Agricultural work machine

Abstract

Agricultural work machine, in particular in the form of a soil tillage machine (2) preferably designed as a rotary tiller, comprising a shaft (6) provided with at least one tool (4), the axis of rotation (8) of which, during operation, extends at an angle to the direction of travel (F) and at least substantially parallel to the ground (10), and comprising a housing (13) arranged on a frame (12) of the work machine, which housing is arranged at least in sections above the shaft (6) and has an inner wall delimiting a channel (16) between the shaft (6) and the housing (13), characterized in that the housing has, with respect to the direction of travel, a front and a rear, movable housing part (20, 22) with respective inner wall parts (18), which each extend along the shaft (6) and which each have at least two adjustable, different operating positions, in which the respective inner wall parts (18) of the housing parts (20,22) are positioned differently to the shaft (6).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an article according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] In agricultural machinery, particularly soil tillage machines, there are a number of options for controlling earth cultivation and, in particular, the processing of the earth or soil, especially in potato cultivation. On the one hand, attempts are made to reduce soil adhesion in the rotor housing, for example by means of spring-mounted housings. On the other hand, attempts are made to control the crumbling size of the earth or soil to be worked by means of different tools on a rotating shaft or rotor shaft, for example in the form of different tine geometries or by changing the speed. It has been found, however, that the spring-mounted suspension of the housing does not lead to a sufficient reduction in soil adhesion. On the other hand, the replacement of tools in the form of tines or even individual rotor shafts is complex.In addition, speed changes on the transmission are only available in very limited ratios.

[0003] From EP 1 673 968 A1 an article according to the preamble of claim 1 is known and furthermore is provided with an inner wall made of an elastomeric material and with a freely swinging end in order to reduce the adhesion of soil.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to improve earth working and in particular soil preparation in a soil working machine.

[0005] The object is achieved by an object according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the subclaims which refer back to claim 1 and in the following description.

[0006] An agricultural work machine according to the invention, in particular in the form of a soil tiller preferably designed as a rotary tiller, is characterized in that the housing has, with respect to the direction of travel during operation, a front and a rear movable housing part with respective inner wall parts, which each extend along the shaft and which each have at least two adjustable, different operating positions, in which the respective inner wall parts of the housing parts are positioned differently to the shaft or its axis of rotation, in particular are spaced differently. The invention is based in particular on the finding that by differently positioning a housing which is at least divided into two parts in the circumferential direction relative to the shaft, the soil conveyed through the channel and worked in the channel is worked in a targeted manner and therefore influenced.By setting the desired housing positions and using two housing sections, namely a front and a rear housing section, with respective inner wall sections, targeted adjustments, particularly changes to the position and / or shape of the housing, can be made, thus also preventing soil buildup. The housing thus serves not only as a housing for the shaft, but with its various operating positions, also as a control variable for soil processing.

[0007] For setting the respective operating position, the working machine has an adjusting device by means of which the housing parts can be fixed in the different operating positions relative to the frame of the working machine or to a fixed housing frame.

[0008] The inner wall parts together, and in particular, completely form the inner wall of the housing. An inner wall within the meaning of the invention is a wall that defines the channel inward, i.e., from the housing toward the shaft or rotation axis. In single-shell housings, the inner wall is also simultaneously an outer wall.

[0009] According to the invention, the operation of the work machine makes it possible to specifically and differently influence the soil initially transferred into the channel during its path through the channel in the circumferential direction, partially around the axis of rotation, by means of the front and rear housing parts, regardless of the direction in which the shaft rotates. During operation, its axis of rotation is angled to the direction of travel in such a way that, in a plan view of the work machine, the direction of travel and the axis of rotation intersect. In particular, the axis of rotation runs at a 90° angle to the direction of travel. Furthermore, the axis of rotation runs at least substantially parallel to the ground in such a way that it forms an angle of + / - 20° to the horizontally running ground. In particular, it runs parallel to the ground.Furthermore, the housing is arranged in sections above the shaft in such a way that, viewed in the direction of the rotation axis, the housing defines the channel at an angle of at least + / - 30° to the vertical through the rotation axis or to the perpendicular to the substrate. In particular, this applies to an angle of + / - 45° and, more preferably, to at least an angular range of + / - 65° to the vertical. In addition, the angular range covered by the housing can preferably be less than 180°.

[0010] The direction of travel of the working machine is set to straight ahead. The channel is the area formed between the shaft and the housing, whereby any tools on the shaft passing through the channel during operation are not taken into account.

