Agricultural machine for distributing products for animal feed and / or for forming bedding

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the agricultural field and in particular to the distribution of products for animal feed and / or the making of their bedding and has as its object an agricultural machine for distributing products for animal feed and / or the formation of their bedding.

[0002] We already know of agricultural machines for distributing products that allow us to feed animals by distributing products such as hay or silage, or to form their bedding by distributing products such as straw.

[0003] These agricultural distribution machines, also known as straw spreaders, are designed to receive products in the form of cubic or cylindrical bales or in bulk and to distribute the products by projecting them a distance from the machine onto the distribution areas.

[0004] Such an agricultural distribution machine comprises a container (or hopper) for receiving the product, generally from its rear, and a distribution turbine positioned on one side of the container, usually at the front. The turbine includes a housing surrounding a projection chamber and featuring an inlet opening communicating with the internal space of the container to allow the product to pass from the container into the projection chamber, and an outlet opening extending into an ejection chute.

[0005] The turbine further comprises a rotating element, also called a turbine disc by some users, mounted in the projection space, and a drive shaft for rotating the rotating element at high speed around an axis of rotation extending horizontally and / or parallel to the direction of travel of the machine. The rotating element includes blades extending substantially radially.

[0006] The container is also equipped with a conveyor, located at floor level, which transports the products poured into the container to the projection area. Generally, the conveyor is paired with a drum-like unroller positioned in front of the inlet opening to the projection area, ensuring a more consistent and even flow of products into the area.

[0007] On the other hand, these agricultural machines are equipped with a transmission and / or speed gearbox, also known as a distribution box, mounted on the front of the sprayer housing. Such a transmission and / or speed gearbox allows the rotational motion from a drive shaft, such as a power take-off (PTO) shaft from a tractor, to be transmitted or converted to the drive shaft. Other agricultural machines have their own drive motor for the turbine's drive shaft, so the turbine does not need to be connected to a tractor's PTO shaft to rotate.

[0008] During operation, the products are initially loaded into the machine's hopper and then conveyed via the unraveling drum to the rotating blades in the projection chamber. These blades generate an airflow that, with their high-speed movement, propels the products towards the discharge opening of the housing, projecting them into the chute. Guided by the chute, the products are then ejected from the machine through an outlet, forming a jet of material directed, according to the chute's (usually adjustable) orientation, either onto the ground to form animal bedding or into feeding troughs.

[0009] Such a dispensing machine is, for example, described and illustrated in document EP3103325B1, document DE202010015055U1 or in document FR2627946A1.

[0010] The user can make various adjustments / interventions from their driving position while driving to avoid (as much as possible) blockages and to have the correct output / projection rate of the material at the outlet of the chute, for example by intervening on the unscrambler, the conveyor forward speed or the turbine feed opening.

[0011] However, these dispensing machines present several problems, notably jamming and safety issues. Indeed, the various adjustments are not always sufficient to prevent or further reduce jams, for example, when the products are excessively dense or compact. These jams then require lengthy intervention (1 to 2 hours) by the operator, which is inconvenient and results in a machine interruption. Furthermore, when the turbine's rotating element is not completely stopped, the operator may, for example following a jam, have to enter the machine's discharge area, where they could be injured by the still-moving blades of the rotating element.

[0012] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks.

[0013] To this end, the present invention relates to an agricultural machine for distributing products for animal feed and / or the formation of their bedding according to claim 1.

[0014] The present invention also relates to an agricultural distribution machine and tractor vehicle assembly according to claim 11.

[0015] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to a preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1 [ ] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an agricultural distribution machine according to the present invention, in a particular embodiment, Fig. 2 ] is a perspective view of the front part of the agricultural distribution machine shown on the figure 1 , [ Fig. 3 ] shows the agricultural distribution machine as depicted on the figure 2 with a detection sensor associated with the rotary indicator to form the means for detecting data related to the rotation of the turbine's rotating component, [ Fig. 4 ] shows the transmission and / or speed housing of the figure 3 , according to a cross-sectional view, [ Fig. 5 ] represents a block diagram of the control and data acquisition system in a particular embodiment of the machine comprising such a system.

