MANURE SPREADER WITH AN ENERGY-SELF-SUFFICIENCY WARNING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a towed agricultural machine according to the preamble of claim 1, a method for operating an agricultural machine and an energy-autonomous warning device.

[0002] Agricultural machinery can include, for example, a manure spreader, a forage wagon, a tillage implement, a potato harvester, or a beet harvester. The essential requirement is that the agricultural machine can be attached to a tractor and connected via a drivetrain to the tractor's power take-off (PTO) shaft. The PTO shaft then powers the working components on the agricultural machine.

[0003] CN 202 089 129 U describes a two-wheeled hillside tractor with a two-wheeled trailer. An energy generation and charging device, including a generator, regulator, and battery, can be installed on the trailer chassis. The energy pickup mechanism comprises a drive wheel, a driven wheel, and a transmission belt. Torque is transmitted from the driven wheel to the generator's input shaft, causing the generator to produce electricity.

[0004] WO 2020 / 222210 A1 discloses a sensor-equipped driveshaft which may also include an integrated generator for power generation. The current generated by the generator can be used to issue an alarm or warning when a predefined criterion, such as the maximum driveshaft extension length, is detected by a corresponding sensor.

[0005] US Patent 3,728,676 A discloses a reversing warning device for vehicles, which can be used, for example, on construction machinery and emits warning signals when reversing.

[0006] US Patent 4,250,486 A discloses a vehicle equipped with an acoustic reversing warning device. This warning device is designed to audibly signal unexpected vehicle movements. This is intended to compensate for the different operating conditions of vehicles with powershift transmissions and vehicles with manual transmissions.

[0007] From CN 112 829 582 A, a vehicle energy generation system is known which includes a generator coupled to the vehicle's transmission. The generator converts the kinetic energy of a transmission shaft into electrical energy.

[0008] From DE 20 2004 010 713 U1, an agricultural machine in the form of a spreading vehicle is known. The spreading vehicle can be attached behind a tractor and has a working unit comprising two milling rollers and a two-disc wide-spreading unit located below them. The milling rollers and the wide-spreading unit are coupled to the tractor's power take-off (PTO) shaft via a drive shaft and are thus driven by the tractor.

[0009] Even when used as intended, the driven parts of such agricultural machinery pose hazards that can be reduced by installing a warning device, such as a flashing light. Such warning systems, which are activated depending on a predefined machine function, for example, when a specific drive is engaged or when reversing, are common knowledge. These warning devices are powered by the towing vehicle. A disadvantage of this system is that the warning function is no longer guaranteed if the power supply to the towing vehicle is interrupted.

[0010] The object of the invention is to eliminate the described disadvantages and to propose an agricultural machine whose warning device is not dependent on the power supply from a tractor.

[0011] This problem is solved by an agricultural machine having the features of claim 1.

[0012] The agricultural machine includes a warning device that is independent of the electrical power supply of a towing vehicle. An energy-independent warning device is thus understood to be one that is not connected to the electrical system of a towing vehicle. However, an energy-independent warning device as defined in the invention can be indirectly connected to the power supply of the towing vehicle via a mechanical, and optionally hydraulic, drive train. To generate and / or provide the energy required by the energy-independent warning device, the agricultural machine includes an energy generator or an energy storage device.

[0013] Furthermore, the energy-autonomous warning system includes at least the following components: a generator coupled to the drive train of the agricultural machine for generating electrical energy; at least one sensor for detecting a driving movement of the agricultural machine and / or a movement of the working unit of the agricultural machine; a signal transmitter; a control unit for activating the signal transmitter, wherein the power supply of the control unit is provided by the electrical energy generated by the generator.

[0014] The energy-autonomous warning device also includes a timer for the delayed activation and / or deactivation of the signaling device. This allows the signaling device to be switched on and / or off at a later time. For example, a flashing light can continue to blink for a few seconds after the drive unit for the working unit has already been switched off. This ensures that a warning signal is still emitted by the signaling device even while rotating parts, such as the milling drum of a manure spreader, are coming to a stop.

[0015] The signal transmitter can be, for example, an optical or acoustic signal transmitter, whereby the energy supply of the signal transmitter as well as the energy supply of the sensor is preferably provided by the electrical energy generated by the generator.

[0016] The electrical energy generated by the generator is preferably supplied at a voltage of 12 volts, thus compatible with the electrical systems of common tractors and agricultural machinery. Coupling the generator to the drivetrain offers several advantages. Firstly, electrical energy can be easily generated from the rotating drive shafts during operation. Furthermore, the amount of energy required to operate the warning system is so small compared to the energy demand of the working components that the mechanical power loss due to the minimal conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy is virtually negligible.

