DE102015001896A1 - Separation unit for granular material - Google Patents

Abstract

A separation unit (01) for a granular (02) comprising granular material is described. The separation unit (01) has a separation chamber (03). A bottom surface (04) of the separating chamber (03) comprises at least one circular part (07). A conveying device (08) which is rotatably driven about a rotation axis (27) which projects normally on the circular portion (07) assumes at least one annular edge region of the circular portion (07). The conveyor (08) has distributed uniformly over its circumference at least one receiving pocket (09) for each grain (02). The separation chamber (03) has at least one inlet opening (10, 10-1, 10-2). Through at least one inlet opening (10, 10-1) enters a flow comprising air and through at least one inlet opening (10, 10-2) the granular material comprising the grains (02) in the separation chamber (03). The separation chamber (03) has at least one outlet opening (15). A flow comprising air separated at least from the grains (02) of the granular material passes out of the separating chamber (03) through the outlet opening. The separation chamber (03) has at least one discharge opening (13), through which granules (02) separated from the granular product leave the separation chamber (03). The at least one discharge opening (13) is swept by the at least one receiving pocket (09) about the axis of rotation (27) during one revolution of the conveyor (08). At least one collecting area (16) is provided in the separating space (03). In the collecting area (16) collects supported by the air flow comprising a plurality of grains (02) of the granular Guts. Each collection area (16) receives at least one of the at least one receiving pocket (09) during a rotation of the conveyor (08) about the axis of rotation (27) swept part of the circular portion (07). Seen in a direction of rotation (18) of the conveyor (08) is located between a collecting area (16) and a discharge opening (13) has a deposition area (17). In the separation region (17), the flow direction (11) of the air comprising the flow is in the opposite direction to the movement of a receiving chamber (09) passing the separation region (17) during rotation of the delivery device (08) about the rotation axis (27).

Description

The present invention relates to a granule separating unit for granules, such as seeds, fertilizer or the like, in particular for use in connection with a granular material distributing device, such as seed drills, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Distribution devices for granular material, in particular seed drills, are known in numerous design variants. Conventionally, the grain is conveyed by means of an air flow to which the grains are metered. Subsequently, the serving as a carrier medium air flow is supplied to a manifold that can open into a plurality of hose lines, which can eventually end in juxtaposed crowds of seeder. The dosage of the grains allows the variation of the volume flow of applied grains. Other ways to influence the dosage of the grains in the individual lines that lead to the droves, usually do not exist. The grains can be fed regularly to the air flow. However, the consistency of the grain feed during air-assisted transport is more or less affected, so that the grain deposition on the coulters often uneven, which can lead to disadvantages in the stand allocation of individual plants.

A device for stabilizing a good flow of a drill or seeder is from the DE 196 36 787 C1 known. First and foremost, this is intended to stabilize the particle, granule or grain distances in the region of volumetric grain conveying, so that the grains can be deposited in extensive separation. The grain conveying in a Säleitung after a metering unit or in the coulter takes place here via a cascade composed of channels cascade or -führung. or a distribution channel, over which the particles or grains are separated and strung by repeated changes of direction. The discharge line should be designed as a multi-part distribution line, the individual line elements are each arranged obliquely to each other that the individual particles arranged by the influence of gravity behind each other and flow out zig-zag, at least the end-side conduit member has a channel-shaped cross-section.

A device which can be used universally for different grain sizes and types of seeds for separating and dispensing granular material, in particular a single-grain sowing device, is furthermore disclosed in US Pat DE 36 33 955 A1 disclosed. For this purpose, a rotating narrow hollow cylinder with cell-forming recesses on its open front side, a fixed outer cover and a cover ring arranged within the hollow cylinder is proposed. A reservoir is separated from the hollow cylinder by a wall having an opening for the passage of a limited amount of material to be separated. A length of the recesses forming the cells should be two or more times the length of the grains to be separated. In addition, a suction opening is provided near a rear boundary surface of the recesses. The rapidly rotating hollow cylinder picks up a few grains per recess from the grain supply, with the outer cover covering the recesses in the filling zone and preventing the grains from falling out. The centrifugal force pushes the grains into the recesses while a brush scraper removes excess grains that fall back into the supply. In the further course of movement of the hollow cylinder ends an outer boundary wall, so that not held by the suction pressure grains are discharged into the recesses by centrifugal forces to the outside and are returned to the supply. An additional pneumatic wiper can support this grain singling. At the point of discharge, the negative pressure is cut off, so that the grains are discharged from the recesses by centrifugal force and gravity.

The DE 38 22 437 A1 also discloses a Gutleiteinrichtung for such Einzelkornsäeinrichtungen that should ensure that excess Gutteilchen stripped from the recesses and deflected in such a way that they are completely supplied to the stock of goods.

Another Einzelkorndosiervorrichtung for Einzelkornaussaat of grain is from the DE 4 1 16 724 A1 known. In this known metering device, moving singulation openings for attaching individual grains are formed by orifice-shaped openings in a thin-walled lateral surface of a rotating cylinder open to one side. The spoon-shaped openings overlap with a slot of a housing enclosing the cylinder, from which the suction openings for sucking and for the occasional transport of the seeds are formed.

Finally, the reveals EP 0 636 306 A1 a distribution unit for granular material such as seeds. The distribution unit comprises a housing with a circular path inner circumferential surface, an inlet opening for granular material, a concentrically rotating in the housing conveyor for the granular material, and an outlet opening. The conveyor has a plurality of openings in its outer region, which form in a first housing portion with the Gehäuseinnenmantelfläche a pocket in which the grains are urged and by centrifugal forces, supported by the conveyor, circular to get promoted. The inlet opening opens into a second housing region. The first housing portion and the second housing portion are separated by a fixed, contoured disk. The contour of the disc is to ensure that excess grains are removed, which are transported in the pockets of the conveyor. These grains are available for further promotion.

The known metering devices are either modified Einzelkornsäaggregate, although allow precise grain separation, but limited in their processing capacity and in their grain volume flow over volumetric metering seed drills and / or are complex and prone to failure in their structure and function. The known accessories, which are intended to improve the regular delivery of seeds in volumetric metering machines, however, do not reach the singulation quality of conventional Einzelkornsäaggregate zoom.

By WO 2013/186161 A1 For example, a grain aggregate granulator such as seeds, manure or the like is known. This is, for example, a sowing unit of a distribution or seed drill. The distribution unit comprises a housing with at least one inlet opening for the transport of granular material or transported seeds and an outlet opening and a rotating conveyor with at least one rotating, approximately axially arranged to the housing or extending conveyor element for detecting the granular material or the seeds. The grains are held by centrifugal forces on an inner shell portion of the housing, crowd there and align against each other and arrange in a line or lined up at an angle corresponding to an angular position between the lateral surface and the radial conveying element, so that in each case only a single grain at the end of the array in a predefined path along the lateral surface and at the end of the singulation process leaves the outlet almost tangential.

By WO 2013/186175 A1 is a distribution unit for granules comprehensive granular material such as seeds, fertilizer or the like known, which is designed in particular as a sowing unit of a distributor or sowing machine. The distribution unit comprises a housing with an approximately kreisbahn- and / or circular segment-shaped inner surface, at least one inlet opening for conveyed granular material or transported seeds, a concentrically rotating in the housing conveyor for the transported granular material or the transported seeds and at least one outlet opening, which is approximately tangential connects to the inner circumferential surface. The conveyor has one or more openings and / or shoulders at its outer area, which forms a pocket in a first housing and / or conveying area with the housing inner circumferential surface, in which the grains are urged and by centrifugal forces, supported by the conveyor , are conveyed in a circular and in a second housing and / or separation by an altered contour of the inner surface of the housing only a single grain remains under centrifugal forces in the opening or in the heel of the conveyor and excess grains are secreted and these again to re Promotion be led back into the first housing area.

An object of the invention is to improve the delivery accuracy and / or the grain distances in a volumetric grain promotion so far that thus approaches the grain dosage in terms of their singling quality of a single-grain metering or this achieved in the ideal case, at the same time a high grain volume flow should be possible with a simple and unobjectionable construction and a simple function, as he / she is characteristic of volumetric dosing drills.

