Application unit for an agricultural application machine and method for operating an application unit

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a spreading unit for an agricultural spreading machine according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating a spreading unit according to the preamble of claim 13.

[0002] Such application units are disclosed in EP 3 357 317 A1 and DE 10 2019 128003 A1.

[0003] The spreading units of agricultural spreading machines can be equipped with both a fertilizer placement device and a seed placement device for the combined application of fertilizer and seed. The fertilizer placement device and the seed placement device are typically attached to a common support mechanism, the design of which allows for changes in the positional relationship between the fertilizer placement device and the seed placement device.

[0004] For example, from US 2015 / 0230391 A1, a spreading unit is known with a fertilizer placement device for depositing fertilizer and a seed placement device for depositing seeds, wherein the height difference between the fertilizer placement device and the seed placement device can be determined in order to achieve the most uniform and desired sowing depth possible.

[0005] The publication DE 10 2010 015 166 B4 discloses an angle adjustment for a seed delivery line, wherein the adjustment depends on the driving speed and properties of the seed.

[0006] However, in many applications it is necessary to maintain a specific longitudinal distance between fertilizer and seed on the agricultural land, whereby the longitudinal distance between the deposited fertilizer and the deposited seed can change due to a varying positional relationship between the fertilizer placement device and the seed placement device.

[0007] The object underlying the invention is therefore to enable compliance with an intended longitudinal distance between the deposited fertilizer and the deposited seed on the agricultural land in application units with a carrier mechanism which allows a change in the positional relationship between the fertilizer placement device and the seed placement device.

[0008] The problem is solved by a spreading unit with the features of claim 1, wherein the spreading unit according to the invention has a position detection system which is configured to detect, by means of sensors, a position relationship between the fertilizer application device and the seed application device which influences the longitudinal distance of the fertilizer deposited on the agricultural area and the seed deposited on the agricultural area.

[0009] Sensor-based monitoring of the positional relationship between the fertilizer application and seed placement devices allows for the determination of whether the resulting longitudinal distance between the applied fertilizer and seed is within a tolerance range. If this distance falls outside the tolerance range, corrective measures are required. These measures may involve, for example, repositioning the fertilizer application and / or seed placement device.Alternatively or additionally, the operation of a fertilizer metering unit and / or a seed metering unit of the application unit can be adjusted, at least temporarily, so that, for example, the longitudinal distance between seeds dispersed by the seed metering unit and fertilizer portions produced by the fertilizer metering unit is corrected. The position detection system thus allows fertilizer placement and seed placement to be coordinated, ensuring that the intended longitudinal distance between the applied fertilizer and the applied seed is maintained or, in particular, restored despite varying positional relationships.

[0010] The fertilizer placement device can be a fertilizer coulter. The fertilizer coulter can be a disc coulter and / or include one or more coulter discs and / or a fertilizer placement pipe.

[0011] The seed placement device can be a seed coulter. The seed coulter can be a disc coulter and / or include one or more coulter discs and / or a seed placement tube.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the application unit according to the invention, the position detection system comprises at least one sensor and an electronic data processing unit, wherein the electronic data processing unit is configured to evaluate sensor data from the sensor to determine the positional relationship between the fertilizer application unit and the seed placement unit. The sensor data need not necessarily be distance data. The sensor data can be data relating to the position and / or orientation of the fertilizer application unit and / or the position and / or orientation of parts connected to the fertilizer application unit, for example, parts of the carrier mechanism.The sensor data may also include data relating to the position and / or orientation of the seed placement device and / or the position and / or orientation of parts connected to the seed placement device, for example, parts of the carrier mechanism.

