DISTRIBUTOR FOR GRANULAR MATERIAL

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a distribution machine for granular material according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and as known from WO 2014 / 183182 A1.

[0002] A distribution machine designed as a seed drill is also described in EP 3 047 718 B1. This distribution machine is used to spread granular material. In addition to seed, fertilizer can also be applied alternatively or additionally with such a distribution machine. For this purpose, the distribution machine comprises at least one storage container. The storage container can be a large central container with a correspondingly large capacity, as is known from seed drills, for example. In this case, a plurality of metering devices for conveying granular material is assigned to the storage container. It is also conceivable for the distribution machine to comprise several storage containers, wherein the storage containers have a smaller capacity, as is known from precision seed drills, especially from microgranulate containers, for example. In this second case, each storage container is assigned at least one metering device.

[0003] The dosing device comprises at least one dosing housing with at least one inlet, at least one first outlet, and at least one second outlet, as well as at least one drivable dosing wheel arranged in the dosing housing between the inlet on the one hand and the outlets on the other. The rotation of the dosing wheel entrains the granular material entering the dosing housing via the inlet and thus discharges it toward the outlets. In this distribution machine, a first conveyor line is connected to the first outlet of the dosing housing, conveying the granular material conveyed by the dosing device to the ground.

[0004] Furthermore, a guide device is arranged in the dosing housing. This guide device creates a conveying channel between the inlet on the one hand and either the first outlet or the second outlet on the other. For this purpose, the guide device is located between the dosing wheel on the one hand and the two outlets on the other.

[0005] A disadvantage of this distribution machine is that one of the switching positions of the guide device, namely the one in which the conveying channel to the second outlet is created, and consequently also the second outlet of the dosing housing, is used exclusively for a calibration process of the dosing device. This calibration process is called calibration and serves to adjust the discharge rate of the dosing device. Consequently, not only the guide device but also the second outlet remains unused after the calibration process, which is completed once for a granular material, and cannot be used to distribute granular material.

[0006] The object of this invention is therefore to create a distribution machine with a versatile dosing device for various storage options for the applied material.

[0007] This task is solved based on the fact that a second conveyor line is connected to the second outlet, which guides the granular material conveyed by the dosing device to the ground.

[0008] As a result of this measure, not only the first outlet with the connected first conveyor line can be used to discharge granular material, but also, in a similar manner, the second outlet with the connected second conveyor line. Another advantage is that the guide device can be used in a variety of ways to vary the discharge from the first and second outlets.

[0009] In an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the spreading machine comprises at least one soil tillage tool, preferably designed as furrow covering rollers or pressure wheel, that the first conveyor line opens at a soil tillage tool, and that the second conveyor line opens in the longitudinal direction of the soil tillage tool and / or transversely to the longitudinal direction of the soil tillage tool at a distance from the opening of the first conveyor line. The longitudinal direction of the soil tillage tool can be understood here as the longitudinal extent of the spreading machine or the working direction of the spreading machine. Since the guide device can be used to adjust the outlet from which the granular material is conveyed, this development gives the user the option of choosing between application at the soil tillage tool or at a distance from it.The distribution machine is thus created with a further versatile dosing device.

[0010] The distribution machine according to the invention is further advantageously developed in that the distribution machine is configured to incorporate granular material conveyed via the first conveying line into the soil by means of a soil tillage tool. For the application of certain granular materials, such as fertilizer, it is advantageous to deposit these in the soil and then cover them with soil. In this way, spatial proximity can also be established between the applied granular material and the seed simultaneously placed in the soil by means of conveying via the first conveying line and incorporating them by means of the soil tillage tool.

[0011] According to the invention, the distribution machine is configured to distribute granular material conveyed via the second conveyor line onto the soil surface. When applying other granular materials, such as pesticides, it is expedient to distribute them in a manner that is effective against the pests to be controlled. In the case of snails, for example, the molluscicide is ideally applied to the soil so that it can be absorbed by the snails and become effective against them. This inventive design allows the user to react to such environmental influences and use the distribution machine with the exceptionally versatile dosing device.

[0012] The spreading machine according to the invention is further advantageously further developed in that the first conveyor line is configured to convey granular material from the first outlet, on the one hand, to a first application point, on the other hand, such that the first application point is located in front of the furrow coverer in the working direction of the furrow coverer. This advantageous arrangement ensures that granular material can be reliably incorporated into the soil.

[0013] In a further expedient development of the invention, the second conveyor line is configured to convey granular material from the second outlet, on the one hand, to a second application point, on the other hand, such that the second application point is located behind or next to a furrow covering roller in the working direction of the furrow covering roller. Since the furrow cover completes the soil-moving cultivation of the field, this measure ensures that granular material applied at the second application point is not subsequently buried under a layer of soil or partially covered by earth. The second application point can be arranged either behind or next to the furrow cover, since the furrow cover moves the soil at least approximately only in its working direction.