[0011] For improved adjustment of the housing parts, they can be pivoted relative to the frame about at least one pivot axis, in particular about one pivot axis each running at an angle to the direction of travel and in particular parallel to the rotation axis of the shaft. For maintenance purposes in particular, the rear housing part can preferably be pivoted upwards by at least 90°.

[0012] Advantageously, the respective pivot bearings are formed at the mutually facing ends of the housing parts, so that a front edge of the front housing part and a rear edge of the rear housing part can pivot upwards. Such pivoting allows the use of a shaft with a larger diameter or longer tools, particularly if the shaft can also be lowered relative to the frame and the housing via a shaft adjustment device. In particular, the at least one pivot bearing, then shared by the two housing parts, is arranged exactly above the shaft.

[0013] Accordingly, the height of the inlet and outlet channels can be adjusted to suit the soil to be worked. This also allows for better access for maintenance of the shaft from both the front and rear.

[0014] In particular, the respective pivot bearings are arranged directly above the shaft, allowing for a symmetrical and, in particular, identical design of the front and rear housing sections. If the front and rear housing sections are also designed identically with regard to the inner wall components, an identical design of the front and rear housing sections can be achieved, which offers advantages for production and maintenance.

[0015] Advantageously, the pivot axes are formed above the inner wall sections defining the channel, so that the pivot bearings are protected from the soil being worked on. In particular, the corresponding edges of the facing edges of the front and rear housing sections are positioned close to each other to leave the smallest possible gap running in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0016] To stiffen at least one of the housing parts, at least one transverse and / or at least one longitudinal support is provided. Such supports are also suitable for arranging any functional parts, in particular for connecting them to a...

[0017] According to a further development of the invention, the longitudinal and / or transverse beams can also form one or more pivot bearings, via which the pivot axis of the respective housing part is defined. Preferably, several longitudinal beams are provided across the width of the housing, viewed in the direction of travel, to which a plurality of transverse beams are attached, in particular extending parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0018] According to a further development of the invention, the inner wall parts of the housing components are at least partially formed from an elastomeric material. Due to the elastic mobility of the inner wall parts, particularly at Shore A hardnesses between 75 and 95, less soil adheres, and soil preparation can be carried out more precisely due to the reduced disruptive influences caused by adhering soil.

[0019] According to a further development of the invention, longitudinal and transverse beams of a respective housing part are fastened to one another to form a housing part frame, in particular wherein at least one of the longitudinal beams is arranged so as to be movable relative to at least one of the transverse beams and / or at least one inner wall part is arranged so as to be movable relative to the housing part frame. For example, a transverse beam can be arranged in longitudinal holes of several longitudinal beams. Due to the relative mobility, the housing part frame, by which the inner wall parts are supported, is deformable, for which purpose suitable adjusting means can be used. The different frame shapes result in different shapes of the inner wall and thus adjustment options for the soil processing.

[0020] A housing part thus comprises, in particular, an inner wall part, possibly also consisting of several parts, and a housing part frame on which the inner wall part(s) are arranged. The housing part frame can be movably mounted in a fixed housing frame or the frame of the working machine.

[0021] In particular, several longitudinal members can be coupled to one another and positively guided in such a way that when the housing frame moves from a first to a second operating position, a different shape of the housing part results.

[0022] According to a further development of the invention, the elastic inner wall parts can also be suspended via elongated holes on at least one of the supports and can be movable relative to them for the purpose of changing their shape.

[0023] Preferably, at least one of the housing parts has different radii of curvature in at least two operating states. By transferring the housing parts from one operating state to the other, different scenarios for soil cultivation are realized, since the characteristics of the channel extending around the shaft change. The radius of curvature corresponds to the radius viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation and from this to the inner surface of the inner wall. The radius of curvature does not have to be a constant radius for the course of the inner wall around the axis of rotation. Rather, it can be a varying radius, so that the distances between identical areas or points on the housing wall and the axis of rotation are different in the at least two operating states.

[0024] Preferably, the front edge pivots by at least 5°, in particular by at least 25°, about the pivot axis. The rear edge can advantageously pivot by at least 5°, in particular by at least 30°, and preferably by at least 45° for improved maintenance in addition to adapted soil cultivation. In particular, the rear edge pivots by at least 90° to create maintenance access.

[0025] Advantageously, for further improved adjustability, at least one front adjusting means is assigned to the front housing part, by means of which the front edge of the front housing part can be adjusted in height and / or along the direction of travel.

[0026] Preferably, the rear housing part is assigned at least one rear adjusting means, by means of which the rear edge of the rear housing part can be adjusted in height and / or along the direction of travel.