[0013] Such data allows conclusions to be drawn about the spatial relationship between the fertilizer application facility and the seed placement facility and can be processed accordingly using the data processing facility.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the application unit according to the invention, the fertilizer placement device has a fertilizer discharge opening for releasing fertilizer towards the soil of the agricultural area. Alternatively or additionally, the seed placement device can have a seed discharge opening for releasing seeds towards the soil of the agricultural area. The support mechanism preferably allows for a change in the longitudinal distance between the fertilizer discharge opening and the seed discharge opening. The positional relationship between the fertilizer placement device and the seed placement device, which can be detected by the position detection system using sensors, preferably includes the longitudinal distance between the fertilizer discharge opening and the seed discharge opening.The position detection system is preferably configured to determine the position of the fertilizer dispensing opening and the position of the seed dispensing opening, and / or the longitudinal offset of the fertilizer dispensing opening and / or seed dispensing opening from a starting position. The fertilizer dispensing opening, particularly through its position, determines the dispensing time of the fertilizer. The seed dispensing opening, particularly through its position, determines the dispensing time of the seed.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment of the application unit according to the invention, the carrier mechanism allows a change in the orientation of the fertilizer placement device, wherein the positional relationship between the fertilizer placement device and the seed placement device, which can be detected by the position detection system using sensors, comprises the orientation of the fertilizer placement device and / or the relative orientation of the fertilizer placement device and the seed placement device. Alternatively or additionally, the carrier mechanism allows a change in the orientation of the seed placement device, wherein the positional relationship between the fertilizer placement device and the seed placement device, which can be detected by the position detection system using sensors, comprises the orientation of the seed placement device and / or the relative orientation of the seed placement device and the fertilizer placement device.Changing the inclination of the fertilizer placement device relative to the ground alters the direction of fertilizer dispensing and thus also the longitudinal distance between the dispensed fertilizer and the deposited seed. Similarly, changing the inclination of the seed placement device alters the direction of seed dispensing and thus also the longitudinal distance between the dispensed fertilizer and the deposited seed. Therefore, by monitoring the orientation of the fertilizer placement device and / or the seed placement device, it can be determined whether the longitudinal distance between the dispensed fertilizer and the deposited seed is within a tolerance range.

[0016] Furthermore, a spreading unit according to the invention is preferred, in which the carrier mechanism has an attachment part by means of which the carrier mechanism can be fastened to a unit carrier, in particular a crossbeam, of the spreading machine. The carrier mechanism preferably comprises a deflection mechanism that influences the seed placement, by means of which the seed placement device, in particular for following the ground contour of the agricultural area, can be deflected relative to the attachment part of the carrier mechanism. The deflection mechanism can, for example, be a parallelogram linkage. By means of the deflection mechanism, the seed placement device can be deflected vertically upwards and downwards, so that even on uneven terrain with hillocks and depressions, an intended seed placement depth can be maintained.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the application unit according to the invention, at least one sensor of the position detection system is configured to detect the deflection state of the deflection mechanism influencing seed placement. The sensor of the position detection system can be a position sensor, in particular an angle sensor. The sensor is preferably arranged on the deflection mechanism influencing seed placement. Alternatively, the sensor can detect the ground contour, for example optically, so that the deflection of the deflection mechanism can be calculated. The electronic data processing device is preferably configured to calculate the positional relationship between the fertilizer application device and the seed placement device based on the deflection state of the deflection mechanism influencing seed placement.The electronic data processing device is preferably configured to calculate the longitudinal distance between the fertilizer discharge opening and the seed discharge opening based on the deflection state of the deflection mechanism that influences seed placement.

[0018] Furthermore, an application unit according to the invention is advantageous in which the carrier mechanism comprises a deflection mechanism that influences the fertilizer placement. By means of this deflection mechanism, the fertilizer placement device, particularly for following the soil contour of the agricultural area, can be deflected relative to the attachment part of the carrier mechanism. The deflection mechanism preferably comprises several, for example two, linkages articulated to one another, with one linkage articulated to the attachment part and one linkage articulated to the fertilizer placement device.

[0019] The application unit according to the invention is further advantageously developed in that at least one sensor of the position detection system is configured to detect the deflection state of the deflection mechanism influencing fertilizer placement. The sensor of the position detection system can be a position sensor, in particular an angle sensor. The sensor is preferably arranged on the deflection mechanism influencing fertilizer placement. Alternatively, the sensor can detect the ground contour, for example optically, so that the deflection of the deflection mechanism can be calculated. The electronic processing unit is preferably configured to calculate the positional relationship between the fertilizer application unit and the seed placement unit based on the deflection state of the deflection mechanism influencing fertilizer placement.The electronic data processing device is preferably configured to calculate the longitudinal distance between the fertilizer discharge opening and the seed discharge opening based on the deflection state of the deflection mechanism that influences the fertilizer placement.

