Calibration sample collection container and unit for carrying out calibration tests with a distribution machine and such a calibration sample collection container

Abstract

Calibration sample collection container (50) for carrying out calibration tests on distribution material, in particular fertilizer and / or seed, in a distribution machine, with a container frame (52) defining an inlet opening (53) and a pocket (54) fastened to the circumference of the container frame (52) for receiving the distribution material, characterized in that the container frame (52) defining the inlet opening (53) has two frame parts (52a, 52b) which are pivotally connected to one another about an axis (A) and which can be pivoted between an operating position in which the frame parts (52a, 52b) are arranged substantially in one plane and delimit a maximum opening cross-section of the inlet opening (53), and a rest position in which the frame parts (52a, 52b) are arranged at an angle of less than 180° to one another and delimit an opening cross-section of the inlet opening (53) which is smaller than in the operating position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a calibration sample collection container for conducting calibration tests on distribution material, in particular fertilizer and / or seed, in a distribution machine, comprising a container frame surrounding an inlet opening and a pocket attached to the circumference of the container frame for receiving the distribution material. The invention further relates to a unit for conducting calibration tests on distribution material, in particular fertilizer and / or seed, in a distribution machine, comprising: (a) a distribution machine with at least one storage container for receiving material to be distributed, with at least one outlet opening, at least one metering device arranged downstream of the outlet opening of the storage container, and at least one distribution device arranged downstream of the metering device; and (b) at least one calibration sample collection container of the aforementioned type.

[0002] Such distribution machines, which on the one hand can be implemented in a lightweight design as attachments that can be coupled to the three-point linkage of a tractor, or on the other hand in a heavy-duty design that can be mounted on an axle-supported trailer or a self-propelled vehicle, are used primarily in agriculture, particularly in the form of pneumatic distribution machines, such as pneumatic fertilizer spreaders, seed drills, seed drills or the like, but also in the form of centrifugal or disc spreaders for spreading powdered or particulate material, such as fertilizer, seed and the like, in a wide variety of designs. They usually comprise a storage container for holding the material to be distributed, below which the dosing element(s) is or are arranged. While centrifugal or disc spreadersWhile disc spreaders can usually use actuator- or manually-operated dosing slides as dosing devices, which interact with one or more outlet openings in the storage container and are followed by a distribution device in the form of a distribution disc equipped with throwing vanes and rotating about an approximately vertical axis, the dosing devices of pneumatic distribution machines usually have a dosing roller driven to rotate about a rotational axis, which can be designed, for example, in the form of a cellular wheel and / or cam wheel roller. The dosing roller is mounted in a dosing housing, which generally has a dosing inlet arranged in the region of its upper side and connected to an outlet opening in the storage container, and a dosing outlet arranged in the region of its underside.

[0003] Pneumatic distribution machines also typically include laterally projecting outwardly extending arms that accommodate delivery lines ending at varying distances from one another. A blower is used to convey the material to be distributed. Its pressure line connects, for example, to the metering outlet of the metering housing of a respective metering device and opens into a pressure distributor, to which the delivery lines are connected. Transfer chambers arranged between the pressure distributor and the delivery lines, which can expediently be equipped with injectors each comprising a nozzle and a diffuser, serve to transfer the material to be distributed from the metering roller of the metering device to the delivery lines, ensuring that each delivery line receives the same or the desired amount of material to be distributed.The material to be spread is then pneumatically conveyed through the outwardly deflected conveyor lines to their ends, where it is transferred to the corresponding distribution devices. Depending on the design of the spreading machine or the type of material to be spread, these devices can be designed, for example, in the form of impact devices such as impact plates, impact plates, or the like. The material being pneumatically transported in a given conveyor line strikes these devices and is then deposited on the ground in a fan-shaped pattern.Other types of distribution devices, such as those used in particular for seed distribution, but also for deep fertilization, can include injection devices for introducing the distribution material into the soil, as known, for example, from WO 2015 / 120982 A1, to introduce the distribution material into a soil furrow and to close the furrow again, preferably using downstream slotted closure devices, such as harrows or the like. Other common distribution devices include seed coulters or seed tines, which also create a slot in the soil into which the distribution material can be deposited.

[0004] Such a pneumatic distribution machine is known, for example, from WO 2018 / 219489 A1. The distribution machine comprises a plurality of metering units, whose metering rollers have a plurality of metering wheel segments that are rotationally driven in a controlled or regulated manner. Each metering wheel segment of a respective metering wheel transfers the mass flow of distribution material metered by it to a transfer chamber of a respective conveyor line, which feeds the distribution material to a respective distribution unit. This results in a very fine subdivision of possible partial widths, with each metering wheel segment being able to supply a partial width of the total working width of the distribution machine, e.g., a single distribution unit or groups of distribution units.

