SCHARBOCK FOR AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a coulter frame with a frame connection for attachment to a machine frame and a coulter connection for attaching a coulter unit, wherein the coulter connection is pivotable relative to the frame connection about a pivot axis via an adjusting element between a working position and a lifting position and can be locked relative to the frame connection via a locking mechanism to fix the coulter unit in the working position. A further aspect of the invention is a seed drill with such a coulter frame.

[0002] Such share blocks are used in agricultural machinery, especially tillage machines or seed drills, and serve to attach individual share units to a common machine frame. In As a rule, several share units, which often have share-like tools for tearing up or loosening the soil of an agricultural area, are arranged side by side transversely to a direction of travel at the rear end of the agricultural machine and are each connected to the machine frame via a share block.

[0003] In In its simplest form, such a shear bracket is designed like a multi-folded mounting plate and has a frame connection on one side for attachment to the machine frame and a share connection on the other side for attaching the share unit. The shear bracket is usually attached to the machine frame and / or the share unit using detachable fasteners such as screws or bolts.

[0004] Such a machine, typically comprising numerous share units, is usually moved across agricultural land at a certain speed for soil cultivation or sowing, following essentially parallel paths. For this purpose, it can be attached to or mounted on agricultural tractors. The share units follow the tractor, their direction of travel corresponding to the tractor's direction of travel. Using the share-like tools of the share units, parallel furrows or grooves can be created in the soil, into which seeds can be placed for sowing or fertilizer applied. The number of share units arranged side by side determines the number of furrows to be created.

[0005] In agricultural practice, it has proven disadvantageous that, particularly when share units are arranged close together, the furrow formation of one share unit is influenced by the two adjacent share units. The soil excavated by a share unit is generally discharged to both sides, perpendicular to the direction of travel, where it can collide with the soil excavated by the neighboring share units and cause blockages between them.

[0006] For this reason, it has proven advantageous to arrange adjacent share units offset from one another in the direction of travel. In practice, extended share frames are used for this purpose, in which the distance between the frame connection and the share connection is increased in the direction of travel. With an alternating arrangement of short, plate-like and extended share frames, this results in an alternately offset arrangement of the share units on two lines, allowing the excavated soil from the share units to be discharged unhindered to both sides and also enabling improved passage of soil and organic material between the share units.

[0007] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous in agricultural practice if individual share units can be deactivated, for example, to avoid repeated tillage in overlapping passes or to achieve different furrow spacings. Extended share frames are known from US 11,166,402 B2, which feature an additional pivoting function for swiveling the share unit. In these share frames, the share connection relative to the frame connection can be pivoted about a pivot axis between a working position and a raised position via a hydraulic actuator. In the raised position, the respective share unit is raised relative to the working surface and thus deactivated; in the lowered working position, the share unit is activated and ready for tillage.Thus, various machine configurations can be set, which are characterized by a different sequence of raised and lowered share units.

[0008] Depending on various factors, such as soil conditions or driving speed, significant forces act on the share units in the working position. With share frames featuring a pivoting function, these forces can lead to an unintended pivoting of the share connection. This can result in a change in furrow depth and, in the worst case, even cause the share unit to lift off the ground, significantly impairing the quality of tillage or seeding. To prevent this problem, the share frames described in US 11,166,402 B2 incorporate a locking mechanism. This locking mechanism allows the share connection to be locked relative to the frame connection in the working position, thus securing the share connection relative to the frame.The locking mechanism is designed in the form of a spring-loaded locking hook, which must be manually operated to unlock it.

[0009] In practice, such extended and swiveling share brackets have generally proven their worth. However, in field use, it has proven disadvantageous that the operator, usually the tractor driver, must first manually unlock the locking mechanism before the share connection can be swiveled relative to the frame connection via the adjusting element. This results in a time-consuming and increased operating effort, especially when a large number of share connections need to be swiveled or when the machine configuration is frequently changed.

[0010] Against this background, the present invention presents itself as Aufgabe , to specify a shackle in which the locking mechanism can be operated in a user-friendly manner.

[0011] This task is accomplished in a shag of the type mentioned above by the features of claim 1. gelöst . Advantageous further training opportunities are listed in the dependent sub-claims.

[0012] The locking mechanism is operatively linked to the actuating element and can be activated by pressing the actuating element. This allows for user-friendly and time-saving operation of the locking mechanism via the actuating element. The actuating element thus has a dual function. It serves not only to pivot the share connection relative to the frame connection, but also to lock the share connection relative to the frame connection in the working position of the share unit.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the actuating element extends between a pivot bearing formed at the frame connection and a pivot bearing formed at the share connection. Such an arrangement enables a defined and reliable mounting of the actuating element. Furthermore, such an arrangement allows the share connection to be pivoted about the pivot axis in a simple manner relative to the frame connection by changing the length of the actuating element.

