Pneumatic fertilizer spreader and method for conveying distributed material

Abstract

The invention relates to a pneumatic fertilizer spreader (1) for spreading granular material onto an agricultural area (LA), comprising at least a storage container (3) for carrying and / or providing the material, wherein the storage container (3) has at least two chambers (23, 24, 25) each with at least one outlet opening (7), wherein the outlet openings (7) are coupled to at least one conveying device (19) that can be changed by means of a configuration unit (26), and wherein a quantity ratio of the material can be stored in the configuration unit (26). The invention is characterized in that the configuration unit (26) is set up to change at least one variable conveying device (19) based on the quantity ratio.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pneumatic fertilizer spreader with the features of the preamble of independent claim 1. The invention further relates to a method for conveying material to be distributed.

[0002] Fertilizer spreaders are known from the prior art which have a hopper for holding a single type of fertilizer. Therefore, only one type of fertilizer can be applied to an agricultural area.

[0003] The object of the invention is therefore to eliminate the described disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a suitable pneumatic fertilizer spreader is to be provided by means of which material can be applied to agricultural land.

[0004] These problems are solved by a pneumatic fertilizer spreader with the features of independent claim 1 and by a method with the features of method claim 12. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are disclosed in the claims and the following description with partial reference to the figures.

[0005] According to the invention, a pneumatic fertilizer spreader for spreading granular material onto an agricultural area is provided, comprising at least a storage container for carrying and / or providing the material, wherein the storage container has at least two chambers, each with at least one outlet opening, wherein the outlet openings are coupled to at least one conveying device that can be changed by means of a configuration unit, and wherein a quantity ratio of the material can be stored in the configuration unit.

[0006] Preferably, the storage container may have at least two tapered areas arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel in a lower area, each of the tapered areas having at least one of the outlet openings.

[0007] By providing tapered sections, the emptying of the storage container can be improved, in particular the risk of residual material remaining in the tank can be reduced.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the outlet openings can be spaced apart from each other when viewed in the direction of travel. This allows for improved emptying of the storage container along its entire length in the direction of travel.

[0009] Preferably, the tapered sections belonging to the outlet openings are coupled together. Preferably, the tapered sections are coupled together in such a way that the flow of the distributed material to the respective outlet opening is ensured. This means that the lower section is designed such that it is free of areas where the distributed material can accumulate and not flow to one of the outlet openings.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one, preferably each, of the tapered sections may have at least one inclined surface arranged at an angle, preferably an acute angle, to a horizontal plane. Preferably, the angle is greater than 0°. More preferably, the angle is between 5° and 85°, more preferably between 10° and 75°, and further preferably between 15° and 65°, and particularly preferably at least 20°. Alternatively or cumulatively, the inclined surface may have at least one curvature. Providing at least one inclined surface can improve the flow of the distributed material.

[0011] According to the invention, the storage container has at least two chambers. Preferably, each chamber can contain distributed material.

[0012] Preferably, the chambers are separated from one another. This means that the material from one chamber cannot mix with material from other chambers within the storage container, unless a device specifically designed for this purpose is present. By providing at least two chambers, it is possible to store different materials and / or achieve specific emptying of the storage container, for example, to obtain the most optimal weight distribution over the length and / or width of the storage container or the fertilizer spreader. For example, a positive support load can always be achieved. Preferably, the configuration unit is set up to coordinate the removal of material from several chambers, preferably based on an instantaneous support load. Preferably, a sensor is provided which is configured to detect an instantaneous support load and make it available to the configuration unit.Preferably, the configuration unit can be set up to determine the current support load based on a weight ratio of the material being distributed in the chambers and the geometry of the fertilizer spreader.

[0013] It may be particularly advantageous to provide that each chamber is assigned at least one of the tapered sections. This allows for the emptying or removal of material from the respective chamber.

