WO2021069607A1

WO2021069607A1 - Agricultural distributing machine having simultaneously hybridly operable singulating devices

Info

Publication number: WO2021069607A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/078307
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manfred ERHARD
Original assignee: Horsch Maschinen Gmbh
Priority date: 2019-10-11
Filing date: 2020-10-08
Publication date: 2021-04-15
Also published as: DE102019127467A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an agricultural distributing machine (500), preferably for singulated seeding, comprising: at least one compressed-air generation device (100), which has a suction side (101) and a pressure side (102); and a plurality of row units (200). Each row unit (200) comprises a singulating device (10) having a rotatable singulating element (1) for singulating seeds by means of a pressure difference. Each singulating device (10) is connected to a seed line (2) for transporting singulated seeds to the soil by means of a compressed-air flow (X) and/or in free fall. The agricultural distributing machine (500) is characterized in particular in that the singulating element (1) divides the singulating device (10) in question into a negative-pressure region (3) and a positive-pressure region (4) and the negative-pressure region (3) is connected to the suction side (101) by means of a suction line system (5) and the positive-pressure region (4) is connected to the pressure side (102) by means of a positive-pressure line system (6) in order to simultaneously apply a negative pressure and a positive pressure to the singulating element (1) of the singulating device (10) in question. The invention further relates to an associated operating method.

Description

DESCRIPTION

AGRICULTURAL DISTRIBUTING MACHINE WITH AT THE SAME TIME HYBRIDICALLY OPERATED SINGLEIZING DEVICES

The invention relates to an agricultural distributing machine and an associated operating method, preferably for single-grain sowing, with at least one compressed air generating device and a plurality of separating devices for separating row units comprising seeds (e.g. seeds).

In the prior art, agricultural distributing machines for single-grain sowing are known, which include a multiplicity of row units carrying separating devices. The separating devices usually comprise rotatable separating members (e.g. disks or drums) for separating seeds by means of a pressure difference and are connected to seed lines which transport separated seeds to the arable land by means of a compressed air flow. The compressed air flow is used here to transport isolated seeds to the arable land faster than when they fall free. The flow of compressed air is often so strong that the seed is shot out of the seed lines (e.g. at speeds of over 50 km / h in some cases) and has to be braked in the seed furrow by means of catching devices (e.g. catching rollers).

Air-termination systems, however, are often problematic, e.g. B. because especially in moist arable soil conditions, soil and thus also seeds can get stuck on the catching devices. This can even lead to clogging of the seed coulters.

WO 2010 059 101 A1 discloses e.g. B. a separating device with a rotatable separating element for separating seeds by means of a pressure difference and with a seed line for transporting separated seeds by means of a compressed air flow to the arable land. The compressed air flow is generated by an overpressure, which also generates the pressure difference, in a grain chamber of the separating device. As a result, the flow of compressed air is dependent on the overpressure required for the pressure difference in the granular chamber, which can be disadvantageous for some applications. One object of the invention is to create an alternative and / or improved agricultural distributing machine, in particular a distributing machine with which a safe seed separation and at the same time a fast and / or safe seed distribution can be made possible and / or a distributing machine which can be adapted to different boundary conditions ( e.g. different types of seed, different driving speeds, different arable soil conditions, etc.) can be flexibly adapted.

This object can be achieved with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims and the following description.

The invention relates to an agricultural distributor, preferably for single grain sowing and / or z. B. with driving speed and / or seed type-dependent variable speed of a compressed air flow for transporting isolated seeds to the arable land.

The distribution machine comprises at least one compressed air generating device (for example a fan or several fans, preferably centrifugal or radial fans).

The at least one compressed air generating device preferably comprises a suction side (e.g. an air inlet and / or a negative pressure side) and a pressure side (e.g. an air outlet and / or a positive pressure side). The suction side is used for. B. to generate negative pressure, the pressure side z. B. is used to generate excess pressure, in particular to generate a compressed air flow.

The agricultural distribution machine comprises a large number of row units.

The respective row unit comprises (preferably carries) a separating device with a rotatable separating element (preferably a (e.g. essentially plate or plate-shaped) separating disc or a separating drum) for separating particularly granular seeds (e.g. grains, fertilizers, etc.) .) by means of a pressure difference. The separating device is connected to a seed line for transporting separated seeds to the arable soil (e.g. a seed furrow). The agricultural distributing machine thus comprises in particular a large number of separating devices and a large number of seed lines. The transport of isolated seeds to the arable land can, for. B. in free fall and / or by means of a compressed air flow, z. B. in order to be able to transport individual seeds to the arable land faster with compressed air and / or faster than free fall.

The compressed air flow can, for. B. be referred to as shot air and / or z. B. have speeds of greater than 5 km / h, greater than 10 km / h or greater than 15 km / h and / or speeds of less than 50 km / h, less than 40 km / h, less than 30 km / h, less than 25 km / h or less than 20 km / h.

The agricultural distributing machine is characterized in particular by the fact that the separating element divides the respective separating device (in particular a separating housing) into a negative pressure area and an overpressure area and the negative pressure area is connected to the suction side by means of a suction line system and the positive pressure area is connected to the suction side by means of an overpressure line system Pressure side is connected in order to simultaneously apply a (z. B. controllably changeable) overpressure and a (z. B. controllably changeable) negative pressure to the separating element of the respective separating device.

As a result, the separating device of the respective row unit can be operated in particular as a hybrid, the separating element of the respective separating device being able to be acted upon actively with overpressure on the one hand and actively with negative pressure on the other.

This allows z. B. can also be made possible that the compressed air flow (in particular its speed) for transporting isolated seeds to the arable soil can be set (e.g. changed) essentially independently of the pressure difference at the singling element.

The compressed air flow (in particular its speed) for transporting isolated seeds to the arable land can thus, for. B. can be set essentially independently of the separating function of the respective separating device, in particular without impairing the separating function and / or the pressure difference of the respective separating device.

In an extreme case, the overpressure in the overpressure range can even be reduced to essentially 0 mbar and nevertheless the isolation function and / or can be performed by means of the underpressure a sufficient pressure difference can be maintained at the separating element of the respective separating device.

The negative pressure can e.g. B. mainly used and / or changed in a targeted manner in order to adjust the pressure difference at the separating element of the respective separating device.

The overpressure can e.g. B. mainly used and / or changed in a targeted manner in order to adjust the compressed air flow (in particular its speed) for transporting isolated seeds to the arable land.

It is possible for overpressure from the overpressure area to be used to contribute to the pressure difference and / or to be used to generate the compressed air flow in the seed line of the respective singling device.

It is possible for the seed line to have an inlet area for the inlet of separated seeds, in particular from the respective separation device. The inlet area is preferably formed in a lateral surface of the seed line, e.g. B. in a curved portion of the seed line.

The overpressure line system can, for. B. form a first compressed air supply in the overpressure area of the respective separating device, preferably in order to appropriately contribute to the pressure difference at the separating element. Alternatively or in addition, z. B. a second compressed air supply can be made available in order to generate the compressed air flow in the seed line of the respective singling device.

It is possible that the second compressed air supply (in particular also) is supplied with compressed air from the overpressure line system. The second compressed air supply can, for. B. be connected to the overpressure line system in a division area, preferably upstream of the respective separating device. This allows z. B. be made possible that the first compressed air supply and the second compressed air supply are jointly supplied with compressed air from the overpressure line system and / or are supplied with compressed air from a common blower and / or the overpressure line system can form the first compressed air supply and the second compressed air supply . There are z. B. Embodiments are possible in which the first compressed air supply and the second compressed air supply are supplied with compressed air by different fans. It is possible that a flow barrier and / or a Coanda effect is set up along the inlet area and / or compressed air from the first compressed air supply, in particular compressed air in the respective singling device, and compressed air from the second compressed air supply, in particular the compressed air flow in the seed line, on top of one another act so that compressed air from the first compressed air supply can essentially be prevented from entering the seed line via the inlet region and / or vice versa.

It is possible that the respective separating device is connected to the at least one compressed air generating device via a ring conduit system comprising the suction conduit system and the overpressure conduit system, preferably in such a way that the at least one compressed air generating device has a large number of ring conduit systems (e.g. connected in parallel) Can apply overpressure and underpressure (e.g. at the same time).

