Metering unit for seeding machine and associated discharge method

Abstract

The invention relates to a metering unit for a seeding machine, said metering unit comprising: a housing (1) comprising a fixed part (2) and a door; a metering element for the plurality of granular elements, the metering element being arranged for discrete and singulated distribution of the plurality of granular elements; a discharge channel (8) mounted on the outside of the fixed portion (2) of the housing (1), characterized in that the discharge channel (8) is configured such that it can be positioned in an intermediate discharge position (P1) in which the discharge channel (8) is positioned in the fixed portion (2) of the housing (1). The discharge channel (8) is configured to allow all or part of the plurality of granular elements initially present in the storage area (7) to flow towards a buffer area (10) of the discharge channel (8) and to allow the granular elements to be stored in the buffer area (10) without directly flowing out of the discharge channel (8), the buffer height of the buffer area (10) is smaller than the storage height.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of metering units for seed drills and to the field of discharge methods. Background Art

[0002] The invention therefore relates more generally to the field of single seed sowing, also known as precision sowing, in other words sowing seeds one by one in rows. Single seed sowing is suitable for corn, sugar beets, soybeans or similar crops.

[0003] Single-seed seeders typically utilize a beam chassis with seed drill elements secured to it via a parallelogram structure. The number of seed drill elements typically ranges from four to twelve, or even more. The spacing between these elements varies depending on the crop, preferably between 37.5 and 80 centimeters, allowing for the formation of varying rows. Therefore, in this case, it typically refers to row crops, rather than crops with more closely spaced rows, such as wheat.

[0004] In a known manner, a metering unit for a single seed drill generally operates as follows.

[0005] The two-part, airtight housing features a perforated metering disc, preferably driven in rotation by a motor, which forms a metering element for a plurality of granular elements. The metering disc separates the housing into two chambers with different air pressures, thereby generating a pressure differential across the perforated metering disc, which can be positive or negative. The housing is connected to a blower that manages the pressure differential depending on the type of seed, the speed of advance, and other parameters.

[0006] Below the perforated metering disc, in other words, at the bottom of the housing, there is a storage area for granular elements (e.g., seeds), which are usually supplied from a hopper. These seeds come into contact with the rotating perforated metering disc, which draws the seeds one by one into the drilled holes as the disc rotates.

[0007] The diameter and shape of the boreholes in the metering disc are designed to accommodate a single granular element, such as a seed, where the granular element is retained in the borehole by the pressure difference between the two sides of the metering disc. The boreholes are typically shaped in a special way (e.g., embossed and / or hollow) and are arranged in the metering disc to guide and / or direct the seed toward the borehole. These areas around the boreholes are often referred to as agitator elements.

[0008] Once the seeds have been distributed in the boreholes of the metering disc, a system known as a selection system allows the removal of excess seeds to avoid duplication, as several seeds could be contained in a single borehole, which is undesirable. The selection can be performed using teeth, brushes, etc., which are fixedly mounted and located outside and / or inside the seed path. As a result, the excess seeds fall back into the storage area.

[0009] Once the seeds have been selected, they are transferred to the final distribution area, typically located at the last quarter turn of the metering disc, where the pressure differential no longer exists. This lack of pressure differential forces the seeds out of the borehole and out of the metering unit toward the ground. This ejection of the seeds can be aided by rollers that reduce the pressure differential and force the seeds out of the borehole via the pins.

[0010] After the seed drill has been used, remnants of granular elements are often present in the storage area. In some cases, the metering unit may require that the granular elements still present in the storage area be discharged after the seed drill has been used. This may occur, for example, when the door of the airtight housing needs to be opened in order to replace the metering disc and / or to carry out cleaning and / or maintenance operations.

[0011] Typically, depending on whether the tray is inside the door, the remaining granular elements will fall to the ground outside the metering unit when the door is opened and / or when the tray is removed.

[0012] This results in a number of problems, namely that the seeds on the ground need to be picked up and / or damaged, which is impractical and unsanitary.

[0013] In order to avoid the above-mentioned problems and to facilitate discharge, discharge chutes that are inclined towards the ground are known, but these only allow the remaining seed to be poured into containers such as buckets, bags, etc. This type of discharge chute is not the best choice if the operator does not have a container available and because the operator must be able to place the container in the correct position before opening the door.

[0014] If the metering unit has a lower discharge hatch at its outlet, discharge can be carried out with the hatch open or closed.

[0015] The existing discharge channel is usually an add-on component, which can be attached to the metering device when required.