[0020] Furthermore, a spreading unit according to the invention is preferred in which the deflection mechanism influencing seed placement and the deflection mechanism influencing fertilizer placement are mechanically coupled to each other. The deflection mechanism influencing seed placement and the deflection mechanism influencing fertilizer placement are preferably coupled to each other via a connecting rod. The deflection of the deflection mechanism influencing seed placement preferably leads to a deflection of the deflection mechanism influencing fertilizer placement. Conversely, the deflection of the deflection mechanism influencing fertilizer placement can lead to a deflection of the deflection mechanism influencing seed placement.Preferably, the deflection mechanism influencing fertilizer placement has a freewheel relative to the deflection mechanism influencing seed placement, so that a deflection of the deflection mechanism influencing seed placement leads to a deflection of the deflection mechanism influencing fertilizer placement, but not vice versa.

[0021] The fertilizer placement depth can be adjusted via a movable adjustment element on the application unit. This adjustment element can be designed as a rotatable eccentric. Preferably, the adjustment element connects the deflection mechanism that influences seed placement to the connecting rod. By rotating the adjustment element, the upper pivot point of the connecting rod can be changed, thus altering the distance between the fertilizer application unit and the deflection mechanism that influences seed placement. Preferably, several fertilizer placement depths can be set using this adjustment element.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment of the application unit according to the invention, the deflection mechanism influencing fertilizer placement comprises a spring, in particular a leaf spring. The spring can connect an attachment part of the support mechanism, by means of which the support mechanism can be fastened to an assembly carrier, in particular a crossbeam, to the fertilizer placement device. The spring preferably allows the fertilizer placement device to compress and / or extend, in particular in the vertical direction.

[0023] The application unit according to the invention is further advantageously developed in that the position detection system is configured to calculate a smoothness value that characterizes the smoothness of the operation of the fertilizer placement device, in particular based on changes in the position of the fertilizer placement device determined over a period of time and / or on the basis of positional relationships between the fertilizer placement device and the seed placement device determined over a period of time. Alternatively or additionally, the position detection system can be configured to calculate a smoothness value that characterizes the smoothness of the operation of the seed placement device, in particular based on changes in the position of the seed placement device determined over a period of time and / or on the basis of positional relationships between the fertilizer placement device and the seed placement device determined over a period of time.The respective smoothness values ​​can be used to determine whether the smoothness of the fertilizer application system or the seed placement system is within a tolerance range. If the smoothness of the fertilizer application system and / or the seed placement system is outside a tolerance range, measures can be taken to improve or increase the smoothness of operation.

[0024] The spreading unit according to the invention comprises a fertilizer metering device configured to meter the fertilizer to be deposited. The fertilizer metering device is a fertilizer portioner configured to portion the fertilizer to be deposited, that is, to gather the fertilizer into clusters of several granules, i.e., portions, and to dispense them in bundles at predetermined time intervals, thus creating a dispensing cycle, in contrast to the usual continuous deposition of fertilizer in a continuous band. Furthermore, the spreading unit according to the invention comprises a seed metering device configured to meter the seed to be deposited. The seed metering device is a seed singulation device configured to singulate the seed to be deposited.Preferably, the application unit includes a control device, which may be configured to control the operation of the fertilizer metering unit depending on the positional relationship between the fertilizer application unit and the seed placement unit. Alternatively or additionally, the control device may be configured to control the operation of the seed metering unit depending on the positional relationship between the fertilizer application unit and the seed placement unit. Alternatively or additionally, the control device may be configured to coordinate the operation of the fertilizer metering unit and the operation of the seed metering unit depending on the positional relationship between the fertilizer application unit and the seed placement unit.By controlling the operation of the fertilizer metering unit and / or the seed metering unit based on the positional relationship between the fertilizer and seed placement units, a desired placement relationship between fertilizer and seed on the soil of the agricultural area can be achieved, even if the fertilizer and / or seed placement unit is deflected in such a way that the longitudinal distance between them changes. This allows for synchronized fertilizer and seed placement through coordinated dispensing times, even when the contours of the fertilizer and / or seed placement unit are adapted to the soil contours. The fertilizer metering unit can include a rotary-driven portioning element, such as a portioning wing.Controlling the operation of the fertilizer metering device can lead to a temporary adjustment of the rotational speed at the metering element, for example, a temporary acceleration or deceleration, thus temporarily changing the delivery frequency of the fertilizer portions. The seed metering device can include a rotaryally driven singulation element, for example, a singulation disc. Controlling the operation of the seed metering device can lead to a temporary adjustment of the rotational speed at the singulation element, for example, a temporary acceleration or deceleration, thus temporarily changing the delivery frequency of singulated seeds.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment of the application unit according to the invention, the fertilizer placement device comprises a fertilizer placement line and / or a fertilizer discharge opening. Alternatively or additionally, the seed placement device comprises a seed placement line and / or a seed discharge opening. The control device can be configured to control a positioning drive for changing the position of the fertilizer discharge opening and / or the orientation of the fertilizer placement line depending on the positional relationship between the fertilizer placement line and the seed placement device. Alternatively or additionally, the control device can be configured to control a positioning drive for changing the position of the seed discharge opening and / or the orientation of the seed placement line depending on the positional relationship between the fertilizer placement device and the seed placement device. The positioning drive can be an electric motor.The positioning drive can be a linear motor. The control unit can be configured to adjust the contact pressure of the fertilizer application unit and / or the seed placement unit on the ground, depending on the positional relationship between the two, thus improving smooth operation.

