FR2846190A1 - CENTRIFUGAL FERTILIZER SPREADER - Google Patents

Abstract

Centrifugal fertilizer spreader for distributing products to be spread comprising: a supply tank, at least one spreading disc equipped with ejection vanes, this disc being driven in rotation by a drive device, at least one means to adjust the spreader to different working widths and different kinds of products to be spread and / or types of distribution, and at least one adjustable metering member for each spreading disc, a computer and at least one sensor to receive the torque of the rotating drive of the spreading discs and / or of each spreading disc. Another sensor (14) to receive the angle of rotation and / or the angle of the spreading discs (3) so that the computer (15) associates the various values of torque recorded with the angles of rotation corresponding to the using an operating program stored in the computer (15).

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a spreader

  centrifugal fertilizer for distributing products to be spread comprising: a feed tank, at least one spreading disc fitted with ejection plates, this disc being driven in rotation by a driving device, at least one means to adjust the spreader to different working widths and different kinds of products to be spread and / or types of distribution, and at least one adjustable metering member for each spreading disc, a computer and at least one sensor 10 for receiving the torque of disc rotation drive

  and / or each spreading disc.

  STATE OF THE ART This type of centrifugal fertilizer spreader is known for example according to document DE 198 57 408. In the case of this centrifugal fertilizer spreader, the drive shaft of the spreading discs

  includes a torque sensor. This torque sensor detects the torque.

  Using the torque thus obtained, the mass flow rate is determined in an operating program. This makes it possible to determine the effective spreading density and to adjust the desired spreading density by means of an adjusting device. However, this centrifugal fertilizer spreader does not make it possible to determine the regularity of the spreading in

depending on the spreading width.

  Document EP 0 567 495 B2 describes a method of adjusting a centrifugal fertilizer spreader to achieve a regular distribution of the fertilizer as a function of the working width. This document first describes that large-scale tests in spreading halls have made it possible to determine the correct setting of the centrifugal fertilizer spreader for an even distribution of different kinds of fertilizers. These setting values are recorded in a spreading table 30. Using this spreading table, the centrifugal fertilizer spreader is then adjusted to distribute a fertilizer which corresponds exactly or in a similar way to the type of fertilizer checked and recorded in the spreading table. If the farmer spreads fertilizer with physical properties similar to or at least close to those of the spread fertilizer, this can reproduce a good spreading image if

  the fertilizer spreader is adjusted accordingly.

  The physical properties of the fertilizers, however, require individual adjustment of the metering and distribution members of the centrifugal fertilizer spreader such as, for example, the adjustment of the spreading vanes, that of the rotation speed or the choice of disc.

  suitable for the chosen working width.

  To take into account the respectively given physical properties of the fertilizer for the adjustment of the cen10 trifuge fertilizer spreader, the document BP O 567 495 B2 proposes to determine the effective physical properties such as for example the ejection angle , the particle size spectrum, the breaking strength and the moisture content of the fertilizer to be spread from a fertilizer sample making it possible to provide the corresponding values in the laboratory using 15 suitable devices. Beforehand, the relationships between large-scale tests and laboratory tests must be established and recorded, in tables or computer programs. Over time, it has been found that the average ejection angle obtained constitutes a decisive quantity for assessing and determining the correct adjustment of the centrifugal fertilizer spreader according to the current properties of

the fertilizer to distribute.

  Using the average ejection angle obtained, the fertilizers can be divided into different groups. In the case of an unknown fertilizer, several physical properties are first determined. The properties will be compared with those of the fertilizer already distributed during large-scale trials, which are similar. If the values match, the adjustment values of the centrifugal fertilizer spreader are used because it can be assumed that the fertilizer with similar physical characteristics will have similar spreading properties and will generate an image of substantially similar spreading. However, the difficulty is that the physical properties of fertilizers used for large spreading trials do not necessarily correspond to the properties of the fertilizers distributed in practice and which correspond to the same types of fertilizer. This is due in particular to the fact that, in particular because of the manufacture and storage of the fertilizer, the physical properties may change and vary very greatly from one another.

to others.

  To achieve a regular distribution, however, you must adjust the centrifugal fertilizer spreader or the regulating members according to the physical properties to obtain a regular distribution.

  The spreading properties may nevertheless change due to the humidity of the fertilizer during storage, due to a different particle size spectrum of the fertilizer or by a change of manufacturer or other composition of the fertilizer. 'fertilizer. There are also many fertilizers on the market whose spreading properties are unknown. The setting values obtained by large-scale tests in a spreading hall and which are recorded in a spreading table apply to distributed fertilizers with specific properties during the spreading tests. A characteristic variable is, as already indicated, the average ejection angle which is determined using a special device like that described in document EP 0 567 495 B2 in FIG. 5. The ejection angle or the average ejection angle, special for this device or which has been found in

  this device serves as compensation values for the spreading tables, that is to say the average values and also as comparison values compared to the values already determined during large-scale tests in the spreading hall . This makes it possible to easily define new unknown fertilizers, without having to try them in a spreading hall, to associate them with specific groups and thus obtain the setting values for the centrifugal fertilizer spreader.

