Control device for regulating the fan speed and the travel speed of a spreading device for granular material

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a control device (1) for controlling the rotational speed of a fan (11) of a spreading device (S), in particular a seeding device, and / or the travel speed (FG) of a tractor (Z) and / or the spreading device (S), during the spreading of granular material on a field.

Description

[0001] Control device for controlling the blower speed and the driving speed, and system for spreading granular material on a field

[0002] The invention relates to a control device for controlling the rotational speed of a blower of an application device, in particular a seeding device, and / or the driving speed of a tractor and / or the application device.

[0003] It is known from the prior art to preset the speed of a blower within a conveying section of a pneumatic application device, in particular a seeding device, to adjust the air volume flow for conveying granular material according to the manufacturer's specifications, depending on the granular material (seed, fertilizer, seed type, fertilizer type) and the quantity to be conveyed.

[0004] The rotational speed alters the pressure, volume flow rate, and flow velocity of the air within the conveying path. During operation, the pressure, volume flow rate, and flow velocity of the air are influenced, for example, by adding or increasing the metering quantity.

[0005] There are objectives when setting an optimized airflow rate to convey a set quantity of granular material. For example, one objective is a sufficient airflow rate to convey the granular material from a metering device, which doses the material in adjustable quantities from a storage hopper into the conveying line, to a distribution device, particularly a distribution head, which is part of a dispensing device. An insufficient airflow rate can cause blockages in the conveying line.

[0006] Furthermore, it is important to provide a sufficient airflow to convey the granular material from the distribution device to the application elements. An insufficient airflow can cause blockages in the pipes connecting the distribution device and the application elements.

[0007] Furthermore, there is the problem that the metering quantity, and therefore the required air volume flow, increases with increasing driving speed. This is because the faster the vehicle speed increases the air volume flow.

[0008] The larger the airflow (P25-020) across a field, the more granular material must be transported by the airflow within a given timeframe to achieve the desired application rate. However, the required airflow cannot be increased indefinitely, as it is limited by the blower used.

[0009] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a control device for controlling the rotational speed of a blower of an application device, in particular a seeding device, and / or the driving speed of a tractor and / or the application device, as well as a system for spreading granular material on a field, which provides a required air volume flow for conveying granular material.

[0010] This problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] The invention comprises a control device for controlling the rotational speed of a blower of an application device, in particular a seeding device, and / or the driving speed of a tractor and / or the application device during the application of granular material on a field.

[0012] The application device can be self-propelled or attached to and / or towed by the tractor. The application device is preferably designed as a seed drill. Alternatively, the application device can be designed as a pneumatic fertilizer spreader or other pneumatically operated distribution machine.

[0013] The control device includes a first detection device which is configured to determine the driving speed of the tractor and / or spreading device on a field during the spreading of granular material on a field.

[0014] The first investigative device can be a speed sensor or a simple query of the driving speed of the tractor or a speed sensor of the tractor.

[0015] Furthermore, the control device has a second detection device which is designed to determine the amount of granular material to be applied to a field.

[0016] P25-020 The second measuring device can be configured to enable and / or recognize user input, such as via an input terminal and / or a touchscreen, allowing the user to enter or set the application rate of granular material. Alternatively or additionally, the second measuring device can be configured to read an application rate stored in a memory device. For this purpose, the application rate can be stored in the memory device in map form, for example, as an application map. The application rate can be georeferenced in the memory device and vary across the field area. In particular, different application rates can be read from the memory device for different sections of the spreading device's working width. The application rate read from the memory device refers to a target rate per area.Furthermore, the control device has a computing unit that is set up to determine a dosage quantity of granular material for the detected driving speed and for compliance with the determined application rate.

[0017] Depending on the working width and the travel speed of the spreading device, the measured application rate can be converted into a metering rate. This conversion takes place in the control unit, specifically in the computing unit associated with the control unit. The metering rate is the amount of granular material that is metered from a storage hopper into the conveying system by a metering device to achieve the intended application rate in the field.

[0018] The computing device is designed to determine, during the application of granular material, a required air volume flow to convey the dosed quantity of granular material, depending on the determined dosage quantity.

[0019] The required air volume flow is the optimized air volume flow for conveying a set metering quantity of granular material. It is characterized by being sufficiently large to transport the granular material without clogging from a metering device through the conveying line to a distribution device, and also without clogging from the distribution device to the dispensing elements via lines connecting the distribution device and the dispensing elements.

[0020] Connect P25-020. On the other hand, the required airflow is only as large as necessary to prevent blockages, so no additional energy is required for an excessively large airflow volume. The required airflow volume is therefore also an energy-optimized airflow volume.

[0021] Furthermore, the required air volume flow can be an optimized air volume flow for a uniform or demand-based lateral distribution.

