Device and method for applying flowable media to agricultural land

Abstract

Device (1) for applying a flowable medium to agricultural land, comprising a reservoir (2) for receiving the flowable medium, a conveying line (4) for conveying the flowable medium to a distribution device (6), the distribution device (6) having an inlet (62) by means of which the flowable medium can be supplied to a receiving chamber (64) of the distribution device (6), and a plurality of outlets (66a, 66b) through which the flowable medium can be distributed to a plurality of application lines, and the distribution device (6) having a distribution body (78) rotatable with respect to an axis of rotation within the receiving chamber (64), wherein a motor (72) is provided for driving this distribution body (78) to rotate it, and furthermore a control device (80) is provided for controlling this motor (72), characterized in that the device (1) has at least one sensor device (8).which detects at least one value that is characteristic of the proper functioning of the distribution device (6) and the control device (80) is suitable and intended to control the motor (72) taking into account this characteristic value and the control device (80) is suitable and intended to open the receiving chamber (64) taking into account this characteristic value.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for applying flowable media, in particular liquid manure, to surfaces, and especially to agricultural land. Such devices and methods have been known in the art for a long time. For example, these substances are conveyed from a tank to a distribution device, which then distributes them to a multitude of lines, such as hoses, and these ultimately apply the substance to the surface.

[0002] Such distribution devices typically have a large number of openings through which the fluid can pass. In addition, a type of rotary valve is usually provided, which passes over these openings and thus facilitates the discharge.

[0003] It can happen that the fluid contains interfering elements, such as wood chips or similar debris. These can disrupt the distribution system and, for example, block a motor, rotary valve, or similar component. In this case, the discharge through this distributor stops or is reduced, resulting in a partial failure of the discharge.

[0004] From DE 690 13 644 T2 a lawn manure drill with a distribution device is known, wherein the distribution device has a rotating distribution element which, in the event of a blocked distribution device, rotates in the opposite direction to clear the blockage.

[0005] From DE 20 2021 102 511 U1 a distribution device with adjustable passage cross-section is known, wherein a threatened clogging of the distribution device is avoided by a hole knife arrangement and a cutting knife that is moved relative to the hole knife arrangement.

[0006] From DE 20 2018 107 208 U1 a distribution device for liquid containing solids is known, wherein the replacement of the cutting blades is possible with less force and time expenditure.

[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of reducing the susceptibility to malfunctions of such discharges of flowable media. According to the invention, this is achieved by a device and a distribution unit as defined in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] A device according to the invention for applying a flowable medium to agricultural land has a reservoir for receiving the flowable medium, and furthermore a conveying device for conveying the flowable medium to a distribution device.

[0009] The distribution device comprises an inlet and / or a feed device by means of which the flowable medium can be supplied to a receiving chamber of the distribution device, as well as a plurality of outlets through which the flowable medium (from the receiving chamber) can be distributed to a plurality of discharge lines. Furthermore, the distribution device has a distribution body rotatable within the receiving chamber with respect to a rotational axis, which can be driven by a motor, and a control device for controlling this motor.

[0010] According to the invention, the device has at least one sensor device which detects at least one value that is characteristic of the proper functioning of the distribution device, and the control device is suitable and intended to control the motor taking into account this characteristic value.

[0011] According to the invention, the control device is suitable and intended to open the receiving space taking into account this characteristic value.

[0012] In a further embodiment according to the invention, the control device is suitable and intended to open and / or close the receiving space taking into account this characteristic value.

[0013] It is therefore particularly proposed that the proper functioning of the distribution device and especially the motor be monitored directly and / or indirectly, and that the motor be controlled in response to this monitoring.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the outlets are equipped with pipes, and especially flexible pipes and hoses. These hoses preferably terminate at different positions, and especially at positions that allow the flowable medium to be discharged onto the usable area.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir is a tank. This reservoir is particularly mobile and can be arranged on or attached to a vehicle.

[0016] A receiving volume of this distribution device and / or the receiving space of this distribution device greater than 2 dm³ is particularly preferred. 3preferably larger than 3 dm 3 , preferably larger than 4 dm 3 , preferably larger than 8 dm 3 preferably larger than 10 dm 3 and especially preferred larger than 15 dm 3 .