[0016] Document EP3610714A1 has described a discharge channel as described above. In particular, the discharge channel can be installed on both sides of the metering unit, thereby allowing the metering unit to be discharged from both sides. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The present invention aims to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks and aims to provide a solution allowing better preparation of the discharge operation in order to improve the discharge.

[0018] To this end, the present invention relates to a metering unit for a seed drill, said metering unit comprising at least:

[0019] - a gastight housing comprising at least a fixed portion and a door movable between an open position and a closed position,

[0020] a metering element for a plurality of granular elements, said metering element being arranged to discretely and singly distribute the plurality of granular elements,

[0021] a metering element positioned within the housing so as to divide the interior of the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being different from the second chamber, the first chamber being configured to receive all or a portion of the plurality of granular elements at least in the storage area, the second chamber being closed when the door is in the closed position and open when the door is in the open position,

[0022] a discharge channel mounted by means of at least one assembly element on the outside of the fixed part of the housing, preferably on one side of the second chamber,

[0023] The metering unit is characterized in that the discharge channel is configured so that the discharge channel can be positioned in an intermediate discharge position, in which the discharge channel is configured to allow all or part of the plurality of granular elements initially present in the storage area to flow toward a buffer area of ​​the discharge channel and allow the granular elements to be stored in the buffer area without allowing the granular elements to flow directly out of the discharge channel, and the buffer height of the buffer area is smaller than the storage height.

[0024] The invention also relates to a seeder element comprising at least one hopper arranged to receive a plurality of granular elements and connected to the metering unit via a conveying device, characterized in that the metering unit corresponds to the metering unit according to the invention.

[0025] The invention also relates to a seed drill comprising at least one chassis on which at least one seed drill element is mounted, characterised in that the at least one seed drill element corresponds to the seed drill element according to the invention.

[0026] The invention also relates to a method for discharging a metering unit for a seed drill, the metering unit comprising a plurality of granular elements at least in a storage area, characterized in that the metering unit is a metering unit according to the invention and the method comprises at least:

[0027] - a preparation discharge step, during which the discharge channel is positioned in an intermediate discharge position, in which the discharge channel allows all or part of the plurality of granular elements initially present in the storage area to flow toward a buffer zone of the discharge channel and to be stored in the buffer zone without letting the granular elements flow directly out of the discharge channel, the buffer zone having a buffer height less than the storage height. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention will be better understood through the following description, which shows several preferred embodiments given as non-limiting examples and is explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a metering unit according to the invention comprising a discharge channel in an intermediate discharge position,

[0030] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 Side view of the metering unit in

[0031] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a metering unit according to a variant of the invention comprising a discharge channel in an outflow position,

[0032] Figure 4 Shown Figure 3 Side view of the metering unit in

[0033] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a metering unit according to a variant of the invention comprising a discharge channel in a folded position,

[0034] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the metering unit without the discharge channel,

[0035] Figure 7 Showing the present invention Figures 1 to 5 A perspective view of the discharge channel shown in FIG.

[0036] Figure 8 Shown Figure 7 A perspective bottom view of the discharge channel shown in FIG.

[0037] Figure 9 Shown Figure 7 A side view of the discharge channel shown in FIG. 1 , and

[0038] Figure 10 Shown Figure 7 Bottom view of the discharge channel shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The metering unit for a seed drill shall include at least:

[0040] a gastight housing 1 comprising at least a fixed part 2 and a door 3 movable between an open position and a closed position,

[0041] a metering element for a plurality of granular elements, said metering element being arranged for discrete and singulated distribution of the plurality of granular elements,

[0042] The metering element is placed in the housing 1 so as to divide the interior of the housing 1 into a first chamber 5 and a second chamber, the first chamber and the second chamber being different, the first chamber 5 being configured to receive all or part of the plurality of granular elements at least in the storage area 7, the second chamber being closed when the door 3 is in the closed position and open when the door 3 is in the open position,

[0043] a discharge channel 8 mounted on the outside of the fixed part 2 of the housing 1 , preferably on the side of the second chamber, by means of at least one assembly element 9 ,

[0044] According to the present invention, the metering unit is characterized in that the discharge channel 8 is configured so that the discharge channel can be positioned at an intermediate discharge position P1, at which the discharge channel 8 is configured to allow all or part of the plurality of granular elements initially present in the storage area 7 to flow toward a buffer zone 10 of the discharge channel 8 and allow the granular elements to be stored in the buffer zone 10 without causing the granular elements to flow directly out of the discharge channel 8, the buffer height of the buffer zone 10 being less than the storage height.

