Material distribution system for a spreader, spreader and method for distributing spreading material

Abstract

The invention relates to a material distribution system (12) for an agricultural spreader (10), comprising a main distribution unit (20) for generating a plurality of conveying air flows (50) carrying a spread material (48), a plurality of metering systems (28) each provided for pneumatically operating by means of a metering air flow (52) and for metering the spread material (48) conveyed via one of the conveying air flows (50) into the metering system (28), and one or more blowers (36, 40) provided for generating conveying air having a conveying air pressure (pF) for the conveying air flows (50) and metering air having a metering air pressure (pD) for the metering air flows (52).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a material distribution system, a seeding machine, and a method for distributing seeding materials. Background Technology

[0002] The material distribution system of a modern agricultural seeding machine can be configured as a so-called precision feeding system. In this system, a main distribution unit generates multiple airflows carrying seed material. These airflows are then fed to multiple material receiving units of the seeding machine, which may be individually assigned to or be part of a metering system. The metering system then measures the seed material received by the receiving units, allowing the metered material to be spread onto the agricultural land by the spreading device. The metering system can operate pneumatically using the metering airflows.

[0003] The corresponding material distribution system typically has one or more blowers to provide conveying air for the conveying airflow and metering air for the metering airflow. The conveying air pressure and the metering air pressure are usually different from each other during the operation of the material distribution system.

[0004] As is known from document EP 3 987 904 A1, the appropriate pressure difference between the conveying air pressure and the metering air pressure depends on the type of material being dispensed. Therefore, it is advantageous to generate both a conveying air flow and a metering air flow, wherein the conveying air pressure and the metering air pressure have a constant pressure difference specific to the material being dispensed.

[0005] However, in some operating conditions of material distribution systems, maintaining a constant pressure difference between the delivery air pressure and the metering air pressure, specific to the material being distributed, can cause problems. For example, emptying the storage container used for spreading the material or idling the metering system are examples of such problems. In both cases, maintaining a predetermined pressure difference between the delivery air pressure and the metering air pressure can lead to blockages in the metering system, thereby impairing or even interrupting the metering process. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an air pressure control device that can be adjusted as needed in a pneumatic material distribution system.

[0007] This objective is achieved by a material distribution system according to the invention, which for an agricultural spreader includes: a main distribution unit for generating multiple conveying airflows carrying spreading material; multiple metering systems, each configured to operate pneumatically by means of a metering airflow and to meter the spreading material delivered to the metering system via one of the conveying airflows; one or more blowers configured to generate conveying air with a conveying air pressure for the conveying airflows and metering air with a metering air pressure for the metering airflows; and a control device configured to specifically adjust the conveying air pressure according to a metering air pressure mode in multiple different operating modes of the material distribution system during the spreading process. According to the present invention, the material distribution system can operate in a continuous operation mode and a venting mode. In the continuous operation mode, spreading material is supplied from the main distribution unit to the metering system. In the venting mode, compared with the continuous operation mode, the supply of spreading material from the main distribution unit to the metering system is reduced or interrupted. The control device is configured to adjust the delivery air pressure so that a mode-specific pressure difference relative to the metering air pressure is maintained between the continuous operation mode and the venting mode.

[0008] The control device is preferably configured to adjust or set the delivery air pressure during the spreading process in each operating mode of the material distribution system, such that a preset, mode-specific pressure difference relative to the metering air pressure is maintained in each operating mode. The mode-specific pressure differences maintained in each operating mode are different from one another. Therefore, the control device may, for example, be configured to adjust a first pressure difference between the delivery air pressure and the metering air pressure in a first operating condition during the spreading process, and to adjust a second pressure difference between the delivery air pressure and the metering air pressure in a second operating condition during the spreading process.

[0009] The metering air pressure is used as a reference variable in multiple operating modes. During the spreading process, the metering air pressure may change for various reasons, such as energy conservation, detection of temporary changes in the spread material, or evacuation of the metering system of the material distribution system. The metering air pressure can be preset via operator input. Alternatively, the control device can determine a preset value for the metering air pressure to be maintained. Different mode-specific pressure differences between the metering air pressure and the delivery air pressure can be advantageous in different operating modes. Preferably, multiple mode-specific pressure differences are assigned for the distributed material and / or the type of distributed material.

