Agricultural tank trailer with additional tank

Abstract

Agricultural tank trailer (1) for transporting and discharging liquids, wherein the agricultural tank trailer (1) has at least one substantially cylindrically shaped main tank (10) with a main interior space (11) and a main tank wall (12) surrounding this main interior space (11), a filling device (2) for filling the main tank (10) and a discharging device (6) for discharging a liquid located in the main tank (10), which is connected to the main tank (10) via a line system, wherein the main tank (10) extends in a longitudinal direction (LR) of the tank trailer (1), and the agricultural tank trailer (1) has at least one first additional tank (20) with an additional interior space (21) and an additional tank wall (22) surrounding this additional interior space (21), wherein the first additional tank (20) is arranged on the main tank (10) in such a way that a maximum height (MH) and a maximum width (MB) of the tank trailer (1),which are not defined by additional tanks (20), are not exceeded, characterized in that the additional and main tanks (20, 10) have a common tank wall (30) in at least one partial area, which has at least one inlet opening (31) for filling and emptying the additional tank (20), through which the additional interior space (21) of the additional tank (20) is fluidically connected to a main interior space (11) of the main tank (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an agricultural tank trailer for transporting and dispensing liquids, wherein the agricultural tank trailer has at least one substantially cylindrically shaped main tank with a main interior and a main tank wall enclosing this main interior, a filling device for filling the main tank and a dispensing device for dispensing a liquid located in the main tank, which is connected to the main tank via a line system, wherein the main tank extends in a longitudinal direction of the tank trailer, and the agricultural tank trailer has at least one first additional tank with an additional interior and an additional tank wall enclosing this additional interior, wherein the first additional tank is arranged on the main tank in such a way that a maximum height and a maximum width of the tank trailer, which are not defined by additional tanks, are not exceeded.

[0002] According to Section 32 of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), maximum dimensions apply to trailers for road use. This applies to the length, width, and height of vehicles. Although agricultural vehicles, both with and without trailers, are primarily used off-road, the legal regulations of the StVZO also apply to such vehicle types.

[0003] Furthermore, the Federal Soil Protection Act stipulates that sustainable soil fertility must be ensured in agricultural land use. To this end, nutrients removed from the soil through land use are returned to the soil through the application of fertilizers, particularly manure.

[0004] This slurry is usually transported to and onto the soil to be fertilized using so-called slurry tankers (tank trucks). Slurry tankers are typically equipped with a tank shaped like a barrel, thus having a round cross-section. This round cross-section, or barrel shape, offers many advantages, for example, regarding the production of the barrels, their use, mechanical stability, and filling of the slurry tankers, as well as the ability to accommodate wheels and tools on the tanker or slurry tanker within the permissible limits of the vehicle dimensions.

[0005] It is also particularly important that the slurry is evenly distributed within the tank, allowing the slurry to flow optimally to a discharge device when the tank is emptied. Such a discharge device is usually located in a section of the slurry tank that can be tilted toward the ground, allowing the slurry to flow from the entire tank toward the discharge device.

[0006] A significant disadvantage, however, is that the often round cross-section of the tank, which must not exceed the rectangular maximum cross-sectional area resulting from the maximum width and height, means that the tank's capacity is significantly smaller than permitted by the approval restrictions. This means that the slurry tanker must travel more frequently due to the small capacity in order to spread the amount of slurry needed to effectively fertilize the soil. This places greater strain on the environment, and particularly on the soil, as the slurry tanker must travel over the soil to be fertilized more frequently. To compensate for this disadvantage, additional cylindrical tanks can be attached to the outside of the slurry tanker, increasing the transportable volume of the tank trailer.

[0007] However, when using such additional tanks, the problem often arises that the supply and / or discharge lines become blocked by particles in the manure and then filling or emptying the additional tanks is not possible.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to increase the capacity of an agricultural tank trailer without changing the overall size, i.e. in particular the length, width and height of the tank trailer and at the same time to ensure that the basic feed and discharge circuit of the agricultural liquid within the tank trailer is not disturbed or interrupted.

[0009] This object is achieved by an agricultural tank trailer for transporting and dispensing liquids, wherein the agricultural tank trailer has at least one substantially cylindrically shaped main tank with a main interior and a main tank wall enclosing this main interior, a filling device for filling the main tank and a dispensing device for dispensing a liquid located in the main tank, which is connected to the main tank via a line system, wherein the main tank extends in a longitudinal direction of the tank trailer, and the agricultural tank trailer has at least one first additional tank with an additional interior and an additional tank wall enclosing this additional interior, wherein the first additional tank is arranged on the main tank in such a way that a maximum height and a maximum width of the tank trailer, which are not defined by additional tanks, are not exceeded.

[0010] The invention is characterized in that the additional and main tanks have a common tank wall in at least one partial area, which has at least one inlet opening for filling and emptying the additional tank, through which the additional interior of the additional tank is fluidically connected to a main interior of the main tank.