The above object is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are described by the subclaims.

The object of the invention is accordingly a separating aggregate for granules comprising granular material. The granular material may in this case consist entirely of grains, or it may have, in addition to grains at least in traces of other ingredients, such as shot.

The singling unit has an example hollow cylindrical separation space. The separation space is limited by a bottom surface, a top surface and a lateral surface at least partially surrounding and the bottom surface and the top surface interconnecting lateral surface. The bottom surface and / or the top surface may be graded, and may have multiple parts occupying a different level. The bottom surface of the separation chamber comprises at least one circular part.

The bottom surface having a circular portion may have, for example, an outer contour of two overlapping circles and / or a wheel curve. Conceivable wheel curves are, for example, a constructible by processing a shortened cycloids around a base circle Epitrochoid and / or an epicycloid that can be constructed, for example, by processing a conventional cycloid around a base circle. The epitrochoid arises as a course of a marked point on a smaller rolling wheel, when this unrolls on a larger wheel slip-free. The shape of the wheel curve is created according to the radii ratio of the two wheels.

At least one annular, peripheral edge region of the at least a part of the bottom surface engaging circular portion occupies a conveyor. The conveyor is rotatably driven driven about a normal on the circular batch upstanding axis of rotation. If the conveyor only takes up an annular edge area of the circular section, then the axis of rotation is normal on a surface spanned by the circumference of the circular section. In this way, an inner region of the circular portion may be arbitrarily shaped, for example, to accommodate deflecting elements or the like. In the case of a hollow-cylindrical configuration of the separation chamber, the axis of rotation runs parallel to the geometric cylinder axis.

The conveyor has one or more uniformly distributed over the circumference peripherally arranged receiving pockets for each grain.

Each receiving pocket is defined by a forward wall, viewed in relation to a direction of rotation of the conveyor, a trailing wall trailing with respect to a direction of rotation of the conveyor and radially inward of the axis of rotation by a radial, inner wall. Towards the bottom surface, the receiving pocket can be completely or partially open or closed. In the full or partially open configuration, the walls defining the receiving pocket over at least one circular peripheral edge region of the at least one part of the bottom surface of the separating chamber occupy at least one annular section during a full rotation of the conveying device.

In both embodiments, the receiving pockets are limited at least over part of a full revolution of the conveyor about the axis of rotation by a circular portion at least partially surrounding outer radial wall. This can be at least in sections part of the bottom surface at least partially surrounding and / or the bottom surface with the top surface connecting lateral surface of the separation chamber or be of such a be.

In the case of the closed embodiment, the conveyor, for example, a disc with one or more evenly distributed circumferentially circumferentially arranged, for example, formed by recessed on the disc driver and / or recesses embedded in the disc receiving pockets for each grain and thus at least one Form circular part of the bottom surface of the separation chamber.

In the complete or partially open configuration, the conveyor may be in the form of a star transport with one or more circumferentially distributed circumferentially arranged receiving pockets for each grain separating, radially projecting from the axis of rotation spokes formed during rotation of the conveyor about the axis of rotation cover at least one annular edge region of the circular portion of the bottom surface of the separation chamber.

Also, the conveyor may be configured annularly, wherein the conveyor occupies or forms only an annular edge portion of the circular portion of the bottom surface of the separation chamber and the one or more receiving pockets are arranged on and / or in the ring.

Also combinations of the described embodiments of the conveyor are possible, for example as a ring with radially projecting, one or more receiving pockets in the circumferential direction limiting spokes, or as an annular disc, at the outer edge region of one or more receiving pockets embedded and / or by one or more the annular disc upstanding drivers are formed.

In summary, the singulating unit has a hollow-cylindrical separation space with a bottom surface comprising a circular portion and a conveyor rotatably arranged about a rotation axis perpendicular to a surface defined by the circumference of the circular portion with one or more receiving pockets for receiving each arranged on the circumference thereof, also identifiable as singulating pockets a grain of grainy estate. The conveying device occupies at least one annular edge region of a part of the bottom surface which comprises the circular part.

The separation chamber has at least one inlet opening. Through at least one inlet opening, a flow comprising air enters the separation space. By at least one Inlet opening enters the grain containing granular gut into the separation chamber.

• – wenn nur eine Einlassöffnung vorgesehen ist, durch diese ein Luftstrom in den Vereinzelungsraum eintritt, dem das Körner umfassende körnige Gut zudosiert ist, und
• – wenn mehrere, beispielsweise zwei Einlassöffnungen vorgesehen sind, Luftstrom und Körner dem Vereinzelungsraum getrennt zugeführt werden können, beispielsweise indem durch eine erste Einlassöffnung ein Luftstrom in den Vereinzelungsraum eintritt und durch eine zweite Einlassöffnung das Körner umfassende körnige Gut in den Vereinzelungsraum eingebracht wird.

The restriction according to which the separation space has at least one inlet opening, wherein a flow comprising air through at least one inlet opening and granular material comprising the grain through at least one inlet opening enters the separation space is to be understood as meaning that:

• If only one inlet opening is provided, through which an air stream enters the separation chamber, to which the granular granular material is metered in, and
• - If a plurality, for example, two inlet openings are provided, air flow and grains can be fed separately to the separation chamber, for example, by a first inlet opening, an air flow enters the separation chamber and introduced through a second inlet opening the granular granular material in the separation chamber.

An inlet opening for a flow comprising air may at the same time serve as an inlet opening for grains comprising granular material. In this case, the granular material may be added to the flow comprising air.

At least one inlet opening may be provided in the bottom surface and / or in a cover surface and / or in a lateral surface of the separation chamber which at least partially surrounds the bottom surface and which connects the bottom surface to the top surface.

The separation chamber has at least one outlet opening. Through the at least one outlet opening, an at least separated from the grains of the granular Guts, comprehensive air flow exits from the separation chamber. For this purpose, the outlet opening can be impassable, at least for grains of the granular material. The outlet opening may also be impassable for any remaining parts of the granular material.

At least one outlet opening may be provided in the bottom surface and / or in a top surface and / or in a lateral surface of the separating chamber which at least partially surrounds the bottom surface and which connects the bottom surface to the top surface.

In the separating chamber, at least one collecting area is provided between at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening, from the perspective of a flow entering through an inlet opening into the separating chamber and leaving it again through an outlet opening, in which there is a large flow comprising the air Collect accumulated grains of the granular good.

Each collection area can be assigned at least one outlet opening, which can be arranged, for example, in or near the collection area in order to form or support the accumulation of granular material in the collection area by means of the flow leaving the separation space through the at least one outlet opening.

Alternatively, at least one common, for example, central outlet opening can be provided for all collecting areas of the separating aggregate, wherein from each collecting area a flow channel separated, for example, by dividing walls from the remaining part of the separating chamber leads to the at least one outlet opening.

At least one outlet opening, which is impassable at least for grains of the granular material, can be arranged in a collecting area or at least assigned to it.

Alternatively, a partition wall provided with one or more passage openings that are impassable at least for grains of the granular material can be provided between a collecting area and one or more outlet openings assigned to it.

Each collection area occupies at least one part of the circular section swept by the at least one receiving pocket of the conveyor during one revolution of the conveyor about the axis of rotation.

Each receiving pocket happens to entrain individual granules from the granular material with rotating movement of the conveyor the at least one collecting area.

As a result, the at least one receiving pocket is provided with a reservoir of grains per collecting area, from which each receiving pocket draws grains during each rotation of the conveying device.

During each revolution of the conveyor so each receiving pocket promotes one or more grains from the at least one collecting area against the flow direction of the air flow comprising.

The separation chamber also has at least one discharge opening, which of the at least one receiving pocket of the Conveyor is swept over the axis of rotation during one revolution of the conveyor.

The at least one receiving pocket thus covers the at least one dispensing opening during each revolution of the conveyor.

