AGRICULTURAL DISTRIBUTION MACHINE HAVING A SYSTEM FOR THE AUTOMATIC SWITCHING OF SPRAY PROFILES

Abstract

An agricultural distribution machine for spreading liquid and/or solid plant protection products by means of a distribution apparatus which is height-adjustably arranged on a frame of the distribution machine having a plurality of nozzle holders with spray nozzles mounted thereon arranged spaced apart from each other for the purpose of distributing the plant protection product to be spread. Activation of the distribution apparatus is carried out based on at 10 least two spray profiles stored in a computer unit, each spray profile composed of a plurality of parameters. In order to achieve a consistent distribution quality of the plant protection product, different spray profiles can be stored in a computer unit and, in the instance of a deviation of the parameters of a spray profile, an automated activation of the distribution machine or of the distribution 15 apparatus to the parameters of a second spray profile is carried out.

Claims

1. An agricultural distribution machine for spreading liquid and/or solid plant protection products by means of a distribution apparatus, which is height-adjustably arranged on a frame of the distribution machine and which is equipped with a plurality of nozzle holders, which are spaced apart from each other, wherein each of the nozzle holders has at least one spray nozzle for distributing the plant protection product to be spread, wherein an activation of the distribution apparatus or a distribution of the plant protection products is carried out based on at least first and second spray profiles that are stored in a computer unit, wherein each spray profile takes into account at least two parameters and/or sensor values, wherein, in the instance of a deviation of at least one parameter or of one sensor value of the first spray profile, an automated activation of the distribution apparatus is carried out based on the at least two parameters of the second spray profile.

2. The agricultural distribution machine as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the at least first and second spray profiles are composed of at least a nozzle profile and/or an associated pressure range and/or an associated height control.

3. The agricultural distribution machine as recited in claim 1, wherein the nozzle profile is composed of an activation of spray nozzles with different characteristics and/or of an activation of spray nozzles that are differently spaced apart from each other.

4. The agricultural distribution machine as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least first and second spray profiles are stored in a computer unit, and the computer unit determines which of the at least first and second spray profiles is currently being used at the distribution apparatus based on the difference between an actual pressure range and a target pressure range, and the computer unit carries out an automated activation to another of the at least first and second spray profiles and its corresponding nozzle profile and/or its height control such that the actual pressure range approximately corresponds to the target pressure range.

5. The agricultural distribution machine as recited in claim 4, in which sensors for detecting the actual values of the at least two parameters are mounted at the distribution apparatus and/or at the distribution machine, wherein actual values of the at least two parameters are compared to target values of the at least two parameters of the selected spray profile by means of the computer unit.

6. The agricultural distribution machine as recited in claim 4, in which switching intensities between the at least two parameters of the spray profiles are stored in the computer unit.

7. The agricultural distribution machine as recited in one of the claim 4, in which a strategy is stored in the computer unit, wherein the strategy limits regulation-induced pressure fluctuations and/or volume fluctuations during a switching point between the spray profiles.

8. The agricultural distribution machine as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least first and second spray profiles are defined such that their corresponding at least two parameters are variable across the working width of the distribution apparatus.

9. The agricultural distribution machine as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least two parameters of the at least first and second spray profiles are adaptable when driving along curves based on values determined by one or more speed sensors, wherein the one or more speed sensors are associated with the distribution apparatus or with its distribution boom.

10. The agricultural distribution machine as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least two parameters of the at least first and second spray profiles are adaptable when driving along curves based on values determined by one or more gyroscopes, wherein the one or more gyroscopes are associated with the distribution apparatus or with its distribution boom and/or with a towing vehicle.

11. A method for spreading liquid and/or solid plant protection products by means of a distribution apparatus, which is height-adjustably arranged on a frame of a distribution machine and which is equipped with a plurality of nozzle holders, which are spaced apart from each other, wherein each of the nozzle holders has at least one spray nozzle for distributing the plant protection product to be spread, wherein an activation of the distribution apparatus or a distribution of the plant protection products, is carried out based on at least first and second spray profiles that are stored in a computer unit, wherein each of the at least first and second spray profiles take into account at least two parameters and/or sensor values, wherein, in the instance of a deviation of at least one of the at least two parameters or of one sensor value of the first spray profile, an automated activation of the distribution apparatus is carried out based on the at least two parameters of the second spray profile.

12. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein each of the at least first and second spray profiles are composed of at least a nozzle profile and/or an associated pressure range and/or an associated height control.

13. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein each of the at least first and second spray profiles are selected or configured such that by using different at least two parameters a largely same distribution quality is achieved with the spray profiles.

14. The method as recited in claim 11, in which each of the at least first and second nozzle profiles are composed of an activation of spray nozzles with different characteristics and/or of an activation of spray nozzles that are differently spaced apart from each other.

15. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein each of the at least first and second spray profiles are stored in the computer unit, and the computer unit determines which of the at least first and second spray profiles is currently being used at the distribution apparatus based on the difference between an actual pressure range and a target pressure range, and the computer unit carries out an automated activation to another of the at least first and second spray profiles and its corresponding nozzle profile and/or its height control such that the actual pressure range approximately corresponds to the target pressure range.

16. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the computer unit carries out an automated activation of the distribution apparatus to at least one of the at least first and second spray profiles such that the at least two parameters come closest to the parameters actually existing at the distribution apparatus and such that a desired distribution quality is achieved by means of the at least two parameters, wherein an actual-target value comparison is carried out for this purpose in the computer unit.

17. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein a pressure range is influenced by the driving speed and/or by the spreading quantity of the plant protection product.

18. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein sensors for detecting the actual values of the at least two parameters are mounted at the distribution apparatus and/or at the distribution machine, wherein actual values of the at least two parameters are compared to the target values of the at least two parameters of a selected spray profile by means of the computer unit.

19. The method as recited in claim 11, in which a different one of the at least first and second spray profiles is selected by determining a deviation of the at least two parameters of the selected spray profile by means of the computer unit, wherein the at least two parameters of the selected spray profile are automatically adapted.

20. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein switching intensities between the at least two parameters of the at least first and second spray profiles are stored in the computer unit.

21. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein each of the at least first and second spray profiles are activated and/or varied based on small-scale heterogeneities, which are determined by means of information technology and device control technology.

22. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein a strategy is stored in the computer unit, wherein the strategy limits regulation-induced pressure fluctuations and/or volume fluctuations during a switching point between the at least first and second spray profiles.

23. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the at least two parameters of the spray profiles are definable by an operator and/or accessible from a database.

24. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the at least first and second spray profiles are defined such that their corresponding at least two parameters can vary across the working width of the distribution apparatus.

25. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the at least two parameters of each of the at least first and second spray profiles are adapted when driving along curves based on values determined by at least one speed sensor, wherein the at least one speed sensor is associated with the distribution apparatus or with its distribution boom.

26. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the at least two parameters of each of the at least first and second spray profiles are adapted when driving along curves based on values determined by at least one gyroscope wherein the at least one gyroscope is associated with the distribution apparatus or with its distribution boom and/or with a towing vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] In the following passages, the attached figures further illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and their advantages. The size ratios of the individual elements in the figures do not necessarily reflect the real size ratios. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged in relation to other elements to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a schematic lateral view of an embodiment variant of a self-propelled agricultural machine or of a distribution machine with a distribution apparatus arranged thereon.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows the regulation or the components of the control of the distribution apparatus, in a schematic block diagram.

[0043] FIG. 3 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a section of the distribution apparatus with nozzle holders or with spray nozzles arranged thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The same or equivalent elements of the invention are designated by identical reference characters in the FIGS. 1 to 3. Furthermore and for the sake of clarity, only the reference characters relevant for describing the respective figure are provided. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples of the distribution machine according to the invention are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0045] The schematic lateral view of FIG. 1 shows an embodiment variant of a self-propelled agricultural distribution machine 10, which can also be referred to as a field sprayer 12, for spreading liquid plant protection products and/or fertilizers. The field sprayer 12 is designed as a self-propelled machine. According to FIG. 1, the field sprayer 12 comprises a carrier vehicle 14 with an own drive and a frame 16 for carrying the individual assemblies, a storage vessel 18 for carrying along the plant protection product to be spread, a computer unit 20 for controlling the individual machine elements and their parameters, as well as a distribution apparatus or a spray boom 26 extending transversely to the driving direction 24 and being height-adjustable in relation to the frame 16 by means of adjustment elements 22 arranged at the rear end of the carrier vehicle 14. Spaced apart by twenty-five centimeters or by fifty centimeters, for example, a plurality of nozzle holders 28 are mounted to the distribution machine 10 or to its distribution apparatus 26, as the case may be. Mounted at these nozzle holders, in turn, is/are at least one spray nozzle 30 in each case, however, as a rule, a plurality of spray nozzles 30, for evenly distributing the plant protection liquid and/or the fertilizing liquid. For this purpose, the spray nozzles 30 produce a spray cone 34, which is directed toward the plant growth 32.