[0014] According to a further preferred embodiment, the storage container may be configured such that at least one of its chambers is adjustable in size. Preferably, partitions may be provided to divide the storage container into chambers. Preferably, the partitions may be permanently attached to the storage container. Alternatively or cumulatively, the partitions may be detachably attached to the storage container. This allows the respective partition to be removed from the storage container, thereby allowing the geometry of the storage container to be adjusted. Preferably, the storage container and / or the chambers may be manually adjustable.

[0015] The pneumatic fertilizer spreader according to the invention is characterized in that the configuration unit is set up to change at least one variable conveying device based on the quantity ratio. Preferably, changing the at least one conveying device can include controlling and / or regulating the at least one conveying device.

[0016] Preferably, at least one conveying device is configured to extract material from the at least two chambers. Further preferably, at least one conveying device is configured to convey the material. Preferably, the conveying device is functionally connected to a distribution boom of the pneumatic fertilizer spreader and configured to convey the material towards the distribution boom.

[0017] Preferably, the pneumatic fertilizer spreader includes sensors configured to detect the quantity of material dispensed. That is, the sensors detect the actual quantity dispensed from each chamber. Preferably, the sensors may include a weighing system for the material, preferably for each of the at least two chambers; a level measurement system for determining the fill level, preferably for each of the at least two chambers; a flow measurement system for determining the flow of material, preferably at the respective outlet opening; and / or the like.

[0018] Preferably, the pneumatic fertilizer spreader includes the distribution boom. The distribution boom is a distribution boom extending transversely to a direction of travel, wherein the distribution boom has several distribution lines, preferably with at least one outlet opening, with distribution elements, which distribution lines can be acted upon with an air volume flow generated by the flow generation device for conveying the distributed material.

[0019] Preferably, the configuration unit is set up so that the quantity ratio can be predefined by manual user input and / or automatically. Preferably, manual user input can involve entering a specific value for the quantity ratio, for example, at a terminal or the like. Alternatively or cumulatively, the quantity ratio can be predefined using an application map. Alternatively or cumulatively, a sensor device can be provided which is configured to acquire information about a plant stand and transmit it to the configuration unit, wherein the configuration unit is configured to determine the quantity ratio based on the acquired plant stand information.

[0020] Preferably, at least one conveying device is set up to remove distribution material from the at least two chambers, particularly based on the quantity ratio. The quantity ratio can specify the quantity of distribution material to be removed from each chamber.

[0021] Preferably, the at least one conveying device can be designed as a mechanically and / or pneumatically operated conveying device. For example, the at least one conveying device can comprise at least one continuous conveyor, preferably at least one mechanical continuous conveyor and / or at least one pneumatic continuous conveyor.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the configuration unit may be set up to change the removal of distributed material from the respective chambers based on the quantity ratio by changing at least one variable conveying device.

[0023] Depending on the specified quantity ratio, at least one conveying device is preferably configured to extract a first quantity of distributed material from a first chamber and a second quantity of distributed material from a second chamber. The same applies analogously to any further chambers of the storage container.

[0024] Preferred is the removal of distribution material based on a quantity of distribution material that is removed from the respective chamber per unit of time.

[0025] Preferably, the at least one conveying device comprises at least one drive for operating the conveying device. Preferably, the at least one drive can be electric, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic. Preferably, the configuration unit is set up to modify the at least one conveying device by changing the at least one drive.

[0026] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the at least two chambers are coupled by means of the at least one variable conveying device in such a way that the distributed materials of the at least two chambers are mixable, preferably mixable on the basis of a mixing ratio.

[0027] Preferably, at least one conveying device is configured to mix the distributed materials from at least two chambers. This means that the distributed material taken from the respective chambers can be mixed within the conveying device. Preferably, the conveying device is configured to mix the distributed material taken from the respective chambers. Preferably, at least one conveying device is configured so that the respective distributed material from the chambers can be mixed within the at least one conveying device.