[0010] The seeding material can be, for example, granular or particulate material, such as seeds. The material distribution system may have a piping system for conveying airflow through which the seeding material is transported from the main distribution unit to the metering system. The regulation of the conveying air pressure is preferably performed within a closed-loop control range in all operating modes of the material distribution system, allowing the control device to be implemented as a closed-loop control device.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the material distribution system according to the invention can operate in a continuous operation mode and a venting mode. In the continuous operation mode, spreading material is supplied from the main distribution unit to the metering system. In the venting mode, the supply of spreading material from the main distribution unit to the metering system is reduced or interrupted compared to the continuous operation mode. A control device is preferably configured to regulate the delivery air pressure such that a different, mode-specific pressure difference relative to the metering air pressure is maintained in both the continuous operation mode and the venting mode. The control device is preferably configured to regulate the delivery air pressure such that a preset continuous operation pressure difference relative to the metering air pressure is maintained in the continuous operation mode, and a preset venting pressure difference relative to the metering air pressure is maintained in the venting mode. In the continuous operation mode, spreading material is conveyed substantially continuously from the main distribution unit to the metering system. In the venting mode, the conveying of spreading material from the main distribution unit to the metering system is reduced or interrupted, for example, due to the complete emptying of the storage container or due to flow interruption.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the material distribution system according to the invention has at least one conveying air pressure sensor configured to determine the conveying air pressure. The conveying air pressure sensor may be arranged before or after the main distribution unit in the direction of air flow. Alternatively, the conveying air pressure sensor may be arranged within the main distribution unit. The material distribution system may include multiple conveying air pressure sensors, such as two, wherein the determined conveying air pressure may be the average of the sensor values ​​of the conveying air pressure sensors. The conveying air pressure may be monitored by a control device or taken into account in a closed-loop control program when adjusting the conveying air pressure. The material distribution system may also have at least one metering air pressure sensor configured to determine the metering air pressure. The metering air pressure sensor is preferably arranged before the metering system in the direction of metering air flow. The metering air pressure sensor may also be arranged within the metering system. Alternatively, the metering air pressure sensor may be arranged after the metering system in the direction of air flow. The material distribution system may include multiple metering air pressure sensors, such as two, wherein the determined metering air pressure may be the average of the sensor values ​​of the metering air pressure sensors.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment of the material distribution system according to the invention, the metering system includes pneumatic separation devices configured to separate particles of the spread material by means of a metering airflow. A metering air pressure sensor may be disposed in the separation device of the metering system. Furthermore, the metering air pressure sensor may be arranged before or after the separation device of the metering system in the direction of the metering airflow.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the material distribution system according to the invention, each metering system has a material receiving unit configured to receive spread material supplied by a conveying airflow and temporarily store the spread material before it is introduced into a separation device. The material receiving unit is preferably configured to interrupt the supply of air to the corresponding metering system when a specific level of the temporarily stored spread material is reached.

[0015] Furthermore, the material distribution system according to the invention is advantageous in that one or more blowers include a conveying air blower for generating conveying air, wherein a control device is configured to regulate the conveying air blower to adjust the conveying air pressure based on metered air pressure. The control device is preferably configured to regulate the conveying air pressure by means of the blower speed of the conveying air blower. Alternatively or additionally, the conveying air pressure can also be regulated by one or more air pressure control valves between the conveying blower and the main distribution unit or within the main distribution unit. Alternatively or additionally, the conveying air pressure can also be regulated by adjusting the maximum air intake on the conveying air blower, for example by adjusting the opening state of the air inlet. The opening state of the air inlet can be adjusted, for example, by means of one or more baffles (e.g., sheets).

[0016] Furthermore, the material distribution system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the metering system is used to meter seeds, and the material distribution system includes a pneumatic fertilizer conveying device, wherein the conveying air blower is configured to provide conveying air for fertilizer conveying to the fertilizer conveying device. Therefore, the conveying air blower is used to provide conveying air for the conveying airflow and for providing conveying air for fertilizer conveying.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the material distribution system according to the invention, the one or more blowers include a metering air blower for generating metering air, wherein a control device is configured to operate the metering air blower to regulate the metering air pressure. The control device is preferably configured to regulate the delivery air pressure to maintain a preset pressure difference with the metering air pressure. This pressure difference can be preset by the operator or by the control device.