[0014] It is advantageous if the rotary bearing arranged at the frame connection is movably mounted in a bearing guide, particularly movable transversely to the pivot axis, and especially movable between an upper stop and a lower stop of the bearing guide. Such a design advantageously provides the rotary bearing arranged at the frame connection with an additional degree of freedom in the form of movement along the bearing guide. This additional movement of the rotary bearing can be used to lock and unlock the share connection. The movement of the rotary bearing arranged at the frame connection can be easily limited by the upper and lower stops of the bearing guide. The stops can advantageously correspond to different locking positions.In particular, the upper stop can correspond to the locking position of the lock and / or the lower stop to an unlocking position of the lock.

[0015] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the locking mechanism has at least one locking lever that can be pivoted about a locking axis. Such a locking lever can be pivoted about the locking axis for locking and unlocking in a kinematically simple manner. Moreover, a locking lever that can be pivoted about a locking axis allows for advantageously simple one-sided actuation via the actuating element.

[0016] In this context, it is further proposed that the locking lever be connected on one side of the locking axis to the pivot bearing located at the frame connection via a lever bearing, and that a locking element be located on the other side of the locking axis. Such a design allows defined rocking movements of the locking lever around the locking axis. In particular, these rocking movements can be limited by the stops of the bearing guide on the frame connection side. The rocking movements around the locking axis can enable reliable actuation of the lock while requiring advantageously little space. Furthermore, the actuating forces required via the actuating element can be low due to advantageous leverage ratios.

[0017] In this context, it has proven structurally advantageous to arrange the lever bearing and the locking element above the locking axis. The leverage ratios resulting from such an arrangement allow for particularly simple and effortless execution of rocker movements.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that a locking force acting on the locking element can be applied via the adjusting element. This locking force ensures reliable locking of the share unit to the frame connection. This allows for the reliable transmission of a defined share pressure to the share units, even at increased driving speeds, thus ensuring a consistent furrow depth and therefore consistent seed placement quality. Moreover, such a locking force prevents unintentional unlocking, for example, due to vibrations or rocking in the working position, thereby also ensuring consistent soil cultivation quality.

[0019] An advantageous embodiment of the locking element provides that it is hook-shaped and can be locked onto a locking bolt arranged at the share connection. Such a hook-shaped locking element enables particularly reliable locking, whereby the locking bolt can be positively enclosed by the hook-shaped locking element to ensure uniform transmission of the locking force, especially over a wide circumferential area. Furthermore, such a hook-shaped locking element allows force transmission in multiple directions and thus increased resistance to vibration or shock. If the recess of the hook-shaped locking element and the locking bolt are designed to correspond, a virtually backlash-free locking action can be achieved.

[0020] A further advantageous embodiment provides that, in the working position for absorbing forces applied via the share unit, the locking bolt is supported against a stop of a support bearing formed at the frame connection. Such a stop of the support bearing allows for precise adjustment of the working position of the share unit relative to the frame connection. This ensures that the share connection, and thus the share unit, can always be fixed in the same position relative to the frame connection with high repeatability. Furthermore, such a stop can help prevent excessive play and the associated wear.

[0021] In this context, it is proposed that the support bearing have a funnel-shaped guide area for the insertion of the locking bolt. Such a funnel-shaped guide area allows for the reliable insertion of the locking bolt. Furthermore, such a funnel-shaped guide area can prevent undesirable tilting of the share units, which can occur particularly under uneven loads, for example on slopes.

[0022] It is further proposed that the locking bolt extends transversely to one direction of travel of the share unit and has a locking area that interacts with the locking element and a support area that interacts with the support bearing. With such a design, the locking bolt has a dual function, thus enabling a construction with a suitably small number of parts.

[0023] Furthermore, it is proposed that the locking axis and the pivot axis extend essentially transversely to the direction of travel of the share unit and parallel to each other. Such a design advantageously and simply avoids tilting and / or misalignment during locking and unlocking, resulting in a low-wear construction with a low risk of failure. Alternatively, the locking axis and the pivot axis can also extend at an angle to the direction of travel of the share unit. Arrangements of the locking axis and the pivot axis in which they do not extend parallel to each other are also conceivable.

[0024] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to position the pivot axis above the locking axis. This allows for a favorable force flow, ensuring the secure fixing of the share connection to the frame connection in the working position. Such an arrangement also improves access to the locking mechanism. However, designs are also conceivable in which the pivot axis is located at the same level as, or below, the locking axis.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a locking shaft extending along the locking axis is proposed, which is mounted to the frame connection in a rotationally secure manner via an anti-rotation device. Such a locking shaft enables defined pivoting movements of the locking element about the locking axis. The anti-rotation device allows for a design with minimal play and wear.

[0026] Regarding the locking lever, it is proposed that it be designed as a double lever. Such a double lever enables a particularly reliable and tilt-proof locking mechanism via two support points. Furthermore, a double lever has proven advantageous with regard to the symmetrical application of the connecting force.

[0027] It has also proven advantageous if the frame connection and the share connection each have a mounting area for detachable attachment to the machine frame and / or the share unit. Such a mounting area enables error-free and user-friendly installation of the frame connection and the share connection to the machine frame and / or the share unit. Furthermore, this design allows for quick and easy replacement of the frame connection and / or the share connection.

[0028] A design has proven structurally advantageous in which the pivot axis is arranged at an end of the share connection opposite the mounting area, and the pivot bearing is located between the pivot axis and the mounting area. Such a design allows for a kinematically advantageous pivoting of the share connection about the pivot axis over a suitably large range of pivot angles.