[0027] It is understood that the height here is the height above a support surface or a horizontally extending base of the device. Especially in combination with a relatively movable frame, the use of such adjustment devices leads to simple changes in the shape of the housing and thus to an influence on the soil processing.

[0028] Due to improved force introduction, the adjusting means are advantageously arranged at the front or rear edge of the respective housing part, but can also be arranged in a central region of a respective housing part, for example, viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation.

[0029] The control of the work machine according to the invention for further improved soil cultivation is particularly improved if the shaft is mounted on the frame of the work machine via a shaft adjustment device that can be adjusted in height. In a simple variant, this can involve recesses in the frame that are arranged one above the other in height and through which the respective end bearing of the shaft can be mounted at different heights.

[0030] According to a further development of the invention, at least one vibration generator is provided, which is connected to at least one of the housing parts for generating vibration therein. This vibration generator can be integrated into the housing part or arranged on this housing part. The vibration generated by the vibration generator can improve the ability to keep the channel free of soil, which allows for more defined conditions for soil processing. In particular, multiple vibration generators can also be provided across the width of the housing.

[0031] If the housing is segmented with several segments arranged side by side, viewed parallel to the direction of travel, which form part of the inner wall, the at least one vibration generator can be assigned to a segment. If there are multiple vibration generators, several segments can be equipped with one or more vibration generators. In particular, the segments or housing parts are provided with a vibration generator on the side of the housing facing away from the channel, with respect to a longitudinal position in the direction of travel and / or a width position transverse thereto, where soil typically adheres more frequently during operation on the side facing the channel.

[0032] In particular, an excitation signal for the vibration generator is speed-dependent, for example, on the travel speed, for which purpose a corresponding control device can receive and process a speed signal from the working machine. This control device can be integrated into a control unit of the working machine. Additionally, the excitation signal can be configured to be dependent on the shaft speed and / or the soil conditions, for example, soil moisture, for which purpose a moisture sensor can be provided.

[0033] Advantageously, at least one vibration generator is arranged transversely to the direction of travel and, with respect to the direction of travel, between a front and a rear end of each of the housing parts. It therefore acts on the surface of the housing part formed between the front and rear edges and can, in particular, cause this surface to vibrate largely unaffected by any attachment points of the housing part. Alternatively or additionally, the vibration generator can also act directly on any frame of the respective housing part and thus excite large parts of the inner wall or the entire inner wall. For this purpose, the inner wall of the housing parts is preferably at least partly made of an elastomeric material. Even without a vibration generator, the design of the inner wall of the housing part from an elastomeric material enables it to vibrate, which minimizes the adhesion of soil material.

[0034] The vibration generator can alternatively or additionally (then as a further vibration generator) be arranged transversely to the direction of travel at a front or rear end of one of the housing parts with respect to the direction of travel, so that, for example, a movement is introduced onto the housing part by an up and down movement of the front edge on the one hand via a possibly elastomeric material and on the other hand via an associated pivoting about the pivot axis or in the pivot bearing.

[0035] The vibration generator preferably comprises a vibration means that rests against or is connected to the housing part, and wherein the vibration means is designed to exert a force on the housing part, in particular in a direction transverse to the planar extension of the housing part. The force is thus introduced transversely to the planar extension, so that a vibration with a sufficiently large component in the direction of the rotational axis of the shaft is generated, which effectively reduces the buildup of soil on the inner wall of the housing part in the direction of the rotational axis of the shaft.

[0036] For example, a mechanically simple variant of the vibration device is a vibration device, particularly designed in the form of a rotary disk and preferably eccentrically mounted, which can be driven in rotation. This allows the vibration frequency to be changed by simply changing the rotational speed. Preferably, as an alternative or in addition to an eccentric mounting, the rotary disk has different edge distances from the rotational axis of its drive.

[0037] The vibration means can in particular be designed, additionally or alternatively, to be longitudinally movable in a direction transverse to the planar extension of the housing part and, for example, can be arranged as a rod with its end face on the housing part and cause it to vibrate.

[0038] Further advantages and details of the invention can be found in the following description of the figures. Schematically shown: Fig. 1 an object according to the invention in an isometric view, Fig. 2 a part of the object according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a detailed view of a housing part of an object according to the invention, Fig. 4 shows a further detailed view of an object according to the invention, Fig. 5 the object after Fig. 2 in a partially broken view, Fig. 6 the object after Fig. 2 in two different operating positions, Fig. 7 a further partial view of the object according to Fig. 1, Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of an object according to the invention in a view according to Fig. 7, Fig. 9 a schematic diagram of another subject matter according to the invention, Fig. 10 a schematic representation of another subject matter according to the invention.