[0026] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a method with the features of claim 13, wherein, within the framework of the method according to the invention, a change in the positional relationship between the fertilizer application device and the seed placement device is detected by means of a position detection system. A control device then controls the operation of a fertilizer metering device of the application unit, which is configured to meter the fertilizer to be applied, depending on the detected positional relationship between the fertilizer application device and the seed placement device. The fertilizer metering device controlled by the control device is a fertilizer portioner, which is configured to portion the fertilizer to be applied.Alternatively or additionally, the control unit, depending on the detected positional relationship between the fertilizer application unit and the seed placement unit, controls the operation of a seed metering unit of the application unit, which is designed to meter the seed to be deposited. The seed metering unit controlled by the control unit is a seed singulation unit designed to singulate the seed to be deposited.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control device controls a position drive of the application unit, depending on the detected positional relationship between the fertilizer application unit and the seed placement unit, to change the position of a fertilizer discharge opening of the application unit and / or the orientation of the fertilizer discharge line of the application unit. Alternatively or additionally, depending on the detected positional relationship between the fertilizer application unit and the seed placement unit, the control device controls a positioning drive of the application unit to change the position of a seed discharge opening of the application unit and / or the orientation of a seed discharge line of the application unit.

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the application unit according to the invention in a schematic side view; Fig. 2 shows the deflection mechanism influencing seed placement of the unit in the Fig. 1 The illustrated application unit in a schematic side view; Fig. 3, which is shown in the Fig. 1 The spreading unit shown in Fig. 4 is being driven over a depression in the soil of the agricultural land. Fig. 1 Fig. 5 shows the spreading unit during the crossing of a crest in the soil of the agricultural area; Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the spreading unit according to the invention in a schematic side view, wherein a first placement depth is set on the fertilizer placement device; Fig. 6 shows the spreading unit in the Fig. 5 The illustrated spreading unit is shown in a schematic side view, with a second placement depth set on the fertilizer placement device; Fig. 7, which is shown in the Fig. 5 Fig. 8 shows a schematic side view of the spreading unit, with a third placement depth set on the fertilizer placement device; Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of the spreading unit according to the invention in a schematic side view; Fig. 9 shows the deflection mechanism influencing seed placement of the unit in the Fig. 8 The illustrated application unit in a schematic side view; Fig. 10, which is shown in the Fig. 8 The spreading unit shown is being driven over a crest in the soil of the agricultural land; and Fig. 11 shows the spreading unit in the Fig. 8 The spreading unit shown is being driven over a depression in the soil of the agricultural land.

[0029] The Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a spreading unit 10 of an agricultural spreading machine, which can be used to apply fertilizer and seed to agricultural land. Agricultural spreading machines typically have several spreading units 10 arranged side by side transversely to the direction of travel, with each spreading unit being assigned to a row, for example, so that the fertilizer and seed can be applied row by row on the agricultural land. For this reason, such spreading units 10 are also referred to as row units.

[0030] The spreading unit 10 comprises a support mechanism 12. The support mechanism 12 includes an attachment 14 by means of which the support mechanism 12 is fastened to a unit carrier 16 of the spreading machine. The unit carrier 16 is a transverse beam extending perpendicular to the direction of travel, to which several spreading units 10 can be attached.