[0017] A distribution device with a storage volume of less than 100 dm³ is particularly preferred. 3 , preferably smaller than 80 dm 3 preferably smaller than 60 dm 3 preferably smaller than 50 dm 3 and especially preferred to be smaller than 40 dm 3 .

[0018] According to another advantageous embodiment, the device has a conveying device and in particular a pumping device to convey the flowable medium from the reservoir to the distribution device.

[0019] A central conveying line is particularly preferred, which preferably branches off into further branch lines in order to distribute the flowable medium to several distribution facilities if necessary.

[0020] In another advantageous embodiment, the motor is a hydraulic motor and preferably at least one supply line is provided which supplies a hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor, as well as at least one outlet which carries the hydraulic fluid away from the hydraulic motor.

[0021] Hydraulic motors are particularly suitable for the present application, as such devices or machines are usually used on or with agricultural vehicles.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor device is suitable and designed to detect at least one value that is characteristic of the operation of this motor, wherein the sensor device is preferably selected from a group of sensor devices which includes pressure sensors, speed sensors and flow sensors.

[0023] Preferably, the sensor device is suitable and designed to indirectly determine the operation of the motor and / or the distribution body.

[0024] In this way, the sensor device can indirectly detect a blockage in the distribution system or media distributor. When using a hydraulic motor, this results in two separate flow rates: one of the hydraulic fluid and the other of the flowable medium, for example, liquid manure.

[0025] For example, a sensor could detect an increase in pressure at the hydraulic motor. In this case, the sensor would be a pressure sensor. Alternatively, it would also be possible to measure the flow rate entering or leaving the hydraulic motor. In this case, the sensor would be a flow sensor.

[0026] Alternatively, a fault could cause the rotational speed at the distribution unit to drop or the engine to stall. In this case, the sensor is most likely a tachometer.

[0027] In addition, sensors could be used, particularly when using other motors, to determine parameters such as torque. It would also be possible to detect and / or determine the torque of a hydraulic motor. This, too, could provide an indication of any blockage or obstruction in the distribution system.

[0028] However, it would also be possible for the sensor device to determine a value characteristic of the media flow. For example, it could determine the pressure in the discharge line, or the flow rate in the supply line leading from the reservoir to the distribution device(s). It would also be possible to determine the pressure in the supply line through which the flowable medium is fed to the distribution device(s). It would also be possible for such a sensor device to be located in the receiving chamber.

[0029] The sensor device is therefore particularly preferably a pressure sensor that is suitable and intended to detect a pressure of the hydraulic medium and / or a pressure at the hydraulic motor and / or a pressure in a media line.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment, the sensor device is a flow sensor which detects a flow of the hydraulic fluid and / or a flow of the flowable medium.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, the distribution device has a further - in particular controllable - outlet which allows a direct outlet of the flowable medium from the distribution device into the environment, preferably a drive device being provided which is suitable and intended to cause this outlet to be opened or closed.

[0032] A direct discharge of the flowable medium means that it is not directed through a hose or other pipe, but directly into the environment, for example directly onto an agricultural field to be worked.

[0033] Preferably, the flowable medium passes directly from the distribution device onto the floor. The device is preferably designed such that the flowable medium exiting the distribution device passes directly onto the floor and does not bounce off other objects or elements of the device, such as rods, hoses, or the like.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the outlet has a larger cross-section than the individual discharge lines for the flowable medium. Particularly preferably, the outlet also has a larger flow cross-section than the total cross-section resulting from the sum of all flow cross-sections of the individual outlets.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the output is arranged on the underside of the distribution device in an operating state.

[0036] By appropriately dimensioning this outlet, it is possible that when the outlet is opened, all flowable medium is drawn out of the collection chamber, but in particular, through a suction effect, jammed or wedged elements can also be pulled out of the individual openings.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one disk is arranged within the receiving space of the distribution device, which has a plurality of openings, wherein the flowable medium can be guided through these openings to the individual outlets. Preferably, the distribution body has a plurality of contact elements which pass over these openings.

[0038] The distribution device preferably comprises two such discs. Preferably, the distribution body is arranged between these two discs.

[0039] The distribution body particularly preferably has at least two, preferably at least three, and preferably at least four arms on which the aforementioned contact bodies are arranged. In this area, i.e., between these contact bodies and the discs, wedging of, for example, pieces of wood or the like can occur. In this case, the distribution body can be completely blocked.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the number of these outputs of the distribution device is between 4 and 60, preferably between 6 and 50, and particularly preferably between 8 and 48.