[0018] In a preferred improvement of the material distribution system according to the invention, the main distribution unit can be filled with spread material from the storage container, and the level of the spread material in the main distribution unit is variable and can be monitored by means of a level sensor. A control device is configured to adjust the conveying air pressure such that a different, level-dependent pressure difference relative to the metering air pressure is maintained above and below the critical level of the spread material in the main distribution unit. The operating mode of the material distribution system can be associated with the level or range of the spread material in the main distribution unit. Therefore, when the level of the spread material in the main distribution unit drops below the critical level, the control device ensures that the pressure difference between the conveying air pressure and the metering air pressure is maintained. The level sensor can be an empty chamber alarm. The critical level can also refer to the main distribution unit being completely emptied. The level drops when the main distribution unit is filled with too little spread material, or when the filling of spread material is interrupted, for example, due to the complete emptying of the storage container. When a critical material level is detected, the pressure difference between the metering air pressure and the conveying air pressure is reduced, thereby lowering the conveying air pressure. This prevents the spread material temporarily stored in the material receiving unit of the metering system from being forced into the separation device, which could otherwise interrupt or affect the separation process due to blockage.

[0019] Furthermore, in the preferred material distribution system according to the invention, one or more blowers include a common conveying and metering blower for generating conveying air and metering air, wherein a control device is configured to, using an air distribution device connected to the conveying and metering blower, divide the airflow generated by the conveying and metering blower into a main conveying air stream and a main metering air stream. The main conveying air stream is supplied to the main distribution unit, thus eliminating the need for a separate conveying air blower. The main metering air stream is diverted and then supplied to the metering system, thus eliminating the need for a separate metering air blower. The air distribution device may have a valve control device. The conveying and metering blowers may also be configured to generate conveying air for conveying another spread material, such as fertilizer. In this case, the air distribution device is configured, for example, to divide the airflow generated by the conveying and metering blowers into a main conveying air stream, a main metering air stream, and a main conveying air stream. The free-flow cross-section of the corresponding airflow can be preset or set by the air distribution device, for example. The air distribution device may be electrically driven, for example by one or more electric motors, particularly linear motors.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the material distribution system according to the invention, the control device is configured to adjust a preset pressure difference between the metering air pressure and the delivery air pressure by adjusting the blower speed of the conveying and metering blower and / or the free flow cross-section of the air distribution device used for conveying the main airflow and / or the free flow cross-section of the air distribution device used for metering the main airflow. The free flow cross-section used for conveying the main airflow and the free flow cross-section used for metering the main airflow can preferably be adjusted independently of each other in the air distribution device.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, the material distribution system according to the invention has a plurality of spreading devices configured to spread broadcast material, metered by a metering system, onto agricultural land. Each spreading device has at least one curved spreading conduit configured to guide the metered broadcast material along a curved material guiding path toward the agricultural land. The curved spreading conduit is preferably a curved launching pipe, wherein the curvature of the spreading conduit causes the broadcast material guided through the spreading conduit to contact the inner wall of the spreading conduit, thereby ensuring the maintenance of the material guiding path.

[0022] A preferred material distribution system according to the invention includes, in the direction of travel, collecting elements for collecting the spread material output toward the agricultural land, arranged after the laying device. The collecting elements may be, for example, collecting rollers. Preferably, the laying conduit and the collecting elements are aligned with each other such that the spread material discharged from the laying conduit is collected and secured between the ground of the agricultural land and the collecting elements. By using the collecting elements, even in overpressure metering systems, such as metering systems with overpressure separation (where a high material velocity is formed within the laying conduit), accurate spreading of the spread material onto the agricultural land can be ensured.

[0023] Furthermore, the material distribution system according to the invention is advantageous in that the laying depth of the seeding material is adjustable, and the control device is configured to adjust the metering air pressure according to the adjusted laying depth. The laying depth of the seeding material can be adjusted, for example, by a depth guide device for the plow blades in the material distribution system. Reducing the metering air pressure is advantageous at lower seeding depths; otherwise, the air velocity in the laying pipeline would become too high, and the metered seeding material could no longer be reliably collected by the collecting element.

[0024] The object of the present invention is also achieved by a seeding machine of the type described at the beginning, wherein the material distribution system of the seeding machine according to the present invention is constructed according to one of the foregoing embodiments. Regarding the advantages and improvements of the seeding machine of the present invention, reference is first made to the advantages and improvements of the material distribution system of the present invention.