[0011] The terms "maximum height" and "maximum width" of agricultural tank trailers are defined by the rules of the road traffic regulations. According to these rules, agricultural trailers may not exceed a certain maximum height and a certain maximum width. These two dimensions result in a rectangular maximum cross-section, which the cross-section of the tank trailer may not exceed. Multiplied by the maximum permissible length of the tank trailer, this results in a cuboid maximum volume for agricultural tank trailers. Due to the essentially cylindrical shape of the main tank, which preferably has a round cross-section, there is unused space compared to the cuboid maximum volume of the main tank of the tank trailer.If the diameter of the round cross-section of the main tank roughly corresponds to the maximum width and / or the maximum height, the permissible total cross-section is not utilized by the tank trailer, particularly in the area of ​​the corners of the rectangular maximum cross-section. Along the longitudinal axis of the tank trailer, which is aligned with the direction of travel, this results in volume areas in which additional tanks can be arranged. Preferably, the at least one additional tank is arranged in the volume areas of the cuboid maximum volume that are not already filled by parts of the tank trailer. Preferably, the additional tank is arranged in the area of ​​the corners of the rectangular maximum cross-section, particularly preferably in the upper corners. The total cross-section of the main tank and additional tank therefore preferably approximates the rectangular maximum cross-section.This allows the transport volume of the tank trailer to be increased without exceeding the permitted maximum height or width.

[0012] It is essential to the invention that the additional tank and the main tank have a common tank wall, at least in one partial area. This feature is to be understood in such a way that a partial area of ​​the main tank wall simultaneously represents a partial area of ​​the additional tank wall. In other words, the additional and main tanks share the tank wall material in at least one partial area. In the manufacture of agricultural tank trailers, the preferred procedure is to produce the main tank first. Once this has been completely manufactured and has a complete tank wall, in which the inlet opening is preferably already present, the at least one additional tank is attached to the main tank and thereby spans the inlet opening. It should be noted here that the additional tank preferably does not have a complete additional tank wall before it is mounted on the main tank.Particularly in the area that will later comprise the portion of the common tank wall, it is preferable for the auxiliary tank to have no tank wall prior to installation on the main tank. Only when the auxiliary tank is installed on the main tank does the main tank wall of the main tank close off the still open portion of the auxiliary tank wall.

[0013] According to the invention, the common portion of the tank wall has an inlet opening for filling and emptying the additional tank. The additional tank can be easily filled through this inlet opening. Particularly in comparison to known tank trailers which use pipe- or hose-like inlet and outlet lines, this inlet opening represents a simplified and at the same time improved way of filling the additional tank. The inlet opening preferably has a larger diameter so that it cannot become blocked. The smallest diameter of the inlet opening is preferably at least 10 cm, particularly preferably at least 15 cm, and in a particularly preferred embodiment at least 20 cm. In one embodiment, the inlet opening is designed as a manhole. This means that the inlet opening has a diameter of at least 30 cm, preferably at least 40 cm.The inlet opening preferably has a maximum diameter of 70 cm, preferably 60 cm. The inlet opening preferably has an oval shape. However, the inlet opening can also have a round or square shape. The main interior and the additional interior are fluidically connected to one another by the at least one inlet opening. This means that a fluid with which the main tank is filled can also be filled into the additional interior of the additional tank through the inlet opening. Furthermore, when the main tank is emptied, the liquid in the additional tank can flow back into the main tank through the inlet opening and from there be emptied from the tank trailer. The additional interior of the additional tank is preferably directly fluidically connected to the main interior of the main tank. Directly fluidically connected in this context means that no further liquid line elements, such asFlanges, seals, hoses, or pipes are arranged in the fluid connection between the main tank and the auxiliary tank. The inlet opening is preferably located at the lowest point of the auxiliary tank in relation to the vertical direction. This allows for the most complete emptying of the auxiliary tank and ensures that no residual liquid remains in the auxiliary tank when emptying the auxiliary tank.

[0014] According to at least one further embodiment, the common tank wall has a plurality of inlet openings arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. Through the plurality of inlet openings, the auxiliary tank can be filled via several openings simultaneously. This accelerates the filling or emptying process of the auxiliary tanks. Furthermore, even if one of the inlet openings is blocked, it still allows the auxiliary tank to be filled or emptyed via the other unblocked inlet openings.

[0015] The main tank preferably has baffles. The baffles divide the main interior of the main tank into various main interior sub-areas. The baffles are preferably arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The baffles prevent the uncontrolled acceleration of the fluid in the main tank when starting or braking. The baffles preferably each have at least one baffle opening through which a reduced fluid flow is enabled. The baffle opening enables the entire main tank to be completely filled and emptied, even if only one main interior sub-area has an outlet. If the main tank has baffles, it is particularly advantageous to combine this with a plurality of inlet openings. The baffle in the main tank which is arranged closest to the drawbar of the agricultural tank trailer preferably has only one baffle opening.This is preferably located at the lowest point of the baffle relative to the vertical calculation. The other baffles in the main tank preferably have multiple baffle openings.