[0029] In In this context, it is further proposed that the distance between the rotary bearing and the pivot axis be smaller than the distance between the rotary bearing and the mounting area. The resulting leverage ratios allow for a large swivel angle range with advantageously low force required for the swivel movements.

[0030] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the mounting area of ​​the frame connection is complementary to a mounting area of ​​the machine frame, and the mounting area of ​​the share connection is complementary to a mounting area of ​​the share unit. Such a design allows for particularly simple and user-friendly replacement of the share bracket. The complementary design of the mounting areas enables the configuration of the agricultural machine to be adapted in a user-friendly and time-saving manner. In particular, share units can thus be mounted either directly to the machine frame or connected to the machine frame via the share bracket. Moreover, such a design allows for the easy use of the share bracket as a replacement / retrofit component for existing agricultural machines without requiring complex modifications to the machine frames.

[0031] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the mounting areas are essentially parallel to each other in the working position. This allows for particularly simple and user-friendly attachment of the trestle, as well as good accessibility to the mounting areas. A vertical alignment of the mounting areas has proven especially beneficial in this context. Alternatively, however, the mounting areas can also be aligned at an angle to each other if this proves advantageous in the specific application.

[0032] In In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the actuating element be designed as a hydraulic cylinder. Such a design of the actuating element enables quick and precisely adjustable, and in particular stepless, pivoting of the share connection relative to the frame connection. Furthermore, large actuating forces for pivoting can advantageously be transmitted via an actuating element designed as a hydraulic cylinder. Alternatively, however, the actuating element can also be designed as a mechanical or electrical actuating element.

[0033] It has proven advantageous for the adjusting element to extend at an angle relative to the mounting area of ​​the frame connection. Such an angled arrangement has proven beneficial with regard to enabling the pivoting of the hinge connection relative to the frame connection with minimal force over the largest possible range of pivot angles. It is particularly advantageous if the adjusting element is arranged at an angle of less than 45 degrees, and especially less than 30 degrees, to the mounting area of ​​the frame connection.

[0034] Furthermore, it is proposed that the weight force acting on the share-connection end of the actuating element in the working position be greater than the leverage force acting on the frame-connection end of the actuating element. Such an arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be unlocked first when the actuating element is operated in the working position, before the share connection pivots relative to the frame connection. It is particularly advantageous if the weight force acting on the share-connection end of the actuating element results from the weight of the share unit itself. Such a locking mechanism based on the weight of the share unit has proven to be particularly reliable and wear-resistant. Furthermore, operating errors and resulting damage to the locking mechanism can be avoided, since the locking mechanism is always automatically actuated first before the share connection pivots relative to the frame connection.

[0035] To solve the aforementioned problem, a seed drill according to claim 13 is further proposed. The same advantages previously mentioned with regard to the coulter arise in connection with the seed drill. In particular, with such a seed drill, the locking mechanisms of the respective coulter units can be operated in a user-friendly and time-saving manner via the respective actuating element.

[0036] In connection with seed drills, it is proposed that the coulter units have a parallelogram linkage for coulter pressure adjustment, the orientation of which does not change between the working position and the lifting position. Such an arrangement has proven to be particularly user-friendly with regard to precise coulter pressure adjustment. Uniform coulter pressures between the coulter units and the working area can be set via such a parallelogram linkage, thereby improving the uniformity of soil cultivation and, in particular, the quality of seeding.

[0037] Furthermore, a coulter pressure cylinder is proposed for the seed drill to adjust the coulter pressure by changing the orientation of the parallelogram linkage. Such a coulter pressure cylinder enables precise and repeatable adjustment of the coulter pressure in a user-friendly manner. Different coulter pressures allow the seed drill to be adapted to a wide variety of environmental influences, such as soil and weather conditions, or seed varieties. The coulter pressure cylinder can also provide an additional lifting mechanism for the respective coulter unit. It is particularly advantageous if the coulter pressure cylinder is designed as a hydraulic cylinder.

[0038] Furthermore, it is proposed that the seed drill have several coulter units arranged parallel to each other, transverse to the direction of travel. These units are alternately attached directly to the machine frame or indirectly via a coulter bracket. With this design, improved passage of excavated soil and / or organic material between the coulter units is possible, as they are arranged on two different lines transverse to the direction of travel on the machine frame. In this arrangement, adjacent coulter units do not interfere with each other. Alternatively, several adjacent coulter units can also be arranged directly on the machine or attached to the machine frame via a coulter bracket, should this prove advantageous for the specific application.Instead of a direct arrangement, the shear blocks can also be attached to the machine frame via a short, plate-like shear block.