It is possible that the suction side and / or the suction line system with an air supply device (e.g. a through hole, a pipe socket, a pipe section, etc.) for air supply expediently directly or indirectly from the atmosphere (e.g. the environment) Connection.

It is possible that a speed of the compressed air flow in the seed line of the respective singling device can be changed as a function of a driving speed of the agricultural distributing machine (e.g. of the respective row unit), preferably controllable (e.g. by means of a control device) and / or (e.g. B. manually) can be preset.

It is possible that a speed of the compressed air flow in the seed line of the respective singling device depends on the type of seed (e.g. information on the type of seed, shape, size and / or weight (e.g. thousand grain weight) of the seed, in particular the seed grains, etc.) is changeable, preferably controllable and / or preset (for example by means of a control device).

The driving speed of the agricultural distribution machine can essentially, for. B. correspond to the driving speed of the respective row unit and / or substantially correspond to the driving speed of a tractor (e.g. tractor) for pulling the agricultural distributor. The travel speeds of the row units are preferably essentially identical (for example with the exception of cornering).

The driving speed can, for. B. in the context of the invention at suitable points (z. B. the agricultural distribution machine, in particular on one or more row units and / or a frame structure, and / or the tractor for pulling the agricultural distribution machine) appropriately recorded, measured and / or suitable Way can be determined (e.g. calculated). For example, for this purpose. B. at least one speed sensor (expediently on one or more row units and / or at least one speed sensor on a tractor for pulling the agricultural distributor) can be used, but also z. B. at least one radar sensor, a global positioning system (GPS), at least one acceleration sensor and / or at least one rotation rate sensor (z. B. gyroscope) or other suitable means and methods for measuring and / or determining the driving speed.

The air supply device can, for. B. an adjusting element (e.g. a controllable valve, a manually adjustable valve (e.g. an adjusting tap) and / or an exchangeable perforated screen or other exchangeable components that change a passage cross section of the air supply device, etc.) for changing (e.g. Adjust) the air supply, in particular for changing the air volume flow to the at least one compressed air generating device.

The adjusting element can, for. B. a controllable adjusting valve (preferably by means of a control device) and / or a manually adjustable adjusting device (e.g. an adjusting tap etc.) and / or a manually replaceable adjusting device (e.g. a perforated diaphragm etc.).

The adjusting valve, preferably controllable by a control device, can, for. B. can be controlled during operation of the agricultural distributor to adjust the air supply.

The manually adjustable and / or interchangeable adjustment device can expediently on a z. B. fixed-predefined setting can be preset.

It is possible that an amount of air supplied via the air supply device is essentially an amount of air exiting from the seed line of the respective singling device corresponds to. From this it follows e.g. B. that the amount of air emerging from the seed lines by means of the compressed air flows can essentially be compensated for again via the air supply device. This also z. B. includes embodiments with in particular leakage-dependent deviations.

It is possible that an amount of air guided out of the respective separating device by means of the suction line system essentially corresponds to an amount of air guided into the respective separating device by means of the overpressure line system. This also z. B. includes embodiments with in particular leakage-dependent deviations.

In particular, leakage-dependent deviations (e.g. leakage losses) can e.g. B. be compensated via the feeder.

The ring line systems comprising the suction line system and the overpressure line system can, for. B. represent a substantially closed ring system, in particular with the exception of the air supply by means of the air supply device and the air outlet from the seed line of the respective isolation device.

The amount of air emerging from the seed lines can essentially be compensated for by the air supply of the air supply device.

It is possible that by changing (e.g. controlling and / or presetting) the air supply by means of the adjusting element, a speed of the compressed air flow in the seed line of the respective singling device can be changed, but preferably the pressure difference at the singling element of the respective singling device and / or a speed the at least one compressed air generating device z. B. can remain essentially unchanged.

Consequently, e.g. B. by changing (e.g. controlling and / or presetting) the air supply by means of the adjusting element, a speed of the compressed air flow in the seed line of the respective singling device can be appropriately changed, preferably without the pressure difference having to be changed (e.g. impaired) and / or z. B. without a speed of the at least one compressed air generating device having to be changed. The pressure difference at the separating element of the respective separating device can essentially be controlled by means of a speed of the at least one compressed air generating device.

It is possible that by changing (e.g. controlling and / or presetting) a speed of the at least one compressed air generating device, a negative pressure level in the negative pressure area and / or an overpressure level in the positive pressure area of the respective separating device can be changed.

This is z. B. so possible that the negative pressure level in the negative pressure area and the overpressure level in the overpressure area of the respective separating device are mutually equivalent (in particular to substantially the same extent) can be changed, whereby z. B. the pressure difference on the separating disc of the respective separating device can remain essentially constant.

Example:

Overpressure level = + 20 mbar; Vacuum level = - 20 mbar; Pressure difference = 40 mbar. Overpressure level = + 30 mbar; Vacuum level = - 10 mbar; Pressure difference = 40 mbar. Overpressure level = + 35 mbar; Vacuum level = - 5 mbar; Pressure difference = 40 mbar.

This shows z. B. that the overpressure-controlled compressed air flow, in particular its speed, can be changed, despite a substantially constant pressure difference and / or without affecting the pressure difference, e.g. B. to lower it to too low a level.

The adjusting element and / or the at least one compressed air generating device and thus preferably a speed of the compressed air flow in the seed line of the respective separating device and / or a pressure difference at the separating element of the respective separating device can, for. B. be set as a function of one or more control parameters (z. B. by means of a control device).

The at least one control parameter can preferably include a driving speed of the agricultural distributing machine (for example of the respective row unit, a coulter, seed line or other parts of the row unit). The driving speed of the respective row unit can essentially, for. B. correspond to the driving speed of the agricultural distributor. When cornering, however, z. B. There are deviations in the driving speed of the agricultural distributor on the one hand and row units on the inside of the curve and row units on the outside of the curve on the other hand and / or there are deviations in the driving speeds between row units on the inside of the curve and row units on the outside of the curve.

The at least one control parameter can also, for. B. include at least one of the following: a seed variety (e.g. information on the type of seed, shape, size and / or weight (e.g. thousand grain weight) of the seed, in particular the seed grains, etc.), a sowing depth of the seed, arable soil conditions ( e.g. moisture, creditworthiness, soil type, etc.), whether or not a catching device is used to brake the seed dispensed from the seed line of the respective singling device, different travel speeds of a row unit on the inside of the curve and a row unit on the outside of the curve during cornering of the agricultural distributor, one speed the compressed air flow in or downstream of the seed line of the respective singling device, and / or a speed of the seed in or downstream of the seed line of the respective singling device. The at least one control parameter can also, for. B. include row spacings of adjacent row units.

It is possible that an input device (e.g. an operating device, a control panel, a display device, a touchscreen, a keyboard, an input field, an app, an interface (e.g. a user interface, a digital interface and / or a Data interface) and / or a mobile terminal device) is made available, by means of which an operator can provide information on the seed variety (e.g. seed type, shape, size and / or weight of the seed (e.g. thousand grain weight), in particular the seed grains, etc. ) and / or can expediently enter the at least one control parameter manually, which can apply in particular to the control parameters known to the operator or which can be determined himself, such as, for. B. seed type, sowing depth of the seed, arable soil conditions (e.g. moisture, creditworthiness, soil type, etc.) and / or whether or not a catching device is used to slow down the seed output from the seed line.

Alternatively or in addition, z. B. a detection system (z. B. sensor system, vehicle assistance system and / or GPS etc.) for the automatic (expedient direct or indirect) detection of the at least one control parameter, the driving speed and / or Information on the seed variety (e.g. seed type, shape, size and / or weight of the seed, in particular the seed grains, etc.) must be made available. The detection can expediently z. B. a detecting, but also z. B. comprise determining (e.g. calculating or deriving).

It is possible for the agricultural distributing machine to have at least two detection devices for detecting a driving speed of at least two row units in order to be able to detect different driving speeds of a row unit on the inside of the curve and a row unit on the outside of the curve when cornering.