[0016] There figure 1 and partially the figures 2 à 4 , show an agricultural machine for distributing products for animal feed and / or bedding, the machine comprising: a casing 1 internally delimiting a product reception space, a turbine comprising, on the one hand, a housing 2 disposed on one side of the casing 1, more particularly the front side (according to the forward direction A of the machine) of the casing 1, and surrounding a product reception space 2a, the housing 2 having an inlet opening 2b communicating with the reception space 2a and an outlet opening 2c and, on the other hand, a rotating element 3 equipped with blades 3a and mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation X in the projection space 2a so as to be able to generate in the latter an airflow carrying, with the movement of the blades 3a, the products towards the outlet opening 2c, a drive shaft 4 of the rotating element 3, a conveyor and / or untangler system 9, 10 allowing the products to be conveyed from the reception space to the projection space 2a, and, possibly a means of opening / closing 11 of the entrance opening 2b.

[0017] According to the present invention, such a machine includes a rotating indicator 5 disposed outside the projection space 2a and being capable of being driven in rotation, directly or indirectly, by the drive shaft 4 so as to transmit to a user, by its own visual effect of rotation, a visual indication on the rotation of the rotating member 3.

[0018] The present invention further includes a control and data acquisition system 5, 6, 7, 8 related to the rotation of the rotating member 3 (see the figure 5 ).

[0019] Generally, during machine operation, rotating mechanical components are protected by a protective enclosure. Such mechanical components include, for example, a rotating part, a drive shaft, and a transmission and / or gearbox. The protective enclosure provides external insulation to limit access to the moving mechanical parts and thus to the hazardous area. A protective enclosure is typically made of plastic, sheet metal, or cast iron. In normal operation (with the protective enclosure closed), the rotation of the drive shaft and the rotating part is blocked by the enclosure. In some cases, the enclosure is hermetically sealed because it contains the lubricant necessary for the operation of the mechanical components.

[0020] Preferably, the rotary indicator 5 is capable of being driven in rotation about the axis of rotation X. Furthermore, the rotary indicator 5 is positioned and configured so as to be visible from outside the machine. The axes of rotation X of the drive shaft 4 and the rotating element 3 are preferably coincident (or aligned). This is understood, as can be seen in particular on the figures 1 And 4 , that the rotation axes X of the drive shaft 4, the rotating member 3 and the rotating indicator 5 can preferably coincide (or be aligned).

[0021] According to the present invention, in the case where such an agricultural distribution machine includes the control and data acquisition system 5, 6, 7, 8, this includes a communication interface 8, detection means capable of detecting data and delivering signals representative of the data and an electronic control unit 7 capable of processing the signals and transmitting to the communication interface 8 information relating to the data to display them visually and / or reproduce them audibly and / or capable of processing the signals according to a specific processing program enabling the determination of whether the detected data are representative of normal or abnormal operation of the turbine, more particularly of the rotating part 3.

