Agricultural pneumatic distribution machine and method for operating an agricultural pneumatic distribution machine

Abstract

The invention relates to an agricultural pneumatic distribution machine (10) for applying agricultural distribution material (V), in particular seed and / or fertiliser, comprising a distribution device (12) having a distribution chamber (14) which has an inlet (16) for distribution material (V) conveyed into the distribution chamber (14) via at least one main conveying line (18) by means of a pneumatic conveying device (20), and which has multiple outlets (22) for distribution material (V) flowing out of the distribution chamber (14) through outflow channels (24), and comprising a switching system (26) for controlling the distribution material (V) flowing through the outlets (22) into the outflow channels (24), having multiple actuatable closing devices (28) for closing and / or opening the outlets (22).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Agricultural pneumatically operated spreading machine and method for operating an agricultural pneumatically operated spreading machine

[0003] The invention relates to an agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating an agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine according to the preamble of claim 13.

[0004] Pneumatically operated distribution machines known from agriculture, for example pneumatically guided seed drills and / or pneumatically operated fertilizer spreaders, usually comprise a distribution device which distributes the material to be distributed, in particular seed and / or fertilizer, from a main conveying line, which transports the material from one or more storage containers into the distribution device, to several discharge channels, through which the material is conveyed to depositing devices for spreading the material onto an agricultural area.

[0005] To regulate the flow of the distributed material to the discharge devices through the discharge channels, for example to adjust the quantity of distributed material conveyed to the discharge devices and / or to interrupt the dispensing of distributed material at one or more discharge devices, switching systems with closing devices are usually used, by means of which outlets to the discharge channels in the distribution device can be opened and closed as intended.

[0006] To ensure that the application of the material proceeds as intended, in particular to guarantee the intended quantity of material to be applied and / or the intended distribution when spreading it on the agricultural land, it is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the spreading device and the switching system of the spreading machine, so that a consistent

[0007] P24-053 to ensure high working quality of the distribution machine as well as reliable regulation of the distributed material flowing into the discharge channels.

[0008] In practice, however, various factors and influences can impair the function of the spreading device and / or the switching system of the spreading machine, thus reducing the machine's operating quality when applying the material. For example, incorrect settings of the spreading device and / or the switching system, such as those resulting from inadequate calibration, damage and / or wear, as well as contamination, can lead to malfunctions and / or functional impairments. Often, however, such functional impairments only become apparent when the application of the material on the agricultural land is already significantly affected.

[0009] The object underlying the invention is therefore to avoid, detect at an early stage and / or remedy functional impairments of distribution devices and / or switching systems in order to ensure high reliability and working quality of an agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine.

[0010] The problem is solved with an agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine of the type mentioned above, wherein the agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine includes an electronic control device which is designed to control the switching system for maintaining the distribution device and / or the switching system, in particular the locking devices.

[0011] The electronic control unit, which allows the switching system to be controlled for the maintenance of the distribution equipment and / or the switching system, particularly the locking devices, enables maintenance of the distribution equipment and / or the switching system to be carried out. Performing maintenance using the electronic control unit ensures the long-term, flawless operation of the distribution equipment and / or the switching system, thus guaranteeing reliability and high operational quality.

[0012] P24-053 distribution machine. Any malfunctions that may occur can be detected early and / or quickly rectified through maintenance of the distribution unit and / or the switching system, thus preventing these malfunctions from reducing the reliability and / or the operating quality of the distribution machine. In this way, not only is the long-term, flawless operation of the distribution machine ensured, but also its service life is maximized.

[0013] The distribution machine is preferably designed as an agricultural seed drill, in particular as a pneumatic seed drill. Alternatively, the distribution machine can be designed as an agricultural fertilizer spreader, in particular as a pneumatic fertilizer spreader. The switching system can be designed, for example, as a single-row switching system and / or a multi-row switching system and / or a half-side switching system. The distribution device is preferably configured to distribute granular material, for example, seeds and / or fertilizer, in particular seed kernels and / or fertilizer granules, to a plurality of outlets of the distribution chamber. The material to be distributed is preferably transported to and through the distribution device by an airflow. The airflow can therefore be, for example, a seed airflow and / or a fertilizer airflow.

[0014] The distribution device preferably comprises a distribution housing containing the distribution chamber with its outlets. The multiple outlets preferably form discharge lines connected via delivery lines to depositing devices for depositing the granular material onto agricultural land. These depositing devices are, for example, seed coulters of the distribution machine arranged side-by-side transversely to the direction of travel. The outlets are preferably arranged along the circumference of the distribution chamber, although in the case of pneumatically operated fertilizer spreaders, they can also be arranged linearly along the distribution chamber. The inlet of the distribution chamber is preferably connected to a riser pipe through which the airflow, carrying the material to be distributed, enters the distribution chamber, with the main conveying line...

[0015] P24-053 is preferably designed as a riser pipe and / or includes a riser pipe. The distribution device is preferably designed as a distributor head.

[0016] The control device is specifically designed to control the switching system in such a way that the switching system can be put into a maintenance mode and / or one or more maintenance cycles can be carried out. The closing devices are preferably designed as actively driven and / or actively adjustable flaps and / or as actively driven and / or actively adjustable rotatable slides, which can function as locking elements to block the outlets and / or to release the outlets of the distribution device. The closing devices can interrupt the material discharge along individual rows of the distribution machine. The distribution device can have a material return system through which distributed material that is not introduced into the discharge lines can be returned.The closing devices can therefore influence the deposit characteristics of the distribution machine, in particular by series shutdown. The conveying device preferably includes an electrically or hydraulically driven blower.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the pneumatically operated agricultural distribution machine according to the invention, the switching system comprises several controllable actuators for actuating the multiple closing devices, for closing and / or opening the outlets, wherein the actuators are preferably designed as electric actuators and / or wherein each closing device is assigned one of the actuators for closing and opening the respective outlets, wherein the electronic control device is preferably configured to actuate one, several, or all actuators of the switching system for the purpose of maintaining the distribution device and / or the switching system. Preferably, the closing devices are kinematically and / or kinetically connected to each actuator, in particular by means of a lever mechanism.

[0018] Furthermore, several locking devices can be kinetically and / or kinematically connected to a common actuator. Preferably, the

[0019] P24-053 Locking devices can be actuated via the lever mechanism by means of the actuators, whereby the actuators drive the lever mechanism and the lever mechanism consequently moves the locking devices. The locking devices are preferably rotatably and / or pivotably and / or movably mounted on the distribution device, in particular by means of a rotary and / or pivot bearing.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine according to the invention, the electronic control device is configured to automatically actuate the closing devices for maintaining the distribution device and / or the switching system based on manual operator commands from a machine operator of the distribution machine and / or at defined time intervals and / or in defined maintenance cycles and / or depending on the presence of defined events, in particular by controlling one, several or all actuators of the switching system.Defined events can include, for example, switching on and / or off the spreading machine, in particular restarting the spreading machine, interrupting a spreading process, in particular at the headland of an agricultural area, filling the spreading machine, in particular a storage hopper of the spreading machine, with material to be spread and / or folding in and / or unfolding the spreading machine, in particular booms of the spreading machine.