[0039] Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 bis 9b explained. It shows: Fig. 1 A perspective view of a seed drill attached to an agricultural tractor with several coulter units mounted in two lines on a machine frame; Fig. 2a and b Side views of a coulter unit mounted on a prior art coulter frame without a pivoting function in a working position and a lifting position; Fig. 3a and b Side views of a coulter frame according to the invention with a pivoting function, including a coulter unit attached thereto in a working position and a lifting position; Fig. 4 A perspective view of a coulter frame according to the invention in a working position; Fig. 5 A view according to Fig. 4 with separate frame and share connections; Fig. 6a an exploded view of a share block according to the invention; Fig. 6b an enlarged view of a detail according to Fig. 6a Fig. 7a a side view of a sledge according to the invention in a working position; Fig. 7b a partially cut-away side view of a sledge according to the invention in a position different from the illustration in Fig. 7a unlocked working position; Fig. 8 a side view of a share block according to the invention in an excavation position; Fig. 9a a side view of several adjacent share units in the working position, and Fig. 9 a side view according to Fig. 9a with a share unit in the excavation position.

[0040] The representation in Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective top view of a seed drill 20 for sowing seed G on an agricultural area N. The seed drill 20 is a machine for sowing seed G in single-seed sowing; however, it could alternatively also be a seed drill 20 for volume sowing or a machine for spreading other, especially granular, material such as fertilizer.

[0041] The seed drill 20 is attached to an agricultural tractor 21, for example a tractor, and is pulled by it at a certain speed V along essentially parallel tracks in one direction across the agricultural area N for sowing. Alternatively, the seed drill 20 can also be attached to the tractor 21 or be self-propelled.

[0042] The seed drill 20 according to Fig. 1 The seed drill 20 has a total of ten coulter units 5, which are arranged side by side at the rear end of the seed drill 20, transversely to the direction of travel of the agricultural tractor 21, which corresponds to the direction of travel R of the coulter units 5. Depending on the equipment and application of the seed drill 20, more or fewer coulter units 5 may be provided.

[0043] The share units 5 have several tools, in particular chisel- or share-like tools, for breaking up or loosening the soil, especially to prepare it for sowing or afterward. Each share unit 5 includes at least one seed coulter 13 for creating a furrow-like furrow in the cultivation area N. Furthermore, the share units 5 may be equipped with devices and tools for depositing the seed G in the furrow and for closing the furrow after the seed G has been deposited in the soil of the cultivation area N.

[0044] According to the representation in Fig. 1 The coulter units 5 are arranged in two alternating rows. Five coulter units 5 are attached to the machine frame 4 via a relatively short, plate-like coulter bracket 1'. The other five coulter units 5 are attached to the machine frame 5 via a coulter bracket 1 that is longer in the direction of travel R. This alternating arrangement of the coulter units 5, resulting from the different lengths of the coulter brackets 1, 1', reduces the risk of soil and organic material accumulating between adjacent coulter units 5 and increases the passage of soil and organic material between the coulter units, thereby improving the quality of seed placement.

[0045] A parallelogram linkage 12 is provided for guiding the share units 5 and for applying a share pressure D. The illustrations according to Fig. 2a und b Each shows a side view of a share unit 5, which is connected to the (in the illustrations according to) a longer share block 1" of the prior art compared to the shorter share blocks 1'. Fig. 2a and (b) machine frame 4 (not shown). The parallelogram linkage 12 of the coulter unit 5 includes a coulter pressure cylinder 15, via which a certain, adjustable coulter pressure D can be applied to the coulter unit 5. The coulter pressure D acting between the seed coulter 13 and the working area N can be adjusted via the coulter pressure cylinder 15, thereby creating advantageous conditions for smooth running even at increased driving speed V. To a limited extent, the coulter unit 5 can also be adjusted via the coulter pressure cylinder 15 between a lowered position (see Figure 1) and a lowered position (see Figure 1). Fig. 2a ) and a slightly raised position relative to the usable area N (see Fig. 2b ) will be changed.

[0046] Based on such short and extended shear blocks 1', 1" of the prior art, shear blocks 1 according to the invention are proposed, which have an additional pivoting function, actuated via an actuating element 6, for pivoting the share unit 5 about a pivot axis A 1, as well as a locking mechanism 7 for locking the share unit 5 in its working position S 1. The locking mechanism 7 can be actuated in a user-friendly manner on such shear blocks 1.

[0047] The swivel function of the shackles 1 will first be described primarily using the illustration in Fig. 3a-b The share block 1 has a frame connection 2 for attachment to the machine frame 4 and a share connection 3, operatively connected to the frame connection 2, for attaching a share unit 5. Both the frame connection 2 and the share connection 3 each have a mounting area 2.2, 3.2 for detachable mounting to the machine frame 4 and / or the share unit 5. The frame connection 2 and the share connection 3 are each manufactured from interconnected sheet metal components in a space-saving and weight-saving manner, cf. Fig. 6a The frame connection 2 has approximately two similar, multiply angled outer legs 2.3, 2.4, cf. e.g. Fig. 5 . Similarly, the share connection 3 also has two sheet-like outer legs 3.4, 3.5, which are also bent multiple times.