[0028] Alternatively or cumulatively, the conveying device is coupled to and configured with at least one mixing container to convey the respective distributed material to that at least one mixing container. Preferably, the at least one mixing container is configured to mix the distributed material conveyed by the at least one conveying device to the mixing container.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least two chambers can be supplied with the same material and / or different materials. By supplying different materials, it is possible to obtain a mixture, preferably with a specific ratio. This allows for adaptation to various conditions, preferably depending on the crop composition and / or the like. Supplying the same material in the chambers allows for specific emptying of the chambers or the storage container, for example, to achieve the most optimal weight distribution over the length and / or width of the storage container or the fertilizer spreader.

[0030] For example, a positive support load can be achieved. Preferably, the configuration unit is set up to coordinate at least one conveying device for extracting the material from several chambers, preferably based on an instantaneous support load. Preferably, a sensor is provided which is configured to detect an instantaneous support load and make it available to the configuration unit. Preferably, the configuration unit can be set up to determine the instantaneous support load based on a weight ratio of the material being distributed in the chambers and the geometry of the fertilizer spreader.

[0031] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one conveying device comprises at least one metering device wherein the metering device is configured to meter distribution material into distribution lines of a distribution boom, preferably based on the quantity ratio.

[0032] According to a further preferred embodiment, each of the at least two chambers may be assigned at least one metering device. Preferably, the respective metering device is configured to meter the dispersed material, preferably from the respective chamber, preferably volumetrically and / or gravimetrically. The respective metering device is configured to dispense the dispersed material from the chamber or storage container in metered amounts, preferably with a variable quantity of dispersed material.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment, a configuration unit may be provided which is set up to configure the metering devices based on the quantity ratio and / or a quantity of material to be distributed.

[0034] Preferably, the configuration unit is set up to configure the respective dosing unit so that each dosing unit dispenses a definable quantity of the respective material from the respective chamber, preferably based on the quantity ratio. Depending on the total quantity of material to be dispensed and / or the quantity of material from the respective chambers, the configuration unit is set up to configure the respective dosing unit.

[0035] Particularly preferred is the configuration unit set up to configure the dosing devices in a coordinated manner, preferably based on the quantity ratio and / or the mixing ratio.

[0036] The quantity ratio can preferably determine how much material is to be dispensed from each chamber by the respective metering device. This can be particularly advantageous when several chambers are filled with the same material. This allows the system to determine which chamber should be emptied first.

[0037] Preferably, the dosing devices of each chamber are at least functionally interconnected.

[0038] Alternatively or cumulatively, it may be provided that a dosing device is coupled to at least one mixing container.

[0039] Preferably, at least one dosing device can be set up to dose the distributed material volumetrically and / or gravimetrically.

[0040] Preferably, at least one dosing device may be designed as at least a screw conveyor, at least a rotary valve, and / or the like.

[0041] According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one metering device may be spatially associated with the distribution rod, preferably coupled to the distribution rod. Spatially associated here can mean that the at least one metering device is arranged in a defined and / or definable area around the distribution rod; and / or that there is a spatial, preferably structural, connection between the metering device and the distribution rod.

[0042] Preferably, the distribution linkage includes a carrier device. It is also preferably provided that at least one metering device is coupled to the carrier device.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the distribution linkage may include a support device, wherein the support device is coupled to a frame of the distribution machine, and wherein the support device is arranged to be height-adjustable by means of a height adjustment unit.

[0044] Preferably, the support device can have a support frame to which the distribution linkage is coupled.

[0045] The support frame can be designed in such a way that, for example, a parallelogram and / or a linear unit can be attached. Furthermore, it would be conceivable that the storage container and / or the conveying system could also be part of the frame.

[0046] Preferably, the configuration unit can be set up to change the height of the distribution boom, i.e., it can be provided that the distribution boom is height-adjustable relative to an agricultural area and / or a crop stand. This is achieved in particular by adjusting the height of the distribution boom in relation to the frame. The height adjustment can be implemented by means of a parallelogram or a linear unit arranged between the frame and the support device.

[0047] The parallelogram or linear unit can be assigned at least one actuator (e.g. one or more hydraulically and / or pneumatically operated linear drives such as cylinders or the like) to vary the height distance, i.e. to pivot the parallelogram or to adjust the linear unit.