[0021] Preferably, maintenance of the distribution unit and / or the switching system only takes place when no application process is currently in progress and / or when an application process is momentarily interrupted. Alternatively or additionally, maintenance can be triggered manually by a machine operator, for example, by corresponding user input via an operating terminal for the distribution machine. Alternatively or additionally, maintenance can be performed at defined time intervals and / or in defined cycles and / or in defined sequences, in particular at regular and / or irregular intervals and for regular and / or irregular durations. Furthermore, maintenance can also be triggered depending on the number of events, for example, after a defined number of

[0022] P24-053 Restarts of the distribution machine and / or a defined number of changes in the operating position of the distribution machine are performed. Preferably, the closing devices for maintenance can be controlled individually, in groups and / or together, as well as simultaneously and / or sequentially.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment of the pneumatically operated agricultural distribution machine according to the invention, the electronic control device is configured to move the closing devices, in particular by controlling one, several or all actuators, into defined maintenance positions for the purpose of maintaining the distribution device and / or the switching system, wherein the maintenance positions can preferably be specified manually by a machine operator of the distribution machine and / or automatically by means of the electronic control device, in particular on the basis of stored control specifications for the control device.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the control device is designed to automatically move one, several or all locking devices, at least temporarily, simultaneously and / or jointly and / or sequentially and / or in groups, at defined time intervals and / or in defined maintenance cycles and / or depending on defined events, into the defined maintenance positions.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the control device is configured to control one, several or all closing devices for moving them into the defined maintenance positions with operating parameters that differ from those of regular operation of the switching system for regulating the distributed material flowing through the outlets into the discharge channels during a distribution process using the distribution machine, so that during the moving process, in particular the current drawn, the torque applied, the speed of movement and / or acceleration and / or the movement characteristics of the respective closing devices deviate from regular operation.

[0026] P24-053 Preferably, the maintenance positions are predefined target positions of the locking devices, into which the locking devices can be moved for maintenance. The target positions can, for example, be stored in a data memory of the control unit and / or be retrievable by the control unit for controlling the locking devices and / or for selection by a machine operator. The maintenance positions can be defined by stops and / or adjustable independently of stops. Preferably, when the locking devices are moved into the maintenance positions, parameters, such as the current consumed during the movement and / or the elapsed time, are recorded, whereby it can be derived from the recorded parameters whether subsequent maintenance measures, such as checking, cleaning, and / or repairing the locking devices, are necessary.

[0027] Preferably, when moving the locking devices into maintenance positions, they are operated with a higher current draw, higher torque, higher speed, and / or higher acceleration than during regular operation. Furthermore, the locking devices can rotate over a larger angle when moved into maintenance positions. These differing operating parameters can, for example, cause elastic deformations of the respective locking devices when moved into maintenance positions.

[0028] In a further development of the inventive pneumatically operated agricultural distribution machine, the pneumatically operated agricultural distribution machine comprises an electronic data processing device which is configured to evaluate parameter data of the switching system relating to the functionality of the switching system, in particular the functionality of one, several or all locking devices, for the purpose of maintaining the distribution device and / or the switching system, wherein the data processing device is preferably configured to detect impairments of the functionality of the switching system, in particular the functionality of one, several or all locking devices, based on the parameter data, wherein impairments, in particular

[0029] P24-053 relates to contamination, damage, incorrect calibration and / or settings and / or wear of the switching system.

[0030] The data processing unit is specifically designed to evaluate the functionality of the kinematics between the actuators and the locking devices and, for example, to detect defects and / or impairments of the lever mechanism, such as jamming and / or wear. Preferably, maintenance includes checking the switching system for correct function.

[0031] Furthermore, an agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine according to the invention is preferred, in which the parameter data relating to the functionality of the switching system, in particular the functionality of one, several or all locking devices, are acquired by means of one or more sensory detection units when one, several or all locking devices are moved into the defined maintenance positions and / or are derived by means of the electronic data processing device and / or are locking device-specific parameter data, wherein the parameter data preferably include current consumption of the switching system, in particular current consumption of one, several or all locking devices and / or one, several or all actuators of the locking devices.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the parameter data includes torque data relating to a torque acting when one, several or all locking devices are actuated, in particular a torque generated by one, several or all actuators when the respective locking devices are actuated.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the parameter data includes motion data relating to the speed and / or acceleration and / or movement characteristics of one, several or all locking devices and / or a current position, in particular a rotation angle and / or a change in rotation angle of one, several or

[0034] P24-053 Position data relating to all locking devices. Maintenance preferably includes the acquisition and / or evaluation of parameter data on the basis of which the functionality of the switching system can be assessed.

[0035] To acquire parameter data, the distribution machine, in particular the distribution unit and / or the switching system, can have one or more sensor acquisition units. Alternatively or additionally, the data processing unit can be configured to acquire parameter data by retrieving operating data from the distribution machine, for example, from one or more control units of the distribution machine, and / or by retrieving parameter data stored in a data memory. The one or more sensor acquisition units can be designed as current acquisition units to detect the current consumption of the switching system. Alternatively or additionally, the state of charge of a capacitor in the switching system's power supply can be determined to ascertain the current consumption. The current consumption of the actuators can also be detected via the actuator control, for example, integrated measuring electronics.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, one or more sensory devices can be configured as torque sensors to detect the torque acting when one, several, or all locking devices are actuated. The torque can alternatively or additionally be calculated by the data processing units based on other detected parameters, for example, by a linear relationship between torque and current consumption. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sensory devices can be configured as velocity and / or acceleration sensors, for example, as gyroscopes, to detect the speed and / or acceleration and / or movement characteristics of the locking devices. The required travel time to the respective defined maintenance position of the locking devices can be derived from the movement data.

[0037] P24-053 The movement speed can be, for example, the travel speed of the closing devices, in particular the angular velocity during movement and / or rotation and / or pivoting, which can alternatively or additionally be derived and / or calculated from the current consumption and / or the torque and / or the travel time. The movement characteristic can be, for example, a speed and / or acceleration profile. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sensor detection devices can be used as

[0038] The angle detection unit, for example as a potentiometer, may be designed to detect the angles of rotation and / or the changes in the angle of rotation of the locking devices, in particular to determine a current position of the locking devices and / or a current change in the position of the locking devices.

[0039] The parameter data can preferably be used to determine the opening state, in particular the current position and / or change in position of the locking devices, especially for determining whether an intended target position, such as a maintenance position, has been reached. Alternatively or additionally, acoustic parameter data can be acquired using one or more microphones, based on which the functionality of the locking device can be determined by evaluating the acoustic microphone data.

[0040] Furthermore, an agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine according to the invention is advantageous in which the electronic data processing device is configured to derive control specifications for the control devices and / or maintenance instructions for a machine operator of the distribution machine for maintaining the distribution device and / or the switching system, based on the evaluation of the parameter data. The control specifications preferably relate to carrying out a cleaning cycle of the distribution device and / or the switching system, in particular the closing devices.

[0041] The maintenance instructions relate in particular to warnings and / or recommendations for action for a machine operator, especially acoustic and / or visual messages via an operating terminal of the distribution machine.

