AGRICULTURAL WORK MACHINE AND METHOD FOR WEIGHT SHIFTING OF AN AGRICULTURAL WORK MACHINE

Abstract

The invention relates in particular to an agricultural machine (10), preferably a trailed agricultural machine (10), in particular a tillage and / or seeding machine, with a machine frame (14) and at least one axle (16), wherein the axle (16) comprises two axle units (110, 120), each comprising at least one running wheel (18) supported on the ground and connected to each other via a connecting support structure (130), preferably to enable the transmission of stresses between the axle units (110, 120).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a towed agricultural machine, in particular a tillage and / or seed drill. The invention also relates to a method for weight transfer on a towed agricultural machine.

[0002] In agriculture, agricultural machinery is used for soil cultivation and / or sowing agricultural crops, often designed as tractor-drawn implements. The development and construction of such machinery must consider both agronomic aspects during fieldwork and legal requirements for road transport. For fieldwork, to protect the soil and ensure even cultivation, a uniform weight distribution across all tillage and / or seeding implements, or a significant reduction in the weight distribution of these implements, is generally desirable. For road transport, however, the weight distribution must be designed so that the permissible axle loads and support loads do not exceed legally prescribed maximum values.These problems increase accordingly with increasing working widths of the machinery.

[0003] Up to now, towed agricultural machinery has been designed to comply with legal requirements. However, this has generally resulted in a deterioration of the optimal weight distribution during fieldwork. This is particularly true for machinery where at least some tillage and / or seeding tools are positioned behind the wheels or axle in relation to the direction of travel. While this optimizes weight distribution for fieldwork, it can create a so-called negative drawbar load for road transport, which is not permitted.

[0004] Such working machines, e.g. known from DE 10 2021 104 383 A1 in the SdT, typically comprise a machine frame with, for example, a storage container, wherein, at the rear end of the machine frame, a rotary harrow and, for example, a seed share bar can be pivotably mounted relative to the machine frame.

[0005] A chassis comprising, for example, two, three, or four wheels can be mounted on the machine frame. The chassis can, for example, have a left and a right section, with the left and right sections being separate and each having a wheel on the left and right, so that the chassis can, for example, have four wheels.

[0006] Arranging the running wheels across as much of the width of the machine frame as possible has the advantage that essentially the same soil conditions can be created across the entire width, for example for a following rotary harrow and subsequent seed coulters.

[0007] The wide wheel arrangement also creates the problem that large moments and forces are transferred into the machine frame via the left and right chassis sections, thus increasing the risk of frame failure. This risk is particularly high during road travel or travel on uneven surfaces, where irregularities cause moments and forces to act unevenly on the frame, subjecting it to stress peaks. Reinforcing the machine frame in areas prone to failure is usually only possible to a limited extent due to limited space.

[0008] One object of the invention is to create an agricultural work machine in which the risk of machine frame breakage can be reduced, in particular the stresses acting on a machine frame can be reduced, and preferably in which an optimized weight distribution can be enabled both during field work and road transport.

[0009] This object is achieved by a particularly towed agricultural working machine having the features of independent claim 1, as well as having the features of method claim 19. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are disclosed in the claims and the following description with partial reference to the figures.

[0010] The invention relates to a towed agricultural machine, e.g., a tillage and / or seed drill. That is, the machine is advantageously designed to be towed by an agricultural tractor.

[0011] The working machine comprises a machine frame and at least one axle (e.g., driving axle).

[0012] The axle comprises two preferably separate axle units, each comprising at least one wheel supported on the ground.

[0013] The machine frame can, for example, be formed from several frame members and, in particular, include two side members. It is possible that one axle unit is mounted on one side member and the other axle unit on the other side member.

[0014] The axle units are connected to one another in particular via a connecting support structure (e.g. connecting support, axle bell, connecting bell and / or connecting flange, etc.), preferably to enable a transmission of stresses (e.g. forces and / or moments) between the two axle units.

[0015] This advantageously enables the machine frame (e.g. the side supports) to be stressed more evenly and / or stress peaks on the machine frame (e.g. on the side supports) to be reduced and thus in particular the risk of machine frame breakage.

[0016] Stresses can advantageously be partially transferred from one axle unit to the other axle unit and / or stresses of different magnitudes on the axle units can be brought closer to one another (e.g. essentially equalized).

[0017] The connecting support structure thus advantageously makes it possible to significantly reduce the stresses acting on the machine frame, especially maximum stresses (e.g. moments and / or forces).

[0018] Stresses can be transferred, for example, via the connecting support structure to the respective opposite axle unit or at least one of its wheels.

[0019] Because the axle is formed by at least two axle units (i.e., it is not a fixed axle with, for example, four wheels attached), manufacturing tolerances, both in the axle units and in the machine frame, can be advantageously compensated for. Furthermore, axle assembly can be significantly simplified and, in particular, carried out without stresses or similar issues that could arise from manufacturing tolerances.

[0020] The connecting support structure serves in particular to structurally connect the axle units to one another.

[0021] The axle units together with the connecting support structure can thus form a common and / or continuous axle.

[0022] It is possible for the connecting support structure to be designed as a tube, in particular a round tube. The tube can be made of steel, for example.

[0023] The axle units may each comprise, for example, an axle segment (in particular an axle tube), preferably with at least two wheels supported on the ground.

[0024] It is possible that the axle segments extend essentially coaxially.

[0025] It is possible that the axle segments and the connecting support structure extend, in particular with their longitudinal or central axes, essentially in a common plane and / or essentially coaxially.

[0026] The axle units are preferably arranged next to each other (e.g., on the left and right of the machine) and thus not, for example, one behind the other.

[0027] It is possible that the axle segments, with one of their end sections, protrude into the connecting support structure, which is preferably designed as a tube.

[0028] The axle segments can be coupled to the machine frame, for example, via a mounting structure (e.g., flange elements, mounting clamps (e.g., U-bolts), flange plates, etc.), and in particular, these couplings can be detachable. The mounting structures are preferably arranged essentially centrally on the axle segments.