[0025] A broadcasting machine can be a seeder, a fertilizer applicator, or a combined seed and fertilizer broadcasting machine. For example, a broadcasting machine can be a trailer-mounted machine or a self-propelled machine. If the broadcasting machine is a trailer-mounted machine, it can be configured as a towed or suspended machine.

[0026] The object of the present invention is also achieved by a method of the type described at the beginning, wherein, within the scope of the method according to the invention, during the spreading process, in multiple different operating modes of the material distribution system, the conveying pressure is specifically adjusted according to a metering air pressure mode by means of a control device of the material distribution system. Preferably, the control device adjusts the conveying air pressure in each operating mode during the spreading process such that a mode-specific, preset pressure difference relative to the metering air pressure is maintained in each operating mode. The mode-specific pressure differences are different from each other.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the material distribution system operates in a continuous operation mode, in which the spreading material is supplied from the main distribution unit to the metering system. Furthermore, the material distribution system operates in a venting mode, in which the supply of spreading material from the main distribution unit to the metering system is reduced or interrupted compared to the continuous operation mode. Preferably, the control device regulates the delivery air pressure such that a mode-specific pressure difference relative to the metering air pressure is maintained between the continuous operation mode and the venting mode. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described and illustrated in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a seeding machine according to the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a material distribution system according to the present invention is shown; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another material distribution system according to the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the metering system of the material distribution system according to the present invention is shown; Figure 5 A perspective bottom view of a region of the main distribution unit of the material distribution system according to the present invention is shown; and Figure 6 The changes in delivery air pressure and metering air pressure are shown during the implementation of the method according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 A seeder 10, configured as a large-area seeder, is shown, which can simultaneously sow seeds and fertilizer onto agricultural land.

[0030] The seeder 10 includes a material distribution system 12 for distributing seeding material inside the machine.

[0031] The seeder 10 includes a frame 14 on which two storage containers 16 and 18 are arranged. Storage container 16 is used to store seeds. Storage container 18 is used to store fertilizer, wherein storage container 18 includes two container units in which different types of fertilizer can be transported together.

[0032] The main distribution unit 20 of the material distribution system 12 is located below the storage container 16. The main distribution unit 20 generates multiple airflows carrying seeds. These airflows are supplied to the sowing units 24 of the sowing machine 10 via sowing conduits 22. For clarity, only one sowing conduit 22 is shown, which supplies seeds to two sowing units 24 via a T-shaped distributor; naturally, the remaining sowing units 24 are also supplied via similar sowing conduits 22. Each sowing unit 24 includes a seeding blade 26, which plows furrows in the agricultural land for seed placement. Furthermore, each sowing unit 24 includes a metering system 28, which operates pneumatically via a metering airflow. The metering system 28 measures the seeds supplied to it via the airflow. Each sowing unit 24 also includes a placement device 30, through which the metered seeds are placed into the furrows plowed by the seeding blade 26.

[0033] The spreading unit 24 also includes a fertilizer plow 32 for plowing out fertilizer furrows. Fertilizer carried in the storage container 18 is conveyed to the spreading unit 24 via a fertilizer conveying device 34 so that it can be spread from there into the fertilizer furrows plowed out by the fertilizer plow 32.

[0034] The material distribution system 12 includes a blower 36 for generating conveying air for transporting airflow. The blower 36 is connected to the main distribution unit 20 of the material distribution system 12 via a main conveying air pipeline 38. The blower 36 is also used to generate transport air to deliver fertilizer to the spreading unit 24.

[0035] The material distribution system 12 of the seeder 10 also includes a blower 40 for generating metering air for metering the airflow. The metering system 28 of the seeding unit 24 can operate pneumatically by means of the metering airflow.

[0036] Furthermore, the material distribution system 12 includes a control device 84 configured to specifically adjust the delivery air pressure according to a metering air pressure mode in multiple different operating modes of the material distribution system 12 during the spreading process. The control device 84 adjusts the delivery air pressure in each operating mode of the material distribution system 12 to maintain a preset, mode-specific pressure difference relative to the metering air pressure in each operating mode, wherein the metering air pressure is used as a reference variable in each operating mode.

