DISPOSITIVO DE SINGULAÇÃO

Abstract

The invention relates to an agricultural singulation device (5) for singulating granular material, in particular seeds and / or fertiliser. In illustrative embodiments, the singulation device (5) comprises: a housing having a shaft (W) which is rotatably mounted inside the housing and defines an axis of rotation (D); and a singulating element (7) that is accommodated in an interior space defined in the housing. The singulating element (7) is coupled to the shaft (W) so that the singulating element (7) is rotatably mounted relative to the housing. Furthermore, the singulating element (7) is positioned in the housing in such a way that a first region and a second region are defined in the housing, and a pressure difference can be generated between these regions in order to cause granular material to accumulate in the first region against the singulating element. The singulation device (5) also comprises, in the second region, a labyrinth seal (20) that is formed by a first sealing portion (22) formed on a periphery of the singulating element (7) and a second sealing portion (24) on one or more inner walls of the housing such that the first sealing portion (22) and the second sealing portion (24) are interlocking structures without mechanical contact.

Description

1 / 43 Singulation device

[0001] The invention relates to an agricultural singulation device for singulation of particulate matter according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] For a farmer, optimizing productivity and costs in agricultural operations is of great importance; this requires applying seeds with the greatest possible precision in terms of the quantity dispensed and the spatial distribution of seeds on agricultural land. To this end, a variety of agricultural implements are known, for example, towed and / or mounted implements. Such implements include, inter alia, agricultural seeders that serve to distribute particulate material, in particular seeds and / or fertilizers, in an agricultural field. To this end, such seeders comprise, in addition to at least one suitable reservoir for storing the particulate material, at least one transport device, in particular pneumatic, to supply the particulate material to at least one singulation device disposed on the seeder.In other embodiments, the particulate matter may alternatively or additionally be supplied to the singulation device from the reservoir by gravity. The singulation device is configured to singulate, at least partially, the supplied particulate matter and, depending on the type of particulate matter, in particular seeds and / or fertilizers, discharge it towards the agricultural field in a manner appropriate to demand.

[0003] Depending on the type or variety, particulate matter must be applied across the field at different seeding rates and / or spacings. To meet this need with generic devices, several approaches Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 12 / 70 2 / 43 are known from the state of the art, for example, known single-seed (precision) seeders, as described in each of DE 10 2007 062 968 A1, EP 0 329 095 A1, EP 2 375 880 A1 and EP 3 735 814 A1.

[0004] Typically, a known single seed seeder comprises a singulation device for seed singulation, disposed in a housing. The singulation device comprises a singulation element made of plastic, rotatably driven by a shaft, and a rotating plate that is in sliding mechanical contact with the singulation element, wherein the rotating plate and the singulation disc are not rigidly connected to each other. When the singulation disc rotates, the rotating plate is also set in rotation and driven by the mechanical contact with the singulation disc, so that, in this sense, the mechanical contact between the singulation disc and the rotating plate provides a sliding seal.

[0005] In the known singulation device, the interior of the housing is divided by the singulation element into two regions, so that a pressure differential can be generated in the housing between a first region and a second region by means of a blower. Typically, the singulation element has, along its circumferential direction and / or in its outer region near the circumferential line, passage openings at regular intervals, suitable for transporting individual grains of particulate product. The passage openings provide spatial connections between the first and second regions of the housing. Due to the pressure differential, the grains adhere to these passage openings. In addition, in a suitable location, the singulation device has a cover element which, Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 13 / 70 3 / 43 by temporarily covering the passage openings, it interrupts the pressure differential and thus prevents the continuous adhesion of the grains transported through the passage openings.

[0006] There is a continuing need to optimize the accuracy in seed and / or fertilizer placement by seeders without complex construction and with low wear, while providing high service life and maintenance-free operation of the seeders with a good cost-benefit ratio.

[0007] This objective is achieved by an agricultural singulation device for singulation of particulate matter according to claim 1. Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, an agricultural singulation device is provided for singulation of particulate material, in particular seeds and / or fertilizers. In illustrative embodiments, in this aspect, the singulation device comprises a housing with a shaft rotatably mounted within the housing, which defines a rotation axis, a bell element and a singulation element that is received in the housing and coupled to the shaft inside, such that the singulation element is rotatably mounted relative to the housing and has a plurality of passage openings extending through the singulation element.The singulation element is arranged in the housing so that the interior of the housing is divided into a first housing region acting as an overpressure region during the operation of the singulation element and a second housing region acting as an underpressure region during the operation of the singulation element. A pressure differential can be generated between the first region. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 14 / 70 4 / 43 and the second region to cause the particulate material to adhere to the singulation element in the first region relative to the second region. The singulation device also has a labyrinth seal in the second region, which is formed by a first sealing section on a circumference of the singulation element and a second sealing section on one or more inner walls of the housing, so that the first sealing section and the second sealing section are interconnected structures without mechanical contact.

[0009] In a second aspect of the invention, an agricultural singulation device is provided for singulation of particulate material, in particular seeds and / or fertilizers. The singulation device comprises a housing with a housing assembly and a cover assembly mounted in a removable manner in the housing assembly, and a singulation element housed in a defined interior in the housing. In this case, the housing assembly or the cover assembly has a rotatably mounted shaft (which defines an axis of rotation), and the singulation element is coupled to the shaft so that the singulation element is rotatably mounted relative to the housing. Furthermore, the singulation element is arranged in the housing so that a first region is defined between the singulation element and the housing assembly.Furthermore, the singulation element is arranged in the housing in such a way that a second region is defined between the singulation element and the cover assembly, making it possible to generate a pressure differential between these regions to cause the adhesion of the particulate material to the singulation element. The singulation device also has a... Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 15 / 70 5 / 43 labyrinth design that is formed by a first sealing section in a circumference of the singulation element and a second sealing section in the cover assembly, such that the first and second sealing sections are interconnected structures without mechanical contact.

[0010] A singulation device, according to the first and second aspects of the invention, has a simplified construction, since elements such as a rotating plate can be omitted, and has an advantageous service life and maintenance-free operation, dispensing with sliding components and, in particular, sliding seals. Thus, such a singulation device is economically viable.

[0011] In illustrative embodiments of the various aspects of the invention, an agricultural singulation device is provided for singulation of particulate material, in particular seeds and / or fertilizers. As described above, the singulation device may comprise a housing with a housing assembly having a rotatably mounted shaft that defines an axis of rotation and a cover assembly mounted in a removable manner on the housing assembly. The singulation device further comprises a singulation element that is housed in a defined interior in the housing. The singulation element is coupled to the shaft in such a way that the singulation element is rotatably mounted relative to the housing. Thus, the shaft and the singulation element rotate, while the housing with its components remains stationary.

[0012] Furthermore, in the second aspect, as described above, the singulation element can be arranged in the housing so that a first region is defined between the element Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 16 / 70 6 / 43 of singulation and the housing assembly, and a second region is defined between the singulation element and the cover assembly. For example, the cover assembly may comprise a housing cover which, together with the housing assembly, defines the interior of the housing, with the second region defined between the housing cover and the singulation element.

[0013] In the various aspects of the invention, as described above, a pressure differential can be generated within the housing between the first and second regions by means of a pressure reservoir. A pressure reservoir can provide overpressure or underpressure. For example, a pressure reservoir can be implemented by a blower or a vacuum source, by a container containing a pressurized fluid, by a pump, etc. Advantageously, on the seed side of the singulation element (i.e., the side of the singulation element to which the seed is supplied during operation), a higher pressure is applied than on the side of the singulation element opposite the seed side, so that the seed grains are moved into the holes of the singulation element and adhere to them due to the pressure differential.