The detection system and / or the detection devices can be used to detect the driving speed, for. B. at least one radar sensor, a global positioning system (GPS), at least one acceleration sensor, at least one speed sensor and / or at least one rotation rate sensor (z. B. gyroscope).

From the seed line of the respective singling device dispensed (z. B. spouting or emerging) seed can, for. B. have a horizontal speed component and a vertical speed component, z. B. form an overall speed component. The speed components are preferably exit speed components.

A speed of the compressed air flow in the seed line of the respective separating device can, for. B. depending on the driving speed and / or seed type-dependent (preferably by means of the adjusting element) can be changed, z. B. in order to be able to adapt a particularly essentially horizontal speed component (in particular exit speed component) of the seed dispensed from the seed line of the respective singling device to the driving speed, e.g. B. to a relative speed between in particular the essentially horizontal speed component (in particular exit

Speed component) and the driving speed of less than 25km / h, less than 20 km / h, less than 15km / h or less than 10km / h, or even to substantially equalize, e.g. B. so that the particular horizontal speed component (in particular exit speed component) can essentially correspond to the driving speed.

It is possible that a speed of the compressed air flow in the seed line of the respective singling device is essentially independent of the pressure difference on the Isolation member of the respective isolation device and / or can be changed essentially independently of a speed of the at least one compressed air generating device.

It is possible that a relative speed between, in particular, the horizontal speed component (in particular the exit speed component) of the seed dispensed from the seed line of the respective singling device and a travel speed (expediently the agricultural distributor, in particular the respective row unit) in the context of the invention on z. B. less than 25km / h, less than 20 km / h, less than 15km / h or less than 10km / h can be set or can even be set to essentially 0 km / h and / or can preferably be set so that on safety equipment for Braking of seeds dispensed from the seed line can advantageously be dispensed with.

It is possible that, depending on the driving speed, the separating element of the respective separating device can be acted upon at the same time with a negative pressure and an overpressure, preferably from the at least one compressed air generating device.

The seed hits the arable soil preferably at an angle greater than 0 °.

It is possible that the seed line of the respective singling device has an output pitch angle α of less than 70 °, less than 60 °, less than 40 °, less than 30 ° or less than 20 ° and / or greater than 10 ° relative to a horizontal arable soil.

The agricultural distributor can, for. B. have at least one sensor for detecting a speed of the compressed air flow in or downstream of the seed line of the respective singling device and / or at least one sensor for detecting a speed of the seed in or downstream of the seed line of the respective singling device. The at least one sensor can, for. B. be positioned inside the seed line or outside (z. B. substantially immediately downstream) of the seed line of the respective singling device.

It is possible that the respective row unit carries a seed container for carrying seeds and preferably a coulter. The seeds can e.g. B. Gravity-based from the Seed hopper are supplied. As an alternative or in addition, the agricultural distributing machine can have a seed-on-demand system (e.g. nursing system).

It is possible for the agricultural distributing machine to have a compressed air generating structure with an inlet side and an outlet side.

The inlet side can e.g. B. suck in air from the atmosphere (z. B. environment) and / or are connected to the overpressure line system by means of a line system in order to be supplied with air from the overpressure line system.

Alternatively or additionally, the outlet side can apply a conveying air flow to a seed conveying system in order to convey seeds from a preferably central seed tank to the respective row unit by means of the conveying air flow. This z. B. comprises embodiments in which the seed z. B. is conveyed into the respective separating device or in which the seed is fed into an intermediate container of the respective separating device in order to be able to be supplied from the intermediate container to the respective separating device. The intermediate container can, for. B. be carried by the respective separating device and / or the respective row unit.

It is possible that essentially no conveying air flow reaches the overpressure areas of the respective separating device, so that preferably the overpressure level and / or the pressure difference at the separating element of the respective separating device is not or only insignificantly influenced by the conveying air flow. This can be B. can be achieved by adjusting the conveying air flow and / or in that the conveying air flow can essentially escape, z. B. through vents in the conveyor system, in the intermediate containers or other suitable locations.

The compressed air generation structure and / or the seed tank can e.g. B. form part of a seed-on-demand system.

It is possible that a differential pressure at the separating element of the respective separating device is greater than a differential pressure between an inlet (e.g. inlet area) and an outlet of the seed line of the respective separating device. It is possible for the respective row unit to have a catching device (for example catching roller) for braking the seed dispensed (in particular shot out) from the seed line of the respective singling device. Here seed exit speeds of z. B. over 25 km / h, over 30 km / h or over 40 km / h possible.

The agricultural distributing machine can preferably be operated in a first operating mode and / or in a second operating mode.

In the first operating mode, for. B. isolated seeds are expediently outputted from the seed line of the respective isolation device with a speed component that is adapted or substantially matched to the speed of the agricultural distribution machine, in particular horizontal speed components, e.g. B. so that preferably a catching device for braking of the seed output from the seed line of the respective separating device is not required. It is possible that the respective row unit z. B. is provided without an interception device or with an interception device, but which is mounted in a position in which it is not in contact with the ground and / or is deactivated.

As an alternative or in addition, in the second operating mode, isolated seeds can be discharged (in particular shot out) to the arable soil at such a high exit speed that they have to be braked by means of a respective catching device. Here seed exit speeds of z. B. over 25 km / h, over 30 km / h or over 40 km / h possible.

The agricultural distributing machine may include a singulating system as disclosed herein.

In the context of the invention, an agricultural distributing machine that can be controlled in a section-dependent manner, in particular, can also comprise at least two separating systems as disclosed herein.

It is possible that the agricultural distributing machine, which is preferably section-dependently controllable, comprises at least two compressed air generating devices (e.g. one fan or several fans each), each with a suction side and a pressure side, e.g. B. a first compressed air generating device and a second compressed air generating device. Several separating devices can be assigned to a first section.

Several separating devices can be assigned to a second section.

It is possible that the separating devices of the first section (preferably by means of, for example, first ring line systems as disclosed herein) with the first

Compressed air generating device are connected, and the separating devices of the second section (preferably by means of, for example, as disclosed herein second ring line systems) are connected to the second compressed air generating device.

Alternatively or in addition, the suction side of the first compressed air generating device can be connected to a first air supply device (preferably comprising an adjusting element for changing the air supply) for an expedient direct or indirect supply of air from the atmosphere. Also z. B the suction side of the second compressed air generating device are connected to a second air supply device (preferably comprising an adjusting element for changing the air supply) for an expedient direct or indirect supply of air from the atmosphere.

It is possible for the separating devices of the first section and the separating devices of the second section to be operable (e.g. controllable) independently of one another. Alternatively or in addition, the separating devices of the first section and the separating devices of the second section, for. B. operated with different pressure differences. Alternatively or in addition, the seed lines of the first section and the seed lines of the second section can be operated with compressed air flows having different speeds.

The separation devices of the first section can, for. B. be assigned to a first pivotable (in particular left) frame structure, wherein the separation devices of the second section can be assigned to a second pivotable (in particular right) frame structure.

The first section can e.g. B. comprise a first isolation system, which can expediently be designed as disclosed herein. The second section can e.g. B. comprise a second isolation system, which can expediently be designed as disclosed herein. It can e.g. B. a display device (z. B. a display etc.) can be made available to an operator pressure values of the respective separating device (z. B. a negative pressure in the negative pressure area, an overpressure in the overpressure area and / or a pressure difference at the separating element of the respective separating device ) and / or to display speed values of the compressed air flow and / or of the seed in the seed line of the respective singling device.

The agricultural distributing machine preferably comprises a plurality of row units and / or a plurality of separating devices with seed lines, so that the disclosure herein in relation to a respective row unit and / or a respective separating device also applies to a plurality of row units and / or a plurality of separating devices Can be found.

In a preferred embodiment it is e.g. B. possible that the separation organs divide the respective separation devices into negative and positive pressure areas and the negative pressure areas are connected to the suction side by means of a suction line system and the overpressure areas are connected to the pressure side by means of an overpressure line system to the separation elements of the respective separation devices at the same time to apply a negative pressure and an overpressure.

