Coulter rest of agricultural machine

Abstract

A coulter holder has a frame connection 2 for connection to a machine frame 4 and a coulter connection 3 for connection to a coulter unit 5. Wherein the coulter connection 3 can be pivoted about a pivot axis A1 relative to the frame connection 2 by means of an actuating element 6 between a working position S1 and a raised position S2, and can be locked relative to the frame connection 2 by means of a locking mechanism 7 in order to fix the coulter unit 5 in the working position S1. The locking mechanism 7 is operatively connected to the actuating element 6 and can trigger an action by actuating the actuating element 6.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a plow blade carrier having a frame connection member for connection to a machine frame and a plow blade connection member for connection to a plow blade unit, wherein the plow blade connection member can pivot relative to the frame connection member about a pivot axis between a working position and a raised position by means of an actuating element and can be locked relative to the frame connection member by means of a locking mechanism to fix the plow blade unit in the working position. Another object of the present invention is a seeding machine having such a plow blade carrier.

[0002] Such plow blade carriers are used in agricultural machinery, especially in soil tillage machines or seeding machines, for connecting individual plow blade units to a common machine frame. Usually, a plurality of plow blade units (usually equipped with tools similar to plowshares for breaking or loosening the soil in an agricultural area) are arranged side by side transversely to the travel direction at the rear end of the agricultural machinery and are respectively connected to the machine frame by means of plow blade carriers.

[0003] In a simple embodiment, such plow blade carriers are constructed as multi-fold mounting plates, having a frame connection member for connection to the machine frame on one side and a plow blade connection member for connection to the plow blade unit on the other side. The connection of the plow blade carrier to the machine frame and / or the plow blade unit is usually achieved by means of detachable fasteners (such as screws or bolts).

[0004] Such machinery, which usually has a plurality of plow blade units, usually moves at a certain speed along paths that are substantially parallel to each other in an agricultural area in the travel direction for soil tillage or seeding, and for this purpose it can be connected or mounted on an agricultural tractor, for example. The plow blade units follow the agricultural tractor, and the travel direction is the same as that of the tractor. In this way, the plowshare-like tools of the plow blade units can form parallel grooves or furrows in the soil, into which seeds can be sown or fertilizers can be applied. The number of plow blade units arranged side by side on the machine determines the number of grooves to be formed.

[0005] In agricultural practice, it has proven to be a disadvantage that the groove formation of the plow blade units is affected by two adjacent plow blade units, especially when the plow blade units are arranged close to each other. The soil turned over by one plow blade unit usually moves laterally to both sides in the travel direction, and thus may collide with the soil turned over by an adjacent plow blade unit, resulting in clogging between the plow blade units.

[0006] Therefore, it has proven to be advantageous to arrange adjacent plow blade units staggered in the travel direction. In practice, for this purpose, elongated plow blade carriers are used, in which the distance between the frame connection member and the plow blade connection member is increased in the travel direction. By alternately arranging short plate-like plow blade carriers and elongated plow blade carriers, the plow blade units can be arranged alternately in two rows in a staggered manner, so that the soil turned over by the plow blade units can be discharged to both sides unimpeded, and at the same time the passage of soil and organic matter between the plow blade units is also improved.

[0007] Furthermore, in agricultural practice, it has proven advantageous for individual plowshare units to be deactivatable, for example to avoid repeated tillage on overlapping paths or to achieve different furrow spacings. Extended plowshare carriers are known from US11,166,402B2, which have an additional pivoting function for pivoting the plowshare units. In these plowshare carriers, the plowshare connectors can be pivoted relative to the frame connectors about a pivot axis between a working position and a raised position by means of a hydraulic actuating element. In the raised position, the plowshare units of such plowshare carriers are lifted relative to the working surface and are thus deactivated; in the lowered working position, the plowshare units are activated and ready for soil tillage. Thus, different configurations of the machine can be set, which are characterized by different sequences of raised and lowered plowshare units.

[0008] Depending on various influencing factors, such as soil conditions or travel speed, relatively large forces act on the plowshare units in the working position. These forces can cause the plowshare connectors on the plowshare carrier with the pivoting function to pivot unexpectedly, which can lead to variations in furrow depth and, in the worst case, even cause the plowshare units to lift off the working surface, thus significantly affecting the quality of soil tillage or seeding. To prevent this problem, the plowshare carrier described in US11,166,402B2 has a locking mechanism. By means of this locking mechanism, the plowshare connectors can be locked relative to the frame connectors in the working position, thus achieving a fixation of the plowshare connectors relative to the frame connectors. The locking mechanism is configured as a spring-loaded locking hook, which must be operated manually when unlocking.

[0009] In practice, this extended and pivotable plowshare carrier has generally proven effective. However, in field use, it has proven disadvantageous that the operator (usually the driver of the tractor) must first manually unlock the locking mechanism before being able to pivot the plowshare connectors relative to the frame connectors by means of the actuating element. This results in time-consuming and laborious operation, especially when a large number of plowshare connectors need to be pivoted or the machine configuration needs to be changed frequently.

[0010] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a plowshare carrier in which the locking mechanism can be operated in a user-friendly manner.