[0029] The axle units preferably each comprise at least two wheels supported on the ground (e.g., a left wheel and a right wheel). The axle can thus comprise, for example, at least four wheels.

[0030] It is possible that the mounting structure of one axle unit is arranged between two running wheels of one axle unit and the mounting structure of the other axle unit is arranged between two running wheels of the other axle unit.

[0031] The axle is preferably a non-driven axle.

[0032] The connecting support structure preferably extends between the axle units.

[0033] The connecting support structure can, for example, extend essentially coaxially to the wheel centers (e.g. wheel hubs (e.g. axle segment stubs), wheel hub mounts, etc.) of the wheels.

[0034] The connecting support structure can preferably be expediently mounted to the axle units with its particularly axial end sections, e.g. expediently on one axle unit and expediently on the other axle unit.

[0035] It is possible that the connecting support structure protrudes into a wheel of one axle unit on the one hand and into a wheel of the other axle unit on the other.

[0036] The connecting support structure can preferably be attached to the wheels (e.g. rims, rim plates, wheel discs, wheel bowls and / or wheel spokes etc.) and / or their wheel hubs (e.g. rotatable axle segment stubs etc.), so that the connecting structure can be attached, for example, on one side to a wheel and / or its wheel hub of one axle unit and on the other side to a wheel and / or its wheel hub of the other axle unit, preferably in such a way that it can advantageously rotate together with the wheels.

[0037] The fastening can be done, for example, on wheel sections between the tires of the wheels (e.g. rims, rim plates, wheel discs, wheel bolts, wheel bowls, wheel spokes, etc.) and / or through wheel sections between the tires of the wheels.

[0038] For example, it is possible that each axle segment has wheel hubs (e.g., rotatable axle segment stubs) for the wheels, to which wheel bolts or other suitable fasteners can be attached. These fasteners can extend through the rims, rim plates, wheel discs, wheel bowls, and / or wheel spokes, etc., and be mounted to the connecting structure. However, direct attachment to, for example, rims, rim plates, wheel discs, wheel bowls, or wheel spokes is also possible.

[0039] In the context of the invention, the wheel hubs can, for example, comprise rotatable axle segment stubs and / or be designed as rotatable axle segment stubs.

[0040] The connecting support structure can have, for example, a mounting flange extending transversely (e.g., obliquely or essentially at right angles) to the longitudinal axis of the connecting support structure on both sides for mounting to the axle units, in particular the wheels and / or their wheel hubs. The mounting flange can, for example, be ring-shaped and / or have mounting holes.

[0041] It is possible that the axle segments are designed to be non-rotatable and therefore do not rotate with the wheels, especially during travel of the machine.

[0042] The connecting support structure can be designed, for example, and / or connected to the running wheels (e.g., rims, rim plates, wheel discs, wheel bowls and / or wheel spokes, etc.) and / or their wheel hubs (e.g., rotatable axle segment stubs, etc.) in order to rotate together with the running wheels, so that it can advantageously rotate together with the running wheels, especially during a journey of the working machine.

[0043] At least one of the wheels can be equipped with a brake (e.g., a drum brake (especially a brake drum)), which can be integrated into a wheel hub, especially a suitably rotatable axle segment stub.

[0044] The axle units are preferably separate from one another and / or individually mountable (e.g., independently) to and / or detachable from the machine frame. Alternatively or additionally, the axle units are preferably arranged side by side with respect to the direction of travel of the machine.

[0045] The axle units can, for example, be essentially identical in construction, so that in the context of the invention, preferably at least the axle segments, the mounting structures and, for example, the running wheels can be essentially identical in construction.

[0046] It is possible that the axle units are coupled to one another via the connecting support structure, in particular in terms of the support structure.

[0047] The axle units and thus in particular the axle can form a packer roller, for example.

[0048] The wheels can, for example, be provided with an AS profile.

[0049] The machine frame can, for example, comprise two side beams, in particular two longitudinal beams, wherein the mounting structure of one axle unit can be mounted on one side beam and the mounting structure of the other axle unit can be mounted on the other side beam.

[0050] The connecting support structure can preferably be designed as a (e.g., elongated) connecting beam, in particular as a connecting pipe beam. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the connecting support structure is inserted axially between the axle units as an intermediate piece, e.g., to connect the axle units to each other, particularly in a load-bearing capacity.

[0051] The connecting support structure can, for example, have a longitudinal extension of less than 1.5 meters, less than 1 meter or less than 0.75 meters.

[0052] The machine frame may, for example, have a towing device (e.g., drawbar eye, drawbar, two-point or three-point linkage, and / or the like), wherein the towing device is designed to allow the working machine to be connected to an agricultural tractor (e.g., preferably a tractor) and to allow a support force (e.g., positive or negative support load) to be transferred to the agricultural tractor (e.g., the tractor hitch).

[0053] The wheels, which rest on the ground, are attached to the machine frame, preferably in the rear area.

[0054] The wheels can preferably comprise at least one wheel of one axle unit and at least one wheel of the other axle unit.

[0055] The working machine is preferably designed in such a way that during road travel and / or field work, the weight is distributed such that part of the weight is transferred to the ground via the running wheels and part of the weight is transferred to the agricultural tractor via the towing device.

[0056] For soil cultivation and / or sowing, it is also provided that soil cultivation and / or sowing tools are arranged on the machine frame, preferably behind the wheels in relation to the direction of travel, and are mounted in a height-adjustable manner relative to the wheels.

[0057] In order to create a towed agricultural working machine with an advantageously optimized weight distribution both during field work and during road transport, it is preferably provided that a relative position of the running wheels and / or the axle (e.g. of one axle unit and / or the other axle unit) relative to the machine frame (e.g. relative to the soil cultivation and / or sowing tools) is variable with respect to the direction of travel.