[0042] P24-053 Warnings and / or recommendations for action may, for example, relate to an inspection and / or a repair and / or a cleaning of the distribution equipment and / or the switching system.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment of the agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine according to the invention, the electronic data processing device is configured to compare the recorded parameter data with stored target values ​​relating to the intended functionality of the switching system and / or with parameter data recorded and / or stored in the past and / or with locking device-specific parameter data of one, several or all locking devices when evaluating the recorded parameter data, in particular for detecting impairments of the functionality of the switching system, wherein the data processing device is preferably configured to derive the control specifications for the control device and / or the maintenance instructions for maintaining the distribution device and / or the switching system on the basis of the comparison.The electronic data processing device can be configured to compare recorded and / or determined parameter data, for example calculated, with target values ​​and / or tolerance ranges and / or limit values ​​for the parameter data stored in a data storage device, for example the data processing device and / or the control device.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic data processing system can be configured to compare the recorded and / or determined parameter data of the locking devices with each other, for example, to identify implausible parameter data and / or undesirable differences and / or outliers. Alternatively or additionally, the electronic data processing system can be configured to compare the recorded and / or determined parameter data of the locking devices with data from the past, for example, during previous maintenance operations and / or as part of previous application operations using the distribution machine, for example, to determine the development and / or trends of the

[0045] P24-053 parameter data over time, allowing, for example, the recording of wear and tear and / or the output of maintenance instructions for repair and / or servicing to a machine operator. The maintenance instructions can, for example, relate to the remaining maintenance interval.

[0046] Furthermore, the electronic data processing device may be configured to derive calibration data for the locking devices, which may include, for example, the necessary current consumption and / or torque to be applied and / or travel time required to set the intended target positions of the locking devices.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment of the pneumatically operated agricultural distribution machine according to the invention, the electronic control device is configured to initiate, for maintenance of the distribution device and / or the switching system, the execution of a cleaning process to clean the distribution device and / or the switching system, in particular to reduce or remove contamination of the distribution chamber, the main conveying line, the outlets, the discharge channels and / or the closing devices, and / or the execution of a calibration process to calibrate the switching system, in particular to calibrate intended target positions of the closing devices, wherein the control device is in particular configured to, during the execution of the cleaning process and / or the calibration process, the switching system, in particular the closing devices,The system is controlled based on control specifications derived from the data processing unit and / or based on manual operator commands, particularly following a maintenance instruction. Contamination may consist of deposits adhering to the locking devices, the kinematics of the locking devices, in the distribution chamber, and / or in the pipes. This contamination may include, for example, seed and / or fertilizer residue.

[0048] Contamination can impair the operation of the spreading machine, for example by disrupting the airflow of the spreading material and / or malfunctioning of the closing mechanisms. The cleaning process removes the adhering substances, such as seed and / or fertilizer deposits.

[0049] P24-053 and / or trapped seed and / or fertilizer granules, reduced and / or loosened to such an extent that the resulting cleaning effect ensures the error-free operation of the distribution machine.

[0050] Calibration preferably involves linking the target positions of the locking devices with corresponding parameter data, such as the necessary current draw and / or torque to achieve the intended position. During calibration, calibration data is preferably stored by the data processing unit, which can then be used to control the switching system based on the calibration. Calibration and / or cleaning thus ensures that the locking devices always move to their intended target positions, for example, fixed positions for "open" and "closed," each of which is linked to a defined torque and / or current draw.During calibration, the closing devices, in particular the actuators, are preferably operated and / or moved with a lower current consumption than in the regular operation of the distribution machine.

[0051] In a further development of the pneumatically operated agricultural distribution machine according to the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to actuate the closing devices for closing and / or opening the outlets in order to clean the distribution unit and / or the switching system, in particular by controlling the actuators for actuating the closing devices, wherein the control unit is preferably configured to actuate the closing devices in such a way that contamination of the distribution chamber, the main conveying line, the inlet, the outlets, the discharge channels and / or the closing devices is at least partially and / or at least partially removed. Preferably, the control unit is connected to the actuators for controlling the actuators via a signal conductor.

[0052] In a further development of the agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine according to the invention, the electronic control device is configured to clean the distribution device and / or the switching system.

[0053] P24-053 Closing devices for closing and / or opening the outlets individually and / or in groups, in particular independently of one another, and / or jointly, and / or at defined time intervals and / or in defined sequences, in particular one after the other, and / or for moving them into defined cleaning positions and / or at defined speeds and / or accelerations, in particular based on the control specifications derived from the data processing device and / or on the basis of manual operator commands, in particular as a result of a maintenance instruction, wherein the control specifications preferably define a defined cleaning cycle dependent on the parameter data. A cleaning cycle preferably comprises at least the actuation of one closing device, and more preferably the actuation of several or all closing devices.

[0054] The one, several, or all locking devices are preferably actuated at least partially and / or at least temporarily together and / or individually or in groups sequentially within a cleaning cycle. If the locking devices are actuated individually or in groups sequentially, the actuation preferably occurs at regular and / or irregular intervals. Furthermore, all locking devices can be actuated multiple times in succession at regular and / or irregular intervals. A cleaning cycle can therefore consist of multiple actuations of individual, several, or all locking devices at any time interval and / or in any configuration, particularly depending on the parameter data. A cleaning cycle can thus be a cleaning program, wherein the control device is preferably configured to start and / or run the cleaning program.

[0055] As part of a cleaning program, which is initiated particularly when parameter data deviates from the norm, the locking devices are opened and closed up to five times in succession. For cleaning, the locking devices are preferably placed in defined cleaning positions and / or with a [missing information - likely a specific cleaning method] during the cleaning cycle.

[0056] P24-053 defined speed and / or acceleration, wherein each closing device can be assigned a separate cleaning position depending on the recorded parameter data and / or wherein the speed and / or acceleration can be individually selected for each closing device. Preferably, the closing devices, in particular the actuators, are operated and / or moved with a higher current consumption for cleaning than in regular operation, especially during an ongoing distribution process using the distribution machine.

[0057] In a further preferred embodiment of the agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine according to the invention, the electronic control device is configured to control the pneumatic conveying device and / or at least one metering device of the distribution machine for metering the material conveyed through the main conveying line in order to clean the distribution device and / or the switching system, wherein the airflow generated by means of the pneumatic conveying device and / or the quantity of material metered by means of the metering device is influenced by the distribution chamber, the main conveying line, the outlets, the discharge channels and / or along the closing devices, wherein the electronic control device is preferably configured to control one, several or all closing devices of the switching system.to control the pneumatic conveying device and / or the dosing device for cleaning simultaneously and / or sequentially and / or at defined time intervals, in particular depending on or interdependently with each other.

[0058] The cleaning process preferably involves activating the conveying device and, simultaneously or sequentially, the closing devices, so that the contaminants are dislodged by the airflow and the system is "blown clean," for example, by generating sudden airflows (pulses) using the blower. The closing devices can be controlled and / or selectively opened and / or closed in this manner.

[0059] P24-053 will ensure that both a distribution path and a return path are cleaned for the distributed material.

[0060] Preferably, the control device is configured to start a cleaning process depending on the current operating state of the conveying device, for example, only when the conveying device is switched on and / or only when it is switched off, and / or to switch the conveying device on and / or off for the duration of the cleaning. Preferably, the control device is also configured to start a cleaning process depending on the current operating state of the dosing device, for example, only when the dosing device is switched off, and / or to switch the dosing device off for the duration of the cleaning.