[0005] The transfer chambers, which are often equipped with an injector with a nozzle and a diffuser, are usually arranged at a very low height level below a respective dosing device, which in turn is positioned below a respective outlet opening of the storage container receiving the material to be distributed, on the one hand for reasons of space, and on the other hand to achieve the lowest possible center of gravity of the distribution machine and the efforts to give the storage container the largest possible capacity.Consequently, the space available for conducting a calibration test is generally very limited and difficult to access, especially since a calibration sample collection container for the material metered during the calibration test must be arranged below the transfer chambers in order to collect the material metered over a specified period of time with a specified setting of the metering device and to determine its mass, usually gravimetrically. In order to be able to combine the operations of fertilizing and / or sowing with soil cultivation in a space-saving manner, some pneumatic distribution machines, particularly in the form of so-called seed drills, are often also equipped with active or passive soil cultivation implements, such as packer rollers, rotary harrows and the like, which further limits the space available for a calibration test.However, it is essential for the calibration test that all of the material dosed during its execution can be safely collected in order to ensure a high degree of accuracy in the adjustment of the metering devices during the subsequent fertilising / seeding process and to avoid incorrect dosing, particularly overdosing, also known as “calibration errors” due to only partially collected material, both for economic reasons and for environmental reasons.

[0006] In practice, calibration tests are therefore only possible for a few transfer chambers, particularly when the distribution machine has multiple distribution lines, each of which is assigned its own transfer chamber. The respective transfer chamber must be partially dismantled in a more or less complex manner in order to collect the metered distribution material during the calibration test using a calibration sample collection container. If multiple transfer chambers are equipped with sampling openings intended for conducting calibration tests, their closure elements must be opened individually for each upper chamber and closed again after the calibration test, which also proves to be laborious and complex in terms of handling.Finally, the calibration sample collection container often has to be held manually below the respective removal opening, which, particularly in view of the generally difficult accessibility of the transfer chambers, entails the risk that the distribution material dosed during the calibration test is not completely collected if the calibration sample collection container "slips", for example, during the calibration test.

[0007] The calibration sample collection container itself, in terms of its external dimensions, can be adapted to the space available on the respective distribution machine, which is why it often proves to be unwieldy. Furthermore, the weight of conventional calibration sample collection containers, for example, those made of stainless steel, is usually relatively high, which also complicates handling for the user. Finally, it would be desirable if the calibration sample collection container could be easily and conveniently suspended from a scale for gravimetric recording of the distribution material dosed during a calibration test, without the risk of accidentally spilling any portion of the distribution material.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of developing a calibration sample collection container of the type mentioned above in a simple and cost-effective manner such that the handling of the calibration sample collection container by the user is simplified while at least largely avoiding the aforementioned disadvantages. It is further directed to a unit for conducting calibration tests of the type mentioned above, which comprises a distribution machine and such a calibration sample collection container.

[0009] According to the invention, this object is achieved in a calibration sample collection container of the type mentioned at the outset in that the container frame surrounding the inlet opening has two frame parts which are pivotally connected to one another about an axis and which can be pivoted between an operating position in which the frame parts are arranged substantially in one plane and delimit a maximum opening cross-section of the inlet opening, and a rest position in which the frame parts are arranged at an angle of less than 180° to one another and delimit an opening cross-section of the inlet opening which is smaller than the operating position.

[0010] To achieve this object, the invention further provides a unit for carrying out calibration tests on distribution material in a distribution machine, comprising: (a) a distribution machine with at least one storage container for receiving distribution material with at least one outlet opening, at least one metering device arranged downstream of the outlet opening of the storage container and at least one distribution device arranged downstream of the metering device, such as in the form of an agricultural distribution machine, preferably in the form of a pneumatic fertilizer spreader, a seed drill, a seed drill or a centrifugal spreader; and (b) at least one calibration sample collection container of the aforementioned type.

[0011] The inventive design of the calibration sample collection container consequently provides that its container frame, which borders the inlet opening, has two frame parts which are pivotally connected to one another about an axis and which can be pivoted between an operating position in which the frame parts are arranged approximately in one plane (i.e. they are arranged at an angle of approximately 180° to one another) and delimit a maximum opening cross-section of the inlet opening, and a rest position in which the frame parts are arranged at an angle of less than 180° to one another and delimit an opening cross-section of the inlet opening which is smaller than in the operating position.In this way, the cross-section of the calibration sample collection container can be changed by partially or essentially completely pivoting the two frame parts of the container frame about their axis. This makes handling of the calibration sample collection container easier during calibration tests. Even when the available space for the distribution machine is very small, the calibration sample collection container can be positioned below the dosing device or - e.g. in the case of a pneumatic distribution machine - below the transfer chamber(s). After the calibration test has been carried out, the calibration sample collection container can be folded up compactly by pivoting the frame parts into their rest position. This allows it to be transported, for example, to a scale for gravimetric recording of the dosed distribution material, without the distribution material having to be transferred to a special transport or weighing container.

[0012] The calibration sample collection container can, in principle, have practically any shape adapted to the available installation space of a respective distribution machine, whereby it can, in particular, have a substantially rectangular container frame when this is in its operating position.

[0013] The two frame parts of the container frame, which are pivotally connected to one another, can preferably each define approximately half of the inlet opening, wherein they can in particular have essentially mirror-symmetrical shapes.

[0014] The axis about which the frame parts of the container frame are pivotable between their operating and rest positions can advantageously extend substantially parallel to two opposite sides of a respective frame part of the container frame.

[0015] In this case, the frame parts of the container frame can be substantially U-shaped, particularly if the container frame is approximately rectangular or square overall, and can, for example, each define at least one side and approximately half of the adjacent sides of the circumference of the inlet opening of the calibration sample collection container. The axis about which the two frame parts of the container frame can pivot between their operating position and their rest position can preferably extend through end sections of the U-shaped legs of the frame parts of the container frame.