[0046] Furthermore, two speed sensors (not illustrated here) are associated with the distribution machine 10 or with the spray boom 26, as the case may be. The speed sensors are preferably provided in each case at the side wings of the distribution machine 10 or of the spray boom 26, as the case may be. A gyroscope (not illustrated here) can also be associated with the carrier vehicle 14 or with the distribution machine 10 or with the spray boom 26, as the case may be. The speed sensors and/or the gyroscopes serve for identifying a drive along curves such that the spreading quantity or the spray pressures 48 of the spray nozzles 30 are regulated according to the driving movement of the carrier vehicle 14.

[0047] In this context, the speed sensors in each case measure the occurring speeds of the distribution apparatus 26 when driving along curves and transmit the values to a computer unit. The computer unit analyzes the transmitted values and controls the spreading quantity of the plant protection product or controls the spray pressures 48 of the spray nozzles 30, as the case may be. Based thereupon, a corresponding spray profile, which is stored in the computer unit (as seen in FIG. 2), can be called up in each case.

[0048] In a further embodiment, on the other hand, in which a gyroscope is provided, the acceleration of the distribution apparatus 26 or of the carrier vehicle 14 is detected. In this embodiment, the centrifugal forces can be detected, which occur when driving along curves and which in particular act upon the distribution apparatus 26. Here, the gyroscope in each case measures the acceleration of the distribution apparatus 26 in Z direction or in the direction of a vertical axis, as the case may be.

[0049] By means of the gyroscope, it is alternatively possible to draw conclusions on the applied steering angle of the carrier vehicle 14 and on the intensity and direction of the curve as well as on the further curve progression. The gyroscope here serves to calculate the curve radius of the carrier vehicle 14. The spray pressures 48 of the spray nozzles 30 are adapted to the driving movement of the carrier vehicle 14 based on the detected values and according to the curve radius.

[0050] In the mentioned variants for detecting a drive along curves, the measured values are transmitted to a computer unit. The computer unit subsequently ensures that the spreading quantity or the spray pressures 48 in the spray nozzles 30 are correspondingly adapted to driving along curves. If necessary, control variables can be generated at the same time, which hold the distribution apparatus 26 in its position aligned parallel to the ground surface.

[0051] The block diagram of FIG. 2 shows the regulation or the components of the control of the distribution apparatus 26, as well as the input of the respective spray profiles 36 for spreading the plant protection product. The spray profiles 36 are stored in a computer unit 20. This can be carried out, for example, by inputting by means of a terminal 38 or also by reading in characteristic diagrams 40 or data from a database or also by a combination of reading in and inputting. Control signals 42 can be generated by means of the terminal 38 or by means of the characteristic diagrams 40, which control signals, by being processed in the computer unit 20, specify which spray profiles 36 are required.

[0052] The spray profile 36 is defined by or depends on a plurality of parameters 44 which parameters 44 can be processed or varied at the distribution apparatus 26 and/or at the distribution machine 10 by means of the computer unit 20.

[0053] To begin with, a first parameter provides different nozzle profiles 46 or a defined activation of the spray nozzles 30 or of the nozzle holders 28, as the case may be. It is thus possible for an operator, for example, to define in each case different profiles of spray nozzles 30, in which profiles the spaces between individual nozzles can vary, with these spaces preferably being twenty-five centimeters and/or fifty centimeters. This is influenced by the type of spray nozzle, among other things. The spray nozzle type is preferably selected based on the respective required spray quality (fine, medium, or coarse droplet size). Among other things, the angles of the individual spray cones 34 are also influenced.

[0054] A further parameter defines a pressure range 48 or a spray pressure 48 in the supply system of the distribution apparatus 26, that is to say, it is defined with which pressure the supply systems or the spray nozzles 30 are charged. This pressure range 48 can be two to five bar, for example. During the spreading process, the pressure range 48 is influenced by various factors, for example by the spreading quantity of the plant protection product, which quantity in turn depends on the driving speed of the distribution apparatus, among other things. This means that it is necessary to change the spreading quantity of the plant protection product when the driving speed is changed, and this in turn leads to a change of the spray pressure 48.

