Precision seeding method and apparatus

Abstract

In a sowing method and corresponding sowing device for discharging granular seeds onto an underlying surface for seeds, the seeds (K) present in a storage container (10) are taken from the storage container and separated by a separating device (20) and are allowed to fall successively onto an underlying surface (B) for seeds. After the separated seeds (K) leave the separating device (20), a dressing agent is applied to them by an application device (30) during their movement falling onto the underlying surface (B) for seeds.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Precision Seeding Method and Apparatus", with an international filing date of February 19, 2019, international application number PCT / EP2019 / 054119, and national application number 201980011710.5. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a sowing method and a corresponding sowing device. Background Technology

[0003] Precision seeding machines are used in agriculture to introduce seeds into the soil. These machines have small seeding blades or plowshares that create furrows several centimeters deep in the cultivated soil. Seeds stored in storage containers and fed to a separating element are individually placed into these furrows or ditches. The furrows are then closed again by a rearward-extending refilling device, for example, by a so-called harrow. The advantage of these agricultural machines for sowing plant seeds is the precise and uniform depth of seed placement, which reduces bird consumption and results in more even emergence in the field compared to the wide or random distribution of seeds across the entire cultivated land.

[0004] To aid crop growth, the use of crop protection products in the form of chemical or biological substances is a routine practice in agriculture. These substances include, in particular, insecticides to control insects, acaricides to control mites, fungicides to control fungal pathogens, and nematodes to control nematodes. These crop protection products are often applied to the field by spraying. However, this only reaches already grown young plants and is therefore ineffective against certain plant diseases that appear in the early stages of growth or pests that infest germinating seedlings. Another possible application is the deposition of microparticles in the seed furrow. Precise positioning of the crop protection product is impossible here because the entire seed furrow, including the space between the seeds, must always be treated. This leads to unnecessarily high consumption of the protection product.

[0005] Therefore, to protect seeds and seedlings from fungi, nematodes, mites, and insects, it is now customary to treat seeds centrally with commonly interchangeable substances known as seed treatment agents or seed dressings. In this context, the appropriate active ingredient or combination of active ingredients is applied directly to each individual seed in a coating form. In addition to the actual active ingredient with insecticidal properties, seed dressings typically contain binders to improve the adhesion of the active ingredient to the seed, as well as dispersants and colorants. Because the correct dose of the necessary crop protection product is provided in situ to each seed or plant through seed dressing, a relatively small amount of active ingredient is sufficient to effectively protect seedlings or plants compared to spray application. Therefore, this method is also fundamentally environmentally advantageous.

[0006] However, when farmers handle seeds coated in this manner, the applied crop protection product may be partially worn away within the seeder during the sowing process due to mechanical load, potentially generating fine seed dressing dust that contaminates the active ingredients. Especially in modern, pneumatically operated precision seeders, where localized vacuum or excessive pressure may be applied to the separation element to introduce seeds into the soil in a controlled manner, this fine seed dressing dust may be drawn away and dispersed by the blower's airflow. In this context, the fine seed dressing dust can accumulate within the seeder, potentially limiting system functionality and posing a potential hazard to operators. Furthermore, the escape of seed dressing dust from the seeder into the surrounding environment is particularly problematic, potentially harming humans, animals, and especially beneficial insects.

[0007] The drawbacks associated with the emission of seed dressing dust have been presented as a topic in DE 20 2012 101 029 U1. This paper proposes a seeding machine with a dust collector that can separate air containing dust particles that is drawn in during the seeding process into air and dust components. The dust components separated from the air components can then be introduced into the soil using a special introduction device.

[0008] WO 2017 / 182261 A1 describes a precision seeding machine that may have prevented, or at least significantly reduced, the generation of particulate dust.

[0009] Such a known precision seeding machine for introducing seeds into the soil includes: a separating element adapted to separate seeds already fed from a storage container and output them individually; and an application unit for applying a seed dressing agent to the separated seeds. The application unit is arranged relative to the separating element such that the seed dressing agent is applied to the seeds after they have been separated and before they are output from the separating element. The separating element is implemented as a rotating perforated disc to which partial vacuum or overpressure can be applied. The application unit includes a nozzle, implemented as a pneumatically driven valve and having the function of dispensing the seed dressing agent. The application unit includes a sensor for detecting the separated seeds and / or their location, and the application of the seed dressing agent can be triggered by a signal from the sensor. The application of the seed dressing agent is performed in a non-contact manner, wherein the nozzle is at a distance of 2-10 mm from the surface of the seed to be treated. An amount of seed dressing agent between 0.3 and 5 µl per seed to be treated can be dispensed using the nozzle.