[0022] The metering device is arranged between a storage container for the granular material and the conveying section, so that the metering device doses the granular material into the conveying section in adjustable quantities. The metering device can be designed as a central metering unit with a rotating, and in particular replaceable, metering element, for example, a metering roller. The conveying section can comprise a conveying pipe and / or one or more lines. For example, the conveying pipe can be arranged between the metering device and the distribution device. The one or more lines can be arranged, for example, between the distribution device and dispensing elements. The conveying section, in particular the conveying pipe, is connected to the blower. The conveying pipe can have a first and a second end, with the blower being arranged at the first end.

[0023] The granular material is fed to the distribution device via the conveying pipe by means of the airflow. In the distribution device, the airflow loaded with granular material is divided among the lines leading to the dispensing elements. The distribution device can be designed as a distribution head.

[0024] The spreading elements are designed to distribute the granular material onto the field. These elements can be designed as seed coulters. Seed coulters typically include furrow opening elements, a discharge device for the granular material into the opened furrow, and furrow closing elements. Alternatively, the spreading elements can be designed as deflector plates to distribute the granular material evenly across the field.

[0025] The blower is designed to provide a volume of airflow for conveying granular material through the conveying line. To increase the airflow,

[0026] The P25-020 blower speed is adjustable, particularly to set the required air volume flow. Increasing the speed generates a larger air volume flow, allowing for the transport of more granular material. The blower speed can be adjusted in steps or continuously. Each required air volume flow corresponds to a specific blower speed.

[0027] A relationship between the required air volume flow rate and the fan speed is stored in the fan, the control unit, or the storage unit. This relationship may be stored in the form of a table, a characteristic curve, a characteristic curve array, or a functional relationship. The stored relationship may take into account one or more of the following pieces of information concerning the granular material:

[0028] - the type of granular material, for example seed type or fertilizer type;

[0029] - the specific dosage amount of the granular material;

[0030] - Material properties of the granular material, for example density, bulk density, thousand grain weight, surface texture, moisture content.

[0031] The blower has an adjustable maximum speed, so the maximum adjustable airflow of the blower is limited by the adjustable maximum speed. The adjustable maximum speed and / or the maximum adjustable airflow may be stored in a memory device and / or depend on the type and / or specifications of the blower used. The type and / or specifications of the blower used may be stored in a memory device.

[0032] The control device is preferably configured to control the blower and to set the blower speed based on the determined required air volume flow. This can be done taking into account the stored relationship between air volume flow and blower speed.

[0033] The control device preferably includes a third detection device configured to determine the adjustable maximum speed of the blower and / or the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower. In particular, the third detection device is configured to automatically recognize the blower being used and / or to determine the maximum speed of the blower and / or the maximum air volume flow of the blower.

[0034] P25-020 to automatically detect and / or read the adjustable air volume flow of the blower from a storage device.

[0035] The third detection device is configured to read the maximum fan speed and / or the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the fan, both stored in a memory device. Alternatively or additionally, the third detection device is configured to read the type and / or specifications of the fan from a memory device.

[0036] The third detection device can be configured to determine the type of blower and to derive the maximum speed and / or the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower from the determined blower type. For this purpose, the previously described information concerning the blower can be read from the storage device.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the third detection device may be set up to enable and / or recognize user input, for example using an input terminal and / or a touchscreen, so that the user can enter the type and / or specifications and / or maximum speed and / or maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, the third detection device can be set up to automatically detect the type of blower and / or the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower for conveying the granular material, for example via ISOBUS.

[0039] The calculating device is preferably also configured to determine, during the spreading of granular material in a field, whether the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower is less than, equal to, or greater than the required air volume flow determined for the specified dosage quantity. For this purpose, the calculating device can be configured to compare the determined required air volume flow with the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower. Alternatively or additionally, the calculating device can be configured to compare the blower speed corresponding to the required air volume flow with the blower's maximum speed.

[0040] P25-020 Preferably, if the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower is less than the determined required air volume flow during the application of granular material, the control unit is configured to reduce the travel speed of the tractor and / or the application device and / or to issue a warning to reduce the travel speed of the tractor and / or application device, for example via the input terminal. The warning can be issued audibly and / or visually.

[0041] This ensures that the granular material can always be dispensed without clogging, so that a user can rely on consistent work quality.

[0042] In this way, the operation of the application device can be optimized, since at the same time as the determined required air volume flow, an air volume flow optimized for the application quality is provided, and at the same time the driving speed of the tractor and / or the application device can be set as high as possible or only needs to be reduced if the intended work quality cannot otherwise be maintained.