[0058] The ability to change the relative position allows for targeted weight shifting of the machine. In particular, this enables adjustments to the support load and the axle loads, or wheel loads, acting on the running wheels. This is useful both to comply with legal requirements for road travel and to optimize the weight distribution desired for field work. Furthermore, improved weight distribution enhances the machine's handling characteristics and, consequently, its operational safety.

[0059] To maximize the relief of soil cultivation and / or seeding implements during fieldwork, these implements can be advantageously positioned, preferably in relation to the direction of travel and, for example, exclusively behind the wheels. This ensures that the weight distribution of the machine is as even as possible during fieldwork and is minimized on individual soil cultivation and / or seeding implements.

[0060] It should be noted that the direction of travel corresponds in particular to a direction of travel of the working machine, i.e. a direction along which the working machine is moved by means of an agricultural tractor, whereby this can be both forwards and at least briefly backwards.

[0061] It should be noted that the position specifications according to the following description refer in particular to the running wheels whose relative position can be changed; running wheels in the working machine whose relative position cannot be changed are therefore expediently preferably excluded from the definition or the position specifications, meaning that it is also possible that at least one running wheel (or several running wheels) does not change its relative position and / or that it remains permanently arranged in the area of ​​the soil cultivation and / or seeding tools.

[0062] To comply with the respective wheel loads, it may be provided, for example, that the relative position of the axle (e.g., the axle units) relative to the machine frame can be changed with respect to the direction of travel.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, and falling within the scope of the invention, the machine may comprise several axles arranged one behind the other, e.g., in relation to the direction of travel (e.g., a front axle and at least one rear axle), and at least one axle may have a position relative to the machine frame that can be changed in relation to the direction of travel. A combination of an axle with two or more wheels and a single wheel would also be conceivable and fall within the scope of the invention, wherein, for example, the relative position of the axle and / or the single wheel relative to the machine frame can be changed in relation to the direction of travel.

[0064] In the context of the invention, the definition of running wheel includes, expediently, any type of chassis, i.e., for example, crawler tracks or the like. Also included are corresponding suspension devices, frame constructions, or the like for supporting the running wheel.

[0065] The machine frame can be made of one or more parts and can be assembled by detachable and / or non-detachable connections.

[0066] A preferred embodiment may provide that the relative position is changed in such a way that the wheels can assume at least a front relative position and a rear relative position relative to the direction of travel.

[0067] It may be advantageous to have a front relative position for fieldwork and a rear relative position for road travel. It should be noted that the wheels can assume not only a front relative position and a rear relative position, but also relative positions that lie between the front and rear relative positions.

[0068] To achieve the greatest possible weight transfer, the distance between the front relative position and the rear relative position, preferably relative to a contact point of the wheels, can be at least 0.2 meters, 0.5 meters, 0.7 meters, or 1 meter. Alternatively or additionally, the distance can be at least half the diameter of the wheels.

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the vertical position of the wheels, preferably the wheels in the front and rear relative positions, is essentially identical perpendicular to the direction of travel, and / or the height difference is a maximum of 0.1 meters, 0.25 meters, or 0.5 meters. Thus, a change in the relative position does not affect the transport height, or only to a minimal extent.

[0070] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the relative position can be changed such that the wheels can assume a front relative position and a rear relative position with respect to the direction of travel, wherein the ratio of the distance, with respect to the direction of travel, between the front relative position and the rear relative position, and the vertical offset with respect to the direction of travel between the front relative position and the rear relative position, preferably with respect to a contact point of the wheels, is essentially a maximum of 1:0.2 (in words, 1 to 0.2), 1:0.3, 1:0.5, or 1:1. This means, for example, that a change in the relative position of 1 meter in the direction of travel results in a vertical offset of essentially a maximum of 0.2 meters, 0.3 meters, 0.5 meters, or 1 meter.

[0071] The relative position of the wheels can be changed in various ways, for example, by axial displacement relative to the machine frame. For this purpose, a linear guide and / or a corresponding sliding frame can be provided. Alternatively or additionally, the position can be changed, for example, by rotary pivoting relative to the machine frame, preferably about a pivot axis oriented transversely to the direction of travel. For this, the wheels and / or the axle (especially the axle units) can be mounted on the machine frame by means of at least one rocker arm. Alternatively or additionally, the position can be changed, for example, by translational movement of the wheels relative to the machine frame, whereby the wheels, axle units, and / or the axle can be movable along a cam track relative to the machine frame.

[0072] It would also be conceivable to change the relative position using corresponding combined movements, which could consist of, for example, linear, rotational and / or translational movements.

[0073] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the relative position of the wheels changes depending on the stroke position of the tillage and / or seeding tools, preferably depending on whether the tillage and / or seeding tools are lowered and / or raised. This prevents collisions between the wheels and the tillage and / or seeding tools, as a change in relative position, e.g., between the front and rear positions, can only occur when the tillage and / or seeding tools are in a defined stroke position.

[0074] In addition or optionally, it is also possible for the relative position to be changed in such a way that the wheels can assume at least a forward relative position and a rear relative position relative to the direction of travel, whereby a forward relative position can be assumed when tillage and / or seeding tools are lowered (e.g., when the tillage and / or seeding tools are in contact with the ground) and / or a rear relative position can only be assumed when tillage and / or seeding tools are raised (e.g., when the tillage and / or seeding tools are not in contact with the ground and / or are in a position for road transport).

[0075] To further optimize weight distribution during fieldwork and road transport, a further development of the invention allows the relative position to be changed in such a way that the wheels can assume at least a front relative position and a rear relative position relative to the direction of travel, wherein in a front relative position all wheels with their entire circumference are located in front of the tillage and / or seeding tools with respect to the direction of travel and / or in a rear relative position, at least one wheel is located at least partially at the same height and / or below the tillage and / or seeding tools with respect to the direction of travel.