[0014] In several aspects of the invention, the singulation element has a radial row of passage openings — for example, passage openings arranged at regular intervals in the radial row — to transport individual grains of particulate material. The passage openings provide spatial connections between the first and second regions of the housing and, due to the pressure differential, the grains adhere to these openings. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 17 / 70 7 / 43

[0015] This makes it advantageously possible to optimize singulation quality by adjusting the pressure differential for different seed geometries to be applied; pressure differential grain singulation in operation can be more reliable and less sensitive to different grain geometries than mechanical volume singulation, such as by scoops and / or pockets.

[0016] A radial row denotes a row of passage openings with a constant radius from a central point of the singulation element, for example, a penetration point where the axis of rotation defined by the shaft passes through the singulation element. Additional radial rows with different radii and, optionally, different sizes and / or spacings of passage openings may be provided. As a result, the singulation element can be used to apply a larger quantity of seeds or seeds of different grain sizes. A pressure orientation can also be defined through the passage openings.

[0017] In the illustrative examples presented here, the singulation element may have, along its circumferential direction, that is, in the azimuthal direction, and / or in its external region near the circumferential line, passage openings at regular intervals. The passage openings may provide spatial connections between the first and second regions of the housing, and the cores may adhere to these openings due to the pressure differential.

[0018] In addition, in the various aspects of the invention, as described above, the singulation device also has a labyrinth seal, formed by a first sealing section. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 18 / 70 8 / 43 in a circumference of the singulation element and a second sealing section on one or more internal walls of the housing, for example, in the cover assembly inside the housing, so that the first sealing section and the second sealing section are interconnected structures without mechanical contact. Thus, the labyrinth seal provides sealing in the singulation device housing between the first and second regions, maintaining a durable and wear-free seal.

[0019] The first sealing section formed in the singulation element and the second sealing section formed in the housing, for example, in the cover assembly, provide a contactless seal between the singulation element and at least one inner wall of the housing, for example, of the cover assembly, wherein the sealing effect of the labyrinth seal is obtained by extending a flow path through the first and second sealing sections into a gap to be sealed between the singulation element and at least one inner wall of the housing, for example, of the cover assembly. In combination, in the assembled housing, the first and second sealing sections provide a substantially increased flow resistance relative to the gap to be sealed.In other words, in the assembled housing, the first and second sealing sections act together as a labyrinth seal, so that the interlocking or meshing of the first and second sealing sections in the housing between the rotating singulation element and the cover assembly attached to it provides a sealing effect. For example, with the meshing, the first and second sealing sections can cause turbulence in a labyrinth structure formed by them. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 19 / 70 9 / 43 interlocking sealing sections, so that the labyrinth seal already achieves sufficient sealing without additional sealing compounds and / or sliding seals. A friction-free and wear-free seal is provided in the singulation device in a simple manner. Here, the labyrinth seal can be formed by the interlocking of curved rib structures, the curved rib structures in the first and second sealing sections being formed in such a way that, despite the curvature, they are arranged in a contactless coupling engagement when the housing assembly and the cover assembly are mounted in the housing.With curved ribs, it can be advantageous for the ribs to be elastic, so that when the singulation element is inserted into the housing or when the cover assembly is mounted on the housing assembly, the first and second sealing sections can slide over each other, despite the mutual notches, in order to achieve the contactless coupling arrangement. In contrast, linearly formed ribs, i.e., without curvature, provide simplified assembly, since with linear ribs there are no recesses in the ribs of the different sealing sections.

[0020] In various illustrative embodiments of the first and / or second aspects of the invention, the singulation element may be provided as a singulation element formed at least in part in the form of a hollow drum or cylinder, or as a cup, or in the form of a disc, such as a singulation drum, a singulation cup or a singulation disc.

[0021] In illustrative examples where the singulation device has a singulation element of the singulation drum type, the labyrinth seal is formed in such a way that a Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 20 / 70 10 / 43 The first sealing section of the labyrinth seal is formed circumferentially on an outer surface of the mantle around the singulation drum, and a second sealing section of the labyrinth seal, which is engaged with it, is formed on the inner walls of the housing. For example, the through openings in the singulation drum are formed as at least one radial row of through openings, and on the outer surface of the singulation drum mantle, the sealing sections of the labyrinth seal are formed, respectively, between an edge of the end face of the singulation drum and at least one radial row on the outer surface of the singulation drum mantle. In this way, contactless sealing can be provided on the mantle surface between a region of the singulation drum surface with through openings formed therein and the spatial regions on the edges of the end face.This is advantageous regardless of whether the seed is supplied on the surface of the outer mantle—so that the first region or region of operational overpressure is supplied on the surface of the outer mantle, while, in the inner region of the singulation drum, which is partially bounded by the inner surface of the drum mantle, the second region or region of operational underpressure is supplied—or if the seed is supplied on the surface of the inner mantle—so that the first region or region of operational overpressure is supplied on the surface of the inner mantle, while, in the outer region of the singulation drum, which is partially bounded by the outer surface of the drum mantle, the second region or region of operational underpressure is supplied. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 21 / 70 11 / 43

[0022] In specific illustrative examples of the first and / or second aspects of the invention, the passage openings may extend substantially axially or radially through the singulation element, for example, depending on the type of singulation element, such as a singulation disc or cup, or as a singulation drum. For example, the passage openings may be formed as passage holes extending substantially parallel or radially relative to the axis of rotation of the singulation element, as in the case of a singulation disc or cup. Alternatively, the passage openings may be provided as passage holes formed radially relative to the axis of rotation if the singulation element is provided as a hollow cylindrical element, such as a singulation drum.

[0023] In some advantageous embodiments, the housing, for example, the housing assembly, may further comprise a cover element held by a retainer, the retainer being fixedly mounted counter-rotating to the housing—for example, to the cover assembly—and the cover element configured to interrupt the pressure differential at a suitable position during the rotation of the singulation element. In the housing, the cover element is disposed relative to the singulation element on a side opposite to the seed side of the singulation element, in order to also cover, on the opposite side, a passage opening of the singulation element that is covered by a seed grain on the seed side and thus interrupt the application of the pressure differential at the passage opening. This allows for the precise discharge of particulate matter in time and position. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 22 / 70 12 / 43 after a specified transport path through the singulation element.

[0024] In some early illustrative embodiments, the housing may be formed by a housing assembly and a cover assembly, and the cover assembly may further comprise a housing cover and a bell insert fixed against rotation in the housing cover, the second sealing section being formed in a circumference of the bell insert. Here, the second region is defined by the bell insert, independently of the housing cover. Thus, a pressure differential can be provided in the insulating element. The geometry of the second sealing section can be used to determine the seal leakage and thus influence the pressure differential between the first and second regions in the housing. In addition, the housing cover may provide additional sealing to the housing.

[0025] In an advantageous refinement of the first illustrative embodiments, the cover assembly may further comprise a cover element that is fixed counter-rotatingly to the cover assembly and configured to interrupt the pressure differential at a suitable position during rotation of the singulation element. In this case, the cover element may mount the bell insert received in the housing cover, fixed counter-rotatingly to the housing cover. This enables reliable mounting of the bell insert in the housing cover in a simple manner. For example, the cover element may be attached to a ring insert that may be removablely and rotationally fixed to the housing cover. The ring insert assembly may simultaneously mount the attached bell insert. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 23 / 70 13 / 43 counter-rotation to the housing cover. The bell insert can also be mounted in such a way that the bell insert is axially movable within the housing cover, so that manufacturing tolerances can be compensated for by axial displacement. For this purpose, the insertion or insertion depth of the bell insert in the housing cover (as measured by the spacing between the bell insert and the housing cover) can be manually adjustable or self-adjusting due to flow and pressure, in particular by means of, for example, a spring-mounted support of the bell insert in the housing cover. For example, in each case, an elastic / spring element can be provided between the bell insert and the housing cover and between the bell insert and the cover element (e.g., ring insert), which allows axial displacement of the bell insert against a spring action of the elastic element.