[0048] The share connection 3 is about the pivot axis A 1 between a lowered working position S 1 that allows sowing (cf. Fig. 3a ) and an elevated excavation position S 2 (see Fig. 3b ) pivotable. In the excavation position S 2, the share unit 5 is deactivated, whereby in particular the seed coulter 13, but also a support roller 14 carrying the share unit 5, have no contact with the working surface N. For pivoting the share connection 3 relative to the frame connection 2, an actuating element 6 is provided, which extends between a pivot bearing 2.1 formed on the frame connection 2 and a pivot bearing 3.1 formed on the share connection 3, cf. Fig. 3b The two rotary bearings 2.1, 3.1 can be designed, in particular, as radial or support bearings. The actuating element 6 is designed as a hydraulic cylinder, the cylinder tube 6.3 of which is connected to the rotary bearing 2.1 on the frame connection side and the piston rod 6.2 of which is connected to the rotary bearing 3.1 on the frame connection side. Alternatively, the actuating element 6 can also be designed as a mechanical, for example, spindle-like actuating element 6 or as an actuator motor, or it can be arranged in a different orientation between the rotary bearings 2.1, 3.1.

[0049] As this is shown by the comparison of the representations in Fig. 3a und 3b As shown, by changing the length of the adjusting element 6, the share connection 3 can be pivoted relative to the frame connection 2. In the short initial position of the adjusting element 6, the lowered working position S 1 is present, and in the extended end position of the adjusting element 6, the fully excavated position S 2 is present. Depending on the position of the adjusting element 6, various intermediate positions between the lowered working position S 1 and the raised excavation position S 2 can be reached, which differ in their excavation depth and pivot angle.

[0050] The pivot axis A 1 is arranged at an end of the share connection 3 opposite the mounting area 3.2, cf. Fig. 3a The rotary bearing 3.1 is arranged between the pivot axis A1 and the mounting area 3.2. The distance H1 between the rotary bearing 3.1 and the pivot axis A1 is smaller than the distance H2 between the rotary bearing 3.1 and the mounting area 3.2, see also Fig. 7a This allows for a suitably large controllable swivel angle range. With a comparatively small stroke of the actuating element 6, the share connection 3 can be swivelled through a comparatively large angle due to this arrangement.

[0051] The design described above shows that the actuating element 6 extends at an angle α relative to the mounting area 2.2 of the frame connection 2, see also Fig. 7b At comparatively small angles α, i.e., with a rather steep arrangement of the actuating element, favorable force ratios result. In particular, the lateral forces acting on the actuating element 6 perpendicular to its direction of movement are lower the smaller the angle α is chosen. Furthermore, with such a steep orientation, the piston rod 6.2 of the actuating element 6 does not need to extend as far out of the cylinder tube 6.3 to reach the lift position S 2 as is the case with a shallower orientation. However, a shallower orientation may also be advantageous, for example, with regard to a particularly finely metered adjustment of the lift of the share unit 5.

[0052] The following will be based on the representations in the Fig. 4 und 5 In addition to the construction of the share block 1 with regard to the pivoting function about the pivot axis A 1 explained above, the locking mechanism 7 is also explained, by which the share connection 3 can be fixed in the working position S 1 relative to the frame connection 2.

[0053] As this is the Fig. 4 As can be seen, the pivot axis A 1 extends along a pivot shaft 3.3, which is formed at the end of the share connection 3 opposite the mounting area 3.2. The pivot shaft 3.3 is inserted through corresponding bearing bushings of the share connection 3 and through corresponding bores of the frame connection 2, see in particular the exploded view according to Fig. 6a .

[0054] The locking device 7 for locking the share connection 3 relative to the frame connection 2 in the working position S 1 has a locking lever 7.1 designed as a double lever, cf. Fig. 6a , which is pivotable about a locking axis A 2. The locking lever 7.1, designed as a double lever, has a bore for receiving a locking shaft 7.4, along which the locking axis A 2 extends and which is mounted to the frame connection 2 in a rotationally secure manner via an anti-rotation device 11. The locking lever 7.1 is connected on one side of the locking axis A 2 to the pivot bearing 2.1 arranged on the frame connection 2 via a lever bearing 7.2 and has a locking element 7.3 on the other side of the locking axis A 2. The lever bearing 7.2, the locking element 7.3 and the locking axis A 2 form a triangle, with the locking axis A 2 being arranged below an imaginary connecting line between the lever bearing 7.2 and the locking element 7.3. The locking lever 7.1 is designed in the manner of a rocker, wherein the lever bearing 7.2 and the locking element 7.3 can be moved in opposite directions around the locking axis A 2 by rocking.

[0055] The locking element 7.3 is hook-shaped and can be locked to a locking bolt 9 arranged on the share connection 3. For this purpose, the hook-shaped locking element 7.3 has a recess whose diameter is selected such that the locking element 7.3 can enclose the locking bolt 9 in the working position S 1 with substantially no play, cf. Fig. 5 This enables a locking mechanism that is both secure, reliable, and low-wear.

[0056] With a view to ensuring the most uniform transmission of the locking force Fv, the two components of the locking lever 7.1, which is designed as a double lever, are arranged at a distance from each other such that their two locking elements 7.3 can be locked to the locking bolt 9 in the area of ​​the two outer ends of the locking bolt 9, cf. Fig. 5 The actuating element 6 is arranged between the two components of the locking lever 7.1, which is designed as a double lever, cf. Fig. 6a Alternatively, a design with a single locking lever 7.1 and correspondingly only one locking element 7.3 is also conceivable, which could, for example, be arranged in a central area of ​​the vise 1. A higher number of locking levers 7.1 is also conceivable.

