Agricultural spreading machine with a boom

Abstract

Agricultural spreading machine, including: - at least one storage container (2) supported by a frame (1) for receiving distribution material; - at least one metering device (3) downstream of the storage container (2); - at least one boom (6) articulated to the frame (1) and / or to the storage container (2); - a plurality of distribution elements (5), at least some of which are arranged at intervals from one another on the boom (6); and - a plurality of conveying lines (4) which serve to transfer the distributed material to the distribution devices (5) and of which at least outer sections (4a) of some conveying lines (4) are arranged on the boom (6), characterized in that the boom (6) has at least one pair of support elements (15a, 15b) which forcefully engage at least some of the outer sections (4a) of the conveying lines (4) arranged on the boom (6) and are detachably fastened to one another under mechanical preload against the outer sections (4a) of the conveying lines (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an agricultural spreading machine, comprising: - at least one storage container supported by a frame for receiving distribution material; - at least one dosing device downstream of the storage container; - at least one boom articulated to the frame and / or the storage container; - a plurality of distribution elements, at least some of which are arranged at a distance from each other on the boom; and - a plurality of conveying lines which serve to transfer the distributed material to the distribution devices and of which at least outer sections of some conveying lines are arranged on the boom.

[0002] Agricultural spreading machines of this type can be designed in two ways: firstly, as lightweight implements that can be coupled to the three-point linkage of a tractor; secondly, as heavy-duty implements mounted on an axle-supported trailer or self-propelled vehicle, or designed as, in particular, autonomous, self-driving robots or drones. They typically include a hopper supported by a frame for storing the material to be spread, and at least one, usually two, laterally projecting booms that accommodate conveying lines or outer sections thereof that terminate at different distances from one another.In the case of agricultural spreading machines designed for relatively small working widths, the booms can be essentially rigid and pivot back and forth between an operating position, in which they extend approximately transversely to the direction of travel of the spreading machine, and a rest or transport position, in which the booms – viewed in the direction of travel of the spreading machine – are primarily pivoted upwards.In the case of relatively large working widths, such as approximately 18 m, 24 m, 30 m or the like, the booms can instead comprise a plurality of pivotably linked, essentially rigid boom segments in order to pivot the respective boom back and forth between an operating position, in which it extends approximately transversely to the direction of travel of the spreading machine and the unfolded boom segments are arranged essentially linearly one behind the other, and a rest or transport position, in which the booms are again pivoted primarily upwards – viewed in the direction of travel of the spreading machine – and their boom segments are essentially folded together, so that the agricultural spreading machine can be transported, for example, via public roads to its place of use in the field.

[0003] If such an agricultural distribution machine is, for example, a pneumatic distribution machine for distributing powdery or particulate solids such as fertilizer, seeds, lime, etc., e.g., in the form of a pneumatic fertilizer spreader, a seed drill, a drill, or the like, then a blower serves to convey the material being distributed, which is held in storage in the hopper. Its pressure line connects, for example, to an outlet of one or more metering devices downstream of the hopper, which may include, for example, a controlled and / or regulated rotary metering roller, and terminates in a pressure distributor to which a plurality of conveying lines or an inner section thereof are connected.Transfer chambers located between the pressure distributor and the delivery lines, which can advantageously be equipped with injectors comprising a nozzle and a diffuser, serve to transfer the material to be spread from the metering unit to the delivery lines, ensuring that each delivery line receives the desired quantity of material. The material is then pneumatically conveyed via the delivery lines, at least some of whose outer sections are supported by the booms, to their end, where it is transferred to corresponding distribution elements, which are spaced apart from one another on the booms. In the case of a pneumatic fertilizer spreader, the distribution elements can, for example, be designed as impact plates, against which the material pneumatically transported in each delivery line strikes and from there is deposited onto the ground in a fan-like pattern.In the case of pneumatic seed drills or seed drills, the distribution elements can be, for example, seed coulters or the like, which are also supplied with pneumatically transported material via a respective conveying line. Such a pneumatic distribution machine in the form of a pneumatic fertilizer spreader is known, for example, from DE 10 2004 030 240 A1.

[0004] If an agricultural spreading machine of this type is, for example, a field sprayer, then one or more pumps are used to meter and deliver the liquid substance, such as plant protection products, pesticides, herbicides, and the like, which is usually stored in the reservoir (in this case, typically a tank). The pumps' delivery lines extend along a boom and terminate at a distribution element, which is also spaced apart from one another on the boom. The distribution elements can, for example, be designed like nozzles, which spray the liquid substance across the intended distribution width.

[0005] The construction of the booms is often relatively complex from a design perspective, as they must absorb considerable loads and, in particular, torques during operation – both static and, especially, dynamic loads due to the typically uneven ground – but should nevertheless not be excessively massive in order to keep the overall weight of the agricultural spreading machine within reasonable limits.

[0006] The company brochure "AERO Pneumatic Fertilizer Spreader" from RAUCH Landmaschinenfabrik GmbH (Germany), with the print mark "AERO 06 / 91 PN", describes an agricultural distribution machine in the form of a pneumatic fertilizer spreader, whose boom comprises four pivotally linked boom segments. The boom segments have an approximately rectangular frame made of steel tubing, within which, for space reasons, some conveying lines made of plastic tubing are housed, while other conveying lines are freely accessible on the steel tube frame.One disadvantage is the integration of conveying lines within the internal cross-section of the frame's steel tube structure. Wear on these lines goes undetected, and as they wear, holes can form. This can lead to an accumulation of material inside the steel tube frame of the boom segments, potentially causing corrosion. Another disadvantage is the heavy steel tube construction of the boom segments, which, as the overall boom length increases, necessitates numerous stiffeners and braces, resulting in significant manufacturing costs.

