AGRICULTURAL TOOL

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an agricultural implement with at least one working unit and a detection device for detecting living beings in the working path of the working unit, as well as a method for operating the agricultural implement.

[0002] When working grassland, it's often difficult for a machine operator to determine whether an animal is in the working path. The animal often cowers in shock and remains motionless when a tractor-implement combination approaches, making it difficult to see in the unmown crop, such as taller grass. This is particularly difficult with agricultural implements that process unmown crops, such as mowers, as the animals are particularly difficult to see. However, this problem can also occur with other working units.

[0003] In order to protect animals from contact with machines and the associated injuries, but conversely to protect the machines from damage caused by game, detection devices are increasingly being used on the respective implement or on the tractor pulling or pushing the implement. The detection device serves to automatically detect animals in the working path of the working units and issue a warning signal or, if necessary, stop the working units. Appropriate sensors scan the ground or the work corridor to be worked, with evaluation units attempting to derive animal recognition from certain signal patterns. This is difficult, however, because the scanning signals react to various environmental influences, which makes it difficult to distinguish signal fluctuations caused by animals from other signal fluctuations.This is especially true for implements that work on uncut crops, as the still-standing crop generates various signal reflections that are overlaid by additional signal reflections reflecting the ground contours. However, such problems also occur when an animal hides in a large, tightly packed swath, for example.

[0004] EP3183950A1 discloses a generic agricultural implement with a detection device for detecting living beings. EP3183950A1 already addresses the problem mentioned above.

[0005] The agricultural implement disclosed in EP3183950A1 has the disadvantage that the maximum possible working speed is limited due to the sensor arrangement.

[0006] WO 9510933 A1 discloses an agricultural implement with at least one working unit and a detection device for detecting living beings in a working path of the working unit. The detection device comprises at least one sensor for scanning the working path of the working unit and an evaluation unit for evaluating the sensor signal. Furthermore, an energy emission device is provided, which serves to startle the living being, wherein an energy-containing signal is only emitted when a living being is detected by the sensor.

[0007] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device and a method by means of which a reliable detection of living beings is possible while at the same time increasing the working speed.

[0008] This object is achieved by a device and a method according to the claims.

[0009] According to the invention, an agricultural implement is designed with at least one working unit and a detection device for detecting living beings in the working path of the working unit. The detection device has at least one sensor for scanning the working path of the working unit. Furthermore, an energy emission device is designed, which serves to scare the living being. Furthermore, the detection device can comprise an evaluation unit for evaluating the signal from the sensor for detecting living beings. Furthermore, it can be provided that a computing unit is designed, to which the energy emission device and the sensor are coupled. Furthermore, it can be provided that the agricultural implement is designed such that an energy-laden signal can be emitted by means of the energy emission device, which serves to scare the living being so that it can be detected by the sensor.In particular, the computing unit can be configured such that, when the detection device is activated, the energy-bearing signal is continuously emitted during a work process. Additionally, the sensor signal can be continuously evaluated for the presence of a living being by an evaluation unit during the work process.

[0010] The agricultural implement according to the invention offers the advantage that the continuous emission of a signal from the energy emission device scares the living creatures, making them easier to detect by the detection device. This makes it possible to operate the agricultural implement at increased speed without compromising detection quality. The combined design of the energy emission device with the detection device eliminates the need to completely drive the living creatures out of their hiding place in the field being worked; rather, it is sufficient if the energy emission device only briefly scares the living creatures so that they can be detected by the detection device. This avoids the laborious task of searching the field before harvesting.

[0011] Furthermore, it may be useful for the energy-emitting device to include a sound-emitting device. A sound-emitting device is particularly well-suited for scaring away living creatures, such as fawns.

[0012] Furthermore, the sound emission device can be configured to emit sound in the ultrasonic range. Especially with sound emission in the ultrasonic range, those creatures living in the fields that are most at risk, such as fawns, hares, and the like, can be particularly effectively disturbed. Thus, these creatures can be easily detected by the detection device.

[0013] Furthermore, the sound emission device can be configured to emit sound at a frequency between 13 kHz and 100 kHz, in particular between 20 kHz and 65 kHz, preferably between 20 kHz and 50 kHz. Especially with sound emission in this frequency range, those creatures living in the fields that are most at risk, such as fawns, hares, and the like, can be particularly effectively disturbed. Thus, these creatures can be easily detected by the detection device.