[0016] In order to form a predefined inlet opening which is always the same and reproducible after each pivoting of the frame parts of the container frame when the frame parts of the container frame are in their operating position, for example at least one of the frame parts of the container frame can have an abutment against which the other frame part abuts when the frame parts are in their operating position.

[0017] The frame parts of the container frame can also preferably be assigned a locking means which is designed to lock the frame parts to one another in their operating position in order to prevent the frame parts of the container frame from being accidentally folded at least partially into their rest position during a calibration test. The locking means can be any locking means known as such, such as hooks, clamps, grips including manually tightenable clamping screws or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the locking means can also be designed, for example, in the form of complementary latching means on the frame parts of the container frame, which engage with one another when the frame parts are folded into their operating position and which must be disengaged from one another again when the frame parts are to be folded into their rest position.

[0018] According to an advantageous development of the calibration sample collection container according to the invention, at least one first handle can be arranged on the container frame in such a way that the frame parts are preloaded into their operating position due to gravity when the calibration sample collection container is held by the first handle. If the calibration sample collection container is thus grasped by the first handle, the frame parts are stabilized in their operating position due to gravity and prevented from being accidentally folded toward their rest position. They can be locked in the operating position if necessary - either automatically by means of the aforementioned locking means and / or manually by means of other locking means - thereby ensuring particularly simple and convenient handling of the calibration sample collection container during calibration tests.

[0019] From a design point of view, it can be provided in this context that the first handle is arranged on (only) one of the frame parts of the container frame, wherein it can be arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis, preferably above the axis.

[0020] The first handle can in principle have any geometric shape, for example it can be designed essentially in the form of a handle bar which extends in particular essentially parallel to the axis about which the frame parts of the container frame can be pivoted.

[0021] Alternatively, or in particular in addition to the first handle, it can further be provided that at least one second handle is arranged on the container frame in such a way that the frame parts are preloaded into their rest position due to gravity when the calibration sample collection container is held by means of the second handle. If the calibration sample collection container is consequently grasped by the second handle, the frame parts are stabilized in their rest position due to gravity and are prevented from being accidentally folded towards their operating position, as may be desired, for example, if the calibration sample collection container is to be inserted into and / or pulled out of a narrow installation space in the distribution machine, or if the calibration sample collection container is to be hung on a scale, for example, in order to determine the weight of the distribution material dosed during a calibration test.This also results in very simple and convenient handling of the calibration sample collection container.

[0022] From a design perspective, it can be provided in this context that the second handle is arranged on both the first frame part and the second frame part of the container frame, wherein it can, for example, connect the first and second frame parts to one another. The second handle can, for example, have at least one flexible band or cable element that connects the first frame part to the second frame part of the container frame, wherein the band or cable element extends in particular substantially perpendicular to the axis about which the frame parts of the container frame are pivotable.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the pocket attached to the container frame is made of a flexible material, in particular primarily of a textile material and / or a film material, so that the pocket does not impair the pivotability of the frame parts of the container frame and, in addition, the weight of the calibration sample collection container is reduced.

[0024] In order to avoid having to manually hold the calibration sample collection container when performing calibration tests, an advantageous embodiment can further provide a holding means arranged on the container frame, which is designed to hold the container frame to a holding device of the distribution machine when performing calibration tests. The holding means can, in principle, be designed in any suitable manner for holding the calibration sample collection container, for example, comprising two substantially parallel rails extending on opposite sides of a respective frame part of the container frame.

[0025] In a unit according to the invention for carrying out calibration tests on distribution material in a distribution machine, it can be provided in this context that the distribution machine has a holding device below its at least one dosing element, which is designed for the detachable holding of the calibration sample collecting container, wherein in particular - the holding device of the distribution machine comprises two guide rails which are designed to support the calibration sample collection container and to insert and remove it into or from a space below the dosing device, and - a holding means of the calibration sample collection container has two rails complementary to the guide rails of the holding device, which is designed to hold, for example for hanging, the container frame of the calibration sample collection container on the holding device of the distribution machine when carrying out calibration tests.