[0007] The company brochure “AGT Pneumatic Fertilizer Spreader, Working Width up to 36 m” from RAUCH Landmaschinenfabrik GmbH (Germany), with the imprint “AGT-5800065-de-d-1017”, describes another agricultural spreading machine in the form of a pneumatic fertilizer spreader with booms. The boom segments, which are pivotally linked to one another, are each made of stainless steel rods. This design addresses the aforementioned problems regarding corrosion due to wear of the conveying lines supported by the booms. However, even a boom of this design is relatively heavy, and its manufacture is complex and expensive due to the numerous welds required to join the stainless steel elements.

[0008] DE 10 2019 007 650 A1 describes a generic agricultural spreading machine with booms comprising a plurality of boom segments pivotably connected to one another, wherein one or more boom segments of the boom have two support profile parts extending primarily in the longitudinal direction of the boom segment and spaced apart from each other, which are connected to each other in the region of their two longitudinal edges by transverse connecting parts. The support profile parts are each formed from a sheet metal plate which includes a plurality of through-openings cut out of the sheet metal plate, wherein the through-openings are formed between continuous longitudinal edges of a respective support profile part and a plurality of stiffening sections connecting the continuous longitudinal edges to each other.Guide elements, primarily in the form of perforated plates, serve to attach the conveying lines to the boom segments. These plates are located inside the cross-section of a respective support profile section of the boom segments and feature multiple guide holes that accommodate each conveying line. While the known boom possesses high strength and rigidity at a relatively low weight, its design proves to be relatively complex and requires a large number of components to be assembled.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of further developing the boom(s) of an agricultural spreading machine of the type mentioned above in a simple and cost-effective manner in such a way that the boom, while at least largely avoiding the aforementioned disadvantages, has a simplified design, but nevertheless sufficient strength and stiffness at a relatively low weight.

[0010] According to the invention, this problem is solved in an agricultural distribution machine of the type mentioned above by the fact that the boom has at least one pair of support elements which positively engage at least some of the outer sections of the conveying lines arranged on the boom and are detachably fastened to one another under mechanical preload against the outer sections of the conveying lines.

[0011] The embodiment according to the invention therefore provides that the outer sections of the conveying lines arranged on the boom are held by frictional or force-fit clamping between the at least one pair of support elements of the boom, so that the (outer) conveying line sections supported by the boom are protected against both axial displacement and rotation or torsion. The support elements of a pair are detachably fastened to one another under mechanical preload against the outer sections of the conveying lines, which can expediently be done by means of conventional fasteners such as screws, bolts or the like, in order to set the desired clamping forces.In this way, not only is the design of the boom very simple from a structural point of view, which eliminates the need for additional guides for the conveying lines mounted on the support elements, but the boom can also be easily assembled without any gluing, welding or riveting processes, and the conveying lines can be easily replaced, e.g. in case of wear, by simply disassembling the support elements of the boom to remove the conveying lines, fitting new conveying lines and clamping them back together with a force-fit connection.Nevertheless, the boom according to the invention possesses high strength and stiffness and thus sufficient stability to absorb the forces and torques acting during the operation of the distribution machine, whereby the outer sections of the conveying lines clamped between the support elements of the boom are able to contribute to stiffening the boom.

[0012] The support elements of the boom are preferably provided with recesses on their mutually facing sides, which are essentially complementary to the outer circumference of the outer sections of the conveying lines received between the support elements, in order to reliably hold the outer sections of the conveying lines in their intended position and to ensure a high frictional fit along each circumferential section of the outer sections of the conveying lines that is in contact with the recesses.

[0013] The recesses in the boom's support elements can advantageously be provided with friction-enhancing structures, such as serrations, extending along the recesses of the boom's support elements that are in contact with the respective conveying lines. Alternatively or additionally, it is of course conceivable to provide the recesses and / or the conveying lines with a friction-enhancing coating or to arrange a friction-enhancing intermediate layer, e.g., made of an elastomeric plastic, between the recesses of the support elements and the conveying lines.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, for a very lightweight construction of the boom support elements, it can be provided that the support elements are formed from sheet metal plates, of which at least two opposite edges with recesses essentially complementary to the outer circumference of the outer sections of the conveying lines are formed from the plane of the plate at an angle between approximately 45° and approximately 135°, in particular essentially 90°, forming an outer support web for each of the outer sections of the conveying lines. In this way, the support elements of the boom – in this case formed in one piece – are also manufactured very simply by cutting each support element from a sheet metal plate, e.g., by laser cutting, waterjet cutting, or the like, after which the two opposite edges are formed to each form one of the outer support webs.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided in this context that the support elements of the boom formed from sheet metal plates have at least one through-opening, the sides of which facing the at least two opposite edges formed into an outer support web each are formed from the plane of the plates at an angle between 45° and 135°, in particular of essentially 90°, forming an inner support web of the outer sections of the conveying lines, and are provided with recesses that are essentially complementary to the outer circumference of the outer sections of the conveying lines.The inner support struts, which may, for example, though not necessarily, extend essentially parallel to the outer support struts, contribute, in conjunction with the outer support struts, to giving the boom very high torsional rigidity and dimensional stability. This is achieved by the outer sections of the conveying lines being positively fixed at several axial sections of the lines between the support elements of the boom by means of the outer and inner support struts. The at least one through-hole in the support elements also leads to a reduction in the weight of the boom.