[0026] In a further advantageous refinement of the first illustrative embodiments, the housing cover may have a first flow channel or, together with an additional component that may be attached to the housing cover, form the first flow channel, which is configured to provide an overpressure in the second sealing section on the circumference of the bell insert between the bell insert and the housing cover. The housing cover may have a second flow channel that is configured to provide a fluid connection between a singulation device environment and the second region or to apply a subpressure to the second region. By providing flow channels in the housing cover, compromise of the first and second regions can be avoided, since they are defined separately. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 24 / 70 14 / 43 by the singulation element in the housing assembly and by the bell insertion in the cover assembly. In addition, the first and second flow channels can provide directed flow routing in the cover assembly.

[0027] In alternative embodiments to the first illustrative embodiments, the housing cover may form the first flow channel together with the housing assembly within the housing. This may allow for a compact configuration of the housing cover, since the first flow channel is not formed solely by the housing cover.

[0028] In an illustrative example, the first flow channel in the housing cover may have a terminal opening at a location substantially opposite axially to a seed receiving region of the singulation element. The seed receiving region denotes a region of the singulation element in which seeds are captured by the singulation element and may be understood as a region of the singulation element surface on one side of the singulation element oriented towards a seed supply, for example, on a circumferential segment of the disc within an angular range of ±45°, in particular ±30°. The seed receiving region may be disposed in the lower half of the singulation element, in particular — relative to the direction of rotation of the singulation element — upstream of a seed outlet from the housing.Here, an exact or approximate arrangement opposite to the seed receiving region may be within a tolerance of at most 30% of the radius of the singulation element, or at most 20% of the radius of the singulation element, or at most 15% of the radius of the singulation element, or at most 10% of the radius of the singulation element, or at most 5% of the radius of the. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 25 / 70 15 / 43 singulation element. Thus, a flow can be supplied to the labyrinth seal in the seed receiving region, so that the sealing effect of the labyrinth seal can be optimized locally in the seed receiving region in a simple and reliable way, so that a fluid flow is directed to a region where grain collection is occurring and / or has just occurred. This directed fluid flow compensates for leakage from the labyrinth seal in the seed receiving region.

[0029] In some second illustrative embodiments, the housing may be formed by a housing assembly and a cover assembly, and the cover assembly may comprise a housing cover with the second sealing section formed on an inner surface of the housing cover, the second sealing section delimiting an inner radial region from an outer radial region on the housing cover, the inner radial region defining the second region on the assembled housing. This provides a structurally quite simplified cover assembly, in which the labyrinth seal is formed directly on the housing cover. Thus, an additional insert in the housing cover can be dispensed with, and the cover assembly can be economically manufactured and assembled in a few steps in a very short time.

[0030] In an advantageous refinement of the second illustrative embodiments, the housing cover may have a first flow channel configured to provide an overpressure in the radial outer region between the housing cover and the singulation element. The housing cover may have a second flow channel configured to provide a fluid connection between Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 26 / 70 16 / 43 a singulation device environment and the second region or to apply a subpressure to the second region. The flow channels allow for targeted flow of the desired fluid flows in the cover assembly, so that at least the second region can be pressurized to an appropriate pressure. In addition, the sealing effect of the labyrinth seal can also be enhanced by providing a directed flow to the labyrinth seal.

[0031] In a further advantageous refinement of the second illustrative embodiments, the first flow channel in the housing can, moreover, be configured to apply an overpressure to a seed receiving region of the singulation element relative to the second region. Here, an overpressure current is supplied to the seed receiving region via the first flow channel, improving grain collection, as a mound of grain in the seed receiving region is traversed by the overpressure current and thus the friction and retention forces of the grains in the seed receiving region are reduced. Consequently, individual grains can be more easily released from a large mound.Furthermore, in the seed receiving region, the overpressure current guided by the first flow channel can prevent the grains from lodging ahead of the opening, which, especially for light grains, prevents the grains from lodging ahead of the opening between the housing and the singulation element.

[0032] In a further advantageous refinement of the second illustrative embodiments, the singulation element may have two radial rows of passage openings, wherein one radial row is radially internal, in relation to the first section of Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 27 / 70 17 / 43 sealing, has openings assigned to the inner radial region and corresponds to the passage openings for the collection of individual grains of particulate material, and in which a radially external row, in relation to the first sealing section, has, in the assembled housing, openings assigned to the outer radial region and in fluid communication with the first flow channel in the housing cover. This can increase the output capacity of the singulation device and / or provide flow channels through the singulation element in a simple way.

[0033] In some illustrative embodiments, the first and second sealing sections may be formed by a plurality of ribs arranged in an interlocking engagement in the housing. For example, at least two ribs may be formed in the first sealing section, while at least one rib is formed in the second sealing section, the ribs in the first and second sealing sections being in non-contact coupling engagement. Alternatively, at least one rib may be formed in the first sealing section, while at least two ribs are formed in the second sealing section, the ribs in the first and second sealing sections being in non-contact coupling engagement. The ribs may have equal or different lengths. For example, the lengths of the ribs may decrease (monotonically or strictly monotonically) from radially inner ribs to radially outer ribs.In some specific examples described here, an internal radial rib may have the greatest length, and the subsequent ribs extending outward may have equal or different lengths (i.e., decreasing). Thus, Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 28 / 70 18 / 43 The sealing effect of the labyrinth seal can be structurally improved. Here, different rib lengths can create different sealing regions around the circumference, so that in regions with less sealing and therefore greater flow, dust or contamination that may have settled on the labyrinth seal can be expelled.

[0034] In some illustrative embodiments, the labyrinth seal between at least one inner wall of the housing, for example, of the cover assembly, and the singulation element may be formed as an annular labyrinth seal extending in a circumferential direction from the singulation element. Additionally or alternatively, the singulation element may be inclined in the housing relative to a vertical orientation. An inclination of the singulation element may be within an angular range between 0° and 45°, for example, between 0° and 30°, relative to the vertical in the housing, with an inclined singulation element providing better adhesion of particulate material in passage openings in the seed receiving region. An annular labyrinth seal provides an advantageous sealing effect at the edge of the singulation element.

[0035] In some illustrative embodiments, the pressure reservoir may provide increased pressure relative to the pressure in the second region, and the housing, for example, the housing assembly, may have a supply line connected to the first region (and, for example, to the cover assembly, if present) to apply the increased pressure to the first region and to a radially external side of the labyrinth seal. This advantageously provides an overpressure type separation device. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 29 / 70 19 / 43

[0036] In some illustrative embodiments, the pressure reservoir may provide a reduced pressure relative to the pressure in the first region, and the housing (e.g., the cover assembly, if present) may have a supply line configured to apply, to a radially external side of the labyrinth seal, an increased pressure relative to the reduced pressure. This advantageously provides a singulation device in which the increased pressure can be greater than the pressure in the first region, so that the sealing effect of the labyrinth seal can be optimized.

[0037] In the pressure differential-based singulation described here, the singulation element always divides the housing into a high-pressure region and a low-pressure region. For the grains to adhere to the singulation element, the particulate material is located in the high-pressure region. This region is called the overpressure region; the low-pressure region is called the underpressure region. The pressure level in the overpressure region may be above the ambient atmospheric pressure level. The pressure level in the underpressure region may be below ambient pressure or at ambient pressure. This is not limiting, as the essential point is that the pressure level in the overpressure region is above the pressure level in the underpressure region.

