by it.
[0067] The agricultural implement 1 may also comprise a control device, which is not shown in Figures 2 and 3, for example, an on-board computer of the agricultural implement 1 or of a towing vehicle of the agricultural implement 1. The device Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, pages 33 / 44 23 / 23 control can be connected in a related way to the first scattering device 4, to the second scattering device 5, to the first sensor array 10 and to the second sensor array 11.
[0068] The control device can be configured to adjust the scattering parameters of the first scattering device 4 and the second scattering device 5 based on measurements from the first sensor array 10 and the second sensor array 11. In particular, the control device can compare the measurement results from the first sensor array 10 and the second sensor array 11 with stored target parameters that correspond to a desired scattering pattern. If the measurement results deviate from the target parameters, the control device can adjust the scattering parameters so that the desired scattering pattern is achieved.
[0069] The control device can also be configured to control the first sensor array 10 and the second sensor array 11 so that they measure in different time windows. For example, the control device can start a measurement of the first sensor array 10 at time t0 and end it at time t1 = t0 + Δ1, and start a measurement of the second sensor array 11 at time t1 and end it at time t2 = t1 + Δ1. In other words, for example, the first scattering material can be detected in the time interval [t0; t1] and the second scattering material can be detected in the interval [t1; t2]. The value of + Δ1 can be between 0.1 if 10 s, in particular between 0.5 if 2 s. Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, pages 34 / 44
Claims
1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. Agricultural implement (1) for distributing spreading material, such as fertilizer and / or seeds, characterized by comprising: a first spreading device (4) for a first spreading material; a second spreading device (5) for a second spreading material; a first sensor arrangement (10) adapted to detect the first spreading material distributed by the first spreading device (4) in order to determine a material blow; and a second sensor arrangement (11) adapted to detect the second spreading material distributed by the second spreading device (5) in order to determine a spreading material blow;wherein the first scattering device (4) is arranged above the second scattering device (5), and wherein the first sensor array (10) is arranged and / or can be controlled so that the detection of the second scattering material by the first sensor array (10) is suppressed and / or wherein the second sensor array (11) is arranged and / or can be controlled so that the detection of the first scattering material by the second sensor array (11) is suppressed.
2. Agricultural implement (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sensor arrangement Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, p. 35 / 44 2 / 4 (10) is arranged above and displaced forward in the direction of travel (F) of the agricultural implement (1) relative to the second spreading device (5).
3. Agricultural implement (1), according to claim 2, characterized in that the displacement in the direction of travel (1) between the first sensor array (10) and the second spreading device (5) is between 0.1 m and 2.5 m, in particular between 0.3 m and 1.5 m.
4. Agricultural implement (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises: a separating element (8), which is disposed between the first spreading device (4) and the second spreading device (5).
5. Agricultural implement (1), according to claim 4, characterized in that the separating element (8) comprises a material opaque to electromagnetic waves, in particular radar waves, and / or sound waves, in particular ultrasonic waves.
6. Agricultural implement (1), according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the separating element (8) extends across the entire width of the agricultural implement machine.
7. Agricultural implement (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first sensor arrangement (10) is arranged so that the measurement direction of the first sensor arrangement (10) is from bottom to top. Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 36 / 44 3 / 4 8. Agricultural implement (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first sensor arrangement (10) and the second sensor arrangement (11) are configured to measure in different time windows.
9. Agricultural implement (1), according to claim 8, characterized in that the respective time windows have a duration of 0.1 s to 10 s, in particular 0.5 s to 2 s.
10. Agricultural implement (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first sensor arrangement (10) and / or the second sensor arrangement (11) are adapted to detect scattering material optically and / or by means of reflection of electromagnetic waves and / or sound waves.
11. Agricultural implement (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the first sensor arrangement (10) and / or the second sensor arrangement (11) comprise at least one sound transmitter, in particular an ultrasonic transmitter, and a corresponding receiver, or an electromagnetic wave transmitter, in particular radar waves, and a corresponding receiver.
12. Agricultural implement (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first sensor arrangement (10) and the second sensor arrangement (11) are adapted to measure with different measuring frequencies and / or different polarizations.
13. Method for operating an agricultural implement (1), as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises: Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 37 / 44 4 / 4 distributing a first spreading material by the first spreading device (4); distributing a second spreading material by the second spreading device (5); detecting the first spreading material distributed by a first sensor array to determine a spreading puff; and detecting the second spreading material distributed by a second sensor array to determine a spreading puff. Petition 870250079721, dated 05 / 09 / 2025, page 38 / 44