This applies e.g. B. also for the separation devices preferably the first section and for the separation devices z. B. the second section.

It should be mentioned that the separating element of the respective separating device can preferably have a plurality of holding holes for separating and preferably transporting the seeds to a seed delivery area for releasing separated seeds from the separating element. The seed delivery area can preferably be arranged opposite a pressure differential interruption device (e.g. a (preferably chamber-shaped) sealing structure, a roller, a sealing element, etc.). The pressure difference interruption device can, in particular, interrupt the pressure difference that holds the seed on the separating element, so that seed can be detached from the separating element and introduced into the seed line (preferably via the inlet area). It should also be mentioned that it is possible to supply both the separating devices and the seed-on-demand system with compressed air using a common compressed air generating device.

It should also be mentioned that the agricultural distributing machine can preferably be provided with a compressed air flow that can be adjusted depending on the travel speed and / or the type of seed for transporting individual seeds to the arable land.

The suction line system can, for. B. expediently comprise one or more lines (z. B. pipes, hoses, etc.). Alternatively or in addition, the overpressure line system z. B. expediently comprise one or more lines (z. B. pipes, hoses, etc.).

It is possible that the at least one compressed air generating device z. B. comprises a fan, so that the fan can have the suction side and the pressure side.

But it is also possible that the at least one compressed air generating device z. B. comprises two fans, so that one of the fans can have the suction side and one of the fans can have the pressure side.

The fan or fans can preferably comprise centrifugal or radial fans.

It should be mentioned that the driving speed of the agricultural distributor is essentially z. B. can correspond to the driving speed of a respective row unit and / or the driving speed of a tractor (z. B. tractor) for pulling the agricultural distributor.

The driving speed of the agricultural distributor can, for. B. include the driving speed of a respective row unit.

The at least one compressed air generating device can preferably be connected to the respective separating device, e.g. B. to apply positive pressure and / or negative pressure to the separating element of the respective separating device, preferably at the same time. It is possible that the speed of the compressed air flow in the seed line of the respective singling device is infinitely variable z. B. can be changed by means of the adjusting element, preferably during operation of the agricultural distributing machine. If z. B. the driving speed, the speed of the compressed air flow can also be increased. Slows down e.g. B. the driving speed, the speed of the compressed air flow can also be slowed down.

It is possible that the speed of the compressed air flow in the seed line of the respective singling device depends on the threshold z. B. can be changed by means of the adjusting element, preferably during operation of the agricultural distributing machine. If the driving speed moves z. B. in a range of 10 km / h to 15 km / h, the speed of the compressed air flow can remain unchanged. If the driving speed increases z. B. over 15 km / h, the speed of the compressed air flow can be increased. If the driving speed slows down z. B. below 10 km / h, the speed of the compressed air flow can be slowed down.

However, it is z. B. also possible to preset the speed of the compressed air flow to an unchangeable value predefined for the operation of the agricultural distributing machine (e.g. by means of the distributing element).

The agricultural distributing machine can for the herein mentioned changing, controlling and / or adjusting z. B. a (preferably electronic) control device (z. B. processing unit, job calculator, computer, etc.).

The changing, controlling and / or setting can, for. B. also include an appropriate regulation (in particular in "closed control circuit").

The control device can, for. B. have control functions.

The invention also relates to an operating method for operating an agricultural distributing machine, preferably an agricultural distributing machine as disclosed herein.

The agricultural distributor can, for. B. be designed for precision sowing. As already explained above, the agricultural distributing machine comprises at least one compressed air generating device with a suction side and a pressure side, and a plurality of row units, the respective row unit having a separating device with a rotatable separating element for separating seeds by means of a pressure difference (e.g. carries), wherein the respective separating device is connected to a seed line for transporting separated seeds to the arable land, e.g. B. by means of a compressed air flow and / or in free fall.

The operating method is characterized in particular by the fact that the separating element divides the respective separating device into a negative pressure area and an overpressure area and the negative pressure area is connected to the suction side by means of a suction line system and the positive pressure area is connected to the pressure side by means of an overpressure line system, and that Separating member of the respective separating device is acted upon simultaneously with a negative pressure made available in particular by the suction line system and an overpressure made available in particular by the overpressure line system.

The preferred embodiments and features of the invention described above can expediently be combined with one another. Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of the mode of operation of an embodiment of a part of an agricultural distribution machine according to an embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 shows a part of an agricultural distribution machine according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged detailed view of FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 shows another view of the agricultural distributing machine of FIGS. 2 and 3,

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a separating device according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the separating device of FIG. 5, FIG. 7 an enlarged detailed view of FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of a separating device for an agricultural distributing machine according to another embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an agricultural distributing machine according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 10 shows an enlarged detailed view of FIG. 9, and

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary fan characteristic curve at a constant speed for an agricultural distributing machine according to an embodiment of the invention.

The preferred embodiments of the invention described in the figures partially coincide, the same reference numerals being used for similar or identical parts and reference being made to the description of the other embodiments for their explanation. For the sake of clarity, not all parts are provided with reference symbols in all figures.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of the mode of operation of an embodiment of an agricultural distribution machine 500.

The agricultural distributing machine 500 comprises a large number of row units 200, with a large number of singling devices 10 and with a large number of seed lines 2, which is shown schematically in FIG. 1 by the italic reference symbols 200 + 10 + 2.

For explanatory purposes, however, only one separating device 10 is shown schematically in detail in FIG.

The agricultural distributing machine 500 is designed for single-grain sowing and comprises a compressed air generating device 100 (for example at least one fan, in particular a centrifugal or radial fan) with a suction side 101 and a pressure side 102. The suction side 101 comprises in particular an inlet of the compressed air generation device 100, wherein the pressure side 102 in particular comprises an outlet of the compressed air generation device 100.

The agricultural distribution machine 500 comprises a plurality of row units 200 (e.g. FIGS. 9 and 10), e.g. B. at least 6, at least 8, at least 12, at least 14, at least 16, at least 18 or even at least 20 row units 200. The row units 200 each carry a singling device 10 having a seed line 2.

The row units 200 can furthermore preferably each have a catching device 60 (in particular a catching roller, e.g. FIGS. 6 and 7) for braking the seed dispensed from the seed line 2 of the respective singling device 10 and e.g. B. a seed furrow closing device (z. B. pressure roller) for closing the seed furrow following the placement of the isolated seeds in the seed furrow. The catching devices 60 are used in particular to increase the seed placement quality and prevent z. B. excessive rolling or jumping of given seeds.

The respective separating device 10 comprises a separating housing 11 with a rotatable separating element 1 designed as a perforated disk for separating seeds by means of a pressure difference. The respective separating device 10 is connected to a seed line 2 for transporting separated seeds to the arable land. Individual seeds are transported in the seed line 2 by means of a compressed air flow X, so that the seed can be transported to the arable soil more quickly than in free fall and / or in relation to transport based purely on gravity. However, embodiments such. B. with purely gravity-based transport and thus free fall possible.

The separating element 1 comprises a plurality of fold holes 1.1 for the pressure difference-based separation and transport of the seeds to a seed delivery area 42 for delivering isolated seeds into the seed line 2. The seed delivery area 42 can preferably be opposite a pressure difference interruption device UE (e.g. a ( preferably chamber-shaped) sealing construction, a roller, a sealing element, etc.) can be arranged. The pressure difference interruption device UE can in particular interrupt the pressure difference that holds the seed on the separating element 1, so that the seed can detach from the separating element 1 and be released directly or indirectly into the seed line 2. The reference symbols 44 represent sealing elements (e.g. sealing lips, etc.). A seed supply 41 is used to supply seeds to the separating device 10. The seed supply 41 can, for. B. be fed by a seed container 40 carried and carried along by means of the row unit 200, preferably purely based on gravity (for example shown schematically in FIG. 6). The seed supply 41 can, however, optionally be fed by a seed tank 50 of a seed-on-demand system (SOD system, also called “nursing system”) (e.g. FIG. 2).

A partition 43 (e.g. a grid) provided with one or more holes separates the seed supply 41 from the separating element 1. The partition 43 allows seeds and little or no air and in particular very small particles to pass.