  In practice we always see again that the setting values of the spreading tables can give an image

  unsatisfactory spreading, in particular if the physical spreading properties have changed as indicated above for various reasons. These changes in the physical spreading properties of the fertilizer give an unsatisfactory spreading picture. This varia-

  tion of the spreading image results in the formation of bands produced by changes in physical properties.

  To measure this variation, it has hitherto been necessary to use a mobile test bench such as that described for example in document EP 0 376 923 A2 or else a sample of fertilizer treated as indicated by the method described in the document

EP 0 567 495 B2.

  To avoid these drawbacks, values should be determined which give reliable information characterizing the image of actual spreading on the field.

  In this case, proposals are already known for measuring the spreading range or for determining the values of the fertilizer ejected. Reference may be made, for example, to the following document EP 0 751 703 B1, EP 0 311 202 B1 or EP 0 682 857 B1. All of these 15 proposals have in common the use of sensors which detect or

  measure either the spreading fan or the energy and mass of the fertilizer ejected over the entire range of the spreading fan or on partial ranges.

  Furthermore, according to document EP 0 311 202 B1, a spreading apparatus is known, the disc ejection pallets of which

  spreaders are associated with a measuring device making it possible to measure the quantity ejected by the ejection pallets. The measurement is carried out within a determined angular range.

  OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to develop a simple measurement device making it possible to determine the regularity of

  the spreading of the fertilizer ejected according to the working width.

  STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION For this purpose the present invention relates to a spreading device 30 of the type defined above, characterized by another sensor for receiving the angle of rotation and / or the angle of the spreading discs so that the computer associates the different torque values recorded with the corresponding rotation angles using a program

  stored in the computer.

  Thus, according to the invention, the values of the torque are recorded and used as a function of the corresponding angles of rotation.

  This allows torque peaks or maximum torque to be associated with a certain angle of rotation. Torque maximums are a measure of the instant the fertilizer is ejected from the ejector vanes. The means of the invention also make it possible to obtain information on the regularity or on the modification of the regularity of the spreading image. Hitherto it has been necessary to measure this variation, to use a mobile testing station or to carry out a fertilizer analysis. The operating program contains an expert program which takes into account the different relationships between the different values obtained, the spreading parameters and the setting values to associate them. The invention avoids this situation in that, by measuring the torque and associating it with a rotation angle and a corresponding operation, there will be reliable information of

  the effective spreading image on the field, which makes it possible to determine the average ejection angle. An association between the values obtained for a specific fertilizer, by large-scale tests in a spreading hall and the torques measured as a function of the ejection angle 20 thus makes it possible to determine relationships which are injected into a treatment program. In addition, by associating the value of the angle of ejection obtained in a device according to FIG. 5 of document EP 0 567 495 B2, it is possible to determine special values for unknown types of fertilizers which are associated then the values of cou25 ple / angle of rotation.

  The fertilizer supplied in portions to the ejection pallets is taken up by these pallets to be ejected. The quantities obtained according to the device of document EP are recorded in a diagram as a function of the angular position of the measuring range. This diagram 30 shows that the fertilizer is ejected around a certain average value

  according to a Gaussian distribution. The average value of this distribution will then be defined as the average ejection angle. This ejection angle is true for each fertilizer to be determined and this value will be recorded in tables or in a program with an operating program in the memories of a computer. For

  see adjusting the ejection angle you can use the distribution of the feed point or the variation of rotation speed of the spreading disc. The setting of the arrival or feeding point represents the setting of the point of impact of the grains on the spreading disc which is determined using an appropriate device. The torque sensor and the angle of rotation sensor in combination with the operating program that is part of an expert program of a computer makes it possible to determine online the ejection angle of a spreader in operation during a spreading operation 10. The device detects the rotation speed of the spreading discs using the rotation speed sensor, the rotation angle of the spreading disc and, via a torque sensor, the torque applied to the spreading disc tree. The electronic operating program associates the instantaneous value of the torque with 1 5 the instantaneous angle of rotation. This entry must be carried out at the same time

  in the case of mechanical drive and in the case of hydraulic drive of the spreading disc. This data acquisition is ensured each time in a specific manner for each angle of rotation and the data are recorded in an appropriate medium 20 to be exploited or processed by the operating program.