[0055] Again, a further parameter determines the height control 50 or the working distance that the distribution apparatus 26 has to the plant growth 32 during the spreading process. This height control is variably adjusted with an adjustment element 22, which is arranged between the frame 16 of the carrier vehicle 14 and the distribution apparatus 26 (as seen in FIG. 1). Diverse actuators can be used as adjustment elements 22 for the height control of the distribution apparatus 26. Preferably, hydraulically operating cylinders can be used for this purpose. Pneumatic, electric, or other actuators, however, can also be expediently employed.

[0056] By varying these preferably three mentioned parameters 44, various different spray profiles 36 for spreading the plant protection products are generated in the computer unit 20.

[0057] An automated activation of the distribution apparatus 26 could be carried out according to the present invention in the manner described as follows. First, different nozzle profiles 46 are stored in a computer unit 20, that is to say, it is defined whether, for example, one or more spray nozzles 30 that are spaced apart, for example, 25 cm or 50 cm, are activated together.

[0058] Each nozzle profile 46 is associated with a pressure range 48 as well as with a height control 50 of the distribution apparatus 26, that is to say, it is defined with which spray pressure 48 the specific nozzle profiles 46 may be charged, and also at which distance or at which height above the plant growth or above the ground surface the distribution apparatus 26 is to be guided.

[0059] In the beginning of the spreading process, for example, an operator or a vehicle driver can select from the multitude of spray profiles 36 those by way of which can be achieved the distribution precision that is required for the specific plant protection product to be spread. It is, however, also conceivable that an automatic preselection of the spray profiles 36 is carried out by the computer unit 20 by inputting the plant protection product to be spread into the computer unit 20, for example.

[0060] The start of the spreading process is subsequently carried out, and for this purpose a first spray profile 36 with its associated nozzle profile 46 as well as with its associated spray pressure 48 and with its height control 50 is selected or the distribution apparatus 26 is correspondingly activated.

[0061] If the driving speed, for example, is increased or reduced, thereby likewise increasing or reducing the spreading quantity and possibly exceeding or falling below the specified spray pressure 48, respectively, this can imply that the desired wetting can no longer be achieved and a different spray profile 36 would be necessary in order to achieve it. In this case, the computer unit 20 carries out an automated activation of another, normally previously selected spray profile 36 by way of which the desired distribution precision can be achieved, at least to the greatest possible extent, with the parameters currently existing at the distribution apparatus, for which spray profile 36, however, the parameters 44 are defined differently. This means that another nozzle profile 46 or another height control 50 is activated in the distribution apparatus 26 such that the desired wetting is likewise achieved by way of a greater or smaller spray pressure 48.

[0062] In order to determine the parameters 44 existing at the distribution apparatus 26 during the spreading process, various sensors 52 or various measuring means are located at the distribution apparatus 26 or at the field sprayer 12. Among other things, the height control 50, the spray pressure 48, the driving speed, or the spreading quantity can be determined by way of these sensors or measuring means. In an actual-target value comparison, these values are subsequently compared to those values stored in the computer unit 20 that are required for the respective spray profile 36. If there are any corresponding deviations, the distribution apparatus 26 is then in turn rerouted according to the invention to another spray profile 36.

[0063] FIG. 3 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a section of the distribution apparatus 26 with nozzle holders 28, 28′ or with spray nozzles 30 arranged thereon. A total of four nozzle holders are illustrated in this context. Two quadruple nozzle holders 28 and one double nozzle holder 28′, which are each mounted to be spaced apart by the space a1 or a2, are illustrated in each case here. The spaces in this context are generally 50 cm for a1 and 25 cm for a2, but it is also conceivable to select these spaces to be different. The spray nozzles are each numbered from 1 to 6. One selection of nozzle combinations can then combine, for example, the spray nozzles 1+5 or the spray nozzles 4+6, etc., or only the spray nozzles 1 can be activated, and these nozzle profiles 46 can be user-defined according the desired distribution precision and be stored in the computer unit 20. Moreover, a pressure range 48 and/or a height control 50 can be associated with each nozzle profile 46 so that many different spray profiles 36 can be defined by an operator, for example.

[0064] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.