[0039] Individual technical features of the exemplary embodiments described below can also be combined with previously described exemplary embodiments as well as the features of the independent claim and any further claims to form subject matter according to the invention. Where appropriate, elements that are at least partially functionally equivalent are provided with identical reference numerals.

[0040] An agricultural working machine in the present case is a soil tiller designed as a soil cultivator 2 ( Fig. 1). The soil tillage machine 2 has a shaft 6 provided with a plurality of tools 4, the axis of rotation 8 of which (cf. Fig. 5 and Fig. 7) extends during operation at an angle to the direction of travel F. In the exemplary embodiment, the axis of rotation 8 runs parallel to the ground 10 ( Fig. 6). The soil tillage machine 2 further comprises a housing 13 held on a frame 12 ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 8), which has a circumferential angle of almost 180° ( Fig. 5) is arranged around the shaft 6 and its axis of rotation 8.

[0041] The housing is arranged with respect to a vertical 15, which runs through the axis of rotation 8, at a pivot angle of almost + / - 90° above the axis of rotation and thus above the shaft ( Fig. 5). Between shaft 6 and inner wall parts 18 of the front and rear housing parts 20, 22 of the housing, a channel 16 is formed, in and through which the processed soil or earth is conveyed.

[0042] The front housing part 20 and the rear housing part 22 are arranged to be movable according to the invention and can pivot about pivot axes 32 which are arranged above the shaft 6 ( Fig. 6) and can thus be moved into different operating positions. These are adjustable and can therefore be specified by an operator.

[0043] The housing parts 20, 22 are pivotally mounted in side plates 14 and on center plates 17 via longitudinal beams 30. The housing parts 20, 22 extend in particular completely over the length of the shaft 6 and can support the two Fig. 6 operating positions shown one above the other as well as additional intermediate positions not shown. Accordingly, Fig. 6 shows two inner wall sections 18 of the front and rear housing sections. In the two operating positions shown, the two fixed, adjustable operating positions of the front housing section 20 differ in that, in a pivoted-up, upper operating position, a front edge 34 is further forward and higher relative to the base 10 than the front edge 34 in the pivoted-in, lower position. The same applies to the rear edge 36 of the rear housing section 22. The mobility of the front and rear housing sections 20, 22 is indicated by double arrows 38 in the area of ​​pivot bearings 40.

[0044] In general, the housing of the soil tillage machine 2 is formed by a front and rear housing part 20 and 22, wherein the inner wall of the housing is formed by the two (front and rear) inner wall parts 18.

[0045] The inner wall parts 18, in turn, and thus also the inner wall of the housing, are each formed by several identical segments 24 arranged next to one another when viewed in the direction of travel. The segments 24 are flat, in particular strip-shaped, and are longer when viewed parallel to the direction of travel than transversely. This takes into account the fact that the significant movement of the earth and thus the wear also occurs in the direction of travel and in the circumferential direction around the shaft 6. Areas particularly susceptible to wear, depending on the tool configuration, can thus be easily replaced without having to replace the entire housing wall or inner wall of the housing 13. Both the front and rear housing parts 20, 22 are constructed from the segments 24.

[0046] The segments 24 are in this case completely formed by an elastomeric material with a Shore A hardness between 75 and 95 and can oscillate or vibrate accordingly, in particular in a direction parallel to the vertical 42 ( Fig. 4).

[0047] The segments 24 have longitudinal webs 46 running along their longitudinal edges 44, which stiffen the segments 24. At the same time, the longitudinal webs 46 form receptacles 48 through thickened, widened regions, via which the segments 24 are attached to the cross members 28. These, in turn, are mounted in the longitudinal members 30, whereby one or more cross members can be mounted via elongated holes (not shown) so as to be relatively movable relative to the longitudinal members 30. The cross members and longitudinal members 28, 30 each form a housing part frame that is pivotally movable relative to the frame 12.

[0048] For a better and more sealed fit of the segments to each other, they have recesses or shoulders 26 along the longitudinal edges 44, which have complementary shapes on the sides facing each other ( Fig. 3) and through which a seal is created in the system, due to which the soil is better held in the channel 16. Segments 24 arranged next to one another are thus arranged partially overlapping.

[0049] The receptacles 48 provide fastening means that can be used for attachment to the housing frame or for attachment to one another. Depending on the different operating states of the rear and front housing parts 20, 22, the segments 24 also have correspondingly different operating states with different distances of the inner wall from the rotation axis 8.

[0050] In addition, the soil tillage machine 2 is provided with a shaft adjustment device 50, shown only in dashed lines and arranged at the end of the shaft 6, by means of which the shaft can be adjusted to the position shown in the Fig. 6 and can be secured there. The shaft adjustment device 50 allows for height adjustment of the shaft on the frame 12 of the soil tillage machine 2.