[0026] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an agricultural distribution machine of a unit according to the invention for carrying out calibration tests on distribution material, wherein the distribution machine is designed as a pneumatic distribution machine for spreading distribution material in the form of a pneumatic spreader designed as a trailing device; Fig. 2 a schematic perspective detailed view of the distribution machine according to Fig. 1 in the area of two of its dosing elements; Fig. 3 a schematic perspective detailed view of a plurality of conveyor lines in the area of transfer chambers of the distribution machine, each provided with a pivotable base section, according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, wherein the pivoting floor sections are in their closed position; Fig. 4 a schematic side view of the transfer chambers each provided with a pivoting floor section according to Fig. 3, wherein the pivotable base sections are locked in their closed position by means of a locking device, wherein a Fig. 3 the handle shown has been omitted for illustrative purposes of the locking device; Fig. 5 one of the Fig. 4 corresponding schematic side view after the locking device has been moved into a position in which the pivotable base sections, which are still in their closed position, have been released and can now be pivoted about their common pivot axis into their open position; Fig. 6 one essentially of the Fig. 3 corresponding schematic perspective detailed view of the plurality of conveyor lines in the region of the transfer chambers each provided with a pivotable base section, wherein the pivotable base sections are in their open position, in which a respective opening cross-section of the transfer chambers is released and enables the performance of a calibration test; Fig. 7 one essentially of the Fig. 4 corresponding schematic side view of the transfer chambers provided with the pivoting floor sections according to Fig. 6, wherein the pivoting floor sections in their opening position are in accordance with the Fig. 6 are located; Fig. 8 a schematic sectional view of transfer chambers equipped with an injector similar to the side view of the Fig. 7, wherein the pivotable floor sections are in their opening position; Fig. 9 a schematic sectional view of the transfer chambers equipped with an injector according to Fig. 8, whereby the pivoting floor sections in their closed position are in accordance with the Fig. 3 to 5; Fig. 10 a schematic perspective detailed view of a pivotable bottom section of the transfer chambers equipped with an injector according to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9; Fig. 11 one of the Fig. 6 corresponding schematic perspective detailed view of the plurality of conveyor lines in the region of the transfer chambers each provided with a pivotable base section, wherein the pivotable base sections are in their open position, in a situation in which a calibration sample collection container is introduced into the installation space below the transfer chambers in order to carry out a calibration test; Fig. 12 essentially the Fig. 4, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 corresponding schematic side view of the transfer chambers provided with the pivoting floor sections according to Fig. 11, wherein the pivoting floor sections in their opening position are in accordance with the Fig. 6 to 8, with the calibration sample collection container of the Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective exploded view of a plurality of conveyor lines in the area of the transfer chambers each provided with a pivotable base section; Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a calibration sample collection container according to the invention of a unit for carrying out calibration tests on distribution material, viewed obliquely from above and from the front, wherein the frame parts of the container frame are in their operating position; Fig. 15 a schematic perspective view of the calibration sample collection container according to Fig. 14 viewed from above and behind; Fig. 16 a schematic perspective view of the calibration sample collection container according to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 viewed from below and from the front; Fig. 17 one of the Fig. 14 corresponding schematic perspective view of the calibration sample collection container according to Fig. 14 to 16, wherein the frame parts of the container frame are moved from their operating position of the Fig. 14 to 16 have been pivoted slightly towards their rest position; Fig. 18 a schematic perspective top view of the calibration sample collection container according to Fig. 14 to 17 with the frame parts of the container frame in their operating position; Fig. 19 a schematic side view of the calibration sample collection container according to Fig. 14 to 18 with the frame parts of the container frame in their operating position; and Fig. 20 a schematic detailed view of the frame parts of the container frame abutting one another in their operating position.

[0027] In the Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an agricultural spreading machine in the form of a single-axle trailer pulled by a tractor (not shown), which is designed as a pneumatic spreader for powdered or particulate material to be distributed, such as fertilizer and / or seeds. The spreading machine has a storage container 2, in the present case provided with a roof 1, which is held by a support frame for receiving the material to be distributed, the lateral, front and rear walls of which taper inwards in the lower area to at least one floor trough, which in the Fig. 1 has outlet openings not visible, each of which has a dosing element (see reference numeral 10 of Fig. 2). For example, one, two, three or more outlet openings can be provided on each longitudinal side of the lower portion of the storage container 2, each of which is provided with a dosing device 10.

[0028] The Fig. 1 dosing elements 10, which are not shown in detail, are arranged, for example, at different heights and each supply a plurality of conveyor lines 3 with the metered distribution material, wherein the conveyor lines 3 are each combined into packages and initially guided backwards to a lifting frame 4 and then deflected outwards. For this purpose, the lifting frame 4 accommodates two (shown broken away) booms 5, which are in their Fig. 1 shown operating position extend on both sides essentially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the distributor. Each boom 5 is pivotally connected to the lifting frame 4 and is expediently designed with multiple joints, so that individual boom sections can be moved together with the conveyor lines 3 from the outwardly extended operating position according to the Fig. 1 can be folded into a folded rest or transport position (not shown in the drawing). The conveyor lines 3 carried by the booms 5 end at different distances from the longitudinal axis of the distribution machine at distribution elements 6, which are connected, for example, to a terminal bend of a respective conveyor line 3 and are designed as impact elements, e.g. in the form of impact plates or impact plates, in order to distribute the flow of distribution material emerging from the conveyor lines 3 into adjacently arranged surface areas on the ground.

[0029] As the Fig. 1 and in particular the Fig. 2, two blowers 7 are arranged in front of the front end wall of the storage container 2, viewed in the direction of travel F. These blowers serve to generate an air flow for transporting the material to be distributed, which is metered by means of the metering devices 10, through the conveying lines 3 and, for reasons of space, are arranged, for example, with their axis transverse to the direction of travel F. The pressure lines 8 of each blower 7 each have an outlet 8a assigned to each metering device 10 (cf. Fig. 2), which is connected upstream of a respective dosing element 10 to a respective Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 not visible air distributor, in order to distribute the compressed air to the number of delivery lines 3 assigned to each dosing device 10. Immediately downstream of each air distributor, each delivery line 3 has a transfer chamber 9 (see the Fig. 2) which is connected to an injector 33 comprising a nozzle 34 and a diffuser 35 (see the Fig. 8 to 10) and into which the dosed distribution material is transferred from the respective dosing device 10.