[0048] The parallelogram and / or the linear unit can expediently be part of the distribution linkage, or in particular the support device can be connected to the parallelogram and / or the linear unit.

[0049] According to a further preferred embodiment, the distribution linkage may have a linkage center section which is rotatably coupled to the support device about an axis of rotation oriented in the direction of travel. Thus, the distribution linkage can follow the direction of travel due to forces acting upon it.

[0050] Preferably, the configuration unit is set up so that the distribution rod's rotational position can be configured by means of its rotatable coupling to the support structure. Preferably, the configuration of the distribution rod's rotational position includes control and / or regulation. Preferably, a sensor device is provided and configured to detect the rotational position of the distribution rod. Preferably, the configuration unit is set up to perform the configuration of the rotational position based on the detected rotational position.

[0051] Preferably, at least one actuator is provided which is coupled to the carrier device and the distribution linkage, and wherein the configuration unit is configured to influence the actuator, preferably by means of the rotational position of the distribution linkage.

[0052] Preferably, the at least one metering device is coupled to the distribution rod in such a way that, when the distribution rod moves, the at least one metering device follows the distribution rod.

[0053] According to a further preferred embodiment, the configuration unit may be set up to change at least one conveying device based on a definable application rate and / or an actual speed of the fertilizer spreader.

[0054] The definable application rate is the quantity to be applied to a specific area, expressed in kilograms per hectare. If the application rate changes, correspondingly less material must be removed from the chambers per unit of time.

[0055] The actual speed of the fertilizer spreader influences how quickly the material is applied to the agricultural area. Because more or less area is covered with fertilizer in the same unit of time, the amount of material drawn from the hoppers must be adjusted accordingly.

[0056] Preferably, the definable output quantity can be transmitted to the configuration unit via manual user input.

[0057] According to a further preferred embodiment, the configuration unit may be configured to obtain the quantity ratio of the configuration unit by manual specification, and / or the configuration unit may be configured to automatically change the quantity ratio, preferably on the basis of a site-specific specification and / or a sensor coupled to the fertilizer spreader.

[0058] Site-specific information can, for example, be understood as an application map, and / or consideration of the plant composition, and / or soil properties. The sensor device is preferably configured to acquire information about a plant composition and transmit it to the configuration unit, wherein the configuration unit is configured to determine the quantity ratio based on the acquired information about the plant composition.

[0059] According to another preferred embodiment, the configuration unit may be set up to change the quantity ratio based on the actual position of the pneumatic fertilizer spreader.

[0060] Preferably, the fertilizer spreader includes at least one positioning unit configured to record the actual position of the fertilizer spreader on the agricultural land. Preferably, the positioning unit can record the actual position of the fertilizer spreader using GNSS data, such as GPS, DGPS, GLONASS, and / or the like. Alternatively or cumulatively, the positioning unit can record the actual position of the fertilizer spreader based on RTK data.

[0061] Preferably, the configuration unit may be set up to proactively change the at least one conveying device, preferably based on the current position of the fertilizer spreader. Preferably, the configuration unit may be set up to determine the optimal positions for changing the at least one conveying device.

[0062] Preferably, the optimal positions for changing at least one conveying device can be determined in advance depending on an actual speed of the fertilizer spreader, an actual position of the fertilizer spreader, the amount of material being distributed, a conveying time of the material being distributed, the generated air volume flow, and / or the like.

[0063] Furthermore, response times can be taken into account, meaning the time the system needs to implement a change in at least one conveying device. This can depend on the transmission times of corresponding signals, the inertia of corresponding actuators, and / or the like. By considering the response times, the at least one conveying device can be adjusted in advance, preferably using the configuration unit.