[0031] The support mechanism 12 comprised a deflection mechanism 18 with two linkages 20a, 20b connected by pivots, with linkage 20a pivotally attached to the mounting part 14. A fertilizer application device 22, used for depositing fertilizer onto the agricultural area, is attached to linkage 20b. The fertilizer application device 22 is a fertilizer coulter and comprises two coulter discs 24, the front coulter disc 24 being removed in this illustration to reveal a fertilizer application line 26 located between the coulter discs 24. Fertilizer to be deposited can be supplied to the fertilizer application line 26 and discharged through the fertilizer discharge opening 28 of the fertilizer application line 26 towards the soil B of the agricultural area. The fertilizer application line 26 can be connected to a fertilizer metering device for metering the fertilizer to be deposited.The fertilizer dosing device can, for example, be a fertilizer portioner that dispenses the fertilizer in portions so that these portions can be deposited onto the agricultural land via the fertilizer application line 26. Fertilizer portions are accumulations consisting of several fertilizer granules that can be formed and deposited in bundles on the field. This creates a dispensing cycle between the individual fertilizer portions, in contrast to the previously common continuous application of fertilizer in the form of a band, where a varying positional relationship between the fertilizer application device and the seed placement device is irrelevant.

[0032] The carrier mechanism 12 further comprises a deflection mechanism 30, wherein the deflection mechanism 30 is designed as a parallelogram linkage with a top link 32a and a lower link 32b. The links 32a, 32b of the deflection mechanism 30 are pivotally connected on one side to the attachment part 14 and on the other side to the carrier part 35. A seed placement device 34, designed as a seed coulter, is attached to the carrier part 35. The seed placement device 34 serves to deposit seeds onto the agricultural land and comprises two coulter discs 36 and a seed placement unit 38 arranged between the coulter discs 36. Individual seeds are released onto the agricultural land via the seed discharge opening 40 of the seed placement unit 38.In the direction of travel in front of the seed discharge opening 40, the seed placement device 34 includes a furrow former 42, which serves to shape the placement furrow opened by the coulter discs 36.

[0033] The fertilizer application device 22 can be deflected by means of the deflection mechanism 18 to follow the soil contour of the agricultural area in relation to the mounting part 14 of the carrier mechanism 12. The seed placement device 34 can be deflected by means of the deflection mechanism 30 to follow the soil contour of the agricultural area in relation to the mounting part 14 of the carrier mechanism 12.

[0034] The singulation of the seeds is carried out by the seed metering device 44, which is designed as a seed singulation unit. The seed metering device 44 can comprise a rotaryally driven singulation element, for example a singulation disc, wherein seed receiving recesses in the singulation disc are used to singulate the seeds. The seed metering device 44 is supplied with seed from the storage container 46, the storage container 46 being connected to the carrier mechanism 12 via a container support 48.

[0035] The carrier mechanism 12 allows, due to the deflection mechanism 18 and the deflection mechanism 30, a change in the positional relationship between the fertilizer placement device 22 and the seed placement device 34.

[0036] The application unit 10 comprises a position detection system 52, 54, which enables sensor-based detection of the positional relationship between the fertilizer application device 22 and the seed application device 34, which influences the longitudinal distance between the fertilizer and seed applied to the agricultural area. The position detection system includes a sensor 54 and an electronic data processing unit 52, the latter evaluating the sensor data to determine the positional relationship between the fertilizer application device and the seed application device 34. The carrier mechanism 12 allows for a change in the longitudinal distance x between the fertilizer discharge opening 28 and the seed discharge opening 40.The positional relationship between the fertilizer application device 22 and the seed application device 34, as recorded by the position detection system 52, 54, concerns the longitudinal distance x between the fertilizer discharge opening 28 and the seed discharge opening 40. Since the fertilizer discharge opening 28 defines the discharge point of the fertilizer and the seed discharge opening 40 defines the discharge point of the seed, the longitudinal distance x between the fertilizer discharge opening 28 and the seed discharge opening 40 can be used to determine the longitudinal distance between the fertilizer and the seed deposited on the agricultural land.