[0010] While the precision seeding machine described in WO 2017 / 182261 A1 prevents or reduces the generation of particulate dust, its disadvantage is that the separating element, especially its rotating perforated disc, becomes contaminated or soiled during the application of the seed dressing agent through the separating element. The effect of the applied local vacuum also exacerbates this situation. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention aims to improve the method and corresponding apparatus for discharging granular seeds, so as to achieve the following effects: avoiding contamination or soiling of the apparatus components, especially its separating elements, by the seed dressing agent. Specifically, the application of the dressing agent to each seed will be carried out without contamination.

[0012] The objective upon which this invention is based is achieved by the seeding method according to the invention and the apparatus according to the invention.

[0013] Further suitable and particularly advantageous improvements to the sowing method and the sowing apparatus according to the invention are the subject of the corresponding dependent claims.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the disclosed method.

[0015] Regarding this sowing method, the essence of the invention lies in the following: In a sowing method for discharging granular seeds onto a surface below the seed container, seeds present in a storage container are removed from and separated. A seed dressing agent is applied to the separated seeds, and each seed, having been treated with the seed dressing agent, is successively delivered onto the surface below the seed container. Here, the application of the seed dressing agent to the separated seeds occurs during their movement as they fall onto the surface below the seed container. The seeds may fall onto the surface below the seed container along a straight or curved path. For example, if the seeds have a velocity component substantially parallel to the surface below the seed container (e.g., due to the horizontal movement of the sowing device transverse to the surface below the seed container) and a downward acceleration component (due to gravity), then in a reference frame in which the surface below the seed container is stationary, the falling path may be substantially parabolic, while in a reference frame in which the sowing device is stationary, the falling path may be substantially straight.

[0016] Applying a seed dressing agent to seeds during free fall prevents contamination of the corresponding sowing device components. Specifically, the seed dressing agent is not applied when the seeds are resting on a surface or contained in a container, storage tank, or other device. In this way, seed dressing agents can be applied to the seeds as in the prior art while simultaneously preventing contamination of the sowing device components.

[0017] After the seeds have been separated, they can be allowed to fall through a sensor axis, where the sensor detects each separated seed passing through the sensor axis, and the time delay before the seed reaches an impact point located outside the sensor axis along the seed's fall path is calculated, and a seed dressing agent is applied to the seed at the impact point based on the calculated time delay. In this way, precise application of the seed dressing agent to the seeds can be achieved.

[0018] In this context, it is advantageous to use a triggerable application nozzle to apply a seed dressing agent to the seeds, the nozzle spraying a predetermined amount of the seed dressing agent along a spray trajectory each time it is triggered, wherein the impact point is defined as the intersection between the seed's descent path and the spray trajectory of the application nozzle. The spray trajectory can be substantially linear. The application nozzle is connected to a source of the seed dressing agent. The seed dressing agent is advantageously in fluid form, such as a liquid, gel, or droplet. It is conceivable that a seed dressing agent in the form of a binder powder can be used. The predetermined amount of seed dressing agent can be from 0.1 to 5 µl, optionally from 0.3 to 5 µl, optionally from 1 to 4 µl, optionally from 2 to 3 µl, optionally about 2.5 µl. However, it should be understood that different amounts of seed dressing agent may be suitable for seeds of different sizes. The seed dressing agent can be supplied to the application nozzle via a controllable valve, such as a solenoid valve or a pneumatically or hydraulically actuated valve. By appropriately controlling the valve, the volume of seed dressing agent delivered each time the application nozzle is triggered can be controlled. The delivered volume can vary as needed, for example, for different seed locations, different seed dressing agents, or different seed types. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the pressure of the seed dressing supplied to the application nozzle can be controlled, for example, by a pump, to control or adjust the rate at which the seed dressing is sprayed.

[0019] The lateral position of each seed within the sensor axis is advantageously detected by at least one sensor. The impact point can be individually defined based on the lateral position, and correspondingly, the time delay before the seed reaches the impact point can be calculated individually. In this way, a sensor axis with a relatively wide cross-section can be used, thereby not hindering the falling movement of the seeds.