[0011] This problem in the plowshare carrier of the type described at the beginning is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous further embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0012] The locking mechanism is operatively connected to the actuating element and the triggering action can be carried out by actuating the actuating element. This enables the user to operate the locking mechanism conveniently and time-savingly by means of the actuating element. In this regard, the actuating element has a dual function, since it is not only used to pivot the plowshare connectors relative to the frame connectors, but also to lock the plowshare connectors relative to the frame connectors in the working position of the plowshare unit.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the actuating element extends between a pivot bearing provided on the frame connection and a pivot bearing provided on the ploughshare connection. This arrangement enables a defined and reliable mounting of the actuating element. In addition, this arrangement allows the ploughshare connection to pivot relative to the frame connection about the pivot axis in a simple manner by changing the length of the actuating element.

[0014] Structurally, the advantage is that the pivot bearing on the frame connection is mounted in a bearing guide so as to be movable, in particular transversely to the pivot axis, specifically between an upper stop and a lower stop of the bearing guide. This configuration advantageously provides an additional degree of freedom for the pivot bearing on the frame connection to move along the bearing guide. The additional mobility of the pivot bearing can be used to lock and unlock the ploughshare connection. The upper stop and the lower stop of the bearing guide can easily limit the movement range of the pivot bearing on the frame connection, and these stops can correspond to different positions of the locking mechanism, in particular the upper stop can correspond to the locking position of the locking mechanism, and / or the lower stop can correspond to the unlocking position of the locking mechanism.

[0015] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous for the locking mechanism to have at least one locking lever pivotable about a locking axis. Such a locking lever can be pivoted about the locking axis in a kinematically simple manner to effect locking and unlocking, and the locking lever pivotable about the locking axis can be operated unilaterally in a simple manner by the actuating element.

[0016] In this context, it is also proposed that the locking lever is connected to the pivot bearing on the frame connection by a lever bearing on one side of the locking axis and has a locking element on the other side of the locking axis. This configuration enables the locking lever to perform a defined oscillating movement about the locking axis, in particular the oscillating movement can be limited by the stops of the bearing guide on the frame connection side. The oscillating movement about the locking axis enables reliable operation of the locking mechanism with a favourable small space requirement. In addition, due to the favourable lever ratio, the actuating force applied by the actuating element can be small.

[0017] In this context, it has proven structurally advantageous for the lever bearing and the locking element to be arranged above the locking axis. The lever ratio resulting from this arrangement enables the oscillating movement to be performed in a particularly simple and energy-saving manner.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that a locking force acting on the locking element is applied by the actuating element. The locking force applied by the actuating element on the locking element can reliably lock the ploughshare unit to the frame connection. This enables a defined ploughshare pressure to be reliably transmitted to the ploughshare unit even at high travel speeds, ensuring a constant furrow depth and seeding quality. In addition, this locking force can prevent accidental unlocking of the working position due to vibration or jolting, thus ensuring continuous soil tillage quality.

[0019] An advantageous configuration of the locking element is hook-shaped and can be locked onto a locking bolt on the plowshare connection. This hook-shaped locking element enables a particularly reliable locking mechanism, in which the locking bolt can be reliably surrounded by the hook-shaped locking element (especially within a large circumferential range) to uniformly transmit the locking force. In addition, this hook-shaped locking element allows force transmission in multiple directions, thereby improving the safety against jolts or vibrations. If the recess of the hook-shaped locking element matches the shape of the locking bolt, a locking mechanism with substantially no clearance can be achieved.

[0020] Another advantageous configuration is that the locking bolt is supported by a stop of a support bearing provided on the frame connection in the working position to absorb the forces exerted through the plowshare unit. This stop of the support bearing can adjust the working position of the plowshare unit relative to the frame connection, ensuring that the plowshare connection and the plowshare unit can always be fixed at the same position relative to the frame connection with repeatable precision. In addition, this stop can prevent the increase of clearances and related wear.

[0021] In this context, it is proposed that the support bearing has a funnel-shaped guiding area for inserting the locking bolt. This funnel-shaped guiding area can ensure the reliable insertion of the locking bolt and also avoid the undesired tilting of the plowshare unit, which occurs especially under unilateral loads (such as on a slope).

[0022] It is further proposed that the locking bolt extends transversely to the running direction of the plowshare unit and has a locking area that interacts with the locking element and a support area that interacts with the support bearing. In this configuration, the locking bolt has a dual function, enabling an advantageous construction with fewer components.

[0023] In addition, it is proposed that the locking axis and the pivot axis extend substantially transversely to the running direction of the plowshare unit and parallel to each other. This configuration can simply avoid tilting or deflection during the locking and unlocking processes, forming a structure with low wear and low failure risk. Alternatively, the locking axis and the pivot axis can also extend at an angle to the traveling direction of the plowshare unit. In addition, arrangements in which the locking axis and the pivot axis do not extend parallel to each other are also conceivable.

[0024] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to arrange the pivot axis above the locking axis. This enables the plowshare connection to be reliably fixed to the frame connection with an advantageous force flow in the working position, and this arrangement facilitates access to the locking mechanism. Of course, configurations in which the pivot axis is at the same height as the locking axis or below the locking axis are also conceivable.

[0025] In an advantageous further embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed that a locking shaft extending along the locking axis is torsionally resistant and mounted on the frame connection by an anti-rotation device. This locking shaft can enable the locking element to perform a defined pivoting movement around the locking axis, and the anti-rotation device can achieve a structure with as little clearance and wear as possible.

[0026] Regarding the locking lever, it is proposed to configure it as a double lever. This double lever enables a particularly reliable and anti-tilting locking mechanism through two support points. In addition, the double lever has proven to be advantageous in terms of symmetrically applied connection forces.