[0064] The underlying problem is also solved by a method for operating a pneumatic fertilizer spreader, comprising the following process steps: - Providing a pneumatic fertilizer spreader, preferably according to a described embodiment, comprising a storage container with at least two chambers, each with an outlet opening, which are coupled to at least one conveying device, and storing a quantity ratio of material to be distributed in a configuration unit; - Changing at least one conveying device based on the quantity ratio using the configuration unit.

[0065] In the context of the invention, the individual steps of the process can be carried out in a defined sequence; however, it is also conceivable that the steps of the process can be carried out in any sequence. An arbitrary change between the process steps is also conceivable. Furthermore, the process can be extended by adding further process steps.

[0066] Preferably, the steps of the procedure are carried out continuously and / or at intervals.

[0067] The configuration unit includes, for example, a computer unit, an on-board computer, and / or the like, and preferably comprises a control circuit, in particular a hydraulic, pneumatic, and / or electrical control circuit, wherein the control circuit is expediently designed for hydraulic, pneumatic, and / or electrical signal and / or command transmission. This signal and / or command transmission can also be wireless (e.g., via WLAN).

[0068] In the context of the invention, the term "configuration unit" encompasses, in particular, the entirety of components for signal and / or command transmission. Accordingly, this also includes computer units, CPUs, and / or the like. Likewise, it also includes control devices integrated into the respective sensors, sensor units, or sensor arrangements. It should also be noted that the signals and / or data from the sensors, measuring devices, detection devices, and / or the like can each be used as feedback for a control variable.

[0069] It should be noted that the terms "configure," "control," "regulate," and "configuration unit" 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 though the term "configure" is used here, it can also appropriately encompass "control" and / or "regulate."

[0070] To avoid repetition, it should be noted that the embodiments and features according to the invention can be combined in any way and freely.

[0071] Regarding the advantages and embodiments of the method according to the invention, reference is made to the advantages and embodiments of the pneumatic fertilizer spreader according to the invention.

[0072] All features disclosed for the pneumatic fertilizer spreader and the method can each be used in a corresponding manner with each other.

[0073] For the purposes of the application, features disclosed in conjunction with other features may also be considered disclosed on their own. Features linked by "and / or" are to be understood as disclosed both on their own and in combination with the other features.

[0074] 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 pneumatic fertilizer spreader in a perspective view; Fig. 2 the fertilizer spreader according to Fig. 1 in a side view; Fig. 3 a detailed illustration of part of the pneumatic fertilizer spreader.

[0075] The in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. The three embodiments shown are at least partially identical, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and, to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures for their explanation.

[0076] One embodiment of a pneumatic fertilizer spreader 1 is shown in the figures. The pneumatic fertilizer spreader 1 can be used to conveniently apply, or distribute, granular agricultural materials in desired quantities on agricultural land (LF). Examples of such materials include agricultural fertilizers, microgranules, seeds, and the like.

[0077] The fertilizer spreader 1 is designed as a fertilizer spreader 1 pulled by a towing vehicle (e.g., a tractor, not shown here), but the fertilizer spreader 1 can also be self-propelled or mounted on a towing vehicle. The fertilizer spreader 1 could also be an autonomous vehicle (e.g., fully autonomous or semi-autonomous) or mounted on an autonomous carrier vehicle.

[0078] The fertilizer spreader 1 comprises a frame R supporting the components of the fertilizer spreader 1, as well as at least one storage container 3 for carrying and / or providing the spreading material. Two or more storage containers 3 for two or more, in particular different, spreading materials may also be provided, i.e., in particular, mounted on the frame R of the fertilizer spreader 1.

[0079] To achieve maximum efficiency, i.e., a large working width, the fertilizer spreader 1 has a spreading boom 5 extending transversely to the direction of travel FR with a large working width (e.g., 24 meters, 30 meters, 36 meters or more). The spreading boom 5 comprises a support structure 10 connected to the frame R, a boom center section 11, and arms 13 pivotably mounted on the boom center section 10 relative to the boom center section 11. Preferably, each arm has at least one boom section 12, which can be rotatably assembled about vertically oriented axes. The boom center section 1 can also be referred to as a boom section 12.