[0038] Further details of the invention can be found in the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments with reference to the drawings. In this regard, the drawings show:

[0039] Fig. 1 is a seeding unit of an agricultural seeder in an exploded perspective view according to some illustrative embodiments; Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, p. 30 / 70 20 / 43

[0040] Fig. 2 is an agricultural singulation device in a perspective view of an open dwelling according to illustrative embodiments;

[0041] Fig. 3 is the agricultural singulation device of Fig. 2 in a cross-sectional view;

[0042] Fig. 4 is an agricultural singulation device from Fig. 2 in an additional cross-sectional view;

[0043] Fig. 5 is a cutaway view of a lid assembly according to some illustrative embodiments;

[0044] Fig. 6 is the agricultural singulation device of Fig. 2 in an additional cross-sectional view to illustrate some flow paths;

[0045] Fig. 7 is a seeding unit of an agricultural seeder in an exploded perspective view according to alternative embodiments; and

[0046] Fig. 8 is the agricultural singulation device of Fig. 7 in a schematic cross-sectional view of a section of the singulation device.

[0047] With reference to Fig. 1, a seeding unit 2 of an agricultural seeder (not shown) is illustrated in an exploded perspective view. The seeding unit 2 can be fixed, by support elements 1, to a structure oriented transversely to the direction of travel F of the agricultural seeder (not shown) (in Fig. 1, a structural element 1a of a structure oriented perpendicularly to the direction of travel F, for example, a telescopic structure, is shown, the structural element 1a representing a telescopic structural element). The seeding unit 2 can, in the seeder (not shown), be mounted as one of a plurality of units. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, p. 31 / 70 21 / 43 seeding units (not shown) in the structure (not shown), so that, by means of at least one additional seeding unit (not shown) next to seeding unit 2, one or more additional seeding furrows can be filled with seeds and / or fertilizer can be dispensed along one or more furrows. Seeding unit 2 may be movable relative to the structure.

[0048] According to the representation in Fig. 1, the seeding unit 2 comprises a hopper 3 to contain the particulate material to be distributed, in particular seeds and / or fertilizers. A lower part of the hopper 3 is configured as an outlet region, in which an outlet opening is disposed (not shown in Fig. 1; see reference 4 in Fig. 2). Through the outlet opening (not shown in Fig. 1; see reference 4 in Fig. 2), the particulate material to be distributed is supplied to a separation device 5, disposed below the hopper. 3.

[0049] With reference to Figures 1 to 3, the singulation device 5 is now described in more detail. The singulation device 5 comprises a housing formed by a housing assembly 6a and a cover assembly 6b mounted in a removable manner on the housing assembly 6a. Inside the housing, a singulation element 7 is disposed, which can be actuated in a rotation direction R around a rotation axis D, and is preferably at least partially symmetrical in terms of rotation. The singulation element 7 is configured to singulate at least partially the particulate material that may be supplied to the housing by a feed from the hopper 3. The housing has a shaft W rotatably mounted in the assembly. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, p. 32 / 70 22 / 43 of housing 6a, whereby the singulation element 7 is rotationally driven during the operation of the singulation device 5. Although the singulation element 7 is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 as being vertically oriented in the housing, the orientation of the singulation element 7 in the housing may also deviate from vertical, without limiting the scope of the description. Reference is made here to the explanation of inclined singulation elements in the description, the disclosure relating to inclined singulation elements being incorporated herein in full by reference.

[0050] In illustrative embodiments described herein, the singulation element 7 is provided, at least partially, in the form of a circular disc or cup, i.e., as a singulation disc / cup, non-rotatingly coupled to shaft W, such that shaft W establishes a definite rotational motion of the singulation element 7 at a predetermined rotational speed. The singulation element 7 is arranged in the housing such that a first region B1 is defined between the singulation element 7 and the housing assembly 6a, and a second region B2 is defined between the singulation element 7 and the cover assembly 6b. Inside, between the first region B1 and the second region B2, a pressure differential may be generated by a pressure reservoir (not shown).

[0051] The housing assembly 6a has an opening in which the singulation element 7 is received at least in part, the opening of the housing assembly 6a being optionally surrounded by an annular flange section (see reference mark 6af in Fig. 2). Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 33 / 70 23 / 43

[0052] This does not constitute a limitation and, as an alternative to the illustrated embodiment, singulation element 7 can be implemented, instead of the disk / cup type singulation element explicitly shown, as a singulation drum formed at least partially in a drum-like or cylinder-like manner (not shown).

[0053] With further reference to Figures 1 to 3, the singulation element 7 has, along its circumferential direction and / or in its outer region near the circumferential line, at regular intervals, passage openings 11 suitable for collecting individual grains of particulate material, which provide spatial connections between the first region B1 and the second region B2 of the housing, with the grains adhering to these passage openings 11 due to the pressure difference. In addition, the singulation device 5 may comprise, in a suitable location in the housing, a cover element 12 which, by temporarily covering the passage openings 11, interrupts the pressure difference and thus prevents the continuous adhesion of the transported grains.

[0054] With reference to the illustration in Fig. 2, the through openings 11 are arranged, in the circumferential direction of the singulation element 7, along a diameter or radius from the axis of rotation D in the region of an outer circumference of the disk. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the through openings 11 are arranged on the circumference of the singulation element 7. Although in Figs. 1, 2 and 4 only a single radial row of through openings 11 (i.e., the through openings 11 only in an annular arrangement with a substantially fixed radius) is formed in the singulation element 7, this does not Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 34 / 70 24 / 43 is limiting, and instead of one radial row, two or more concentric radial rows of through openings may be provided. For example, the through openings of the different radial rows may all be the same size, or each radial row may have through openings with an associated fixed size, with the through openings of at least two radial rows being different from each other.

[0055] In illustrative and non-limiting embodiments, the singulation device 5 shown may also be implemented as an overpressure singulation, wherein, by means of a supply line 8 connectable to a pressure reservoir (not shown), such as a blower (not shown), a pressure may be generated in the first region B1 which is greater than a pressure in the second region B2. Alternatively, an underpressure singulation or other type of singulation is also conceivable, for example, wherein the first region B1 is connected to the ambient atmosphere by means of the supply line 8, while the second region B2 is connected, by means of a suitable line (not shown), to an underpressure reservoir (not shown), for example, a suction element (not shown), so that the pressure in the second region B2 is less than the pressure in the first region B1.

[0056] In general, in the illustrative embodiments, the housing is divided by the singulation element 7 into at least the first region B1 and the second region B2. This division of the housing by the singulation element 7 is implemented in such a way that a pressure differential can be generated between at least the first region B1 and the second region B2. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 35 / 70 25 / 43

[0057] As described above, the first region B1 and the second region B2 of the housing are spatially connected to each other by means of the passage openings 11, so that individual grains of particulate material can be transported, due to the pressure differential — particularly a resulting suction effect — between the two regions B1, B2 within the passage openings 11. The individual grains are therefore transported, on a first side of the singulation element 7 assigned to the first region (usually the side facing the region of higher pressure), in the direction of rotation R to the cover element 12. The cover element 12 is disposed on a side of the singulation element 7 opposite the first side. The cover element 12 is, moreover, configured to temporarily interrupt the pressure differential — particularly locally in the region of the cover element 12 — by at least partially covering at least one passage opening 11.Due to the interrupted pressure differential, at least one grain transported by the singulation element 7 is released for detachment in the region of the covering element 12. Thus, a grain released by the covering element 12 is transferred to a defined position in a seed positioning device 130, as shown in Fig. 1. In illustrative examples, the covering element 12 is formed as a roller that rolls, by friction, along the disc while the singulation element rotates. According to Fig. 1, the seed positioning device 130 comprises furrow opening elements formed as disc openers 14, depth guide elements 15, and furrow closing devices 16. Furthermore... Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 36 / 70 26 / 43 of this, the seed positioning device 130 may comprise a retarding device (not shown). The retarding device causes a reduction in the speed of movement of a grain. The retarding device may comprise a retaining element that secures the grain at the bottom of a furrow. Alternatively or additionally, the retarding device may comprise a braking element that varies the speed of the grain based on the forward speed of the seeding unit 2. The retaining element may, for example, be shaped to roll or slide. The braking element may, for example, be shaped as an air outlet or as a rotating element.