[0027] It has been advantageous that the frame connection and the plow blade connection respectively have mounting areas for detachably mounting on the machine frame and / or the plow blade unit. Through these mounting areas, the user can easily mount the frame connection and the plow blade connection on the machine frame and / or the plow blade unit, and it is not easy to make assembly errors. This configuration also allows for the quick and easy replacement of the frame connection and / or the plow blade connection.

[0028] Structurally advantageous is that the pivot axis is arranged at the end of the plow blade connection opposite to the mounting area, and the pivot bearing is arranged between the pivot axis and the mounting area. This configuration enables the plow blade connection to perform advantageous kinematic pivoting around the pivot axis within a large pivot angle range.

[0029] In this context, it is further proposed that the distance between the pivot bearing and the pivot axis is less than the distance between the pivot bearing and the mounting area. The resulting lever ratio enables the pivoting movement to be achieved with a smaller force within a large pivot angle range.

[0030] It has also proven to be advantageous that the mounting area on the frame connection is complementary in shape to the mounting area of the machine frame, and the mounting area on the plow blade connection is complementary in shape to the mounting area of the plow blade unit. This configuration makes the replacement of the plow blade carrier particularly simple and convenient. Due to the complementary configuration of the mounting areas, the configuration of the agricultural machine can be adjusted in a convenient and time-saving manner. In particular, the plow blade unit can be directly mounted on the machine frame or connected to the machine frame through the plow blade carrier. In addition, this configuration allows the plow blade carrier to be easily used as a replacement / retrofit part for existing agricultural machines without costly modification of the machine frame.

[0031] It has proven to be advantageous that the mounting areas are substantially parallel to each other in the working position. This makes the installation of the plow blade carrier particularly simple and convenient, and facilitates access to the mounting areas. The vertical alignment of the mounting areas has proven to be particularly advantageous in this regard. Of course, if it is proven to be advantageous in the corresponding application scenario, the mounting areas can also be aligned at an angle to each other.

[0032] In an advantageous further embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed that the actuating element is configured as a hydraulic cylinder. This configuration of the actuating element enables the plow blade connection to pivot quickly and precisely (especially steplessly) relative to the frame connection. In addition, the actuating element configured as a hydraulic cylinder can advantageously transmit a large pivoting force. Alternatively, the actuating element can also be configured as a mechanical or electric actuating element.

[0033] It has also been found advantageous for the actuating element to extend at an angle to the mounting area of the frame connection. This angled arrangement has proven to be advantageous for pivoting the plowshare connection relative to the frame connection with as little force as possible over as large a pivoting angle range as possible. Particularly advantageously, the actuating element is arranged at an angle of less than 45 degrees, in particular less than 30 degrees, to the mounting area of the frame connection.

[0034] Furthermore, it is proposed that in the working position, the gravitational force acting on the end of the actuating element on the plowshare connection side is greater than the lever force acting on the end on the frame connection side. This arrangement ensures that when the actuating element is actuated in the working position, the locking mechanism is first unlocked and then the plowshare connection pivots relative to the frame connection. Particularly advantageously, the gravitational force acting on the end of the actuating element on the plowshare connection side is generated by the self-weight of the plowshare unit. This locking mechanism based on the self-weight of the plowshare unit has proven to be particularly reliable and low-wearing. In addition, operating errors and damage to the locking mechanism can be avoided because the locking mechanism is always automatically triggered before the plowshare connection pivots.

[0035] To solve the above problems, a seed drill as claimed in claim 13 is also proposed. Regarding the seed drill, it has the same advantages as the plowshare frame, especially in such a seed drill, the locking mechanisms of the individual plowshare units can be operated conveniently and time-savingly by means of the corresponding actuating elements.

[0036] Regarding the seed drill, it is proposed that the plowshare unit has a parallelogram linkage for adjusting the plowshare pressure, the orientation of which remains unchanged between the working position and the raised position. This arrangement has proven to be particularly convenient for precisely adjusting the plowshare pressure. The parallelogram linkage can be used to set a uniform plowshare pressure between the plowshare unit and the working surface, thereby improving the uniformity of soil cultivation and especially the sowing quality.

[0037] Furthermore, regarding the seed drill, a plowshare pressure cylinder for adjusting the plowshare pressure by changing the orientation of the parallelogram linkage is proposed. This plowshare pressure cylinder can precisely and repeatedly adjust the plowshare pressure in a convenient manner. The seed drill can adapt to a wide range of environmental influences (such as soil, weather conditions or seed varieties) with different plowshare pressures. The plowshare pressure cylinder can also be used to provide an additional option for lifting the corresponding plowshare unit. Particularly advantageously, the plowshare pressure cylinder is configured as a hydraulic cylinder.

[0038] In addition, it is proposed that the seeder has a plurality of plow blade units arranged parallel to each other transversely to the running direction, and these plow blade units are alternately directly connected to the machine frame or indirectly connected to the machine frame via a plow blade carrier. With this construction of the seeder, the turned soil and / or organic matter can pass better between the plow blade units, because the plow blade units are arranged on two different straight lines transversely to the running direction of the machine frame, and adjacent plow blade units do not affect each other in this arrangement. Alternatively, if it proves advantageous for a specific application scenario, a plurality of adjacent plow blade units can also be directly mounted on the machine or connected to the machine frame via a plow blade carrier. In addition to the direct mounting, the plow blade carrier can also be connected to the machine frame via a short plate-shaped plow blade carrier.