[0076] To comply with the maximum permissible transport dimensions of the machine for road transport, it is advantageous to adjust the relative position of the wheels so that, relative to the direction of travel, they can assume at least one forward and one rearward relative position. In the rearward relative position, the wheels should be arranged relative to the tillage and / or seeding tools such that the transport height of the machine is 4 meters or does not exceed 4 meters. The lifting height of the tillage and / or seeding tools can also be adjusted accordingly.

[0077] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that, for changing the relative position, the running wheels can be coupled (e.g., functionally coupled) to at least one actuating device, which actuating device can be controlled by means of control signals generated by a control unit, wherein the control signals are specified manually by an operator and / or by automated signal generation by the control unit. Thus, a change in the relative position can be initiated, for example, by an operator (e.g., remotely) and / or by automated signal generation (e.g., by stroke position-dependent and / or functional coupling) by the control unit.

[0078] The at least one actuating device can be designed, for example, by one or more hydraulically, pneumatically and / or electrically operated actuators (e.g. cylinders, linear drives and / or the like).

[0079] To prevent uncontrolled movements of the actuator and thus increase the safety of the machine, it is conceivable that in a given relative position the travel path of the actuator can be locked (e.g. by hydraulic valve technology) and / or prevented (e.g. by means of mechanical stroke limits such as insert elements).

[0080] The cylinder(s) forming, for example, an actuating device can also be dimensioned accordingly or subjected to a corresponding pressure in order to prevent, for example, uncontrolled movements.

[0081] It is possible, for example, that one axle unit includes an actuating device and the other axle unit includes an actuating device. However, it is also possible that a common actuating device is provided for both axle units, so that, for example, both axle units can be advantageously actuated together with one actuating device.

[0082] To further minimize the risk of collision between the tillage and / or seeding tools and the chassis, it is optionally conceivable that the running wheels and / or at least one adjusting device are functionally coupled to the tillage and / or seeding tools, preferably functionally coupled in such a way that a change in the relative position of the running wheels is only possible when the tillage and / or seeding tools are in the raised position.

[0083] A functional coupling can be achieved in a variety of ways. For example, it would be conceivable for a functional coupling to occur by means of mutually meeting mechanical limiting elements that are assigned to the axle and / or the running wheels on the one hand and to the soil cultivation and / or sowing tools on the other, so that, for example, the axle and the soil cultivation and / or sowing tools support each other. Alternatively or additionally, it would be possible, for example, for a functional coupling to occur by means of a stroke limiting device assigned to the actuating device (e.g., mechanical insert clips, limiting discs, or the like). Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable for a functional coupling to occur by means of a hydraulic and / or electrical signaling device (e.g.,hydraulic pressure sensor, hydraulic series connection, position sensor, angle potentiometer) which is assigned to the actuating device on the one hand and to a lifting device for adjusting the lifting position of the soil tillage and / or sowing tools on the other hand and is signal-connected and / or signal-connectable to a control device.

[0084] Preferably, it is possible for the excavation device to assume any lifting position of the soil tillage and / or sowing tools in a front relative position of the running wheels, so that the respective lifting positions have no effect on the weight distribution, in particular the supporting force of the traction device.

[0085] The excavation device can, for example, comprise one or more actuators and / or a coupling frame or pivoting frame. The excavation device could also have or form a two-point or three-point connection.

[0086] Preferably, the relative position is expediently changed, for example, in such a way that in a rear relative position of the running wheels, a positive supporting force is applied to the towing device when connected to an agricultural tractor and / or that a center of gravity of the working machine is located in front of the running wheels with respect to the direction of travel, preferably in front of a contact point of at least one running wheel which is closest to the towing device in the direction of travel.

[0087] It should be noted that the tillage and / or sowing tools do not have to be positioned exclusively behind the wheels; rather, they can also be positioned in front of and / or beside the wheels in relation to the direction of travel. Thus, tillage and / or sowing tools can also be positioned below the machine frame.

[0088] Insofar as the machine includes seeding tools, it is also possible that the machine frame is equipped with a storage container for carrying and providing the material to be distributed by means of the seeding tools (e.g. granular and / or liquid seed, fertilizer or the like).

[0089] It should be noted that, in the context of the invention, the definition of soil cultivation and / or seeding tool does not exclusively include the respective components that perform soil cultivation and / or seeding, but also, for example, frame constructions for supporting and guiding the soil cultivation and / or seeding tools.

[0090] The control unit comprises, for example, a computer unit, an on-board computer, and / or the like, with a control program and also includes a control and / or regulation circuit, in particular a hydraulic and / or pneumatic and / or electrical control and / or regulation circuit, wherein the control and / or regulation circuit is expediently designed for hydraulic and / or pneumatic and / or electrical signal and / or command transmission. This signal and / or command transmission can also be wireless (e.g., via WLAN). In the context of the invention, the term "control unit" includes, in particular, the entirety of the components for signal and / or command transmission. Accordingly, this also includes computer units, CPUs, and / or the like. Likewise, control units integrated into the respective sensors, sensor units, or sensor arrangements are also included.It should also be noted that the signals and / or data from the sensors / measuring devices / recording devices and / or the like can each be used as feedback for a control variable and / or regulated variable.

[0091] It should also be noted that the terms "control" and "control device" can refer to electronic and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic controls or regulators, which, depending on their design, can perform control and / or regulation tasks. Even if the term "control" is used herein, it can also appropriately include "regulation." Likewise, the use of the term "regulation" can also encompass "control."

[0092] To avoid repetition, features disclosed in connection with the towed agricultural machinery, in particular, shall also be deemed disclosed and claimable in connection with the method. The aforementioned aspects, features, and embodiments according to the invention, especially with regard to the towed agricultural machinery, therefore also apply to the method and can be freely combined in any way. Conversely, the same applies, so that all aspects, features, and embodiments disclosed in connection with the method are also disclosed and claimable for the towed agricultural machinery.