Preferably, the at least one dispensing opening is released once per receiving pocket during one revolution of the conveying device, whereas the dispensing opening is otherwise closed by the conveying device.

For example, each receiving pocket that sweeps over a dispensing opening releases it, whereas the dispensing opening is otherwise closed by the conveyor.

Viewed in a direction of rotation of the conveyor is located between a collecting area and a discharge opening, a separation area in which the flow comprising air on its way from an inlet to an outlet at least over the at least one receiving pocket accommodating circumference of the conveyor against the direction of rotation. By sweeping the air comprising the air around the circumference of the conveyor housing the at least one receiving pocket counter to its direction of rotation, it deposits excess grains of receiving pockets occupied by two or more grains and thereby overfilled. The separated grains are carried by the air flow against the direction of rotation of the conveyor back to at least one collecting area, so that they are there again available to fill the at least one receiving pocket. While deposited grains are still in the separation area, they can optionally fill free receiving pockets.

The direction of rotation of the conveying device rotatably driven about the rotation axis is such that the at least one receiving pocket on the circumference of the conveying device, while maintaining the direction of rotation, carries out a continuous circular movement from at least one collecting region via a separating region to a discharge opening. Thus, each receiving pocket can pass one or, for example, two or more collecting areas before it subsequently passes through a separating area and then reaches the dispensing opening.

The flow direction of the air comprising the flow from an inlet opening to one or more outlet openings runs along the circumference of the conveyor counter to the direction of rotation of the conveyor and thus counter to the movement of the at least one receiving pocket along the peripheral, annular edge portion of the at least a portion of the bottom surface engaging circular portion the rotation of the conveyor.

The air comprising the flow thus covers on its way from an inlet to an outlet opening at least part of the circumference of the conveyor counter to the direction of rotation. This part is stationary with respect to the separation chamber, whereas from the point of view of the conveyor device only that part of the air comprising the flow which is exposed to a separation area during the rotary movement is swept over.

The air comprising the flow thus sweeps over the receiving pockets on the circumference of the conveyor counter to the direction of rotation of the conveyor.

A flow of the air comprising at least one inlet opening leading to at least one outlet opening extends herewith in the region of the circumference of the conveyor counter to the direction of rotation of the conveyor device.

In other words, during rotation of the conveyor, the receiving pockets move along their circumference against a flow comprising at least one inlet opening leading to at least one outlet opening for the flow comprising the air.

Thus, at least on the circumference of the conveyor, the direction of rotation of the conveyor opposite to the flow direction of the air comprising flow.

From the singling space, a discharge space can be separated per discharge opening, which extends at least along a part of the annular, peripheral edge region of the at least one part of the bottom surface engaging circular portion, and seen from the remaining part of the separation space in the direction of rotation of the conveyor by at least in the area the circumference of the conveyor flexible, first partition and is separated by an example, fixed, second partition. The discharge opening is located in the delivery room. The flexible, first divider wipes off excess grains as a receiving pocket of the conveyor passes the flexible first divider. Thus, the flexible first partition improves deposition and / or can correct incomplete deposits in the separation area.

Each discharge space can with respect to the direction of rotation of the conveyor a Be arranged upstream of the settling space, which is separated by the at least in the region of the circumference of the conveyor flexible, first partition from the discharge space, and separated by a flexible at least in the periphery of the conveyor, third partition from the remaining part of the separation chamber. As the conveyor rotates, each receiving pocket first passes the third divider and thereby passes first into a settling space before passing through the first divider and thereby entering the dispensing space. The calming space further improves the quality of singulation by accommodating grains which can optionally fill free receiving pockets, and by allowing two flexible partitions in the direction of rotation of the conveyor to strip excess grains from overfilled receiving pockets.

For air exchange, one or more air passage openings may be provided in an, for example, rigid section of the soothing space separating from the discharge space, at least in the area of the circumference of the conveyor flexible first partition. This is conducive to a compressed air-assisted ejection of isolated grains through the discharge opening.

The flexible at least in the region of the circumference of the conveyor flexible first and / or third partition wall may be formed by a lip of elastic material, comprise such or comprise of such or formed.

The flexible at least in the region of the circumference of the conveyor flexible first and / or third partition may be formed by a brush, include such or comprise of such or formed.

The air comprising the flow can flow through at least one inlet opening tangentially to the lateral surface in the separation chamber.

Alternatively, the flow comprising air can initially flow axially into the singling space through an inlet opening arranged, for example, centrally in the bottom surface or in the top surface, whereupon it is deflected radially to the lateral surface in order subsequently to be deflected along the circumferential surface in the circumferential direction.

With regard to a dispensing direction of the granules released by the at least one dispensing opening, the axis of rotation may be arranged obliquely. Alternatively, the axis of rotation can run vertically.

The delivery of individual grains may be compressed air assisted. In this case, a part of the air comprising the air flow also leave the separation chamber through the discharge opening.

Alternatively or additionally, mechanical aids may be provided to assist in dispensing discrete grains upon passage of a dispensing opening through a receiving chamber. Examples of mechanical aids are a circumference of the conveyor having, for example, grinding ejector stirrups or at least one receiving toothed pocket having a circumference on the at least one receiving pocket.

Downstream of each dispensing opening, an acceleration ejection can be provided, which accelerates the granules released by the dispensing opening and supplies them, for example, to a crowd.

The entrainment of individual grains in the at least one receiving pocket of the conveyor can be compressed air assisted. Here, on the side facing away from the separation chamber of the conveyor, for example, an annular space may be provided which is under a negative pressure relative to the pressure prevailing in the separation chamber, and communicates via the at least one receiving chamber with the separation chamber. For example, it is sufficient if the room communicates with the environment and thus has the pressure prevailing in the free environment air pressure, and introduced into the separation chamber, comprehensive air flow is under a higher pressure than the air pressure in the environment.

The at least one receiving pocket may be delimited in the axial and / or radial direction by a surface which, viewed radially away from the axis of rotation, falls away from the inside to the outside. Resulting advantages are a clamping effect of a grain housed in a receiving pocket, due to the surface descending radially from the axis of rotation away from the inside to the outside, until it is dispensed through the dispensing opening.

For example, this surface may be formed in connection with a bottom surface towards the receiving pocket by a truncated cone-shaped circular portion of the bottom surface of the separation chamber, wherein the base of the truncated cone occupies the entire circular portion and the separation space facing top surface of the truncated cone only a portion of the circular portion occupies.

Also conceivable are spherical segment-shaped recesses on the peripheral edge of a part the bottom surface forming, for example, designed as a disc conveyor.

The conveyor can be driven electrically or pneumatically or hydraulically or mechanically, for example by means of a drive shaft of an agricultural tractor, to call only a few conceivable embodiments of suitable drives without claim to completeness of the list.

It can be seen that the invention can be realized by a granular material distributing device, such as a sowing machine, which comprises one or more singulating devices described above for equalizing the grains to be fed. Thus, the separating device is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with a distribution unit forming, for example, a component of a distribution device for equalizing a Körnergutstroms consisting of an air flow to which a granule comprehensive granular material is metered, and which distribution unit comprises a singulating unit for a granular comprehensive granular material. The separating unit has a by a bottom surface, a top surface and the bottom surface at least partially surrounding, the bottom surface with the top surface connecting lateral surface bounded, for example, enclosed by a housing, for example, hollow cylindrical separation space. At least a portion of a bottom surface of the separation space occupies a circular portion. At least one annular, peripheral edge region of the at least one part of the bottom surface of the separating chamber engaging circular portion takes a rotatably driven about a rotation axis conveyor, which has distributed over its circumference evenly distributed one or more receiving pockets for each a single grain of the granular Guts. The axis of rotation is perpendicular to the circular portion of the bottom surface and / or it runs parallel to a cylinder axis of a delimiting the separating space base and top surfaces and the opposite bottom and top surfaces interconnecting lateral surface enclosed hollow cylinder. At least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening for an air flow are arranged in at least one wall delimiting the separation space, forming a bottom and / or top surface and / or lateral surface. The air flow entering through the inlet opening is metered into the granular material. Furthermore, a discharge opening is provided. Along the path of the air flow from the inlet opening, at least one collecting region is formed in the annular edge region of the at least one part of the bottom surface, in which a large number of grains of the granular material are collected by the air flow. The direction of rotation of the conveying device is such that each receiving pocket moves from a collecting area via a separating area to the outlet opening. The separating region is characterized in that the direction of flow of the movement of a receiving chamber passing the separating region during a rotation of the conveying device about the axis of rotation is opposite.