[0020] Advantageously, the application nozzle is oriented such that its spray trajectory intersects the seed's descent path at an acute angle, preferably 30° to 60°. Therefore, the seed dressing agent can be reliably applied to the seeds moving along their respective descent paths. In some embodiments, the intersection of the spray trajectory and the descent path can be up to 5 cm or up to 10 cm away from the application nozzle. Generally, a shorter distance between the application nozzle and the intersection point is preferred, as this helps improve the accuracy of seed dressing agent application.

[0021] Two or more different compositions can be applied to separated seeds using two or more application nozzles. Therefore, seeds can be treated with seed dressing agents consisting of a combination of multiple or different compositions.

[0022] Compositions used in seed dressings are typically formulated as: liquid formulations, such as aqueous solutions or organic solutions or mixtures of multiple phases; dispersions or suspensions of particles in aqueous or organic liquids or pastes, which ensure seed safety during application, sowing, and germination, with the only limitation being that the composition can be applied at the required rate of application, volume, and pressure, as well as rheological properties and dynamic surface tension and adhesion. Typically, the active substance is suspended, emulsified, dissolved, absorbed, or encapsulated in the liquid phase, or mixed with a carrier as a water-dispersible powder or water-dispersible particles. Classic agricultural formulations can also be applied, such as flowable suspensions (FS) and suspensions (SC) and emulsions (EW; ES) and solutions (SL; LS), as well as encapsulated suspensions (CS) and water-dispersible powders (WS; WP) or water-dispersible or water-soluble particles (WG; SG), provided they meet the same conditions. In some embodiments, the composition to be applied may contain nutrients, fertilizers, and / or inoculants.

[0023] In some embodiments, compositions that can be used with the apparatus and method according to the invention may also include additional components, including additional adjuvants, biocides, or other components.

[0024] The (multiple) active substances in a given composition are selected based on the desired insecticidal effect of the composition applied to the seed dressing. Typically, these active substances are insecticides, acaricides, fungicides, or nematicides, such as those known from "The Pesticide Manual", 18th edition, UK Crop Protection Council, October 2018.

[0025] The seeds to be packaged can be any field crop seed grown using conventional planting techniques. In some embodiments, the planting technique is single-seed planting. Non-limiting examples of seeds that can be grown using single-seed planting techniques include, in particular, seeds from cereals, corn, soybeans, cotton, sunflowers, sugar beets, and sorghum.

[0026] Regarding the seeding device, the essence of the present invention is as follows: a seeding device for discharging granular seeds onto a surface below the seeds comprises: a storage container for the granular seeds; a separating device designed to separate the seeds fed from the storage container and output them individually; and an application device for applying a seed dressing agent to the separated seeds. The application device is configured to apply the seed dressing agent to the separated seeds after they have left the separating device, during their movement as they fall onto the surface below the seeds.

[0027] Applying a seed dressing agent to the seeds during free fall prevents contamination of the seeding device components.

[0028] The application device is advantageously implemented as a structurally independent unit and arranged below the separating device in the falling path of the separated seeds. Therefore, the application device can be used on various seeding devices.

[0029] The application device advantageously has a sensor shaft open at both ends, and is arranged such that the separated seeds fall through the sensor shaft along its path from the separation device to the lower surface for the seeds. This allows the falling seeds to be protected from external influences. For example, seeds falling within the sensor shaft can be protected from crosswinds or rain.

[0030] Advantageously, at least one sensor for detecting seed passage through the sensor shaft is arranged on the inner surface of the sensor shaft. The application device may have an application nozzle for the seed dressing agent, which can be configured to apply a predetermined amount of seed dressing agent to the seed that has fallen through the sensor shaft once the seed has moved outside the sensor shaft. The application device has a controller that cooperates with the at least one sensor, and the controller triggers the application nozzle to apply the seed dressing agent to the seed based on a sensor signal generated by the at least one sensor. In this way, the seed dressing agent can be applied precisely to the seed.