  The principle operation is based on the fact that the torque curve obtained has peaks or maximums of torque each time a part of fertilizer leaves the respective ejection pallet. As the torque curve is recorded as a function of the angle of rotation, it will be possible to prove precisely the place where the fertilizer was ejected. The fertilizer that has arrived in the ejection paddle produces a slight increase in torque, also producing a slight sag in the torque curve when this amount of fertilizer

leaves the spreading palette.

  The measurement technique thus provided captures these peaks of

  torque and can associate them with the respective angle position of the disc.

  This association between the maximum angle of rotation and the angle of rotation of the spreading disc can also be called the machine ejection angle. This actual value is recorded by the cal35 culator to be compared with setpoint values set

  memory. In the event of deviation from the set value, the actuating elements ensure a modification of the point of impact or of a speed of rotation of the disc until the set value

corresponds to the actual value.

  In addition, the operating program can take into account

  thanks to the expert program of the arrival of the fertilizer on the spreading disc because in this case also we can evoke an increase in the torque.

  The processing of the data received can be done by recording in the calculator preferably in the case of the expert program, a characteristic curve of the function associating the curve of the

torque and angle of rotation.

  The corresponding data are also displayed on the computer display. The display can show the regularity of the dispersion.

  To achieve uniformity in spreading quality along the working width, it is planned to adjust the position of the distribution surface of the spreading product on the spreading disc to

  using the torque curve obtained.

  It is also possible to provide a sensor which makes it possible to determine the ejection range of the fertilizer grains.

  The device according to the invention assumes that the spreader is used for a determined basic setting with a correct working height and an appropriate mounting position relative to the spreading surface. According to a particular development of the invention, sensors are provided on the centrifugal fertilizer spreader to monitor the correct mounting height and the position of the centrifugal spreader

  of fertilizer in relation to the surface to be treated.

  Drawings The present invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of exemplary embodiments represented in the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows a centrifugal fertilizer spreader in rear view according to a representation of principle, - Figure 2 shows the sensor and operating device in the form of a schematic representation of the spreader according to Figure 1, - Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of the operating diagram, - Figure 4 shows the torque curve recorded as a function of the angle of rotation, - Figure 5 shows another fertilizer spreader in rear view according to a principle representation with a mechanical drive of the spreading discs, - Figure 6 shows the arrangement of the sensors and evaluation of the values according to a schematic representation of the fertilizer spreader.

  Description of the exemplary embodiments

  According to FIG. 1, the centrifugal fertilizer spreader com15 carries a reservoir 1 with at least one metering device 2 which supplies the products in adjustable quantity to one or more spreading discs 3 driven in rotation. Each spreading disc 3 is driven by a shaft 4 and a hydraulic motor 5. The spreading discs 3 or the metering device 2 are adjustable relative to each other to allow modification the position of the end point

  fertilizer on the respective spreading disc 3. Motorized adjustment means 6 are known for adjusting the metering installation as well as motorized adjustment elements 7 for adjusting the point of arrival.

  The hydraulic motors 5 are driven by suitable installations 25 such as for example the hydraulic installation of the tractor or

  a hydraulic pump itself driven from the tractor or by other motorized means. A regulating installation 8 is associated with the hydraulic motors 5. With the aid of this installation, the speed of rotation of the spreading discs 3 is adjusted jointly or independently.

  A supply line 9 for pressurized liquid and a return line 10 connect the control valve 8 to each of the hydraulic motors 5. In the pressure line 9 and the return line 10 there are pressure measuring devices 11 The measurement values provided by these pressure measuring devices It per-

  set the torque in combination with the measurement value supplied by the flow meter 12. Thus the measuring devices 11 form in combination with the flow meter 12 a kind of torque sensor. A torque sensor is provided for driving the spreading discs 3 in the form of the devices 11, 12. In addition, a speed sensor 13 is associated with the spreading discs 3 and the shaft. drive 4 of the spreading discs to measure the speed of rotation. A rotation angle sensor 14 is also provided for determining the rotation angle of the spreading discs 3. There is also a regulation unit

  of electronic processing 15. This processing operating unit 15 is connected by lines as well as by other means of transmission to the various sensors 11, 12, 13, 14 to transmit the values determined by the sensors 11, 12, 13, 14 in the installation as shown in Figure 2.

  The adjusting or actuating elements 1, 7, 8 are provided for adjusting the metering members, the speed of rotation of the spreading discs 3 and for moving the point of arrival also by an appropriate transmission installation or by a installation line 20 15.

  The torque sensor formed by the pressure sensor 1 1 and the flow meter 12 of the rotation speed sensor 13 and the rotation angle sensor 14 transmit their measurement values to the installation 15. The installation 15 stores the different values of the torque as a function of the instantaneous angle of rotation. Installation 15

  has an appropriate expert program as an operating program for processing and recording this data. This system operates according to the flowchart shown in Figure 3.