[0061] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a method of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the switching system for maintaining the distribution device and / or the switching system, in particular the locking devices, is controlled by means of an electronic control device. Preferably, within the framework of the method according to the invention, an agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine according to one of the embodiments described above is operated. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the method according to the invention, reference is therefore made to the advantages and modifications of the distribution machine according to the invention.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, parameter data relating to the functionality of the switching system, in particular the functionality of one, several or all locking devices, which are acquired for the purpose of maintaining the distribution device and / or the switching system, are evaluated by means of an electronic data processing device, wherein preferably impairments of the functionality of the switching system, in particular the functionality of one, several or all locking devices, are detected by means of the data processing device on the basis of the parameter data and / or control specifications for the control device and / or maintenance instructions for a machine operator are generated on the basis of the evaluation of the parameter data.

[0063] P24-053 of the distribution machine for the maintenance of the distribution equipment and / or the switching system using the data processing unit. The impairments may relate in particular to contamination, damage, incorrect calibrations and / or settings and / or wear of the switching system.

[0064] In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the following steps are taken to maintain the distribution device and / or the switching system: a cleaning process is carried out to clean the distribution device and / or the switching system, in particular to reduce or remove contamination in the distribution chamber, the main delivery line, the outlets, the outflow channels and / or the closing devices, and / or a calibration process is carried out to calibrate the switching system, in particular to calibrate intended target positions of the closing devices, by means of the electronic control device, wherein the control device takes into account the control specifications derived from the data processing device and / or manual operator commands, in particular as a result of a maintenance message.

[0065] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0066] Fig. 1 shows a pneumatically operated agricultural distribution machine according to the invention during an application process on an agricultural area in a side view;

[0067] Fig. 2 shows a distribution device designed as a distributor head of a distribution machine according to the invention in a perspective side view;

[0068] Fig. 3 shows a distribution device designed as a distributor head of a distribution machine according to the invention in a sectional view from the side;

[0069] P24-053 Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of a locking device of a switching system of a distribution device in a first, in particular open, position;

[0070] Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of a locking device of a switching system of a distribution device in a second, in particular closed, position;

[0071] Fig. 6a shows a schematic time course of the rotation angle of a malfunctioning locking device when the locking device is rotated between a first position and a second position;

[0072] Fig. 6b shows a schematic time course of the current consumption of a malfunctioning locking device when the locking device is turned between a first position and a second position;

[0073] Fig. 7 shows a schematic time sequence of a cleaning cycle for cleaning a malfunctioning locking device; and

[0074] Fig. 8 shows a schematic time course of the rotation angle of a functioning locking device when the locking device is rotated between a first position and a second position.

[0075] Fig. 1 shows a side view of an agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine 10 according to the invention during an application process on an agricultural area N. The embodiment of the distribution machine 10 shown in Fig. 1 is designed as a trailed pneumatically operated seed drill, which is pulled by a tractor 52 and deposits material V, in particular seed and / or fertilizer, onto the agricultural area N by means of several depositing devices 40 during an application process. The agricultural seed and / or the agricultural fertilizer to be applied are stored in a hopper 46 of the distribution machine.

[0076] P24-053 10 is stored, wherein the seed and / or fertilizer is conveyed to a distribution device 12 of the distribution machine 10 by means of a pneumatic conveying device 20, which preferably includes a blower, through an airflow generated by the conveying device 20.

[0077] The quantity of material V conveyed to the distribution device 12, in particular the quantity of seed and / or fertilizer conveyed to the distribution device 12 from the storage container 46 by means of the conveying device 20, is adjustable by means of one or more metering devices 44, wherein the metering devices 44 meter the quantity of material supplied to the airflow generated by means of the conveying device 20 from the storage container 46.

[0078] The material V conveyed to the distribution device 12 is distributed by means of the distribution device 12 in a distribution intended for application to the agricultural area N onto the depositing devices 40, by means of the distribution device 12 distributing the material V by selectively opening and closing closing devices 28 of a switching system 26 of the distribution device 12 onto application lines 42 connected to the depositing devices 40, through which the material V reaches the depositing devices 40 in the quantities distributed by means of the distribution device 12.

[0079] To ensure that the spreading machine 10 always applies the material V in the intended quantity and distribution on the agricultural area N, the error-free operation of the spreading device 12 must be ensured to maintain a high working quality of the spreading machine 10. For this purpose, it is particularly necessary that the switching system 26 with the closing devices 28 of the spreading device 12 operates flawlessly, so that the opening and closing of the closing devices 28 to regulate the quantities of material distributed into the application lines 42 occurs as intended.

[0080] In order to control, maintain and / or restore the correct function of the distribution device 12, in particular the switching system 26 and / or the locking devices 28, the distribution machine 10 according to the invention comprises an electronic control device.

[0081] P24-053 34 and an electronic data processing unit 36. The electronic control unit 34 enables maintenance of the switching system 26 of the distribution unit 12 and / or the distribution unit 12 itself. The electronic data processing unit 36 ​​enables the evaluation and / or recording of parameter data P, based on which the function of the distribution unit 12 and / or the switching system 26 can be evaluated and / or based on which control specifications for the maintenance of the distribution unit 12 and / or the switching system 26 can be derived for the control unit 34.

[0082] Fig. 2 shows a distribution device 12 of a distribution machine 10 according to the invention in a perspective view, wherein the distribution device 12 is designed as a distribution head. The distribution device 12 comprises a plurality of discharge channels 24, which are arranged evenly distributed over the entire circumference of the distribution device 12, which is designed as a distribution head. Material V distributed onto the discharge channels 24 by means of the distribution device 12 reaches the discharge lines 42 via the discharge channels 24, through which the material V is conveyed to the corresponding storage devices 40.

[0083] Furthermore, the distribution device 12 comprises a main conveying line 18, which is designed as a riser pipe, through which the distributed material V, conveyed from a storage container 46 to the distribution device 12 by means of the pneumatic conveying device 20, is conveyed into the distribution device 12. Furthermore, lever mechanisms 32 of the distribution device 12 can be seen in Fig. 2, by means of which closing devices 28 of a switching system 26 of the distribution device 12 can be actuated in order to regulate the quantity of distributed material flowing out of the distribution device 12 through the discharge channels 24.

[0084] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a distribution device 12 designed as a distributor head of an agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine 10 according to the invention. Material V, for example seed and / or fertilizer, passes through a main conveying line 18 designed as a riser pipe into a distribution chamber 14 arranged within a distributor housing 38 of the distribution device 12. In the radially outer region of the distribution chamber

[0085] P24-053 14 have outlets 22 arranged evenly around the circular circumference of the distribution chamber 14, through which the material to be distributed V flows from the distribution chamber 14 of the distribution device 12 into discharge channels 24 and from the discharge channels 24 into discharge lines 42 to reach the depositing devices 40 of a distribution machine 10 according to the invention. In this way, the material to be distributed V flowing into the distribution device 12 through the main conveying line 18 is distributed by means of the distribution device 12 onto the several depositing devices 40 of a distribution machine 10.