[0016] Instead of a single through-opening, to further increase the stiffness and dimensional stability of the boom, it is advantageous to provide two or more through-openings in the support elements, so that stiffening webs made of the sheet material are formed between the through-openings cut out of the sheet metal plate, which may expediently extend essentially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the boom.In this context, it can be advantageously provided that the support elements of the boom formed from sheet metal plates have at least two through-openings, of which at least the side facing each of the two opposite edges formed into an outer support web is formed from the plane of the plates at an angle between 45° and 135°, in particular essentially 90°, forming an inner support web of the outer sections of the conveying lines, and is provided with recesses that are essentially complementary to the outer circumference of the outer sections of the conveying lines.In this case, too, the inner support struts in conjunction with the outer support struts can contribute to giving the boom very high torsional stiffness and shape stability by forcefully fixing the conveying lines at several axial sections of the same by means of the outer and inner support struts between the support elements of the boom, whereby the through-openings of the support elements additionally reduce the weight of the boom.

[0017] The shape of the support elements can be chosen practically freely depending on the required geometry of the boom, whereby, according to one embodiment of the distribution machine according to the invention, it can be provided that the pair of support elements of the boom extends over essentially the entire length of the boom.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment, to achieve sufficient strength and stiffness of the boom according to the invention (or a boom segment thereof), particularly with regard to saving material and costs, it may be sufficient if at least one pair of support elements of the boom extends only over a length section of the total length of the boom, in particular at least over a length section of the boom facing the distribution machine.

[0019] Depending on the overall length of the boom (or a boom segment thereof), it may be provided, for example, that the boom comprises at least two or more pairs of support elements, each extending only over a section of the boom's total length. In this case, the boom (or a boom segment thereof) consequently comprises at least two pairs of support elements, each of which positively engages at least some of the outer sections of the conveying lines arranged on the boom and is detachably fastened to one another under mechanical preload against the outer sections of the conveying lines, with the pairs of support elements being arranged on different sections of the boom.

[0020] For example, a support extending essentially in the longitudinal direction of the boom can be fixed to at least one pair of support elements, in particular to an outer pair of support elements, of the boom, in order to provide increased strength and stiffness of the boom and / or, in particular, to provide collision protection in the area of ​​the outer end of the boom.

[0021] In this context, it can be particularly advantageous if the outer sections of the conveying lines arranged on the boom are designed to be dimensionally stable, preferably made of a fiber-reinforced plastic material, but also of any other materials, such as light metal or the like.

[0022] The distribution elements of the distribution machine can, for example, be fixed to terminal bends of a respective outer section of the conveying lines, as is known from the prior art, wherein the bends can be detachably attached, for example, to the support elements of the boom and / or to the outer end of a respective outer conveying line section.

[0023] As already indicated, the boom of the distribution machine according to the invention can, moreover, be essentially rigid or have a plurality of boom segments pivotably connected to one another, at least one of which has at least one pair of support elements which receive at least some of the outer sections of the conveying lines arranged on this boom segment in a force-fit manner and are detachably attached to one another under mechanical preload against the outer sections of the conveying lines.

[0024] The boom can, in principle, have any pivoting mechanism known as such from the prior art in order to pivot it back and forth – whether manually or, in particular, by means of a motor, such as electric, pneumatic or hydraulic piston / cylinder units – between its operating position, in which it extends approximately transversely to the direction of travel of the distribution machine, and a rest or transport position, in which the boom – viewed in the direction of travel of the distribution machine – is pivoted upwards and, if necessary, backwards and / or inwards.To ensure a very simple and cost-effective pivoting mechanism in terms of construction, an advantageous embodiment may provide that, for pivoting the boom between its operating position and its rest or transport position, an end section of a lever is rigidly, and in particular detachably, attached to the support elements in the area of ​​the end of the boom facing the distribution machine, wherein the opposite end section of the lever is pivotably articulated to the frame and / or the storage container about a pivot axis, so that the pivoting mechanism requires only a single pivot axis to pivot the boom from its lateral operating position to its rest position, in which it extends essentially upwards and, if necessary, backwards and / or inwards.

[0025] For this purpose, the pivot axis of the lever is preferably arranged offset both inwards and in a direction parallel to the direction of travel of the distribution machine, particularly to the rear, with the pivot axis of the boom being arranged, in particular – again viewed in the direction of travel of the distribution machine – at a distance behind the storage hopper. In this way, the boom can be moved between its operating position, in which it is arranged laterally to the storage hopper – viewed in the direction of travel of the distribution machine – and a rest position offset inwards.The transport position, in which it is arranged at the rear of the storage container and extends essentially upwards and possibly backwards and / or inwards, is pivoted to provide a compact rest or transport position for the boom, in which it does not increase the overall width of the distribution machine and the latter can therefore be conveniently transported on public roads without exceeding the overall width and height permitted for road transport.

[0026] To pivot the boom back and forth about its single pivot axis between its operating position, in which it has an approximately horizontal extension, and its rest position, in which it is pivoted upwards and, if necessary, backwards and / or inwards, the pivot axis of the lever is preferably arranged inclined with respect to the vertical, at least in the direction of a vertical plane extending parallel to the direction of travel of the spreading machine, such as from bottom rear to top front. Furthermore, it can be advantageous for this purpose if the pivot axis of the lever is arranged inclined with respect to the vertical both in the direction of a vertical plane extending parallel to the direction of travel of the spreading machine and in the direction of a vertical plane extending perpendicular to the direction of travel of the spreading machine, such as from bottom inside to top outside.In the latter case, the pivot axis can preferably extend – viewed in the direction of travel of the distribution machine – from the rear bottom inside to the front top outside. In this context, "inclined in the direction of the (respective) vertical plane with respect to the vertical" refers to an arrangement of the lever's pivot axis oriented at an angle other than 0° to the vertical, wherein the pivot axis has at least one extension direction component parallel to the (respective) vertical plane.