[0031] The sensor can be an optical sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD type sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor can be an optical sensor disposed on one side of a sensor axis, and a light source is disposed on the other side of the sensor axis, thereby forming a light shutter to detect when a seed passes between the light source and the optical sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor detects (e.g., by detecting color changes or light intensity changes) the light reflected from the falling seed onto the sensor. In these embodiments, the light source and the sensor can be located on the same side relative to the falling seed. For example, the light source and the sensor can be located on the same side of the sensor axis.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least two sensors for detecting seed passage across the sensor shaft can be arranged vertically on the inner surface of the sensor shaft in the seed's descent direction. As the seed falls, it can trigger a first sensor, and subsequently a second sensor, thereby allowing the controller to calculate the seed's descent rate. The controller can then calculate a time delay based on the sensor signals from the at least two sensors, after which the controller triggers the application nozzle to correctly aim the seed dressing agent at the seed. In this way, the seed's descent rate can be taken into account during controlled application of the seed dressing agent.

[0033] In some embodiments, at least one sensor array may be disposed on the inner surface of the sensor shaft. The at least one array may be a one-dimensional array, such as a linear array. The at least one array may also be a two-dimensional array. By disposing of the sensor array, the lateral position of the seed within the sensor shaft can be determined with reference to the lateral dimensions of the array.

[0034] In some embodiments, the at least one sensor or at least one sensor array may be configured to detect the size of each seed. The application device may be controlled to vary the injection parameters (e.g., volume, velocity, trajectory, pressure, etc.) according to the detected seed size and / or seed velocity and / or seed trajectory.

[0035] The application nozzle is advantageously designed to spray a predetermined amount of seed dressing agent each time it is triggered. The seed dressing agent can be sprayed along a spray trajectory. The spray trajectory can be substantially linear. The controller can calculate the location of the impact point where the spray trajectory intersects the descent path of the seed to be treated. The controller can calculate the time delay based on the location of the impact point and the seed's descent rate.

[0036] The application nozzle can be configured to spray a jet or droplets of seed dressing agent toward the seed along a spray trajectory. The jet or droplets may cover the entire surface of the seed or only a portion of the seed surface. In particular, droplet application should be understood herein as applying the seed dressing agent to a relatively small (“dot”) or relatively large portion of the seed surface without completely surrounding the seed. The seed dressing agent can be configured to adhere to the seed as droplets. In some embodiments, the seed dressing agent may be selected to dry relatively quickly without losing adhesion to the seed surface. In some embodiments, the seed dressing agent may be selected not to dry before the seed reaches the underlying surface.

[0037] The application nozzle may include, or be made of, corundum, such as sapphire or ruby. In some embodiments, the application nozzle may include, or be made of, ceramic or hard alloy materials. Preferably, the application nozzle is made of a hard material that is wear-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and / or corrosion-resistant. Abrasive particles in the seed dressing may cause unacceptable corrosion to nozzles made of conventionally softer metal materials.

[0038] Advantageously, the application nozzle is oriented such that its jet trajectory intersects the seed's fall path at an acute angle, preferably 30° to 60°. Therefore, the seed dressing agent can be reliably applied to the seeds moving along their respective fall paths. It should be understood that seeds falling from a point on the sensor axis near the application nozzle will intersect the jet trajectory before seeds falling from a point on the sensor axis away from the application nozzle. This is because the jet trajectory crosses the sensor axis at an angle downwards relative to the horizontal direction. Accordingly, when the at least one sensor detects a seed falling along a fall path away from the application nozzle, a time delay needs to be applied when activating the application nozzle to compensate for the additional time required for the seed to reach the intersection between the fall path and the jet trajectory. The additional time required for the jet to reach the seed falling along the fall path away from the application nozzle also needs to be considered.

[0039] In some embodiments, a plurality of sensors for detecting the lateral position of the seed within the sensor axis are advantageously arranged on the sensor axis, wherein the controller considers the lateral position of each seed to calculate the time delay individually for each seed. In this way, a sensor axis with a relatively wide cross-section can be used, thereby not hindering the falling movement of the seed.

[0040] The application device advantageously has two or more application nozzles through which two or more seed dressing agents can be applied to the separated seeds. In this way, one or more seed dressing agents can be applied to the seeds using the same application device as needed.