[0058] With reference to Fig. 1, at least one ejector 17, which can be actuated by the singulation element 7, is additionally disposed within the housing, for example, so that the ejector 17 is actuated by the engagement of teeth in passage openings. The ejector 17 is disposed on the second side of the singulation element 7 and, in the direction of rotation R, downstream of the cover element 12. The ejector 17 is configured to engage, at least partially, in the passage openings 11 and thus clear the passage openings 11 of blockages and / or contamination. In doing so, contamination, grains or other deposits firmly settled within the passage openings 11 are loosened by pressing outwards the ejector elements formed in the ejector 17 and configured to engage in the passage openings 11. This is not limiting; Instead, no pressure interruption element can be provided, and only the ejector can be supplied.

[0059] With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, the cover assembly 6b comprises a housing cover 6b1 and an insert Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, p. 37 / 70 27 / 43 of bell 6b2 which is received in a non-rotational manner in the housing cover 6b1. The bell insert 6b2 is a half-shell element that has only one central opening 13c. Furthermore, the bell insert 6b2 is not in direct mechanical contact with the singulation element 7, so the rotation of the singulation element 7 is not impaired by mechanical contact between the singulation element 7 and the bell insert 6b2. In particular, the singulation element 7 rotates freely within the housing. Through the central opening 13c, the bell insert 6b2 can be fitted into a central cylindrical projection 13d on an inner surface of the housing cover 6b1 and fitted thereto. This allows for precise and non-rotational fixing of the bell insert 6b2 in a predetermined position, without risk of misalignment of the bell insert 6b2 in the housing cover 6b1.The central opening 13c and the projection 13d also provide a connection between the second region B2 and a flow channel 28 in the housing cover 6b1, which is in communication with the environment of the singulation device 5. As a result, the second region B2 can be maintained at ambient pressure. Alternatively, coupling to a subpressure reservoir (not shown) can be effected through the flow channel 28.

[0060] In some illustrative embodiments, the assembly of the bell insert 6b2 in the housing cover 6b1 can be carried out so that the bell insert 6b2 is inserted in an axially displaceable manner in the housing cover 6b1 and mounted at a desired insertion / fit depth in the housing cover 6b1. By mounting at the desired insertion / fit depth in the housing cover 6b1, manufacturing tolerances can be compensated for by the defined axial displacement. For example, the Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 38 / 7028 / 43 The insertion depth / adjustment of bell insert 6b2 in housing cover 6b1 can be manually adjusted by inserting or screwing bell insert 6b2 into projection 13d, projection 13d having an external thread with a specified thread pitch (not shown) or being configured to displace bell insert 6b2 in the axial direction along projection 13d. In other illustrative examples, the insertion depth / adjustment of bell insert 6b2 in housing cover 6b1 can be further adjusted as a function of the flows and pressures in the housing acting on bell insert 6b2. In other illustrative examples, a spring-mounted support for bell insert 6b2 in housing cover 6b1 can be provided, the insertion depth / adjustment of bell insert 6b2 in housing cover 6b1 being adjusted by spring elements (not shown).This spring-mounted support can be self-adjusting, so that, due to the flows and pressures in the housing acting on the bell insert 6b2, an axial displacement of the bell insert 6b2 in the housing cover 6b1 is adjusted. For example, a resilient element (not shown) can be provided in each case between the bell insert 6b2 and the housing cover 6b1 and between the bell insert 6b2 and the ring insert 12a, which allows the axial displacement of the bell insert 6b2 against a spring action of the resilient element (not shown).

[0061] With reference to Fig. 2, the attachment of the bell insert 6b2 to the housing cover 6b1 can be effected by the cover element 12 and / or the ejector 17, which is mounted on projection 13d. The cover element 12 and / or the ejector 17 can be attached to a ring insert 12a, which is mounted on projection 13d, thus preventing the bell insert 6b2 from sliding out. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 39 / 70 29 / 43 of the 13d projection. For example, ring insert 12a can be attached removablely or permanently to the 13d projection by means of screws or nuts.

[0062] With reference to Figure 2, the attachment of the cover assembly 6b to the housing assembly 6a is described. The housing assembly 6a has protrusions / protrusions 14a, 14b with through holes 16a and 16c formed in them. The cover assembly 6b has locking pin elements 16b and 16d which are configured to be inserted into the through holes 16a and 16c for a locking connection. For example, the locking pin elements 16b and 16d are formed in the housing cover 6b1 to removablely mount the housing cover 6b1 with the bell insert 6b2 inserted in it into the housing assembly 6a. Alternatively, the locking pin elements 16b and 16d can be formed in the bell insert 6b2. In other alternative embodiments, through holes (not shown) may be formed in the housing cover 6b1 or in the bell insert 6b2 for engagement with locking pin elements (not shown) in the housing assembly 6a.When the housing cover 6b1 is mounted on the housing assembly 6a, the sealing of the housing is achieved, for example, by the fact that the housing cover 6b1, with a sealing surface, when mounted on the housing assembly 6a, seals against a seal of the housing assembly 6a.

[0063] With reference to Figures 3, 4 and 6, the singulation device 5 also has a labyrinth seal 20, formed by a first sealing section 22 on the circumference of the singulation element 7 and a second sealing section 24 in the cover assembly 6b, for example, on the circumference of the insertion. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 40 / 70 30 / 43 of bell 6b2, so that the first sealing section 22 and the second sealing section 24 are interconnected structures without mechanical contact. Thus, the labyrinth seal 20 provides a seal in the housing of the singulation device 5 between the first region B1 and the second region B2, maintaining a durable and wear-free seal.

[0064] The first sealing section 22 formed in the singulation element 7 and the second sealing section 24 formed in the cover assembly 6b provide a contactless seal between the singulation element 7 and the cover assembly 6b, the sealing effect of the labyrinth seal 20 being obtained by extending a flow path through the first and second sealing sections 22 and 24 into an opening to be sealed between the circumferential (azimuthal) edges of the singulation element 7 and the cover assembly 6b. In combination, the first and second sealing sections 22 and 24 provide, in the assembled housing, a substantially increased resistance to flow relative to the opening to be sealed.In other words, in the assembled housing, the first and second sealing sections 22, 24 act together as the labyrinth seal 20, so that the interlocking (coupling) of the first and second sealing sections 22, 24 in the housing, between the rotating singulation element 7 and the cover assembly 6b fixed to it, provides a sealing effect. For example, in the interlocking, the first and second sealing sections 22, 24 can cause turbulence in a labyrinth structure formed by the interlocking sealing sections, so that the labyrinth seal 20 already achieves sufficient sealing without. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 41 / 70 31 / 43 additional sealing compounds and / or sliding seals. Thus, a frictionless and wear-free seal is provided in the singulation device 5 in a simple manner.