[0016] According to at least one further embodiment, the auxiliary tank has at least one baffle. The presence of at least one baffle in the auxiliary tank also prevents uncontrolled movement of the liquid in the auxiliary tank when braking or accelerating the tank trailer. Preferably, the baffle in the auxiliary tank has at least one baffle opening. The at least one baffle opening is preferably located at the lowest point of the baffle relative to the vertical direction. The arrangement at the lowest point enables complete emptying of the liquids from the auxiliary interior space.

[0017] The additional tank preferably has a plurality of baffles. The baffles divide the additional interior space into a plurality of additional interior sub-regions. According to at least one further embodiment, the additional tank has a plurality of baffles and the number of inlet openings is equal to the number of baffles, wherein, with the exception of the additional tank front wall and baffle closest to the drawbar, an inlet opening is arranged between each two adjacent baffles and between an additional tank front wall and baffle. In this embodiment, the first additional interior sub-region, which is arranged closest to the drawbar or at the front in the additional tank in the direction of travel, has no inlet opening. In another embodiment, the number of inlet openings is one greater than the number of baffles, wherein an inlet opening is arranged between each two adjacent baffles between an additional tank front wall and baffle.In this arrangement, there is at least one inlet opening in each additional interior section divided by the baffles. This ensures that each additional interior section can be completely emptied into the main interior. The additional tank end wall represents the end of the additional tank, viewed along the longitudinal direction. The additional tank end wall is preferably arranged perpendicularly or at a different angle to the longitudinal direction of the tank trailer.

[0018] According to at least one further embodiment, the baffle has at least two baffle openings, one of the baffle openings being arranged at the lowest point of the additional tank in relation to the vertical direction, and one of the baffle openings being arranged at the highest point of the additional tank. This embodiment ensures that liquid located in the additional tank can flow from one additional interior sub-region into the adjacent sub-region through the baffle opening at the lowest point of the additional tank. The baffle opening at the highest point of the additional tank enables venting of each additional interior sub-region into an adjacent sub-region.

[0019] The main tank preferably has one or more vent openings. The vent opening preferably has a drain pipe, which preferably runs to the ground. This drain pipe serves to drain any liquid that could escape through the vent opening in the event of overfilling or strong fermentation processes directly to the ground and to prevent it from running down the sides of the tank trailer. The vent opening is preferably arranged at the highest point of the main tank. The main tank preferably has several vent openings. A vent opening is preferably arranged between each two adjacent baffles or between the main tank end walls and a baffle. The vent opening which is arranged closest to the drawbar of the tank trailer can preferably be closed. This can preferably be closed with a slide.In combination with only a single opening in the baffle, which is located closest to the drawbar, and no inlet opening in the first main interior compartment, it is possible to prevent emptying of this main interior compartment, which is located closest to the drawbar. This ensures that the necessary minimum load remains on the drawbar and the tank trailer does not tip over during emptying.

[0020] According to at least one further embodiment, the auxiliary tank has at least one vent opening located at the highest point of the auxiliary tank. If the auxiliary tank has baffles, the auxiliary tank preferably has multiple vent openings and / or baffle openings at the highest point of the baffles. However, the embodiment with multiple vent openings on the auxiliary tank can also be combined with an auxiliary tank without baffles.

[0021] According to at least one further embodiment, the additional tank wall is permanently connected to the main tank wall. Preferably, the additional tank wall is welded to the main tank wall. However, another type of connection that ensures a permanent connection is also conceivable. The permanent connection is particularly advantageous because the additional tank and the main tank share a common tank wall in a partial area. This means that either the additional tank or the main tank, but preferably the additional tank, do not have a complete tank wall when not connected to one another. The complete enclosure of the additional interior space, or of the main interior space, only results from the permanent connection of the additional tank wall to the main tank wall. This represents a particularly material-saving and simple connection of the additional tank to the main tank. The additional tank cannot preferably be dismantled non-destructively.

[0022] According to at least one further embodiment, the tank trailer has two additional tanks which are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and with respect to the center point of the main tank. Due to the symmetrical arrangement, the additional load caused by the filled additional tanks is distributed as symmetrically as possible on the tank trailer. The additional tanks are preferably arranged in the region of the upper corners of the rectangular maximum cross-section of the tank trailer that are not yet filled by the main tank. This arrangement makes the best possible use of the permissible maximum height and width of the tank trailer. Secondly, in this arrangement, additional equipment, for example for filling and emptying the tank trailer, can be arranged on top of the main tank and between the additional tanks. Another component of the tank trailer is preferably arranged above the main tank and between the additional tanks.This component is preferably a suction crane.

[0023] The two additional tanks are preferably arranged on the upper half of the main tank. In a further embodiment, the tank trailer has more than two additional tanks. These are preferably also arranged within the permissible maximum cross-section. An arrangement in the lower corners or an arrangement between additional tanks arranged in the upper corners is conceivable here, among other things. All features described for the embodiment with an additional tank can also be combined with the embodiments with two or more additional tanks. The same applies to the features described for the embodiment with two additional tanks.