[0017] Finally, it is particularly advantageous that the drivetrain supplies the necessary energy precisely when it is required to operate the warning system: When the mechanical drive is switched off, or when the drivetrain is stationary, the working units are also in standby mode, and as a rule, no energy is needed for the warning device. Exceptions to this rule may occur if a signal transmitter integrated into the warning device needs to be activated or deactivated with a time delay. However, it can generally be stated that whenever a drive shaft is set in rotation, the working units can also be activated, and energy is required to activate the warning device under predefined operating conditions.

[0018] It can be designed so that the warning device is automatically activated as soon as the drive shaft is set in motion and energy is generated by the generator. Put simply, in such a case, the signaling device integrated into the warning system, for example a flashing light, is switched on as soon as the drive shaft rotates.

[0019] Preferably, the warning device comprises, in addition to the generator and the signal transmitter, a sensor and a control unit for activating the signal transmitter. This makes it possible to activate the signal transmitter depending on one or more predefined operating states.

[0020] For example, it can be predefined that the signal transmitter is only activated if the sensor continues to detect a predefined movement. This movement could be, for example, a forward movement of the entire agricultural machine or a movement of a working unit, such as the rotation of a milling drum.

[0021] The control system is preferably switched using electrical relays and can be structured as follows, for example: Condition No. Generator voltage [volts] Sensor speed spreader Signal transmitter 1 = detected movement 0 = Standstill 1 0 0 Out of 2 12 0 Out of 3 0 1 Out of 4 12 1 A

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the generator is based on the dynamo principle and has a similar or identical structure to known bicycle dynamos.

[0023] A dynamo is a small, single-phase AC or DC generator. It is driven by the rotating drive shaft of the agricultural machine. Depending on the design, a permanent magnet rotates within a stationary stator winding, or a coil rotates within a stationary permanent magnet, inducing a voltage. Other designs and / or combinations are possible. As a result, the generator, operating on the dynamo principle, supplies the energy required to power the warning device. These devices are technically simple, robust, and inexpensive.

[0024] The signaling device can be visual and / or audible. It is preferably powered by energy generated by a generator, but can also be powered by a battery. A visual signaling device could be, for example, a light or a flashing light. An audible warning device could be, for example, a horn.

[0025] The sensor could be, for example, a motion sensor, a speed sensor, a proximity switch, an optical sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. A speed sensor can monitor the rotational speed or speed differences of drive shafts and other rotating parts. In classic electromechanical designs, they are connected directly to the shaft. Upon reaching certain speeds, they open or close contacts via a centrifugal switching system, which are integrated, for example, into signaling systems or sequence controls. Proximity switches are sensors that react to approach, meaning they do so without direct contact.

[0026] For example, a speed sensor can be integrated into the axle of the chassis. The activation conditions for the sensor can be defined as follows: firstly, the drive shaft must be rotating, and secondly, the agricultural machine must be moving, i.e., traveling forwards or backwards. In this case, the generator produces current, and the sensor detects movement. The data is transmitted to the control unit via electrical wiring or radio and processed there. If both conditions are met, the control unit sends an activation signal to the sensor. As soon as either the agricultural machine or the drive train is stopped, the sensor is deactivated by the control unit using a deactivation signal.

[0027] As explained above, the control system can be switched using electrical relays. For example, in a warning device with an integrated delay element, it can be structured as follows: Condition No. Generator voltage [volts] Sensor speed spreader Has the time delay before / after the sensor signal change expired? Signal transmitter 1 = detected movement 0 = Standstill 1 0 0 No Out of 2 12 0 No A 3 0 1 No Out of 4 12 1 No A 5 0 0 Yes Out of 6 12 0 Yes Out of 7 0 1 Yes Out of 8 12 1 Yes A

[0028] The problem according to the invention is also solved by a method for operating an agricultural machine with an energy-autonomous warning device.

[0029] The method according to the invention comprises the following process steps: Providing a towed agricultural machine comprising a chassis with at least one axle and a drive train for at least one working unit, wherein the drive train includes at least one drive shaft driven by a towing vehicle; generating electrical energy by means of a generator coupled to the drive train of the agricultural machine; supplying a sensor coupled to the agricultural machine with the electrical energy generated by the generator; detecting movement of the agricultural machine and / or a working unit of the agricultural machine by means of a sensor; transmitting actual sensor values ​​and / or actual generator operating values ​​determined by the sensor to a control system; comparing the actual sensor value and / or the actual generator operating values ​​with at least one preset value stored in the control system;Activation of an optical and / or acoustic signal transmitter by the controller upon detection of a match between at least one sensor actual value and / or one generator actual value with a predefined setpoint or setpoint combination.