[0027] The pivot axis of the lever can advantageously be arranged inclined at an angle between about 10° and about 70°, in particular between about 15° and about 65°, preferably between about 20° and about 60°, with respect to the vertical, in order to pivot the boom between its operating position and its rest or transport position.

[0028] If the boom is arranged, in particular, on a lever of a pivoting mechanism of the aforementioned type, it may be advantageously provided that at least some conveying lines are designed in multiple parts, wherein an outer section of the conveying lines with the distribution elements associated therewith is supported by the boom in the manner according to the invention, and an inner section of the conveying lines is arranged on the frame of the distribution machine, wherein the outer sections of the conveying lines supported by the boom have an outer connecting piece at their ends facing away from the distribution elements (inner ends facing the frame of the distribution machine), by means of which they can each be connected to an inner connecting piece of the inner sections of the conveying lines when the boom is in its operating position.When the boom is in its operating position, the outer sections of the conveying lines arranged on the boom are connected to the inner sections of the conveying lines via their outer connecting pieces, whereas the outer sections of the conveying lines arranged on the boom are separated from their inner sections when the boom is in its rest or transport position, pivoted upwards and, if necessary, backwards and / or inwards.

[0029] The outer connecting pieces of the conveying lines can be connected to the inner connecting pieces, preferably automatically, when the boom is pivoted into its operating position, and / or be detachable from the inner connecting pieces when the boom is pivoted away from its operating position, which can be achieved, for example, by means of suitable, complementary seals arranged on the inner and outer connecting pieces.

[0030] The inner connecting pieces of the inner sections of the conveying lines can, for example, be arranged on a connection console, which preferably also serves as a support for the boom when the boom is in its operating position and then, for example, its front face touches the connection console.

[0031] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of an agricultural distribution machine according to the invention for spreading powder or particle-shaped material in the form of a pneumatic distribution machine, such as a pneumatic fertilizer spreader, which in the present case is designed in the manner of an autonomously self-driving distribution robot, with its booms in the operating position; Fig. 2 a schematic top view of the distribution machine according to Fig. 1 from above with the booms in the operating position; Fig. 3 a schematic perspective detail view of one of the booms of the distribution machine in the operating position according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 including the frame and the storage container supported thereby; Fig. 4 one essentially the Fig. 3 corresponding detailed view of the distribution machine according to Fig. Figures 1 to 3 illustrate the pivoting mechanism of the boom in the operating position with the lever attached to it, which can pivot about a pivot axis; Fig. 5 a schematic detail view of the lever attached to the boom of the distribution machine according to Fig. Figures 1 to 4 illustrate the linkage of the lever around its pivot axis; Fig. 6, essentially the Fig. 1 corresponding schematic perspective view of the distribution machine with its booms in a rest position; Fig. 7 a schematic perspective detail view of the lever of one of the in the operating position according to Fig. 1 to 5 located boom of the distribution machine according to Fig. 1 to 6; Fig. 8, essentially the Fig. 7 corresponding schematic perspective detail view of the lever of one of the in the rest position according to Fig. 6 located boom of the distribution machine according to Fig. 1 to 6; Fig. 9 a schematic perspective view of one of the booms of the distribution machine according to Fig. 1 to 8 with the lever attached here; Fig. 10 a schematic top view of the boom according to Fig. 9 from the top; Fig. 11 a schematic perspective detail view of the boom according to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 in the area of ​​its end facing the distribution machine with the end section of the lever attached thereto; Fig. 12 a schematic perspective detail view of a first supporting element of a first pair of supporting elements forming the boom; Fig. 13 a schematic perspective detail view of the boom according to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 in the area of ​​its end facing away from the distribution machine; Fig. 14 a schematic perspective detail view of a second supporting element of a second pair of supporting elements forming the boom; Fig. 15 a schematic perspective exploded view of the end of the boom facing away from the distribution machine according to Fig. 9 to 14; Fig. 16 a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of an agricultural distribution machine according to the invention for spreading powder or particle-shaped material in the form of a pneumatic distribution machine, such as a pneumatic fertilizer spreader, which in the present case is designed in the manner of an attachment, with its booms in a rest position viewed obliquely from the front; Fig. 17 a schematic perspective view of the distribution machine according to Fig. 16 with their outriggers in the rest position, viewed obliquely from behind; Fig. 18 a schematic perspective detail view of one of the booms of the distribution machine in the operating position according to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 including the frame and the storage container supported thereby; Fig. 19, essentially the Fig. 18 corresponding detailed view of the distribution machine according to Fig. Figures 16 to 18 illustrate the pivoting mechanism of the boom in the operating position with the lever attached to it, which can pivot about a pivot axis; Fig. 20 a schematic detail view of the lever attached to the boom of the distribution machine according to Fig. Figures 16 to 19 illustrate the linkage of the lever around its pivot axis; Fig. 21 a schematic perspective detail view of the lever of one of the in the operating position according to Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 located boom of the distribution machine according to Fig. 16 to 20; and Fig. 22, essentially the Fig. 21 corresponding schematic perspective detail view of the lever of one of the in the rest position according to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 located boom of the distribution machine according to Fig. 16 to 21.