[0093] The invention also includes a method for weight transfer on a particularly towed agricultural machine, preferably implemented with a particularly towed agricultural machine, in particular a tillage and / or seeding machine, as described in this document, respectively according to one of claims 1 to 18.

[0094] The method is suitably characterized by changing a support force acting on a traction device by assuming a front relative position or a rear relative position with respect to the direction of travel of the wheels and / or the axle.

[0095] According to a further development of the method, it is possible for the wheels and / or axle to assume a front relative position or a rear relative position depending on the stroke position of tillage and / or seeding tools, preferably depending on a lowered and / or raised stroke position of tillage and / or seeding tools.

[0096] Thus, according to the procedure, a shift of the axle and / or wheel loads acting on the running wheels to the support force of the towing device and vice versa is made possible.

[0097] It should be mentioned that the wheels may preferably include at least one wheel from one axle unit and at least one wheel from the other axle unit.

[0098] It should also be mentioned that it is possible for the working machine to include, for example, several axes as disclosed herein.

[0099] Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual relative sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged for better illustration in relation to other elements. The figures show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a design variant of a towed agricultural machine with a machine frame, several running wheels and tillage and seeding tools, which tillage and seeding tools are in an unfolded and lowered field working position, Fig. 2A a side view of a working machine according to the Fig. 1, with tillage and seeding tools in a folded and raised position for road travel and wheels in a field working position (front relative position), Fig. 2B a side view of a working machine according to the Fig. 2A with wheels in a position for road transport (rear relative position), Fig. 2C a schematic diagram of an impeller with two relative positions which are achieved by a rotary pivoting motion, Fig. 3 a perspective view of an axis comprising two axis units, Fig. 4 a side view of the axis of Fig. 3, Fig. 5 a sectional view of the axis of Fig. 3, Fig. 6 a view of the axis of Fig. 3, Fig. 7 a detailed section view of the axis of Fig. 3, and Fig. 8 to 11 different views of a connecting support structure for the axis of the Fig. 3.

[0100] The embodiments shown in the figures are at least partially identical, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals, and reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures to avoid repetition. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the towed agricultural implement and the method according to the invention can be designed and implemented and do not constitute an exhaustive limitation.

[0101] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a simplified embodiment of a towed agricultural machine 10. The machine 10 comprises a machine frame 14 having a drawbar 12, wherein the drawbar 12 is configured so that the machine 10 can be connected to an agricultural tractor (e.g. tractor not shown here) and a support force FA (e.g. positive or negative support load) can be transferred to the agricultural tractor.

[0102] The machine frame 14 has several running wheels 18 attached to its rear section, which are supported on the ground. The working machine 10 comprises 4 running wheels 18 arranged side by side, wherein in the Fig. 1 of these, only 3, sometimes only partially, are visible. The wheels 18 are assigned to an axle 16. The axle 16 can be designed in particular as described with reference to the Fig. 3 to 11 explained.

[0103] The machine 10 is equipped for combined tillage and sowing, for which tillage and sowing tools 20 are arranged on the machine frame 14, preferably behind the multiple running wheels 18 in relation to the direction of travel FR, and are mounted in a height-adjustable manner relative to the running wheels 18. However, the exclusive use of tillage or sowing tools 20 is also conceivable. The tillage tools are, for example, formed by a rotary harrow with a trailing packer roller, and the sowing tools are, for example, formed by seed coulters. It should be noted that other tillage and / or sowing tools or other arrangements of tillage and / or sowing tools are also conceivable.

[0104] For a better understanding, it should be noted that, in the context of the invention, the definition of soil tillage and / or sowing tools 20 does not exclusively include the respective components that carry out soil tillage and / or sowing, but also, for example, frame structures for supporting and guiding the soil tillage and / or sowing tools 20. According to the exemplary embodiments, the entirety of the components for soil tillage and / or sowing are mounted on the machine frame 14 in a height-adjustable manner, i.e., adjustable in their lifting position. Changing the lifting position is expediently carried out by means of a lifting device 32.

[0105] The excavation device 32 according to the Fig. 2C comprises at least one actuator (e.g., hydraulically, pneumatically, and / or electrically operated cylinder) and a parallelogram. The excavation device 32 may also comprise multiple actuators and / or a coupling frame (cf. Fig. 2A), or a pivoting frame. The excavation device 32 could also form a two-point or three-point connection. The excavation device 32, or the actuator, can in turn be controllable by means of a control device.

[0106] Even if according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 the soil tillage and / or sowing tools 20 are arranged exclusively behind the running wheels 18, alternatively or additionally an arrangement of the soil tillage and / or sowing tools 20 with respect to the direction of travel FR in front of the running wheels 18 and / or next to the running wheels 18 would also be possible.

[0107] In order to be able to supply the sowing tools 20 with a respective distribution material, a storage container 22 is also assigned to the machine frame 14 for carrying and providing the distribution material.

[0108] The tillage and / or seeding tools 20 according to the Fig. 1 have a large extension transverse to the direction of travel FR (e.g., 6 meters), which in turn is too wide for a maximum permissible transport width (e.g., 3 meters in Germany) for road travel. To enable the work machine 10 to still be able to move on the road, the work machine 10, according to the exemplary embodiments, provides that the soil cultivation and / or sowing tools 20 are collapsible in such a way that a transport width can be maintained.

[0109] In the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, folded soil cultivation and / or sowing tools 20 are shown, the illustrated embodiments being otherwise identical to the working machine 10 according to the Fig. 1 are.

[0110] The drawbar 12 is designed as a drawbar eye, but could also be a drawbar, a two-point or three-point linkage, and / or the like. The drawbar 12 is suitably designed so that the working machine 10 can be connected to an agricultural tractor and a support force FA can be transmitted to the tractor.

[0111] As from the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the tillage and / or seeding tools 20 are arranged behind the wheels 18, which, however, can result in a negative support force FA on the drawbar 12, meaning that sometimes no support load is transferred to the tractor. While this has advantages for field work due to the even weight distribution on the tillage and / or seeding tools 20, it legally prohibits road travel in this configuration.