[0014] Another advantageous embodiment is one in which the energy-emitting device can comprise a light-emitting device for emitting optical signals. Light emission, in particular, can particularly effectively scare away the most endangered creatures living in the fields, such as fawns, hares, and the like. Thus, these creatures can be easily detected by the detection device.

[0015] According to a further development, it is possible for a plurality of detection devices to be configured, each with at least one sensor for scanning a respective working path of a respective working unit, with each of the detection devices being assigned an energy emission device. This offers the advantage that, when multiple working units are installed on the agricultural implement, effective detection of living organisms can be achieved for each of the working units.

[0016] Furthermore, it can be provided that the energy emission device comprises a light emission device for emitting optical signals and a sound emission device, wherein the energy emission device is designed to simultaneously emit an optical signal and an acoustic signal. In particular, the simultaneous emission of an optical signal and an acoustic signal results in surprising efficiency in startling living beings.

[0017] According to a further development, it is possible for a plurality of detection devices to be designed, each with at least one sensor for scanning a respective working path of the respective working unit, wherein each of the detection devices is assigned an energy emission device.

[0018] Furthermore, it may be expedient for the detection device and the energy emission device to be arranged on a common carrier unit, which can be coupled to the agricultural implement. This offers the advantage that the agricultural implement can be easily equipped with the detection device or the energy emission device. In particular, this simplifies the positioning of the detection device and the energy emission device in the correct position relative to each other, further improving the efficiency of detecting living beings.

[0019] Furthermore, it can be provided that the energy emission device is directed forwards as seen in the direction of travel of the agricultural implement.

[0020] Furthermore, the sensor can be provided with a scanning range of + / -10° to + / -65° with a downward-directed main scanning direction. Said main scanning direction can be inclined substantially vertically downwards toward the floor or, if necessary, at a slight acute angle to the vertical, wherein the scanning range with the angles of + / -10° to + / -65° can preferably be provided symmetrically around said main scanning direction.

[0021] Advantageously, the sensor can have a scanning range of + / -35° to + / -55°, including the vertical downwards. If the main scanning direction coincides with the vertical, the sensor can scan + / -35° to + / -55°, in particular approximately + / -45°, around the vertical.

[0022] The sensor can achieve the aforementioned scanning range of, for example, + / -45° with a fixed sensor alignment by emitting a correspondingly expanding electromagnetic wave cone of, for example, + / -45° and / or a scanning range that detects incoming electromagnetic waves or light waves within a corresponding angular range. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor can be moved back and forth or cyclically to cover the aforementioned scanning range.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be provided that the radiation direction of the energy emission device is configured at an angle between 1° and 45°, in particular between 5° and 35°, preferably between 10° and 20° to the horizontal. An energy emission device arranged at such an angle, in particular, effectively scares off living beings, so that they can be detected with a high degree of certainty by the detection device.

[0024] Furthermore, it can be provided that a differential angle between a radiation direction of the energy emission device and a main scanning direction of the detection device is between 50° and 85°, in particular between 60° and 83°, preferably between 70° and 80°. Especially with such a differential angle, living beings can be detected particularly efficiently, since they are still startled when they enter the detection range of the detection device.

[0025] According to the invention, a method is provided for operating an agricultural implement with at least one working unit and a detection device for detecting living beings in a working path of the working unit, wherein the detection device has at least one sensor for scanning the working path of the working unit and an evaluation unit for evaluating the sensor signal. During a travel movement of the implement, the working path is scanned by means of the detection device and the sensor signal is evaluated for the presence of a living being by means of an evaluation unit. By means of an energy emission device, an energetic signal is emitted which serves to startle the living being so that it can be detected by the sensor. In particular, the sensor signal can be evaluated for the presence of a living being by means of an evaluation unit.In particular, it can be provided that the energy-bearing signal is continuously emitted during a work process. Additionally, it can be provided that the sensor signal is continuously evaluated for the presence of a living being by means of an evaluation unit during the work process.