[0041] In some embodiments, at least one additional sensor may be provided to detect whether a particular seed has actually been hit by the jet from the application nozzle. This additional sensor may be an optical sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD type sensor. The at least one additional sensor may detect changes in light reflected from the seed due to the application of the jet. This could be a change in reflectivity, or, if the seed dressing agent has a specific color (e.g., imparted by a dye additive), the additional sensor may detect a change in the color of the reflected light. Data providing information about the proportion of seeds that have been correctly treated with seed dressing by the application nozzle may be collected. In some embodiments, in response to detecting an insufficient proportion of seeds that have been correctly treated with seed dressing by the application nozzle, feedback control may be provided to vary one or more spraying parameters, such as spray pressure, spray trajectory, spray volume, seed dressing temperature, and / or seed dressing velocity.

[0042] In some embodiments, the sensor axis can be omitted. Instead of falling along the sensor axis as described above, seeds can be dispensed directly from the storage container onto the underlying surface. Alternatively, seeds can be extracted from the storage container by mechanical or other means, such as a conveyor or brush belt, and then allowed to fall freely onto the underlying surface. In these embodiments, the at least one sensor is positioned and the storage container is configured such that seeds fall from the storage container along a fall path that crosses or passes through the at least one sensor, thereby allowing the detection of falling seeds, as described above. The at least one application nozzle applies seed dressing to each seed as it falls freely from the storage container, and the at least one application nozzle is activated and controlled based on a signal from the at least one sensor. As previously mentioned, an important advantage is that the seed dressing is directed towards the freely falling seeds, thereby reducing contamination of the seed dressing on fixed or other mechanical surfaces.

[0043] In some embodiments, geographic location data can be collected during seed sowing, thereby enabling the generation of a map of the underlying surface (e.g., field) that includes data relating to the spraying parameters and / or composition of the seed dressing agent. The geographic location data can be collected via a global navigation satellite system, such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, or the like.

[0044] The controller may include a computer-readable storage medium containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps described above. Specifically, but not exclusively, the controller may be programmed to perform one or more of the following: processing signals from the at least one sensor, triggering the application device, calculating a delay time, calculating the seed's falling rate, determining the seed's location, determining whether the seed dressing agent has been correctly applied, determining geographic location data, and adjusting parameters for applying the seed dressing agent from the application device.

[0045] The application device of the seeding apparatus according to the invention can be used on various types of seeding apparatus. For this reason, there is also a need for independent protection of an application device designed to apply a seed dressing agent to seeds during the falling movement of separated seeds. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 A general schematic diagram of the seeding device according to the present invention is shown;

[0048] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the application device is shown in a first exemplary embodiment of the seeding apparatus according to the present invention;

[0049] Figure 3 A pulse / time graph is shown;

[0050] Figure 4 A very simplified schematic diagram of the application device of a second exemplary embodiment of the seeding apparatus according to the present invention is shown; and

[0051] Figure 5 A similarly very simplified schematic diagram of the application device of a third exemplary embodiment of the seeding apparatus according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The following convention applies to the following description: if all parts of a figure do not have figure labels, then the corresponding related parts of this description should be referenced to the corresponding other figures.

[0053] In the context of this invention, the surface beneath the seed should be understood as agricultural soil to which the granular seed is applied. The seed consists of a single seed. The seed dressing agent should be understood as a liquid or gel preparation containing active substances having fungicidal and / or insecticidal and / or growth-promoting effects, and may further contain binders, dispersants, and colorants. In some embodiments, the seed dressing agent may be a binder powder. In the following description, all positional and directional information (e.g., top, bottom, above, below, upward, downward, vertical, horizontal, etc.) refers to the upright position shown in the figures and corresponding to the actual use of the seeding device according to the invention.

[0054] according to Figure 1 The overall view of the sowing apparatus includes: a storage container 10 for granular seeds; a separating device 20 designed to separate seeds K fed from the storage container and output them individually; and an application device 30 for applying a seed dressing agent to the seeds K individually output by the separating device 20. The application device is designed and arranged such that the seed dressing agent is applied to the seeds after they have left the separating device 20 and during their movement as they fall onto the lower surface B for seeds.

[0055] The entire seeding device is typically mounted on an agricultural vehicle, such as a tractor, during actual use. In this context, multiple seeding devices can be mounted on the vehicle, allowing seeds to be simultaneously discharged into multiple seed furrows. Of course, these seeding devices can also be used with shared storage containers.