[0037] The sensor 54 is located in the joint between the links 20a, 20b of the deflection mechanism 18 and serves to detect the deflection state of the deflection mechanism 18 that influences fertilizer placement. The sensor 54 is designed as an angle sensor and detects the angle between the links 20a, 20b. The electronic data processing unit 52 calculates the longitudinal distance x between the fertilizer discharge opening 28 and the seed discharge opening 40 based on the deflection state of the deflection mechanism 18 that influences fertilizer placement. The deflection mechanism 18 that influences fertilizer placement and the deflection mechanism 30 that influences seed placement are mechanically coupled to each other via a connecting rod 58. The connecting rod 58 is pivotally connected to the lower link 32b of the deflection mechanism 30 and to the link 20b of the deflection mechanism 18.

[0038] If the data processing unit 52 detects that the longitudinal distance x is outside a tolerance range due to a deflection of the fertilizer application unit 22 and / or due to a deflection of the seed placement unit 34, such that the longitudinal distance x leads to an unintended positional relationship between fertilizer and seed on the agricultural land, the operation of the fertilizer metering unit and / or the operation of the seed metering unit 44 can be adjusted via a control unit 50. By adjusting the operation of the fertilizer metering unit and / or the seed metering unit, the release times of the generated fertilizer portions and / or individual seeds can be temporarily adjusted so that the fertilizer and seed placement are once again synchronized by coordinated release times of fertilizer and seed.For this purpose, for example the rotational speed of a rotary-driven portioning element, such as a portioning wing, of the fertilizer metering device and / or the rotational speed of a singulation element, such as a singulation disc, of the seed metering device 44 can be temporarily adjusted.

[0039] The Fig. 2 Figure 56 shows that the position detection system can include a sensor 56 on the deflection mechanism 30, either as an alternative or in addition to the sensor 54 on the deflection mechanism 18. The sensor 56 serves to detect the deflection state of the deflection mechanism 30. The deflection state of the deflection mechanism 30 is detected by the sensor 56 via the orientation of the upper link 32a.

[0040] The electronic data processing unit 52 calculates the longitudinal distance x between the fertilizer discharge opening 28 and the seed discharge opening 40, also based on the deflection state of the deflection mechanism 30 that influences seed placement. The position detection system can include either one of the sensors 54, 56 or both sensors 54, 56.

[0041] The Fig. 3 and 4 show the kinematic coupling of the deflection mechanism 18 and the deflection mechanism 30 via the connecting rod 58.

[0042] The spreading unit 10 includes a depth control roller 66, which is arranged laterally next to the seed placement device 34. Behind the coulter discs 36 of the seed placement device 34 is a catch roller 62 for catching the deposited seed and V-shaped press wheels 64 for closing the seed furrow.

[0043] In the Fig. 3 In the depicted application situation, the depth control roller 66 passes over a depression, causing the seed placement device 34 to be deflected downwards relative to the attachment 14 via the deflection mechanism 30. The deflection of the deflection mechanism 30 also influences the deflection state of the deflection mechanism 18, which affects fertilizer placement, via the connecting rod 58. Thus, despite the absence of a depth control roller on the fertilizer placement device 22, soil contour-specific guidance of the fertilizer placement device 22 is achieved.

[0044] In the Fig. 4 In the depicted application state, the depth control roller 66 passes over a crest, causing the seed placement device 34 to be deflected upwards relative to the attachment 14 via the deflection mechanism 30. This deflection also influences the deflection state of the deflection mechanism 18, which controls fertilizer placement, via the connecting rod 58, thus again achieving soil contour-specific guidance of the fertilizer placement device 22.

[0045] The Fig. 5 bis 7 The illustration shows that the fertilizer placement depth can be changed via an adjusting element 60. The adjusting element 60 is designed as an eccentric and connects the lower link 32a of the deflection mechanism 30 to the connecting rod 58. The upper pivot point of the connecting rod 58 can be changed via the adjusting element 60, so that the distance between the coulter discs 24 of the fertilizer placement device 22 and the deflection mechanism 30 can be changed. In the illustration shown in the Fig. 5 The setting shown is a minimum fertilizer placement depth T 0.

[0046] By rotating the adjusting element 60, which is designed as an eccentric, the fertilizer placement depth can be brought to dimension T 1, as shown in the Fig. 6 A further rotation of the adjusting element 60, designed as an eccentric, leads to a further increase in the fertilizer placement depth to dimension T 2, as shown in the Fig. 7 depicted.

[0047] The Fig. 8 Figure 10 shows a spreading unit in which the deflection mechanism 18 influencing the fertilizer placement comprises a suspension 68 designed as a leaf spring.