[0022] Thanks to the control and data acquisition system 5, 6, 7, 8, the distribution operation can be made easier by reducing the manual intervention of the user on the respective control of the actuator(s) which control the rotating part 3, the conveyor and / or unraveler system 9, 10 and, where applicable, the opening / closing means 11. The user can concentrate on the orientation of the chute at the outlet of the turbine in the case where the agricultural machine includes such a chute in a known way and on driving the tractor vehicle.In a particularly interesting way, by equipping the various rotating / moving components (conveyor system and / or unraveler 9, 10 and, where applicable, the opening / closing means 11) with at least one measuring device, it will be possible to automate the settings to obtain a specific material flow rate based on the speed of the rotating component 3 or the forward speed of the agricultural distribution machine. To this end, the present invention may provide a travel speed sensor configured to detect the speed at which the agricultural distribution machine moves across the ground; the sensor may be connected to a wheel of the hopper 1 or to a wheel of the tractor, for example.By equipping the box 1 with a weighing system with load cells, it is then possible via the control and data acquisition system to improve the regularity of the flow of shredded material / product through the chute of the agricultural distribution machine.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, as can be seen on the figures 1 , 2 , 3 And 4 , the rotary indicator 5 is fixed on the drive shaft 4 so as to be driven in rotation around the axis of rotation X fixed to the latter, preferably centered on the axis of rotation X. Preferably, the rotary indicator 5 is fixed on one of the ends of the drive shaft 4, called the fixing end ( figures 1 , 2 , 3 And 4This has the effect / advantage of directly obtaining the rotational information of the rotating element 3, which is driven by the drive shaft 4. Material distribution is regular when the rotating element 3 is rotating at its required operating speed or its determined speed. This rotational indication allows the user to check the operation of the turbine, particularly the rotating element 3, and to intervene if necessary, for example, by adjusting the conveyor system 9 to stop or slow down the feed to the turbine and / or the unroller 10. Prompt intervention limits the risk of blockage in the machine's discharge area 2a and thus prevents downtime for maintenance. Thanks to this indication, the user can intervene proactively as soon as a slowdown in the rotational speed of the rotating element 3 is detected.The product is preferably supplied to the turbine's projection space 2a only when the rotating element 3 has reached its required operating speed after starting. Due to its inertia, the rotating element 3 continues to rotate after the drive shaft 4 has stopped. The rotary indicator 5 provides the user with information on whether the drive shaft 4, and therefore the rotating element 3, is rotating and will know when it is safe to intervene, once the rotating element 3 has stopped.

[0024] Such an agricultural machine may include, in a known manner, a transmission and / or speed gearbox 12. Such a transmission and / or speed gearbox 12 allows the rotational motion of a drive shaft, such as, for example, a power take-off shaft of a tractor vehicle, to be transmitted or converted to the drive shaft 4. Furthermore, the rotary indicator 5 may be located on such a transmission and / or speed gearbox 12 and be visible from outside the gearbox. More specifically, the rotary indicator 5 is arranged, as can be seen on the figures 1 , 2 , 3 And 4 at the level of one of the walls 120a of the transmission and / or speed housing 12.

[0025] Such a transmission and / or speed gearbox 12 comprises, in a known manner, a housing 12a containing a transmission 12b. It further comprises an input shaft 12c suitable and intended to be connected to a drive shaft and to the transmission 12a. The housing 12a, which usually has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, has walls 120a delimiting the internal space containing the transmission 12b. One of the walls 120a faces forward (in the direction of travel A of the machine) and the rotary indicator 5 can be located at said front wall ( figures 1 , 2 , 3 , 4Furthermore, the housing 12a is located at the front of the machine (in front of the projection housing 2), which allows the rotary indicator 5 to be easily visible, for example, from the cab of the tractor connected to the agricultural spreading machine. Alternatively, the rotary indicator 5 is offset to be within the field of vision of the operator of the spreading machine when monitoring the material jet exiting the turbine. The rotary indicator 5 is, for example, positioned so that it is at eye level for the operator (assuming an average-sized operator) when seated in the tractor.

[0026] On the other hand, in a preferred configuration, the drive shaft 4 comprises a first part 4a connected to the rotating member 3 and a second part 4b comprising the mounting end 40b of the rotating indicator 5. Furthermore, the transmission and / or speed housing 12 comprises an output shaft forming the second part 4b of the drive shaft 4 (see in particular the figures 1 And 2The mounting end 40b includes a central thread 400b for fixing the rotary indicator 5 by screwing it in place with a screw 13 screwed into the central thread 400b, thus centering the rotary indicator 5 on the output shaft 4b and therefore on the drive shaft 4. Tightening the screw 13 is sufficient to stop / lock the rotary indicator 5 from rotating relative to the drive shaft 4. In one variant, other fixing methods for attaching the rotary indicator 5 to the drive shaft 4 may be considered, such as fixing by bonding or welding, or any other type of fixing that allows the rotary indicator 5 to be permanently or detachably fixed to the drive shaft 4, particularly at one of its ends.

[0027] The dimensions of the rotary indicator 5 are determined so as to be sufficient for it to protrude or extend laterally beyond the drive shaft 4 so that it can be made visible or more visible by its rotational effect or so that it can be detected as will be described later by a sensor.