[0041] In a further advantageous embodiment, the control device is suitable and designed to initiate at least two different measures upon detection of a fault. Particularly preferably, one of these measures is a reciprocal movement of the distribution body.

[0042] One of these measures is particularly preferred: opening the aforementioned additional exit from the reception room.

[0043] For example, as a first step, the distribution element can be moved by a predetermined angle in the opposite direction of rotation, then back in the original direction, and this process repeated one, two, or three times. In this way, a blockage can be cleared, or an obstructing object can ultimately be forced through the opening.

[0044] A pivot angle by which the distribution body is pivoted during the reciprocal movement is particularly preferred: >5°, preferably >10°, preferably >20°, preferably >30°. In a further preferred embodiment, this pivot angle is <100°, preferably <90°, preferably <80°. However, it would also be conceivable to first perform one or more revolutions in one direction of rotation and then one or more revolutions in the opposite direction of rotation.

[0045] Should this measure prove insufficient, for example, should the sensor device still output a value characteristic of a blockage of the wedge body, it is possible as a further measure to initiate the opening of said outlet in order to clear the individual openings of the blockages.

[0046] Preferably, the device includes a display unit that is suitable and intended to inform a user about a malfunction of a distribution unit. Preferably, the display unit is also suitable and intended to inform the user about a measure that the control unit initiates to correct a fault.

[0047] It is conceivable that a series of measures would be taken in the event of a blockage. As a first step, the direction of rotation of the distributor body could be reversed three or more times to clear the blockage.

[0048] If the blockage is still not cleared, the distributor outlet can be opened for a specified period of time, for example 2 seconds, in particular a slide valve on the distribution device can be opened to empty it.

[0049] Preferably, the control device causes the second output to open for a predetermined period. This period is preferably longer than 0.5 seconds, more preferably longer than 1 second, and more preferably longer than 2 seconds.

[0050] Furthermore, this period is preferably less than 20 seconds, preferably less than 15 seconds, preferably less than 10 seconds and preferably less than 8 seconds.

[0051] As mentioned above, preferably one sensor device is provided for several distribution units. However, it would also be preferable to have several distribution units and / or to assign a sensor device to each distribution unit.

[0052] The measures described here are preferably carried out while the reservoir is in motion or during a journey.

[0053] In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a plurality of distribution devices and, particularly preferably, each of these distribution devices is assigned a sensor device.

[0054] Preferably, in this embodiment a main line for the hydraulic fluid is provided and at least two or more branch lines then lead to the individual distribution devices or their motors.

[0055] In another advantageous embodiment, the device has a display unit that, for example, indicates errors to the user. This can indicate to the user that a specific distribution unit is blocked or that an error has occurred in a particular distribution unit.

[0056] As mentioned above, it is possible that the aforementioned additional output of the distribution device opens automatically when a fault occurs. It would also be conceivable that this second output is opened by user input, for example, the user being asked via a display device whether they wish to open the corresponding distribution device.

[0057] The present invention further relates to a distribution device for distributing a flowable medium onto agricultural land, wherein the distribution device has an inlet by means of which the flowable medium can be supplied to a receiving chamber of the distribution device, and a plurality of outlets by means of which the flowable medium can be distributed to a plurality of application lines. Furthermore, the distribution device preferably has within the receiving chamber a distribution element rotatable with respect to a rotational axis, which is preferably driven by a motor for rotation, and a control device for controlling this motor is further provided.

[0058] According to the invention, at least one sensor device is provided which detects at least one value that is characteristic of the proper functioning of the distribution device, and furthermore, this control device is suitable and intended to control the motor taking into account this characteristic value.

[0059] According to the invention, the distribution device has a further outlet through which the flowable medium can be released directly from the receiving chamber into the environment.

[0060] Preferably, the motor in question is a hydraulic motor, to which a hydraulic fluid is supplied for its operation.

[0061] The present invention further relates to a method for applying a flowable medium to agricultural land, wherein a reservoir receives the flowable medium and a conveying line conveys the flowable medium (in particular from the reservoir) to a distribution device, wherein the distribution device has an inlet by means of which the flowable medium is supplied to a receiving chamber of the distribution device, as well as a plurality of outlets by means of which the flowable medium is distributed to a plurality of application lines, and wherein the distribution device has within the receiving chamber a distribution body rotatable with respect to a rotational axis, which is driven to rotate by a motor, and wherein a control device further controls this motor.