[0112] In order to achieve optimal weight distribution both during field work and road transport, a weight shift is preferably provided, which is achieved by making a relative position 24; 26 of the axle 16 and thus in particular of the running wheels 18, relative to the machine frame 14 (e.g. relative to the tillage and / or seeding tools) changeable with respect to the direction of travel FR (see Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B and Fig. 2C).

[0113] As can be seen from the exemplary embodiments, a change in the relative position 24; 26 is expediently carried out such that the running wheels 18, with respect to the direction of travel FR, at least a forward relative position 24 (see Fig. 2A and Fig. 2C solid lines) and a rear relative position 26 (see Fig. 2B and Fig. 2C (dashed lines) can be assumed. The front relative position 24 can be intended, for example, for fieldwork and the rear relative position 26 can be intended, for example, for road travel.

[0114] A distance A1, particularly with respect to a contact point of the wheel 18, between the front relative position 24 and the rear relative position, can be at least 0.2 meters, at least 0.5 meters, at least 0.7 meters, or at least 1 meter. It would also be conceivable that a distance A1 between the front relative position 24 and the rear relative position 26 corresponds to at least half the diameter of the wheel 18, i.e., for example, 0.5 meters with a wheel diameter of 1 meter.

[0115] As can be seen from the examples of implementation and in particular the Fig. As shown in 2C, it is particularly advantageous that, vertically to the direction of travel FR, the height of the wheels 18, preferably the wheels 18 in the front relative position 24 and the rear relative position 26, is essentially identical and / or that any height difference is a maximum of 0.1 meters, 0.25 meters, or 0.5 meters. Thus, a change in the relative position 24; 26 does not affect the transport height H1, or only to a minimal extent.

[0116] As can be seen in particular from the Fig. As can be seen from 2C, it is possible that a change in the relative position 24; 26 is achieved by a rotational pivoting of the running wheels 18 and / or the axle 16 relative to the machine frame 14 about a pivot axis 28 oriented transversely to the direction of travel FR, wherein for this purpose the running wheels 18 and / or the axle 16 are mounted on the machine frame 14 by means of at least one rocker arm 30.

[0117] In addition to a rotational pivoting, an axial displacement of the running wheels 18 and / or the axle 16 in relation to the direction of travel FR relative to the machine frame 14 would also be conceivable, and / or a translational movement of the running wheels 18 and / or the axle 16 relative to the machine frame 14 would be conceivable.

[0118] A change in the relative position 24, 26 preferably takes place depending on the lifting position of the tillage and / or seeding tools 20, that is, whether the tillage and / or seeding tools 20 are lowered or raised ( Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B and Fig. 2C - dashed lines). Whereby the lifting position can be changed by means of an excavation device 32.

[0119] The working machine 10 is designed, for example, in such a way that a front relative position 24 can be assumed when the tillage and / or seeding tools 20 are in a lowered lifting position (see, for example, Fig. 1 and Fig. 2A) and / or a rear relative position 26 can only be assumed when the tillage and / or seeding tools 20 are in a raised position (see below). Fig. 2B).

[0120] As from the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in 2A, it is possible that in a front relative position 24 all running wheels 18 with their entire circumference are located in front of the tillage and / or seeding tools 20 with respect to the direction of travel FR and / or in a rear relative position 26, that the running wheels 18 are located at least partially at the same height and / or below the tillage and / or seeding tools 20 with respect to the direction of travel FR.

[0121] It is expediently provided that a change in the relative position 24; 26 is carried out in such a way that the running wheels 18 can assume at least a front relative position 24 and a rear relative position 26 with respect to the direction of travel FR, wherein in a rear relative position 26 an arrangement of the running wheels 18 to the soil cultivation and / or seeding tools 20 is carried out in such a way that a transport height H1 of the working machine is 4 meters or does not exceed 4 meters.

[0122] A change in the relative position 24; 26 can be achieved, for example, by means of at least one actuating device 34 (e.g., formed by one or more hydraulically, pneumatically, and / or electrically operated actuators (e.g., cylinders, linear drives, and / or the like)), which is coupled, for example, to the machine frame 14 and the running wheels 18, or the rocker arm 30. The actuating device 34 can, for example, be remotely controlled, e.g., by an operator. The travel path of the actuating device 34 can also be locked.

[0123] The running wheels 18 and / or the adjusting device 34 can be functionally coupled to the tillage and / or seeding tools 20, e.g., functionally coupled in such a way that a change in the relative position 24; 26 of the running wheels 18 is only possible when the tillage and / or seeding tools 20 are in the raised position. According to the Fig. 2C The functional coupling is achieved by means of a hydraulic and / or electrical signaling device 36 (represented by dashed lines with arrows), which is assigned to the positioning device 34 on the one hand and to an excavation device 32 for adjusting the stroke position of the tillage and / or seeding tools 20 on the other, and is signal-connected and / or signal-connectable to a control device 38. The signaling device can, for example, be a position sensor, orientation sensor, pressure sensor, or the like, and can be configured to detect the stroke position of the tillage and / or seeding tools directly or indirectly. A corresponding hydraulic control would also be conceivable, for example.

[0124] A mechanical coupling would also be conceivable, e.g. by means of intersecting mechanical limiting elements, which are assigned to the running wheels 18 on the one hand and to the soil cultivation and / or seeding tools 20 on the other.

[0125] Preferably, the relative position 24; 26 is changed, for example, such that in a rear relative position 26 of the running wheels 18 a positive support force FA is applied to the towing device 12 when connected to an agricultural tractor and / or that a center of gravity SP of the working machine 10 is located in relation to the direction of travel FR in front of the at least one running wheel 18, preferably in front of a contact point of the at least one running wheel 18 that is closest to the towing device 12 in the direction of travel FR.