[0028] In a particular form (not shown in the figures), the rotary indicator 5 has a disc shape with two opposing faces, one of which is visible to the user and displays at least two distinct markings, for example, two different colors (e.g., red / white). The two or more markings allow the user to visualize the rotation of the disc and thus monitor its speed / rpm.

[0029] In other specific forms, the rotary indicator 5 has an oblong, oval, non-round, elongated, diamond, star, or needle shape. If we refer more specifically to the figures 2 And 3 One can see such a rotary indicator 5 in the shape of a diamond. This diamond shape can also be defined as elongated, not round, or shaped like a flat needle. These shapes, while not exhaustive, have the effect / advantage of allowing the user to visualize both the rotation of the rotary indicator 5 and its speed of rotation.

[0030] Preferably, the rotary indicator 5 is located behind a transparent protective screen such as plexiglass or glass.

[0031] Preferably, the rotary indicator 5 extends substantially perpendicularly to the axis of rotation X.

[0032] Preferably, the axis of rotation X can extend substantially horizontally and / or substantially parallel to the direction of feed A of the machine.

[0033] The rotary indicator 5 can be mounted directly on the drive shaft 4 (whether the latter is formed in one or more parts 4a, 4b as seen previously) or indirectly via a connection. Such a connection can be formed by the output shaft, for example. In the latter case, it is understood that, according to a different definition or interpretation of the drive shaft 4 than the one mentioned above, comprising two parts 4a, 4b, one of which is formed by the output shaft, the output shaft is not considered to be part of the drive shaft 4 but rather to be connected to it by forming the link between the rotary indicator 5 and the drive shaft 4.

[0034] The user can thus, by observing the rotation of such a rotary indicator 5 and its rotation speed, distinguish a variation or a change in speed / regimen of the latter, for example a slowdown, representative of a change in speed / regimen of the rotating part 3 or the fact that the rotating part 3 is not completely stopped.

[0035] When the agricultural machine includes the control and data acquisition system 5, 6, 7, 8, the sensing means include at least one inductive, optical or capacitive sensor 6 and at least one rotary indicator 5 such as a target suitable for detection by the sensor and fixed on or integrated in or formed by the rotating member 3 or the drive shaft 4 or the rotary indicator 5. It is understood that the sensor 6 is arranged relative to the target so as to be able to detect, within its detection radius or field, its passage during the rotation of the rotating member 3, the drive shaft 4 or the rotary indicator 5. When the target is fixed on or integrated in the rotating member 3 or the drive shaft 4 or the rotary indicator 5, it may be an insert, for example metallic, allowing its detection by the sensor, for example of the inductive or capacitive type.

[0036] On the figures 1 , 3 And 4It can be seen that, in a preferred embodiment of the detection means, the rotating indicator 5 forms the target of the sensor 6. More specifically, it can be seen that it is the ends of the rotating indicator 5, for example diamond-shaped, that alternately pass near the sensor 6 and are detected by it. It is then understood that the sensor 6 is positioned so as to be close to the path of the rotating indicator 5, and more specifically, if necessary, to one end of it, in order to detect it.

[0037] Preferably, the sensor 6 is arranged radially or axially with respect to the rotating indicator 5 or the target concerned formed by another element.

[0038] The present invention may provide an embodiment in which the target is a color and the sensor 6, for example of the optical type, is capable of detecting the color as the target passes through its detection field. The color target may be, for example, a colored portion of the rotary indicator 5 or the rotating member 3 or the drive shaft 4 or an element attached to them.

[0039] Thus, in the case where the machine includes such a rotary indicator 5 forming the target of the detection means, even if the rotary indicator 5 is hidden / obscured by equipment, for example a mixing hopper, the user still has the rotation information given by the detection means and representative of the rotation of the rotating element 3. The same is true in the case where the agricultural machine uses / includes such a control and data acquisition system (form not shown in the attached figures) without such a rotary indicator 5 but a target attached (i.e. fixed on or integrated in or formed by) the rotating element 3 or the drive shaft 4 or any other element or part of the machine directly or indirectly related to the rotation of the rotating element 3.

