Self-propelled, battery-powered mulch film machine in seated position

Abstract

A self-propelled mulch film machine consisting of a chassis with driver's seat, a rechargeable battery electrically connected to a motor control unit, a brushless DC motor mechanically connected to a drive axle via a chain and pinion gearbox, a film handling unit with a roller shaft and a compaction roller for applying and pressing a mulch film onto the ground, and a rear soil anchoring unit with shares configured to cover the film edges with soil while the machine moves forward.

Description

Application area of ​​the invention

[0001] The invention relates to agricultural equipment for laying plastic mulch film, in particular a compact, self-propelled machine with electric drive, film laying and tensioning as well as ground anchoring mechanisms for field use. Background of the invention

[0002] Conventional mulch film laying machines are often mounted on tractors and require high power, experienced operators, and multiple field preparations. Technical literature and commercial equipment show mechanisms for stretching the film over prepared beds and covering the edges with soil using discs or coulters. However, many systems are PTO-driven, heavy, or animal-drawn, limiting accessibility for small and fragmented farms. There is a need for a battery-powered, self-propelled machine with a driver's seat that combines precise film feeding and tension control with reliable ground anchoring, adjustable travel speed, and compact maneuverability, thereby reducing emissions and operating costs while improving laying quality. Summary of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a self-propelled mulch film spreader with a 48V battery pack, a BLDC traction motor that drives the ground wheels via a chain and pinion gearbox, a film roller with a tensioning device for feeding the mulch film to a compaction roller, and rear shares that pull soil to the edges of the film. A chassis in a seat-like design supports a driver's seat, a speed control, and an ignition / start key. A control unit coordinates engine torque, film tension, and driving speed for uniform application.

[0004] In some configurations, the machine uses a 48V, 24Ah battery powering a 750W BLDC motor. The roller shaft is driven to maintain film tension in sync with the driving speed. The rear coulter blades are adjustable in angle and depth to bury the film edges in the soil. Safety features include an emergency stop switch, open-cover interlocks, and overcurrent protection. The configuration is designed for large-scale field use with low noise and zero local emissions. Detailed description

[0005] The chassis features a driver's seat mounted above a compact frame with steerable front wheels and driven rear wheels. A 48V, 24Ah lithium-ion battery pack powers a 750W BLDC motor. Torque is transmitted to the drive axle via a chain and sprocket set. This drive is designed for the speeds required for laying foil and features a selectable gear ratio to adapt to varying surface conditions. Speed ​​is controlled by a closed-loop hand or foot throttle and wheel encoders to stabilize forward speed.

[0006] A film handling module mounts a roll of mulch film onto a roller shaft with side plates and an adjustable brake / tensioning device. Guide rollers ensure alignment; a compaction roller presses the film against the soil surface. The roller shaft can be mechanically connected to the drive system or electronically controlled to maintain film tension proportional to the measured driving speed, thus preventing wrinkling and sagging. Edge guides align the film width across the bed.

[0007] Behind the compaction zone is a soil anchoring unit with rear-mounted shares or disc harrows positioned on both sides of the working bed. These attachments cut and lift the soil, distributing it over the film edges to anchor the film. The angle of attack, track width, and depth are adjustable via threaded connections. Spring-loaded or pneumatic pressure rollers can be used to improve film contact before soil covering in loose subsoil.

[0008] The gearbox consists of a primary sprocket on the motor shaft, a chain drive to a secondary sprocket on the axle, and a chain tensioner for shock absorption. The moving parts are protected to safeguard the operator. The bearings are dustproof, and the hubs are designed to withstand field stresses. The frame features attachment points for drip irrigation tubing, allowing the tubing to be installed simultaneously with the liner.

[0009] The controls include an ignition / enable switch, a main contactor, an emergency stop switch, a speed selector, and a battery charge indicator. The control system monitors current, thermal power reduction, and traction control to prevent wheel spin. A safety interlock stops the machine if the film cover is open or an obstacle sensor near the roller gap is triggered. Lighting and an audible reversing alarm enhance safe operation.

[0010] The seating configuration reduces operator fatigue during extended fieldwork and allows for precise manual steering to maintain bed alignment. The machine's compact design facilitates turning at the headland and transport between plots. An optional cab roof and dust cover improve ergonomics and extend component lifespan.

[0011] To accommodate different film widths, the roller shaft is mounted on telescopic arms with scale markings, and the anchoring blades slide laterally on a crossbar to adapt to the film edges. Variations in layer height and curvature are compensated for by spring-loaded compaction rollers that adapt to the terrain while maintaining pressure.

[0012] Performance calculations show that a 750W motor is sufficient for traction and auxiliary loads at moderate speeds under typical dry field conditions; the 48V, 24Ah battery offers a practical runtime and, thanks to quick-change technology, allows for extended operating time. Regenerative braking can be used for controlled deceleration on inclines.

[0013] The machine is designed for rugged field use and features IP-protected housings for the electronics, corrosion-resistant fasteners, and easy-to-maintain chain drives. Preventive maintenance includes chain lubrication, roller cleaning, checking share wear, and regular battery checks.

[0014] During operation, the operator inserts a roll of film, guides it through the guide and compaction rollers, adjusts the share angles, turns the ignition key, selects a speed, and drives over the prepared beds. The control system coordinates traction and film tension; the shares pull the soil to the anchoring edges; and the process is repeated with consistent quality on every pass through the field.

Claims

[1] A self-propelled mulch film machine comprising a chassis with driver's seat, a rechargeable battery electrically connected to a motor control unit, a brushless DC motor mechanically connected to a drive axle via a chain and pinion drive, a film handling unit with a roller shaft and a compaction roller for applying and pressing a mulch film onto the ground, and a rear soil anchoring unit with shares configured to cover the film edges with soil as the machine moves forward. [2] Machine according to claim 1, wherein the rechargeable battery is a 48 V, 24 Ah accumulator and the motor is a 750 W brushless DC motor and wherein the motor control regulates the travel speed and the film tension to ensure wrinkle-free application. [3] Machine according to claim 1, wherein the ground anchoring device comprises adjustable share plates or discs with angle and depth selectable by the operator for embedding the film edges and wherein spring-loaded pressure rollers are arranged in front of the share plates to improve film contact. [4] Machine according to claim 1, further comprising an ignition or activation key switch, an emergency stop switch and interlocks that respond to a roller cover or obstacle sensor and interrupt traction under unsafe conditions.