[0043] The control device is preferably configured to gradually reduce the travel speed of the tractor and / or the spreading device during the spreading of granular material, and / or to reduce it until the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower corresponds at least to the determined, required air volume flow. Alternatively, the control device can be configured, using the calculating device, to determine a maximum travel speed based on the working width, the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower, and / or the aforementioned information regarding the granular material, and to limit the travel speed of the tractor and / or spreading device to this maximum speed.

[0044] The control device preferably has a storage device in which one or more of the following pieces of information are stored and can be read out in the manner described above:

[0045] - an application rate for the field, in particular georeferenced in map form; and / or

[0046] - a relationship between, in particular the required, air volume flow rate and P25-020 fan speed, especially in the form of a characteristic curve, a characteristic curve field or a functional relationship; and / or

[0047] - an adjustable maximum speed and / or a maximum adjustable air volume flow and / or the type and / or specifications of the blower.

[0048] The control device preferably has a fourth detection device which is configured to determine the type of granular material used.

[0049] The fourth investigative device can be set up to determine information concerning the granular material by a user entering the type of granular material.

[0050] Furthermore, the fourth investigative device may be set up to enable and / or recognize user input, such as via an input terminal and / or a touchscreen, so that the user can enter the type of granular material used.

[0051] The control device preferably includes an air volume flow measuring device configured to measure an actual air volume flow containing granular material, wherein the calculating device is configured to determine whether the measured actual air volume flow is less than, equal to, or greater than the required air volume flow determined for the calculated dosage quantity, and in the event that the actual air volume flow is less than or greater than the determined required air volume flow, the control device is configured to control the blower and set a speed of the blower based on the determined required air volume flow, and / or in the event that the determined maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower is less than the determined required air volume flow, the control device is configured toto reduce the driving speed of the tractor and / or the spreading machine.

[0052] Due to the fact that friction losses and / or damage can occur in the conveying path between the blower and the distribution device, the actual air volume flow rate can deviate from the specified air volume flow rate. Therefore, using an actual air volume flow rate allows for...

[0053] P25-020 more precise control or regulation of the speed of the blower and / or the driving speed of the tractor and / or the spreading device.

[0054] The air volume flow measuring device is arranged in the conveying line, for example in or on the conveying pipe or in the distribution device of the application device.

[0055] For example, the air volume flow measuring device can be arranged at the second end of the conveying pipe and / or inside the distribution device. The air volume flow measuring device can be connected to the control device. The air volume flow measuring device can include a rotor, particularly a passive one, and a sensor for measuring the rotor's rotational speed. The rotor can rotate at a certain speed through the air volume flow carrying the granular material. The rotational speed can be an indicator of the actual air volume flow or serve as an indicator of the actual air volume flow. The rotational speed can also be proportional to the actual air volume flow.

[0056] The control device preferably comprises a detection device for measuring the quantity of granular material in one, several, or all of the lines leading to the dispensing elements of the dispensing device. The computing device can be configured to compare the measured quantities of granular material in the lines leading to the dispensing elements of the dispensing device with each other and / or with a defined target value.

[0057] The detection device for measuring the quantity of granular material can comprise one or more sensors for measuring the quantity of granular material in one, several, or all of the lines leading to the dispensing elements of the application device. These sensors can be designed as particle counters. Each particle counter can be assigned to one, several, or all of the lines leading to the dispensing elements. If several lines leading to dispensing elements are each assigned a particle counter, the particle counters are preferably distributed evenly across the working width of the application device.

[0058] For high-quality application by the spreading device, an intended metering quantity must be applied across the working width, i.e., optimal lateral distribution must be maintained. The intended metering quantity can be homogeneous across the working width or

[0059] P25-020 may vary, for example, during cornering and / or due to georeferenced differences in requirements. Since the granular material is dispensed via the dispensing elements, the quantity of granular material collected in the lines leading to the dispensing elements must correspond to a target value dependent on the intended metering quantity. It must be taken into account that the metering quantity metered into the conveying line by the metering device is distributed among the lines leading to the dispensing elements in the distribution device.

[0060] For example, if a homogeneous application rate is to be achieved, the dosage quantity must be divided equally among the number of lines leading to the application elements. The target value for the quantity of granular material in a line corresponds to this proportion. In this case, the target value is the same for all lines leading to the application elements.

[0061] If the target value is not reached in one, several, or all lines, this indicates that the blower is not providing a sufficient airflow to ensure optimal lateral distribution. For example, the blower may be traveling perpendicular to a slope, disrupting the uniform distribution of the airflow or granular material across the lines, or hindering conveying in some lines. The target value may be undershot in one, several, or all lines. Conversely, the target value may be exceeded in some, several, or all lines.

[0062] The computing device can be configured, in particular, to detect a deviation of the recorded quantity of granular material from a target value when the recorded quantity deviates from the target value by more than a tolerable amount, for example, by more than 5%, 10%, or 20%. The tolerable amount may depend on agronomic requirements.