[0045] Advantageously, in the intermediate discharge position P1 of the discharge chute 8, the chute is located in a position in which the buffer zone 10 is designed so that any remaining granular elements, such as seeds from the storage area 7, flow away, but not directly out of the discharge chute 8 and thus flow downwards and possibly to the ground. In this intermediate discharge position P1, the operator can, for example, perform preparatory operations before the discharge operation, such as placing a container near or in the correct position before positioning the discharge chute 8 in the outflow position P2, as described below. This configuration allows for preparation of the discharge so that it can then be carried out under optimal conditions.

[0046] Preferably, at least one assembly element 9 , preferably manipulable with one hand only, removably mounts the discharge channel 8 to the fixed part 2 of the housing 1 so as to be detachable therefrom, at least in the intermediate discharge position P1 .

[0047] Advantageously, in this configuration, the discharge channel 8 can be detached from the housing 1 and the contents of the discharge channel 8 can then be poured into a hopper or another container. Therefore, in this case, there is no need to provide a container for discharge. Therefore, in this configuration, it is also not necessary to perform the discharge operation through the outflow position P2 described below.

[0048] Preferably, the discharge channel 8 can be positioned in an outflow position P2, which is configured to allow all or part of the plurality of granular elements initially present in the storage area 7 or the buffer area 10 to flow to a discharge area 11 having a lower discharge height relative to the buffer height, the discharge area 11 being located outside the discharge channel 8.

[0049] Advantageously, in this position, the discharge channel 8 allows the granular elements initially contained in the storage area 7 or the buffer area 10 to flow towards the discharge area 11 situated below. A container can be placed at the discharge area 11 to collect said granular elements.

[0050] Preferably, in the intermediate discharge position P1 the discharge channel 8 is horizontal or inclined at a so-called intermediate inclination, so that one or more granular elements are prevented from flowing out of the discharge channel 8 .

[0051] Preferably, in the outflow position P2, the discharge channel 8 is inclined at a so-called flow inclination, allowing one or more granular elements to flow, said flow inclination being greater than an inclination known as the intermediate inclination.

[0052] Advantageously, the discharge channel 8 is located either in the intermediate discharge position P1 or in the outflow position P2, depending on the value of the inclination. In the outflow position P2, the flow inclination is greater than the inclination in the intermediate discharge position P1, referred to as the intermediate inclination, because it is necessary to have a sufficient inclination to form an inclined surface allowing the granular elements to slide in the discharge channel 8 towards the discharge area 11 located below.

[0053] Preferably, the discharge channel 8 comprises a first portion 12 and a second portion 14 , the second portion comprising a second free end 15 of the discharge channel 8 , wherein the geometry of the second portion 14 is arranged to prevent outflow from the discharge channel 8 in the intermediate discharge position P1 .

[0054] Due to this configuration, in the intermediate discharge position P1 the granular elements remain in the buffer zone 10 in the discharge channel 8 .

[0055] Preferably, the bottom 16 of the first portion 12 of the discharge channel 8 is flat and the bottom 16 ′ of the second portion 14 is inclined upwardly relative to the bottom 16 of the first portion 12 .

[0056] Advantageously, in the intermediate discharge position P1 , the granular elements are prevented from sliding downwards due to the presence of an upwardly inclined plane in the second portion 14. This configuration also avoids overflowing even when filled to a maximum level.

[0057] Preferably, the first end 13 of the discharge channel 8 is configured so as to be mounted on the fixed part 2 of the housing 1 by means of at least one assembly element 9 which can preferably be manipulated with only one hand.

[0058] Advantageously, the discharge channel 8 can be mounted on or removed from the fixed part 2 by means of an assembly element 9. Thus, the discharge channel 8 is completely removable and can be removed both after discharge in the intermediate discharge position P1 and for storage. In the first case, the discharge channel 8 can be removed manually, for example to discharge its contents at a desired location. In the second case, the discharge channel 8 can be removed when not in use and stored outside the metering unit. For example, the discharge channel can be attached to another component of the seed drill element, for example, to one of the hopper walls inside the hopper cover or to the seed drill element chassis.

[0059] It is more ergonomic if the assembly element 9 can be manipulated with just one hand, since the operator can unlatch the discharge chute 8 with one hand and hold the container or open the hopper with the other hand in order to discharge the granular elements therein.