[0080] To comply with a permissible transport width (e.g. 3 meters in Germany), the booms 13 are pivotably mounted on the central section of the linkage 10 about upright oriented axes 14.

[0081] The distribution linkage 5, in particular its central linkage section 11, is supported by a bearing 15, which according to the Fig. 2 is shown only in outline, rotatable transversely to the direction of travel FR about a pivot axis oriented in the direction of travel relative to the frame R on the support structure 10. The rotational position can be controlled and / or regulated, in particular by means of an actuating device (not shown) which can be controlled by a control device, and which can be mounted, in particular, between the linkage center section 11 and the support structure 10 and / or between the linkage center section 11 and the frame R.

[0082] The frame R can also preferably be expediently designed in multiple parts, wherein the individual parts can in turn be connected by means of a permanent (e.g. welding) and / or detachable (e.g. screws or similar machine elements) connection.

[0083] The frame R also includes a chassis 16 with running wheels, which according to the exemplary embodiments can in particular be a tandem chassis, and a connecting device 17 for connection to a towing vehicle. In addition, the storage container 3 is part of the frame R.

[0084] To adjust the height of the distribution linkage 5, the support device 10 is mounted on the frame R in a height-adjustable manner by means of a height adjustment device 10.1, for example a parallelogram.

[0085] A metering device 4 with a metering container 18 is associated with the central section 11 of the distribution linkage 5; in particular, these form a single structural unit. A conveying device 19, which includes a conveying line, opens into the metering container 18. However, several conveying lines and / or conveying devices 20 could also open into the metering container 18 in order to supply it with one, two, or more different spreading materials.

[0086] Preferably, both the storage container 3 and the dosing container 18 taper downwards in a funnel shape, with at least one outlet opening (not shown here) arranged at the lowest point in each case.

[0087] The outlet opening is formed by an opening in the respective container 3, 18, through which, for example, distributed material from the storage container 3 is conveyed into the conveying device 19 and / or from the dosing container 18 into the dosing device 4, whereby the outlet opening thus simultaneously forms the inlet of the conveying device 19 and / or the dosing device 4.

[0088] The material being spread from the metering device 4 is conveyed to the distribution elements 8 attached to the distribution boom 5 by means of distribution lines 6 along the distribution boom 5. During operation of the fertilizer spreader 1, the material is transported along the distribution lines 6 by means of an airflow, whereby the distribution lines 6 are coupled, i.e., operatively connected, by means of a flow-generating device (e.g., one or more blowers such as centrifugal blowers, radial blowers, axial blowers, diagonal blowers, cross-flow blowers, or the like).

[0089] A plurality of distribution lines 6 are attached along the distribution rod 5, each of which, according to the exemplary embodiments, has a distribution element 8 attached. However, two or more distribution elements 8 per distribution line 6 would also be conceivable or possible, with each distribution line 6 having a distribution element 8 assigned to its respective outer end, which forms an outlet opening 7. Furthermore, the distribution lines 6 have different lengths extending from the metering device 4 along the distribution rod 5.

[0090] In order to achieve a compact distribution linkage 5, the distribution lines 6 are also arranged one above the other, meaning that a large number of distribution lines 6 are arranged one above the other.

[0091] Furthermore, the distribution lines 6 are essentially symmetrical to each other on the distribution linkage 5 with respect to the central linkage section 11. In addition, the opposing distribution elements 8 each have at least a largely identical height position.

[0092] Furthermore, the distribution lines 6 have separation points, not shown here, between the rod center section 11 and the booms 13 or between the rod sections 12 of the booms 13.

[0093] The distribution elements 8 can be formed, in particular, by impact plates, against which the material to be distributed is conveyed by means of the air volume flow and subsequently distributed, for example, in a fan shape, depending on the shape of the impact plate. However, the distribution elements 8 can also be formed by an arc-shaped end section of the distribution lines 6, which can then, for example, act as impact plates themselves.