[0057] The following explains how the locking mechanism 7 can be actuated by actuating the actuating element 6. As already explained above, the locking lever 7.1 is connected on the side opposite the locking element 7.3 via the lever bearing 7.2 to the pivot bearing 2.1 arranged on the frame connection 2, see also Fig. 3a For this purpose, a shaft 16 is provided, which extends essentially parallel to the pivot axis A 1 through the two outer legs 2.3, 2.4 of the frame connection 2, the lever bearings 7.2 of the locking lever 7.1 (designed as a double lever), and a cylinder-tube-side bearing bore 6.1 of the actuating element 6. The rotary bearing 2.1, via which the actuating element 6 is also connected to the frame connection 2, is movably mounted in a bearing guide 8 transversely to the pivot axis A 1. The bearing guide 8 has a contour and is designed in the form of an elongated hole extending transversely to the pivot axis A 1, cf. Fig. 6b Alternatively, the bearing guide 8 can also be designed as a groove or recess. The rotary bearing 2.1 is movable in the bearing guide 8 between an upper stop 8.1 and a lower stop 8.2, wherein the corresponding stops 8.1, 8.2 are formed by the walls of the short ends of the elongated bearing guide 8, cf. Fig. 6b .

[0058] In the working position S 1, in which the share connection 3 is locked relative to the frame connection 2, the actuating element 6 is in its short, retracted position and the pivot bearing 2.1 and thus also the lever bearing 7.2 are in contact with the upper stop 8.1 of the bearing guide 8. According to the rocker function, the other end of the locking lever 7.1 is in its lower position, in which the hook-shaped locking element 7.3 is locked to the locking bolt 9 of the share connection 3, cf. Fig. 4 und 5 .

[0059] The following describes an unlocking sequence of the locking mechanism 7 and a pivoting of the share connection 3 from the working position S 1, primarily based on the illustrations in Fig. 4-8 explained.

[0060] In the operating position S1, the actuating element 6 is in its retracted position. When the actuating element 6 is actuated, the piston rod 6.2 extends from the cylinder tube 6.3, and the length of the actuating element 6 increases. Corresponding to the change in length of the actuating element 6, the pivot bearing 2.1 moves in the bearing guide 8, from the upper stop 8.1 towards the lower stop 8.2. The lever bearing 7.2 of the locking lever 7.1, which receives the pivot bearing 2.1, follows this movement, causing the locking lever 7.1 to pivot about the locking axis A2 in a rocker-like motion, see figure. Fig. 6a Due to the pivoting movement, the hook-shaped locking element 7.3, located at the other end of the locking lever 7.1, is also moved, in a direction of movement opposite to that of the lever bearing 7.2. As shown in Fig. 5 The locking element 7.3 pivots upwards and disengages from the locking bolt 9. The shear connection 3 is thus unlocked. Since the locking mechanism 7 is operatively connected to the actuating element 6, this design proves to be less susceptible to malfunctions compared to a design in which the locking mechanism 7 can be actuated separately.

[0061] As soon as the pivot bearing 2.1 rests against the lower stop 8.2 of the bearing guide 8 as a result of the extension movement of the actuating element 6, the movement of the locking lever 7.1 ends. With further extension of the actuating element 6 by extending the piston rod 6.2, the pivot bearing 3.1 is now moved. This allows the share connection 3 to pivot about the pivot axis A 1, as shown in the illustration. Fig. 3a und b counterclockwise. In the fully extended position of the piston rod 6.2, the lifting position S 2 of the share unit 5 attached to the share connection 3 is present.

[0062] In the present design, the weight force FG acting on the hinge-side end of the actuating element 6 in the working position S 1 is greater than the lever force FH acting on the frame-side end of the actuating element 6. For this reason, the frame-side end of the actuating element 6 moves first, thereby actuating the locking mechanism 7. This results in a sequential movement sequence.

[0063] The following describes a reverse pivoting of the share connection 3 from the excavation position S 2 and a locking sequence of the locking mechanism 7.

[0064] In the excavation position S 2, the actuating element 6 is in its extended position. When the actuating element 6 is actuated, the piston rod 6.2 is moved into the cylinder tube 6.3 and the length of the actuating element 6 decreases. Corresponding to the change in length of the actuating element 6, the rotary bearing 3.1 is moved and the share connection 3 performs a pivoting movement, which is shown in the illustration. Fig. 3b The movement proceeds clockwise. The pivoting motion ends as soon as the share connection 3 rests against the frame connection 2.

[0065] With further shortening of the actuating element 6, the pivot bearing 2.1 is moved in the bearing guide 8, from the lower stop 8.2 towards the upper stop 8.1. The lever bearing 7.2 of the locking lever 7.1, which is connected to the pivot bearing 2.1, follows this movement, causing the locking lever 7.1 to pivot about the locking axis A 2 in a rocker-like motion. Due to this pivoting movement, the hook-shaped locking element 7.3, located at the other end of the locking lever 7.1, is also moved, but in the opposite direction to the movement of the lever bearing 7.2. Thus, the locking element 7.3 pivots downwards and engages with the locking bolt 9. The share connection 3 is therefore locked relative to the frame connection 2.