[0060] Preferably, the second portion 14 has a transverse cross-section that gradually narrows toward the second end 15 .

[0061] Advantageously, the second portion 14 is tightened in the direction of the second free end 15 to facilitate the guidance and flow of the granular elements towards the discharge area 11 and possibly towards a container such as a bag or a drum situated in this discharge area 11 .

[0062] Preferably, the discharge chute 8 is positionable in a folded position P3 in which it is configured to be folded against the door 3 in the closed position.

[0063] Advantageously, in this disassembled alternative configuration, the discharge chute 8 is folded against the movable door 3 when not in use. This eliminates the need to disassemble the discharge chute 8 for storage. The discharge chute 8 is stored on the metering unit.

[0064] Preferably, the discharge channel 8 is mounted so as to be movable, preferably rotated by at least one assembly element 9 (which assembly element can preferably be manipulated by only one hand), to be positioned in an intermediate discharge position P1, an outflow position P2 and between said intermediate discharge position and said outflow position, without the need to detach the discharge channel 8 from the fixed part 2 of the housing 1.

[0065] Preferably, the discharge channel 8 is mounted so as to be movable, preferably rotated by at least one assembly element 9 (which assembly element can preferably be manipulated by only one hand), to be positioned in an intermediate discharge position P1, an outflow position P2 and a folded position P3 and between said intermediate discharge position and said outflow position and folded position, without the need to detach the discharge channel 8 from the fixed part 2 of the housing 1.

[0066] Advantageously, in these configurations, the drain channel 8 is pivotable relative to the fixed portion 2 to enter different positions without requiring the drain channel 8 to be disengaged from the fixed portion 2 of the housing 1 to go from one position to the other.

[0067] The housing 1 comprises a fixed portion 2 and a door 3 which is movable relative to the fixed portion 2 so as to enable the housing 1 to be opened or closed.

[0068] The metering element (not shown) preferably typically comprises a metering disc with a hole drilled therein, which is preferably driven in rotation by a motor. The metering disc divides the housing into two chambers: a first chamber 5 and a second chamber, in which the gas pressures are different.

[0069] A storage area 7 is located in the first chamber 5. The storage area can accommodate a certain amount of granular elements that have to be discharged from the hopper and can be discharged using a discharge chute 8. The storage area 7 is located at the bottom of the fixed part 2 of the housing 1.

[0070] The discharge channel 8 may be in the form of an open pipe, for example, a drain ditch, such as Figures 1 to 5 and Figures 7 to 10 shown.

[0071] The discharge channel 8 preferably comprises two side walls 17 joined by a bottom 16 , 16 ′ and has a substantially U-shaped cross section.

[0072] The drain channel 8 is mounted at the fixed part 2 of the housing 1. The drain channel is preferably constituted by a removable additional part which can be disassembled using one or more assembly elements 9.

[0073] The function of the assembly element(s) 9 enables the drain channel 8 to be fixed to the fixed part 2. Furthermore, the assembly element(s) 9 may allow the drain channel 8 to be reversibly mounted and dismounted, so that it can be detached from the fixed part 2. Furthermore, the assembly element(s) 9 may also allow the drain channel 8 to be rotated relative to the fixed part 2 in and between the positions P1, P2, P3. The assembly element(s) 9 are preferably placed on the fixed part 2 on the one hand and on the drain channel 8 on the other hand.

[0074] The one or more assembly elements 9 may comprise a pair of pins 19 mounted on the fixed part 2 by fastening means 20 and a pair of slots or openings or slides 18 at the first end 13 into which the pins 19 engage when the discharge channel 8 is mounted on the fixed part 2.

[0075] Preferably, a pair of slots or openings or slide rails 18 are arranged on the side wall 17 at the first end 13. The slide rails 18 enable easy installation / disassembly of the discharge chute 8.

[0076] The buffer zone 10 is preferably located inside the discharge channel 8 in the intermediate discharge position P1. Its function is to allow the storage of granular elements in the intermediate discharge position P1.

[0077] The discharge area 11 is located outside the discharge chute 8. The discharge area 11 is lower than the buffer zone 10. The discharge area 11 may be located at ground level or in a container such as, for example, a bag, a barrel or the like.

[0078] The second end 15 of the discharge channel 8 is open and forms an outlet 21 from which the granular elements can flow out, unlike the first end 13 which is closed by a wall 22 laterally connecting the two side walls 17 .