[0032] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 6 is an embodiment of an agricultural spreading machine – here in the form of a pneumatic spreading machine for applying powdered or particulate materials, such as fertilizer, seeds, or the like – in the form of an autonomously self-driving spreading robot, which is equipped, for example, with a position detection system such as GPS or the like and is capable of spreading the material on an agricultural area according to a target application rate per unit area stored on an application map. The spreading machine has a storage container 2 supported by a frame 1 for receiving the material, which in this case, for example, has two separate container sections 2a, 2b, each of which tapers inwards in the lower area to a bottom trough (see in particular the Fig. 2), each having an outlet opening on either side of the longitudinal axis of a respective container section 2a, 2b of the storage container 2 (not shown in detail in the drawings). Each of these outlets is followed by a metering element 3, which is also not shown in detail in the drawings. This metering element may, for example, have a metering roller with a plurality of independently rotatably driven metering roller segments, as is known, for example, from WO 2018 / 219489 A1, and which supplies a plurality of conveying lines 4 with the metered material. The conveying lines 4 serve to transfer the metered material to a distribution element 5, which in this case are designed in the manner of impact elements, as are known, for example, from EP 4 056 013 A1.While in the present embodiment some inner distribution elements 5 arranged in the area of ​​the driving lane are fixed to the frame 1 of the distribution machine, a plurality of outer distribution elements 5 are arranged at intervals from one another on booms 6, the construction of which is described below with reference to the . Fig. Sections 9 to 14 are explained in detail. Of the conveying lines 4, which supply the distribution elements 5 arranged on the booms 6 with material to be distributed, at least outer sections 4a of these lines are also arranged on each boom 6. The outer conveying line sections 4a received by the booms 6 terminate at different distances from the longitudinal axis of the distribution machine at the distribution elements 5 in order to distribute the flow of material exiting the respective conveying line sections 4a into adjacent areas on the floor.

[0033] As from the Fig. As can be seen from Figures 1 to 4, each boom 6 extends in its operating position to both sides of the distribution machine, laterally to the storage container 2, essentially transversely or perpendicularly to the direction of travel F, while in a rest or transport position (see Figure 1 to 4) it is positioned as follows: Fig. 6) in the present case - again viewed in the direction of travel F of the spreading machine - extends diagonally upwards and backwards and is arranged in particular behind the storage container 2 in order not to increase the width of the spreading machine and thus to ensure easy passage over public roads.

[0034] As further evidenced by the Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 6, a blower 7 is arranged on the frame 1 of the distribution machine. This blower generates an airflow to transport the distributed material, metered by the metering devices 3, through the conveying lines 4 and is located, for example, behind the storage container 2 due to space constraints. A pressure line of the blower 7, not shown for illustrative purposes, has one outlet (also not shown) assigned to each metering device 3. Upstream of each metering device 100, each outlet leads to an air distributor (also not shown) to distribute the compressed air to the number of conveying lines 4 assigned to each metering device 3.Immediately downstream of each air distributor, each conveying line 4 is assigned a transfer chamber (also not shown in the drawing), which can be equipped in the usual manner with an injector comprising a nozzle and a diffuser (not shown) and into which the metered material is transferred by the respective metering unit 3. In order to ensure very fine section control and to be able to supply each conveying line 4 independently with the desired mass flow of material, each metering unit 3 can – as mentioned above – comprise a metering roller with a plurality of independently rotatably driven metering roller segments, wherein each metering roller segment supplies a respective conveying line 4 with the metered material.

[0035] To move each boom 6 between its operating position according to the Fig. 1 to 4 and its resting or transport position according to the Fig. Being able to pivot at 6 is a subsequent step with reference to the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. A very simple and cost-effective, yet robust pivoting mechanism, explained in detail below, is provided, which comprises only a single pivoting axis S of each boom 6. As shown in particular in the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 7 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, for this purpose, an end section of a lever 8 is rigidly attached to the end of each boom 6 facing the distribution machine. In the present embodiment, the end section of each lever 8 comprises a boom flange 9 to allow it to be detachably fixed to the boom 6, for example, by means of screws, bolts, or the like. The opposite end section of each lever 8, facing away from each boom 6, is pivotally mounted to the frame 1 of the distribution machine about the respective pivot axis S. This pivot axis is arranged inclined substantially towards a vertical plane extending parallel to the direction of travel F of the distribution machine. In this case, it extends at an angle of approximately 25° to the vertical – viewed in the direction of travel F of the distribution machine – from the rear bottom to the front top.Furthermore, a respective pivot axis S of a respective lever 8 is in relation to the lever in its operating position (cf. the . Fig. The boom 6 located at points 1 to 4 - viewed in the direction of travel F of the distribution machine - is arranged both to the rear and to the inside at a distance behind the storage container 2.

[0036] Furthermore, the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 7 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the frame 1 of the distribution machine, in the present embodiment, has a support bracket 10 assigned to each lever 8 of each arm 6, for the purpose of pivoting each arm 6 to the frame 1 about a respective pivot axis S. This support bracket has a normal vector inclined with respect to the horizontal, e.g., at an angle between approximately 20° and approximately 30°, the normal vector of each support bracket 10 extending, for example, obliquely from the bottom inside to the top outside. The support brackets 10 are provided with several fastening devices – here in the form of bores – to which a bearing element 11, supporting the pivot axis S of each arm 6, can be detachably attached by means of screws, bolts, or the like, at the desired inclination of the pivot axis S with respect to the vertical, depending on the desired rest position of the arms 6. As is best done in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, each bearing part 11 essentially has the form of a U-profile, the legs of which are detachably attached to a support bracket 10 of the frame 1. A pivot bolt, forming the pivot axis S, is arranged between the legs of the U and extends, for example, approximately parallel to the U-bolt of the bearing part. A lever bracket 12 is pivotally mounted on the pivot bolt of the bearing part 11, which forms the pivot axis S. This lever bracket 12 serves as a mounting flange 13 for the detachable fastening, for example, by means of screws, bolts, or the like, of the end of the lever 8 facing away from the arm 6. In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the mounting flange 13 of the lever bracket 12 is arranged at an angle of approximately 15° with respect to the pivot axis S of the bearing part 11, which in turn allows for the desired rest or...The transport position of the boom 6 can be adjusted while maintaining the necessary operating position by mounting the lever console 12 in two different ways on the pivot bolt of the bearing part 11 forming the pivot axis S, by rotating it by 180° so that its mounting flange 13 can point in two different directions.