[0066] In the working position S 1, a locking force Fv acting on the locking element 7.3 can be applied via the actuating element 6, cf. Fig. 7a The locking force Fv acting between locking element 7.3 and locking bolt 9 ensures reliable locking. Furthermore, the locking force Fv prevents the locking mechanism 7 from unintentionally releasing, for example, due to vibrations or other stresses. Additionally, the locking force Fv ensures that sufficient share pressure D can be transmitted to the share units 5.

[0067] The frame connection 2 has a support bearing 10 with a stop 10.2 for supporting a support area 9.2 of the locking bolt 9 in the working position S 1, cf. Fig. 8 The support bearing 10 is designed as a double bearing on the lateral legs 2.3, 2.4, corresponding to the locking bolt 9, and serves to absorb forces applied via the share unit 5 and the share connection 3. The stop 10.2 ensures that the share connection 3 can always be fixed in the same position relative to the frame connection 2 with repeatable accuracy.

[0068] The support bearing 10 also has a funnel-shaped guide area 10.1 for the insertion of the locking bolt 9. When the support area 9.2 of the locking bolt 9, which is arranged on the share connection 3, approaches the support bearing 10 as a result of pivoting the share connection 3, the guide area 10.2 ensures reliable guidance up to the working position S 1. This prevents tilting or misalignment, which can occur particularly under the increased load of the share unit 5 and / or on uneven ground. The guide area 10.2, and in particular the support bearing 10, ensures that the share connection 3 and the frame connection 2 are in the relative position required for locking.

[0069] The locking bolt 9 fulfills a dual function. Together with the hook-shaped locking element 7.3, it ensures the locking of the share connection 3 relative to the frame connection 2. At the same time, in the working position S 1, the locking bolt 9 also rests against the stop 10.2 of the guide area 10, thus ensuring correct positioning of the share connection 3 relative to the frame connection 2.

[0070] The following will be based on the representations in the Fig. 7a und b Constructive details of the shackle 1, in particular with regard to the arrangement of the pivot and locking axes A 1 , A 2, are explained.

[0071] As can be seen from the representation in Fig. 7a As can be seen, the pivot axis A1 is arranged above the locking axis A2, resulting in favorable force distribution when pivoting the share connection 3 relative to the frame connection 2. Alternatively, however, the pivot axis A1 can also be arranged below the locking axis A2.

[0072] Also in Fig. 7a It is evident that the distance H1 between the pivot bearing 3.1 and the pivot axis A1 is smaller than the distance H2 between the pivot bearing 3.1 and the mounting area 3.2 of the frame connection 3. The closer the point of application of the actuating element 6 is to the pivot bearing 3.1, the greater the possible excavation with the same actuating element 6. The angle α between the actuating element 6 and the mounting area 2.2 of the frame connection is comparatively small and is less than 45 degrees, preferably less than 30 degrees. This results in favorable leverage ratios and advantageously low lateral forces acting on the actuating element 6. Alternatively, however, other distance and angle ratios are also conceivable.

[0073] The assembly area 2.2 of the frame connection 2 and the assembly area 3.2 of the shear connection 3 are essentially parallel and vertically aligned to each other in the working position S1, cf. Fig. 7a Furthermore, the mounting area 2.2 of the frame connection 2 is designed to be complementary to a mounting area of ​​the machine frame 4, and the mounting area 3.2 of the coulter connection 3 is designed to be complementary to a mounting area of ​​the coulter unit 5. This results in increased flexibility, since, in a seed drill 20, the respective coulter units 5 can be attached to the machine frame 4 either directly or via short, plate-like coulter brackets, or alternatively via extended, pivotable coulter brackets 1. This allows the seed drill 20 to be flexibly configured. In particular, the coulter units 5 can be alternately attached to the machine frame 6 via short and long coulter brackets 1, cf. Fig. 1 In such a configuration with an arrangement of the share units 5 in two lines, there is an advantageously low influence on neighboring share units 5. In particular, in such a configuration an axial offset of approximately 200 mm between the two lines can be present.

[0074] The staggered arrangement of the coulter units 5 results in different contact forces at the same measuring points. Therefore, a comparative contact force measurement, e.g., at the respective coulter frame 1 or the machine frame 4, allows conclusions to be drawn about the orientation of the respective coulter units 5. Since the orientation of the coulter units 5 is an important factor for uniform seed placement and thus good sowing quality, recording the orientation of the coulter units 5 via contact force measurement offers a means of monitoring sowing quality. The contact force measurement for detecting the orientation of the coulter units 5 can, for example, be integrated into a control loop for the hydraulic compensation of deviations in orientation.

[0075] Furthermore, the complementary design of the assembly areas 2.2, 3.2 allows for simple, user-friendly retrofitting of the coulters 1 to existing seed drills 20. No complex modification of the machine frames 4 of the seed drills 20 is required.