[0056] The essential difference between the seeding device according to the invention and the prior art known, particularly from WO 2017 / 182261 A1, is that the seed dressing agent is not applied to the seeds on the separating device 20, but rather during the movement of the seeds as they fall onto the surface B below the seeds after they have left the separating device. For this purpose, the applying device 30 is implemented and arranged in a specific manner for this purpose, as will be explained in detail below. The storage container 10 and the separating device 20 can be implemented in the same manner as described in the prior art, for example, WO 2017 / 182261 A1. Therefore, further explanation of these components of the seeding device according to the invention is unnecessary.

[0057] Figure 2 The basic design of an embodiment of the application device is schematically shown. The application device includes: a sensor shaft 31, which is vertically oriented during actual use and has its top and bottom open; two sensors 32 and 33, which are arranged vertically spaced apart on the sensor shaft; an application nozzle 34 for the seed dressing agent, which is supplied by the seed dressing agent storage container 34a; and an electronic controller 35.

[0058] The application device 30 and / or its sensor shaft 31 are arranged below the separating device 20 such that the individual seeds K output by the separating device fall through the sensor shaft 31. After they exit the sensor shaft 31, a seed dressing agent is applied to these seeds K through the application nozzle 34, and then these seeds K fall onto the surface below the seeds.

[0059] These two sensors 32 and 33 detect when seed K passes through sensor axis 31. If seed K falls across its corresponding detection range, the sensor generates a pulse-shaped sensor signal S32 or S33. Suitable sensors are known in the prior art and require no further explanation.

[0060] Figure 3 Sensor signals S32 and S33 are shown. Based on the predetermined (vertical) distance ds between the two sensors 32 and 33 and the falling rate of seed K in sensor axis 31, sensor signals S32 and S33 appear at time intervals ts. This is a measure of the falling rate of seed K in sensor axis 31. These two sensor signals S32 and S33 are fed to controller 35 and processed by it in a manner described below for actuating the application nozzle 34.

[0061] The application nozzle 34 is designed to spray a defined amount, typically 0.3-5 µl, of seed dressing agent along a substantially linear spray trajectory each time it is actuated or triggered, thus outputting a “speck of seed dressing agent.” Suitable application nozzles include corundum, ceramic, or carbide nozzles. The application nozzle 34 can be implemented to allow the application of seed dressing agent to the corresponding seed in a substantially droplet-like manner during each application. Essentially, droplet-like application should be understood here as applying seed dressing agent without completely surrounding the seed, but only covering a relatively small (“dot”) or relatively large portion of the seed surface. Here, the seed dressing agent is suitably configured to adhere to the seed as a droplet without jet loss and to dry without losing its adhesiveness in the process. The application nozzle 34 can be used, for example, with a pneumatically actuated valve. Thus, a valve for contactless micro-dosing can be used, which is closed in the idle position and can be switched by an electro-pneumatic actuator, wherein the opening time is less than 1 millisecond. Such valves typically feature high dosing frequency and very high dosing accuracy, thereby ensuring an extremely precise and repeatable dosing process. Other possible valves include solenoid valves.

[0062] Figure 2 Impact point I is shown, defined by the intersection of the falling path f of seed K and the spray trajectory j of application nozzle 34. Application nozzle 34 is oriented such that its spray trajectory j intersects the falling path f of seed K at an acute angle α of approximately 30° to 60°. Here, impact point I is outside or below sensor axis 31. A "pinch of seed dressing agent" is output when seed K reaches impact point I. This is based on the spatial distance di between sensor 33 and impact point I, and the falling rate of seed K, after a time delay ti following triggering by lower sensor 33. Controller 35 calculates the time delay ti with reference to both sensors S32 and S33, and then outputs a trigger pulse T34. Figure 3 The trigger pulse will trigger the application nozzle 34 and cause the output of "a pinch of seed dressing agent", which will then be applied to the seed located at the impact point I. The time delay ti also takes into account the inherent system response time of the application nozzle 34 and the negligible flight time of the seed dressing agent from the application nozzle 34 to the impact point I.

[0063] Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of the seeding device is shown in part, wherein the sensor shaft 31 of the application device is implemented in a relatively narrow form and has a funnel-shaped attachment 31a. This has the effect that all seeds K within the sensor shaft 31 move along the same falling path f or along falling paths f very close to each other, so that the impact point I is almost identical for all seeds.