Advantages over the prior art result from improved separation of granular material associated with a lower consumption of granular material and less damage to the grains to be separated from grains, such as seeds, existing granular Guts.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration. For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the singulation unit according to the invention can be configured and do not represent a conclusive limitation. They show in a schematic representation:

1 a first embodiment of a separation unit with a common inlet opening for a flow comprising air and granular material with the top surface of the separation chamber removed in a perspective view.

2 a scheme of the movement paths of the grains of the granular material and the flow path of the air comprising flow in the separation chamber of the singulation unit 3 as well as the direction of rotation of the conveyor of the singulator 1 in a top view.

3 a second embodiment of a separation unit with a common inlet opening for a flow comprising air and granular material with the top surface of the separation chamber removed in a perspective view.

4 a scheme of the paths of movement of the grains, the granular Guts and the direction of rotation of the conveyor of the singulator 3 in 4a) as well as the flow path of the air comprehensive flow in the separation chamber of the singulator 3 in a top view.

5 a third embodiment of an isolated for simultaneous multiple delivery grains separated by a plurality of discharge openings separating unit with a common inlet opening for a flow comprising air and granular material and multiple collection areas with removed deck surface of the separation chamber in perspective view.

6 a diagram of the direction of rotation of the conveyor of the separating unit and the flow path of the air comprising flow in the separation chamber of the singulating unit 5 in a top view.

7 a fourth embodiment of a separating unit with separate inlet openings for a flow comprising air and granular material with the top surface of the separation chamber removed in a perspective view.

8th a fifth embodiment of a separating unit with a common inlet opening for a flow comprising air and granular material with several collecting areas with the top surface of the separation chamber removed in a perspective view.

9 a detailed view of a conveyor with radially inwardly outwardly tapered receiving pockets for each grain of the granular Guts in a partially sectioned, perspective view in a first state in 9a) in which a receiving pocket accommodating a singular grain which has just passed through a separating region, reaches a discharge opening still closed by the conveying means, in a second state in FIG 9b) in which the grain falls from the receiving pocket into the discharge opening still closed by the conveyor, and finally into a third state in FIG 9c) in which the discharge opening is released by the delivery device and the separated grain leaves the separation space through the discharge opening.

10 a sixth embodiment of a separating unit with a common inlet opening for a flow comprising air and granular material with a discharge ejection downstream acceleration ejection in a perspective view.

11 the singulator 10 seen in perspective view from the bottom thereof.

12 a seventh embodiment of a separating unit, wherein the axis of rotation of the conveyor is arranged obliquely with respect to a dispensing direction of the dispensed by the dispensing orifice grains is in perspective view.

13 a detailed view of a compressed air assisted delivery of isolated grains.

14 a detailed view of a first embodiment of a supported by mechanical aids delivery of isolated grains.

15 a detailed view of a second embodiment of a supported by mechanical aids dispense scattered grains.

16 an eighth embodiment of a separating unit, in which the entrainment of individual grains in the receiving pockets of the conveyor is compressed air assisted in a perspective exploded view.

An in 1 to 16 wholly or partially illustrated singling unit 01 for a grain 02 comprehensive granular material is particularly intended for use in connection with a granular material distribution device such as a seeder.

The separation unit 01 has a separation room 03 on, passing through a floor surface 04 , a deck surface 05 and one the bottom surface 04 surrounding and the floor area 04 with the top surface 05 connecting lateral surface 06 is limited.

The floor area 04 comprises at least one circular part 07 ,

At least one annular edge region of the circular portion 07 take one around a normal on the circular lot 07 Rising axis of rotation 27 ( 12 ) rotatably driven mounted conveyor 08 a The conveyor 08 has one or more evenly distributed over the circumference peripherally arranged receiving pockets 09 for one grain each 02 on.

The separation room 03 has at least one inlet opening 10 on. Air comprising air passes through at least one inlet port 10 in the separation room 03 one, as by arrows 11 in 1 . 2 . 3 . 4b) . 5 . 8th . 10 . 11 and 16 indicated. Through at least one inlet opening 10 kick the grains 02 comprehensive granular gut in the separation room 03 one, as by arrows 12 in 1 . 2 . 3 . 4a) . 5 . 6 . 8th . 10 . 11 and 16 indicated.

In this case, at least one common inlet opening 10 flow comprising the air and the grains 02 Comprehensive grainy good be provided, as with the in 1 . 2 . 3 . 4a) 4b) . 5 . 6 . 8th . 10 . 11 and 16 illustrated embodiments is provided. Here is a grain 02 comprehensive granular good of the air flow as it enters the separation room 03 already added. An inlet opening 10 Accordingly, flow comprising air can simultaneously serve as an inlet opening 10 for grains 02 serve extensive granular good and vice versa.

At the in 7 illustrated embodiment are separate inlet openings 10-1 . 10-2 flow comprising the air and the grains 02 comprehensive granular good provided. By at least a first inlet opening 10-1 the flow of air enters the separation room 03 one, with the grains 02 comprehensive granular good through at least a second inlet opening 10-2 the separation room is supplied. For example, the at least one second inlet opening 10-2 communicating with a above the separation chamber arranged container is stored in the granular material. In this embodiment variant, the granular material is held in at least one separate container which, for example, opens like a funnel into a collection region of the separation chamber, which is explained below.

The separation room 03 has at least one discharge opening 13 on, through which granules isolated from the granular good 02 the separation room 03 leave, as by arrows 14 in 1 . 3 . 5 . 8th . 10 . 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 and 16 indicated.

The separation room 03 has at least one outlet opening 15 on, by which one at least of the grains 02 the granular gut separated, air comprehensive flow again from the separation room 03 exit. The granular good can be made entirely from grains 02 exist, or it may be next to grains 02 at least in trace parts have other ingredients, such as shot. At least one outlet opening 15 may, for example, near at least one discharge opening 13 are located.

For example, a delivery port as in the 16 illustrated embodiment of a singulating unit 01 parallel to the axis of rotation 27 seen opposite a dispensing opening 13 be arranged, wherein preferably at least a majority of the grains 02 the granular gut separated, air flow comprising the separation room 03 through the outlet opening 15 preferably leaves in the opposite direction than the scattered grains 03 through the discharge opening 13 ,

Alternatively, as in 3 exemplified one example, centrally in the circular lot 07 the floor area 03 within the delivery room 21 arranged discharge opening 15 be provided by which at least a majority of the grains 02 the granular gut separated, air flow comprising the separation room 03 leaves again.

The restriction according to which at least a large part of the air flow comprises the separation space 03 through an outlet opening 15 leaves again results from the fact that a preferred smaller part of the air flow includes the separation room 03 permanently or with the delivery of isolated grains intermittently through the at least one discharge opening 13 can leave.

In principle, it is also conceivable that the discharge opening 15 through the outlet opening 13 is formed, includes or is encompassed by this, wherein the air comprising the flow together with the individual grains of the separation space 03 leaves.

A separation unit 01 is further characterized by the fact that the at least one discharge opening 13 from the at least one receiving bag 09 the conveyor 08 during one revolution of the conveyor 08 around the axis of rotation 27 is swept over.

If like in the 5 and 6 illustrated singulating unit 01 several discharge openings 13 are provided during a revolution of the conveyor 08 every discharge opening 13 from each receiving bag 09 painted over.

This shows that all discharge openings 13 from all receiving pockets 09 in the course of one revolution of the conveyor 08 around the axis of rotation 27 be swept over.