[0030] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the pneumatic distribution machine in the area of two of its metering elements 10, each of which has a rotatably driven metering roller 11 for metering the material to be distributed, which, depending on the type of material to be distributed, can be designed, for example, in the manner of a cam roller, a cellular wheel roller or the like. Each metering element 10 supplies a plurality of conveyor lines 3 and comprises a metering housing 12, in which the metering roller 11, which is driven rotatably about an axis of rotation that is approximately horizontal in the present case, is mounted and which is arranged below a respective outlet opening of the storage container 2 (see above) and is able to guide the material to be distributed up to the surface of the metering roller 11. For this purpose, the metering housing 12 of a respective metering element 10 has, on the one hand, a connecting element 13 that communicates with a respective outlet opening of the storage container 2, e.g.a dosing inlet 13 arranged directly below a respective outlet opening, which, for example, comprises an inlet funnel 14. On the other hand, the dosing housing 12 of a respective dosing element 10 has one or more dosing outlets 15 arranged downstream of the dosing inlet 13, as viewed in the direction of rotation of the dosing roller 101 (cf. in particular FIG. Fig. 3 ff), which each communicate with one or more - here two - transfer chambers 9 of a respective conveyor line 3 and are in turn arranged, for example, directly above the same. In addition, a respective metering element 10 can be equipped, for example, with a cover 16, which extends at least over the metering outlet 15 up to - again viewed in the direction of rotation of the metering roller 11 - the inlet funnel 14 of the metering inlet 13. The metering elements 10 can, for example, each comprise a single, controlled or regulated rotationally driven metering roller 11, or they can, in particular, each be equipped with a metering roller 11, which has a plurality of independently controlled or regulated rotationally driven metering wheel segments, wherein a respective metering wheel segment can, for example, supply a single or a pair of transfer chambers 9 in order to ensure very fine section control (cf.see WO 2018 / 219489 A1 cited at the beginning).

[0031] In the Fig. 3 to 13 schematically depict various views of some conveying lines 3 of the pneumatic distribution machine, which are guided in essentially parallel tube bundles, in the region of their transfer chambers 9. As can be seen therefrom, the transfer chambers 9 are each provided with a base section 17 on a bottom-side circumferential section of the corresponding conveying lines 3, wherein the base sections 17 of a respective transfer chamber 9 are pivotable about a common pivot axis S arranged essentially perpendicular to the direction of extension of a respective conveying line 3 - i.e. essentially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the material to be distributed and approximately horizontally - between a closed position, in which the respective base section 17 closes the respective transfer chamber 9 (cf. Fig. 3 to 5 and 9), and an opening position in which the respective base section 17 releases an opening cross-section of a respective transfer chamber 9 and is arranged outside the respective opening cross-section (cf. the Fig. 6 to 8, 11 and 12). The pivotable floor sections 17 preferably extend over at least approximately 180° of the floor-side circumference of a respective transfer chamber 9, so that when carrying out calibration tests, when the pivotable floor sections 17 are in their open position according to the Fig. 6 to 8, 11 and 12, it is ensured that no portions of the metered distribution material reach the interior of the transfer chambers 9 and are retained. The pivotable base sections 17 can furthermore be expediently equipped with a circumferential seal 18 each, which in the closed position of the base sections 17 according to the Fig. 3 to 5 and 9 against the stationary upper section of a respective transfer chamber 9 to the sealing system (see in particular in the detailed view of the Fig. 10 and in the exploded view of the Fig. 13, there the cut-out floor section 17 on the left). In the present embodiment, the common pivot axis S of the pivotable floor sections 17 of the transfer chambers 9 is formed by a shaft 19 arranged below the conveyor lines 3 or their transfer chambers 9, which shaft 19 can, for example, be designed in one piece or composed of a plurality of coaxial shaft stubs. The shaft 19 forming the common pivot axis S of the floor sections 17 can be mounted below a respective transfer chamber 9 or - as in the present case - mounted in a rotationally fixed manner, with a respective pivotable floor section 17 being mounted on the shaft 19.

[0032] As can be seen from the Fig. 8 to 10, the transfer chambers 9 are expediently equipped with injectors 33, each of which has a nozzle 34 with an inner cross-section tapering in the conveying direction of the material to be distributed, and a diffuser 35 with an inner cross-section widening in the conveying direction of the material to be distributed. The nozzle 34 and the diffuser 35 of a respective injector 33 are, in the present embodiment, detachably fastened, such as screwed, to a respective pivotable base section 17 of a respective transfer chamber 9, so that the injector 33 is pivoted completely out of the transfer chamber 9 when the pivotable base section 17 is in its open position according to the Fig. 8, whereas the injector 33 is automatically arranged in its intended position inside the transfer chamber 9 when the pivotable bottom section 17 is in its closed position according to the Fig. 9 is located.