[0063] In the event that the quantity measured in one, several, or all of the lines leading to the distribution elements falls below the target value, the calculating device is configured to determine a required air volume flow rate to ensure optimal lateral distribution. The control device is configured to activate the blower and set the blower speed based on the determined required air volume flow rate. If the determined maximum adjustable air volume flow rate of the blower is less than the

[0064] P25-020 determined the required air volume flow, the control device is set up to reduce the driving speed of the tractor and / or the spreading machine.

[0065] The comparison of the recorded quantities of granular material with a target value by the computing device can be carried out by the computing device

[0066] - which compares the quantities measured in the pipes; and / or

[0067] - compares the measured quantities in the pipes with the average measured quantities in the pipes; and / or

[0068] - compares the measured quantities in the pipelines with a target value that depends on the intended application rate; and / or

[0069] - compares the measured quantities in the pipelines with a pipeline- or application element-specific target value that depends on the intended application rate. The computing unit can be configured to determine a relative and / or absolute deviation from a target value.

[0070] The computing unit can be configured to determine the required air volume flow rate, based on the deviation from the setpoint, to ensure optimal lateral distribution. This can take into account a relationship between the required air volume flow rate and / or fan speed and the deviation from the setpoint. This relationship can be stored in the memory unit.

[0071] The context can be stored in the manner or form already described above and take into account information concerning the granular material.

[0072] It has been shown that insufficient lateral distribution can be an indicator of an impending blockage in the conveying line. Determining the required air volume flow for the calculated dosing quantity in the manner described, depending on the lateral distribution quality, can therefore be used proactively to prevent blockages.

[0073] Furthermore, the first, second, third, and / or fourth investigative unit can be combined into a single investigative unit. The first, second, third, and / or fourth investigative unit can also share a common structure.

[0074] P25-020 Investigation Unit. It can be the first, second, third, fourth and / or combined or joint investigation unit, which is part of the control unit.

[0075] Furthermore, the storage device, the first, second, third, and fourth detection devices, and the computing device can be electrically connected to one another and / or for the exchange of data and / or electrical energy. Additionally, the storage device, the first, second, third, and fourth detection devices, the computing device, the air volume flow measuring device, and the detection device for recording the quantity of granular material in the lines leading to the application elements can be electrically connected to one another and / or for the exchange of data and / or electrical energy. The invention further comprises a system for applying granular material to a field.

[0076] It is expressly pointed out that the features of the control device described above can be used individually or in combination with each other in the system.

[0077] In other words, the aforementioned features concerning the control device can also be combined with other features in the system. A system for spreading granular material on a field comprises a tractor for pulling a spreading device and / or a spreading device for spreading granular material on a field. The spreading device can be, as previously described, a pneumatic seed drill or a pneumatic fertilizer spreader.

[0078] Furthermore, the system includes a control device as previously described.

[0079] The tractor and / or the spreading device may include the control device.

[0080] The application device may have a frame and / or connecting elements for mounting on a tractor.

[0081] P25-020 The spreading device may also include a blower for generating an air volume flow, wherein the blower can be connected electrically, mechanically, or hydraulically to a tractor. In other words, the blower can be operated electrically, mechanically, or hydraulically by the tractor.

[0082] Furthermore, the application device, as described above, can include a conveying section comprising a conveying pipe for conveying granular material from a storage container to a distribution device, in particular in the form of a distributor head, of the application device.

[0083] In addition, the dispensing device may have a storage container for storing and removing granular material.

[0084] Furthermore, the seeding device can include a metering device, in particular a central metering unit, for metering a quantity from the storage container into the conveying section, in particular into the conveying pipe, and thus into the air volume flow generated by the blower. The metering device can be arranged on the storage container, in particular between the storage container and the conveying section. The metering device can also be arranged on the conveying pipe, between the first and second ends of the conveying pipe.

[0085] Furthermore, the application device can include a distribution device for granular material, such as seeds and / or fertilizer, and for distributing it to individual lines leading to application elements. The distribution device can be located at the second end of the conveying pipe. Essentially, the distribution device can distribute the granular material conveyed by the airflow of the blower.

[0086] The blower, the conveying pipe, the metering device and the distribution device can form a pneumatic conveying line or be part of a pneumatic conveying line.

[0087] The invention concept presented above is expressed again and in addition in other words below.

[0088] This idea – in simplified terms – concerns the automatic adjustment of a blower in a dispensing device within a pneumatic conveying system, which is a

[0089] P25-020 May include a blower, a conveying pipe, a metering device, a distribution device and lines leading to dispensing elements.

[0090] A computer determines the required airflow rate or the corresponding fan speed for conveying the adjustable dosage of granular material based on the stored data. In addition to the airflow rate or fan speed as a control variable, the driving speed of the tractor and / or the spreading device can also be adjusted.