[0079] The discharge chute 8 is dimensioned such that approximately the maximum volume of granular elements of the metering unit can be stored in the discharge chute 8 in the intermediate discharge position P1 .

[0080] The discharge channel 8 may comprise a bend (not shown) for directing the second end 15 to the front or to the rear depending on the orientation of the metering unit.

[0081] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The metering unit is shown with a discharge channel 8 in an intermediate discharge position P1. The housing 1 lacks a door 3. In the fixed portion 2 of the housing 1, a first chamber 5 can contain all or part of a plurality of granular elements, not shown, in a storage area 7. The discharge channel 8 is positioned below the storage area 7 and can collect the granular elements from the storage area 7 in a buffer zone 10. These granular elements are stored in the buffer zone 10 rather than flowing directly out of the discharge channel 8. In this example, the discharge channel 8 is horizontal in the intermediate discharge position P1, preventing the granular elements from flowing toward the discharge area 11 located below. In practice, the bottom 16 of the first portion 12 is horizontal, and the bottom 16' of the second portion 14 is inclined upward.

[0082] Figure 3 and Figure 4The metering unit is shown with the discharge channel 8 in the outflow position P2. In this example, the discharge channel 8 is inclined towards the discharge area 11 in the outflow position P2, which allows the granular elements to flow towards the discharge area 11. In fact, the bottom 16 of the first part 12 and the bottom 16' of the second part are inclined downwards. The second free end 15 is oriented downwards.

[0083] Figure 5 The dosing unit is shown with the discharge channel 8 in the folded position P3. In this example, the housing 1 comprises a fixed part 2 closed by a door 3. The discharge channel 8 rests against the door 3. The second free end 15 is oriented upwards. The side wall 17 is opposite the door 3.

[0084] Figure 6 The dosing unit is shown without the discharge chute 8. In this example, the housing 1 comprises a fixed part 2 closed by a door 3. The fixed part 2 comprises fastening means 20 which allow the mounting of a pair of pins 19. The fastening means 20 take the form of two plates projecting from a lower, non-visible part of the fixed part 2 situated below the storage area 7.

[0085] Figures 7 to 10 It shows the Figures 1 to 5 The discharge channel 8 is shown. The discharge channel 8 is an additional part and is separate from the housing 1. In this example, the discharge channel 8 includes: a first part 12, which includes a first end 13; and a second part 14, which includes a second end 15. The discharge channel 8 includes two side walls 17 connected by a bottom 16, 16' and has a basically U-shaped cross-section. The first end 13 is closed by a wall 22, which laterally connects the two side walls 17. In addition, the bottom 16 of the first part 12 of the discharge channel 8 is flat and the bottom 16' of the second part 14 is inclined upward relative to the bottom 16 of the first part 12. The first part 12 has a transverse cross-section that gradually widens towards the second part 14. The second part 14 has a transverse cross-section that gradually narrows towards the second end 15. A pair of slide rails 18 are provided on the side walls 17 at the first end 13. The second end 15 of the discharge channel 8 is open and forms an outlet 21.

[0086] The invention also relates to a seeder element, not shown, comprising at least one hopper arranged to receive a plurality of granular elements and connected by a conveying device to the metering unit, characterized in that the metering unit corresponds to the metering unit of the invention.

[0087] The invention also relates to a seed drill (not shown) comprising at least one chassis on which at least one seed drill element is mounted, characterised in that the at least one seed drill element corresponds to the seed drill element of the invention.

[0088] The invention also relates to a method for discharging a metering unit for a seed drill, said metering unit comprising a plurality of granular elements at least in a storage area 7, characterized in that the metering unit corresponds to the metering unit of the invention and said method comprises at least:

[0089] - a preparation discharge step, during which the discharge channel 8 is positioned in an intermediate discharge position P1, in which the discharge channel 8 allows all or part of the plurality of granular elements initially present in the storage area 7 to flow to a buffer zone 10 of the discharge channel 8 and allows the granular elements to be stored in the buffer zone 10 without the granular elements flowing directly out of the discharge channel 8, the buffer zone 10 having a buffer height less than the storage height.

[0090] Advantageously, thanks to the method according to the invention, during the preparation for the discharge step, the granular elements are stored in the buffer 10 without them flowing directly out of the discharge chute 8 and thus downwards and possibly falling to the ground. The discharge step can then be carried out under optimal conditions.

[0091] In practice, during the discharge step, either the discharge chute 8 is disassembled in order to discharge the content into a container or a hopper, or the discharge chute 8 is positioned in the outflow position P2 and the granular elements initially contained in the storage area 7 or the buffer area 10 flow towards the discharge area 11 situated below.