[0033] In order to jointly actuate the pivotable base sections 17 of the transfer chambers 9, which are arranged downstream of a respective dosing element 10, and to pivot them jointly between their closed position and their open position, the pivotable base sections 17 of the transfer chambers 9 are connected to one another in the illustrated embodiment by means of a connecting shaft 20 which is arranged substantially parallel to the common pivot axis S of the base sections 17 and at a radial distance therefrom and which is mounted, for example, in aligned bores of the pivotable base sections 19 of the transfer chambers 9 (cf. in particular the Fig. 13) and pivoting movements of the base sections 17 are synchronized in order to be able to open and close the opening cross-sections of the transfer chambers 9 together. On the connecting shaft 20 of the pivoting base sections 17, a Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 13 recognizable locking device 21 is fixed in a rotationally fixed manner in order to hold the Fig. 3 to 5 and 9 by turning the connecting shaft 20. The locking device 21 comprises in the present case one or more hooks 22, which can be moved by turning the connecting shaft 20 in the direction of the arrows P of the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 can be brought into or out of engagement with one or more complementary engagement means 23, such as in the form of a pin or the like cooperating with the hook, arranged stationary on the outside of one or more transfer chambers 9 or on the frame of the distribution machine. For the rotationally fixed fastening of the hook 22 of the locking device 21 on the connecting shaft 21, the latter can, for example, have a non-circular outer cross-section, e.g. in the form of a polygonal profile, wherein the non-circular outer cross-section of the connecting shaft 20 engages in a bore with a complementary, non-circular inner cross-section of the hook 22 seated on the connecting shaft 20 (cf. in particular the Fig. 13).

[0034] In the embodiment shown, a handle 24 - here essentially in the form of a lever 25 - is also fastened in a rotationally fixed manner to the connecting shaft 20 of the pivotable base sections 17 of the transfer chambers 9, which can be achieved, for example, by the lever 25 of the handle 24 corresponding to the hook 22 of the locking device 21 having a bore with a non-circular inner cross-section complementary to the non-circular outer cross-section of the connecting shaft 20, with which the connecting shaft 20 is in engagement (cf. again in particular the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 13). The particularly in the Fig. 3, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 recognizable handle 24 serves on the one hand for the simple manual joint pivoting of the floor sections 17 of the transfer chambers 9 between their closed position and their open position, and on the other hand for the simple manual joint locking or releasing of the hooks 22 of the locking device 21 when the pivotable floor sections 17 are in their closed position according to the Fig. 3 to 5 and 9 by moving the lever 23 of the handle 24 according to the arrows P of the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is rotated in the circumferential direction of the connecting shaft 20. The handle 22 can also be assigned a quick-release fastener 26 in order to lock it in the closed position of the pivotable bottom sections 17 of the transfer chambers 9 according to the Fig. 3 to 5 and 9, wherein the quick-release fastener 26 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a push button 27, upon actuation of which the handle 22 can be moved, otherwise a movement of the handle 22 is blocked (cf. in particular the Fig. 13). In terms of construction, this can be ensured, for example, by the push button 27, which is preloaded mechanically, e.g. by means of a spring (not shown in the drawing), in particular in the blocking position, being connected to a locking body 28, which, in the blocked state of the quick-release fastener 26, is connected to a locking structure 29 complementary thereto on the outside of a transfer chamber 9 or on the frame of the distribution machine (cf. Fig. 3, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 and 11 and 12) is engaged, whereas the locking body 28 of the quick-release fastener 26 can be disengaged from the locking structure 29 when the push button 27 is pressed in order to be able to move the handle 22 both rotationally (to release or lock the locking device 21) and translationally (to open or close the pivotable base sections 27).

[0035] As in particular the Fig. 4 to 7, 12 and 13, the pivotable floor sections 17 of the transfer chambers 9 are each assigned a locking device 36, which is used to hold the pivotable floor sections 17 in their open position according to the Fig. 6 to 8, 11 and 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing, the locking device 36 comprises an elastically flexible locking element made, for example, from rubber, silicone or other elastomers in the manner of an elastic molded body, which can be brought into engagement with an approximately lever-shaped extension 37 of a respective pivotable base section 17 of the transfer chambers 9, the extension extending with a radial extension component away from the pivot axis S, when the pivotable base section 17 is in its open position. In this way, the pivotable base sections 19 in their open position are locked in their open position during calibration tests, without there being a risk of them being inadvertently pivoted at least partially back towards their closed position.

[0036] As particularly in the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, a holding device 30 is arranged below the opening cross-sections of the transfer chambers 9, which can be closed by means of a respective pivotable base section 17, which holding device is designed for the detachable holding of a calibration sample collecting container 50 which can be introduced into a construction space below the pivotable base sections 17 (cf. Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 for illustrative purposes only shown very schematically and broken away, the following description with reference to the Fig. 14 to 20) when the pivotable base sections 17 are in their open position. The holding device 30 comprises, for example, two parallel guide rails 31 arranged at opposite ends of the opening cross sections of the transfer chambers 9 released by the pivotable base sections 17 in their open position and extending approximately parallel to the common pivot axis S of the base sections 17 and to their connecting shaft 20, which guide rails are designed, on the one hand, to carry the calibration sample collecting container 50 and to insert and push the same into the installation space below the pivotable base sections 17 (cf. the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12). As can be seen from the following Fig. 14 to 20, the calibration sample collection container 50 consequently comprises a holding means 51 complementary to the holding device 30 of the distribution machine, which is designed to hold the calibration sample collection container 50 on the holding device 30 when carrying out calibration tests.