[0024] According to at least one further embodiment, the at least one additional tank and the main tank each have at least one vent opening, and the additional tank extends at least partially higher in the vertical direction than the main tank, and the vent opening of the main tank is fluidly connected to the additional interior of at least one additional tank. This arrangement allows the main tank to vent from its main interior into the additional interior of the additional tank. Preferably, the vent opening of the additional interior has a discharge pipe leading to the floor. In this embodiment, the entire interior volume of the tank trailer, i.e., the main interior and the additional interior, is vented via the vent opening of the additional tank.

[0025] According to at least one further embodiment, the tank trailer comprises an angle adjustment device with which the angle of the main and auxiliary tanks relative to the chassis can be adjusted. This angle adjustment device is preferably arranged on the drawbar. This angle adjustment device allows the main and auxiliary tanks to be tilted at an angle during the emptying process. This enables complete emptying of the main and auxiliary tanks.

[0026] Auxiliary tanks known in the prior art often have a round cross-sectional shape. However, this round cross-sectional shape has the disadvantage that the maximum permissible cross-section cannot be fully utilized. This is also due to the fact that the diameters of such auxiliary tanks are often predetermined and cannot be individually adapted to the main tank. The auxiliary tank wall therefore preferably has at least two facets wound towards one another in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This angular cross-sectional shape of the auxiliary tank allows the permissible total volume to be better utilized. The shape of the auxiliary tank can also be better adapted to the shape of the main tank. The more facets the auxiliary tank wall has, the more the cross-section of the auxiliary tank approaches a round cross-sectional shape. The round cross-sectional shape is advantageous due to the force distribution when pressure is applied from the inside.This must be balanced against the disadvantage of suboptimal maximum volume utilization with a round cross-section or a cross-section with many facets. Preferably, the facets have flat angles to one another, i.e., angles greater than 90°. Preferably, the individual facets have different sizes. Preferably, the auxiliary tank has five facets. Preferably, the auxiliary tank end walls also have multiple facets. The facets of the auxiliary tank end wall are preferably triangular and / or trapezoidal. Preferably, the auxiliary tank end walls also have five facets.

[0027] Further advantages, objects, and features of the present invention will be explained in the following description of the accompanying figures. Similar components may have the same reference numerals in the various embodiments.

[0028] The figures show: Fig. 1 a perspective overview of the agricultural tank trailer (1) in the embodiment with an additional tank (20). Fig. 2a a sectional view of the tank trailer (1) in the embodiment with an additional tank (20) along section line AA. Fig. 2b a sectional view of the additional tank (20) along section line BB. Fig. 3 a sectional view of the tank trailer (1) in the embodiment with an additional tank (20) along section line CC. Fig. 4 a sectional view of the additional tank (20) along section line DD. Fig. 5 a perspective overview of the agricultural tank trailer (1) in the embodiment with two additional tanks (20). Fig. 6 a sectional view of the tank trailer (1) in the embodiment with two additional tanks (20) along section line AA. Fig. 7 a sectional view of the tank trailer (1) in the embodiment with two additional tanks (20) along section line BB. Fig. 8 a sectional view of the additional tanks (20) along section line CC.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective overview of the agricultural tank trailer 1 in the embodiment with one additional tank 20. However, the features described below in this embodiment can also be combined with an embodiment with two or more additional tanks 20. In the illustration in Fig. 1, the drawbar 5 with the trailer coupling of the agricultural tank trailer 1 is arranged in the lower left corner of the figure. The direction of travel of the tank trailer 1 thus extends parallel to the longitudinal direction LR in the direction of the left edge of the figure. The agricultural tank trailer 1 has a main tank 10. The main tank 10 is cylindrical. It has a round cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LR. The main tank 10 is delimited by the main tank wall 12, which thus encloses the main interior 11 of the agricultural tank trailer 1. A liquid to be transported can be arranged in the main interior 11. The agricultural tank trailer 1 comprises, in addition to the main tank 10, a chassis 3. The main tank 10 is arranged on the chassis 3. The tank trailer 1 also preferably comprises an angle adjustment device 4. This is preferably arranged on the drawbar 5.Preferably, the angle adjustment device 4 is arranged between the main tank 10 and the chassis 3. This means that one end of the angle adjustment device 4 is arranged on the main tank 10 and the other end of the angle adjustment device 4 is arranged on the chassis 3. The tank trailer 1 can be filled via a filling device 2. A spreading device 6 (not shown here), for example, for liquid manure, can be arranged at the rear end of the agricultural tank trailer 1.