[0051] Both the front and the rear housing part 20, 22 are adjustable via a front and a rear adjusting means 52, namely adjustable about the respective pivot axis 32, which, for example, in the Fig. 5 is perpendicular to the plane of the figure. For example, the adjusting means 52 is a hydraulic cylinder which is fixed to the frame and is attached to a lateral longitudinal member 46 ( Fig. 8) or a simple mechanical fixing of the housing parts 20, 22 to the frame 12 by means of a screw means which is adjustable in length ( Fig. 7).

[0052] Vibrations are transmitted from vibration generators arranged on the frame side to the outer surfaces 54 via their vibration means 56. As a result, the rotational speeds of vibration means 56 in the form of eccentrically arranged rotary disks or the frequencies of vibration means 56 in the form of longitudinally movable stamps perpendicular to the surface 54 are specified, in particular depending on the speed, via a corresponding control device 55, which may be part of the machine control system of the working machine ( Fig. 9 and Fig. 10). QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] EP 1 673 968 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Agricultural working machine, in particular in the form of a soil tiller (2), preferably designed as a tiller, comprising a shaft (6) provided with at least one tool (4), the axis of rotation (8) of which extends during operation at an angle to the direction of travel (F) and at least substantially parallel to the ground (10), and comprising a housing (13) arranged on a frame (12) of the working machine, which housing is arranged at least in sections above the shaft (6) and has an inner wall delimiting a channel (16) between the shaft (6) and the housing (13), characterized bythat the housing has, with respect to the direction of travel, a front and a rear, movable housing part (20, 22) with respective inner wall parts (18), which each extend along the shaft (6) and which each have at least two adjustable, different operating positions, in which the respective inner wall parts (18) of the housing parts (20, 22) are positioned differently to the shaft (6). [2] Working machine according to claim 1, characterized by that the housing parts (20, 22) are pivotable relative to the frame (12) about at least one pivot axis (32) and in particular about one pivot axis (32) each running at an angle to the direction of travel (F) and in particular parallel to the axis of rotation (8) of the shaft (6). [3] Working machine according to claim 2, characterized bythat respective pivot bearings (40) are formed at the mutually facing ends of the housing parts (20, 22) and in particular above the inner wall parts (18) delimiting the channel (16). [4] Working machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one cross member (28) and / or at least one longitudinal member (30) is provided to stiffen at least one of the housing parts (20, 22). [5] Working machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the inner wall parts (18) are at least partly formed from an elastomeric material. [6] Working machine according to one of the preceding claims, including claims 4 and 5, characterized bythat longitudinal and transverse supports (28, 30) of a respective housing part (20, 22) are fastened to one another to form a housing part frame, in particular wherein at least one of the longitudinal supports (30) is arranged to be movable relative to at least one of the transverse supports (28) and / or at least one inner wall part (18) is arranged to be movable relative to the housing part frame. [7] Working machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one of the inner wall parts (18) has different radii of curvature in at least two operating states. [8] Working machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one front adjusting means (52) is assigned to the front housing part (20), via which a front edge (34) of the front housing part (20) can be adjusted in height and / or along the direction of travel (F). [9] Working machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the rear housing part (22) is assigned at least one rear adjusting means (52), via which the rear edge (36) of the rear housing part (22) can be adjusted in height and / or along the direction of travel (F). [10] Working machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the shaft (6) is arranged on the frame (12) of the working machine in a height-adjustable manner via a shaft adjusting device (50). [11] Working machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one vibration generator connected to at least one of the housing parts (20, 22) for exciting a vibration thereof. [12] Working machine according to claim 11, characterized by that the vibration generator is viewed transversely to the direction of travel (F) and is arranged between a front and a rear end of one of the housing parts (20, 22) with respect to the direction of travel. [13] Working machine according to claim 11, characterized bythat the vibration generator is arranged at a front or rear end of one of the housing parts (20, 22) viewed transversely to the direction of travel (F). [14] Working machine according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by in that the vibration generator comprises a vibration means (56) which rests on the housing part (20, 22) or is connected thereto, and wherein the vibration means (56) is designed to exert a force on the housing part (20, 22), in particular in a direction transverse to the planar extension of the housing part (20, 22). [15] Working machine according to claim 14, characterized by that the vibration means (56), which is designed in particular in the form of a turntable, is designed to be driven in rotation and / or to be longitudinally movable in a direction transverse to the planar extension of the housing part (22).

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