The at least one storage bag 09 thus passes over each revolution of the conveyor 08 the at least one discharge opening 13 ,

In the separation room 03 is from a viewpoint through an inlet opening 10 in the separation room 03 entering and this again through an outlet 15 leaving flow comprising air, between at least one inlet opening 10 and at least one outlet opening 15 at least one collection area 16 intended. In the collection area 16 gather support from the air flow comprising a variety of grains 02 of the granular good, for example by placing them in the collecting area 16 flow accumulated through the air and / or inhibited, the collection area 16 to leave. At an in 7 shown separate supply of air comprising the flow and the granular material opens the at least one inlet opening 10-2 for the granular material preferably in a collection area 16 ,

Each collection area 16 takes at least one of the at least one receiving pocket 09 the conveyor 08 during one revolution of the conveyor 08 around the axis of rotation 27 swept part of the circular lot 07 one. This happens every receiving bag 09 at each revolution of the conveyor 08 each collection area 16 to take individual grains from the granular good. As a result, the at least one is on the circumference of the conveyor 08 accommodated storage bag 09 a reservoir of grains 02 per collection area 16 available from the each receiving bag 09 at each revolution of the conveyor 08 grains 02 draws.

In an in 2 . 4b) and 6 each by an arrow 18 indicated direction of rotation of the conveyor 08 Seen between a collection area 16 and a discharge opening 13 at least one separation area 17 ,

In a separation area 17 The flow direction of the air flow is the movement of each of the separation area 17 during a rotation of the conveyor 08 around the axis of rotation 27 passing reception chamber 09 opposite direction.

At the in 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 and 10 illustrated embodiments of the singulation unit 01 is between each collection area 16 and one discharge opening each 13 one separation area each 17 intended.

At the in 8th illustrated embodiment of the singulation unit 01 are a total of three collection areas 16 provided between which and a dispensing opening 13 in the direction of rotation of the conveyor 08 each seen a separation area 17 located.

In the separation area 17 the air covering the flow sweeps over the at least one receiving pocket 09 harboring scope of the conveyor 08 against the direction of rotation of the conveyor 08 ,

The air flow sweeps thus on its way from an inlet opening 10 to an outlet opening 15 at least part of the circumference of the conveyor 08 against the direction of rotation of the conveyor 08 ,

The air flow encompasses the receiving pockets 09 on the circumference of the conveyor 08 against the direction of rotation of the conveyor 08 ,

One of at least one inlet opening 10 to at least one outlet opening 15 leading flow direction of the air flow thus extends in the region of the circumference of the conveyor 08 against the direction of rotation or rotation of the conveyor 08 ,

In other words, move during rotation of the conveyor 08 the receiving pockets 08 on the circumference of the conveyor 08 against one of at least one inlet opening 10 to at least one outlet opening 15 leading flow direction of the air flow.

Thus, at least on the circumference of the conveyor 08 in the 2 . 4b) and 6 through arrows 18 indicated direction of rotation of the conveyor 08 opposite to the flow direction of the air comprising flow.

By the flow comprising the air the at least one receiving pocket 09 harboring scope of the conveyor 08 against their direction of rotation sweeps she separates excess grains 02 made with two or more grains 02 occupied and thereby overfilled receiving pockets 09 from. The separated grains 02 be comprehensive flow of air against the direction of rotation of the conveyor 08 back to a collection area 16 worn so that they are available there again to again a receiving bag 09 to fill. While deposited grains 02 still in the separation area 17 If necessary, they may be vacant, watching the separation area 17 passing storage bags 09 fill.

The direction of rotation around the axis of rotation 27 rotatably driven conveyor 08 is such that the at least one receiving pocket 09 on the circumference of the conveyor 08 while maintaining the direction of rotation a perpetual circular motion of at least one collecting area 16 over a separation area 17 to a discharge opening 13 performs.

The flow direction of the air comprising flow from an inlet opening 10 to one or more outlet openings 15 runs along the scope of the conveyor 08 against the direction of rotation of the conveyor 08 and thus against the movement of the at least one receiving pocket 09 along the annular, peripheral edge region of the at least part of a bottom surface 04 engaging circular game 07 during the rotation of the conveyor 08 ,

Each collection area 16 can have at least one outlet opening 15 be assigned, for example, in or near the collection area 16 can be arranged by means of the separating room 03 through the at least one outlet opening 15 leaving flow the accumulation of granular good in the collection area 16 to form or assist. Alternatively, a common, for example central outlet opening 15 for several or all collection areas 16 of the singulation unit 01 be provided. This can be done by any collection area 16 for example, by partitions from the remaining part of the separation room 01 separated flow channel to the at least one outlet opening 15 to lead.

Alternatively, as with the in 8th shown embodiment of a singulating unit 01 be provided that between an inlet opening 10 and an outlet opening 15 a plurality of collection areas are arranged, all in the flow direction of the inlet opening 10 to the outlet opening 15 seen before a last collection area 16-3 lying collection areas 16-1 . 16-2 air flow on its way to the exhaust port 15 can be bypassed under direction redirection. After the grains 02 have a higher inertia, as the air, accumulate even in a bypass with direction change grains 02 in the upstream of the last collection area 16-3 lying collection areas 16-1 . 16-2 ,

Preferably, the at least one dispensing opening 13 of the separation room 03 as in 9a) . 9b) and 9c) shown in sequential order during one revolution of the conveyor 08 each receiving bag 09 once released, whereas the discharge port 13 otherwise by the conveyor 03 is closed.

For example, each receiving bag 09 that have a discharge opening 13 sweeps, these release, whereas the discharge opening 13 otherwise by the conveyor 08 is closed.

In 9 is an additional control by one with the conveyor 08 connected or covered by this control disc provided. Here is a lock with a discharge opening upstream of the lock chamber 19 formed by an element 20 the control disk to the discharge opening 13 initially closed. Passes a receiving bag 09 the lock room 19 , falls to date ( 9a) ) housed in the receiving bag grain 02 in the lock room 19 ( 9b) ). In the lock room 19 the grain stays 02 First, lie down to the element 20 the discharge opening 13 releases.

Based on this, it can be provided that the discharge opening 13 never completely open, but by a lock communication between the separation room and the discharge opening is prevented. In this way it can be prevented that, for example, shot misses the discharge opening unintentionally.

Through a described lock room 19 an equalization of the levy is achieved.

At the in 9 partially illustrated embodiment of the singulation unit 01 a grain falls 02 from a storage bag 09 the conveyor 08 first in a lock room 19 forming, another bag with through an element 20 the one with the conveyor 08 connected or formed by this control disk formed, inclined inclined ground, as in the 9a) shown snapshot shown. Then the grain lingers 02 in the one lock room 19 forming, another bag while the conveyor 08 continues to rotate, as in the 9b) shown snapshot shown. The speed of movement of the grain 02 is now zero while the conveyor 08 and the pouch associated with, or enclosed with, the pouch 09 an element 20 having control disc under the grain 02 continues to rotate. The sloping ground also provides for a grain calming, since the grain 02 is slightly clamped. After further rotation of the conveyor 08 The bag opens down, and the grain 02 falls vertically through the discharge opening 13 For example, in a leading to a crowd downpipe 28 as in the 9c) shown snapshot shown.

From the separation room 03 can each discharge opening a delivery room 21 be separated, as with the in 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th and in 10 shown embodiments of the singulation unit 01 is provided. The delivery room 21 extends at least along part of the annular peripheral edge portion of the at least part of the bottom surface 03 engaging circular game 07 , The delivery room 21 is from the remaining part of the separation room 03 in the direction of rotation of the conveyor 08 seen by one at least in the field the scope of the conveyor 08 flexible, first partition 22 and by an example fixed, second partition 23 separated. In every delivery room 21 is a discharge opening 13 arranged. The flexible, first partition 22 strips off excess grains 02 off if a pickup bag 09 the conveyor 08 the flexible, first partition 22 happens. This improves the flexible, first partition 22 the deposition and / or may be incomplete deposits in the separation area 17 correct.