A special feature is z. B. that a speed of the compressed air flow X in the seed line 2 of the respective singling device 10, in particular as a function of a driving speed V of the agricultural distributor 500 (e.g. FIGS. 6 and 7) and preferably depending on the type of seed (e.g. type of seed, shape , Size and / or weight of the seed (z. B. thousand grain weight), in particular the seed grains, etc.) can be changed, preferably preset or controlled by means of a control device.

A special feature is z. B. that the separating element 1 separates the separating device 10 into a negative pressure area 3 (e.g. negative pressure chamber) and an overpressure region 4 (e.g.

Overpressure chamber) and the underpressure area 3 is connected to the suction side 101 by means of a suction line system 5 and the overpressure area 4 is connected to the pressure side 102 by means of an overpressure line system 6, so that the separating element 1 (e.g.

Depending on the driving speed), a negative pressure (p-) made available by the suction line system 5 and an overpressure (p +) made available by the overpressure line system 6 can be acted upon at the same time.

As a result, the separating device 10 can be operated as a hybrid, the separating element 1 being able to be acted upon actively with positive pressure on the one hand and actively with negative pressure on the other.

The compressed air flow X, in particular its speed, can thereby, for. B. can be set essentially independently of the pressure difference applied to the separating element 1. The compressed air flow X, in particular its speed, can thus, for. B. be set independently of the separation function of the separation device 10, in particular without affecting the pressure difference applied to the separation element 1 for separation.

In an extreme case, the overpressure in the overpressure area 4 can even be reduced to essentially 0 mbar and, nevertheless, by means of the underpressure in the underpressure area 3, a sufficient differential pressure for separation can be maintained.

The hybrid concept can be used in different ways.

It is possible that overpressure from the overpressure area 4 is used to contribute to the pressure difference, and furthermore to be used to generate the compressed air flow X in the seed line 2 of the respective singling device 10. The hybrid concept can thus, for. B. can be applied to separating devices as disclosed in WO 2010059 101 A1.

However, it is also possible that the overpressure from the overpressure area 4 does not reach the seed line 2 of the respective singling device 10 and is therefore not used to generate the compressed air flow X in the seed line 2. Rather, the compressed air flow X can be generated by a compressed air supply D2 that is independent of the overpressure in the overpressure chamber 4 (for example FIGS. 2 to 8). The hybrid concept can thus, for. B. can be applied to isolation devices as disclosed in DE 20 2018 006 221 U1.

The respective separating device 10 is connected to the at least one compressed air generating device 100 via a ring line system comprising the suction line system 5 and the overpressure line system 6. The at least one compressed air generating device 100 thus acts on a plurality of ring line systems, in particular connected in parallel, preferably simultaneously with overpressure and underpressure.

The suction side 101 and in particular the suction line system 5 is connected to an air supply device 20 for supplying air from the atmosphere A.

It is possible for the air supply device 20 to have an adjusting element 21 for changing the air supply, e.g. B. to increase or decrease an air volume flow. The controllable adjusting valve can, for. B. be controlled during operation of the distributor 500 to change the air supply, in particular in order to be able to adapt a speed of the compressed air flow X to a driving speed V, if necessary.

The manually adjustable or exchangeable adjustment device can expediently fix the air supply to a setting that is predefined and therefore unchangeable for the operation of the agricultural distributing machine 500.

An amount of air sucked in via the air supply device 20 corresponds essentially to an amount of air exiting from the seed line 2 of the respective singling device 10 by means of the compressed air flow X. An amount of air guided out of the respective separating device 10 by means of the suction line system 5 essentially corresponds to an amount of air guided into the respective separating device 10 by means of the overpressure line system 6. Since leaks L cannot be completely avoided, leakage-dependent deviations in particular are possible in the context of the invention.

The ring line systems consequently provide z. B. represents a substantially closed ring system, with the exception of the air supply by means of the air supply device 20 and the air outlet from the seed lines 2 by means of the compressed air flows X, the air supply essentially compensating for the air outlet.

By changing the air supply (in particular the air volume flow) to the suction side 101 by means of the adjusting element 21, mainly a speed of the compressed air flow X in the seed line 2 of the respective singling device 10 can be changed. The pressure difference of the respective separating device 10 present at the separating element 1 and a speed of the compressed air generating device 100 can, however, remain essentially unchanged for this purpose.

By changing a speed of the compressed air generating device 100, a negative pressure level in the negative pressure area 3 and / or an overpressure level in the overpressure area 4 can mainly be changed, e.g. B. so that the negative pressure level in the negative pressure area 3 and the overpressure level in the overpressure area 4 are mutually equally variable (expediently constantly displaceable), whereby the pressure difference at the separating element 1 can remain essentially constant. Example:

Overpressure level = + 20 mbar; Vacuum level = - 20 mbar; Pressure difference = 40 mbar.

Overpressure level = + 30 mbar; Vacuum level = - 10 mbar; Pressure difference = 40 mbar.

Overpressure level = + 39 mbar; Vacuum level = - 1 mbar; Pressure difference = 40 mbar.

It can be seen: The overpressure can be changed in order to change the compressed air flow X, in particular its speed, without, however, the pressure difference at the separating element

1 to affect, e.g. B. to lower it to too low a level.

In the embodiment shown, the compressed air generating device 100 has a fan which comprises the suction side 101 and the pressure side 102. However, it is possible that two fans are made available, one fan including the suction side 101 and the other fan including the pressure side 102, whereby the available positive and negative pressures in negative pressure area 3 and positive pressure area 4 are flexible and / or independent can be adjusted from each other.

The compressed air generating device 100 and thus in particular a pressure difference at the separating element 1 as well as the adjusting element 21 and thus in particular a speed of the compressed air flow X can be changed as a function of at least one control parameter.

An important control parameter is e.g. B. a driving speed V of the agricultural distributor 500. So it is z. B. possible to set a speed of the compressed air generating device 100 and / or the adjusting element 21 depending on the driving speed.

It is particularly preferred that a speed of the compressed air flow X in the seed line

2 by means of the adjusting element 21, in particular as a function of a driving speed V (e.g. FIGS. 6 and 7) and e.g. B. can be changed depending on the type of seed, namely in such a way that a horizontal (exit) speed component Vh of the seed output from the seed line 2 can be adapted to the driving speed V (e.g. increased or slowed), e.g. B. to enable a relative speed between the horizontal (exit) speed component Vh and the driving speed V of less than 25km / h, less than 20 km / h, less than 15km / h or less than 10km / h. Even an adjustment can advantageously be made possible (e.g. relative speed approximately 0 km / h; V essentially equal to Vh). As a result, it is advantageously possible to dispense with catching devices 60 for braking the seed dispensed from the seed line 2 of the respective singling device 10.

The agricultural distributing machine 500 can be operable in a first operating mode and preferably a second operating mode.

In the first operating mode, isolated seeds can be transported in particular into a seed furrow in the arable soil. The exit speed of the separated seeds in the first operating mode is adapted to the driving speed V of the agricultural distributor 500 that braking by means of a respective catching device 60 is not necessary and the respective catching device 60 is present in the first operating mode, but can be deactivated, e.g. B. in a position in which it is not in contact with the ground. It is also z.

B. possible that the respective row unit 200 is made available without interception devices 60 in the first operating mode.

In the second operating mode, isolated seeds can also be transported into a seed furrow in the field. However, the exit speed of the separated seeds is so high in the second operating mode that the seed dispensed is braked by means of a respective catching device 60 which is preferably in contact with the ground.

In the first operating mode and in the second operating mode, after the seed has been dispensed, the seed furrow can be closed by a respective seed furrow closing device (e.g. a pressure roller).

Especially in the case of agricultural distributing machines 500 with a large number of row units 200 (e.g.

B. more than 20 row units) and thus a large working width, the fact that when cornering inside row units 200 have a lower driving speed (short path) than outside row units 200 (long path), the seed in the edge areas can only is distributed unsatisfactorily.