[0040] Thus, the present invention provides an embodiment using only such a rotary indicator 5, that is to say without using such a control and data acquisition system 5, 6, 7, 8. In this mode the user receives information on the rotation of the rotary member 3 by directly visualizing / observing the rotation of the rotary indicator 5 by its own (visual) effect of rotation.

[0041] The invention also provides an embodiment with a control and data acquisition system 5, 6, 7, 8. According to the representation of the figure 3 with a rotary indicator 5 used as such for direct visualization by the user and / or as a target for the system's detection means. In this mode, the user can receive visual information on the rotation of the rotating element 3 by directly viewing / observing the rotation of the rotary indicator 5 and / or visual and / or audible information on the rotation of the rotating element 3 from the detection of rotation-related data by the system's detection means.

[0042] It would also be possible to provide a control and data acquisition system 5, 6, 7, 8 without the use of a rotation indicator 5. Here the user can receive visual and / or audible information on the rotation of the rotating organ 3 from the detection of data related to the rotation of the latter by the detection means of the system.

[0043] The use of such a rotary indicator 5 and / or such a control and data acquisition system 5, 6, 7, 8, with or without the rotary indicator 5, thus makes it possible to prevent the risk of a problem leading to abnormal operation of the turbine, more specifically of the rotating element 3, for example, a product jamming problem or a failure to stop the rotating element 3 due to the inertia of its rotating blades 3a. For example, by visually monitoring the rotational speed of the rotary indicator 5 or by viewing data information on a display and / or through an audible signal, the user can detect an abnormal change in the rotational speed of the rotary indicator 5, for example, a slowdown due to a jamming problem, and can then intervene (more quickly), for example, on the conveyor and / or untangler system 9, 10 and / or the opening / closing mechanism 11.The user will also be able to detect that the rotating part 3 is not completely stopped and thus avoid injury from the blades 3a still in motion.

[0044] Preferably, where the agricultural machine includes the communication interface 8, this interface may include at least one touch screen enabling the visual display of information related to the detected data and / or the specific processing and, possibly with an associated pointer device, enabling interaction between the user and the control and data acquisition system 5, 6, 7, 8.

[0045] In the event that the detected data are representative of an abnormal operation of the turbine, more particularly of the rotating part 3, for example a blockage by products, the control and data acquisition system 5, 6, 7, 8 can be configured to be able to control the conveyor and / or untangler system 9, 10 and / or, where applicable, the opening / closing means 11 until the detected data are representative of a normal operation of the turbine 3, more particularly of the rotating part 3.In the event that, over a predetermined period, no detected data is representative of normal operation, i.e. that the control of the conveyor system and / or unraveler 9, 10 and / or, where applicable, of the opening / closing means 11, has not enabled the resolution of the problem, for example of the jam, the control and data acquisition system 5, 6, 7, 8 can be configured to stop the control of the conveyor system and / or unraveler 9, 10 and / or, where applicable, of the opening / closing means 11.

[0046] If we refer in particular to the figure 1 It can be seen that the conveyor and / or untangling system 9, 10 can, in a known manner, comprise a conveyor means 9 including a conveyor 9a and an actuator 9b, for example an electric motor, for moving the conveyor 9a. The conveyor 9a can be arranged on the floor 1a of the box 1 or form part of the floor 1a and can be composed of crossbars 90a driven by chains 90b, which are themselves driven by the actuator 9b. The conveyor and / or unraveling system 9, 10 may further include an unraveling means 10 comprising a rotating unraveling drum 10a located in front of the inlet opening 2b and above the conveyor 9, and an actuator 10b of the type electric motor, hydraulic or mechanical drive of the pulley / belt type for example enabling the rotation of the unraveling drum 10a around its axis.Thus the conveyor 9a allows the products entering the box 1 to be transported to the rotary untangling drum 10a which conveys them in a suitable state (untangled) for their projection into the projection space 2a by the rotating member 3.

[0047] As is known, the unraveling drum 10a can be equipped with knives or cutting elements to shred fibrous materials and ensure a homogeneous and regular feed to the turbine. Fibrous materials, such as straw or hay, are packaged in cylindrical bales or parallelepiped-shaped bundles. They are intended to be loaded into the hopper 1 of the agricultural distribution machine.