[0062] According to the invention, a sensor device detects at least one value that is characteristic of the proper functioning of the distribution device, and the control device controls the motor taking into account this characteristic value and causes the receiving space to open taking into account this characteristic value (in particular to achieve an emptying of this receiving space).

[0063] It is therefore also proposed from a procedural standpoint that, for example, in the event of errors, the control device controls the motor accordingly, for example by driving it reciprocally or by causing the receiving chamber to open for the (immediate) release of the flowable medium.

[0064] Particularly preferred is the opening or outlet of the distribution device being opened in the event of a fault, through which the flowable medium then falls directly into the environment and in particular onto a floor.

[0065] In another preferred method, the motor is a hydraulic motor and the sensor device detects at least one value that is characteristic of the proper functioning of this motor.

[0066] Preferably, the control device can initiate at least two different actions in response to a detected value.

[0067] Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the attached drawings: It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a device according to the invention; and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a distribution system.

[0068] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 1 according to the invention. This device has a reservoir or tank 2. From this reservoir 2, the flowable medium is conveyed by means of a conveying line 4 to a total of four distribution devices 6. Branch lines 4a and 4b are provided for this purpose.

[0069] Each of the individual distribution devices 6 has hydraulic motors 72. These hydraulic motors 72 are each supplied with a hydraulic fluid from a supply line 74. The reference numeral 76 indicates the line 76 supplying this hydraulic fluid.

[0070] The reference numeral 8 here denotes a sensor device 8 which can, for example, detect the pressure or flow rate of the hydraulic fluid. In addition, or alongside this, a sensor device 8 can also be provided which directly detects the rotational speed or torque of the motor 72.

[0071] In addition, appropriate flow measuring devices or pressure measuring devices could also be provided in the supply line 74.

[0072] Reference numeral 80 designates a control device 80 which controls the distribution devices 6 shown, or their hydraulic motors 72, also using a signal from the sensor device 8. In addition, this control device 80 is preferably also suitable and intended to cause the opening and / or closing of the respective receiving chambers 64 of these distribution devices 6.

[0073] For example, if the sensor device 8 detects a reduced flow rate in the hydraulic line or the media line, this can be interpreted as a fault in a specific distribution device 6.

[0074] Reference numbers 66a and 66b identify two outputs 66a and 66b of the distribution device 6.

[0075] Fig.Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a distribution device 6. This device has an inlet 62, or an inlet 62, through which a flowable medium can be supplied to the distribution device 6. The distribution device 6 forms a receiving chamber 64, which serves to receive the flowable medium. Preferably, this receiving chamber 64 has a cylindrical volume.

[0076] Within this receiving space 64, two stationary plates or disks 82, 84 are provided, each having a plurality of openings 82a. These openings 82a each lead to individual outputs 66a, 66b of the distribution device 6, wherein a predetermined number of outputs 66a lead in a first direction and a further number of outputs 66b lead in a second direction opposite to this first direction.

[0077] Reference numeral 62 designates an inlet 62 for supplying the flowable medium to the distribution device 6.

[0078] Reference numeral 72 designates a motor 72, and in particular a hydraulic motor 72. This hydraulic motor 72 drives a distribution body 78. This distribution body 78 has a plurality of contact bodies 78a, which here pass over the openings 82a of the two plates or disks 82, 84 and thus convey the flow of the fluid medium from the distribution device 6.

[0079] Certain materials within the flowable medium can cause the rotational movement of the distribution body 78 to be slowed down or blocked.

[0080] A sensor device 8 can detect this jamming or blockage and a control device 80 of the hydraulic motor 72 can initiate appropriate countermeasures as explained above, such as a reciprocal movement of the distribution body 78 or an opening of the receiving chamber 64.

[0081] Reference numeral 88 schematically designates a further outlet 88 or an opening device 88, particularly for opening the receiving chamber 64 during operation. Preferably, a drive device (not shown) is provided which can open and / or close this opening device 88 or the further outlet 88. This opening device 88 is preferably located on the mounting of the distribution device 6. For example, a support leg of the distribution device 6 could also serve as the opening device 88.