[0039] In the following, Figures 1 to 9b the further details and advantages of the invention will be explained with the aid of the

[0040] Figure 1 perspective view of a seeder attached to an agricultural tractor, in which a plurality of plow blade units are attached to the machine frame in two rows;

[0041] Figure 2a and 2b side views of a plow blade unit attached to a plow blade carrier of the prior art without a pivoting function in the working state and the raised state;

[0042] Figure 3a and 3b side views of a plow blade carrier according to the invention with a pivoting function in the working state and the raised state, which includes a plow blade unit attached to the plow blade carrier;

[0043] Figure 4 perspective view of the plow blade carrier according to the invention in the working state;

[0044] Figure 5 According to Figure 4 a view in which the frame connecting member and the plow blade connecting member are separated from each other.

[0045] Figure 6a exploded view of the plow blade carrier according to the invention;

[0046] Figure 6b According to Figure 6a an enlarged view of a detail of

[0047] Figure 7a side view of the plow blade carrier according to the invention in the working state;

[0048] Figure 7b Compared with the figure in Figure 7a a partially sectioned side view of the plow blade carrier according to the invention in the unlocked working state;

[0049] Figure 8 Side view of the plow blade carrier in the raised state according to the present invention.

[0050] Figure 9a Side view of a plurality of adjacent plow blade units in the working state;

[0051] Figure 9b According to Figure 9a Side view in which one of the plow blade units is in the raised state.

[0052] Figure 1 The illustration in shows a top - view perspective of a seeding machine 20 for spreading seeds G on an agricultural area N. The seeding machine 20 is a machine for spreading seeds G in a single - seed sowing manner. However, it can also be a seeding machine 20 for mass seeding or a machine for spreading other, especially granular, materials such as fertilizers.

[0053] The seeding machine 20 is mounted to an agricultural tractor 21, for example, a tractor, and is pulled by it at a specific driving speed V along a path extending generally parallel to each other in the travel direction over the agricultural area N to be sown. Alternatively, the seeding machine 20 can also be attached to the tractor 21 or can be self - propelled.

[0054] According to Figure 1 The seeding machine 20 according to has a total of 10 plow blade units 5 arranged close to each other transversely to the travel direction of the agricultural tractor 21 at the rear end of the seeding machine 20. The travel direction of the agricultural tractor 21 corresponds to the travel direction R of the plow blade units 5. Depending on the equipment and the application area of the seeding machine 20, more or fewer plow blade units 5 can be provided.

[0055] The plow blade unit 5 has a number of tools, especially chisel - shaped or plowshare - shaped tools, for breaking or loosening the soil, especially for preparing for sowing or for post - sowing work. The plow blade unit 5 includes at least one seeding plow blade 13 for creating a channel - shaped furrow in the area N. In addition, equipment and tools for depositing the seeds G in the furrow and for filling the furrow after the seeds G have been deposited in the soil of the area N can be provided in the plow blade unit 5.

[0056] According to Figure 1 According to the illustration in, the plow blade units 5 are arranged in an alternating staggered pattern in two rows. Five plow blade units 5 are respectively connected to the machine frame 4 by relatively short plate - shaped plow blade carriers 1'. The other five plow blade units 5 are connected to the machine frame 4 by plow blade carriers 1 that are longer in the running direction R. Due to the different lengths of the plow blade carriers 1, 1', the alternating staggered arrangement of the plow blade units 5 reduces the risk of the turned - over soil and organic matter accumulating between adjacent plow blade units 5 and increases the passage of the turned - over soil and organic matter between the plow blade units, which can improve the quality of seed distribution.

[0057] Each plow blade unit 5 is provided with a parallelogram linkage 12 for guiding the plow blade unit and applying a plow blade pressure D. Figure 2a and Figure 2b The respective views shown are side views of the plow blade unit 5, which is connected to the machine frame 4 by a longer plow blade carrier 1” (extended compared to the shorter plow blade carrier 1') in the prior art ( Figure 2a and Figure 2b not shown in the figure). The parallelogram linkage 12 of the plow blade unit 5 includes a plow blade pressure cylinder 15, through which a specific and adjustable plow blade pressure D can be applied to the plow blade unit 5. The plow blade pressure D acting between the plow blade 13 and the area N can be adjusted by the plow blade pressure cylinder 15, creating favorable conditions for smooth operation even at a relatively high traveling speed V. Within a limited range, the plow blade unit 5 can also be switched between a lowered position (see Figure 2a ) and a position slightly lifted relative to the area N (see Figure 2b ) by the plow blade pressure cylinder 15.

[0058] Based on such short plow blade carriers 1' and extended plow blade carriers 1” in the prior art, the present invention proposes a plow blade carrier 1 having an additional pivoting function and a locking mechanism 7 for locking the plow blade unit 5 in the working position S1, and the pivoting function can be actuated by an actuating element 6 to pivot the plow blade unit 5 about the pivot axis A1. On such a plow blade carrier 1, the locking mechanism 7 can be operated in a user-friendly manner.

[0059] The pivoting function of the plow blade carrier 1 is described as follows, mainly referring to the illustrations in Figure 3a and Figure 3b . The plow blade carrier 1 has a frame connecting member 2 for connecting to the machine frame 4, and a plow blade connecting member 3 operatively connected to the frame connecting member 2 for connecting the plow blade unit 5. Both the frame connecting member 2 and the plow blade connecting member 3 have mounting areas 2.2, 3.2 for detachably mounting on the machine frame 4 and / or the plow blade unit 5. Both the frame connecting member 2 and the plow blade connecting member 3 are made of interconnected sheet metal parts in a space-saving and weight-saving manner, see Figure 6a . The frame connecting member 2 has approximately two similar multi-folded outer legs 2.3, 2.4, for example, see Figure 5 . Similarly, the plow blade connecting member 3 also has two sheet metal-like outer legs 3.4, 3.5, which are also multi-folded.