[0030] The agricultural tank trailer 1 also comprises a pump 7, with which liquid can be pumped into the main tank 10, pumped out of it, and / or circulated therein. The auxiliary tank 20 is arranged on the top side of the main tank 10. The auxiliary tank 20 extends with its longitudinal axis LA parallel to the longitudinal direction LR over the top side of the main tank 10. It is conceivable for the auxiliary tank 20 to extend over the entire length of the main tank 10. However, it is also conceivable that, as in the case of this embodiment, the auxiliary tank 20 is shorter in its extension along the longitudinal direction LR than the main tank 10. In other words, it is arranged along the longitudinal direction LR only on a part of the surface of the main tank 10. In particular, this means that there are areas on the main tank wall 12 in the longitudinal direction LR which are not covered by the auxiliary tank 20.The additional tank 20 has a plurality of facets 27 around its circumference. The additional tank 20 has two additional tank end walls 24. The additional tank end walls 24 also have end wall facets 29. The end wall facets 29 connect the circumferential facets 27 to the main tank wall 11 at their end edge 34. Each end wall facet 29a arranged at an end edge 34 of a circumferential facet 27 tapers towards the main tank wall 11 and is preferably triangular. Between two adjacent end wall facets 29a, intermediate end wall facets 29b are preferably arranged, which are preferably triangular or trapezoidal. The intermediate end wall facets 29b preferably have a greater length on the side arranged on the main tank 10 than on the side arranged on the circumferential facets 27.

[0031] The auxiliary tank 20 has an auxiliary tank wall 22. The auxiliary tank wall 22 is attached to the main tank wall 12. The auxiliary tank 20 also has a venting device 26. The venting device 26 preferably comprises a discharge pipe 26a, which directs any liquids escaping through the venting opening 26 along the tank trailer 1 to the ground without contaminating the tank trailer 1. Preferably, both the main tank 10 and the auxiliary tank 20 have various maintenance openings 28. The maintenance openings 28 are suitable for servicing but also for cleaning, painting, welding, and / or coating the auxiliary tank 20 and / or the main tank 10. The main tank 10 preferably has at least one maintenance opening 28. This maintenance opening 28 is preferably designed as a manhole, so that a person can access the interior 11 of the main tank 10 through this opening. The additional tank 20 also preferably has maintenance openings 28.These are designed either as a manhole 28 or as smaller maintenance openings. Preferably, at least one maintenance opening 28 is present in each additional interior sub-area separated by any baffles 23 that may be present. The additional tank 20 preferably has a plurality of maintenance openings 28b. These are preferably square. The maintenance openings 28b are preferably arranged on a horizontal facet 27 of the additional tank 20. The additional tank end walls 24 preferably each also have a maintenance opening 28c. A hose or a supply line can preferably be connected to this maintenance opening 28c, with which the additional tank 20 can be rinsed for cleaning purposes. All maintenance openings 28a-c are closable, particularly preferably closable in a fluid-tight manner.

[0032] Fig. Figure 2A shows a sectional view of the tank trailer 1 in the embodiment with an additional tank 20 along the section line AA. Fig. 2A shows the agricultural tank trailer 1 in a vertical section. The main interior space 11 of the main tank 10 is enclosed by the main tank wall 12. The main interior space 11 is divided into various interior sub-areas 11a and baffles 23 by a plurality of baffles 23. The baffles 23 each have at least one baffle opening 25. The baffles 23 preferably have three baffle openings 25. One of the baffle openings 25 is preferably arranged at the lowest point relative to the vertical direction VR. Another baffle opening 25 is preferably arranged at the highest point of the baffle 23 relative to the vertical direction VR. Another baffle opening 25 is preferably arranged between these two baffle openings 25.Preferably, the first baffle wall 23a, which is arranged between the frontmost main interior sub-region 11a in the direction of travel and the second-frontmost main interior sub-region 11b, has only one baffle opening 25. This baffle opening 25 is preferably arranged at the lowest point of the baffle 23 with respect to the vertical direction VR. The additional tank 20 is preferably arranged on top of the main tank 10. The main interior 11 of the main tank 10 is fluidically connected to the additional interior 21 via inlet openings 31. Preferably, an inlet opening 31 is arranged in each main interior sub-region 11bd, with the exception of the first main interior sub-region 11a. Preferably, the first main interior sub-region 11a has a separate venting device 26, which is closable.

[0033] By combining the closable vent opening 26 with the absence of an inlet opening 31 in this main interior sub-area 11a, closing the vent opening 26 can prevent the main interior sub-area 11a from running dry when the remaining main and auxiliary tanks 10, 20 are emptied. The auxiliary tank 20 preferably also has baffles 23. These are preferably arranged at the same position along the longitudinal direction LR as the main tank 10 has baffles 23. The auxiliary tank end wall 24 can be arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LR or, as shown in this exemplary embodiment, at an angle other than 90° to the longitudinal direction LR. The auxiliary tank 20 preferably has a vent opening 26.