Every delivery room 21 can in terms of by arrows 18 illustrated direction of rotation of the conveyor 08 a calming room 24 be upstream, as in the case of 3 and 4 shown embodiment of the singulation unit 01 is provided. The calming room 24 is characterized by at least in the region of the circumference of the conveyor 08 flexible, first partition 22 from the delivery room 21 separated. The calming room 24 is by at least in the region of the circumference of the conveyor 08 flexible, third partition 25 from the remaining part of the separation room 03 separated. Upon rotation of the conveyor 08 happens every pickup bag 09 first the third partition 25 and thus passes first into a calming room 24 before the first partition 22 happens and thereby into the delivery room 21 arrives. The calming room 24 once again improves the quality of singulation by adding these grains 02 can accommodate, if necessary, free storage bags 09 can fill, and by two in the direction of rotation of the conveyor 08 successive flexible partitions 22 . 25 excess grains 02 from up to now overfilled receiving pockets 09 can strip off.

So that the receiving pockets 09 and the grains individually housed therein 02 the partitions 22 . 23 and optionally provided partition 25 can happen, the partitions sit 22 . 23 . 25 either not directly on the conveyor 08 on, or they grind, equipped for example by means of a lip or brush, on the conveyor 08 , The same is true for example with supply channels in the separation room 03 delimiting walls 43 as in the case of 5 and 6 illustrated embodiment of a singulating unit 01 with multiple delivery, and with pockets for additional, one last collection area 16-3 upstream collection areas 16-1 . 16-2 forming walls 44 as in the case of 8th illustrated embodiment of a singulating unit 01 with several collection areas 16-1 . 16-2 . 16-3 is provided.

The at least in the region of the circumference of the conveyor 08 flexible first partition 22 and / or third partition 25 may be formed by, comprising or comprised of or formed from a lip of elastic material. Alternatively or additionally, the at least in the region of the circumference of the conveyor 08 flexible first partition 22 and / or third partition 25 be formed by a brush, include such or comprise or be formed by a brush.

For air exchange, in a rigid section, for example, the calming room 24 from the delivery room 21 separating, at least in the area of the circumference of the conveyor 08 flexible, first partition 22 one or more air passage openings 26 be provided. This is conducive to a compressed air assisted ejection of isolated grains 02 through the discharge opening 13 , These air passage openings 26 are at least for grains 02 of the granular good impassable.

The rotation axis 27 can in terms of one by arrows 14 in 1 . 3 . 5 . 8th . 10 . 11 . 12 . 13 . 14 . 15 and 16 indicated discharge direction of the at least one discharge opening 13 occasionally released grains 02 be arranged diagonally, as in 12 is shown.

An oblique position of the axis of rotation 27 and thus the conveyor 08 to the discharge direction improves the delivery of the grains 02 through the discharge opening 13 in the direction of, for example, a downpipe 28 because this causes the motion vectors of the grains 02 are directed more towards the ground. An additional advantage results from the fact that a motor driving the conveyor, for example electric, hydraulic or compressed air motor, or a gear connected, for example, to a drive shaft, can pass obliquely next to a crowd and thus under the singling unit 01 can be positioned. This improves the accessibility and thus changeability of the conveyor 08 ,

Alternatively, the rotation axis 27 for example, run vertically or horizontally.

The delivery of the isolated grains 02 through the at least one discharge opening 13 can be supported by compressed air, as in 12 and 13 indicated by a stream of compressed air arrows 42 is shown. Part of the air comprising the air flow can hereby be the separation chamber 03 also through the discharge opening 13 leave. Alternatively or additionally, a separate compressed air line may be provided, which provides compressed air to assist the delivery. Controlled by the rotation of the conveyor can be a slider 29 be provided, which For example, spring loaded the discharge port 13 closes and, for example, by at the conveyor 08 provided control means controls the dispensing opening releases when a receiving pocket 09 this happens ( 13 ). The example spring-loaded slide 29 prevents the blocking of the conveyor 08 ,

As an alternative or in addition to a compressed air-assisted delivery, mechanical aids may be used to assist the delivery of the separated grains 02 through the at least one discharge opening 13 be provided through, as in 14 the example of one on the at least one receiving pocket 09 having the scope of the conveyor 08 for example, grinding Auswerfbügel 30 and in 15 the example of one on the at least one receiving pocket 09 having the scope of the conveyor 08 revolving Auswerfzahnrolle 31 is shown.

Every delivery opening 13 downstream can be an acceleration ejection 32 be provided as in the case of 10 and 11 illustrated embodiment of the singulation unit 01 is provided. The through the delivery opening 13 occasionally released grains 02 be through the discharge opening 13 downstream acceleration ejection 32 accelerates and feeds a crowd, for example.

The taking of individual grains 02 in the at least one receiving pocket 09 the conveyor 08 can be compressed air assisted, as with the in 16 illustrated embodiment of the singulation unit 01 is provided. This can be done on the separation room 03 opposite side of the conveyor 08 a room 33 be provided, which under a negative pressure compared to the in the separation room 03 prevailing pressure, and the via the at least one receiving chamber 09 with the separation room 03 communicated. This can be done in the floor area 03 on the circumference of the annular section 07 a ring-shaped or ring-shaped slot, for example 34 be provided, which only in the area of receiving pockets 09 with the separation room 03 communicates and between the receiving pockets 09 from the conveyor 08 is covered. For example, it suffices if the room 33 with the environment, for example via the discharge opening 13 communicates and thus has the pressure prevailing in the open air pressure, and in the separation room 03 introduced, comprehensive air flow is under a higher pressure than the air pressure in the environment. Due to the pressure difference between the separation room 03 and the room 33 form in 16 through arrows 35 indicated individual flows between the receiving chambers 09 and the room 33 from which grains 02 tighten and hold until, for example, by one at the circumference of the circular lot 07 in the floor area 04 provided recess 36 is reached, by the one to date in a receiving bag 09 kept grain 02 then through the delivery port 13 is delivered.

The at least one storage bag 09 the conveyor 08 is preferably through a surface 37 limited, which radially from the axis of rotation 27 seen from the inside outwards to the floor surface 04 down, as for example in the case of 9 partially illustrated embodiment of the singulation unit 01 is provided. Resulting advantages are one of the radial from the axis of rotation 27 away from inside to outside sloping surface 37 conditional clamping action of a in a receiving pocket 09 housed Korns 02 until it is dispensed through the dispensing opening 13 ,

For example, this area 37 in connection with a receiving pocket open towards the bottom surface 09 by a truncated cone-shaped circular portion 07 the floor area 04 of the separation room 03 be formed, wherein the base of the truncated cone, the entire circular portion 07 occupies and the separating room 03 facing top surface 05 the truncated cone occupies only a part of the circular portion.

Also conceivable are spherical segment-shaped recesses than at the peripheral edge of a part of the bottom surface 04 forming, for example, designed as a disk conveyor 08 provided receiving pockets 09 as in the case of 9 partially illustrated embodiment of the singulation unit 01 is provided.

The air flow may be through at least one inlet port 10 tangential to the floor surface 04 at least partially surrounding lateral surface 06 in the separation room 03 flow, as with the in 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 7 . 8th . 9 . 10 . 11 and 16 illustrated embodiments of the singulation unit 01 is provided.

Alternatively, the flow comprising air may be through, for example, a central, in the bottom surface 04 or in the deck area 05 arranged inlet opening 10 initially parallel to the axis of rotation 27 axially in the separation room 03 flow, whereupon they are radial to the outer surface 06 is deflected in order to subsequently thereto in the circumferential direction along the lateral surface 06 to be redirected again, as in the case of 5 and 6 illustrated embodiment of the singulation unit 01 is provided. This embodiment is preferred in a singulation unit 01 at, that over the circumference of the circular lot 07 several discharge openings 13 and this in the direction of rotation of the conveyor 08 seen upstream Abscheidebereiche 17 and these in turn upstream collection areas 16 has, as in the in 5 and 6 illustrated embodiment of the singulation unit 01 is provided. As a result, a single inlet opening is sufficient 10 to supply all collection areas 16 and Abscheidebereiche 17 with air comprehensive flow and this optionally metered granular Good.