[0094] The distances between the distribution elements 8 can be such that, in particular, a full-surface distribution of the material being distributed is made possible by means of the spreading fans generated by the distribution elements 8, and in particular a seamless distribution of the material being distributed is made possible.

[0095] According to an alternative embodiment, it would also be conceivable that the distribution elements 8 are arranged on the distribution rod 5 in such a way, or that the spreading patterns created by the distribution elements 8 are such that the spreading patterns overlap. For example, a double or triple overlap of the spreading patterns could be provided, which in turn could increase the distribution quality, as shown in Fig. 3 is shown.

[0096] To supply the dosing device 4 with the respective distributed material, it is operatively connected to at least one storage container 3, whereby the operative connection can be made by means of a conveying device 19 with, for example, a conveying line 20 and by means of the dosing container 18.

[0097] The conveying device 19 according to the embodiment examples comprises a conveying line 20 or conveying device 20 leading into the metering container 18; however, two or more conveying lines 20 could also be provided, in particular for different spreading materials.

[0098] The conveying facility 19, or the conveying line 20, is at least divided into two parts, that is, it has several conveying sections 21, 22.

[0099] The conveying device 19 and / or the conveying sections 21, 22 can be formed by one or more screw conveyors and / or conveyor belts and / or the like.

[0100] Alternatively or additionally, the conveying device 19 can also be formed, at least in sections, by a pneumatic conveying device, in which distributed material is conveyed by means of an air volume flow along the conveying line 20.

[0101] The metering device 4 is assigned to the rod center section 11 and / or the support device 10 in such a way that these follow the vertical movements and / or the rotary movements of the distribution rod 5 at least largely synchronously.

[0102] Preferably, the pneumatic fertilizer spreader 1 comprises at least a frame R supporting components of the fertilizer spreader 1, a storage container 3 for carrying and providing the material to be distributed (e.g., seeds, fertilizer and / or the like).), a distribution linkage 5 extending transversely to the direction of travel FR, which distribution linkage 5 has a support device 10, a linkage center section 11 and booms 13 rotatably attached to the linkage center section 11, wherein distribution lines 6 with distribution elements 8 and a metering container 18 operatively connected to the storage container 3 by means of the conveying device 19 are attached to the distribution linkage 5, wherein the distribution lines 6 can be supplied with an air volume flow to convey the distributed material along the distribution lines 6 to the distribution elements 8 and wherein, by means of at least one metering device 4 forming a structural unit with the distribution linkage 5 and operatively connected to the metering container 18, distributed material can be metered into the distribution lines 6.

[0103] In the Fig.Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a part of the fertilizer spreader 1 according to the invention, wherein the storage container 3 has at least two chambers 23, 24, 25, in this case three chambers 23, 24, 25. Each of the chambers 23, 24, 25 has at least one outlet opening 7, which is shown only schematically.

[0104] The outlet openings 7 of chambers 23, 24, 25 are coupled to the conveying device 19. According to the invention, the conveying device 19 can be modified by means of a configuration unit 26 based on a quantity ratio. The quantity ratio describes how much of the distributed material is to be extracted and conveyed from each of the chambers 23, 24, 25, such that the respective quantities from each of the chambers 23, 24, 25 define the quantity ratio. Because the quantity ratio can change, for example, due to a change in the application rate (i.e., the total quantity to be dispensed), the composition of the quantity to be dispensed, a changing plant population, and / or the like, the configuration unit 26 is configured to modify the conveying device 19.

[0105] The present conveying device has at least one conveying section 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, each of which is coupled to one of the chambers 23, 24, 25, in particular the outlet opening 7, and is configured to convey the distributed material from the chamber 23, 24, 25. Each of the three conveying sections 21.1, 21.2, 21.3 is designed as a screw conveyor.

[0106] In this case, the conveying sections 21.1, 21.2, and 21.3 are designed to be coupled to a mixing chamber 27 and configured to convey the distributed material into the mixing chamber 27. In this case, the mixing chamber 27 is a separate container, but it can also be formed by the metering container 18.