[0034] Fig. 2B shows a sectional view of the additional tank 20 along the section line AA. The additional tank is thus shown in its cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LR. The additional tank 20 is delimited by the additional tank wall 22. The main interior space 11 and the additional interior space 21 are separated from one another by the common tank wall 30. The baffle 23 of the additional tank 20 has baffle openings 25. Preferably, the baffle 23 of the additional tank 20 also has at least one baffle opening 25 at the lowest point of the baffle 23 in the vertical direction VR. Preferably, the baffle 23 also has a baffle opening 25 at the highest point of the baffle 23 relative to the vertical direction VR. Preferably, the baffle 23 also has at least one further baffle opening 25. The vent opening 26 is preferably arranged at the highest point of the additional tank 20.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of the tank trailer 1 in the embodiment with an additional tank 20 along the section line CC. The sectional view CC shows the tank trailer in a horizontal section viewed from bottom to top. The common tank wall 30 between the main tank 10 and the additional tank 20 is clearly visible in this view. Each main interior sub-area 11b-d preferably has two inlet openings 31, which are each arranged at the two lowest points of the additional tank 20 relative to the vertical direction VR. In the first main interior sub-area 11a, no inlet opening 31 is preferably arranged. Furthermore, each main interior sub-area 11b-d, with the exception of the first main interior sub-area 11a, preferably has a vent opening 26. This vent opening 26 is preferably arranged at the highest point of the main interior 11. This vent opening 26 is preferably designed as a manhole.In this embodiment with an additional tank 20, this vent opening 26 connects the highest point of the main interior space 11 with the additional interior space 21 of the additional tank 20. .

[0036] By designing these vent openings 26 as manholes, they can also serve as maintenance openings 28, through which the additional interior space 21 can be accessed from the main interior space 11. The supply line to the dispensing device 6 is located in the rearmost main interior section 11d.

[0037] Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the additional tank 20 along section line DD. The main tank 11 and the additional tank 20 have a common tank wall 30. The common tank wall 30 is thus part of the main tank wall 12 and simultaneously part of the additional tank wall 22. Preferably, all tank walls are designed with double walls. The inlet openings 31 are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane VE, which runs through the center point MP of the tank trailer 1 and is parallel to the longitudinal direction LR. The additional tank 20 is preferably shaped symmetrically with respect to this vertical plane VE. The additional tank 20 nestles against the main tank wall 12 of the main tank 10 in an upper region. This results in two lowest points TP of the additional tank 20, which are located symmetrically to the left and right of the center point MP. The inlet openings 31 are arranged at this lowest point TP.The inlet openings 31 are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane VE. A fluid can flow in and / or out of the main interior space 11 into the additional interior space 21 through the inlet openings 31. The arrangement of the inlet openings 31 at the lowest point TP of the additional tank 20 enables complete emptying of the additional tank by simply draining the fluid. The additional tank 20 has a plurality of facets 27 in its cross-sectional shape. The cross-section preferably has 11 facets 27. The cross-sectional shape of the additional tank 20 is symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane VE. Preferably, at least two of the facets 27a, which are located on the outside relative to a width of the tank trailer 1, are aligned vertically, in other words, parallel to the vertical direction VR. Preferably, one facet 27b, which is located at the highest point HP of the additional tank 20, is aligned horizontally.Preferably, the vertical facets 27a are connected to the horizontal facet 27b via at least one, preferably three, connecting facets 27c. Preferably, the angles between two adjacent facets 27 are greater than 90°. Preferably, the horizontal facet 27b is connected to the vertical facet 27a by at least one connecting facet 27c. Preferably, the vertical facet 27a is connected to the main tank wall 12 by at least one further connecting facet 27d. The two lowest facets 27d, which are arranged symmetrically on the underside of the additional tank 20 and on the main tank 10, have an inclination inclined towards the main tank 10. The lowest point TP of the additional tank 20 is arranged at the connection point of the lowest facet 27d with the main tank wall 12. The inlet opening 31 encompasses the lowest point TP. In this way, the additional tank 20 automatically empties into the main interior space 11 when the liquid level in the main tank 10 drops.In particular, no residual liquid remains in the auxiliary tank 20. The maintenance openings 28 are arranged in the horizontal facet 27b of the auxiliary tank 20. The connecting facets 27c,d can also have maintenance openings. The auxiliary tank baffle 23 is also arranged in . Fig. 4. The baffle 23 has at least one baffle opening 25. In this embodiment, the baffle wall 23 of the additional tank 20 has five baffle openings. The baffle openings 25 are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane VE. The baffle 23 has at least two baffle openings 25, each of which includes the lowest point TP of the additional interior space 21. In addition, the baffle 23 has a baffle opening 25, which includes the highest point HP of the additional interior space 21. The additional tank wall 22 is permanently connected to the main tank wall 12 at the lowest point TP. Preferably, the additional tank wall is welded to the main tank wall 12 at the lowest point TP. The main tank 10 has at least one maintenance opening 28c. This maintenance opening 28c is preferably designed as a manhole.The additional tank 20 also has maintenance openings 28 b, 28 c, which are preferably at least partially designed as a manhole.