  The operation corresponding to this principle is based on the fact that the torque curves 16 obtained, as shown in FIG. 4, always have the maximum values or peaks of torque 17, 18 at the precise moment when a portion of fertilizer escapes. of the corresponding spreading palette. The fertilizer accelerated by the spreading paddle ensures an easy torque rise 17, 18 so that when it leaves the spreading paddle it causes only a slight weakening

  19 of the torque curve 16 as shown in the diagram in FIG. 4. The rise of the torque 17 is produced by the longest ejection paddles 20 and the rise of the torque 18 is produced by the longest ejection paddles short 21.

  The torque peaks 17, 18 detected in the technique of

  measurement are associated with the respective angular position 22 of the disc.

  This association between the peaks or maximum torque 17, 18 as well as the angle 22 of the spreading disc or discs 3 can also be considered as the ejection angle of the machine. This also makes it possible to determine an average ejection angle according to the expert program.

  These real values are received by the computer 15 to be compared with the recorded types. In the event of deviation, the actuating members 7 modify the point of impact until the value of

  setpoint and actual value correspond again.

  As the flow diagram of FIG. 3 shows, the rotational speeds of the spreading discs 3, the drive torque and the angular position of the spreading disc 3 are captured by the sensors 11, 12, 13, 14. These data are necessary to determine the ejection angle. The set ejection angle 20 is thus predetermined for the type of fertilizer to be distributed. Then we compensate between the angle

  ejection angle and setpoint ejection angle. A control screen 23 makes it possible to display the various data so that the operator of the machine can see that the product has been distributed in a regular manner as desired. The control electronics 15 determine, using the data obtained and the expert program, the respective desired setting value. Then there are corresponding adjustment or actuation pulses for the actuating members 6, 7 to allow the impact point as well as the rotation speed of the discs 3 to be adjusted.

  In case of deviation from the set values, the end point and / or the speed of rotation will be adjusted.

  The embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 differs from that of Figures 1 to 4 in that instead of the hydraulic drive of the spreading discs 3 there is a mechanical drive. The centrifugal fertilizer spreader according to FIG. 5 comprises a reservoir 1 with two metering devices 2 by which the products arrive in quantity II regulated on the spreading discs 3 driven in rotation. The spreading discs 3 are driven by the transmission line 24 via the central transmission 25 and the two bevel gears 26. The central transmission 25 is connected to the bevel gears 26 5 by the shafts drive 27. The central transmission 25 includes an input shaft. This shaft is driven by a power source, for example the PTO of the tractor carrying the centrifugal fertilizer spreader. The metering device 2 is adjusted using the adjusting means 6. The position of the metering members 2 relative to the spreading discs 3 is adjusted using motor actuating elements 7

as in Figures 1 and 2.

  A torque measuring hub 28 is associated with each shaft 27. A rotation speed sensor 13 15 is also provided for determining the rotation speed of the spreading discs 3. An angular position sensor 14 makes it possible to detect the position

  respective angles of the spreading discs 3.

  The values provided by the various sensors 28, 13, 14 are applied to the electronic regulation installations 15. The operation is carried out according to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4.

  When the actual value differs from the set value, the regulating installation 15 supplies an impulse to the actuating element 7 to adjust the set point so that this actuating element 7 moves the position of the actuating member. dosing 2 relative to the spreading discs 3 until a desired set value is reached and thus a good and regular distribution of the product. The evaluation of the values supplied by the sensors 13, 14, 28 is done in a similar manner to the method of FIGS. 1 to 4;

Claims (1)

CLAIMS) Centrifugal fertilizer spreader for distributing products to be spread comprising: a feed tank, at least one spreading disc fitted with ejection paddles, this disc being rotated by a driving device, at least one means for adjusting the spreader to different working widths and different kinds of products to be spread and / or types of distribution, and at least one adjustable metering member for each spreading disc, a computer and at least one sensor for receiving the torque from the rotary drive 10 of the spreading discs and / or each spreading disc, characterized by another sensor (14) for receiving the angle of rotation and / or the angle of the spreading discs spreading (3) so that the computer (15) associates the different torque values recorded with the corresponding angles of rotation using an operating program recorded in the computer (15). ) Centrifugal fertilizer spreader according to claim 1, characterized in that a characteristic curve is recorded in the computer (15) for the function relating the evolution of the torque and the angle of rotation. ) Centrifugal fertilizer spreader according to claim 1, characterized in that the regularity of the spreading is displayed on the screen (23) of the computer (15).   4) Centrifugal fertilizer spreader according to claim 1, characterized in that   the position of the arrival surface of the product to be spread on the spreading discs (3) is adjusted using the torque curve obtained.