[0086] The distribution device 12 further comprises a switching system 26. The switching system 26 has a plurality of locking devices 28, a plurality of actuators 30, and a plurality of lever mechanisms 32, via which the actuators 30 are kinetically and / or kinematically connected to the locking devices 28. In the distribution device 12 shown, each outlet 22 is assigned a locking device 28, an actuator 30, and a lever mechanism 32. By means of the respective locking devices 28, the outlets 22 assigned to the respective locking devices 28 can be opened and closed as intended. By closing one, several, or all outlets 22 by means of the respective locking devices 28, the outflow of distributed material V from the distribution chamber 14 into the respective outflow channels 24 and thus to the respective storage devices 40 can be interrupted.By opening the respective outlets 22, the outflow of material V from the distribution chamber 14 into the respective discharge channels 24 and thus to the respective depositing devices 40 can be released. In this way, a single-row, multi-row, and / or half-side circuit can be used to regulate the distribution of the material V on an agricultural area N by means of a distribution machine 10 according to the invention.

[0087] During the operation of the distribution machine 10, and in particular during the operation of the distribution device 12, various types of impairments to the function of the distribution device 12, especially of the switching system 26 with the locking devices 28, may occur. Such functional impairments can be caused, for example, by...

[0088] P24-053 Contamination of the main conveying line 18, an inlet 16 to the distribution chamber 14, the distribution chamber 14 itself, the outlets 22 of the distribution chamber 14, the closing devices 28, and the discharge channels 24. Contamination can, for example, be deposits of distributed material V, in particular seed and / or fertilizer residues in the aforementioned areas of the distribution device 12, which can impair the unimpeded flow of distributed material in the distribution device 12 and / or impair the operation of the closing devices 28, for example, by impairing the closing devices 28 due to deposits in the area of ​​the closing devices 28.

[0089] Furthermore, damage, wear, faulty settings and / or calibrations of the switching system 26 and / or other conditions and / or events affecting the operation of the distribution device 12 can lead to functional impairments of the distribution device 12, in particular of the switching system 26, which can reduce the working quality of the distribution machine 10 and / or the service life of the distribution machine 10.

[0090] In order to avoid, detect as early as possible and / or remedy functional impairments, the distribution machine 10 according to the invention comprises an electronic control device 34 and an electronic data processing device 36, by means of which the distribution machine 10, in particular the switching system 26, the pneumatic conveying device 20 and / or the dosing devices 44, can be controlled to detect, avoid and / or remedy functionally impairing conditions and / or events and / or corresponding parameter data P can be recorded and / or evaluated.

[0091] Figures 4 and 5 each show a sectional view of a locking device 28 of a switching system 26 of a distribution device 12, shown in detail from the side. The locking device 28 is designed as a rotatable and / or pivotable locking element, in particular as a rotatable flap, which is rotatably mounted in the distribution device 12 about a pivot point D. To rotate the locking device 28, the locking device 28

[0092] P24-053 is connected to an actuator 30 via a lever mechanism 32, the actuator 30 being an electric actuator motor that rotates the closing device 28 about pivot point D by actuating the lever mechanism 32 to open and / or close the outlet 22 and / or the outflow channel 24. A distribution device 12, as shown, for example, in the preceding figures, comprises a closing device 28 for each outlet 22 of the distribution chamber 14 for opening and closing the respective outlets 22, preferably with each closing device 28 being assigned an actuator 30 for actuating the respective closing device 28 and a corresponding lever mechanism 32. In other embodiments, it is alternatively conceivable that several closing devices 28 can be rotatable by means of a common actuator 30 or a common lever mechanism 32.

[0093] Furthermore, a detection unit 50 for detecting parameter data P is arranged on the depicted locking device 28 in the area of ​​the pivot point D. This unit is designed, for example, as a potentiometer for detecting the rotation angle DW and / or a change in the rotation angle and / or a current position S1, S2 and / or a current change in position of the locking device 28. Preferably, at least one detection unit 50 is arranged on each locking device 28 of a distribution device 12. In other embodiments of the distribution device 12, further and / or different detection units 50 may also be provided, for example, detection units for detecting a current consumption I of the actuators 30 and / or for detecting an acting torque when rotating the locking devices 28, in particular a torque transmitted by means of the lever mechanisms 32.The sensor data acquired by means of the detection devices 50, in particular the sensor data relating to the rotation angle DW of the locking devices 28, are preferably forwarded by the detection devices 50 to the electronic data processing device 36 for evaluation.

[0094] In Fig. 4, the closing device 28 is shown in a first position S1, in which the outlet 22 is open, so that the distributed material V flows through a

[0095] P24-053 The discharge path AP leads to the storage device 40 assigned to the respective outlet 22 for the distribution of the material V onto the usable area N. The first position S1, which results in an open state of the outlet 22 or the discharge channel 24, is associated with a corresponding rotation angle DW of the closing device 28 about the pivot point D, so that an intended position S1, in which the respective outlet 22 is open, is linked to a corresponding intended rotation angle DW of the respective closing device 28.

[0096] In order to achieve an intended quantity and / or distribution of the material V when spreading it onto the usable area N by means of the distribution machine 10, it is therefore necessary that the closing devices 28 reach the respective associated angle of rotation DW in the open state in order to reach the desired position S1.Faulty calibration and / or advanced wear and / or damage to the actuator 30, the lever mechanism 32 and / or the locking device 28, as well as contamination in the area of ​​the locking device 28, for example, adhesions on the locking device 28 and / or in the area of ​​the outlet 22 and / or the discharge channel 24, can lead to the desired position S1 for opening the outlet 22 not being reached or not being reached in an intended time, so that the respective outlet 22 is not opened as intended by means of the locking device 28 and the dispensing with the respective depositing device 40, which is supplied with distribution material V via the outlet 22, is impaired.By detecting the rotation angle DW of the locking device 28 by means of the detection device 50 designed as a potentiometer, it can be evaluated by means of the data processing device 36 whether the respective locking device 28 is in an intended position S1.

[0097] In Fig. 5, the closing device 28 can be seen in a closed state, in which the outlet 22 or the outflow channel 24 is blocked by means of the closing device 28, which is in a second position S2, so that the distributed material V from the distribution chamber 14 of the distribution device 12 does not flow through the outflow channel 24 to the respective storage device 40, but instead flows along a return path RP back into the distribution chamber 14 and / or back into the main conveying line 18.

[0098] The second position S2 of the closing device 28 for closing the outlet 22 or the outflow channel 24 is also linked to a defined rotation angle DW of the closing device 28 around the pivot point D, so that by detecting the rotation angle DW using the detection device 50 and by evaluating the sensor data by the data processing device 36 it is possible to detect whether the respective closing device 28 is in the desired closed second position S2.

[0099] Wear, damage, contamination, faulty calibrations and / or faulty settings of the closing device 28, the actuator 30 and / or the lever mechanism 32 can lead to functional impairments that affect the rotation of the closing device 28 about the pivot point D, especially since this is constantly surrounded by flow in both positions, so that the second position S2 is not reached, or not reached in a desired time, to close the outlet 22 and / or the discharge channel 24, so that the distributed material V unintentionally continues to reach at least part of the respective depositing device 40, at which the distribution of the distributed material should actually be interrupted, for example for a half-side switching of the distribution machine 10.