[0060] The plow blade connecting member 3 can pivot about the pivot axis A1 between a lowered working position S1 (see Figure 3a ) allowing seeding and a lifted position S2 (see Figure 3b) pivot therebetween. In the raised position S2, the plow blade unit 5 is in a deactivated state, wherein, in particular, neither the seeding plow blade 13 nor the support roller 14 carrying the plow blade unit 5 contacts the area N. In order to pivot the plow blade connecting member 3 relative to the frame connecting member 2, an actuating element 6 is provided, which extends between the pivot bearing 2.1 on the frame connecting member 2 and the pivot bearing 3.1 on the plow blade connecting member 3, see Figure 3b . The two pivot bearings 2.1, 3.1 can be specifically configured as radial bearings or support bearings. The actuating element 6 is configured as a hydraulic cylinder, the cylinder barrel 6.3 of which is connected to the pivot bearing 2.1 on the frame connecting member side, and the piston rod 6.2 of which is connected to the pivot bearing 3.1 on the plow blade connecting member side. Alternatively, the actuating element 6 can also be configured as a mechanical actuating element 6, such as a screw-shaped actuating element, or a servo motor, or can also be arranged with different orientations between the pivot bearings 2.1, 3.1.

[0061] As Figure 3a and Figure 3b shown by the illustration comparison, by changing the length of the actuating element 6, the plow blade connecting member 3 can be pivoted relative to the frame connecting member 2. In the lowered working position S1 at the short starting position of the actuating element 6, and in the fully raised position S2 at the extended end position of the actuating element 6. Depending on the position of the actuating element 6, it can be moved to various intermediate positions between the lowered working position S1 and the raised position S2, which differ in terms of different raised positions and different pivot angles.

[0062] The pivot axis A1 is arranged at one end of the plow blade connecting member 3 opposite to the mounting area 3.2, see Figure 3a . The pivot bearing 3.1 is arranged between the pivot axis A1 and the mounting area 3.2. The distance H1 between the pivot bearing 3.1 and the pivot axis A1 is smaller than the distance H2 between the pivot bearing 3.1 and the mounting area 3.2, also see Figure 7a . Therefore, a favorable large controllable pivot angle range can be achieved. Due to this arrangement, with a relatively small stroke of the actuating element 6, the plow blade connecting member 3 can be pivoted by a large pivot angle.

[0063] The above structure shows that the actuating element 6 extends at an angle α with respect to the mounting area 2.2 of the frame connecting member 2, also see Figure 7b . A smaller angle α, that is, a steeper arrangement of the actuating element, results in a favorable force ratio. In particular, the smaller the angle α, the smaller the lateral force acting on it in the direction transverse to the actuating direction of the actuating element 6. In addition, with this steeper alignment, the piston rod 6.2 of the actuating element 6 does not need to extend far from the cylinder barrel 6.3 as in a flatter alignment to reach the raised position S2. However, as an alternative, a flatter alignment may also be favorable, for example, in terms of a particularly finely adjustable setting for raising the plow blade unit 5.

[0064] In the following text, Figure 4 and Figure 5 the illustrations not only explain the structure of the plowshare carrier 1 with respect to its pivoting function about the pivot axis A1 described above, but also the locking mechanism 7 for fixing the plowshare connection 3 relative to the frame connection 2 in the working position S1.

[0065] From Figure 4 it can be seen that the pivot axis A1 extends along the pivot shaft 3.3, which is provided at the end of the plowshare connection 3 opposite to the mounting area 3.2. The pivot shaft 3.3 passes through the corresponding bearing bushes of the plowshare connection 3 and the corresponding holes of the frame connection 2, see in particular Figure 6a the exploded view.

[0066] The locking mechanism 7 for locking the plowshare connection 3 relative to the frame connection 2 in the working position S1 has a locking lever 7.1 configured as a double rod, see Figure 6a , which can pivot about the locking axis A2. The locking lever 7.1 configured as a double rod has a hole for receiving the locking shaft 7.4, along which the locking axis A2 extends, and the locking shaft is torsionally mounted on the frame connection 2 by means of an anti-rotation lock 11. The locking lever 7.1 is connected on one side of the locking axis A2 to a pivot bearing 2.1 arranged on the frame connection 2 by means of a lever bearing 7.2, and has a locking element 7.3 on the other side of the locking axis A2. The lever bearing 7.2, the locking element 7.3 and the locking axis A2 form a triangle, in which the locking axis A2 is arranged below the imaginary connection line between the lever bearing 7.2 and the locking element 7.3. The locking lever 7.1 is configured as a rocker, in which the lever bearing 7.2 and the locking element 7.3 can perform oscillating movements in opposite directions about the locking axis A2.

[0067] The locking element 7.3 is hook-shaped and can be locked to a locking bolt 9 arranged on the plowshare connection 3. For this purpose, the hook-shaped locking element 7.3 has a recess, the diameter of which is selected such that the locking element 7.3 can enclose the locking bolt 9 with substantially no clearance in the working position S1, see Figure 5 . This makes the locking both safe and reliable and low in wear.