[0048] The application unit 10 includes a position detection system 52, 56 for sensor-based detection of the positional relationship between the fertilizer application device 22 and the seed application device 34, which influences the longitudinal distance of the fertilizer and seed placed on the agricultural area.

[0049] As in the Fig. 9 As shown, the sensor 56 of the position detection system is arranged on the top link 32a of the deflection mechanism 30, so that the deflection state of the deflection mechanism 30 can be determined via the orientation of the top link 32.

[0050] The Fig. 10 and 11 show that the contour of the ground B can also be followed by the fertilizer application device 22 via the leaf spring 68 between the attachment part 14 and the fertilizer application device 22. In this respect, when driving over a crest (cf. Fig. 10 ) and when driving over a dip (cf. Fig. 11 ) a suitable fertilizer placement depth should be maintained. Bezugszeichen

[0051] 10 Spreading unit 12 Carrier mechanism 14 Attachment 16 Unit carrier 18 Deflection mechanism 20a, 20b Linkage 22 Fertilizer placement device 24 Coulter discs 26 Fertilizer placement line 28 Fertilizer discharge opening 30 Deflection mechanism 32a, 32b Linkage 34 Seed placement device 35 Carrier part 36 Coulter discs 38 Seed discharge line 40 Seed discharge opening 42 Furrow former 44 Seed metering device 46 Hopper 48 Hopper carrier 50 Control device 52 Data processing device 54 Sensor 56 Sensor 58 Connecting rod 60 Adjusting link 62 Catch roller 64 Press wheels 66 Depth control roller 68 Suspension BBoden T 0 , T 1 , T 2 Storage depths x Longitudinal distance

Claims

1. Spreading unit (10) for an agricultural spreading machine, which spreading unit comprises - a fertilizer depositing device (22) for depositing fertilizer onto agricultural land; and - a seed depositing device (34) for depositing seed onto the agricultural land; wherein the fertilizer depositing device (22) and the seed depositing device (34) are fastened to a support mechanism (12) and the support mechanism (12) allows a change in the positional relationship between the fertilizer depositing device (22) and the seed depositing device (34); and which spreading unit comprises a position detection system (52, 54, 56) which is designed to detect, assisted by sensors, a positional relationship between the fertilizer depositing device (22) and the seed depositing device (34), which positional relationship influences the longitudinal spacing of the fertilizer deposited on the agricultural land and the seed deposited on the agricultural land, characterized by - a fertilizer metering device, designed as a fertilizer portioner, which is designed to portion the fertilizer to be deposited, - a seed metering device (44), designed as a seed singling device, which is designed to singulate the seed to be deposited, and - a control device (50) which is designed - to control the operation of the fertilizer metering device depending on the positional relationship between the fertilizer depositing device (22) and the seed depositing device (34); and / or - to control the operation of the seed metering device (44) depending on the positional relationship between the fertilizer depositing device (22) and the seed depositing device (34); and / or - to coordinate the operation of the fertilizer metering device and the operation of the seed metering device (44) with one another depending on the positional relationship between the fertilizer depositing device (22) and the seed depositing device (34).

2. Spreading unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the position detection system (52, 54, 56) comprises at least one sensor (54, 56) and an electronic data processing device (52), wherein the electronic data processing device (52) is designed to evaluate sensor data of the sensor in order to detect the positional relationship between the fertilizer depositing device (22) and the seed depositing device (34).

3. Spreading unit (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that - the fertilizer depositing device (22) has a fertilizer delivery opening (28) for delivering fertilizer toward the soil (B) of the agricultural land; and - the seed depositing device (34) has a seed delivery opening (40) for delivering seed toward the soil (B) of the agricultural land; wherein the support mechanism (12) allows a change in the longitudinal spacing (x) between the fertilizer delivery opening (28) and the seed delivery opening (40) and the positional relationship between the fertilizer depositing device (22) and the seed depositing device (34), which positional relationship can be detected by the position detection system (52, 54, 56), assisted by sensors, comprises the longitudinal spacing (x) between the fertilizer delivery opening (28) and the seed delivery opening (40).

4. Spreading unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support mechanism (12) allows a change in the orientation of the fertilizer depositing device (22), wherein the positional relationship between the fertilizer depositing device (22) and the seed depositing device (34), which positional relationship can be detected by the position detection system (52, 54, 56), assisted by sensors, comprises the orientation of the fertilizer depositing device (22) and / or the relative orientation of the fertilizer depositing device (22) and the seed depositing device (34).