[0037] The calibration sample collection container 50 is shown below with reference to the Fig. 14 to 20 are explained in detail. As can be seen from this, the calibration sample collection container 50 has a container frame 52, in the present case essentially rectangular, which defines an inlet opening 53 for receiving the distribution material dosed during the performance of a calibration test. On the circumference of the container frame 52, a pocket 54, essentially in the form of a collecting bag and made of a flexible sheet material, such as a textile material and / or a (plastic) film material, is fixed. In order to ensure simple and convenient handling of the calibration sample collection container 50 and to give it a compact shape if necessary, for example whenis to be introduced, pushed out, transported or weighed into the installation space of the distribution machine, the container frame 52 which borders the inlet opening 53 is formed from two frame parts 52a, 52b which are pivotally connected to one another about an axis A and which in the present case have an approximately U-shaped configuration and each border approximately half of the inlet opening 53. The axis A, about which the two frame parts 52a, 52b of the container frame 52 are pivotable, extends in the exemplary embodiment shown essentially parallel to those two opposite sides of a respective frame part 52a, 52b of the container frame 52 which form the U-webs of the U-shaped frame parts 52a, 52b, wherein it extends through the respective mutually facing end sections of the U-legs of a respective frame part 52a, 52b of the container frame 52.From a structural point of view, the axis A is formed, for example, by a screw / nut unit which passes through aligned bores in the end sections of the respective, mutually facing end sections of the U-legs of a respective frame part 52a, 52b of the container frame 52.

[0038] The two frame parts 52a, 52b of the container frame 52 are in the Fig. 14 to 16 and 18 to 20 are arranged in an operating position in which the frame parts 52a, 52b are located substantially in one plane (ie they are arranged at an angle of 180° to each other) and limit a maximum opening cross-section of the inlet opening 53. If the frame parts 52a, 52b of the container frame 52 are moved in the direction of the arrows P of the Fig. 17 pivoted about the axis A, they can be transferred from the aforementioned operating position into a rest position in which the frame parts are arranged at an angle of less than 180° to each other and define a smaller opening cross-section of the inlet opening 53 compared to the operating position; the compactness of the calibration sample collecting container 50 is consequently increased. In the situation of Fig. 17, the two frame parts 52a, 52b have been pivoted a little way in the direction of the arrows P about the axis A into a rest position, whereby they can of course be pivoted even further out of the operating position, for example into a rest position in which the opposite U-webs of the frame parts 52a, 52b are arranged very close to one another or even abut one another and the angle between the frame parts 52a, 52b is thus close to zero (not shown in the drawing).

[0039] In order to ensure a fixed operating position of the frame parts 52a, 52b of the container frame 52, in the present embodiment one of the frame parts 52b of the container frame 52 is equipped with an abutment 55, such as in the form of an approximately vertical abutment surface, against which the other frame part 52a abuts when the frame parts 52a, 52b are in their operating position according to the Fig. 14 to 16 and 18 to 20. In addition, the frame parts 52a, 52b of the container frame 52 are assigned a locking means which is designed to lock the frame parts 52a, 52b to one another in their operating position. The locking means can, for example, comprise the screw / nut units forming the axis A, which can, for example, be designed as manually tightenable clamping screws or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the locking means can, for example, also comprise complementary latching means of the frame parts 52a, 52b of the container frame 52, which engage with one another when the frame parts 52a, 52b are folded into their operating position, and which must be disengaged from one another again - e.g. by applying a certain release force - when the frame parts are to be folded into their rest position (not shown in the drawing).

[0040] Furthermore, the Fig. 14 to 20, the calibration sample collection container 50 further comprises a first handle 56 which is fastened to one of the frame parts 52b of the container frame 52 in such a way that the frame parts 52a, 52b are moved into their operating position of the Fig. 14 to 16 and 18 to 20 are preloaded when the calibration sample collecting container 50 is gripped by means of the first handle 56, so that while held by the first handle 56, it is prevented from pivoting the frame parts 52a, 52b in the direction of their rest position, even if the locking means has not (yet) been activated. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first handle 56 is arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis A in the end region of one of the U-webs of the frame part 52b of the container frame 52 and above the same. It can, for example, be designed essentially in the form of a handlebar, which in the present case extends approximately parallel to the axis A.

[0041] In addition, the calibration sample collection container 50 has a second handle 57 which is fastened to the two frame parts 52a, 52b of the container frame 52 in such a way that the frame parts 52a, 52b are moved into their rest position due to gravity (see the arrows P of the Fig. 17) are preloaded when the calibration sample collection container 50 is held by means of the second handle 57, so that while held by the second handle 57 it is prevented from pivoting the frame parts 52a, 52b in the direction of their operating position, e.g. during weighing or transport. In the present exemplary embodiment, the second handle 57 connects the two opposite U-webs of the frame parts 52a, 52b of the container frame 52 to one another, wherein the second handle 57 is formed, for example, by one or more - here two - flexible band or cable elements which extend essentially perpendicular to the axis A or in a plane arranged approximately perpendicular to the axis A.