[0048] The opening / closing means 11 may include, in a known manner, a shutter-type closing element 11a and a motor-type actuator (or cylinder) for driving the movement of the shutter so as to open or close, partially or completely, the inlet opening 2b of the products.

[0049] Thus, to control the conveyor and / or unraveler system 9, 10 and / or, where applicable, the opening / closing means 11, the control unit 7 can be functionally connected, for example by wired connection, to the actuators 9b, 10b of the latter and be configured to control each actuator 9b in an on or off state. The control unit 7 can control the actuators 9b, 10b so as to modify at least one parameter of the conveyor and / or unraveler system 9, 10 such as speed, direction of travel or start / stop, and / or so as to modify the state of the opening / closing means 11 to adjust the amplitude of the inlet opening 2b in the projection space 2a. More particularly, with regard to the conveyor and / or unraveler system 9, 10 in its particular form illustrated in the figure 1The parameters can be the speed of movement (or rotation) and / or the direction of movement (or rotation) and / or the start / stop of the conveyor 9a and / or the rotating untangling drum 10a. With regard to the particular shape of the opening / closing means 11, a parameter can be the closing / opening position of the flap 11a.

[0050] It is understood that controlling the conveyor and / or untangler system 9, 10 and / or, where applicable, the opening / closing means 11, consists, for the control and data acquisition system 5, 6, 7, 8, via the control unit 7, of commanding the conveyor and / or untangler system 9, 10 and / or, where applicable, the opening / closing means 11, according to predetermined actuation sequences depending on the problem the user wants to solve, which is causing abnormal operation, for example, a jamming problem. Such actuation sequences may consist, for example, particularly to address a jamming problem causing a more or less significant deceleration of the conveyor and / or untangler system 9, 10, of commanding: a slowing down (speed reduction) of the conveyor and / or unraveller system 9, 10 (in its specific form: a reduction in the speed of the conveyor 9a and / or the rotary unraveller drum 10a), particularly upon detection of a slight deceleration of the rotary element 3, and / or a stoppage of the conveyor and / or unraveller system 9, 10, particularly upon sudden deceleration of the rotary element 3, and / or a reversal of the direction of travel of the conveyor and / or unraveller system 9, 10 (in its specific form: reversal of the direction of travel or reverse movement of the conveyor 9a and / or reversal of the direction of rotation of the rotary unraveller drum 10a), particularly upon sudden deceleration of the rotary element 3, and / or, where applicable, a reduction of the product inlet opening 2b in the projection space by appropriate adjustment of the opening / closing means 11.

[0051] When the agricultural distribution machine is equipped with a control and data acquisition system 5, 6, 7, 8, and the control unit 7 is connected to one or more sensors capable of detecting the operating parameters of the agricultural distribution machine, its operation can be regulated, even automated, according to signals from measuring devices and operating programs specific to the distribution method or the type of product to be distributed. Such measuring devices include, for example, sensors intended to be installed on the conveyor and / or unroller system 9, 10, on the opening / closing mechanism 11, and / or on other components present on the agricultural distribution machine.The sensors are configured to detect any appropriate operating parameter associated with the operation of the agricultural dispensing machine or any of its components, including speed, velocity, torque, position, flow rate or pressure, an image, etc.

[0052] The control and data acquisition system 5, 6, 7, 8 may include an audible and / or visual alarm. Such an alarm may be implemented via the communication interface 8 adapted for this purpose. The visual alarm may include one or more indicator lights or visual information displayed on a screen. Such an alarm may be triggered by the electronic control unit 7 based on the results of the data processing related to the rotation of the rotating component 3, for example, in the case of a detected abnormal slowdown.

[0053] The present invention also relates to an agricultural distribution machine and tractor vehicle assembly, the agricultural machine being towed by the tractor vehicle comprising a driver's cab.

[0054] According to the present invention, the agricultural machine consists of an agricultural machine according to the present invention and the communication interface 8 is mounted, at least in part, in the driver's cab of the tractor vehicle.

