Planting machine for root crops

Abstract

The invention relates to a planter (2) for root crops, preferably for potatoes, having a frame, at least one storage container (16) for fertilizer, at least one planting device (4) and at least one hopper for seeds to be planted, which frame extends between a coupling element (6) at the front and a ground support at the rear, in particular consisting of one or more wheels (14), wherein the frame forms at least one maintenance area accessible from the side of the planter (2) and in particular stepable into, between the storage container (16) and the planting device (4) and / or between the hopper (20) and the planting device (4), which maintenance area is configured in the form of at least one open space extending from the floor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a planter for root and tuber crops, preferably for potatoes, the planter having a frame, at least one storage container for fertilizer, at least one planting device and at least one hopper for seeds to be planted, wherein the frame extends between a connecting element located at the front and a ground support located at the rear, particularly consisting of one or more wheels. Background Technology

[0002] The planters described in the preamble of claim 1 have been equipped with increasingly sophisticated technologies in recent years. Consequently, the maintenance of these planters has become increasingly complex. Therefore, more and more time is required to plan for maintenance, especially to properly inspect hard-to-reach parts. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to improve the maintenance of this type of planter, which is particularly designed for planting four, six, or even more rows of potato seeds.

[0004] This objective is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are derived from the dependent claims incorporating that claim and from the following description.

[0005] The planter according to the invention has a frame that forms at least one maintenance area accessible from one side of the planter, and in particular, trodden into, between a storage container and a planting device and / or between a hopper and a planting device. This maintenance area is constructed in the form of at least one open space extending from the base. The maintenance area is accessible if its open entrance is at least 90 cm above the horizontal ground. For example, it is accessible if a crawling passage into which maintenance personnel can climb is at least 90 cm high. The maintenance area is trodden into if it has an open entrance at a height of at least 1.5 m, preferably at least 1.7 m, above the ground. The maintenance area can open upwards, and is particularly high, up to 3 m. Trodden into means, in particular, that maintenance personnel can enter the area from the side without climbing any part of the frame, thus positioned inside the machine on the left and right sides when viewed longitudinally. Preferably, the at least one maintenance area is formed between a storage container with an associated spreading device for fertilizer on one side and one or more planting devices on the other.

[0006] Preferably, a maintenance area is formed as the machine transitions to a maintenance state, in which at least a portion of the frame is raised. In this maintenance state, the frame forming the maintenance area is configured with correspondingly higher and lower sections to create an open space. For example, this can be achieved by partially raising the frame such that the movable portions of the planter relative to each other, particularly the frame portion, are strongly lifted off the ground by at least one adjusting mechanism, for example, by changing the chassis configuration or another ground support, or by changing the longitudinal orientation of the frame through height adjustment of the frame portion extending to the connecting element. Although it is preferred that the maintenance area be formed solely by the planter, according to embodiments of the invention, the maintenance area can also be formed alternatively or supplementarily by lifting the planter by a tractor. Preferably, this height adjustment is performed on the planter side by changing a combination of height adjustment of the ground support and the frame portion having a connecting element connected to the traction structure.

[0007] The frame defines an open space, for example, upwards and / or on one side. The frame is extended, at least for maintenance purposes. For this purpose, the frame can be constructed to be retractable, particularly having frame sections that can move between each other. Alternatively or additionally, to create the open space, the frame is extended in length compared to existing technologies, thereby extending, for example, the transition from the frame carrying the storage container to the frame section carrying the planting device. To improve maintenance, the disadvantage of reduced compactness must be accepted.

[0008] Preferably, one or more frame sections form a downward-opening passageway toward the base, through which maintenance personnel can step into the open space. In particular, functional components of the planter can be secured to the frame sections. The one or more frame sections forming the passageway are particularly arranged on one side of the machine and define the open space downwards and / or outwards when viewed from the maintenance area.

[0009] The frame section should generally be understood as the part that is constructed as the load-bearing or supporting part of the planter, especially its underlying structure.

[0010] When the frame is constructed as a multi-strand frame, it can laterally define open spaces, for example, on the left and right sides when viewed in the direction of travel. For the additional central frame longitudinal support member, separate maintenance areas are obtained, more precisely, two separate maintenance areas, each defined centrally by a frame longitudinal support member.

[0011] The frame portion forming the passage can also laterally define the maintenance area, so that after entering the maintenance area, the maintenance area continues upward at least beside the passage forming the frame portion.

[0012] To improve the construction of the access channel, according to another advantageous design of the invention, the planter has a lifting device that can raise the portion of the planter having the access channel. This may correspond to a transition of the planter to a maintenance state, or at least a portion thereof. Increasing the distance from the ground to the frame portion that defines the access channel upwards allows for easier access to the maintenance area. The lifting device, for example, includes one or more of the aforementioned adjustment mechanisms for raising the frame.