[0091] If the blower speed cannot be increased further, for example because an adjustable maximum blower speed would be reached or exceeded, the vehicle speed must be reduced. This can be done by a warning to the driver or automatically by the control device.

[0092] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with an accompanying drawing. The drawing shows:

[0093] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a system for dispensing granular material.

[0094] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a system for dispensing granular material.

[0095] Figure 1 shows a system for spreading granular material on a field, comprising a spreading device S designed as a seed drill and a tractor Z for pulling the spreading device S. The spreading device S is, by way of example, a pneumatic seed drill. Alternatively, the spreading device S can also be designed as a pneumatic fertilizer spreader.

[0096] Furthermore, the system according to Figure 1 includes a control device 1, which is described in detail below. The control device 1 can be located on either the tractor Z or the spreading device S. In this example, the tractor Z has the control device 1.

[0097] P25-020Looking at Figure 1, it can be seen that the spreading device S has a frame 10 for arrangement on the tractor Z.

[0098] Furthermore, the spreading device S includes a blower 11 for generating an air volume flow, wherein the blower 11 is, by way of example, hydraulically connected to the tractor Z. In other words, the blower 11 is hydraulically operated by the tractor Z.

[0099] Furthermore, the seeding device S comprises a conveying tube 12 for conveying granular material from a storage container 13 to a distribution device 17 of the seeding device S. The distribution device 17 is designed as a distribution head by way of example. The conveying tube 12 has a first and a second end 14, 15, with the blower 11 arranged at the first end 14.

[0100] Furthermore, the dispensing device S has a storage container 13 for storing and dispensing granular material, as well as a metering device 16 for metering a quantity from the storage container 13 into the conveying pipe 12 and thus into the air volume flow generated by the blower 11. The metering device 16 is designed as a central metering unit by way of example.

[0101] The metering device 16 is arranged on the storage container 13, and also on the conveying pipe 12, between the first end 14 and the second end 15 of the conveying pipe 12. The metering device 16 is arranged between the storage container 13 and the conveying pipe.

[0102] Furthermore, the application device S comprises a distribution device 17 for granular material, such as seeds and / or fertilizer, and for distributing it onto individual lines 19 (shown as hoses) leading to application elements (not shown). The distribution device 17 is arranged at the second end 15 of the conveying tube 12. Essentially, the distribution device 17 distributes the granular material conveyed by the airflow of the blower 11 onto the lines 19 leading to the application elements.

[0103] The blower 11, the conveying tube 12, the metering device 16 and the distribution device 17 are parts of a so-called pneumatic conveying line.

[0104] P25-020Furthermore, the dispensing device S according to Figure 1 has an air volume flow measuring device 18 at the second end 15 of the conveying pipe 12 or inside the distribution device 17. The air volume flow measuring device 18 is connected to the control device 1 via a signal conductor.

[0105] The air volume flow measuring device 18 includes, by way of example, a passive rotor (not shown) and a sensor (not shown) for measuring the rotor's rotational speed. The rotor moves at a specific speed through the air volume flow loaded with the granular material. The rotational speed is an indicator of the actual air volume flow, and the rotational speed is proportional to the actual air volume flow.

[0106] The control device 1 serves to control the rotational speed of the blower 11 and / or the travel speed FG of the tractor Z and / or the spreading device S, which is attached to and connected to the tractor Z, during the spreading of granular material on a field. As shown in Figure 1, the control device 1 includes a storage device 2. The storage device 2 contains a relationship between, in particular, the required air volume flow rate and the rotational speed of the blower 11. This relationship can be stored in the form of a table, a characteristic curve, a characteristic curve array, or a functional relationship. The stored relationship takes into account one or more of the following pieces of information concerning the granular material:

[0107] - the type of granular material, for example seed type or fertilizer type;

[0108] - the specific dosage amount of the granular material;

[0109] - Material properties of the granular material, for example density, bulk density, thousand grain weight, surface texture, moisture content.

[0110] Furthermore, one or more of the following information is / are stored in storage device 2 and can be read:

[0111] - an application rate for the field is recorded, in particular georeferenced in map form; and / or

[0112] - a relationship between, in particular the required, air volume flow and the speed of the blower 11, in particular in the form of a characteristic curve, a

[0113] P25-020 characteristic curve field or a functional relationship; and / or

[0114] - an adjustable maximum speed and / or a maximum adjustable air volume flow and / or the type and / or specifications of the blower 11.

[0115] Furthermore, the control device 1 comprises a first detection device 3, which is configured to determine the travel speed FG of the tractor Z and / or spreading device S in a field during the spreading of granular material in a field. The first detection device 3 is designed as a speed sensor or a simple query of the travel speed FG of the tractor Z and / or spreading device S or the speed sensor of the tractor Z.