[0037] To protect the outer sections 4a of the conveying lines 4 arranged on a respective boom 6, which are in the rest or transport position of a respective boom 6 (see the Fig. 6) relatively far from the operating position of the boom 6 (see the Fig. 1 to 4) are pivoted away, to be easily connected to the pneumatic conveying system of the distribution machine, the embodiment shown in the drawing provides that the conveying lines 4 leading to a respective boom 6 are designed in multiple parts, wherein an outer section 4a of the conveying lines 4 with the distribution elements 5 associated with them is supported by the respective boom 6, while an inner section 4b of the conveying lines 4 (see in particular the Fig. 6) is arranged on the frame 1 of the distribution machine. The outer sections 4a of the conveying lines 4, supported by the boom 6, have an outer connecting piece 4c at their ends facing away from the distribution elements 5 (see also the detailed views of the boom 6 according to the Fig. 9 to 11), by means of which they can each be connected to an inner connection piece of the inner sections 4a of the conveying lines 4 when the boom 6 is in its operating position, so that the outer sections 4a of the conveying lines 4 are connected to their inner sections 4b in the operating position. The outer connection pieces 4c of the outer sections 4a of the conveying lines 4 are expediently automatically connectable to the inner connection pieces when the boom 6 is pivoted into its operating position, and detachable from the inner connection pieces when the boom 6 is pivoted from its operating position to its rest or transport position. The inner connection pieces of the inner sections 4b of the conveying lines 4 are arranged on a connection bracket 14, which can, for example, also serve as a support for a respective boom 6 when the boom 6 is in its operating position.

[0038] How best to view the detailed views of the Fig. As can be seen from Figures 9 to 15, each boom 6 has at least one—in this case, several—pairs of support elements 15a, 15b, which forcefully engage the outer sections 4a of the conveying lines arranged on the boom 6 and are detachably fastened to one another under mechanical preload against the outer sections 4a of the conveying lines 4, e.g., by means of screws, bolts, or the like, so that the outer sections 4a of the conveying lines 4 are clamped between the respective pairs of support elements 15a, 15b. As can be seen in particular from the Fig. 12 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 13, the support elements 15a, 15b of the boom 6 are provided with recesses 16 on their facing sides. These recesses are essentially complementary to the outer circumference of the outer sections 4b of the conveying lines 4 accommodated between the support elements 15a, 15b and, for example, in the case of outer conveying line sections 4 with an approximately circular cross-section, have a substantially arc-shaped form. In this case, the recesses 16 of the support elements 15a, 15b are provided with friction-enhancing structures, such as outwardly projecting teeth or serrations, to ensure increased force or frictional engagement and to prevent slippage and / or twisting of the outer conveying line sections 4a relative to the support elements 15a, 15b with the recesses.

[0039] The support elements 15a, 15b of each pair of support elements 15a, 15b are formed from sheet metal plates, the plane of which extends essentially in a horizontal plane above and below the outer sections 4a of the conveying lines 4, respectively, wherein the upper and lower support elements 15a, 15b of each pair of support elements 15a, 15b are, for example, mirror-symmetrical. As can be seen in particular from the detailed views of the Fig. 12 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 14, each of which shows a support element 15a, 15b of a pair of support elements 15a, 15b, two opposite edges with recesses 16 complementary to the outer circumference of the outer sections 4a of the conveying lines 4 are formed at an angle of approximately 90°, forming an outer support web 17 of each of the outer sections 4a conveying lines 4 from the plane of the plate.

[0040] In the case of the load-bearing elements 15a of the Fig. 12, which extend in pairs over an inner longitudinal section of the respective boom 6 facing the distribution machine (see also the Fig. 3, 4, 9 to 11 and 16 to 19), the support elements 15a formed from sheet metal plates are provided with at least one – in the present case with two – through-openings 18, which form a stiffening web 19 of the support element 15a between them. The sides of each through-opening 18 facing the two opposite edges, each formed into an outer support web 17, are formed at an angle of approximately 90° from the plane of the plates, forming an inner support web 20 of the outer sections 4a of the conveying lines 4, and are provided with further recesses 16 that are essentially complementary to the outer circumference of the outer sections 4a of the conveying lines 4, so that each outer conveying line section 4a, supported by the pair of support elements 15a, is held force-fit between the support elements 15a at a total of four clamping areas.

[0041] In contrast to the pair of support elements 15a arranged on an inner longitudinal section of the respective boom 6 facing the distribution machine, the support elements 15b serve the Fig. 14 for the force-fit fixing of only some, e.g., two, outer conveying line sections 4a, and several pairs of support elements 15b are arranged for this purpose in pairs on at least one or more sections of the respective boom 6 furthest from the distribution mesh. They extend in comparison with the support elements 15a of the Fig. 12 only over a short length of the outer conveying line sections 4a to hold them in position by clamping. This is possible because, in the present embodiment, the outer sections 4a of the conveying lines 4 arranged on a respective boom 6 are designed to be dimensionally stable and are made, for example, of a fiber-reinforced plastic material, so that they are self-supporting and do not require support over their entire length.