[0026] The method according to the invention offers the advantage that the energy emission device scares the living creatures, making them easier to detect by the detection device. This makes it possible to operate the agricultural implement at increased speed without compromising detection quality. The combined design of the energy emission device with the detection device eliminates the need to completely drive the living creatures out of their hiding place in the field being worked; rather, it is sufficient if the energy emission device only briefly scares the living creatures so that they can be detected by the detection device. This avoids the laborious task of searching the field before harvesting.

[0027] For the purposes of this document, an energy-emitting device is defined as a device specifically designed to emit a defined energy emission intended to scare living beings. The engine of an agricultural implement, nor a working unit that emits an "energy emission" due to its operation, is not considered an energy-emitting device for the purposes of this document.

[0028] For the purposes of this document, living beings are primarily defined as beings large enough to be injured by the working unit or to be capable of damaging the working unit. These include, for example, mammals such as fawns, hares, wild boars, dogs, cats, and the like. These can also include birds such as pheasants, chickens, and the like.

[0029] A computing unit within the meaning of this document can be a digital computer. Furthermore, it is also conceivable for a computing unit within the meaning of this document to be a simple electrical circuit. In particular, the computing unit can be designed to activate the energy emission device, the evaluation unit, and the sensor at the start of a work process.

[0030] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0031] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of an agricultural implement; Fig. 2 shows a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of an agricultural implement; Fig. 3 shows a schematic plan view of a third embodiment of an agricultural implement; Fig. 4 shows a schematic side view of a fourth embodiment of an agricultural implement.

[0032] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these positional information must be applied analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of an agricultural implement 1.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the agricultural implement 1 comprises a tractor 2, to which several working units 3 are coupled. In the present embodiment, the working units 3 are, for example, a front mower arranged in front of the tractor 2 and two rear mowers arranged behind the tractor 2. Each of the working units 3 is guided along a working path 4, in which it cultivates the harvested area. Furthermore, a detection device 5 is designed to detect living beings in the working path 4 of the working unit 3. As can be seen from Fig. 1 As can be seen, it can be provided that a separate detection device 5 is formed for each of the working units 3.

[0035] The detection devices 5 each comprise a plurality of sensors 6, which serve to scan the working path 4 of the working unit 3. Furthermore, an evaluation unit 7 is provided, which evaluates the signal from the sensor 6 and which serves to detect the living beings.

[0036] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an energy emission device 8 is configured for each of the working units 3, which serves to emit energy so that living beings hiding in the field can be scared away. In the present embodiment, the energy emission device 8 comprises a sound emission device 9. Furthermore, the energy emission device 8 in the present embodiment comprises a light emission device 10.

[0037] As from Fig. 1As can also be seen, a carrier unit 11 can be formed, which is coupled to the tractor 2 or to the working unit 3, wherein the detection device 5 and the energy emission device 8 are arranged on the carrier unit 11. The common carrier unit 11 allows the detection device 5 and the energy emission device 8 to be easily coupled to the working unit 3 or the tractor 2.

[0038] As from Fig. 1 As can also be seen, it can be provided that the detection device 5 or the energy emission device 8 are each arranged in a direction of travel 12 in front of the working unit 3.

[0039] In the Fig. 2 a further and possibly independent embodiment of the agricultural implement 1 is shown, wherein again the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the previous Fig. 1To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the previous Fig. 1 pointed out or referred to.

[0040] As from Fig. 2As can be seen, it can be provided that only one energy emission device 8 is formed, which serves for several detection devices 5. Such a design can be particularly useful for agricultural implements 1 with a high working speed in order to save costs through the simplified structure and to keep the complexity of the system as low as possible. However, with agricultural implements 1 with a low processing speed, there can be a risk with such an embodiment that the living being is startled by the energy emission device 8, but by the time the living being would be within the detection range of the detection device 5, the living being has already hidden back in the grass.

[0041] In the Fig. 3a further and possibly independent embodiment of the agricultural implement 1 is shown, wherein again the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the previous Figures 1 and 2 To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the previous Figures 1 and 2 pointed out or referred to.

[0042] As from Fig. 3 As can be seen, it can be provided that the detection device 5 has such a large width that both a working unit 3 arranged in front of the tractor 2 and working units 3 arranged behind the tractor 2 can be covered by the detection device 5.