[0116] Furthermore, the control device 1 includes a second determination unit 4, which is configured to determine the application rate of granular material to be applied to a field. For this purpose, the second determination unit 4 is configured to allow and / or recognize user input, for example, via an input terminal. For instance, the user can enter the application rate of granular material in kg / ha.

[0117] Alternatively or additionally, the second detection unit 4 can be configured to read an application rate stored in the storage unit 2. For this purpose, the application rate can be stored in storage unit 2 in map form, for example, as an application map. The application rate can be georeferenced in storage unit 2 and vary across the field area. In particular, different application rates can be read from storage unit 2 for different sections of the working width of the spreading device S. The application rate read from storage unit 2 refers to a target rate per area.

[0118] Furthermore, the control device 1 includes a third detection device 5, which is configured to determine the adjustable maximum speed of the blower 11 and / or the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower 11. For this purpose, the third detection device 5 can, for example, automatically detect the blower 11 being used and / or determine the maximum speed of the blower 11 and / or the

[0119] P25-020 automatically detects the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower 11 and / or queries it from the memory device 2.

[0120] The third detection device 5 is configured to read the maximum speed of the blower 11 and / or the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower 11 stored in the memory device 2. Alternatively or additionally, the third detection device 5 is configured to read the type and / or specifications of the blower 11 from the memory device 2.

[0121] Alternatively or additionally, the third detection device 5 can be set up to enable and / or recognize user input, for example by means of an input terminal and / or a touchscreen, so that the user can enter the type and / or specifications and / or maximum speed and / or maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower 11.

[0122] Furthermore, the control device 1 includes a fourth detection unit 6, which is configured to determine the type of granular material used. The fourth detection unit is configured, for example, to determine information relating to the granular material by the user entering its type. The fourth detection unit is also configured to enable and / or recognize user input, such as via an input terminal and / or a touchscreen, so that the user can enter the type of granular material used. Based on the type of granular material, the control device 1 can read information relating to the granular material from the storage device 2.

[0123] The control device 1 also includes a computing unit 7, which is configured to determine a metering quantity of granular material for the detected driving speed FG and for compliance with the calculated application rate. Depending on the working width and the driving speed FG of the application device S, the read-out application rate can be converted into a metering quantity. This conversion takes place in the computing unit 7 assigned to the control device 1. The metering quantity is the amount of granular material that is fed by a metering device 16 from a storage container 13 into the conveying pipe 12 of the

[0124] The P25-020 conveying unit is metered to achieve the intended application rate in the field. The metering device 7 is designed to determine the required air volume flow for conveying the metered quantity of granular material during application, depending on the determined dosage rate.

[0125] Furthermore, the calculating device 7 is designed to determine, during the spreading of granular material in a field, whether the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower 11 is less than, equal to, or greater than the required air volume flow determined for the specified dosage quantity. For this purpose, the calculating device 7 is configured to compare the determined required air volume flow with the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower 11 and / or to compare the rotational speed of the blower 11 corresponding to the required air volume flow with the maximum rotational speed of the blower 11.

[0126] If the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower 11 is less than the determined required air volume flow, the control unit 1 is configured to reduce the travel speed FG of the tractor Z and / or the spreading device S and / or to output a message indicating a reduction in the travel speed FG of the tractor Z and / or spreading device S, for example via the input terminal. The output is audible and / or visual.

[0127] The control device 1 is configured to gradually reduce the travel speed FG of the tractor Z and / or the spreading device S during the spreading of granular material, and / or to continue until the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower 11 corresponds at least to the determined, required air volume flow. Alternatively, the control device 1 can be configured, using the calculating device 7, to determine a maximum travel speed based on the working width, the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower 11, and / or the aforementioned information regarding the granular material, and to limit the travel speed FG of the tractor Z and / or spreading device S to this maximum travel speed.

[0128] In this way, it can be ensured that the amount of granular material to be applied can be reliably applied even at the driving speed FG of the tractor Z and / or application device S.

[0129] P25-020 Due to friction losses occurring between the blower 11 and the distribution device 17, the actual air volume flow may deviate from the specified air volume flow. This can also be caused, for example, by a leak in the conveying pipe 12.

[0130] Therefore, the control device 1 has an air volume flow measuring device 18 which is designed to measure the actual air volume flow with granular material contained therein.

[0131] The air volume flow measuring device 18 is arranged in or on the conveying pipe 12 or in the distribution device 17. The air volume flow measuring device 18 is connected to the control device 1. The air volume flow measuring device 18 comprises, for example, a passive rotor (not shown) and a sensor for measuring the rotational speed of the rotor. The rotor moves at a rotational speed through the air volume flow loaded with the granular material. The rotational speed is an indicator of the actual air volume flow and is, in particular, proportional to the actual air volume flow.