[0082] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel individually or in combination compared to the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features which may be advantageous on their own. A person skilled in the art will immediately recognize that a particular feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without incorporating other features from that figure. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures.

Claims

[1] Device (1) for applying a flowable medium to agricultural land, comprising a reservoir (2) for receiving the flowable medium, a conveying line (4) for conveying the flowable medium to a distribution device (6), the distribution device (6) having an inlet (62) by means of which the flowable medium can be supplied to a receiving chamber (64) of the distribution device (6), and a plurality of outlets (66a, 66b) through which the flowable medium can be distributed to a plurality of application lines, and the distribution device (6) having a distribution body (78) rotatable with respect to a rotational axis within the receiving chamber (64), a motor (72) being provided for driving this distribution body (78) to rotate, and a control device (80) being provided for controlling this motor (72). characterized by, that the device (1) has at least one sensor device (8) which detects at least one value that is characteristic of the proper functioning of the distribution device (6) and the control device (80) is suitable and intended to control the motor (72) taking into account this characteristic value and the control device (80) is suitable and intended to open the receiving chamber (64) taking into account this characteristic value. [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the motor (72) is a hydraulic motor (72) and at least one supply line (74) is provided which supplies a hydraulic medium to the hydraulic motor (72), and at least one outlet (76) which carries the hydraulic medium away from the hydraulic motor (72). [3] Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat the sensor device (8) is suitable and intended to detect at least one value that is characteristic of the operation of this motor (72), wherein preferably the sensor device (8) is selected from a group of sensor devices (8) which includes pressure sensors, speed sensors and flow sensors. [4] Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized by that the distribution device (6) has a further controllable output (88) which allows a direct outlet of the flowable medium from the distribution device (6) into the environment, preferably a drive device is provided which is suitable and intended to cause this output (88) to open and / or close. [5] Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized by, that within the receiving space (64) of the distribution device (6) at least one disk (82, 84) is arranged which has a plurality of openings (82a) and the flowable medium can be guided through these openings (82a) to the individual outlets (66a, 66b), wherein preferably the distribution body (78) has a plurality of contact bodies (78a) which pass over these openings (82a). [6] Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized by that the control device (80) is suitable and intended to initiate at least two different measures upon detection of a fault, wherein preferably one of these measures is a reciprocal movement of the distribution body (78) and / or one measure is an opening of a further outlet (88) of the receiving chamber (64). [7] Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized bythat the device (1) has a plurality of distribution devices (6) and that a sensor device (8) is particularly preferably assigned to each of these distribution devices (6). [8] Distribution device (6) for distributing a flowable medium onto agricultural land, wherein the distribution device (6) has an inlet (62) by means of which the flowable medium can be supplied to a receiving chamber (64) of the distribution device (6) and a plurality of outlets (66a, 66b) by means of which the flowable medium can be distributed to a plurality of application lines and wherein the distribution device (6) has within the receiving chamber (64) a distribution body (78) rotatable with respect to an axis of rotation, wherein a motor (72) is provided for driving this distribution body (78) to rotate and furthermore a control device (80) is provided for controlling this motor (72), characterized by, that at least one sensor device (8) is provided which detects at least one value that is characteristic of the proper functioning of the distribution device (6) and the control device (80) is suitable and intended to control the motor (72) taking into account this characteristic value and the distribution device (6) has a further output (88) through which the flowable medium can be discharged directly from the receiving chamber (64) into the environment. [9] Method for applying a flowable medium to agricultural land, wherein a reservoir (2) receives the flowable medium, and a conveying line (4) conveys the flowable medium to a distribution device (6), wherein the distribution device (6) has an inlet (62) by means of which the flowable medium is supplied to a receiving chamber (64) of the distribution device (6), and a plurality of outlets (66a, 66b) through which the flowable medium is distributed to a plurality of application lines, and wherein the distribution device (6) has within the receiving chamber (64) a distribution body (78) rotatable with respect to an axis of rotation, which is driven to rotate by a motor (72), and furthermore a control device (80) controls this motor (72), characterized by, that at least one sensor device (8) detects at least one value that is characteristic of the proper functioning of the distribution device (6) and that the control device (80) controls the motor (72) and the opening of the receiving chamber (64) taking into account this characteristic value. [10] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the motor (72) is a hydraulic motor (72) and the sensor device (8) detects at least one value that is characteristic of the proper functioning of this motor (72).

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