[0100] To ensure the correct functionality of the switching system 26 with the closing devices 28, the actuators 30 and the lever mechanisms 32, as well as the distribution unit 12 with the distribution chamber 14, the inlet 16, the main conveying line 18, the outlets 22 and the discharge channels 24, the switching system 26 and the distribution unit 12 are maintained by means of the electronic control unit 34. In particular, maintenance by means of the control unit 34 can be carried out each time the distribution machine 10 is switched on immediately before the start of an application process and / or at certain events during an application process, for example, during an interruption of application in the headland and / or when filling the hopper 46 and / or when folding in and / or out the booms of the distribution machine.

[0101] During maintenance of the distribution unit 12 and / or the switching system 26, the closing devices 28 can be moved by the actuators 30 into defined positions S1, S2, in particular into maintenance positions WS and / or cleaning positions RS, in order to record corresponding parameter data P, for example the rotation angle DW of the closing devices 28 about their respective pivot point D, by means of the detection devices 50 during the movement of the closing devices 28 and to evaluate this data with regard to checking functionality. In this way, functional impairments can be detected before the start of a spreading process by the distribution machine 10 and / or at an early stage during a spreading process.

[0102] The evaluation of the parameter data P can, for example, indicate that damage and / or wear is present, so that maintenance instructions can be issued to a machine operator of the distribution machine 10 via a display device, such as an operator terminal of the distribution machine 10, enabling the machine operator to carry out appropriate repairs and / or replace worn parts. Furthermore, the evaluation of the parameter data P can reveal that the switching system 26 is not correctly set and / or calibrated. In particular, faulty calibration can mean that an intended position S1, S2 of the closing devices 28 is not linked to a corresponding rotation angle DW and / or a corresponding current consumption I and / or a corresponding acting torque, so that, for example, the intended position S1, S2 is not reached when a defined rotation angle DW is present.

[0103] Furthermore, the evaluation of the parameter data P may reveal that the error-free operation of the distribution device 12 and / or the switching system 26 is impaired by contamination, since, for example, adhesions of seeds and / or fertilizer to the locking devices 28 can lead to the respective contaminated locking devices 28 not functioning as desired.

[0104] P24-053 cannot rotate around pivot point D and / or cannot reach their corresponding positions S1, S2, because, for example, the bearing is dirty and / or the end positions in the corresponding positions S1, S2 are blocked by dirt.

[0105] If contamination is detected, the control unit 34 can initiate a corresponding cleaning cycle to remove and / or at least reduce the contamination. For example, to remove contamination, the corresponding closing devices 28 can be moved into intended cleaning positions RS. The cleaning positions RS, as well as the maintenance positions WS already described, preferably differ from the positions of the closing devices 28 during regular operation of the distribution unit 12 and / or the switching system 26 during an active dispensing process, for example, by higher rotational speeds and / or different rotational angles DW. For cleaning, the closing devices can, for example, be rotated at a higher rotational speed to remove contamination by means of impact impulses.Alternatively or additionally, the pneumatic conveying device 20 of the distribution machine 10 can be controlled for cleaning, so that the blower of the conveying device 20 blows away contaminants in the distribution device 12, especially on the closing devices 28, by generating a suitable airflow, for example by generating air bursts.

[0106] Figure 6a shows a schematic diagram of the rotation angle DW of a malfunctioning locking device 28 as a function of time T when the locking device 28 is rotated about its pivot point D between a first position S1 and a second position S2, where the locking device 28 cannot be rotated between positions S1 and S2 as desired, for example, due to contamination. Figure 6a particularly illustrates the time course of the rotation angle DW of the locking device 28 during maintenance of the respective locking device 28 by controlling the control device 34, i.e., during a maintenance cycle of the locking device 28 between a position S1, for example, an open or closed position.

[0107] P24-053 Position of the respective locking device 28, and a second position S2, which corresponds to a maintenance position WS in Fig. 6a. The maintenance position WS preferably differs from a regular open and / or closed position of the locking device 28 in the regular operation of the distribution machine 10.

[0108] Up to time T1, the locking device 28 requiring maintenance is in a first position S1. At time T1, the locking device 28 begins to rotate about its pivot point D to move into the maintenance position WS. The graph represents the progression of the parameter data P, acquired by the detection device 50, during the movement of the locking device 28 between position S1 and the maintenance position WS. The slope of the graph indicates the rotational speed, i.e., the rate of change of the rotation angle DW, of the locking device 28 as it rotates about its pivot point D.

[0109] At time T2, a kink can be seen in the time course of the rotation angle DW, whereby the rotational speed of the locking device 28 increases slightly from time T2.

[0110] At time T3, the change in the rotation angle DW of the locking device 28 is interrupted, whereby the locking device 28 consequently does not reach the intended position S2, which in this case corresponds to a maintenance position WS, but remains in an unintended intermediate position.

[0111] At time T4, the locking device 28 is rotated in the opposite direction around the pivot point D back to the first position S1, with the first position S1 being reached again at time T5.

[0112] The time sequence in Fig. 6a shows that the locking device 28 is rotated at a low speed from time T1 to time T3, as can be seen from the shallow slope of the rotation angle DW over time. At time T3, the rotation of the locking device 28 stops, although the intended maintenance position WS has not yet been reached.

[0113] P24-053 has been reached. The rotation of the locking device 28 back to position S1 between times T4 and T5 also occurs with a slow change in the rotation angle DW.

[0114] Both the low rotational speed between times T1 and T3 and between times T4 and T5, as well as the kink in the graph at time T2, indicate that the locking device 28 has contamination that slows its rotation around pivot point D. The interruption of the change in the angle of rotation before reaching the maintenance position WS between times T3 and T4 also indicates contamination in the area of ​​the locking device 28, which blocks it from reaching the second position S2.The parameter data P relating to the rotation angle DW of the closing device 28, acquired by the detection device 50 and evaluated by the data processing device 36, consequently show that during a maintenance run of the closing device 28 initiated by the control device 34, contamination of the closing device 28 was detected which hinders the intended operation of the closing device 28. If the illustrated maintenance run was carried out, for example, before the start of an application process using a distribution machine 10 according to the invention, a possible reduction in the operating quality of the distribution machine 10 due to contamination of the closing device can be detected even before the start of the application process.

[0115] Fig. 6b shows a schematic diagram of the current consumption I as a function of time T, corresponding to the time course of the rotation angle DW in Fig. 6a. The current consumption I corresponds, for example, to the current consumption I of an actuator 30 assigned to the respective locking device 28 when the malfunctioning locking device 28 is rotated between the first position S2 and the maintenance position WS.

[0116] It can be seen that the current consumption I of the actuator 30 belonging to the malfunctioning locking device 28 varies between times T1 and T3 and between times T4 and T5 when the locking device 28 is actuated to rotate the locking device 28.

[0117] P24-053 exceeds a defined maximum permissible limit G for the current consumption I of the actuator 30 around the pivot point D.

[0118] To record parameter data P relating to the current consumption I of the switching system 26, in particular the actuators 30, recording devices designed as current sensors can be used, for example, which can be an alternative or additional component of the distribution machine 10, in particular the distribution device 12 and / or the switching system 26, as well as the recording devices 50 for recording the rotation angle DW.

[0119] Exceeding the limit value G of the current consumption I, analogous to the flat curve of the rotation angle DW between times T 1 and T3 as well as between times T4 and T5, indicates that the respective locking device 28 is affected by contamination when rotating around the pivot point D, since contamination can lead to a higher torque and consequently a higher current consumption I of the respective actuators 30 being necessary to rotate the locking device 28.