[0065] In illustrative embodiments, the labyrinth seal 20 may be formed by a plurality of ribs 22 and 24, wherein the plurality of ribs 22 and 24 of the first and second seal sections 22 and 24 are engaged in coupling with each other without contact. For example, the first seal section 22 may have one rib that is engaged in coupling with two ribs of the second seal section 24, or vice versa. With respect to the labyrinth seal 20 shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6, the first seal section 22 may have two ribs 22 and the second seal section 24 may have two ribs 24. The ribs 22 and the ribs 24 may be engaged in coupling without contact with each other, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6.An inner radial rib of the first sealing section 22 may be longer than an outer radial rib of the same section in order to lengthen a flow path in the second region B2 towards the labyrinth seal 20 and further suppress leakage flows.

[0066] With reference to Figures 3, 5 and 6, other advantageous configurations are described which, in addition to the labyrinth seal 20, provide the application of an overpressure to the labyrinth seal 20 from the side of the cover assembly 6b. In this way, the sealing effect of the labyrinth seal 20 can be improved by suppressing leaks through the labyrinth seal 20. To this end, as shown in Figure 3, the cover assembly 6b has a flow channel 26 configured to apply, through the flow channel 26, an overpressure to Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 42 / 70 32 / 43 lateral of the cover to the labyrinth seal 20. For example, the housing cover 6b1, according to Figures 3, 5 and 6, has the flow channel 26 configured to provide an overpressure in the second sealing section 24, on the circumference of the bell insert 6b2, between the bell insert 6b2 and the housing cover. 6b1. The housing cover 6b1 may also have the flow channel configured to provide a fluid connection between a singulation device environment and the second region B2, or to apply a vacuum to the second region B2, as described above.

[0067] In some illustrative embodiments, the labyrinth seal 20 between the cover assembly 6b and the singulation element 7 can be formed as an annular labyrinth seal formed in the circumferential direction of the singulation element 7.

[0068] According to Figures 3 and 6, the first flow channel 24 in the housing cover 6b1 has a terminal opening 25a that is in fluid communication with the flow channel 26 and opens into a section of the flow channel 26 defined between the bell insert 6b2 and the housing cover 6b1. This section of the flow channel 26 directs, at one end, the fluid flow to a region that is substantially axially opposite to a seed receiving region 30 of the singulation element 7. Through the flow channel 24, an overpressure flow is guided to the seed receiving region 30, thus improving grain collection, since a mound of grain in the seed receiving region 30 is traversed by the overpressure flow. As a result, the friction and retention forces of the grains in the seed receiving region 30 are reduced, so that individual grains can be more easily released from a large mound. Furthermore, in the region of Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 43 / 70 33 / 43 seed reception 30, the overpressure flow can prevent the grains from lodging ahead of the opening, which — especially for light grains — prevents the grains from lodging ahead of the opening between the housing and the singulation element 7. A Fig. 6 illustrates, for this purpose, a flow path of a fluid flow in the flow channel 26 by arrows that enter, through the terminal opening 25a, into the section of the flow channel 26 between the bell insert 6b2 and the housing cover 6b1 and are directed to the region that is substantially axially opposite to the seed receiving region 30 of the singulation element 7. Furthermore, in the channel section, the fluid flow is distributed in each case towards the labyrinth seal 20, as indicated by the arrows directed vertically upwards in the representation of Fig. 6. In this way, an annular configuration of the labyrinth seal 20 in the region between the housing cover 6b1 and the bell insert 6b2 can be provided, distributed towards the labyrinth seal 20, where the cylindrical projection 13d, in which the bell insert 6b2 is mounted in a non-rotational manner, blocks a connection with the opening 13c.Thus, between flow channel 26 and the second region B2, there is no connection through the side of the cover assembly 6b.

[0069] With reference to Fig. 5, an illustrative and non-limiting configuration of flow channel 26 in the housing cover 6b1 is shown, which directs an overpressure flow to the opening 25. For example, flow channel 26 can be configured to connect the opening 25 to a supply line 9 in the cover assembly 6b, which is connected to the supply line 8 in the housing assembly 6a. As shown in Fig. 4, the supply line 8 can have a branch in the assembly of Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 44 / 70 34 / 43 housing 6a, so that an overpressure flow S supplied by the feed line 8 is split into a partial overpressure flow S1 to apply overpressure to region B1 and a branched partial overpressure flow S2 that is applied through the feed line 9 and flow channel 2 6 to the labyrinth seal 20. The partial overpressure flow S1 may be larger than the partial overpressure flow S2. This is not limiting, and the partial overpressure flow S2 may also be supplied to the singulation via an additional line (not shown).

[0070] With further reference to Figures 3 and 5, flow channel 28 is also shown, which connects opening 13c in cover assembly 6b to the singulation device environment 5 or to a subpressure reservoir (not shown).

[0071] With reference to Figures 7 and 8, a seeding unit 2' of an agricultural seeder (not shown), according to alternative embodiments, is illustrated in an exploded perspective view. The seeding unit 2' differs from the seeding unit 2 described above, with reference to Figure 1, by a singulation device 5', which is provided instead of the singulation device 5 in Figure 1. Identical reference signs between Figures 1 and 7 denote identical elements that correspond to each other in Figures 1 and 7; reference is made to the description of these identical elements in relation to Figure 1 above, which is incorporated in its entirety here by reference to the description of Figures 7 and 8.

[0072] With further reference to Figures 7 and 8, the seeding unit 2' can be fixed, by support elements 1, to a structure oriented transversely to the direction of displacement F of the seeder (not shown) (in Figure 7, an element of Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, p. 45 / 70 35 / 43 Structure 1a of a structure oriented perpendicularly to the direction of displacement F, for example, a telescopic structure, is shown, structure element 1a representing a telescopic structure element) of the agricultural seeder (not shown). The seeding unit 2' may, in the seeder (not shown), be mounted as one of a plurality of seeding units (not shown) in the structure (not shown), so that, by means of at least one additional seeding unit (not shown) alongside seeding unit 2', one or more additional seeding furrows may be filled with seeds and / or fertilizer may be dispensed along one or more furrows. In some illustrative examples, seeding unit 2' may be movable relative to the structure to compensate for the contour of the terrain.For example, at least one 2' seeding unit may be provided in a parallelogram joint (not shown) or other joint arrangement (not shown) so as to be height adjustable and / or laterally movable on a seeder (not shown).

[0073] According to Fig. 7, the seeding unit 2' comprises a hopper 3 for containing particulate material to be distributed, in particular seeds and / or fertilizers. A lower part of the hopper 3 is configured as an outlet region in which an outlet opening is disposed (not shown in Fig. 1; see the corresponding description of reference sign 4 in Fig. 2, which is incorporated here in full at this point). Through the outlet opening (not shown in Fig. 1; see reference sign 4 in Fig. 2), the particulate material to be distributed is supplied to a segmentation device 5', which is disposed below the hopper 3. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 46 / 70 36 / 43

[0074] The agricultural singulation device 5' is provided for singulating particulate material, in particular seeds and / or fertilizers. In illustrative embodiments, as described now with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the singulation device 5' comprises a housing that includes a housing assembly 6a with a shaft W rotatably mounted thereon, which defines a rotation axis D, and a cover assembly 6b' removablely mounted in the housing assembly 6a. The singulation device 5' further comprises a singulation element 7 which is housed in a defined interior in the housing. The singulation element 7 is coupled to the shaft W such that the singulation element 7 is rotatably mounted relative to the housing.The singulation element 7 is arranged in the housing such that a first region B1' (see the corresponding description of reference sign B1, which is incorporated herein in its entirety) is defined between the singulation element 7 and the housing assembly 6a, and a second region B2' (see the corresponding description of reference sign B2, which is incorporated herein in its entirety) is defined between the singulation element 7 and the cover assembly 6b', a pressure differential being generated between these regions to cause the adhesion of particulate material to the singulation element 7. The singulation device 5' further has a labyrinth seal 20' which is formed by a first sealing section 22 in a circumference of the singulation element 7 and a second sealing section 24' in the cover assembly 6b', such that the first sealing section 22 and the second sealing section 24' are interconnected structures without mechanical contact. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 47 / 70 37 / 43