5. Spreading unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support mechanism (12) has an attachment part (14) by means of which the support mechanism (12) can be fastened to a unit support (16), in particular a crossbar, of the spreading machine, wherein the support mechanism (12) preferably comprises a deflection mechanism (30) influencing the seed deposit, by means of which deflection mechanism the seed depositing device (34) can be deflected in relation to the attachment part (14) of the support mechanism (12), in particular for following the soil contour of the agricultural land.

6. Spreading unit (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the support mechanism (12) comprises a deflection mechanism (30) influencing the seed deposit, by means of which deflection mechanism the seed depositing device (34) can be deflected in relation to the attachment part (14) of the support mechanism (12), in particular for following the soil contour of the agricultural land, wherein at least one sensor (54, 56) of the position detection system (52, 54, 56) is designed to detect a deflection state of the deflection mechanism (30) influencing the seed deposit.

7. Spreading unit (10) according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that the support mechanism (12) comprises a deflection mechanism (18) influencing the fertilizer deposit, by means of which deflection mechanism the fertilizer depositing device (22) can be deflected in relation to the attachment part (14) of the support mechanism (12), in particular for following the soil contour of the agricultural land.

8. Spreading unit (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one sensor (54, 56) of the position detection system (52, 54, 56) is designed to detect a deflection state of the deflection mechanism (18) influencing the fertilizer deposit.

9. Spreading unit (10) according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that the support mechanism (12) comprises a deflection mechanism (30) influencing the seed deposit, by means of which deflection mechanism the seed depositing device (34) can be deflected in relation to the attachment part (14) of the support mechanism (12), in particular for following the soil contour of the agricultural land, wherein the deflection mechanism (30) influencing the seed deposit and the deflection mechanism (18) influencing the fertilizer deposit are mechanically coupled to one another.

10. Spreading unit (10) according to any of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the deflection mechanism (18) influencing the fertilizer deposit comprises a suspension (68), in particular a leaf spring suspension.

11. Spreading unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position detection system (52, 54, 56) is designed to calculate a smooth-running value which characterizes the smooth running of the fertilizer depositing device (22), in particular on the basis of positional changes of the fertilizer depositing device (22) ascertained over a period of time and / or on the basis of positional relationships between the fertilizer depositing device (22) and the seed depositing device (34) ascertained over a period of time.

12. Spreading unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the fertilizer depositing device (22) comprises a fertilizer depositing line (26) and / or a fertilizer delivery opening (28); and / or - the seed depositing device (34) comprises a seed depositing line (38) and / or a seed delivery opening (40), wherein the control device (50) is designed - to control a positioning drive for changing the position of the fertilizer delivery opening (28) and / or for changing the orientation of the fertilizer depositing line (26) depending on the positional relationship between the fertilizer depositing device (22) and the seed depositing device (34); and / or - to control a positioning drive for changing the position of the seed delivery opening (40) and / or for changing the orientation of the seed depositing line (38) depending on the positional relationship between the fertilizer depositing device (22) and the seed depositing device (34).

13. Method for operating a spreading unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the step of: - detecting a variable positional relationship between the fertilizer depositing device (22) and the seed depositing device (34) by means of a position detection system (52, 54, 56): wherein a control device (50) controls - the operation of a fertilizer metering device of the spreading unit (10), which fertilizer metering device is designed as a fertilizer portioner and is designed to portion the fertilizer to be deposited, and / or - the operation of a seed metering device (44) of the spreading unit (10), which seed metering device is designed as a seed singling device and is designed to singulate the seed to be deposited, depending on the detected positional relationship between the fertilizer depositing device (22) and the seed depositing device (34).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the control device (50) controls - a positioning drive of the spreading unit (10) for changing the position of a fertilizer delivery opening (28) of the spreading unit (10) and / or for changing the orientation of a fertilizer depositing line (26) of the spreading unit (10); and / or - a positioning drive of the spreading unit (10) for changing the position of a seed delivery opening (40) of the spreading unit (10) and / or for changing the orientation of a seed depositing line (38) of the spreading unit (10), depending on the detected positional relationship between the fertilizer depositing device (22) and the seed depositing device (34).