[0037] Figure 2 A material distribution system 12 for an agricultural seeder 10 is shown. The material distribution system 12 includes a blower 36 that generates a main flow airstream 46. The main flow airstream 46 is supplied to a main distribution unit 20 via a main flow air pipeline. The main flow air pipeline is connected to an air inlet 66 of the main distribution unit 20. Excess air can be discharged into the environment via an adjustable air outlet 72.

[0038] A storage container 16 for spreading material 48 is located above the main distribution unit 20. The spreading material 48 may be, for example, seeds. The main distribution unit 20 has a material inlet 68 through which the spreading material 48 falls into the main distribution unit 20 under gravity. Multiple conveying airflows 50 carrying the spreading material 48 are generated inside the main distribution unit 20, and these conveying airflows are discharged from the main distribution unit 20 via outlets 70. The conveying airflows 50 carrying the spreading material 48 are supplied to multiple metering systems 28 via spreading conduits, wherein... Figure 2 A metering system 28 is illustrated exemplarily. This metering system 28 operates pneumatically by means of a metering airflow 52 generated by a blower 40 and is used to meter the spread material 48 that is delivered to the metering system 28 via the conveying airflow 50 before being laid on agricultural land. The metering system 28 includes a material receiving unit 42 and a separating device 44. The material receiving unit 42 is configured to receive the spread material 48 provided by the conveying airflow 50 and temporarily store the spread material before it is introduced into the separating device 44. Furthermore, the material receiving unit 42 is configured to interrupt the conveying airflow 50 to the metering system 28 when a specific level of the temporarily stored spread material 48 is reached. The separating device 44 is a pneumatically operated separating device that operates according to the principle of overpressure separation. The separating device 44 is configured to operate by means of the metering airflow 52 and separate particles of the spread material 48.

[0039] The material distribution system 12 also includes a control device 84, which is configured to adjust the delivery air pressure of the delivery air flow 50 according to the metering air pressure of the metering air used for metering the air flow 52 in a mode-specific manner during the spreading process in multiple different operating modes of the material distribution system 12.

[0040] The material distribution system 12 can operate in a continuous operation mode and a venting mode. In the continuous operation mode, the spreading material 48 is supplied from the main distribution unit 20 to the metering system 28. In the venting mode, compared to the continuous operation mode, the supply of spreading material 48 from the main distribution unit 20 to the metering system 28 is reduced or interrupted. The control device 84 adjusts the delivery air pressure to maintain a different, mode-specific pressure difference relative to the metering air pressure in both the continuous operation mode and the venting mode. The control device adjusts the delivery air pressure to maintain a preset continuous operation pressure difference relative to the metering air pressure in the continuous operation mode and a preset venting pressure difference relative to the metering air pressure in the venting mode.

[0041] Figure 3 An alternative embodiment of the material distribution system 12 is shown, wherein the outlet 70 of the main distribution unit 20 is first connected to a splitter 54, which divides the conveying airflow 50 carrying the spread material 48, so that two metering systems 28 can be fed through the outlet 70 on the main distribution unit 20. A blower 40 provides a metering airflow 52 for the metering systems 28.

[0042] Blower 36 also generates another main airflow 64 through which fertilizer can be transported to the spreading unit 24 of spreader 10.

[0043] Figure 4 The metering system 28 of the material distribution system 12 is shown. The metering system 28 includes a material receiving unit 42 and a separating device 44. A conveying airflow 50 carrying spreading material 48 is introduced into the material receiving unit 42 through an inlet pipe 56. The material receiving unit 42 is used to receive and temporarily store the spreading material 48 conveyed by the conveying airflow 50.

[0044] The separating device 44 is a pneumatic separating device that operates on the principle of overpressure separation. The separating device 44 includes a separating disc 60 having multiple particle receiving grooves for receiving and distributing the separated particles. In an alternative embodiment, instead of a separating disc, the separating device 44 may also have, for example, a separating roller.

[0045] The metering airflow 52 used to operate the separating device 44 reaches the metering system 28 through the inlet pipe 58. Then, the metered seed material 48 is discharged from the metering system 28 as separated seed particles through the outlet pipe 62 and conveyed to the spreading device 30. The spreading device 30 has curved spreading pipes and is configured to spread the seed material 28, which has been metered by the metering system 28, onto agricultural land.

[0046] Metering system 28 includes a metering air pressure sensor 78 configured to determine the metering air pressure of the metering air in metering airflow 52. In an alternative embodiment, metering air pressure sensor 78 may also be arranged upstream of metering system 28 in the direction of metering airflow.