[0014] To improve the handling of the distribution machine and in particular of the dosing device, a further development provides for the dosing device to comprise an adjusting mechanism acting on the guide device, by means of which it is possible to select which of the two outlets the conveying channel is connected to. This measure makes it possible to adjust the guide device in a particularly simple and expedient manner. Furthermore, it is provided that the adjusting mechanism can be actuated manually, electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically by suitable means. The adjusting mechanism can, for example, be designed as a lever, wherein this lever can be actuated by a handle or an electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuator. The adjusting mechanism can be remotely actuated so that the user of the distribution machine can operate it, for example, from a tractor arranged in front of the distribution machine.

[0015] A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the distribution machine comprises at least two dosing devices, wherein the adjusting mechanisms of the at least two dosing devices can be actuated jointly. It is also conceivable for the adjusting mechanisms of all dosing devices of the distribution machine to be actuated jointly. The advantage here is that, in this development, the application of all dosing devices can be influenced by a single action. This not only simplifies handling in a particularly expedient manner, but also standardizes it, if desired by the user.

[0016] The distribution machine according to the invention is further advantageously further developed in that the guide device is designed as a pivoting guide flap. The guide device designed as a guide flap allows the conveying channel to be configured particularly easily, selectively between the first or second outlet. This further development is therefore characterized by a particularly simple, robust, and error-resistant design.

[0017] In a further advantageous development of the invention, two dosing devices are assigned to the storage container, wherein the storage container is divided into two separate storage areas by means of a separating element, and each of the two separate storage areas is assigned a dosing device. As a result of this measure, the storage container is configured to store two different granular materials using the separate storage areas. Because each of the storage areas is assigned a dosing device, the two different granular materials can be dispensed simultaneously. A further advantageous synergy arises from the fact that the user can decide where to dispense each of the two granular materials.For example, it is possible to use one of the dosing devices to work fertilizer into the soil via the first feed line, while the other dosing device, for example, applies pesticides to the soil surface via the second feed line. It is also conceivable for the control mechanisms of both dosing devices to be actuated, or for the guide devices to design the feed channels, so that both dosing devices either deliver fertilizers for incorporation into the soil or apply them to the soil surface. In this case, it is possible to work different fertilizers into the soil simultaneously or to distribute different pesticides across the soil simultaneously.

[0018] Further details of the invention can be found in the example description and the drawings. The drawings show Fig.1 a spreading machine attached behind a tractor in perspective view, Fig.2 a sowing unit with a storage container according to the invention and a metering device in side view, Fig.3A the storage container and the dosing device with a guide device in sectional view, Fig.3B the sowing unit with the metering device according to Fig.3A in side view, Fig.4A the storage container and the dosing device with the guide device in a further position in sectional view, Fig.4B the sowing unit with the metering device according to Fig.4A in side view, Fig.5A another sowing unit with another storage container according to the invention and two metering devices, and Fig.5B the storage container according to Fig.5A in section and top view.

[0019] An agricultural tractor 1 with a mounted single-seed seed drill 2 is in Fig.1 shown. The agricultural tractor 1 and the precision seed drill 2 move in the working direction F during operation. The working direction F essentially corresponds to the longitudinal extension of the precision seed drill 2. The precision seed drill 2 spreads seed and / or fertilizer or the like during operation.

[0020] For the application of granular materials such as seed and / or fertilizer and the like, the precision seed drill 2 comprises, at its rear end in the working direction F, a plurality of sowing units 3 arranged transversely to the working direction F. The sowing units 3 are attached to a frame 2A of the precision seed drill 2, wherein the frame 2A can be folded or telescoped to the permissible overall width for road transport. Furthermore, the precision seed drill 2 can be lifted out behind the agricultural tractor 1.

[0021] A sowing unit 3 with a storage container 4 according to the invention and a metering device 5 associated with the storage container 4 is shown in Fig.2 shown in side view. The sowing unit 3 can be attached to the frame 2A by means of a mounting flange 3A and can thus be moved across a field in the working direction F during operation. In addition to the storage container 4 for storing granular material, the sowing unit 3 comprises a seed hopper 6 at its upper end. At its lower end, the sowing unit 3 comprises various soil tillage tools 8 arranged one behind the other in the working direction F. The seed hopper 6 is connected to the soil tillage tools 8 via a singling device 7 and concealed seed lines in order to deposit seed individually in the soil 9.