[0038] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the agricultural tank trailer 1 in the embodiment with two additional tanks 20. The tank trailer 1 has two additional tanks 20. The two additional tanks 20 are arranged on the main tank 10 of the tank trailer 1. The remaining features of the tank trailer 1 in this embodiment correspond to the features described for the previous embodiment. The two embodiments differ primarily in the number and positioning of the additional tanks 20. The additional tanks 20 are arranged in the upper region, preferably on the upper half, of the main tank 10. The two additional tanks 20 have an elongated shape on whose longitudinal axis LA is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction LR. The shape of the additional tanks 20 has a plurality of facets 27 around its circumference. The additional tank 20 also has additional tank end faces 24, which preferably have end wall facets 29.The end wall facets 29 connect the circumferential facets 27 at their front end edge 34 to the main tank wall 11. The end wall facets 29a are preferably triangular or trapezoidal. The two additional tanks 20 are arranged to the left and right of the center on the upper half of the main tank 10, on the outside thereof. In the area of ​​the surface on which the additional tanks 20 are arranged on the main tank 10, the additional tanks 20 each have a wall 31 that is common to the main tank 10. The arrangement of the additional tanks 20 on the main tank 10 is symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane VE, which runs through the center point MP of the tank trailer 1 and is parallel to the longitudinal direction LR. This arrangement has the advantage that there is space between the two additional tanks 20 in the top center of the main tank 10 for the arrangement of additional equipment or accessories. In particular, a suction crane can preferably be attached here. This is preferably foldable between the additional tanks 20.The two additional tanks 20 preferably do not extend along their longitudinal axis LA over the entire length of the main tank 10. However, it is also conceivable that the additional tanks 20 extend along their longitudinal axis LA over the entire length of the main tank 10.

[0039] Fig. 6 shows a sectional view along a vertical sectional plane AA through the center of the agricultural tank trailer 1. The interior 11 of the main tank 10 is divided into several main interior sub-regions 11a-d by baffles 23. As in the previous embodiment, the baffles 23 preferably have the same baffle openings 25. The first main interior sub-region 11a differs in its design from the remaining main interior sub-regions 1b-d. In particular, the first main interior sub-region 11a preferably does not have an inlet opening 31 to one of the additional tanks 20. Preferably, the remaining main interior sub-regions 11b-d each have at least one inlet opening 31 to each additional tank 20. In this embodiment, the main tank 10 has an indentation 32 centrally in the upper region of the main tank wall 12. The indentation 32 is arranged in the rearmost main interior sub-region 11d in the direction of travel.However, it is also conceivable to arrange this recess 32 at any other location on the main tank 10. As can be seen from the comparison with . Fig. 5, the recess 32 extends inward into the main interior space 11. The recess 32 is arranged between the two additional tanks 20 on top of the main tank 10. This recess 32 allows the installation of additional equipment, for example, a suction frame, without exceeding the permissible maximum height MH of the agricultural tank trailer 1.

[0040] Figure 7 shows a sectional view BB along a horizontal sectional plane viewed from below of the agricultural tank trailer 1. The main tank 10 and the two additional tanks 20 are connected by air inlets 31. The inlet openings 31 are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to a central axis parallel to the longitudinal direction LR of the agricultural tank trailer 1. In this embodiment, the inlet openings 31 on one side of the central axis of the agricultural tank trailer 1 lead to the first additional tank 20, and the inlet openings 31 on the other side of the central axis of the agricultural tank trailer 1 lead to the second additional tank 20. At the respective highest point of the main interior 11, the main tank 10 has vent openings 26. At the highest point of the main interior 11, the baffles 23 have baffle openings 25.With these baffle openings 25 arranged in this way, it is not necessary to vent each main interior section 11 ad separately via a vent opening 26. As can be seen in this illustration, the width of the additional tanks 20 extends slightly beyond the entire width of the main tank 10 on the left and right. The recess 32 is arranged centrally on the main tank 10 with respect to the width of the agricultural tank trailer 1. The recess 32 has a rectangular shape, preferably with chamfered corners. However, any other shape of the recess 32 is also conceivable. This allows the attachment of a wide variety of attachments and superstructures to the agricultural tank trailer 1.

[0041] Fig.8 shows a sectional view of the upper region of the main tank 10 and the additional tanks 20 in a vertical sectional plane CC. The main tank 10 with its main interior 11 is enclosed by the main tank wall 12. The two additional tanks 20 with their respective additional tank interior 21 are enclosed by their respective additional tank wall 22. In the region in which the main tank 10 adjoins the respective additional tank 20, the main tank 10 and the respective additional tank 20 have a respective common tank wall 30. This common tank wall 30 has at least one inlet opening 31. The inlet openings 31 connect the main interior 11 to an additional interior 21. The inlet openings 31 are arranged at the lowest point TP of the additional tank 20 relative to the vertical direction VR. The main interior space 11 is fluidically connected to the respective additional interior space 21 through the inlet openings 31.The cross-section of the additional tank 20 perpendicular to its longitudinal axis LA has facets 27. Preferably, the cross-section has five facets 27. Preferably, at least one of the facets 27a, which is located on the outside relative to a width of the tank trailer 1, is aligned vertically, in other words aligned parallel to the vertical direction VR. Preferably, a facet 27b, which is located at the highest point HP of the additional tank 20, is aligned horizontally. Preferably, the vertical facet 27a is connected to the horizontal facet 27b via at least one connecting facet 27c. Preferably, the angle between the vertical facet 27a and the connecting facet 27c is 135°. Preferably, the angle between the horizontal facet 27b and the connecting facet 27c is 135°. Preferably, the angles between two adjacent facets 27 are greater than 90°.Preferably, the horizontal facet 27b is connected to the main tank wall 12 of the main tank 10 by at least one connecting facet 27c. Preferably, the vertical facet 27a is also connected to the main tank wall 12 by at least one further connecting facet 27d. The lowest facet 27d, which is arranged on the underside of the additional tank 20 and on the main tank 10, has an incline inclined toward the main tank 10. The lowest point TP of the additional tank 20 is arranged at the connection point of the lowest facet 27d with the main tank wall 12. The inlet opening 31 encompasses the lowest point TP. In this way, the auxiliary tank 20 automatically empties into the main interior space 11 when the fluid level in the main tank 10 drops. In particular, no residual fluid remains in the auxiliary tank 20. The maintenance openings 28 are arranged in the horizontal facet 27b of the auxiliary tank 20. The recess 32 is arranged centrally between the auxiliary tanks 20.