[0075] With further reference to Fig. 8, the cover assembly 6b' comprises a housing cover 6b1' with a first flow channel 26' configured to provide an overpressure in the radial outer region 6ra' between the housing cover 6b1' and the singulation element 7. The housing cover 6b1' further has a second flow channel 28' configured to provide a fluid connection between an environment of the singulation device 5' and the second region B2', or to apply a subpressure to the second region B2'. The flow channel 28' may be configured analogously to the flow channel 28; reference is made to this description, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. In some illustrative examples, an opening 6bi may be formed in the housing cover 6b1', through which a connection may be made to the environment or to a subpressure reservoir. In some examples, the opening 6bi may be formed coaxially with the axis of rotation D.Furthermore, the cover assembly 6b' may additionally comprise a cover element 12 and an ejector 17, wherein the cover element, as described above with reference to Fig. 1, serves to interrupt the pressure differential and thus the continuous adhesion of the transported grains; reference is made to the corresponding description of elements 12 and 17 above.

[0076] In illustrative embodiments presented herein, the first flow channel 26' in the housing cover 6b1' can be further configured to apply, to a seed receiving region 30' of the singulation element 7, an overpressure relative to the second region B2'. The seed receiving region 30' denotes a region of the disc in which the grains are absorbed by the singulation element 7. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 48 / 70 38 / 43

[0077] With reference to Fig. 8, the singulation element 7 has two radial rows R1 and R2 of passage openings, wherein an inner radial row R1 (first row), in relation to the first sealing section 22, has openings assigned to the inner radial region 6ri' and corresponds to the passage openings 11 for the collection of individual grains of particulate material. An outer radial row R2 (second row), in relation to the first sealing section 22, has, in the assembled housing, openings 11' assigned to the outer radial region 6ra' and in fluid communication with the first flow channel 26' in the housing cover 6b1'. The size and / or number of openings 11 and 11' may be the same or different, and the size and / or number of openings 11' of the second row may be larger than the size and / or number of openings 11' of the first row.

[0078] In some specific illustrative examples, the size of the 11' openings may be larger than the size of the 11' openings. For example, the size of the 11' openings in the second row may be ±50% of the size of the openings in the first row. Additionally or alternatively, the number of openings in the respective rows may be different.

[0079] With further reference to Figure 8, the labyrinth seal 20' is shown according to some illustrative embodiments. The first and second seal sections 22, 24' may, in this case, similarly to the seal sections 22, 24, be formed by a plurality of ribs 22s and 24s' arranged in the housing in an interlocking engagement. For example, the ribs of the plurality of ribs 22s and 24s' of the first and second seal sections 22, 24' may be interlocked with each other without contact. For example, the first seal section 22 may Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 49 / 70 39 / 43 having a rib interlocking with two ribs of the second sealing section 24', or vice versa. Regarding the labyrinth seal 20' shown in Fig. 8, the first sealing section 22 may have two ribs 22s and the second sealing section 24' may have one rib 24s'. The ribs 22s and the rib 24s' may be interlocked without contact with each other, as shown in... Fig. 8. The ribs of the first sealing section 22 may have equal or different lengths. As an alternative to the labyrinth seal 20' shown, the first sealing section 22 may have more than two ribs 22s and the second sealing section 24' may have more than one rib 24s', with the ribs of the first and second sealing sections 22 and 24' interlocking without contact.

[0080] In some illustrative embodiments, and with reference to Fig. 8, the singulation element 7 may be inclined at an angle relative to a vertical orientation in the housing, for example, an angle between 0° and 45°, for example, between 0° and 25°, preferably between 0° and 20°, more preferably between 0° and 15°. The inclination of the singulation element 7 can be adjusted so that an upper edge of the singulation element 7 in the housing, in a vertical plan view of the singulation element 7 in the housing, covers only a part of the singulation element 7. Such an inclined singulation element allows advantageous adhesion of the grains in the passage openings 11 of the singulation element 7, since the adhesion is supported by the weight of the grains in the seed receiving region 30.

[0081] In some illustrative embodiments, the labyrinth seal 20' between the cover assembly 6b' and the singulation element 7 can be formed as a labyrinth seal. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 50 / 70 40 / 43 annular shape formed in the circumferential direction of the singulation element 7.

[0082] In some illustrative embodiments, and with further reference to Fig. 8, a pressure reservoir (not shown) may provide an increased pressure relative to a pressure in the second region B2', and the housing assembly 6a may have a supply line 8' that is connected to the first region B1' and to the cover assembly 6b' to apply the increased pressure to the first region B1'.

[0083] In other illustrative embodiments, and with further reference to Fig. 8, the pressure reservoir (not shown) may provide a reduced pressure relative to the pressure in the first region B1', and the cover assembly 6b' may have a supply line 9' configured to apply, to a radially outer side of the labyrinth seal 20', an increased pressure relative to the reduced pressure. The increased pressure may be greater than the pressure in the first region B1'. In this case, the pressure reservoir (not shown) may be provided as an additional separate pressure reservoir (not shown) to apply at least part of the pressure to the labyrinth seal 20'.

[0084] In other illustrative embodiments, and as shown in Fig. 8, the supply line 8' can be connected directly to the supply line 9', so that a fluid flow supplied to the supply line 8' is fed directly and completely into the supply line 9', in particular without losses. In this case, region B1' is not fed directly by the supply line 8' — in particular, there is no direct supply to region B1' by the housing assembly 6a — however, Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 51 / 70 41 / 43 Region B1' is indirectly fed by feed lines 8' and 9', which feed a fluid flow to labyrinth seal 20' through flow channel 26'. Here, flow channel 26' is in fluid communication with region B1 through openings 11' of radial row R2. A radially external side of labyrinth seal 20' is subjected to increased pressure to provide a sealing effect of labyrinth seal 20'.

[0085] Although Fig. 8 shows that feed line 8' is only directly connected to feed line 9', this is not limiting; instead, feed line 8' in housing assembly 6a can be configured for a direct supply from region B1', and a branch (not shown) of feed line 8' in housing assembly 6a can be connected to feed line 9' in cover assembly 6b'.In this case, the radial row R2 with the openings 11' is not provided, and the feed line 9' is connected only to the flow channel 26', so that a branched fluid flow from the feed line 8' and fed through the feed line 9' to the flow channel 26' is directed only to the labyrinth seal from the side of the cover assembly 6b'.

[0086] In some illustrative embodiments of the singulation device 5, 5' described above, a fluid supply to the labyrinth seal may be provided from the side of the cover assembly 6b, 6b' to apply pressure to the labyrinth seal from the side of the cover assembly 6b, 6b'. A specific gap size in the mesh between the first and second sealing sections 22, 24, 24' can be provided (e.g., by means of an appropriate selection of geometric dimensions) Petition 870250084319, dated 18 / 09 / 2025, p. 52 / 70 42 / 43 tricas for the ribs of the first and second sealing sections 22, 24, 24' and / or by positioning the ribs of the first and second sealing sections 22, 24, 24') so that a specific leakage flow through the labyrinth seal to the first region B1, B1' is tolerated. For this purpose, for example, a pressure greater than that applied to the first region B1, B1' can be applied to the labyrinth seal from the side of the cover assembly 6b, 6b', for example, by means of a suitable pressure source and / or a nozzle formed in the cover assembly 6b, 6b' to direct a specific flow towards the labyrinth seal.By means of a leakage flow that flows from the side of the cover assembly 6b, 6b' through the labyrinth seal to the first region B1, B1', a loosening of the particulate material in the seed receiving region 30, 30' can be obtained, so that the friction and retention forces between the grains in the particulate material in the seed receiving region 30, 30' are reduced.