[0055] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Agricultural machine for distributing products for animal feeding and / or forming their straw bedding, the machine comprising, on one hand, a bin (1) delimiting an inner product receiving zone, a distribution blower comprising a casing (2) positioned on one side of the bin (1) and enclosing a product ejection zone (2a), the casing (2) comprising an inlet opening (2b) communicating with the receiving zone and an outlet opening (2c); and a rotary element (3) fitted with blades (3a) and mounted in rotation around a rotation axis (X) in the ejection zone (2a) to be able to generate in the ejection zone a flow of air, driving the products, with the motion of the blades (3a), towards the outlet opening (2c), and on another hand, a drive shaft (4) for the rotary element (3), a conveyor and / or unravelling system (9, 10) making it possible to transport the products from product receiving zone to the ejection zone (2a), and possibly an opening up / closing means (11) of the inlet opening (2b), the agricultural machine comprising a transmission and / or gearbox (12), the agricultural machine being characterised in that it comprises a rotary indicator (5) positioned outside the ejection zone (2a) and able to be driven in rotation directly or indirectly by the drive shaft (4) to send to a user, by its visual rotation effect a visual indication of the rotation of the rotary element (3) and in that the rotary element (5) is fitted at the location of the transmission and / or gearbox (12) and can be seen from the outside of the transmission and / or gearbox (12).

2. Agricultural distribution machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the rotary indicator (5) is fastened onto the drive shaft (4) to be driven in rotation around the rotation axis (X), being preferably centred on the rotation axis (X).

3. Agricultural distribution machine according to claim 2, characterised in that the rotary indicator (5) is fastened to one of the ends of the drive shaft (4), called fastening end (40b).

4. Agricultural distribution machine according to claim 3, characterised in that the drive shaft (4) comprises a first portion (4a) connected to the rotary element (3) and a second portion (4b) comprising the fastening end (40b), and wherein the transmission and / or gearbox (12) comprises an output shaft forming the second portion (4b) of the drive shaft (4).

5. Agricultural distribution machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the rotary indicator (5) is disk-shaped with two opposite faces, one of which is visible to the user and has at least two distinct markings, for example two different colours.

6. Agricultural distribution machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the rotary indicator (5) is oblong, oval, not round, elongated, diamond-, star- or needle-shaped.

7. Agricultural distribution machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that it also comprises a data control and collecting system (5, 6, 7, 8) related to the rotation of the rotary element (3), the system comprising a communication interface (8), sensors able to detect the data and deliver signals representative of the data, and an electronic monitoring unit (7) able to process the signals and transmit information relative to the data to the communication interface (8) to display it visually and / or render it as a sound and / or able to process the signals according to a specific processing program making it possible to determine whether the detected data is representative of normal or abnormal operation of the rotary element (3).

8. Agricultural distribution machine according to claim 7, characterised in that the sensors comprise at least one inductive, optical, or capacitive sensor (6) and at least one target (5) able to be detected by the sensor and fastened on, or built into, or formed by the rotary element (3) or the drive shaft (4) or the rotary indicator (5).

9. Agricultural distribution machine according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterised in that the communication interface (8) comprises at least one touchscreen making it possible to visually display the information related to the detected data and / or the specific processing and enabling, possibly with a combined pointer device, an interaction between the user and the data control and collecting system (5, 6, 7, 8).

10. Agricultural distribution machine according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that where the detected data is representative of an abnormal operation of the blower, more specifically of the rotary element (3), the data control and collecting system (5, 6, 7, 8) is configured to be able to control the conveyor and / or unravelling system (9, 10) and / or the rotary element (3) and / or, where applicable, the opening up / closing means (11), until the detected data is representative of normal operation of the blower, more specifically of the rotary element (3).

11. Combination of an agricultural distribution machine and a tractor vehicle, the agricultural machine being towed by the tractor vehicle comprising a driver's cab, characterised in that the agricultural machine consists of an agricultural machine according to any one of claims 7 to 10 and in that the communication interface (8) is at least partly mounted in the driver's cab of the tractor vehicle.