[0043] In the Fig. 4A further and possibly independent embodiment of the agricultural implement 1 is shown in a side view, wherein the same reference numerals or component designations are used for the same parts as in the previous figures 1 to 3. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the previous Figures 1 to 3 pointed out or referred to.

[0044] As from Fig. 4As can be seen, it can be provided that the detection device 5 or the energy emission device 8 is coupled to the working unit 3 by means of the carrier unit 11. The carrier unit 11 is arranged on a front side of the working unit 3, viewed in the direction of travel 12, so that a detection area 13 of the detection device 5 lies in front of the working unit 3, viewed in the direction of travel 12. The energy emission device 8 has a radiation direction 14, wherein the radiation direction 14 is the direction with the greatest energy intensity of the energy emission. In practice, it is of course provided that the emitted signal is not a linear signal or a planar signal viewed across the width of the working device 1, but that the signal has a certain opening width or scattering around the radiation direction 14.

[0045] The radiation direction 14 is arranged at an angle 15 to the horizontal. The detection device 5, or rather the sensors 6, also have a main scanning direction 16, wherein a scanning region 17 is formed around the main scanning direction 16. In particular, it can be provided that the scanning region 17 is formed symmetrically around the main scanning direction 16. As can be seen from Fig. 4 As can also be seen, it can be provided that the radiation direction 14 of the energy emission device 8 and the main scanning direction 16 of the detection device 5 are arranged at a differential angle 18 to one another.

[0046] The embodiments show possible variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated variants thereof.

[0047] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings are to be used to interpret the claims.

[0048] All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0049] For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference symbol list

[0050] 1Agricultural implement 2Tractor 3Working unit 4Working path 5Detection device 6Sensor 7Evaluation unit 8Energy emission device 9Sound emission device 10Light emission device 11Carrier unit 12Direction of travel 13Detection range 14Emission direction 15Emission direction angle 16Main scanning direction 17Scanning range 18Difference angle

Claims

1. An agricultural implement (1) having at least one working unit (3) and a detection device (5) for detecting living organisms in a working path (4) of the working unit (3), wherein the detection device (5) has at least one sensor (6) for sensing the working path (4) of the working unit (3), wherein an energy emission device (8) is formed, which serves to startle the living creature, characterized in that the agricultural implement (1) is configured in such a way that an energy-containing signal is emitted by means of the energy emission device (8), which serves to startle the living creature so that it can be detected by the sensor (6).

2. The agricultural implement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy emission device (8) comprises a sound emission device (9).

3. The agricultural implement (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the sound emission device (9) is configured to emit an acoustic emission in the ultrasonic range.

4. The agricultural implement (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the sound emission device (9) is configured to emit an acoustic emission with a frequency between 13 kHz and 100 kHz, in particular between 20 kHz and 65 kHz, preferably between 20 kHz and 50 kHz.

5. The agricultural implement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy emission device (8) comprises a light emission device (10) for emitting optical signals.

6. The agricultural implement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of detection devices (5) are each formed to have at least one sensor (6) for scanning a respective working path (4) of a respective working unit (3), wherein an energy emission device (8) is assigned to each of the detection devices (5).

7. The agricultural implement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device (5) and the energy emission device (8) are arranged on a common carrier unit (11), which is arranged on the agricultural implement so that it can be coupled.

8. The agricultural implement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a radiation direction (14) of the energy emission device (8) is formed at an angle (15) of between 1° and 45°, in particular between 5° and 35°, preferably between 10° and 20° to the horizontal.

9. The agricultural implement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a differential angle (18) between a radiation direction (14) of the energy emission device (8) and a main scanning direction (16) of the detection device (5) is between 50° and 85°, in particular between 60° and 83°, preferably between 70° and 80°.

10. A method for operating an agricultural implement with at least one working unit (3) and a detection device (5) for detecting living organisms in a working path (4) of the working unit (3), wherein the detection device (5) has at least one sensor (6) for scanning the working path (4) of the working unit (3) and an evaluation unit (7) for evaluating the signal of the sensor (6), wherein the working path (4) is scanned by means of the detection device (5) during a travel movement of the implement and the signal of the sensor (6) is evaluated for the presence of a living being, characterized in that an energy-containing signal is emitted by means of an energy emission device (8), which serves to startle the living being so that it can be detected by the sensor (6).