[0068] In order to transmit the locking force F V as evenly as possible, the two parts of the locking lever 7.1 configured as a double rod are arranged at intervals from each other such that their two locking elements 7.3 can be locked to the locking bolt 9 in the region of the two outer ends of the locking bolt 9, see Figure 5 . The actuating element 6 is arranged between the two parts of the locking lever 7.1 configured as a double rod, see Figure 6a . Alternatively, a configuration with a single locking lever 7.1 and accordingly only one locking element 7.3 can also be envisaged, for example this structure can be arranged in the central region of the plowshare carrier 1. A larger number of locking levers 7.1 can also be envisaged.

[0069] The following explains the manner in which the locking mechanism 7 is operated by actuating the actuating element 6. As described above, the locking lever 7.1 is connected on the side opposite to the locking element 7.3 via a lever bearing 7.2 to a pivot bearing 2.1 arranged on the frame connection 2. See also Figure 3a . For this purpose, a shaft 16 is provided which extends substantially parallel to the pivot axis A1 and passes through the two outer legs 2.3, 2.4 of the frame connection 2, the lever bearing 7.2 of the locking lever 7.1 constructed as a double rod, and the bearing bore 6.1 on the cylinder side of the actuating element 6. The pivot bearing 2.1 (through which the actuating element 6 is also connected to the frame connection 2) is movably mounted in a bearing guide 8 transversely to the pivot axis A1. The bearing guide 8 has a contour and is constructed in the form of a slot extending transversely to the pivot axis A1. See Figure 6b . Alternatively, the bearing guide 8 can also be constructed as a groove or recess. The pivot bearing 2.1 can move between an upper stop 8.1 and a lower stop 8.2 in the bearing guide 8, and the corresponding stops 8.1, 8.2 are formed by the walls of the short ends of the bearing guide 8 constructed as a slot. See Figure 6b .

[0070] In the working position S1 in which the plow blade connection 3 is locked relative to the frame connection 2, the actuating element 6 is in its short retracted position, and the pivot bearing 2.1 and thus the lever bearing 7.2 are in contact with the upper stop 8.1 of the bearing guide 8. According to the rocker function, the other end of the locking lever 7.1 is in its lowered position, in which the hook-shaped locking element 7.3 is locked to the locking latch 9 of the plow blade connection 3. See Figure 4 and Figure 5 .

[0071] The following mainly refers to the illustration in Figures 4 to 8 to explain the unlocking process of the locking mechanism 7 and the pivoting of the plow blade connection 3 out of the working position S1.

[0072] In the working position S1, the actuating element 6 is in its retracted position. When the actuating element 6 is actuated, the piston rod 6.2 moves out of the cylinder 6.3, and the length of the actuating element 6 increases. The pivot bearing 2.1 in the bearing guide 8 moves in the direction from the upper stop 8.1 towards the lower stop 8.2 according to the length change of the actuating element 6. The lever bearing 7.2 of the locking lever 7.1 accommodating the pivot bearing 2.1 follows this movement, such that the locking lever 7.1 pivots about the locking axis A2 in the manner of a rocker. See Figure 6a . Due to this pivoting movement, the hook-shaped locking element 7.3 arranged at the other end of the locking lever 7.1 also moves, i.e., in the direction opposite to the movement of the lever bearing 7.2. As Figure 5As shown, the locking element 7.3 pivots upward and disengages from the locking bolt 9. The plow blade connection 3 is thus unlocked. Since the locking mechanism 7 is operatively connected to the actuating element 6, this configuration is also less prone to failure compared to configurations where the locking mechanism 7 can be operated separately.

[0073] Once the pivot bearing 2.1 abuts against the lower stop 8.2 of the bearing guide 8 due to the extending movement of the actuating element 6, the movement of the locking lever 7.1 ends. When the actuating element 6 is further extended by extending the piston rod 6.2, the pivot bearing 3.1 now moves. As a result, the plow blade connection 3 can pivot counterclockwise about the pivot axis A1, as Figure 3a and Figure 3b shown. In the maximum extended position of the piston rod 6.2, the raised position S2 of the plow blade unit 5 connected to the plow blade connection 3 is presented.

[0074] In this configuration, the gravitational force F G acting on the end of the actuating element 6 on the plow blade connection side in the working position S1 is greater than the lever force F H acting on the end of the actuating element 6 on the frame connection side. Therefore, the end of the actuating element 6 on the frame connection side moves first, which actuates the locking mechanism 7. This results in the subsequent movement process.

[0075] The following explains the reverse pivot of the plow blade connection 3 from the raised position S2 and the locking process of the locking mechanism 7.

[0076] In the raised position S2, the actuating element 6 is in its extended position. When the actuating element 6 is actuated, the piston rod 6.2 moves into the cylinder 6.3, and the length of the actuating element 6 decreases. The pivot bearing 3.1 moves according to the change in the length of the actuating element 6, and the plow blade connection 3 undergoes a pivoting movement, which is Figure 3b shown as clockwise. Once the plow blade connection 3 abuts against the frame connection 2, the pivoting movement ends.

[0077] If the actuating element 6 is further shortened, the pivot bearing 2.1 now moves in the bearing guide 8, i.e., from the lower stop 8.2 towards the upper stop 8.1. The lever bearing 7.2 of the locking lever 7.1 connected to the pivot bearing 2.1 follows this movement, causing the locking lever 7.1 to pivot about the locking axis A2 in the manner of a rocker. Due to this pivoting movement, the hook-shaped locking element 7.3 arranged at the other end of the locking lever 7.1 also moves, i.e., in the direction opposite to the movement of the lever bearing 7.2. Therefore, the locking element 7.3 pivots downward and engages with the locking bolt 9. The plow blade connection 3 is thus locked relative to the frame connection 2.