[0042] As already mentioned above, a holding means 51 is also arranged on the container frame 52 - or more precisely: on the opposite outer sides of a respective U-web of a respective one of the frame parts 52a, 52b - which is designed to hold the container frame 52 on the holding device 30 of the distribution machine when carrying out calibration tests (cf. in particular also the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12). In the present case, the holding means 52 is formed by substantially parallel rails, which, in terms of their shape and spacing from one another, are complementary to the guide rails 31 of the holding device 30 of the distribution machine when the container frame 52 of the calibration sample collection container 50 is in its operating position. 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] WO 2015 / 120982 A1

[0003] WO 2018 / 219489 A1 [0004, 0030]

Claims

[1] Calibration sample collection container (50) for carrying out calibration tests on distribution material, in particular fertilizer and / or seed, in a distribution machine, with a container frame (52) surrounding an inlet opening (53) and a pocket (54) attached to the circumference of the container frame (52) for receiving the distribution material, characterized by in that the container frame (52) surrounding the inlet opening (53) has two frame parts (52a, 52b) which are pivotally connected to one another about an axis (A) and which can be pivoted between an operating position in which the frame parts (52a, 52b) are arranged substantially in one plane and delimit a maximum opening cross-section of the inlet opening (53), and a rest position in which the frame parts (52a, 52b) are arranged at an angle of less than 180° to one another and delimit an opening cross-section of the inlet opening (53) which is smaller than in the operating position. [2] Calibration sample collection container according to claim 1, characterized by that the container frame (52) is substantially rectangular. [3] Calibration sample collection container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the frame parts (52a, 52b) of the container frame (52) each define approximately half of the inlet opening (53). [4] Calibration sample collection container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the axis (A) extends substantially parallel to two opposite sides of a respective frame part (52a, 52b) of the container frame (52). [5] Calibration sample collection container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the frame parts (52a, 52b) of the container frame (52) are substantially U-shaped. [6] Calibration sample collection container according to claim 5, characterized by that the axis (A) extends through end sections of the U-legs of the frame parts (52a, 52b) of the container frame (52). [7] Calibration sample collection container according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat at least one (52b) of the frame parts (52a, 52b) of the container frame (52) has an abutment (55) against which the other frame part (52a) abuts when the frame parts (52a, 52b) are in their operating position. [8] Calibration sample collection container according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the frame parts (52a, 52b) of the container frame (52) are assigned a locking means which is designed to lock the frame parts (52a, 52b) to one another in their operating position. [9] Calibration sample collection container according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that at least one first handle (56) is arranged on the container frame (52) in such a way that the frame parts (52a, 52b) are preloaded into their operating position due to gravity when the calibration sample collecting container (50) is held by means of the first handle (56). [10] Calibration sample collection container according to claim 9, characterized bythat the first handle (56) is arranged on one (52b) of the frame parts (52a, 52b) of the container frame (52), wherein it is arranged eccentrically in particular with respect to the axis (A), preferably above the axis (A). [11] Calibration sample collection container according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by that the first handle (56) is designed essentially in the form of a handle bar which extends in particular essentially parallel to the axis (A). [12] Calibration sample collection container according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that at least one second handle (57) is arranged on the container frame (52) in such a way that the frame parts (52a, 52b) are preloaded into their rest position due to gravity when the calibration sample collecting container (50) is held by means of the second handle (57). [13] Calibration sample collection container according to claim 12, characterized bythat the second handle (57) is arranged on both the first frame part (52a) and the second frame part (52b) of the container frame (52). [14] Calibration sample collection container according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by that the second handle (57) has at least one flexible band or cable element which connects the first frame part (52a) to the second frame part (52b) of the container frame (52), wherein the band or cable element extends in particular substantially perpendicular to the axis (A). [15] Calibration sample collection container according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by that the pocket (54) attached to the container frame (52) is made of a flexible material, in particular primarily of a textile material and / or a film material. [16] Calibration sample collection container according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized bythat a holding means (51) is further arranged on the container frame (52), which is designed to hold the container frame (52) on a holding device (30) of the distribution machine when carrying out calibration tests. [17] Calibration sample collection container according to claim 16, characterized by that the holding means (51) comprises two substantially parallel rails which extend on opposite sides of a respective frame part (52a, 52b) of the container frame (52). [18] Unit for carrying out calibration tests on distribution material, in particular fertilizer and / or seeds, in a distribution machine, comprising: (a) a distribution machine with at least one storage container (2) for receiving distribution material with at least one outlet opening, at least one metering element (10) arranged downstream of the outlet opening of the storage container (2) and at least one distribution element (6) arranged downstream of the metering element (10); and (b) at least one calibration sample collection container (50) according to one of claims 1 to 17. [19] Unit according to claim 18, characterized by that the distribution machine has a holding device (30) below its at least one dosing element (10), which is designed for the detachable holding of the calibration sample collecting container (50), wherein in particular - the holding device (30) of the distribution machine comprises two guide rails (31) which are designed to support the calibration sample collection container (50) and to insert and remove it into or from a space below the dosing device (10), and - a holding means (51) of the calibration sample collection container (50) has two rails complementary to the guide rails (31) of the holding device (30), which is designed to hold the container frame (52) of the calibration sample collection container (50) on the holding device (30) of the distribution machine when carrying out calibration tests. [20] Unit according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by that the spreading machine is an agricultural spreading machine, in particular in the form of a pneumatic fertilizer spreader, a seed drill, a seed drill or a centrifugal spreader.

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