[0022] The dosing device 5 comprises a dosing housing 10, which is connected to the storage container 4 via an inlet 11, as shown in Fig.2 is shown. Granular material can enter the dosing housing 10 from the storage container 4 via the inlet 11. The dosing housing 10 also has a first outlet 12 and a second outlet 13 at its lower end. In order to convey granular material entering via the inlet 11 to the two outlets 12, 13 in adjustable quantities, a drivable dosing wheel 14 is also arranged in the dosing housing 10. This dosing wheel 14 is arranged between the inlet 11 and the outlets 12, 13 and, when rotated, ensures that granular material is entrained and delivered to the outlets 12, 13. The granular material delivered to the outlets 12, 13 is then guided to the ground via a respective conveying line 15, 16. A first conveying line 15 is connected to the first outlet 12 and a second conveying line 16 is connected to the second outlet 13.

[0023] The storage container 4 and the dosing device 5 are in Fig.3A shown in a sectional view from the side. Between the metering wheel 14 and the two outlets 12, 13, a guide device designed as a guide flap 17 is arranged. The guide flap 17 optionally forms a conveying channel to the first outlet 12 or the second outlet 13. In an embodiment of the metering device not shown, the guide flap 17 comprises an adjusting mechanism by means of which it is possible to select which of the two outlets 12, 13 the conveying channel is established, wherein the adjusting mechanism can be actuated manually, electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically by suitable means. In the Fig.3A In the position shown, the guide flap 17 establishes the conveying channel to the second outlet 13, so that granular material conveyed by the metering device 5 is introduced into the second conveying line 16. The guide flap 17 thus functions in such a way that granular material carried by the metering wheel 10 trickles onto the guide flap 17, from where it is directed to the first outlet 12 or the second outlet 13, depending on the position of the guide flap 17.

[0024] In Fig.3B the sowing unit 3 and the metering device 5 with the guide flap 17 are in the position according to Fig.3A shown. The sowing unit 3 comprises its various soil cultivation tools 8, including a furrow opener 8A, a pressure roller 8B, and furrow covering rollers 8C. During operation of the precision seed drill 2, the furrow opener 8A first forms a furrow in the soil 9. Seeds 18, separated by the singulating device 7, are delivered into this furrow via corresponding seed lines. The seed grains 18 are then rolled over by the pressure roller 8B and thus fixed in the desired position in the soil. Finally, the furrow is covered with soil again by the furrow covering rollers 8C, so that the soil horizon is at least approximately closed and the seeds 18 are covered. Fig.3B As also shown, the second conveyor line 16 connected to the second outlet 13 opens in the longitudinal direction of the soil cultivation tools 8A, 8B, 8C or in the working direction F behind the sowing unit 3. In combination with the position of the guide flap 17, this results in granular material, indicated here by points 19, being spread on the soil surface behind the closed furrow. The opening of the second conveyor line 16 thus forms a second spreading point 20, which lies behind the furrow covering rollers 8C in the working direction F of the furrow covering rollers 8C.

[0025] In Fig.4A The storage container 4 and the dosing device 5 with the guide flap 17 are shown in a different position in a sectional view. The guide flap 17 is pivoted about an axis at the pivot point 21, so that the conveying channel is formed as the first outlet 12. In this position of the guide flap 17, the dosing device 5 conveys granular material to the ground via the first conveying line 15.

[0026] In Fig.4B the sowing unit 3 and the metering device 5 with the guide flap 17 are in the position according to Fig.4A shown. The first conveyor line 15 connected to the first outlet 12 opens in a concealed manner between the pressure roller 8B and the furrow covering rollers 8C above the still open furrow. The opening of the first conveyor line 15 thus forms a first application point 22, which is located in front of the furrow covering rollers 8C in the working direction F. The arrangement of the first conveyor line 15 allows granular material conveyed via the first conveyor line 15, also indicated here by the points 19, to be released into the furrow, where it is subsequently covered with earth by the furrow covering rollers 8C and thus worked into the soil. This can be advantageously used to work fertilizer into the soil in the immediate spatial proximity of the seeds 18.

[0027] Another sowing unit 3 with a further storage container 4 according to the invention is shown in Fig.5A shown in perspective view. This sowing unit 3 is characterized by the fact that two metering devices 5, 5' are assigned to the storage container 4. The two metering devices 5, 5' are each equipped with first and second feed lines 15, 16 at their outlets 12, 13, as described above, and include a guide flap 17. It is conceivable that adjusting mechanisms of the two metering devices 5, 5' (not shown) acting on the guide flap 17 can be actuated jointly. In this sowing unit 3, the guide flaps 17 of the two metering devices 5, 5' are adjustable independently of one another, so that the following application variants are possible: both dosing devices 5, 5' convey via the first conveying line 15 so that the granular material is worked into the soil by means of the furrow covering rollers 8C, both dosing devices 5, 5' convey via the second conveying line 16 so that the granular material is applied to the soil surface, or one dosing device 5 conveys via the first conveying line 15, while the other dosing device 5' conveys via the second conveying line 16 so that granular material is worked into the soil and applied to the soil surface. Of course, it is also conceivable that only one of the two dosing devices 5, 5' is operated.