[0126] The Fig. Figures 3 to 7 show different views of an axis 16 according to an embodiment of the invention, which is used, for example, in a machine 10, as described with reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described, can be used.

[0127] The axle 16 comprises in particular two axle units 110 and 120 (e.g. a left axle unit and a right axle unit), which in the illustrated embodiment each comprise two running wheels 18 (e.g. a left running wheel and a right running wheel) supporting themselves on the ground.

[0128] The axle units 110, 120 each have an axle segment 111, 121.

[0129] The axle segments 111, 121 are structurally coupled to the machine frame 14 via mounting structures 112, 122 (e.g., mounting flanges, etc.). The mounting structures 112, 122 are preferably arranged substantially centrally on the axle segments 111, 121.

[0130] The machine frame 14 can, for example, comprise two side beams, in particular two longitudinal beams, wherein the mounting structure 112 can be mounted on one side beam and the mounting structure 122 on the other side beam.

[0131] Stresses, particularly forces and moments, can be transmitted to the machine frame 14 via the mounting structures 112, 122, which may pose a risk of the machine frame breaking. The risk of the machine frame breaking exists particularly during field work of the work machine 10 when, due to uneven ground, the stresses act unevenly on the machine frame 14 (e.g., large load introduction via the axle unit 110, in particular the mounting structure 112, and small load introduction via the axle unit 120, in particular the mounting structure 122, or vice versa), and the machine frame 14 is thus subjected to particularly uneven loads and / or stress peaks.

[0132] The axle units 110 and 120 are therefore connected to one another in a supporting structure via a connecting support structure 130, which is designed, for example, as a tube, in particular a steel tube, preferably in order to enable the transmission of stresses (e.g. forces and / or moments) between the two axle units 110, 120. The Fig. Figures 8 to 11 show different views of a connecting support structure 130 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0133] This advantageously enables the machine frame 14 (in particular the two side supports) to be stressed more evenly and / or stress peaks on the machine frame 14 (in particular on the two side supports) to be reduced and thus also reduces the risk of machine frame breakage.

[0134] Stresses can be advantageously transferred from one axle unit 110 partially to the other axle unit 120 and / or different stresses of the axle units 110, 120 can be approximated (e.g., substantially matched).

[0135] The axle segments 111, 121 and the connecting support structure 130 preferably extend in a common plane, and in particular substantially coaxially. The axle segments 111, 121 project with one of their end sections into the connecting support structure 130, which is preferably designed as a tube.

[0136] Axle 16 is a non-driven axle 16. Axle 16 is preferably pulled by a tractor.

[0137] The connecting support structure 130 extends axially as an intermediate piece between the axle units 110, 120 and is expediently mounted to the axle units 110, 120.

[0138] The connecting support structure 130 is preferably designed to be able to rotate together with the running wheels 18.

[0139] The connecting support structure 130 can be expediently attached to the wheels 18 and / or their wheel hubs, namely on the one hand to a wheel 18 and / or a wheel hub of one axle unit 110 and on the other hand to a wheel 18 and / or a wheel hub of the other axle unit 120, in particular in such a way that the connecting support structure 130 can rotate together with the wheels 18.

[0140] The fastening can be effected, for example, on wheel sections between the tires of the wheels 18 (e.g., rims, rim plates, wheel discs, wheel bolts, wheel bowls, wheel spokes, etc.) and / or through wheel sections between the tires of the wheels 18. For example, it is possible that wheel hubs for the wheels 18 are provided on the axle segments 111, 121, to which, for example, wheel bolts can be attached, the wheel bolts extending through the rims, rim plates, wheel discs, wheel bowls, or wheel spokes, etc., and being mounted to the connecting structure 130. However, fastening directly to rims, rim plates, wheel discs, wheel bowls, or wheel spokes is also possible. In the context of the invention, it is therefore possible, for example, that the fastening of the connecting structure 130 to the wheels 18 can be achieved, for example, by...This can be achieved by means of attachment to preferably wheel hubs, in particular axle segment stubs, rims, rim plates, wheel discs, wheel bolts, wheel bowls and / or wheel spokes etc.

[0141] In the context of the invention, the wheel hubs may in particular comprise rotatable axle segment stubs and / or be designed as rotatable axle segment stubs.

[0142] At least one of the wheel hubs, and thus in particular one of the axle segment stubs, can be equipped with a brake, preferably designed as a drum brake.

[0143] The connecting support structure 130 can extend essentially coaxially to the wheel centers of the running wheels 18.

[0144] The connecting support structure 130 can have on both sides, e.g., a mounting flange 131 extending transversely (e.g., obliquely or substantially at right angles) to the longitudinal axis of the connecting support structure 130 for mounting to the axle units 110, 120, the running wheels 18 and / or wheel hubs of the running wheels 18 (e.g., Fig. 8 to 11).

[0145] In contrast to the connecting support structure 130, the axle segments 111, 121 are preferably designed to be non-rotatable.

[0146] The axle units 110, 120 are expediently separated from each other and arranged next to each other with respect to a direction of travel FR of the working machine 10, so that the axle units 110, 120 are not, for example, a leading and a trailing axle.

[0147] The axle units 110, 120 can be individually mounted on and / or removed from the machine frame 14. Furthermore, the axle units 110, 120 are preferably of essentially identical construction.

[0148] It is possible that axle units 110, 120 and thus axle 16 form a packer roller.

[0149] The connecting support structure 130 can be designed, for example, as a suitably relatively long or relatively short connecting beam, e.g. as an axle bell, connecting bell or connecting flange, etc.

[0150] The connecting support structure 130 makes it possible in particular to significantly reduce the maximum forces and moments acting on the machine frame 14 (especially its side supports), because they can be transferred via the connecting support structure 130 to the respective opposite axle unit 110, 120 and / or the respective opposite wheel 18.