[0064] However, seeds can also be positioned in other ways along nearly identical or at least close-to-each other descent paths. This can be achieved, for example, by air pressure or electrostatic force, or by a sensor shaft shaped differently from a funnel. When using electrostatic force, the static charge generated in this context can positively influence the adhesion of the seed dressing (similar to powder coating techniques).

[0065] exist Figure 5 In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor shaft 31 is also embodied as having a relatively wide usable cross-section. Here, the seed K can fall through the sensor shaft 31 along a relatively widely separated fall path. This helps prevent interference with seed movement, for example, due to collisions with the sensor shaft 31 or other seeds, but may cause the impact site to potentially vary significantly in location depending on the seed's fall path. For example, Figure 5 Two falling paths, f1 and f2, with associated impact points I1 and I2 are shown. They are visually far apart, thus requiring the application of nozzle 34 to be triggered based on different time delays depending on the impact point. To enable controller 35 to calculate a single time delay ti based on the point of fall through the seed K of sensor axis 31, multiple sensors distributed along the corresponding width or diameter of sensor axis 31 determine the lateral position of the corresponding seed within sensor axis 31. For example, Figure 5 The diagram schematically illustrates ten such sensors 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e, as well as 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, and 33e, in which, in each case, two sensors are arranged vertically along a descent path, as shown below. Figure 2 Sensors 32 and 33. The sensor signals of these ten sensors are fed to controller 35 (not shown here), and the controller calculates the associated impact point or the corresponding time delay for triggering the application of nozzle 34 based on the activated sensors.

[0066] According to another exemplary embodiment, the application device may also be equipped with two or more application nozzles (and associated seed dressing agent storage containers) to apply one or more seed dressing agents to the seeds as needed. Figure 5 A second application nozzle 36 is shown, which sprays the seed dressing agent along a second spray trajectory j2. This second application nozzle, together with the seed's descent path, defines a second set of impact sites. Figure 5 The example only shows impact points I12 and I22. Of course, the controller 35 also calculates the respective time delays for triggering the second application nozzle 36 for this set of impact points.

[0067] Throughout this specification and claims, the words “comprising” and “including” and variations thereof mean “including, but not limited to”, and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other parts, additives, components, integers, or steps. Throughout this specification and claims, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, this document should be understood to consider both the plural and the singular unless the context requires otherwise.

[0068] Features, integers, properties, compounds, chemical parts, or groups described in connection with a specific aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention should be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described herein, unless incompatible with it. All features disclosed in this document (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings), and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except that at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive combinations. The invention is not limited to the details of any of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed in this document (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings), or to any novel step or any novel combination of steps in any method or process so disclosed.

[0069] Readers are directed to all articles and documents submitted concurrently with or prior to this document that are related to this application and open to public examination, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A sowing method for discharging granular seeds onto an underlying surface for the seeds, wherein, Seeds (K) present in storage container (10) are removed from the storage container and separated, seed dressing agent is applied to the separated seeds (K), and each seed (K) that has been treated with seed dressing agent is successively delivered to the lower surface (B) for seeds, wherein the application of seed dressing agent to the separated seeds (K) is performed as the separated seeds (K) fall freely onto the lower surface (B) for seeds.

2. The seeding method of claim 1, wherein, After the seeds (K) have been separated, they are allowed to fall through at least one sensor (32, 33) that detects each separated seed (K), and wherein the output from the at least one sensor (32, 33) is used to trigger the application of a seed dressing agent to the separated seeds as they fall freely onto the lower surface (B).

3. The seeding method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The seed dressing agent is applied via a triggerable application nozzle (34).

4. The method of seeding according to claim 1, wherein, After the seeds (K) have been separated, they are allowed to fall through the sensor axis (31), wherein at least one sensor (32, 33) detects each separated seed (K) passing through the sensor axis (31), and wherein a delay time (ti) is calculated, which is the time it takes for the seed (K) to reach the impact point (I) located outside the sensor axis (31) along the falling path (f) of the seed (K), and a seed dressing agent is applied to the seed (K) at the impact point (I) based on the calculated delay time (ti).

5. The method of seeding according to claim 4, wherein, The seed (K) is applied with a triggerable application nozzle (34), which sprays a defined amount of seed dressing along a spray trajectory (j) each time it is triggered, and the impact point (I) is defined as the intersection between the falling path (f) of the seed (K) and the spray trajectory (j) of the application nozzle (34).