[0028] The application variants described above appear particularly advantageous when considering Fig.5B , where the storage container 4 according to Fig.5A shown in a sectional view from above. A separating element designed as an upright partition 23 is arranged inside the storage container 4. The partition 23 runs centrally from the front end of the storage container 4 against the working direction F to the rear before bending at approximately 45 degrees to the right-hand side wall of the storage container 4 after approximately one third of the length of the storage container 4 and thus dividing the storage container 4 into two separate storage areas 24, 24'. The partition 23 and the metering devices 5, 5' are arranged in such a way that granular material from the storage area 24 only reaches one metering device 5, while granular material from the storage area 24' only reaches the other metering device 5'.In a particularly advantageous manner, the application variant can be adapted for different granular goods: Pesticides can be applied from one dosing device 5 via the second conveyor line 16 onto the soil surface, for example from storage area 24, while the dosing device 5' deposits fertilizer from storage area 24' via the first conveyor line 15 in the furrow, where the fertilizer is incorporated into the soil 9. Bezugszeichenliste

[0029] 1Farm tractor 2Precise seed drill 2AFrame FWorking direction 3Sowing unit 3AMounting flange 4Storage hopper 5, 5'Metering device 6Seed hopper 7Separator 8Soil tillage tool 8AFull opener 8BPress roller 8CFull covering roller 9Soil 10Metering housing 11Inlet 12First outlet 13Second outlet 14Metering wheel 15First conveyor line 16Second conveyor line 17Guide flap 18Seeds 19Points (granular material) 20Second application point 21Pivot point 22First application point 23Partition 24, 24'Separate storage area

Claims

1. Distribution machine (2) for granular material, such as seed and / or fertilizer, comprising at least one storage container (4), at least one metering device (5, 5') for conveying granular material in adjustable quantities being assigned to the storage container (4), the metering device (5, 5') comprising at least one metering housing (10) that has at least one inlet (11), at least one first outlet (12) and at least one second outlet (13), at least one drivable metering wheel (14) arranged in the metering housing (10) between the inlet (11) on one side and the outlets (12, 13) on the other side, a first conveying line (15) being connected to the first outlet (12) of the metering housing (10) and conveying the granular material conveyed by the metering device (5) to the soil, a guide device (17) being arranged between the metering wheel (14) on one side and the two outlets (12, 13) on the other side, by means of which guide device a conveying channel can be produced between the inlet (11) on one side and optionally the first outlet (12) or the second outlet (13) on the other side, and a second conveying line (16) that guides the granular material conveyed by the metering device (5) to the soil being connected to the second outlet (13), characterized in that the distribution machine (2) is designed to spread granular material conveyed via the second conveying line (16) onto the soil surface.

2. Distribution machine (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the distribution machine (2) comprises at least one soil-cultivating tool (8), preferably designed as furrow covering rollers (8C) or a pressure wheel (8B), in that the first conveying line (15) opens at a soil-cultivating tool (8), in that the second conveying line (16) opens in the longitudinal direction of the soil-cultivating tool (8) and / or transversely to the longitudinal direction of the soil-cultivating tool (8) at a distance from the opening of the first conveying line (15).

3. Distribution machine (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distribution machine (2) is designed to work granular material conveyed via the first conveying line (15) into the soil by means of a soil-cultivating tool (8).

4. Distribution machine (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first conveying line (15) is designed to convey granular material from the first outlet (12) on one side to a first discharge point (22) on the other side, in that the first discharge point (22) is located in front of the furrow covering roller (8C) in the working direction (F) of a furrow covering roller (8C).

5. Distribution machine (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second conveying line (16) is designed to convey granular material from the second outlet (13) on one side to a second discharge point (20) on the other side, in that the second discharge point (20) is located behind or next to the furrow covering roller (8C) in the working direction (F) of a furrow covering roller (8C).

6. Distribution machine (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metering device (5) comprises an adjusting mechanism acting on the guide device (17), by means of which it is possible to select to which of the two outlets (12, 13) the conveying channel is produced, in that the adjusting mechanism can be actuated manually, electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically by means of suitable means.

7. Distribution machine (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distribution machine (2) comprises at least two metering devices (5, 5'), in that the adjusting mechanisms of the at least two metering devices (5, 5') can be actuated jointly.

8. Distribution machine (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide device (17) is designed as a pivoting guide valve (17).

9. Distribution machine (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two metering devices (5, 5') are assigned to the storage container (4), in that the storage container (4) is divided into two separate storage regions (24, 24') by means of a separating element (23), in that a metering device (5, 5') is assigned to each of the two separate storage regions (24, 24').