[0092] It is obvious that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the drawings. Modifications are possible without departing from the scope of protection of the invention, in particular as to the composition of the various elements or their replacement by technically equivalent ones.

Claims

1. A metering unit for a seed drill, the metering unit comprising at least: - a gastight housing (1) comprising at least a fixed part (2) and a door (3) movable between an open position and a closed position, a metering element (4) for a plurality of granular elements, said metering element being arranged for discrete and singulated distribution of the plurality of granular elements, The metering element (4) is placed in the housing (1) so as to divide the interior of the housing (1) into a first chamber (5) and a second chamber, the first chamber and the second chamber being different, the first chamber (5) being configured to receive all or part of the plurality of granular elements at least in the storage area (7), the second chamber being closed when the door (3) is in the closed position and open when the door (3) is in the open position, a discharge channel (8) mounted on the outside of the fixed part (2) of the housing (1), preferably on the side of the second chamber, by means of at least one assembly element (9), The metering unit is characterized in that the discharge channel (8) is configured so that the discharge channel can be positioned in an intermediate discharge position (P1), in which the discharge channel (8) is configured to allow all or part of the plurality of granular elements initially present in the storage area (7) to flow toward a buffer area (10) of the discharge channel (8) and allow the granular elements to be stored in the buffer area (10) without causing the granular elements to flow directly out of the discharge channel (8), and the buffer height of the buffer area (10) is smaller than the storage height.

2. The metering unit according to claim 1, characterized in that At least in the intermediate discharge position, the discharge channel (8) is removably mounted to the fixed part (2) of the housing (1) by means of the at least one assembly element (9), the at least one assembly element preferably being manipulable with only one hand so as to be disengageable from the fixed part (2) of the housing (1).

3. The metering unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The discharge channel (8) is positionable in an outflow position (P2) configured to allow all or part of the plurality of granular elements initially present in the storage area (7) or the buffer area (10) to flow to a discharge area (11) having a lower discharge height relative to the buffer height, the discharge area (11) being located outside the discharge channel (8).

4. The metering unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that In the intermediate discharge position (P1), the discharge channel (8) is horizontal or inclined at a so-called intermediate inclination, thereby preventing the one or more granular elements from flowing out of the discharge channel (8).

5. The metering unit according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that In the outflow position (P2), the discharge channel (8) is inclined according to a so-called flow inclination angle, allowing the one or more granular elements to flow, said flow inclination angle being greater than an inclination angle called the intermediate inclination angle.

6. The metering unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The discharge channel (8) comprises a first portion (12) and a second portion (14), the second portion comprising a second free end (15) of the discharge channel (8), the geometry of the second portion (14) being arranged to prevent outflow from the discharge channel (8) in an intermediate discharge position (P1).

7. The metering unit according to claim 6, characterized in that The bottom (16) of the first portion (12) of the discharge channel (8) is flat while the bottom (16') of the second portion (14) is inclined upward relative to the bottom (16) of the first portion (12).

8. The metering unit according to any one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that The second portion (14) has a transverse cross-section that tapers toward the second end (15).

9. The metering unit according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that The discharge channel (8) is mounted so as to be movable, preferably rotated by at least one assembly element (9), to be positioned in an intermediate discharge position (P1), an outflow position (P2) and between the intermediate discharge position and the outflow position, without the need to detach the discharge channel (8) from the fixed part (2) of the housing (1), the assembly element being manipulable preferably by only one hand.

10. A seeder element comprising at least one hopper arranged to receive a plurality of granular elements and connected to a metering unit via a conveying device, characterized in that The metering unit is a metering unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A seed drill comprising at least one chassis with at least one seed drill element mounted on the chassis, characterized in that The at least one seeder element is a seeder element according to claim 10.

12. A method for discharging a metering unit for a seed drill, said metering unit comprising a plurality of granular elements at least in a storage area (7), characterized in that The metering unit is a metering unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and the method at least comprises: - a preparation discharge step, during which the discharge channel (8) is positioned in an intermediate discharge position (P1), in which the discharge channel (8) allows all or part of the plurality of granular elements initially present in the storage area (7) to flow to a buffer zone (10) of the discharge channel (8) and allows the granular elements to be stored in the buffer zone (10) without causing the granular elements to flow directly out of the discharge channel (8), the buffer zone (10) having a buffer height less than a storage height.

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