[0013] Advantageously, settlement of the channel while in the raised state is prevented by equipping the lifting device with a lockable adjustment element. This adjustment element can be manipulated before entering the maintenance area, allowing safe entry into the open space, which would otherwise be reduced during planting. This can be achieved, for example, by manipulating a valve to lock the hydraulic lines of the extended cylinder.

[0014] At least one frame section forming the passageway is specifically configured such that, when viewed along or against the direction of travel, the frame section, in the location of the maintenance area of ​​the frame, more precisely, the planter, first rises and then falls again (with respect to the distance to the base), for example by an n-shaped or pointed construction, in which the frame section appears as an inverted "v". It should be understood that for this observation, it is important to view the planter from the side. To form a passageway in the maintenance state, the frame section, more precisely, multiple frame sections, thus form an upper lintel beneath which maintenance personnel can access the maintenance area.

[0015] Preferably, the frame, and in particular one or more frame portions, laterally defines the at least one open space, such that the corresponding frame portion is not or not fully positioned above the maintenance area. After passing through the passage, where the head needs to be lowered, for example, according to the size of the maintenance personnel, the maintenance area then extends further upward and is laterally defined by the frame. Particularly in combination with the central frame longitudinal support and the left and right frame portions, a planter is constructed that is very stably built despite the presence of the maintenance area. The side frame portions defining the open space and maintenance area are particularly constructed as plate elements, preferably as thick plate elements with a thickness greater than 3 mm.

[0016] In addition to laterally defining open spaces or maintenance areas, the frame, according to another advantageous design, can also define at least one open space in front and / or behind along the direction of travel, allowing for a safer overall design of the area. Specifically, this simplifies the arrangement of any operating parts along the maintenance area on the frame and correspondingly makes maintenance easier.

[0017] Preferably, the open space is designed to accommodate a cuboid having a width of at least 50 cm, a length of at least 30 cm in the direction of travel, and a height of at least 90 cm, preferably 1.30 m, or even more preferably 1.70 m. That is, the open space in which maintenance personnel can move has at least the dimensions of such a cuboid. However, the length of the open space is preferably at least 40 cm and the width at least 60 cm. Preferably, for a four-row planter, the maximum length observed in the pulling or traveling direction is 80 cm when the maximum width is 3 m.

[0018] Depending on the construction of the maintenance areas, the planter may preferably have two open spaces adjacent to each other when viewed along the direction of travel. These open spaces are respectively formed on the sides of the longitudinal support of the central frame and together form either separated maintenance areas or two adjacent maintenance areas. Alternatively, the maintenance area on one side of the longitudinal support of the central frame may be constructed to be longitudinally offset from another maintenance area on the same or opposite side of the longitudinal support of the frame. In this case, there will be two maintenance areas. If there are maintenance areas adjacent to each other about the central longitudinal axis extending along the (main) direction of travel, the machine can be accessed from both sides, thus establishing a stable frame structure on the one hand and two maintenance areas that can be accessed from one side on the other, especially for four-row and multi-row planters. Preferably, the maintenance areas each have a width of at least 1.20m to 1.80m.

[0019] Any supply lines for electricity, hydraulics and / or pneumatics preferably do not pass through the maintenance area during maintenance, but are instead fastened to or surrounded by a longitudinally oriented frame section.

[0020] In particular, one or more maintenance areas are preferably formed between the fertilizer storage container (and thus also the fertilizer spreading device) and the planting device, thereby providing optimal accessibility to the various operating elements of the fertilizer spreading device and the planting device in the case of a planting machine that preferably plants more than two rows of seeds.

[0021] According to another preferred embodiment, the planter can be supplemented by a walkway, which can also be stepped into from at least one side of the planter and is arranged between the storage container and the planting device and / or between the hopper and the planting device and / or between the storage container and the hopper. In particular, the walkway is arranged between the planting device and the hopper, so that, as viewed from a top view, the three areas of the planting device, the hopper, and the storage container for fertilizer can be maintained separately from each other by maintenance areas / walkways.

[0022] The passageway is preferably pivotally supported on the frame, and particularly, alternatively or additionally, supported on the hopper in a pivotable manner relative to the hopper. As the hopper moves within the scope of planting operations, the passageway can pivot out of or with the hopper's range of motion, thereby repositioning it to a location requiring less structural space. Similarly, when the frame is switched to a maintenance state, the passageway can pivot from an unused state to a suitable maintenance position, in which the maintenance area is formed by an open space, constructed, for example, in the form of two walkways, more precisely, maintenance walkways, each accessible from one side. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings. The drawings schematically illustrate:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the object according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 It is based on Figure 1 The diagram shows the objects in running and maintenance states; and

[0026] Figure 3 It is based on Figure 2 The bottom view of the object shown.