[0087] Although in some illustrative embodiments a coupling of flow channels and / or supply lines in the cover assembly with a pressure reservoir to apply pressure to the first region is described, this is not limiting, and an additional separate pressure reservoir, for example, a blower, a pressurized gas in a container, etc., may be provided solely to support the application of pressure to the labyrinth seal from the side of the cover assembly. The pressure to apply pressure to the labyrinth seal may be provided, at least in part, by the additional separate pressure reservoir. For example, in some specific and non-limiting embodiments described herein, the reservoir of Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 53 / 70 43 / 43 additional separate pressure can be integrated, integrable or attachable to the lid assembly.

[0088] Although the embodiments described above have reference to Figures 1 to 8 in which a singulation element is rotatably mounted in a housing assembly, this does not limit the embodiments described; instead, the singulation element may be rotatably mounted in a housing cover.

[0089] Although in the representations of Figures 1 to 8 the singulation elements are shown each as a singulation disc and / or a singulation cup, this does not limit the present description of the figures, and each embodiment described with respect to Figures 1 to 8 may instead also be realized with a singulation drum as the singulation element.

[0090] When approximate language such as “about”, approximately or substantially or similar is used in this description, it denotes an approximation within a typical measurement or manufacturing tolerance, for example, without limitation, a deviation of at most ±20%, or at most ±15%, or at most ±10%, or at most ±5%.

[0091] It is understood that the characteristics mentioned in the exemplary embodiments described above are not limited to these specific combinations, and are also possible in any other combinations. It is further understood that the geometries shown in the figures are merely illustrative and can be implemented in any other configurations. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 54 / 70

Claims

1 / 5 CLAIMS 1. Agricultural singulation device (5, 5') for singulation of particulate material, in particular seeds and / or fertilizers, comprising: a housing with a shaft (W) rotatably mounted within the housing and defining an axis of rotation (D), and a singulation element (7) received within the housing, the singulation element (7) being coupled to the shaft (W) such that the singulation element (7) is rotatably mounted relative to the housing, wherein the singulation element (7) is arranged within the housing such that a first region (B1, B1') and a second region (B2, B2') are defined within and are separated from each other by the singulation element (7), such that a pressure differential can be generated within between the first region (B1, B1') and the second region (B2, B2') by means of a pressure reservoir,wherein the singulation element (7) has a radial row of passage openings (11) suitable for carrying individual particles of particulate material, the passage openings (11) providing spatial connections between the first region (B1, B1') and the second region (B2, B2') of the housing and the particles adhering to these passage openings (11) in the first region (B1, B1') due to the pressure differential, characterized in that the singulation device (5, 5') further comprises a labyrinth seal (20, 20') provided in the second region (B2, B2'), Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, p. 55 / 70 2 / 5 which is formed by a first sealing section (22) formed in a circumference of the singulation element (7) and a second sealing section (24, 24') in one or more internal walls of the housing, such that the first sealing section (22) and the second sealing section (24, 24') are interconnected structures without mechanical contact.

2. Singulation device (5, 5'), according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing further comprises, in the second region (B2, B2'), a cover element (12) held by a retainer (12a) fixed to the housing, the cover element (12) being configured to interrupt the pressure differential at a suitable position during rotation of the singulation element (7).

3. Singulation device (5), according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing is formed by a housing assembly (6a), which together with the singulation element (7) defines the first region (B1), and a cover assembly (6b), which together with the singulation element (7) defines the second region (B2), and wherein the cover assembly (6b) further comprises a housing cover (6b1) and a bell insert (6b2) fixed against rotation in the housing cover (6b1), the second sealing section (24) being formed in a circumference of the bell insert (6b2).

4. Singulation device (5), according to claim 3 in combination with claim 2, characterized in that the cover element (12) fixes the bell insert (6b2) in the housing cover (6b1) in a rotationally fixed manner. Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, p. 56 / 70 3 / 5 5. Singulation device (5), according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the housing cover (6b1) has a first flow channel (26) configured to provide overpressure in the second sealing section (24) on the circumference of the bell insert (6b2) between the bell insert (6b2) and the housing cover (6b1), and in that the housing cover (6b1) has a second flow channel (28) configured to provide a fluid connection between an environment of the singulation device and the second region (B2) or to apply a subpressure to the second region (B2).

6. Singulation device (5), according to claim 5, characterized in that the first flow channel (26) in the housing cover (6b1) has a terminal end opening (25) in a location that is substantially axially opposite to a seed receiving region (30) of the singulation element (7).

7. Singulation device (5'), according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing is formed by a housing assembly (6a), which together with the singulation element (7) defines the first region (B1'), and a cover assembly (6b'), which together with the singulation element (7) defines the second region (B2'), wherein the cover assembly (6b') comprises a housing cover (6b1') with the second sealing section (24') formed on an inner surface (6bi') of the housing cover (6b1'), which delimits an inner radial region (6ri') from an outer radial region (6ra') in the housing cover (6b1'), the inner radial region (6ri') defining the second region (B2') in the assembled housing. Petition 870250084319, dated 18 / 09 / 2025, p. 57 / 70 4 / 5 8. Singulation device (5'), according to claim 7, characterized in that the housing cover (6b1') has a first flow channel (26') configured to provide overpressure in the radial outer region (6ra') between the housing cover (6b1') and the singulation element (7), and in that the housing cover (6b1') has a second flow channel (28') configured to provide a fluid connection between an environment of the singulation device (5') and the second region (B2') or to apply a subpressure to the second region (B2').

9. Singulation device (5'), according to claim 8, characterized in that the first flow channel (26') in the housing cover (6b1') is further configured to apply an overpressure to a seed receiving region (30') of the singulation element (7) relative to the second region (B2').

10. Singulation device (5'), according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the singulation element (7) has two radial rows (R1, R2) of passage openings, wherein a radially inner row (R1) with respect to the first sealing section (22) has openings assigned to the radial inner region (6ri') and corresponds to the passage openings (11) for carrying individual particles of particulate material, and wherein a radially outer row (R2) with respect to the first sealing section (22) has, in the assembled housing, openings (11') assigned to the radial outer region (6ra') and in fluid communication with the first flow channel (26') in the housing cover (6b1').

11. Singulation device (5, 5'), according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, p. 58 / 70 5 / 5 first and second sealing sections (22, 24, 24') are formed by a plurality of ribs (22s, 24s, 24s') arranged in an interlocking engagement in the housing.

12. Singulation device (5, 5'), according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the labyrinth seal (20, 20') between the housing and the singulation element (7) is formed as an annular labyrinth seal extending in a circumferential direction from the singulation element (7), and / or in that the singulation element (7) is inclined in the housing relative to a vertical orientation.

13. Singulation device (5, 5'), according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the pressure reservoir provides an increased pressure relative to a pressure in the second region (B2, B2'), and the housing has a supply line (8, 8') connected to the first region (B1, B1') to apply the increased pressure to the first region (B1, B1') and to a radially external side of the labyrinth seal (20, 20').

14. Singulation device (5, 5'), according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the pressure reservoir provides a reduced pressure relative to a pressure in the first region (B1, B1'), and the housing has a supply line (9, 9') configured to apply, to a radially external side of the labyrinth seal (20, 20'), an increased pressure relative to the reduced pressure.

15. Singulation device (5, 5'), according to claim 14, characterized in that the increased pressure is greater than the pressure in the first region (B1, B1'). Petition 870250084319, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 59 / 70

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