[0030] In its simplest form, the control system mentioned can be a relay. However, it can also be more complex and, for example, include an integrated circuit in the form of a microcontroller.

[0031] A key advantage of this method is that the warning device is independent of the tractor's electrical power supply and therefore self-sufficient and protected against failure. To ensure that the agricultural machine can only be operated when the energy-independent warning device is also functioning, secondary safety circuits can be provided that prevent the agricultural machine from being started in the event of a malfunction or failure of, for example, the signal transmitter or the generator.

[0032] The activation and / or deactivation of the optical and / or acoustic signal generator is delayed by a predefined time after detection of a match between at least one sensor actual value and / or generator actual value and the predefined setpoint or setpoint combination. For example, the control of the drive or travel systems can be coordinated with the activation of the signal generator such that the signal generator is activated first, and the working unit is activated after a time delay. Conversely, it can also be provided that the signal generator is only deactivated after a time delay following the shutdown of the working unit.

[0033] The object of the invention is further solved by a warning device for a towed agricultural machine that is self-sufficient in terms of electrical energy from a towing vehicle and comprises the following components: a generator for producing electrical energy, which can be coupled to a drive train of an agricultural machine; at least one sensor for detecting a driving movement of the agricultural machine and / or a movement of a working unit of the agricultural machine, wherein the energy supply of the sensor is provided by the electrical energy generated by the generator; a signal transmitter; a control unit for activating the signal transmitter.

[0034] Such a warning device can, for example, be supplied as a kit and designed for retrofitting onto agricultural machinery. The components can be retrofitted to agricultural machinery relatively easily and universally, thus increasing its operational safety.

[0035] Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figure and the description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0036] The figures in the drawing, their description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. It is clear to a person skilled in the art that these features can also be considered individually or combined into further combinations not described in detail here. The invention expressly extends to embodiments that are not defined by combinations of features from explicit cross-references in the claims, meaning that the disclosed features of the invention can be combined arbitrarily, insofar as this is technically feasible. The exemplary embodiments shown in the figures are therefore merely descriptive and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

[0037] The terms used below, "upper", "top", "lower", "left" or "right", refer to the arrangement of the components in operating mode as shown in the drawing.

[0038] Figure 1 The figure shows a vehicle combination consisting of a tractor unit 200 and an agricultural machine 100. The tractor unit 200 is a tractor 30, and the agricultural machine 100 is a manure spreader 40.

[0039] The manure spreader 40 has a drawbar 21 which is coupled to a hitch (not shown) of the tractor 30. The tractor has a power take-off (PTO) shaft to which a drive shaft 13 of the manure spreader 40 is coupled. Several drive shafts 13 together form a drive train 15.

[0040] The manure spreader 40 further comprises a loading chamber 22 with a conveyor floor encircling the loading chamber floor. During operation, the conveyor floor feeds spreading material located in the loading chamber 22 to a spreading unit 23 arranged at the rear of the loading chamber 22. In the Fig. 1In the illustrated embodiment, the spreading mechanism 23 has two horizontal spreading rollers 24 and two spreading discs 25 mounted below them.

[0041] The cargo space 22 is mounted on a chassis 26. The chassis 26 in turn is supported by a running gear 11 with two axles 12.

[0042] A generator 16 in the form of a dynamo 20 is coupled to the drive train 15. As soon as an operator starts the power take-off (PTO) of the tractor 200, the drive shafts 13 of the drive train 15 are set into rotation and the dynamo 20 coupled to the drive train 15 generates electrical energy.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the energy generated in this way serves to operate sensors 17, a signal transmitter 18, and a control unit 19. Two sensors 17 are provided in the illustrated embodiment. One sensor 17 is a speed monitor or driver detection sensor integrated into a vehicle axle 12. The other sensor 17 is integrated into the spreading mechanism 23. As an alternative to integrating a sensor 17 into the vehicle axle 12 or into the axle of a spreading roller 24, the rotational movement to be detected can also be detected differently, for example, by means of a sensor plate (gear ring) wrapped around the brake drum. In a simple design, the sensors 17 provide yes / no information about whether an axle is moving and thus whether a driving or rotational movement is present.In an improved version, a sensor 17 can also be used, which provides further or different information, for example information about the current speed of the agricultural machine 100.

[0044] The data provided by sensor 17 are transmitted to the control unit 19. Based on this data, initial information required for activating the signal transmitter 18 is provided. Depending on the design of the control unit 19, the activation of the signal transmitter 18 may be conditional upon sensor 17 having detected a movement or, in the improved embodiment, a movement at a certain minimum speed. Generator 16, sensor 17, signal transmitter 18, and control unit 19 thus form a warning device 10 that is self-sufficient in terms of electrical energy from the tractor 200.