A control parameter can thus e.g. B. include different travel speeds of a row unit 200 on the inside of the curve and a row unit 200 on the outside of the curve while the agricultural distributor 500 is cornering. It is possible here for an average speed of the compressed air flow X to be determined, which is necessary for a satisfactory distribution of both the row units 200 on the outside of the curve and the row units on the inside Row units 200 provides. However, it is also possible that the

Compressed air generating device 100 z. B. can comprise several fans and / or several adjusting elements 21 are provided in order to be able to provide a not only satisfactory but also an optimal speed of the compressed air flow X for the row units 200 on the outside of the curve and for row units 200 on the inside of the curve.

The agricultural distribution machine 500 can, for. B. have at least two detection devices (z. B. sensors) for detecting a driving speed of a row unit 200 on the inside of the curve and a row unit 200 on the outside of the curve in order to detect their different driving speeds when cornering.

The control parameter can alternatively or additionally include: a seed variety (e.g. species,

Shape, weight (e.g. thousand grain weight) and / or size of the seed grains, etc.), a sowing depth of the seed, especially in a seed furrow, soil conditions (e.g. creditworthiness, moisture,

Type etc.) and / or whether a catching device 60 (e.g. FIGS. 6 and 7) is used or not to brake individual seeds dispensed from the seed line 2.

An input device can be made available by means of which an operator can input one or more control parameters manually. However, a detection system for the automatic detection of one or more control parameters (e.g. changing driving speed, moisture meter, etc.) can also be provided.

FIG. 2 shows part of an agricultural distributing machine 500, while FIG. 3 shows an enlarged detailed view of FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 shows another view of the agricultural distributing machine 500. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view in particular of a separating device 10, while FIG. 6 shows a side view in particular of the separating device from FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 shows an enlarged detailed view of FIG. FIG. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of a separating device 10, which, however, is somewhat modified compared to the separating device 10 shown in FIG. The agricultural distributing machine 500 is described below with common reference to FIGS. 2 to 8.

The overpressure line system 6 forms a first compressed air supply Dl into the overpressure area 4 in order to contribute to the pressure difference at the separating element 1 of the respective separating device 10. However, essentially no overpressure reaches the seed line 2 of the respective singling device 10 from the overpressure area 4. Rather, the compressed air flow X can be generated by a compressed air supply D2 which is independent of the overpressure in the overpressure area 4, in particular a separate one.

The seed line 2 comprises an inlet area KE for the inlet of isolated seeds, the inlet area KE being formed in a jacket surface of the seed line 2, specifically in a radially outer partial area of a curved section of the seed line 2.

The second compressed air supply D2 is made available in order to generate the compressed air flow X in the seed line 2 of the respective singling device 10.

The overpressure line system 6 preferably forms not only the first compressed air supply D1, but also the second compressed air supply D2.

It is preferred that the overpressure line system 6 is divided in a division area 6.1 into the first compressed air supply Dl and the second compressed air supply D2, so that the first compressed air supply Dl and the second compressed air supply D2 together with the overpressure line system 6 and in particular the compressed air generating device 100 Compressed air can be supplied.

It is possible that a flow barrier and / or a Coanda effect is set up along the inlet area KE of the seed line 2 of the respective singling device 10 and / or compressed air from the first compressed air supply D1 in the overpressure area 4 and compressed air from the second compressed air supply D2 in the seed line 2 (Compressed air flow X) act on one another, so that compressed air from the first compressed air supply D1 and thus compressed air in the overpressure area 4 is essentially prevented from penetrating into the seed line 2 via the inlet area KE.

The compressed air required for the compressed air flow X is thus made available essentially exclusively by the second compressed air supply D2.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed view of an outlet region of a seed line 2 and a field soil (in particular a seed furrow) in which the separated seeds are distributed. The seed line 2 preferably has an output setting angle a of less than 30 ° relative to a horizontal arable soil, so that, for. B. issued seeds can be deposited at a preferably acute angle and relatively flat on the soil (z. B. seed furrow).

The seed discharged from the seed line 2 (e.g. shooting out or exiting) has a horizontal exit velocity component Vh and a vertical exit velocity component Vv, which form an exit total velocity component Vg.

The reference symbol V denotes a driving speed, e.g. B. the respective row unit 200 and / or the agricultural distribution machine 500. The driving speed V can, for. B. be about 15 km / h, z. B. +/- 5 km / h.

The speed of the compressed air flow X in the seed line 2 can in particular be set so that the horizontal exit speed component Vh of the seeds emerging from the seed line 2 can be adapted to the driving speed V, e.g. B. a relative speed between the travel speed V and the horizontal exit speed component Vh can be generated, in which there is no need for a safety catch 60 for braking the seed output from the seed line 2, e.g. B. a relative speed of less than 25 km / h, less than 20 km / h, less than 10 km / h or even about 0 km / h.

It is possible that the speed of the compressed air flow in the seed line of the respective singling device is infinitely variable z. B. is controllable by means of the adjusting element 21, preferably during the operation of the agricultural distributor 500. B. the driving speed V, the speed of the compressed air flow X can also be increased. Slows down e.g. B. the driving speed V, the speed of the compressed air flow can also be slowed down.

The speed of the compressed air flow X in the seed line 2 of the respective singling device 10 can in particular be changed in a threshold-dependent or stepless manner by means of the adjusting element 21, preferably when the agricultural distributing machine 500 is operated by means of a control device. If the driving speed V z. B. in a predefined range, approximately between 10 km / h and 15 km / h, the speed of the compressed air flow X z. B. remain essentially unchanged. However, if the driving speed V increases z. B. over 15 km / h, the speed of the compressed air flow X can be increased. If the driving speed V z slows down. B. below 10 km / h, the speed of the compressed air flow X can be slowed down.

However, it is also possible for the speed of the compressed air flow X to be changed continuously with the travel speed V, which can also be implemented by a corresponding control of the adjusting element 21 by means of a control device.

Furthermore, the speed of the compressed air flow X can also be set to an unchangeable value predefined for the operation of the agricultural distributing machine 500, preferably likewise by means of the adjusting element 21.

One or more sensors 30 can be provided for detecting a speed of the compressed air flow X in or downstream of the seed line 2 and / or for detecting a speed of the seed in or downstream of the seed line 2. The sensors 30 are expediently positioned at the end of the seed line.

FIG. 6 shows, very schematically, a seed container 40 carried by means of a row unit 200, which is used to carry seeds and has a seed feed 41 in order to be able to feed the seed to the respective singling device 10.

However, FIGS. 2 to 8 relate in particular to an agricultural distribution machine 500 with an advantageous seed-on-demand system (nursing system). The seed-on-demand system may include a compressed air generating structure 300 having an inlet side 301 and an outlet side 302. The inlet side 301 can suck in air from the atmosphere and / or be connected to the overpressure line system 6 by means of a line system 52 in order to be supplied with air from the overpressure line system 6. The outlet side 302 acts on a conveying system 51 with a conveying air flow in order to convey seeds from a central seed tank 50 to the row units 200 by means of the conveying air flow. The seed can expediently be conveyed directly into the separating devices 10 or expediently indirectly via intermediate containers. It is preferred that the The conveying air flow does not get into the separating devices 10 or only to a negligible extent. For this purpose, the conveying air flow upstream of the separating devices 10, for. B. escape via vents.

FIG. 9 shows an agricultural distributing machine 500, FIG. 10 showing an enlarged detailed view of FIG.

First again with regard to FIG. 2 ff. FIG. 2 ff. Shows only two examples

Isolation devices 10, preferred agricultural distributing machines 500 z. B. at least 6, at least 8, at least 12, at least 14, at least 16, at least 18 or even at least 20 isolation devices 10, all of which, as shown in Figure 2 ff, can be acted upon by a common compressed air generating device 100 with overpressure and underpressure.

It is also possible, however, for an agricultural distributing machine 500 to include several separating systems as shown in FIG. 2 ff.

A first isolation system can, for. B. comprise at least 2, at least 3, at least 4 or at least 6 separating devices 10, which are acted upon by a first compressed air generating device 100 with overpressure and underpressure.

A second isolation system can, for. B. at least 2, at least 3, at least 4 or at least 6 separating devices 10, which are acted upon by a second compressed air generating device 100 with overpressure and negative pressure.