[0042] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel, individually or in combination, over the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features that may be advantageous in and of themselves. The skilled person will immediately recognize that a specific feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without adopting further features from that figure. Furthermore, the skilled person will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures. List of reference symbols 1 tank trailer 2 filling device 3 chassis 4 Angle adjustment device 5 drawbar 6 Dispensing device 7 Pump 10 Main tank 11 Main interior 11a-d Main interior areas 12 Main tank wall 20 additional tank 21 Additional interior space 22 Additional tank wall 23 Baffle 23a first baffle 24 Additional tank bulkhead 25 baffle openings 26 Ventilation opening 26a Discharge pipe 27a-d facets 28a Maintenance opening 28b Maintenance opening 28c Maintenance opening 29a,b end wall facets 30 common tank wall 31 Inlet opening 32 indentation 33 Ventilation inlet 34 End edge LR longitudinal direction LA longitudinal axis VR vertical direction VE vertical plane MP center point TP Lowest Point HP Highest Point MH maximum height MB maximum width

Claims

[1] Agricultural tank trailer (1) for transporting and dispensing liquids, wherein the agricultural tank trailer (1) has at least one substantially cylindrical main tank (10) with a main interior (11) and a main tank wall (12) enclosing this main interior (11), a filling device (2) for filling the main tank (10) and a dispensing device (6) for dispensing a liquid located in the main tank (10), which is connected to the main tank (10) via a line system, wherein the main tank (10) extends in a longitudinal direction (LR) of the tank trailer (1), and the agricultural tank trailer (1) has at least one first additional tank (20) with an additional interior (21) and an additional tank wall (22) enclosing this additional interior (21), wherein the first additional tank (20) is arranged on the main tank (10) in such a way that a maximum height (MH) and a maximum width (MB) of the tank trailer (1),which are not defined by additional tanks (20), are not exceeded, characterized by that the additional and main tank (20, 10) have a common tank wall (30) in at least one partial area, which has at least one inlet opening (31) for filling and emptying the additional tank (20), through which the additional interior space (21) of the additional tank (20) is fluidically connected to a main interior space (11) of the main tank (10). [2] Agricultural tank trailer (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the common tank wall (30) has a plurality of inlet openings (31) which are arranged next to one another along the longitudinal direction (LR). [3] Agricultural tank trailer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the additional tank (20) has at least one baffle (23). [4] Agricultural tank trailer (1) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized bythat the additional tank (20) has a plurality of baffles (23) and the number of inlet openings (31) is equal to the number of baffles (23), wherein, with the exception of the additional tank end wall (24) and baffle (23) closest to the drawbar, an inlet opening (31) is arranged between each two adjacent baffles (23) and between an additional tank end wall (24) and baffle (23). [5] Agricultural tank trailer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the baffle (23) has at least two baffle openings (25), one of the baffle openings (25) being arranged at the lowest point of the additional tank (20) with respect to the vertical direction (VR) and one of the baffle openings (25) being arranged at the highest point of the additional tank (20). [6] Agricultural tank trailer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the additional tank (20) has at least one vent opening (26) which is arranged at the highest point of the additional tank (20). [7] Agricultural tank trailer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the additional tank wall (22) is permanently connected to the main tank wall (12). [8] Agricultural tank trailer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the tank trailer (1) has two additional tanks (20) which are arranged symmetrically on the outside of the main tank (10) with respect to a vertical plane (EV) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LR) and with respect to the center point (MP) of the main tank (10). [9] Agricultural tank trailer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the at least one additional tank (20) and the main tank (10) each have at least one vent opening (26) and the additional tank (20) extends at least partially higher in the vertical direction (VR) than the main tank (10) and the vent opening (26) of the main tank (10) is fluidically connected to the additional interior space (21) of at least one additional tank (20). [10] Agricultural tank trailer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the tank trailer (1) comprises an angle adjustment device (4) with which the angle (α) of the main and additional tanks (10, 20) relative to the chassis (3) can be adjusted. [11] Agricultural tank trailer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the additional tank (20) has an elongated shape which is arranged with its longitudinal axis (LA) parallel to the longitudinal direction (LR) of the tank trailer (1) and the additional tank wall (22) has at least two facets (27) angled to one another in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (LA).

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