[0045] As a result, in the illustrated embodiment, the signal transmitter 18 is activated when: the auxiliary drive of the tractor 200 is switched on, thereby setting at least one drive shaft 13 of the agricultural machine 100 into rotation and thus providing a voltage with a predefined value, for example 12 volts, from the dynamo 20; the sensor 17 detects a movement and transmits a predefined signal value to the control unit 19.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, another sensor can be attached to a working unit of the agricultural machine, in this case, for example, to the spreader 14. The control unit 19 can then be designed so that the signal transmitter is only activated when both a driving movement and a movement of the spreader, for example, a rotation of a spreading roller, are detected.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, a delay element is integrated into the control unit 19. The delay element causes a time-delayed activation of the signal transmitter 18. This time-delayed activation ensures that the signal transmitter is deactivated after the tractor's power take-off is switched off or the agricultural machine 100 has come to a standstill. To ensure that the signal transmitter 18 has the necessary electrical energy available even when the drive train 15 is stationary, a battery or accumulator can be integrated into the circuit of the warning device 10. The accumulator is regularly recharged by the generator 16 or dynamo 20, thus ensuring the power supply to the signal transmitter 18.

[0048] The warning device 10 described in the exemplary embodiment can be integrated into an agricultural machine by the manufacturer, but it can also be provided as a retrofit kit and subsequently attached to an existing agricultural machine.

[0049] Of course, other designs for the energy-autonomous warning device 10 are also possible to reduce the risk of accidents on other towed agricultural machinery, such as tillage equipment, potato harvesters, forage wagons, etc. The selection of suitable generators 16, sensors 17, and signal transmitters 18, as well as the design of the control system 19, then depend on the specific application. Reference symbol list

[0050] 10 Warning device 11 Chassis 12 Vehicle axle 13 Drive shaft 14 Working unit 15 Drivetrain 16 Generator 17 Sensor 18 Signal transmitter 19 Control unit 20 Dynamo 21 Drawbar 22 Loading area 23 Spreading unit 24 Spreading roller 25 Spreading disc 26 Chassis 27- 28- 29- 30 Tractor 40 Manure spreader 100 agricultural machine 200 tractor

Claims

1. Towed agricultural machine (100), comprising: - a chassis (11) with at least one vehicle axle (12), - a drive train (15) for at least one working unit (14), wherein the drive train (15) comprises at least one drive shaft (13) that can be driven by a towing vehicle (200) and a warning device (10) that is energy-autonomous from an electrical energy supply of the towing vehicle (200), characterised in that the energy-autonomous warning device (10) comprises at least the following components: - a generator (16) coupled to the drive train (15) of the agricultural machine (100) for generating electrical energy; - at least one sensor (17) for detecting a driving movement of the agricultural machine (100) and / or a movement of the working unit (14) of the agricultural machine (100); - a signal generator (18); - a control unit (19) for activating the signal generator (18); - a timer for the time-delayed activation and / or deactivation of the signal generator (18).

2. Towed agricultural machine (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that the generator (16) is a dynamo (20).

3. Towed agricultural machine (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the signal generator (18) is an optical and / or acoustic signal generator, wherein the energy supply of the signal generator (18) is preferably effected by the energy generated by the generator (16).

4. Towed agricultural machine (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the sensor (17) is a motion sensor, a rotational speed sensor, a proximity switch, an optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

5. Method for operating an agricultural machine (100) with an energy-autonomous warning device (10), characterised by the method steps of: - providing a towed agricultural machine (100), comprising a chassis (11) with at least one vehicle axle (12) and a drive train (15) for at least one working unit (14), wherein the drive train (15) comprises at least one drive shaft (13) that can be driven by a towing vehicle (200); - generating electrical energy by means of a generator (16) coupled to the drive train (15) of the agricultural machine (100); - supplying a control unit (19) coupled to the agricultural machine with the electrical energy generated by the generator (16); - detection of a movement of the agricultural machine (100) and / or of a working unit (14) of the agricultural machine (100) by means of a sensor (17); - transmission of the actual sensor values determined by the sensor (17) and / or of the actual operating values of the generator (16) to the control unit (19); - comparison of the actual sensor value and / or the actual operating values of the generator with at least one default value stored in the control unit (19); - activation of a visual and / or acoustic signal generator (18) by the control unit (19) on detection of a match between at least one actual sensor value and / or one actual generator value and a predefined setpoint value or a setpoint value combination, wherein the activation of the optical and / or acoustic signal generator (18) is delayed by a predefined time after detection of a match between the at least one sensor actual value and / or generator actual value and the predefined setpoint value or setpoint value combination.