[0078] In the working position S1, a locking force F V, see Figure 7a This locking force F acting between the locking element 7.3 and the locking bolt 9 V ensures a reliable locking mechanism. In addition, the locking force F V can be used to ensure that the locking mechanism 7 does not accidentally become loose, for example due to vibration loads or vibrations. The locking force F V can also be used to ensure that a sufficient plowshare pressure D can be transmitted to the plowshare unit 5.

[0079] The frame connection 2 has a support bearing 10 which has a stop 10.2 for supporting the support area 9.2 of the locking bolt 9 in the working position S1, see Figure 8 . The support bearing 10 is constructed as a double bearing at the side legs 2.3, 2.4, is formed to correspond to the locking bolt 9, and is used to absorb the forces applied through the plowshare unit 5 and the plowshare connection 3. The stop 10.2 can be used to ensure that the plowshare connection 3 can always be fixed at the same position relative to the frame connection 2 with repeatable precision.

[0080] The support bearing 10 also has a funnel-shaped guide area 10.1 for inserting the locking bolt 9. When the support area 9.2 of the locking bolt 9 arranged on the plowshare connection 3 approaches the support bearing 10 due to the pivoting of the plowshare connection 3, the guide area 10.2 ensures reliable guidance to the working position S1. Thus, tilting or deflection that may occur especially when the load on the plowshare unit 5 increases and / or on uneven ground can be avoided. The guide area 10.2, especially the support bearing 10, can be used to ensure that the plowshare connection 3 and the frame connection 2 are in the relative positions required for the locking mechanism.

[0081] The locking bolt 9 performs a dual function. Together with the hook-shaped locking element 7.3, it ensures the locking of the plowshare connection 3 relative to the frame connection 2. At the same time, the locking bolt 9 also abuts against the stop 10.2 of the guide area 10 in the working position S1, thereby ensuring the correct positioning of the plowshare connection 3 relative to the frame connection 2.

[0082] The following refers to Figure 7a and Figure 7b illustrations to explain the structural details of the plowshare carrier 1, especially regarding the arrangement of the pivot axis A1 and the locking axis A2.

[0083] From Figure 7a the illustration, it can be seen that the pivot axis A1 is arranged above the locking axis A2, which produces a favorable force ratio when the plowshare connection 3 pivots relative to the frame connection 2. However, alternatively, the pivot axis A1 can also be arranged below the locking axis A2.

[0084] Figure 7aIt can also be seen that the distance H1 between the pivot bearing 3.1 and the pivot axis A1 is less than the distance H2 between the pivot bearing 3.1 and the mounting area 3.2 of the plow blade connection 3. The closer the engagement point of the actuating element 6 is to the pivot bearing 3.1, the greater the possible lifting amount of the same actuating element 6. The angle α between the actuating element 6 and the mounting area 2.2 of the frame connection is relatively small, less than 45 degrees, preferably less than 30 degrees. This results in a favorable leverage ratio and a favorable low lateral force acting on the actuating element 6. However, alternatively, other distance and angle ratios can also be envisaged.

[0085] In the working position S1, the mounting area 2.2 of the frame connection 2 and the mounting area 3.2 of the plow blade connection 3 are substantially parallel and perpendicularly aligned with each other, see Figure 7a . In addition, the mounting area 2.2 of the frame connection 2 is configured to be complementary to the mounting area of the machine frame 4, and the mounting area 3.2 of the plow blade connection 3 is configured to be complementary to the mounting area of the plow blade unit 5. This increases flexibility because the individual plow blade units 5 of the seeder 20 can be directly connected to the machine frame 4 or via a plate-shaped short plow blade holder, or via an extended pivot plow blade holder 1. This allows for a flexible configuration of the seeder 20. In particular, the plow blade units 5 can be alternately connected to the machine frame 6 via the short plow blade holder and the long plow blade holder 1, see Figure 1 . This configuration of arranging the plow blade units 5 in two rows results in a favorable reduction in interference between adjacent plow blade units 5. In particular, in this configuration, the axial offset between the two rows can be approximately 200 mm.

[0086] The staggered plow blade units 5 cause different contact forces at the same measurement points. Therefore, for example, comparative measurements of the contact forces performed on the corresponding plow blade holders 1 or on the machine frame 4 can be used to infer the alignment of the corresponding plow blade units 5. Since the alignment of the plow blade units 5 is an important influencing factor for uniform seeding and thus achieving good seeding quality, detecting the alignment of the plow blade units 5 by contact force measurement provides a method for checking the seeding quality. The contact force detection for detecting the alignment of the plow blade units 5 can be integrated, for example, into a control system for hydraulic compensation of the alignment deviation.

[0087] In addition, the complementary configuration of the mounting areas 2.2, 3.2 allows for a simple and user-friendly modification of the plow blade holder 1 to an existing seeder 20. There is no need for complex modification of the machine frame 4 of the seeder 20.

[0088] In addition, this arrangement enables half of the plow blade units 5 in the plow blade unit 5, which are connected to the machine frame 6 via the extended pivot plow blade holder 1, to be pivoted to the raised position S2 and thus deactivated, see Figure 9b . Compared with Figure 9aCompared with the shown configuration, half of the plow blade units 5 thus stop operating. Having a double spacing between the grooves or seed rows during sowing may be advantageous for special seeds G.

[0089] The above plow blade carrier 1 and the seeder 20 are characterized in that the locking mechanism 7 is operatively connected to the actuating element 6 and the action can be triggered by actuating the actuating element 6. This enables the locking mechanism 7 to be operated in a user-friendly and time-saving manner by means of the actuating element 6.