[0132] In addition, the computing device 7 is set up to determine whether the measured actual air volume flow is less than, equal to or greater than the required air volume flow determined for the calculated dosage quantity.

[0133] In the event that the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower 11 is less than the measured actual air volume flow, the control device 1 is configured to control the blower 11 and to set a speed of the blower 11 based on the determined required air volume flow and / or in the event that the determined maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower 11 is less than the determined required air volume flow, the control device 1 is configured to reduce the driving speed FG of the tractor Z and / or the spreading machine S.

[0134] The control device 1 includes, for example, a detection device 20 for detecting the quantity of granular material in one, several, or all of the lines 19 leading to the dispensing elements of the dispensing device. The computing device 7 is configured to compare the detected quantities of granular material in the lines 19 leading to the dispensing elements of the dispensing device with each other and / or with a defined setpoint.

[0135] The detection device 20 for measuring the quantity of granular material comprises several sensors (two shown as an example) for measuring the quantity of granular material in several of the lines 19 leading to the dispensing elements of the dispensing device. Alternatively, the detection device 20 for measuring the quantity of granular material can also comprise only one sensor or one sensor for each of the lines 19 leading to the dispensing elements. These sensors are designed as particle counters. In the illustrated manner, for the sake of clarity, one particle counter is assigned to each of two of the lines 19 leading to the dispensing elements. Alternatively, one particle counter can be assigned to each of the lines 19 leading to the dispensing elements.

[0136] For high-quality operation of the spreading device, a specific metering quantity must be applied across the working width, thus ensuring optimal lateral distribution. The intended metering quantity can be homogeneous across the working width or vary, for example, during cornering and / or due to georeferenced differences in requirements. Since the granular material is applied via the spreading elements, the quantity of granular material collected in the lines leading to the spreading elements must correspond to a target value dependent on the intended metering quantity. It should be noted that the metering quantity metered into the conveying section by the metering device is distributed to the lines 19 leading to the spreading elements by the distribution device 17.

[0137] For example, if a homogeneous application rate is to be achieved, the metering quantity is divided equally among the number of lines 19 leading to the application elements. The target value for the quantity of granular material in a line corresponds to this proportion. In this case, the target value is the same for all lines 19 leading to the application elements.

[0138] If the target value is not reached in one, several, or all lines 19, this indicates that the blower 11 is not providing a sufficient air volume flow to ensure optimal lateral distribution. For example, the blower may be traveling perpendicular to a slope, which disrupts the uniform distribution of the air volume flow or the granular material across the lines 19 or makes conveying more difficult in some lines 19. The target value may be undershot in one, several, or all lines 19. The target value may also be exceeded in some, several, or all lines 19. The calculating device 7 can be configured to detect a deviation of the measured quantity of granular material from a target value when the measured quantity deviates from the target value by more than a tolerable amount, for example, by more than 5%, 10%, or 20%.The tolerable level may depend on agronomic requirements.

[0139] If the quantity measured in one, several, or all of the lines leading to the application elements 19 falls below the target value, the calculating device 7 is configured to determine a required air volume flow rate to ensure optimal lateral distribution. The control device 1 is configured to control the blower 11 and set a speed of the blower 11 based on the determined required air volume flow rate. If the determined maximum adjustable air volume flow rate of the blower 11 is less than the determined required air volume flow rate, the control device 1 is configured to reduce the travel speed FG of the tractor Z and / or the application machine S.

[0140] The comparison of the recorded quantities of granular material with a target value by the computing unit 7 is carried out by the computing unit 7

[0141] - compares the recorded quantities in lines 19 with each other; and / or - compares the recorded quantities in lines 19 with the mean of the recorded quantities in lines 19; and / or

[0142] - compares the measured quantities in lines 19 with a target value dependent on the intended application rate; and / or

[0143] - compares the recorded quantities in the lines 19 with a line- or application element-specific target value that depends on the intended application quantity.

[0144] The computing unit 7 is set up to determine a relative and / or absolute deviation from a target value.

[0145] The computing unit 7 is further configured to determine a required air volume flow rate, based on the deviation from the setpoint, to ensure optimal lateral distribution. This takes into account a relationship between, in particular, the required air volume flow rate and / or the speed of the blower 11 and the deviation from the setpoint. This relationship between, in particular, the required air volume flow rate and / or the speed of the blower 11 and the deviation from the setpoint is stored in the storage unit 2.

[0146] The relationship can be stored in the manner or form already described and take into account information regarding the granular material. It has been shown that insufficient lateral distribution can be an indicator of an impending blockage in the conveying line. Determining the required air volume flow for the calculated dosing quantity in the manner described, depending on the lateral distribution quality, can therefore be used proactively to prevent blockages.