To the floor area 04 towards the at least one receiving bag 09 be fully or partially open or closed. In the full or partially open configuration, the receiving pockets sweep 09 during a full rotation of the conveyor 08 at least one peripheral edge region of the at least one part of the bottom surface 04 of the separation room 03 engaging circular game 07 ,

In the full or partially open embodiment, the conveyor 08 in the form of a transport star with one or more evenly distributed over the circumference peripherally arranged receiving pockets 09 for one grain each 02 separating, radially from the axis of rotation 27 projecting spokes formed during rotation of the conveyor about the axis of rotation 27 at least one edge region of the circular portion 07 at least one floor surface 04 of the separation room 03 sweep.

In the case of the closed embodiment, the conveyor 08 For example, a disk with one or more evenly distributed circumferentially circumferentially arranged, for example by upstanding on the disc driver and / or, as in the in 9 partially illustrated embodiment of the singulation unit 01 provided receiving pockets formed in the disc indentations 09 for one grain each 02 include and thus at least one circular part 07 comprehensive part of the floor area 04 of the separation room 03 form.

It is important to note that the pocket pockets 09 each of them occasionally mittransportierten grains 02 preferably all down to give and therefore preferably down to a discharge opening 13 open. This ensures that even with vibration, such as this when using the singulator 01 in connection with agricultural equipment, for example with a seeder, the grains occur 02 in the receiving pockets 09 remain.

The separation room 03 can feel like in 10 represented by the floor area 04 taper away tapered. For this, the floor area 04 of the separation room 03 at least partially surrounding lateral surface 06 at least partially bevelled to the bottom surface 04 run away, leaving them away from the floor area 04 converges. This will cause the grains 02 better in the recording exchanges 09 driven and kept better there.

It is also important to emphasize that the air flow includes, after having a storage area 16 has reached and before passing through one or more outlet openings 15 the separation room 03 can be used again, the deposition of excess grains 02 from overcrowded receptions 09 to support.

First corresponding embodiments of a singulating unit 01 are in 1 . 2 and 10 shown. In these embodiments takes a delivery room 21 a part of the separation room 03 one. The delivery room 21 is from the remaining part of the separation room 03 through at least one of the recording exchanges 09 harboring peripheral region of the conveyor 08 flexible, first partition 22 and by an example, rigid, second partition 23 demarcated. In the delivery room is a discharge opening 13 and at least one outlet opening 15 , The discharge opening 13 can at least temporarily simultaneously as an outlet 15 serve. In the second partition 23 is an at least for grains 02 of the grainy estate impassable grate 41 provided so that through the inlet opening 10 in the separation room 03 entering, comprehensive air flow initially against the direction of rotation of the conveyor 08 to the collection area 16 flows and thereby the accumulation of grains 02 in the collection area 16 supported. From the collection area 16 the flow of air passes free of grains 02 through the grid 41 through to the delivery room 21 to from there through the at least one outlet opening the separation room 03 to leave again. The flow direction of the flow comprising air is in the discharge space 21 at least along a portion of the circumference of the circular portion 07 also opposite to the direction of rotation of the conveyor 08 directed. The one of the grains 02 separate air flow overflows in the delivery room 21 a second time the conveyor 08 , This is advantageous in that it may be one in a receiving pocket 09 for example, held by a clamp, excess grain 02 the the delivery room 21 from the remaining separation room 03 delimiting first partition 22 happened. This case is not detrimental now, but even useful. So can in the delivery room 21 grains 02 are located and move, thereby solving double points and / or replacing defects.

A second, appropriately designed separation unit 01 is in 3 and 4 shown. The separation room 03 here has a bypass channel forming a bypass 39 up, from the collection area 16 by a least for grains 02 of the grainy estate impassable grate 38 is separated. The bypass channel 39 flows into a calming room 24 , The bypass channel 39 flows into a calming room 24 in that the flow direction of the air comprises flow to the outlet opening 15 at least along a part of the circumference of the circular part 07 engaging section of the calming room 24 against the direction of movement of the receiving pockets 09 on the circumference of the conveyor 08 runs. Through an already mentioned air passage opening 26 in the first partition 22 The air can flow out of the calming room 24 into the delivery room and from there through an outlet opening to the outside. At the in 3 and 4 illustrated singulating unit 01 the air flow is in the collecting area 16 from the grains 02 separated and flows over a second time the conveyor 08 , this time in the calming room 24 , This is advantageous in that it may be one in a receiving pocket 09 for example, held by a clamp, excess grain 02 the calming room 24 from the remaining separation room 03 delimiting third partition 25 happened. This case is not detrimental now, but even useful. So can also be in the calming room 24 grains 02 locate and move, thereby solving double points and / or replacing defects. An overfilling of the calming room 24 with grains 02 is hardly possible because even as the third partition 25 also the calming room 24 from the delivery room delimiting, first partition 22 again grains 02 Direction delivery room 21 can let through.

Advantageously, the separation room 03 one for multiple delivery of separated grains through multiple discharge openings 13 trained singulation unit as in 5 and 6 also show each bypassing channels forming a bypass 39 each of which has a collection area 16 by a least for grains 02 of the grainy estate impassable grate 38 are separated. This does not necessarily mean the generation of one of the directions of rotation 18 opposite air flow in the delivery room 21 serve, however, allows in any case a particularly compact design.

Also important to emphasize is that at the in 7 illustrated embodiment of the singulation unit 01 with separate supply of a flow comprising exclusively air through a first inlet opening 10-1 and the grain 02 comprehensive granular estate through a second inlet opening 10-2 above the separation unit 01 a solid container of grains 02 located, via the second inlet opening 10-2 with the collection area 16 communicates, leaving grains 02 from the container into the collection area 16 reach. Through the container here is a grain supply available from the collection area 16 through the conveyor 08 taken grains 02 be replaced. The conveyor 08 can here an outer conveyor area with the recording exchange 09 and an inner conveying area with entrainment elements 40 exhibit. The collection area 16 into which the container via the second inlet opening 10-2 also has two areas, one per conveying area of the conveyor 08 , The one area is used to fill the receiving pockets 09 the circumference of the outer conveying region of the conveyor 08 , The other area serves to feed the with the driving elements 40 equipped, provided between the outer conveyor region and the rotation axis inner conveying region of the conveyor 08 , This inner conveyor area additionally transports grains 02 from the collection area 16 against the flow of air towards the first inlet opening 10-1 , which is provided only for the air flow, so that the so transported by means of the inner conveying area upstream, excess grains 02 grains 02 then back from the air through the separation area back into the collection area 16 be blown. By this opposing grain movement generated hereby can be in the separation area defects in the receiving pockets 09 be refilled and in the receiving pockets 09 transported with, excess grains 02 be dissolved by blown grains. The air can in this case the collection area, for example by a collection area in one 16 from a delivery room 21 separating, second partition 23 provided, at least for grains 02 leave the granular property impassable grating to the separation room 03 from here through an outlet opening 15 to leave. Here, the air hits again on the receiving pockets 09 , this time in the delivery room. As a result, in the delivery room excess grains 02 from the receiving pockets 09 solved and missing steles are replaced. Alternatively, in the collection area 16 one at least for grains 02 the granular gutter impassable outlet 15 be provided. Alternatively, the air may leave the collection area through the container, with the second inlet opening 10-2 at the same time as an outlet opening 15 can serve. Here, the air flows through the container and thereby loosens up the granular material stored in this container.

It is also important to emphasize that the deck area 05 at least not everywhere necessarily directly to a delivery room 21 and / or a calming room 24 from the remaining separation room 03 separating partitions 22 . 23 . 25 must rest. It can be provided that the grains 02 only due to their gravity on an uncontrolled, not supported by the rotation of the conveyor crossing between the individual partitions of the separation room 03 be prevented. As a result, disturbances can be reduced, which could arise in closed rooms, for example by an initial, for example, too high a metered addition of granular material to the air stream. This can cause a massive overload and a Verstokocken the separating unit 01 be prevented.