[0047] Figure 5 The housing 82 of the main distribution unit 20 is shown. The main distribution unit 20 includes a delivery air pressure sensor 76, which is configured to determine the delivery air pressure. In other embodiments, the delivery air pressure sensor 76 may also be arranged before or after the main distribution unit 20 in the direction of delivery air flow.

[0048] The main distribution unit 20 can be filled with spread material 48 from the storage container 16, wherein the level of the spread material 48 in the main distribution unit 20 can be monitored by means of a level sensor 74. The control device 84 is configured to adjust the delivery air pressure such that a different, level-dependent pressure difference relative to the metering air pressure is maintained above and below the critical level of the spread material 48 in the main distribution unit 20.

[0049] In addition, the housing 82 of the main distribution unit 20 includes vent valves 80a-80d, through which the main distribution unit 20 can vent, for example, after the sowing process is completed.

[0050] Figure 6 Exemplary pressure variation curves of delivery air pressure pF and metering air pressure pD during seeding are shown in the case of applying material distribution system 12. Material distribution system 12 operates in a first operating mode until time t1, in which control device 84 adjusts delivery air pressure pF to maintain a mode-specific pressure difference Δp1 relative to metering air pressure pD. Metering air pressure pD serves as a reference variable. Metering air pressure pD varies slightly until time t1, for example, because the seeding machine detects temporary changes in the seeded material 48, and these changes require adjustment of metering air pressure pD.

[0051] At time t1, a second operating mode is set for the material distribution system 12, wherein the control device 84 sets a lower metering air pressure pD and a smaller pressure difference Δp2 between the metering air pressure pD and the delivery air pressure pF in the second operating mode of the material distribution system 12. The setting of this new mode-specific metering air pressure pD and mode-specific pressure difference Δp2 ends at time t2.

[0052] For example, by comparing with the remaining unprocessed area of ​​agricultural land, the control device 84 has determined the metering air pressure pD and pressure difference Δp2 to be maintained, which ensures that the material receiving unit 42 of the metering system 28 is completely emptied at the end of the sowing process.

[0053] List of reference numerals

[0054] 10 Seeding Machines

[0055] 12 Material Distribution System

[0056] 14 racks

[0057] 16 Storage Containers

[0058] 18 Storage containers

[0059] 20 Main Distribution Units

[0060] 22 Spreading Pipeline

[0061] 24 Spreading Units

[0062] 26. Seeding plow blade

[0063] 28. Metering System

[0064] 30 Laying device

[0065] 32 Fertilizer Plows

[0066] 34 Fertilizer conveying device

[0067] 36 Blower

[0068] 38 Air delivery main line

[0069] 40 Blower

[0070] 42 Material Receiving Unit

[0071] 44 Separation device

[0072] 46. ​​Mainstream air supply

[0073] 48 Spreading materials

[0074] 50 Conveying airflow

[0075] 52 Metered Airflow

[0076] 54 splitter

[0077] 56. Entrance Takeover

[0078] 58 Entrance Takeover

[0079] 60 Separator

[0080] 62 Export Control

[0081] 64 Mainstream air supply

[0082] 66 Air Inlet

[0083] 68 Material Inlet

[0084] 70 Exports

[0085] 72 Air outlet

[0086] 74. Material level sensor

[0087] 76. Air pressure sensor for air delivery

[0088] 78 Metering air pressure sensor

[0089] 80a-80d Exhaust valve

[0090] 82 Casing

[0091] 84 Control Device

[0092] pF delivery air pressure

[0093] pD Measuring air pressure

[0094] Time points t1 and t2

[0095] Pressure difference between Δp1 and Δp2

Claims

1. A material distribution system (12) for an agricultural seeder (10), the material distribution system comprising: The main distribution unit (20) is used to generate multiple conveying airflows (50) carrying spreading material (48). Multiple metering systems (28) are configured to operate pneumatically by means of metering airflows (52) and to meter the spread material (48) delivered to the metering system (28) via one of the conveying airflows (50); One or more blowers (36, 40) are configured to generate delivery air with delivery air pressure pF for delivering air flow (50) and metering air with metering air pressure pD for metering air flow (52). and Control device (84), the control device being configured to specifically adjust the delivery air pressure pF according to the metering air pressure pD mode in multiple different operating modes of the material distribution system (12) during the spreading process. The material distribution system (12) is characterized in that it can operate in a continuous operation mode and an emptying mode. In the continuous operation mode, the spreading material (48) is supplied from the main distribution unit (20) to the metering system (28). In the emptying mode, compared with the continuous operation mode, the supply of spreading material (48) from the main distribution unit (20) to the metering system (28) is reduced or interrupted. The control device (84) is configured to adjust the delivery air pressure pF so that in the continuous operation mode and the venting mode, a mode-specific pressure difference Δp1, Δp2 relative to the metering air pressure pD is maintained.