[0042] How the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 and in particular the exploded view of the Fig. As can be seen from Figure 15, in the embodiment shown in the drawing, a support 20 extending in the longitudinal direction of each outrigger 6 is detachably fixed, e.g., by means of screws, to the outer pair of support elements 15b of each outrigger 6. This support 20 comprises, on the one hand, a collision protection plate 21 and, on the other hand, a guide sleeve 22 attached thereto for the longest outer conveying line section 4a. A terminal elbow 23 of this conveying line section 4a is mounted on the guide sleeve 22, to which the distribution element 5 is in turn attached. The remaining distribution elements 5 can be fixed in a corresponding manner to corresponding terminal bends 23 of the outer sections 4a of the conveying lines 4 arranged on a respective boom 6, wherein the bends 23 can be attached to the support elements 15a, 15b of the respective boom 6 and / or to the outer end of a respective outer conveying line section 4a, preferably detachably.

[0043] In the Fig. Figures 16 to 22 schematically depict another embodiment of an agricultural distribution machine – here in the form of a pneumatic distribution machine for spreading powdery or particulate materials, such as fertilizer, seeds, or the like – which in this case is designed as an attachment that can be mounted on a three-point linkage of a tractor (see the Fig. 17). Identical and functionally equivalent components are designated with the same reference numerals and require no further explanation. While the structural design of the boom 6 of the distribution machine is as follows: Fig. 16 to 22 largely identical to those described above Fig. 9 to 15 corresponds, the storage container 2 supported by the frame 1 is in this case, for example, designed as a single piece and comprises two container sections that taper downwards in an approximately funnel shape, to which an outlet opening (not visible) is connected, to which a respective metering device 3 and finally the pneumatic conveying system of the distribution machine described above is subordinate.

[0044] While the in the Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 shown operating position of the boom 6 of the distribution machine of the Fig. 16 to 22 of the embodiment according to the Fig. 1 to 8, the rest or transport position differs from this in particular in that the booms 6 are pivoted against the rear wall of the storage container 2 and extend primarily upwards and, in the present embodiment, also slightly inwards, but practically not to the rear, in order to ensure a high degree of compactness of the distribution machine in the rest or transport position of the booms 6.To achieve this, each pivot axis S of the lever 8 of each boom 6 is, in this case, inclined with respect to the vertical both in the direction of travel F of the distribution machine and in the direction of travel F of the distribution machine. Each pivot axis S extends from the rear bottom inside to the front top outside, resulting in an inclination angle of approximately 50° with respect to the vertical. Each pivot axis S is also, with respect to the boom 6 in its operating position, positioned at a distance behind the storage container 2, both to the rear and inwards. As shown in particular... Fig. 21 and Fig. As can be seen from 22, the bearing part 11 supporting the pivot axis S of a respective boom 6 is attached for this purpose to other fastening devices of the respective - compared to the embodiment according to the Fig. 1 to 15 identical - support bracket 10 of frame 1 attached as is the case with the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 is the case, so that the aforementioned inclination of the pivot axis S of the bearing part 11 from rear bottom inside to front top outside results at an angle of approximately 50° to the vertical. As further shown from the Fig. 21 and Fig. 22, but also from the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 20, in order to maintain the necessary operating position of a respective boom 6, the following is required - compared to the embodiment according to the Fig. 1 to 15 identical - lever console 12 of the lever 8 in a position opposite the Fig. 5, Fig. 7 and Fig.8 different ways on the pivot bolt of the bearing part 11 forming the pivot axis S, in that the lever bracket 12 is mounted on the pivot bolt of the bearing part 11 rotated by 180° in contrast, so that the mounting flange 12, to which the end of the lever 8 facing away from the boom 6 is attached, does not point obliquely downwards, but obliquely upwards.

[0045] Furthermore, in both embodiments shown in the drawings, the booms 6 can be pivoted between their operating position and their rest or transport position either manually or, in particular, by means of a motor, such as electric or pneumatic cylinders not shown, as is known from the prior art. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2004 030 240 A1

[0003] DE 10 2019 007 650 A1

[0008] WO 2018 / 219489 A1

[0032] EP 4 056 013 A1

[0032] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] Pneumatic fertilizer spreader AERO” from RAUCH Landmaschinenfabrik GmbH (Germany) with imprint “AERO 06 / 91 PN

[0006] AGT pneumatic fertilizer spreader, working width up to 36 m” of RAUCH Landmaschinenfabrik GmbH (Germany) with imprint “AGT-5800065-de-d-1017

[0007]