In this way, an agricultural distributing machine 500 that can be controlled in a section-dependent manner can be created.

The section-dependent controllable agricultural distributing machine 500 can have at least two separating systems, each of which can be designed as disclosed herein and / or can be operated independently of one another.

Thus, a first compressed air generating device 100 and a second

Compressed air generating device 100 each having a suction side 101 and a pressure side 102 are provided. Several separating devices 10 are assigned to a first section S1.

Several separating devices 10 are assigned to a second section S2.

The isolation devices 10 of the first section S1 are preferably connected to the first compressed air generation device 100 by means of first ring line systems and the isolation devices 10 of the second section S2 are preferably connected to the second compressed air generation device 100 by means of second ring line systems.

Is possible z. B that the suction side 101 of the first compressed air generating device 100 is connected to a first air supply device 20, preferably comprising an adjusting element 21 for changing the air supply, for supplying air from the atmosphere A, and the suction side 101 of the second compressed air generating device 100 with a second, preferably an adjusting element 21 for changing the air supply comprising air supply device 20 for supplying air from the atmosphere A is in connection.

In particular, it is possible that the separating devices 10 of the first section S1 and the separating devices 10 of the second section S2 can be operated independently of one another, e.g. B. can be operated with different pressure differences. Also z. B. the seed lines 2 of the first section S1 and the seed lines 2 of the second section S2 are operated with compressed air flows X having different speeds.

The separating devices 10 of the first section S1 are assigned to a first preferably pivotable frame structure F1 and the separating devices 10 of the second section S2 are assigned to a second preferably pivotable frame structure F2.

Reference number 400 denotes a tractor (e.g. tractor) for pulling the agricultural distributing machine 500.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary characteristic curve (in particular pressure difference) of a compressed air generating device 100 (e.g. fan, in particular radial or centrifugal fan) at a constant speed for an agricultural distributing machine 500 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11 shows e.g. B .:

Volume flow: 0 m3 / min - Dr: 39.8 mbar Volume flow: 27.6 m3 / min - Dr: 39.3 mbar Volume flow: 39.7 m3 / min - Dr: 39.8 mbar Volume flow: 57.8 m3 / min - Dr: 28.4 mbar Volume flow: 74.2 m3 / min - Dr: 10.5 mbar Volume flow: 79.4 m3 / min - Dr: 2.5 mbar It can be seen that despite different volume flows (especially air volumes) a Pressure difference can be kept essentially constant, which in the exemplary illustration applies in particular to volume flows between approximately 0 to approximately 40 m3 / min.

When adding a larger volume flow (in particular amount of air) to the suction side 101, the pressure difference at the separating element 1 of the respective separating device 10 can be kept essentially constant and the speed of the compressed air flows X (in particular shot speed) can be regulated, preferably without having to change the fan speed. It should also be mentioned that a differential pressure at the separating element 1 of the respective separating device 10 is expediently greater than a differential pressure between an inlet and an outlet of the seed line 10 of the respective separating device 10.

The invention is not restricted to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a large number of variants and modifications are possible which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In addition, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the subclaims regardless of the features and claims referred to. List of reference symbols

1 separating element, preferably separating disc

1.1 holding holes

2 seed line

3 vacuum area, preferably vacuum chamber

4 overpressure area, preferably overpressure chamber

5 suction line system

6 overpressure piping system

10 Separation device

11 Separation housing

20 feed device, preferably air feed device

21 adjustment element

30 sensor

40 seed hoppers

41 Seed supply

42 Seed delivery area

43 partition

44 sealing element, e.g. B. sealing lips

50 seed tank, preferably central seed tank and / or SOD seed tank

51 conveyor system, preferably seed conveyor system and / or SOD conveyor system

52 pipe system, preferably SOD pipe system

60 Air-termination system

100 compressed air generation device

101 suction side, preferably inlet

102 pressure side, preferably outlet

200 row unit

300 Compressed air generation structure, especially SOD compressed air generation structure

301 inlet side

302 exhaust side

400 tractor for pulling the agricultural distribution machine

500 agricultural distributor

X Compressed air flow, preferably shot air flow

V driving speed Vh horizontal speed component, in particular horizontal seed exit speed component

Vv vertical speed component, in particular vertical seed outlet speed component Vg total speed component, in particular seed total outlet

Speed component

UE differential pressure interruption device

L leakage

S1 Section S2 Section Fl Frame Construction F2 Frame Construction a Output angle of attack

Claims

EXPECTATIONS

1. Agricultural distributing machine (500), preferably for single grain sowing, with: at least one compressed air generating device (100) with a suction side (101) and a pressure side (102), and a plurality of row units (200), the respective row unit (200) having a Separating device (10) with a rotatable separating element (1) for separating seeds by means of a pressure difference, the respective separating device (10) being connected to a seed line (2) for transporting separated seeds by means of a compressed air flow (X) and / or outdoors Case to the arable land, characterized in that the separating element (1) divides the respective separating device (10) into a negative pressure area (3) and an overpressure area (4) and the negative pressure area (3) by means of a suction line system (5) with the suction side ( 101) is connected and the overpressure area (4) is connected to the pressure side (10 2) is connected in order to apply negative pressure and positive pressure to the separating element (1) of the respective separating device (10) at the same time.

2. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to claim 1, characterized in that overpressure from the overpressure area (4) is used to contribute to the pressure difference and to control the compressed air flow (X) in the seed line (2) of the respective singling device (10) to create.

3. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seed line (2) of the respective singling device (10) has an inlet area (KE) for the inlet of isolated seeds and preferably the inlet area (KE) in a jacket surface of the seed line (2) of the respective separating device (10) is formed.

4. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overpressure line system (6) forms a first compressed air supply (Dl) in the overpressure area (4) of the respective separating device (10) in order to contribute to the pressure difference, and a second compressed air supply (D2) is made available to the compressed air flow (X) to be generated in the seed line (2) of the respective separating device (10).

5. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to claim 4, characterized in that the second compressed air supply (D2) is supplied with compressed air from the overpressure line system (6) and / or in a division area (6.1) to the overpressure line system (6) connected.

6. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that a flow barrier and / or a Coanda effect is set along the inlet area (KE) and / or compressed air from the first compressed air supply (Dl) and compressed air from the second compressed air supply (D2) interact so that compressed air from the first compressed air supply (Dl) is prevented from entering the seed line (2) of the respective singling device (10) via the inlet area (KE).

7. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective separating device (10) has a ring line system comprising the suction line system (5) and the overpressure line system (6) with the at least one compressed air generating device (100). is connected, preferably in such a way that the at least one compressed air generating device (100) acts on a plurality of ring line systems, preferably connected in parallel, with overpressure and underpressure.

8. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a speed of the compressed air flow (X) in the seed line (2) of the respective separating device (10) as a function of a driving speed (V) of the agricultural distributing machine (500) and / or seed types can be changed as a function of, preferably controllable and / or preset.

9. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction side (101) of the at least one

Compressed air generating device (100) and / or the suction line system (5) is connected to at least one air supply device (20) for supplying air from the atmosphere (A).

10. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one air supply device (20) has an adjusting element (21) for changing the air supply.

11. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to claim 10, characterized in that the adjusting element (21) comprises a controllable adjusting valve and / or comprises a manually adjustable adjusting device and / or comprises a manually exchangeable adjusting device.

12. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an amount of air guided by means of the suction line system (5) from the respective separating device (10) is essentially one by means of the overpressure line system (6) into the respective separating device (10) corresponds to the amount of air guided, and an amount of air supplied via the at least one air supply device (20) essentially corresponds to an amount of air exiting from the seed line (2) of the respective singling device (10).

13. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that a speed of the compressed air flow (X) in the seed line (2) of the respective separating device (10) can be changed by changing the air supply by means of the adjusting element (21) , but preferably the pressure difference at the separating element (1) of the respective separating device (10) and / or a speed of the at least one compressed air generating device (100) remains essentially unchanged.

14. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by changing a speed of the at least one compressed air generating device (100) a negative pressure level in the negative pressure area (3) and / or an overpressure level in the overpressure area (4) of the respective separating device (10 ) is changeable, preferably so that the negative pressure level in the negative pressure area (3) and the positive pressure level in the positive pressure area (4) can be changed equally to one another, whereby the pressure difference at the separating element (1) of the respective separating device (10) remains essentially constant.

15. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one compressed air generating device (100) and / or the adjusting element (21) can be set as a function of at least one control parameter and the at least one control parameter comprises at least one of the following: a travel speed (V) of the agricultural distributing machine (500), preferably of the respective row unit (200), a seed type, a sowing depth of the seed,

Arable soil conditions, whether a catching device (60) is used to brake the seed dispensed from the seed line (2) of the respective singling device (10) or not, different travel speeds of a row unit (200) on the inside of the curve and a row unit (200) on the outside of the curve during cornering of the agricultural Distributor (500), a speed of the compressed air flow (X) in or downstream of the seed line (2) of the respective singling device (10), a speed of the seed in or downstream of the seed line (2) of the respective singling device (10).

16. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of claims 8 to 15, characterized in that an input device is provided by means of which an operator can enter information about the seed variety and / or the at least one control parameter, and / or a detection system for the automatic Detection of the driving speed (V) of the agricultural distributing machine (500), information about the seed variety and / or the at least one control parameter is made available.

17. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the agricultural distributing machine (500) has at least two detection devices for detecting a driving speed of at least two row units (200) in order to detect different driving speeds of a row unit (200) on the inside of a curve when cornering. and a row unit (200) on the outside of the curve.

18. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a speed of the compressed air flow (X) in the Seed line (2) of the respective singling device (10) can be changed as a function of a driving speed (V) of the agricultural distributor (500) and / or seed types, preferably by means of the adjusting element (21), by an in particular horizontal speed component (Vh) from the seed line (2) to adapt the seed dispensed to the respective singling device (10) to the driving speed (V) or to substantially equalize it.

19. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to claim 18, that the especially horizontal speed component (Vh) is adapted to the driving speed (V) so that a relative speed between the driving speed (V) and the especially horizontal speed component (Vh) is less than 25 km / h, less than 20 km / h, less than 15 km / h or less than 10 km / h.

20. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a speed of the compressed air flow (X) in the seed line (2) of the respective separating device (10) is independent of the pressure difference at the separating element (1) of the respective separating device (10) ) is changeable, and / or is changeable independently of a speed of the at least one compressed air generating device (100).

21. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, depending on a driving speed (V) of the agricultural distributing machine (500), the separating element (1) of the respective separating device (10) preferably at the same time with a negative pressure and an overpressure the at least one compressed air generating device (100) can be acted upon.

22. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the agricultural distributing machine (500) has at least one sensor (30) for detecting a speed of the compressed air flow (X) in or downstream of the seed line (2) of the respective separating device (10) and / or at least one sensor (30) for detecting a speed of the seed in or downstream of the seed line (2) of the respective separating device (10).

23. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seed line (2) of the respective separating device (10) has an output setting angle (a) of less than 70 °, less than 60 ° or less than 40 ° and / or greater than 10 ° relative to a horizontal arable soil.

24. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective row unit (200) carries a seed container (40) for carrying seeds and / or the agricultural distributing machine (500) has a seed-on-demand system having.

25. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the agricultural distributing machine (500) has a compressed air generating structure (300) with an inlet side (301) and an outlet side (302), the inlet side (301) having air out the atmosphere or is connected to the overpressure line system (6) by means of a line system (52) in order to be supplied with air from the overpressure line system (6), and / or the outlet side (302) is a conveyor system (51) acted upon by a conveying air flow in order to convey seeds from a seed tank (50) to the respective row unit (200) by means of the conveying air flow.

26. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to claim 25, characterized in that the compressed air generating structure (300) and the seed tank (50) form part of a seed-on-demand system.

27. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the agricultural distributing machine (500) has a first compressed air generating device (100) and a second compressed air generating device (100) each with a suction side (101) and a respective pressure side (102). comprises, wherein several separating devices (10) are assigned to a first section (Sl) and several separating devices (10) are assigned to a second section (S2), and wherein the separating devices (10) of the first section (Sl) with the first

Compressed air generating device (100) are connected and wherein the separating devices (10) of the second section (S2) are connected to the second compressed air generating device (100).

28. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to claim 27, characterized in that the suction side (101) of the first compressed air generating device (100) with a first, preferably an adjusting element (21) for changing the air supply comprising, air supply device (20) for supplying air from the Atmosphere (A) is in connection, and the suction side (101) of the second compressed air generating device (100) with a second, preferably an adjusting element (21) for changing the air supply comprising, air supply device (20) for air supply from the atmosphere (A) in connection stands.

29. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the separating devices (10) of the first section (S1) and the separating devices (10) of the second section (S2) can be operated independently of one another, and / or the separating devices (10) of the first section (Sl) and the separating devices (10) of the second section (S2) can be operated with different pressure differences, and / or the seed lines (2) of the first section (Sl) and the seed lines (2) of the second section (S2) can be operated with compressed air flows (X) having different speeds.

30. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the separating devices (10) of the first section (S1) are assigned to a first preferably pivotable frame structure (F1) and the separating devices (10) of the second section ( S2) are assigned to a second preferably pivotable frame structure (F2).

31. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one compressed air generating device (100) is connected to the respective separating device (10) in order to supply the separating element (1) of the respective separating device (10) with overpressure and preferably to apply negative pressure, and / or has a fan comprising the suction side (101) and the pressure side (102), or has two fans, one fan comprising the suction side (101) and one fan comprising the pressure side (102).

32. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a display device is provided to show an operator pressure values of the respective separating device (10) and / or speed values of the compressed air flow (X) and / or of the seeds in the Display the seed line (2) of the respective separating device (10).

33. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the traveling speed (V) of the agricultural distributing machine (500) comprises a traveling speed (V) of the respective row unit (200).

34. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of claims 8 to 33, characterized in that a speed of the compressed air flow (X) in the seed line (2) of the respective singling device (10) can be changed continuously or as a function of the threshold value, preferably by means of the adjusting element ( 21), or can be preset to an unchangeable value that is predefined for the operation of the agricultural distributing machine (500).

35. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a differential pressure at the separating element (1) of the respective separating device (10) is greater than a differential pressure between an inlet and an outlet of the seed line (2) of the respective separating device ( 10).

36. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective row unit (200) has a catching device (60) for braking the seed dispensed from the seed line (2) of the respective separating device (10).

37. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the agricultural distributing machine (500) can be operated in a first operating mode and / or in a second operating mode, wherein in the first operating mode isolated seeds are at a speed (V ) the agricultural distributing machine (500) adapted or substantially adapted, in particular horizontal speed components (Vh) is output, so that preferably a catching device (60) for braking the seed dispensed from the seed line (2) of the respective singling device (10) is not required, wherein, preferably in the second operating mode, singled seeds are dispensed to the arable land and are braked by means of a respective catching device (60).

38. Agricultural distributing machine (500) according to claim 37, characterized in that in the first operating mode the catching device (60) of the respective row unit (200) is mounted on the respective row unit (200) in a position in which it is deactivated and / or is not in contact with the ground, or the respective row unit (200) does not have an interception device (60) in the first operating mode.

39. Operating method for operating an agricultural distributing machine (500), preferably an agricultural distributing machine (500) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: at least one compressed air generating device (100) with a suction side (101) and a pressure side (102), and a plurality of Row units (200), the respective row unit (200) having a separating device (10) with a rotating separating element (1) for separating seeds by means of a pressure difference, the respective separating device (10) being connected to a seed line (2) for Transporting separated seeds by means of a compressed air flow (X) and / or in free fall to the arable soil, characterized in that the separating element (1) divides the respective separating device (10) into a negative pressure area (3) and an overpressure area (4) and the negative pressure area ( 3) by means of a suction line system (5) with the suction side (101) is connected and the overpressure area (4) is connected to the pressure side (102) by means of an overpressure line system (6), and the separating element (1) of the respective separating device (10) at the same time with a through the suction line system (5 ) made available negative pressure and an overpressure made available by the overpressure line system (6) is acted upon.