[0076] Furthermore, such an arrangement makes it possible to pivot half of the share units 5, which are connected to the machine frame 6 via the extended, pivotable share supports 1, into the excavation position S 2 and thus deactivate them, cf. Fig. 9b Compared to the configuration according to Fig. 9a Half of the coulter units 5 are therefore out of operation. Sowing takes place with twice the distance between the furrows or seed rows, which can prove advantageous with special seed type G.

[0077] The above-described coulter 1 and the seed drill 20 are characterized by the fact that the locking mechanism 7 is operatively connected to the actuating element 6 and can be actuated by actuating the actuating element 6. This enables user-friendly and time-saving actuation of the locking mechanism 7 via the actuating element 6. Bezugszeichen:

[0078] 1 Share 1 Share 1" Share 2 Frame connection 2.1 Swivel bearing 2.2 Mounting area 2.3 Leg 2.4 Leg 3 Share connection 3.1 Swivel bearing 3.2 Mounting area 3.3 Swivel shaft 3.4 Leg 3.5 Leg 4 Machine frame 5 Share unit 6 Actuating element 6.1 Bearing bore 6.2 Piston rod 6.3 Cylinder tube 7 Locking mechanism 7.1 Locking lever 7.2 Lever bearing 7.3 Locking element 7.4 Locking shaft 8 Bearing guide 8.1 Stop 8.2 Stop 9 Locking bolt 9.1 Locking area 9.2 Support area 10 Support bearing 10.1 Guide area 10.2 Stop 11 Anti-rotation device 12 Parallelogram linkage 13 Seed share 14 Carrying roller 15 Coulter pressure cylinder 16 Shaft 20 Seed drill 21 Tractor A1 Swivel axis A2 Locking axis DSharp pressure FG Weight force FH Lever force Fv Locking force GSeed H1 Distance H2 Distance NN Usable area RL Direction of travel S1 Working position S2 Excavation position V Travel speed α angle

Claims

1. Coulter bracket comprising a frame connection (2) for attachment to a machine frame (4) and a coulter connection (3) for attachment of a coulter unit (5), the coulter connection (3) being pivotable about a pivot axis (A1) via an actuating element (6) between a working position (S1) and a raised position (S2) relative to the frame connection (2) and being lockable via a locking mechanism (7) to fix the coulter unit (5) in the working position (S1) relative to the frame connection (2), characterized in that the locking mechanism (7) is operatively connected to the actuating element (6) and can be actuated by actuating the actuating element (6).

2. Coulter bracket according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element (6) extends between a rotary bearing (2.1) formed at the frame connection (2) and a rotary bearing (3.1) formed at the coulter connection (3).

3. Coulter bracket according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotary bearing (2.1) arranged at the frame connection (2) is movable in a bearing guide (8), in particular movable transversely to the pivot axis (A1), in particular movable between an upper stop (8.1) and a lower stop (8.2) of the bearing guide (8).

4. Coulter bracket according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism (7) has at least one locking lever (7.1) pivotable about a locking axis (A2).

5. Coulter bracket according to claim 4, characterized in that the locking lever (7.1) on one side of the locking axis (A2) is connected via a lever bearing (7.2) to the rotary bearing (2.1) arranged at the frame connection (2) and has a locking element (7.3) on the other side of the locking axis (A2).

6. Coulter bracket according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that a locking force (Fv) acting on the locking element (7.3) can be applied via the actuating element (6).

7. Coulter bracket according to any of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the locking element (7.3) is hook shaped and can be locked to a locking bolt (9) arranged on the coulter connection (3).

8. Coulter bracket according to claim 7, characterized in that, in the working position (S1), the locking bolt (9) is supported by a stop (10.2) of a support bearing (10), said stop being formed at the frame connection (2), to absorb forces applied via the coulter unit (5).

9. Coulter bracket according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame connection (2) and the coulter connection (3) each have a mounting region (2.2, 3.2) for detachable mounting on the machine frame (4) and / or the coulter unit (5).

10. Coulter bracket according to claim 9, characterized in that the pivot axis (A1) is arranged at an end of the coulter connection (3) opposite the mounting region (3.2) and the rotary bearing (3.1) is arranged between the pivot axis (A1) and the mounting region (3.2).

11. Coulter bracket according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the mounting region (2.2) of the frame connection (2) is designed to be complementary to a mounting region of the machine frame (4) and the mounting region (3.2) of the coulter connection (3) is designed to be complementary to a mounting region of the coulter unit (5).

12. Coulter bracket according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a weight force (FG) acting on the coulter-connection-side end of the actuating element (6) in the working position (S1) is greater than a lever force (FH) acting on the frame-connection-side end of the actuating element (6).

13. Seed drill comprising a machine frame (4) and a plurality of coulter units (5) arranged parallel to each other transversely to a direction of travel (R), at least one of the coulter units (5) being attached to the machine frame (4) via a coulter bracket (1), characterized in that the coulter bracket (1) is designed according to any of the preceding claims.

14. Seed drill according to claim 13, characterized by a plurality of coulter units (5) arranged parallel to each other transversely to the direction of travel (R), which are alternately attached directly to the machine frame (4) or indirectly to the machine frame (4) via a coulter bracket (1).