2. The material distribution system (12) according to claim 1. Its features are, It has At least one delivery air pressure sensor (76) is configured to determine the delivery air pressure pF; and / or At least one metering air pressure sensor (78) is configured to determine the metering air pressure pD.

3. The material distribution system (12) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The one or more blowers (36, 40) have a delivery air blower (36) for generating delivery air, wherein the control device (84) is configured to operate the delivery air blower (36) according to the metered air pressure pD to adjust the delivery air pressure pF.

4. The material distribution system (12) according to claim 3. Its features are, The metering system (28) is used to meter seeds, and the material distribution system (12) includes a pneumatic fertilizer conveying device (34), wherein the conveying air blower (36) is configured to provide conveying air for fertilizer conveying to the fertilizer conveying device (34).

5. The material distribution system (12) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The main distribution unit (20) can be filled with spreading material (48) from the storage container (16), and the level of spreading material (48) in the main distribution unit (20) is variable and can be monitored by means of a level sensor (74). The control device (84) is configured to adjust the conveying air pressure pF such that different pressure differences Δp1 and Δp2 relative to the metering air pressure pD are maintained between each other above the critical level of the spread material (48) in the main distribution unit (20) and when the critical level of the spread material (48) in the main distribution unit (20) is reached or lower than the critical level.

6. The material distribution system (12) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The laying depth of the spreading material (48) is adjustable, and the control device (84) is configured to adjust the metering air pressure pD according to the adjusted laying depth.

7. A seeder (10) for spreading seed material (48) onto agricultural land, said seeder comprising: Storage container (16) for spreading material (48); Multiple dissemination units, and Material distribution system (12) for distributing spreading material (48) from the storage container (16) to the plurality of spreading units; Its features are, The material distribution system (12) is constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The seeding machine (10) according to claim 7. Its features are, Multiple laying devices (30) are provided, which are configured to lay the broadcast material (48) measured by the metering system (28) on agricultural land. Each laying device (30) has at least one curved laying pipe, which is configured to guide the measured broadcast material (48) toward the agricultural land along the curved material guiding path.

9. The seeding machine (10) according to claim 8. Its features are, In the direction of travel, collection elements for collecting the seeded material (48) output toward the agricultural land are arranged after the spreading device (30).

10. A method for distributing spreading material (48) from a storage container (16) to multiple spreading units of a spreading machine (10) by means of a material distribution system (12), the method comprising the steps of: Multiple conveying airflows (50) carrying spreading materials (48) are generated by the main distribution unit (20) of the material distribution system (12). The conveying airflow (50) carrying the spreading material (48) is supplied to the pneumatically operated metering system (28) of the material distribution system (12). The spreading material (48) delivered to the metering system (28) via the conveying airflow (50) is metered using the metering system; and The material distribution system (12) generates conveying air with a conveying air pressure pF for conveying air flow (50) and metering air with a metering air pressure pD for metering air flow (52) by means of one or more blowers (36, 40). During the spreading process, in multiple different operating modes of the material distribution system (12), the conveying air pressure pF is specifically adjusted according to the metering air pressure pD mode by means of the control device (84) of the material distribution system (12). Its characteristics include the following steps: The material distribution system (12) operates in a continuous operation mode, in which spreading material (48) is supplied from the main distribution unit (20) to the metering system (28), and The material distribution system (12) is operated in an empty mode, in which the supply of spreading material (48) from the main distribution unit (20) to the metering system (28) is reduced or interrupted compared to the continuous operation mode. The control device (84) adjusts the delivery air pressure pF so that in the continuous operation mode and the venting mode, it maintains different, mode-specific pressure differences Δp1 and Δp2 relative to the metering air pressure pD.

11. The method according to claim 10, Its features are, The material distribution system (12) is the material distribution system (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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