Claims

[1] Agricultural spreading machine, comprising: - at least one storage container (2) carried by a frame (1) for receiving distribution material; - at least one dosing device (3) arranged downstream of the storage container (2); - at least one boom (6) articulated to the frame (1) and / or to the storage container (2); - a plurality of distribution elements (5), at least some of which are arranged on the boom (6) at a distance from one another; and - a plurality of conveyor lines (4) which serve to transfer the material to be distributed to the distribution elements (5) and of which at least outer sections (4a) of some conveyor lines (4) are arranged on the boom (6), characterized bythat the boom (6) has at least one pair of support elements (15a, 15b) which frictionally accommodate at least some of the outer sections (4a) of the conveyor lines (4) arranged on the boom (6) between them and are detachably fastened to one another under mechanical preload against the outer sections (4a) of the conveyor lines (4). [2] Distributor according to claim 1, characterized by that the support elements (15a, 15b) of the boom (6) are provided on their mutually facing sides with recesses (16) which are substantially complementary to the outer circumference of the outer sections (4a) of the conveyor lines (4) accommodated between the support elements (15a, 15b). [3] Distributor according to claim 2, characterized by that the recesses (16) of the support elements (15a, 15b) of the boom (6) are provided with friction-increasing structures. [4] Distributor according to claim 2 or 3, characterized bythat the support elements (15a, 15b) of the boom (6) are formed from sheet metal plates, of which at least two opposite edges are formed from the plate plane with the recesses (16) substantially complementary to the outer circumference of the outer sections (4a) of the conveyor lines (4) at an angle between 45° and 135°, in particular of substantially 90°, to form an outer support web (17) of the outer sections (4a) of the conveyor lines (4). [5] Distributor according to claim 4, characterized byin that the support elements (15a) of the boom (6) formed by sheet metal plates have at least one through-opening (18), the sides of which, facing the at least two opposite edges each formed into an outer support web (17), are formed from the plate plane at an angle between 45° and 135°, in particular of substantially 90°, to form an inner support web (20) of the outer sections (4a) of the conveyor lines (4) and are provided with recesses (16) which are substantially complementary to the outer circumference of the outer sections (4a) of the conveyor lines (4). [6] Distributor according to claim 5, characterized byin that the support elements (15a) of the boom (6) formed by sheet metal plates have at least two through-openings (18), of which at least the side facing a respective one of the two opposite edges formed into an outer support web (17) is formed from the plate plane at an angle between 45° and 135°, in particular of substantially 90°, to form an inner support web (20) of the outer sections (4a) of the conveyor lines (4) and is provided with recesses (16) which are substantially complementary to the outer circumference of the outer sections (4a) of the conveyor lines (4). [7] Distributor according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the pair of support elements of the boom (6) extends over substantially the entire length of the boom (6). [8] Distributor according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat at least one pair of support elements (15a, 15b) of the boom (6) extends only over a length section of the entire length of the boom (6), in particular at least over a length section of the boom (6) facing the distribution machine. [9] Distributor according to claim 8, characterized by that the boom (6) comprises at least two pairs of support elements (15a, 15b), each of which extends only over a length section of the entire length of the boom (6). [10] Distributor according to claim 9, characterized by that a support (20) extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the boom (6) is fixed to at least one pair of support elements (15b), in particular to an outer pair of support elements (15b), of the boom (6). [11] Distributor according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized bythat the outer sections (4a) of the conveyor lines (4) arranged on the boom (6) are dimensionally stable, wherein they are made in particular from a fiber-reinforced plastic material. [12] Distributor according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the distribution elements (5) are fixed to terminal bends (23) of a respective outer section (4a) of the conveying lines (4). [13] Distributor according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the boom (6) - is essentially rigid or - has a plurality of boom segments pivotably connected to one another, at least one of which has at least one pair of support elements (15a, 15b) which frictionally receive at least some of the outer sections (4a) of the conveyor lines (4) arranged on this boom segment between them and are releasably fastened to one another under mechanical preload against the outer sections (4a) of the conveyor lines (4). [14] Distributor according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized byin that, in order to pivot the boom (6) between an operating position in which it extends approximately transversely to the direction of travel (F) of the distribution machine, and a rest position in which the boom (6) - viewed in the direction of travel (F) of the distribution machine - is pivoted upwards and optionally backwards and / or inwards, an end section of a lever (8) is rigidly, in particular detachably, fastened to the support elements (15a, 15b) in the region of the end of the boom (6) facing the distribution machine, the opposite end section of the lever (8) being pivotably connected to the frame (1) and / or to the storage container (2) about a pivot axis (S). [15] Distributor according to claim 14, characterized bythat the pivot axis (S) of the lever (8) is arranged offset in relation to the boom (6) in its operating position both inwards and in a direction parallel to the direction of travel (F) of the distribution machine, in particular to the rear, wherein the pivot axis (S) of the boom (6) is in particular - again viewed in the direction of travel (F) of the distribution machine - is arranged at a distance behind the storage container (2). [16] Distributor according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by that the pivot axis (S) of the lever (8) is arranged inclined with respect to the vertical at least in the direction of a vertical plane extending parallel to the direction of travel (F) of the distribution machine, in particular both in the direction of a vertical plane extending parallel to the direction of travel (F) of the distribution machine and in the direction of a vertical plane extending perpendicular to the direction of travel (F) of the distribution machine. [17] Distributor according to claim 16, characterized by that the pivot axis (S) of the lever (8) is arranged inclined by an angle between 10° and 70°, in particular between 15° and 65°, preferably between 20° and 60°, with respect to the vertical. [18] Distributor according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized byin that at least some conveyor lines (4) are designed in several parts, wherein an outer section (4a) of the conveyor lines (4) with the distribution elements (5) assigned to them is carried by the boom (6) and an inner section (4b) of the conveyor lines (4) is arranged on the frame (1) of the distribution machine, wherein the outer sections (4a) of the conveyor lines (4) carried by the boom (6) have, at their ends facing away from the distribution elements (5), an outer connecting piece (4c), by means of which they can each be connected to an inner connecting piece of the inner sections (4b) of the conveyor lines (4) when the boom (6) is in its operating position. [19] Distributor according to claim 18, characterized by that the outer connecting pieces (4c) of the outer sections (4a) of the conveying lines (4), in particular automatically, - can be connected to the inner connecting pieces when the boom (6) is pivoted into its operating position, and / or - can be detached from the inner connecting pieces when the boom (6) is pivoted away from its operating position. [20] Distributor according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by that the inner connecting pieces of the inner sections (4b) of the conveyor lines (4) are arranged on a connecting bracket (14) which in particular also serves as an abutment for the boom (6) when the boom (6) is in its operating position.

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