[0151] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is apparent to a person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made and equivalents used as substitutes without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, many modifications can be made without departing from the relevant scope. Consequently, the invention is not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to encompass all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the dependent claims independently of the referenced claims. List of reference symbols: 10 working machine 12 Towing device 14 machine frames 16 axle 18 Wheel 20 tillage and / or sowing tools 22 storage containers 24 front relative position 26 rear relative position 28 Swivel axis 30 swing arms 32 Excavation device 34 Actuator 36 Signaling device 38 Control unit FR direction of travel FA support force A1 distance SP focus H1 Transport height 110 axle units 111 axle segment 112 Assembly structure 120 axle units 121 axle segment 122 Assembly structure 130 Connecting support structure, in particular connecting beams 131 Mounting flange

Claims

[1] Agricultural working machine (10), preferably a towed agricultural working machine (10), in particular a soil tillage and / or sowing machine, comprising: a machine frame (14) and at least one axle (16), characterized by , that the axle (16) comprises two axle units (110, 120), each comprising at least one running wheel (18) supported on the ground and which are connected to one another via a connecting support structure (130), preferably to enable a transmission of stresses between the axle units (110, 120). [2] Working machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the connecting support structure (130) is designed as a tube, in particular as a round tube. [3] Working machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the axle units (110, 120) each comprise an axle segment (111, 121). [4] Working machine (10) according to claim 3, characterized bythat the axle segments (111, 121) and the connecting support structure (130) extend substantially in a common plane and / or substantially coaxially. [5] Working machine (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the axle segments (111, 121) protrude with one of their end sections into the connecting support structure (130), which is preferably designed as a tube. [6] Working machine (10) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by that the axis segments (111, 121) are each coupled to the machine frame (14) via a mounting structure (112, 122). [7] Working machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the axis (16) is a non-driven axis (16). [8] Working machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the connecting support structure (130) is designed as a connecting support, - the connecting support structure (130) is inserted axially as an intermediate piece between the axle units (110, 120), - the connecting support structure (130) extends substantially coaxially to the wheel centers of the running wheels (18), - the connecting support structure (130) projects on the one hand into a running wheel (18) of one axle unit (110) and on the other hand into a running wheel (18) of the other axle unit (120), and / or - the connecting support structure (130) is fastened on the one hand to a running wheel (18) or its wheel hub of one axle unit (110) and on the other hand to a running wheel (18) or its wheel hub of the other axle unit (120). [9] Working machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the axle segments (111, 121) are non-rotatable and / or - the connecting support structure (130) is designed to rotate together with the impellers (18). [10] Working machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one of the wheels (18) is assigned a brake. [11] Working machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the axle units (110, 120) - are separated from each other and are arranged next to each other with respect to a direction of travel (FR) of the working machine (10), - are structurally coupled to one another via the connecting support structure (130), - can be individually mounted on the machine frame (14) and / or removed from the machine frame (14), and / or - are of identical construction. [12] Working machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the axle units (110, 120) form a packer roller. [13] Working machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the machine frame (14) has a towing device (12), wherein the towing device (12) is designed so that the working machine (10) can be connected to an agricultural tractor and a supporting force (FA) can be transmitted to the agricultural tractor, wherein the running wheels (18) are assigned to the machine frame (14), preferably in the rear region. [14] Working machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that soil tillage and / or sowing tools (20) are arranged on the machine frame (14), preferably behind the running wheels (18) in relation to the direction of travel (FR), and are mounted in a height-adjustable manner relative to the running wheels (18). [15] Working machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - a relative position (24, 26) of the axle (16) relative to the machine frame (14) is variable with respect to the direction of travel (FR), and / or - a relative position (24; 26) of the running wheels (18) relative to the machine frame (14) is variable with respect to the direction of travel (FR), and / or - a change in the relative position (24; 26) takes place in such a way that the running wheels (18) can assume at least a front relative position (24) and a rear relative position (26) with respect to the direction of travel (FR). [16] Working machine (10) according to claim 15, characterized by that a change in the relative position (24; 26) takes place in such a way, - that the wheels (18) can assume at least a front relative position (24) and a rear relative position (26) with respect to the direction of travel (FR), - wherein a ratio of a distance (A1), in relation to the direction of travel (FR), of the front relative position (24) to the rear relative position (26) and a height offset vertical to the direction of travel (FR) between the front relative position (24) and the rear relative position (26), preferably in each case relative to a contact point of the running wheels (18), - essentially a maximum of 1 : 0.2 or a maximum of 1 : 0.3 or a maximum of 1 : 0.5 or a maximum of 1 :

1. [17] Working machine (10) according to one of claims 15 to 16, characterized by that a relative position (24; 26) of the wheels (18) can be changed by, - an axial displacement relative to the machine frame (14) and / or - a rotational pivoting relative to the machine frame (14), preferably about a pivot axis (28) oriented transversely to the direction of travel (FR) and / or - a translational movement of the running wheels (18) relative to the machine frame (14). [18] Working machine (10) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized by that a change in the relative position (24; 26) takes place in such a way, - that in a rear relative position (26) of the running wheels (18) a positive supporting force (FA) is applied to the towing device (12) when connected to an agricultural tractor and / or - that a center of gravity (SP) of the working machine (10) is located in front of at least one running wheel (18) with respect to the direction of travel (FR), preferably in front of a contact point of the at least one running wheel (18) which is closest to the traction device (12) in the direction of travel (FR). [19] Method for shifting weight on an agricultural working machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by - changing a supporting force (FA) acting on a traction device (12) by assuming a front relative position (24) or a rear relative position (26) with respect to the direction of travel (FR) of the axle (16) and / or the running wheels (18). [20] Method according to claim 19, characterized by that a front relative position (24) or a rear relative position (26) of the axle (16) and / or the running wheels (18) is assumed as a function of a lifting position of soil tillage and / or sowing tools (20), preferably as a function of a lowered and / or raised lifting position of soil tillage and / or sowing tools (20).

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