[0147] The storage device 2, the first, the second, the third, the fourth detection device 3, 4, 5, 6, the computing device 7 and the air volume flow measuring device 18 are connected to each other for the exchange of data and / or electrical energy.

[0148] The first, second, third and fourth investigative units 3, 4, 5, 6 can also be combined into a single investigative unit.

[0149] P25-020Reference sign list

[0150] 1 Control device

[0151] Storage device

[0152] first investigative institution

[0153] second investigative unit

[0154] 5 third investigative institution

[0155] fourth investigative institution

[0156] 7 Computer equipment

[0157] 10 frames

[0158] 11 blowers

[0159] 12 Conveyor pipe

[0160] 13 storage containers

[0161] 14 first end

[0162] 15 second end

[0163] 16 Dosing device

[0164] 17 Distribution device

[0165] 18 Air volume flow measuring device

[0166] 19 lines

[0167] 20 Recording device

[0168] Z tractor

[0169] s dispensing device

[0170] FG driving speed

[0171] P25-020

Claims

Patent claims 1. Control device (1) for controlling the rotational speed of a blower (11) of an application device (S), in particular a seeding device, and / or driving speed (FG) of a tractor (Z) and / or the application device (S), comprising during the application of granular material on a field: - a first determination device (5) which is set up to determine a travel speed (FG) of the tractor (Z) and / or spreading device (S) on a field during the spreading of granular material on a field, - a second investigative device (6) which is set up to determine the amount of granular material to be applied to a field, - a computing device (7) which is set up to determine a dosage quantity of granular material for the recorded driving speed (FG) and for compliance with the determined application rate, wherein the computing device (7) is also configured to determine, during the application of granular material to a field, a required air volume flow for conveying the dosed quantity of granular material, depending on the determined dosage quantity.

2. Control device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (1) is configured to control the blower (11) and to set a speed of the blower based on the determined required air volume flow.

3. Control device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a third detection device (4) which is configured to determine an adjustable maximum speed of the blower (11) and / or a maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower (11), - wherein the third detection device (4) is in particular designed to automatically detect the blower (11) used and / or to automatically detect the maximum speed of the blower (11) and / or the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower (11) and / or to query it from a storage device (2).

4. Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the computing device (7) is also configured to determine, during the spreading of granular material on a field, whether the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower (11) is less than, equal to or greater than the required air volume flow determined for the specified dosage quantity.

5. Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - In the event that the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the determined available blower (11) during the application of granular material is less than the determined required air volume flow, the control device (1) is configured to reduce the driving speed (FG) of the tractor (Z) and / or the application device (S) and / or to issue a warning to reduce the driving speed (FG) of the tractor (Z) and / or application device (S).

6. Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the control device (1) is set up, to gradually and / or continuously reduce the driving speed (FG) of the tractor (Z) and / or the spreading device (S) during the spreading of granular material until the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower (11) corresponds at least to the determined required air volume flow, or depending on a working width, the maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower (11) and / or information concerning the granular material, a maximum travel speed is to be determined and the travel speed (FG) of the tractor (Z) and / or spreading device (S) is to be limited to the maximum travel speed.

7. Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a storage device (2) in which - an application rate for the field is recorded, in particular georeferenced in map form; and / or - a relationship between, in particular the required, air volume flow rate and the speed of the blower, especially in the form of a characteristic curve, a characteristic curve field or a functional relationship; and / or - an adjustable maximum speed and / or a maximum adjustable air volume flow and / or the type and / or specifications of the blower.

8. Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the control device (1) has an air volume flow measuring device (18) which is configured to measure an actual air volume flow with granular material contained therein, - wherein the computing device (7) is configured to determine whether the measured actual air volume flow is less than, equal to, or greater than the required air volume flow determined for the determined metering quantity, and • in the event that the actual air volume flow is less than or greater than the determined required air volume flow, the control device (1) is configured to control the blower (11) and to set a speed of the blower based on the determined required air volume flow and / or • In the event that the determined maximum adjustable air volume flow of the blower (11) is less than the determined required air volume flow, the control device (1) is designed to reduce the driving speed (FG) of the tractor (Z) and / or the spreading machine (S).

9. Control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a detection device for detecting the quantity of granular material in one, several or all lines (19) leading to dispensing elements of the dispensing device (S), wherein the computing device (7) is set up to compare the recorded quantities of the granular material in the lines (19) leading to the dispensing elements of the dispensing device (S) with each other and / or with a specified target value.

10. System for spreading granular material on a field comprising: - a tractor (Z) for pulling a spreading device (S) and / or a spreading device (S) for spreading granular material on a field, and - a control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

11. System according to claim 10, - wherein the tractor (Z) and / or the spreading device (S) comprises the control device (1). P25-020

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