6. The method of seeding according to claim 5, wherein, At least one sensor (32, 33) detects the lateral position of each seed within the sensor axis (31), and the impact point (I) is individually defined based on the lateral position, and accordingly, the delay time (ti) before the seed (K) reaches the impact point (I) is calculated individually.

7. The seeding method of claim 5 or 6, wherein, The application nozzle (34) is oriented such that its spray trajectory (j) intersects the falling path (f) of the seed (K) at an acute angle (α) preferably 30° to 60°.

8. The seeding method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Two or more seed dressing agents are applied to the separated seeds (K) through two or more application nozzles (34, 36).

9. A seeding device for discharging granular seed onto an underlying surface for the seed, the seeding device having a storage container (10) for the granular seed, a separating device (20) configured for separating and individually outputting seed (K) fed from the storage container (10), and an application device (30) for applying a dressing to the separated seed (K), wherein The application device (30) is configured to apply a seed dressing agent to the seed after the separated seed (K) leaves the separation device (20) and when the separated seed (K) falls freely onto the lower surface (B) for the seed.

10. The seeding apparatus of claim 9, wherein, The application device (30) is configured as a structurally independent unit and is arranged below the separation device (20) in the falling path of the separated seed (K).

11. The seeding apparatus of claim 9 or 10, wherein, The application device (30) includes a triggerable application nozzle (34).

12. The seeding apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising at least one sensor (32, 33) for detecting each separated seed (K) output from the storage container; and a controller (35) for triggering the application device (30) to apply the seed dressing agent based on the signal output from the at least one sensor (32, 33).

13. The seeding apparatus of claim 12, wherein, The application device (30) includes a valve that is operatively controlled by the controller (35).

14. The seeding apparatus of claim 9 or 10, wherein, The application device (30) has a sensor shaft (31) open at both ends, and wherein the application device (30) is arranged such that the separated seed (K) falls through the sensor shaft (31) along its path from the separation device (20) to the lower surface (B) for the seed.

15. The seeding device according to claim 14, wherein, At least one sensor (32, 33) for detecting a seed (K) passing through the sensor shaft (31) is arranged in the sensor shaft (31), wherein the application device (30) has an application nozzle (34) for the seed dressing agent, the application nozzle (34) being configured to apply a predetermined amount of seed dressing agent to a seed (K) that has fallen through the sensor shaft (31) once the seed (K) is outside the sensor shaft, wherein the application device (30) has a controller (35) cooperating with the at least one sensor (32, 33), the controller (35) triggering the application nozzle (34) to apply the seed dressing agent to the seed (K) based on a sensor signal generated by the at least one sensor (32, 33).

16. The seeding apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, At least two sensors (32, 33) for detecting that the seed (K) passes through the sensor axis (31) are arranged vertically along the direction of the seed's fall, wherein the controller (35) is configured to calculate a time delay (ti) based on the sensor signals of the at least two sensors (32, 33), after which the controller causes the application nozzle (34) to be triggered.

17. The seeding apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, The application nozzle (34) is configured to spray a predetermined amount of seed dressing agent along the spray trajectory (j) each time it is triggered, wherein the controller (35) is configured to calculate the position of the impact point (I), the spray trajectory (j) intersecting the falling path (f) of the seed (K) to be treated with seed dressing agent at the impact point, and wherein the controller (35) is configured to calculate the time delay (ti) based on the position of the impact point (I) and the falling rate of the seed (K).

18. The seeding apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, The application nozzle (34) is oriented such that its spray trajectory (j) intersects the falling path (f) of the seed (K) at an acute angle (α) preferably 30° to 60°.

19. The seeding apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, Multiple sensors (32, 33) are arranged in the sensor axis (31) to detect the lateral position of the seed (K) within the sensor axis (31), and wherein the controller (35) is configured to calculate the time delay (ti) individually for each seed (K) taking into account the lateral position of each seed (K).

20. The seeding apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 19, wherein, The application device (30) has two or more application nozzles (34, 36) through which two or more seed dressing agents can be applied to the separated seeds (K).

21. An application device used in a seeding apparatus for discharging granular seeds onto a surface below the seed, wherein, The application device is configured to apply a seed dressing agent to the seeds during the falling movement of the separated seeds (K).

22. The application device according to claim 21, wherein, The application device is implemented according to any one of claims 14 to 20.

23. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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