[0120] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a cleaning cycle as a function of time T, by which a malfunctioning locking device 28, for example a locking device 28 with time-dependent parameter data profiles from Figures 6a and 6b, is cleaned to restore its proper functioning. In particular, the electronic data processing device 36 can derive control commands for the control device 34 to execute a cleaning cycle, in particular a cleaning program, to clean the malfunctioning locking device 28, based on the parameter data P, for example, based on the parameter data P shown in Figures 6a and 6b, which were acquired by the acquisition device 50 during the process of moving the locking device 28 into the maintenance position WS controlled by the control device 34.

[0121] To clean the soiled locking device 28, the respective locking device 28 can be, as the time sequence of Fig. 7 shows, between a

[0122] P24-053 is moved to a first position S1 and a second position S2, which corresponds to a cleaning position of the locking device 28. As already described, the cleaning position is preferably a position that differs from regular operation of the locking device 28, wherein, when moving into the cleaning position RS, the locking device 28 is alternatively or additionally moved with a higher rotational speed and / or higher acceleration and / or higher current consumption I and / or with a higher torque and / or a different rotational angle DW.

[0123] The time sequence in Fig. 7 shows that, during the cleaning cycle in this example, the soiled locking device 28 is rotated a total of three times between position S1 and the cleaning position RS at a high rotational speed. The resulting impact impulses reduce and / or loosen the deposits on the locking device 28 and / or in its immediate vicinity, for example, on the outlets 22 and / or the discharge channels 24. Alternatively, a cleaning cycle can also include a lower or higher number of position changes between position S1 and the cleaning position RS. Furthermore, the cleaning cycle can also have different rotational speeds and / or different time intervals between the position changes.

[0124] Alternatively or additionally, the control device 34 can control the conveying device 20 of the distribution machine 10 during a cleaning cycle, so that, for example, while the closing device 28 is being rotated into the cleaning position RS, an airflow simultaneously supports the cleaning of the closing device 28 with airflow pulses and the dirt is blown away by the airflow.

[0125] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the rotation angle DW of a locking device 28 as a function of time T during rotation of the locking device 28 between a first position S1 and a second position S2, which corresponds to a maintenance position WS of the locking device 28. The time course of the rotation angle DW in Figure 8 corresponds, for example, to the time course of the rotation angle DW during

[0126] P24-053 Rotating the locking device 28, which has been cleaned using the cleaning program shown in Fig. 7.

[0127] In comparison to the time course of the rotation angle DW of the dirty locking device 28 shown in Fig. 6a, the time course of the rotation angle DW in Fig. 8 shows that the locking device 28 is rotated into the maintenance position WS at a higher angular velocity between times T1 and T3, and consequently in a shorter time T. Furthermore, the cleaned locking device 28 is also rotated back into the first position S1 significantly faster between times T4 and T5.

[0128] Furthermore, it can be seen that the cleaned locking device 28, unlike the dirty locking device 28 as shown in Fig. 6a, now reaches the intended maintenance position WS as desired and is not blocked before reaching the maintenance position WS. The kink in the graph in Fig. 6a at time T2, which indicates a blockage of the bearing of the locking device 28, is also absent in the course of the rotation angle DW in Fig. 8.

[0129] Figure 8 thus shows the time course of the rotation angle DW of a functioning and cleaned locking device 28, which, as intended, can be rotated between positions S1, S2 at a desired speed and into the desired maintenance position WS around the pivot point D. This indicates that the cleaning cycle shown in Figure 7 for cleaning the dirty locking device 28 was successfully carried out.

[0130] P24-053 Reference mark

[0131] 10 distribution machine

[0132] 12 Distribution device

[0133] 14 Distribution Chamber

[0134] 16 Admission

[0135] 18 Main supply line

[0136] 20 funding institution

[0137] 22 outlets

[0138] 24 outlet channels

[0139] 26 switching system

[0140] 28 locking devices

[0141] 30 actuators

[0142] 32 lever mechanisms

[0143] 34 Control unit

[0144] 36 Data processing equipment

[0145] 38 distribution boxes

[0146] 40 storage units

[0147] 42 discharge lines

[0148] 44 Dosing unit

[0149] 46 storage containers

[0150] 48 Material recycling

[0151] 50 recording units

[0152] 52 Towing vehicle

[0153] AP application path

[0154] D pivot point

[0155] DW rotation angle

[0156] G limit value

[0157] I Current consumption

[0158] N Usable area

[0159] P parameter data

[0160] RP return path

[0161] RS cleaning position

[0162] P24-053 S1,S2 positions

[0163] T time

[0164] T1-T5 time points

[0165] V Distribution material WS Maintenance position

[0166] P24-053

Claims

1. Patent claims 1. Agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine (10) for spreading agricultural material (V), in particular seed and / or fertilizer, with a distribution device (12) comprising a distribution chamber (14) which has an inlet (16) for material (V) conveyed into the distribution chamber (14) by means of a pneumatic conveying device (20) through at least one main conveying line (18) and several outlets (22) for material (V) flowing out of the distribution chamber (14) through discharge channels (24), and a switching system (26) for regulating the flow through the outlets (22) into the discharge channels (24) distribution material (V) with several operable closing devices (28) for closing and / or opening the outlets (22), characterized by an electronic control device (34) which is configured to control the switching system (26) for maintaining the distribution device (12) and / or the switching system (26), in particular the closing devices (34).

2. Agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching system (26) comprises several controllable actuators (30) for actuating the several closing devices (28) for closing and / or opening the outlets (22), wherein the actuators (30) are preferably designed as electric actuators, and / or each closing device (28) has one of the actuators (30) for Closing and opening of the respective outlets (22) is assigned, wherein the electronic control device (34) is preferably configured to control one, several or all of the actuators (30) of the distribution device (12) and / or the switching system (26) for the purpose of maintaining the distribution device (12) and / or the switching system (26). P24-053 to control the switching system (26) for actuating the respective locking devices (28).

3. Agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electronic control device (34) is configured to actuate the closing devices (28) for maintenance of the distribution device (12) and / or the switching system (26) on the basis of manual operator commands of a machine operator of the distribution machine (10), and / or at defined time intervals and / or in defined maintenance cycles automatically, and / or depending on the presence of defined events automatically, in particular by controlling one, several or all actuators (30) of the switching system (26).

4. Agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic control device (34) is configured to move the locking devices (28), in particular by controlling one, several or all actuators (30), into defined maintenance positions (WS) for the purpose of maintaining the distribution device (12) and / or the switching system (26), wherein the maintenance positions (WS) can preferably be specified manually by a machine operator of the distribution machine (10) and / or automatically by means of the electronic control device (34), in particular on the basis of stored control specifications for the control device (34), and / or the control device (34) is preferably configured to automatically move one, several or all locking devices (28) at least temporarily simultaneously and / or jointly and / or sequentially and / or in groups at defined time intervals and / or in defined maintenance cycles and / or depending on P24-053 to automatically move the defined events into the defined maintenance positions (WS), and / or the control device (34) is preferably configured to control one, several or all closing devices (28) for moving them into the defined maintenance positions (WS) with operating parameters that differ from those of regular operation of the switching system (26) for regulating the distributed material (V) flowing through the outlets (22) into the discharge channels (24) during a distribution process by means of the distribution machine (10), such that during the moving process, in particular an absorbed current, an acting torque, a movement speed and / or acceleration and / or movement characteristics of the respective closing devices (28) deviate from regular operation.

5. Agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an electronic data processing device (36) which is configured to evaluate parameter data (P) of the switching system (26) relating to the functionality of the switching system (26), in particular the functionality of one, several or all of the locking devices (28), for the purpose of maintaining the distribution device (12) and / or the switching system (26), wherein the data processing device (36) is preferably configured to detect impairments of the functionality of the switching system (26), in particular the functionality of one, several or all of the locking devices (28), based on the parameter data (P), wherein impairments relate in particular to contamination, damage, faulty calibration and / or setting and / or wear of the switching system (26).

6. Agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the functionality of the switching system (26), in particular the functionality of one, several or all P24-053 Locking devices (28), parameter data (P) relating to one, several or all locking devices (28) when moving them into the defined maintenance positions (WS) by means of one or more sensory detection units (50) and / or derived by means of the electronic data processing device (36) and / or locking device-specific parameter data (P), wherein the parameter data (P) preferably relate to the current consumption (I) of the switching system (26), in particular the current consumption (I) of one, several or all locking devices (28) and / or one, several or all actuators (30) of the locking devices (28), current data, and / or a torque acting when one, several or all locking devices (28) is actuated, in particular a torque generated by one, several or all actuators (30) when actuating the respective locking devices (28), torque data,and / or motion data relating to the speed of movement and / or acceleration and / or movement characteristics of one, several or all of the locking devices (28), and / or a current position (S1, S2), in particular a rotation angle (DW) and / or a change in the rotation angle, position data relating to one, several or all of the locking devices (28).

7. Agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the electronic data processing device (36) is configured to derive control specifications for the control device (34) and / or maintenance instructions for a machine operator of the distribution machine (10) for maintaining the distribution device (12) and / or the switching system (26) on the basis of the evaluation of the parameter data (P). P24-053 8. Agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine (10) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the electronic data processing device (36) is configured to compare the acquired parameter data (P) with stored setpoint values ​​relating to the intended functionality of the switching system (26) when evaluating the acquired parameter data (P), in particular for detecting impairments of the functionality of the switching system (26), and / or with parameter data (P) acquired and / or stored in the past and / or with locking device-specific parameter data (P) of one, several or all locking devices (28), wherein the data processing device (36) is preferably configured to derive the control specifications for the control device (34) and / or the maintenance instructions for maintaining the distribution device (12) and / or the switching system (26) on the basis of the comparison.

9. Agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic control device (34) is configured to initiate, for the maintenance of the distribution device (12) and / or the switching system (26), a cleaning process for cleaning the distribution device (12) and / or the switching system (26), in particular for reducing or removing soiling of the distribution chamber (14), the main conveying line (18), the outlets (22), the discharge channels (24) and / or the closing devices (28), and / or a calibration process for calibrating the switching system (26), in particular for calibrating intended target positions of the closing devices (28), wherein the control device (34) is in particular configured to, during the execution of the cleaning process and / or the calibration process, to activate the switching system (26), in particular the closing devices (28),based on the one from the, P24-053 to control the data processing unit (36) derived control specifications and / or on the basis of manual operator commands, in particular as a result of a maintenance notice.

10. Agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the electronic control device (34) is configured to actuate the closing devices (28) for closing and / or opening the outlets (22) in order to clean the distribution device (12) and / or the switching system (26), in particular by actuating the actuators (30) to actuate the closing devices (28), wherein the control device (34) is preferably configured to actuate the closing devices (28) in such a way that contamination of the distribution chamber (14), the main conveying line (18), the inlet (16), the outlets (22), the discharge channels (24) and / or the closing devices (28) is at least partially and / or at least partially removed.

11. Agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the electronic control device (34) is configured to actuate the closing devices (28) for closing and / or opening the outlets (22) individually and / or in groups, in particular independently of one another, and / or jointly, and / or at defined time intervals and / or in defined sequences, in particular one after the other, and / or for moving them into defined cleaning positions (RS), and / or at defined speeds and / or accelerations, in particular on the basis of the control specifications derived from the data processing device (36) and / or on the basis of manual operator commands, in particular as a result of a maintenance instruction, wherein the control specifications P24-053 preferably specify a defined cleaning cycle that depends on the parameter data (P).

12. Agricultural pneumatically operated distribution machine (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the electronic control device (34) is configured to control the pneumatic conveying device (20) and / or at least one metering device (44) of the distribution machine (10) for metering the material (V) conveyed through the main conveying line (18) for cleaning the distribution device (12) and / or the switching system (26), in particular to influence an airflow generated by means of the pneumatic conveying device (20) and / or a quantity of material metered by means of the metering device (44) through the distribution chamber (14), the main conveying line (18), the outlets (22), the discharge channels (24) and / or along the closing devices (28), wherein the electronic control device (34) is preferably configured to control one, several or all closing devices (28) of the switching system (26)to control the pneumatic conveying device (20) and / or the dosing device (44) for cleaning simultaneously and / or sequentially and / or at defined time intervals, in particular depending on or independently of each other.

13. Method for operating an agricultural pneumatically operated spreading machine (10) for spreading agricultural material (V), in particular a spreading machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, with a spreading device (12) comprising a spreading chamber (14) which has an inlet (16) for material (V) conveyed into the spreading chamber (14) by means of a main conveying line (18) by means of a pneumatic conveying device (20) and several outlets (22) for material (V) flowing out of the spreading chamber (14) through outflow channels (24), and a switching system (26) for regulating the material (V) flowing through the outlets (22) into the outflow channels (24). P24-053 several operable locking devices (28) for closing and / or opening the outlets (24), characterized in that the switching system (26) for maintaining the distribution device (12) and / or the switching system (26), in particular the locking devices (28), is controlled by means of an electronic control device (34).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that parameter data (P) of the switching system (26) relating to the functionality of the switching system (26), in particular the functionality of one, several or all locking devices (28), are evaluated by means of an electronic data processing device (36) for the purpose of maintaining the distribution device (12) and / or the switching system (26), wherein impairments of the functionality of the switching system (26), in particular the functionality of one, several or all locking devices (28), are preferably detected on the basis of the parameter data (P) by means of the data processing device (36),and / or, based on the evaluation of the parameter data (P), control specifications for the control unit (34) and / or maintenance instructions for a machine operator of the distribution machine (10) for maintaining the distribution unit (12) and / or the switching system (26) are derived by means of the data processing unit (36).

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, for the maintenance of the distribution device (12) and / or the switching system (26), a cleaning process is carried out to clean the distribution device (12) and / or the switching system (26), in particular to reduce or remove contamination of the distribution chamber (14), the P24-053 The main conveying line (18), the outlets (22), the discharge channels (24) and / or the closing devices (28), and / or a calibration process for calibrating the switching system (26), in particular for calibrating intended target positions of the closing devices (28), is initiated by means of the electronic control device (34), wherein the control device (34) takes into account the control specifications derived from the data processing device (36) and / or manual operator commands, in particular as a result of a maintenance instruction, when performing the cleaning process and / or the calibration process. P24-053

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