[0107] Preferably, the mixing chamber 27 is set up to mix the distributed material conveyed by the conveying sections 21.1, 21.2, 21.3.

[0108] Furthermore, a conveying unit 28 is provided, which is designed to convey the mixed distribution material from the mixing chamber 27 to the dosing container 18. If the dosing container 18 is also the mixing chamber 27, the conveying unit 28 can be omitted.

[0109] 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. Reference symbol list: 1 pneumatic fertilizer spreader 2 Distributed goods 3 storage containers 4 Dosing device 5 distribution rods 6 distribution line 7 Outlet opening 8 distribution element 9 Flow generating device 10 Supporting institution 10.1 Height adjustment device 11 Linkage middle section 12 Linkage section 13 outriggers 14 upright oriented axis 15 Storage 16 Chassis 17 Connection device 18 dosing containers 19 Funding institution 21.1, 21.2, 21.3 Funding section Chambers 23, 24, and 25 26 Configuration Unit 27 Mixing chamber 28 conveying units

Claims

Pneumatic fertilizer spreader (1) for spreading granular material onto an agricultural area (LA), comprising at least a storage container (3) for carrying and / or providing the material, wherein the storage container (3) has at least two chambers (23, 24, 25) each with at least one outlet opening (7), wherein the outlet openings (7) are coupled to at least one conveying device (19) that can be modified by means of a configuration unit (26), and wherein a quantity ratio of material can be stored in the configuration unit (26), characterized in that the configuration unit (26) is configured to modify the at least one variable conveying device (19) based on the quantity ratio. Pneumatic fertilizer spreader (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the configuration unit (26) is configured to change the removal of material from the respective chambers (23, 24, 25) based on the quantity ratio by changing the at least one variable conveying device (19). Pneumatic fertilizer spreader (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the at least two chambers (23, 24, 25) are coupled by means of the at least one variable conveying device (19) in such a way that the materials to be distributed in the at least two chambers (23, 24, 25) are mixable. Pneumatic fertilizer spreader (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the same material to be distributed and / or different materials to be distributed can be provided in the at least two chambers (23, 24, 25). Pneumatic fertilizer spreader (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one conveying device (19) comprises at least one metering device (4), wherein the metering device (4) is configured to meter material into distribution lines (6) of a distribution boom (5), preferably based on the quantity ratio. Pneumatic fertilizer spreader (1) according to at least claim 5, characterized in that the at least one metering device (4) is spatially assigned to the distribution boom (5), preferably coupled to the distribution boom (5). Pneumatic fertilizer spreader (1) according to at least one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the distribution linkage (5) comprises a support device (10), wherein the support device (10) is coupled to a frame (R) of the fertilizer spreader (1), wherein the support device (10) is arranged to be height-adjustable by means of a height adjustment unit. Pneumatic fertilizer spreader according to at least claim 7, characterized in that the distribution linkage (5) comprises a linkage center part (11) which is rotatably coupled to the carrier device (10) about an axis of rotation oriented in the direction of travel (FR). Pneumatic fertilizer spreader (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the configuration unit (is set up to change at least one conveying device on the basis of a definable application quantity and / or an actual speed of the fertilizer spreader. Pneumatic fertilizer spreader according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the configuration unit (26) is configured to obtain the quantity ratio by manual input, and / or that the configuration unit (26) is configured to automatically change the quantity ratio, preferably on the basis of a site-specific input and / or a sensor coupled to the fertilizer spreader (1). Pneumatic fertilizer spreader (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the configuration unit (26) is configured to change the quantity ratio based on an actual position of the pneumatic fertilizer spreader (1). Method for conveying distributed materials, comprising the process steps: - Providing a pneumatic fertilizer spreader (1) comprising a storage container (3) with at least two chambers (23, 24, 25) each with an outlet opening (7) which are coupled to at least one conveying device (19), and depositing a quantity ratio of distributed material; - Changing the at least one conveying device (19) according to the quantity ratio by means of a configuration unit (26).

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