[0090] Reference numerals

[0091] 1 Plow blade carrier

[0092] 1' Plow blade carrier

[0093] 1” Plow blade carrier

[0094] 2 Frame connecting piece

[0095] 2.1 Pivot bearing

[0096] 2.2 Mounting area

[0097] 2.3 Leg

[0098] 2.4 Leg

[0099] 3 Plow blade connecting piece

[0100] 3.1 Pivot bearing

[0101] 3.2 Mounting area

[0102] 3.3 Pivot shaft

[0103] 3.4 Leg

[0104] 3.5 Leg

[0105] 4 Machine frame

[0106] 5 Plow blade unit

[0107] 6 Actuating element

[0108] 6.1 Bearing hole

[0109] 6.2 Piston rod

[0110] 6.3 Cylinder barrel

[0111] 7 Locking mechanism

[0112] 7.1 Locking lever

[0113] 7.2 Lever bearing

[0114] 7.3 Locking element

[0115] 7.4 Locking shaft

[0116] 8 Bearing guide rails

[0117] 8.1 Stop

[0118] 8.2 Stop

[0119] 9 Locking latch

[0120] 9.1 Locking area

[0121] 9.2 Support area

[0122] 10 Support bearing

[0123] 10.1 Guide area

[0124] 10.2 Stop

[0125] 11 Anti-rotation lock

[0126] 12 Parallelogram linkage

[0127] 13 Seeding plowshare

[0128] 14 Support roller

[0129] 15 Plowshare pressure cylinder

[0130] 16 Shaft

[0131] 20 Seeder

[0132] 21 Tractor

[0133] A1 Pivot axis

[0134] A2 Locking axis

[0135] D Plowshare pressure

[0136] F G Gravity

[0137] F H Lever force

[0138] F V Locking force

[0139] G Seeds

[0140] H1 Distance

[0141] H2 Distance

[0142] N Area

[0143] R Running direction

[0144] S1 Working position

[0145] S2 Lifting position

[0146] V Travel speed

[0147] α angle

Claims

1. A plow knife holder, comprising a frame connecting member (2) for connecting to a machine frame (4) and a plow knife connecting member (3) for connecting a plow knife unit (5), wherein, The plowshare connecting member (3) can pivot relative to the frame connecting member (2) about a pivot axis (A1) between a working position (S1) and a raised position (S2) by means of an actuating element (6), and can be locked relative to the frame connecting member (2) by means of a locking mechanism (7) to fix the plowshare unit (5) in the working position (S1), characterized in that the locking mechanism (7) is operatively connected to the actuating element (6) and can trigger an action by actuating the actuating element (6).

2. The plow blade holder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuating element (6) extends between a pivot bearing (2.1) provided on the frame connecting member (2) and a pivot bearing (3.1) provided on the plowshare connecting member (3).

3. The plow blade holder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pivot bearing (2.1) provided on the frame connecting member (2) is movably mounted, in particular movably transversely to the pivot axis (A1), in a bearing guide (8), in particular movably mounted in the bearing guide (8) between an upper stop (8.1) and a lower stop (8.2) of the bearing guide (8).

4. The plow blade carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The locking mechanism (7) has at least one locking lever (7.1) pivotable about a locking axis (A2).

5. The plowshare holder according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking lever (7.1) is connected to the pivot bearing (2.1) provided on the frame connecting member (2) by a lever bearing (7.2) on one side of the locking axis (A2), and has a locking element (7.3) on the other side of the locking axis (A2).

6. The plow blade holder according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that A locking force (F) that can act on the locking element (7.3) via the actuating element (6) V ) 7. The plow blade holder according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The locking element (7.3) is hook-shaped and can be locked on a locking latch (9) arranged on the plowshare connecting member (3).

8. The plowshare holder according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the working position (S1), the locking latch (9) is supported by a stop (10.2) of a support bearing (10) provided at the frame connecting member (2) in order to absorb the forces exerted by the plowshare unit (5).

9. The plow blade holder according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The frame connecting member (2) and the plowshare connecting member (3) each have mounting areas (2.2, 3.2) for detachably mounting on the machine frame (4) and / or on the plowshare unit (5).

10. The plow blade holder according to claim 9, characterized in that, The pivot axis (A1) is arranged at an end of the plowshare connecting member (3) opposite to the mounting area (3.2), and the pivot bearing (3.1) is arranged between the pivot axis (A1) and the mounting area (3.2).

11. The plowshare holder according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that, The mounting area (2.2) of the frame connecting member (2) is configured to be complementary to the mounting area of the machine frame (4), and the mounting area (3.2) of the plowshare connecting member (3) is configured to be complementary to the mounting area of the plowshare unit (5).

12. The plowshare holder according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In the working position (S1), the gravitational force (F G ) acting on the end of the actuating element (6) on the ploughshare connection side is greater than the lever force (F H ) acting on the end of the actuating element (6) on the frame connection side.

13. A seeding machine, comprising a machine frame (4) and a plurality of plow blade units (5) arranged parallel to each other transversely to the running direction (R), wherein at least one of the plow blade units (5) is connected to the machine frame (4) by means of a plow blade carrier (1), characterized in that, The plowshare carrier (1) is constructed according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. The seeder according to claim 13, characterized in that, The plurality of plowshare units (5) arranged parallel to each other transversely to the running direction (R) are alternately directly connected to the machine frame (4) or indirectly connected to the machine frame (4) via the plowshare carrier (1).

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