[0027] The various technical features of the embodiments described below can also be combined with the features of the independent claims to form improvements according to the invention. Components that function identically are labeled with the same reference numerals, as long as they are meaningful. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The planter 2 according to the invention is currently constructed as a tractor-driven planter in a four-row variant for root crops in the form of potatoes; that is, four rows of potato tubers can be planted adjacent to and spaced apart on the ground by means of the planting device 4. The planter 2 has a multi-part frame. The frame includes a longitudinal support 8 at the front, which has a connecting element 6 for connection to a tractor. The longitudinal support is further configured with a separate longitudinal support portion 10 and an adjustment mechanism 12 for height adjustment of the front frame. Furthermore, the frame has a plurality of wheels 14 of the chassis to form a ground support portion, which is connected via the separate frame portion to the longitudinal support 8 at the front and the connecting element 6 therein. The chassis can be... Figure 1 Move to the position shown Figure 2 The location shown is in Figure 2The frame is raised in the position shown. This position indicates a maintenance state in which a maintenance area is formed. Alternatively or supplementarily, the front frame portion 8 can be partially raised by means of an adjustment mechanism 12 as part of a height adjustment for forming the maintenance area, wherein the adjustment mechanism extends and presses downward onto the tractor's coupling element.

[0029] A fertilizer storage container 16 is located in the front half of the planter 2 along the direction of travel F, and the storage container is arranged substantially along the entire width of the planter 2 when viewed along the direction of travel F. An aisle 18 with railings 19 is located behind the planting device 4. The aisle 18 is arranged directly on the wall of the hopper 20, which also extends along the entire width of the machine. The aisle 18 facilitates maintenance of the planting device 4, as it also extends across approximately 80% of the machine width and can be accessed from the side via a ladder 22.

[0030] In order to Figure 2 In the described location, a maintenance area is formed between the storage container 16 and the planting device 4. The frame portions 24, in the form of plates, arranged on the left and right sides of the planter, extend upwards and then downwards, thereby improving head freedom for the two maintenance areas formed inside the side frame portions 24. The dimensions of the two maintenance areas in which the maintenance personnel can move correspond in size to the open space 26 shown by the cuboid. The maintenance area extends between the side frame portions 24 and the central frame longitudinal support member 28 (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0031] Contrary to the traditional view of making planting mechanisms increasingly compact, the maintenance friendliness of the equipment has been improved by extending the length of the machine and creating an open space between the storage container 16 (together with the associated spreading device) and the planting device 4. Although this sacrifices the mobility of the equipment, it is compensated by the advantages of safe and convenient maintenance.

Claims

1. A planting machine for root and tuber crops, said planting machine comprising: The frame extends between a connecting element (6) at the front and a ground support consisting of one or more wheels (14) at the rear. At least one storage container for fertilizer (16); At least one planting device (4); and At least one hopper (20) for seeds to be planted. Its features are, The frame forms at least one maintenance area that can be accessed and stepped into from one side of the planter (2) between the storage container (16) and the planting device (4) and / or between the hopper (20) and the planting device (4), the maintenance area being constructed in the form of at least one open space (26) extending from the base.

2. The planting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame can be at least partially raised to switch the planter (2) to a maintenance state.

3. The planting machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one frame section (24) forms a channel that opens downward toward the base.

4. The planting machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lifting device has a lockable adjustment element that prevents the channel from settling while it is in the raised state.

5. The planting machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The at least one frame portion (24) forming the channel rises along or against the direction of travel (F) and then falls again.

6. The planting machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The frame laterally defines the at least one maintenance area.

7. The planting machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The frame defines at least one open space (26) in front and / or behind along the direction of travel.

8. The planting machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The open space (26) is constructed to accommodate a cuboid having a width of at least 50 cm, a length of at least 30 cm along the direction of travel, and a height of at least 90 cm.

9. The planting machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, The open space (26) is constructed to accommodate a cuboid having a width of at least 50 cm, a length of at least 30 cm along the direction of travel, and a height of at least 170 cm.

10. The planting machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The planter (2) has two open spaces (26) that are adjacent to each other when viewed along the direction of travel (F), and the open spaces are respectively formed on the side of the longitudinal support member (28) of the central frame.

11. The planting machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The planter (2) has at least one passageway (18) between the storage container (16) and the planting device (4) and / or between the hopper (20) and the planting device (4) and / or between the storage container (16) and the hopper (20).

12. The planting machine according to claim 11, characterized in that, The passageway (18) can be pivotally supported on the frame.

13. The planting machine according to claim 11, characterized in that, The passageway (18) is supported on the hopper (20) in a manner that allows it to pivot relative to the hopper (20).

14. The planting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The planter is used for potatoes.

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