Furthermore, the separation area 17 through one in the separation room 03 trained, from an inlet opening 10 to a collection area 16 be formed leading channel, the top surface 05 for example, a central outlet opening 15 can have.

Also conceivable in this context are one or more overflow openings, one per partition of the separation chamber 03 be it in the direction of the collection area or outside the separation area 03 ,

The invention is particularly applicable industrially to the manufacture of agricultural machinery and apparatus, especially distribution devices such as seed drills and / or fertilizer distribution machines.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

01

separation unit

02

grain

03

isolation room

04

floor area

05

cover surface

06

lateral surface

07

circular lot

08

Conveyor

09

receiving pocket

10

Inlet opening (flow comprising air and granular material)

10-1

first inlet opening for air comprising flow

10-2

second inlet opening for granular material

11

Arrow (flow direction / direction of the air comprising flow)

12

Arrow (movement of the grains in the separation room)

13

discharge opening

14

Arrow (discharge direction of isolated grains)

15

outlet

16

collecting area

16-1

collecting area

16-2

collecting area

16-3

collecting area

17

separation zone

18

Arrow (direction of rotation of the conveyor)

19

lock chamber

20

element

21

delivery room

22

first partition

23

second partition

24

killing space

25

third partition

26

Air passage opening

27

axis of rotation

28

downspout

29

pusher

30

Auswerfbügel

31

Auswerfzahnrolle

32

acceleration ejection

33

room

34

slot

35

arrow

36

recess

37

area

38

grid

39

bypass channel

40

driving element

41

grid

42

arrow

43

wall

44

wall

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19636787 C1 [0003]
• DE 3633955 A1 [0004]
• DE 3822437 A1 [0005]
• DE 4116724 A1 [0006]
• EP 0636306 A1 [0007]
• WO 2013/186161 A1 [0009]
• WO 2013/186175 A1 [0010]

Claims (15)

Separation unit ( 01 ) for a grain ( 02 ) granular material, with a separating room ( 03 ), where: - a floor area ( 04 ) of the separation room ( 03 ) at least one circular batch ( 07 ), - one normal to the circular part ( 07 ) upstanding axis of rotation ( 27 ) rotatably driven conveyor ( 08 ) at least one annular edge region of the circular portion ( 07 ), - the conveyor ( 08 ) evenly distributed over the circumference of at least one receiving pocket ( 09 ) for each grain ( 02 ), - the separation room ( 03 ) at least one inlet opening ( 10 . 10-1 . 10-2 ), wherein at least one inlet opening ( 10 . 10-1 ) comprises a flow comprising air and through at least one inlet opening ( 10 . 10-2 ) the grains ( 02 ) comprehensive granular good in the separation room ( 03 ), - the separation room ( 03 ) at least one outlet opening ( 15 ), by which at least one of the grains ( 02 ) of the granular material separated, air comprising flow back from the separation chamber ( 03 ), - the separation room ( 03 ) at least one discharge opening ( 13 ), through which granules isolated from the granular product ( 02 ) the separation room ( 03 ), - the at least one discharge opening ( 13 ) of the at least one receiving pocket ( 09 ) during one revolution of the conveyor ( 08 ) about the axis of rotation ( 27 ), - in the separation room ( 03 ) at least one collection area ( 16 ) is provided in which supported by the air flow comprising a plurality of grains ( 02 ) of the granular material, - each collection area ( 16 ) at least one of the at least one receiving pocket ( 09 ) during one revolution of the conveyor ( 08 ) about the axis of rotation ( 27 ) swept part of the circular portion ( 07 ), - in one direction of rotation ( 18 ) of the conveyor ( 08 ) seen between a collection area ( 16 ) and a discharge opening ( 13 ) a deposition area ( 17 ), and - in the separation area ( 17 ) the flow direction ( 11 ) of the air flow comprising the movement of a separating region ( 17 ) during a rotation of the conveyor ( 08 ) about the axis of rotation ( 27 ) passing receiving chamber ( 09 ) is directed opposite. Separation unit according to claim 1, wherein a common inlet opening ( 10 ) for the air flow and the grains ( 02 ) comprehensive granular good is provided. Separation unit according to claim 1, wherein separate inlet openings ( 10-1 . 10-2 ) for the air flow and the grains ( 02 ) are provided comprehensive granular good. Singulating unit according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein each collecting area ( 16 ) at least one outlet opening ( 15 ), or a common outlet opening ( 15 ) for several or all collection areas ( 16 ) of the singulation unit ( 01 ) is provided. Singulating unit according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one dispensing opening ( 13 ) during one revolution of the conveyor ( 08 ) per receiving bag ( 09 ) is released once, whereas the discharge port ( 13 ) otherwise by the conveyor ( 08 ) is closed. Separation unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein of the separation room ( 03 ) per discharge opening ( 13 ) a delivery room ( 21 ) is separated, at least along a part of an annular peripheral edge portion of the at least a part of the bottom surface ( 04 ) engaging circular batch ( 07 ) and the remaining part of the separation room ( 03 ) in the direction of rotation ( 18 ) of the conveyor ( 08 ) seen by at least in the region of the circumference of the conveyor ( 08 ) flexible, first partition ( 22 ) and by a second partition wall ( 23 ) is separated, wherein a discharge opening ( 13 ) in the delivery room ( 21 ) is arranged. Separation unit according to claim 6, wherein each delivery room ( 21 ) with respect to the direction of rotation ( 18 ) of the conveyor ( 08 ) a calming room ( 24 ) arranged at least within the scope of the conveyor ( 08 ) flexible, first partition ( 22 ) from the delivery room ( 21 ) is separated, and by at least in the region of the circumference of the conveyor ( 08 ) flexible, third partition ( 25 ) from the remaining part of the separation room ( 03 ) is separated. Separation unit according to claim 7, wherein in one section of the first partition one or more air passage openings ( 26 ) are provided. Separation unit according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein: - the first and / or third partition wall ( 22 . 25 ) is formed by, comprises or comprises a lip of elastic material, and / or - the first and / or third partition ( 22 . 25 ) is formed by, comprises or is comprised of or formed by a brush. Separation unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the axis of rotation ( 27 ) with respect to a discharge direction ( 14 ) passing through the at least one discharge opening ( 13 ) occasionally delivered grains ( 02 ) is arranged obliquely. Separating unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the delivery of isolated grains ( 02 ) is assisted by compressed air, and / or - mechanical aids ( 30 . 31 ) are provided for the disposal of isolated grains ( 02 ) at the passage of a discharge opening ( 13 ) through a receiving chamber ( 09 ) to support. Separation unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each discharge opening ( 13 ) an acceleration ejection ( 32 ) provided by the discharge opening ( 13 ) occasionally delivered grains ( 02 ) speeds up. Separation unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the entrainment of individual grains ( 02 ) in the at least one receiving pocket ( 09 ) of the conveyor ( 08 ) is supported by compressed air, wherein on the separating room ( 03 ) facing away from the conveyor ( 08 ) a space is provided, which under a negative pressure compared to the in the separation room ( 03 ) prevailing pressure, and via the at least one receiving chamber ( 09 ) with the separation room ( 03 ) communicates. Separation unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one receiving pocket ( 09 ) is bounded by a surface which radially from the axis of rotation ( 27 ) away towards the outside. Separation unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air comprising the flow through at least one inlet opening ( 10 . 10-1 ) tangential to a floor surface ( 04 ) at least partially surrounding lateral surface ( 06 ) into the separation room ( 03 ), or through one in the bottom surface ( 04 ) or one of the bottom surfaces ( 04 ) opposite top surface ( 05 ) inlet opening ( 10 . 10-1 ) first axially into the separation chamber ( 03 ), whereupon they move radially to the bottom surface ( 04 ) at least partially surrounding lateral surface ( 06 ) is deflected towards, in order thereafter in the circumferential direction along the lateral surface ( 06 ) to be redirected again.

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