row unit of an agricultural machine and agricultural machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a series unit of an agricultural machine, at least comprising: a furrow-drawing tool designed to form a furrow; a skid element which is designed to form the furrow; a metering device, in particular an overpressure singulation device, which is designed to dispense a first material into a dispensing device which has an outlet opening for dispensing the first material into the furrow, a catching element which is designed to slow down the first material dispensed by the dispensing device, wherein the skid element comprises at least one conduit section with at least one skid outlet opening, which is configured for dispensing at least one further material into the furrow. The invention is characterized in that the dispensing of the first material from the dispensing device into the furrow occurs at a significantly higher speed than a speed based on the acceleration due to gravity.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a row unit of an agricultural machine, at least comprising: a furrow-forming tool configured to form a furrow; a skid element configured to shape the furrow; a metering device configured to deliver a first material into a delivery device having an outlet opening for delivering the first material into the furrow; and a catching element configured to brake the first material delivered by the delivery device, according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to an agricultural machine.

[0002] Such row units are known from the prior art, which can only deliver a single material, such as seed or fertilizer, in a single pass. To apply additional material, such as fertilizer in addition to the seed, a further pass is usually required, or it is often necessary to add another row unit, which is positioned very close to the existing row unit. This has the disadvantage that multiple row units are required for different materials, and the available installation space cannot be optimally utilized.

[0003] Likewise, the row units are designed such that the respective material, in particular the first material, is discharged from the metering device into the furrow via the discharge device based on the acceleration due to gravity.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a row unit and an agricultural machine with at least one row unit, so that the materials can be spread by means of a single row unit and precisely at a high impact rate.

[0005] The underlying problem is solved by a row unit of an agricultural machine having the features of patent claim 1 and by an agricultural machine having the features of patent claim 15.

[0006] A core idea of ​​the present invention is to provide a row unit of an agricultural machine or for an agricultural machine, at least comprising: - a furrow-forming tool designed to form a furrow; - a skid element designed to form the furrow; - a dosing device, in particular an overpressure separating device, which is designed to deliver a first material into a delivery device which has an outlet opening for delivering the first material into the furrow, - a catching element which is designed to slow down the first material delivered by the delivery device.

[0007] Preferably, it should be provided that the skid element comprises at least one line section with at least one skid outlet opening, wherein preferably the at least one skid outlet opening is configured to discharge at least one further material into the furrow.

[0008] For example, the row unit can be understood as meaning that a portion of an agricultural area can be cultivated along a line, preferably in a defined width or manner. For example, the row unit can be a seed coulter, especially if the agricultural machine is a seed drill.

[0009] Further examples of agricultural machinery could include self-propelled or trailed machines, such as seed drills, soil tillage machines such as cultivators, harrows, and hoes, or combinations of the aforementioned machines. Other agricultural machines and their correspondingly different configurations are also conceivable.

[0010] In this context, a furrow-forming tool can be designed in a variety of ways. Examples of a furrow-forming tool can be a single cutting disc, also known as a coulter disc, two cutting discs, which can preferably be angled, a tine element, and / or the like, or combinations thereof.

[0011] Preferably, the at least one furrow-forming tool is in contact with a soil or arable land or with an agricultural area to be worked, so that the furrow-forming tool can accordingly form a furrow in the agricultural area or soil, in particular when the row unit is moved over the area.

[0012] The row unit preferably comprises one or more skid elements, each configured to form the furrow. Particularly preferably, the skid elements are arranged close to, integrated with, or spaced apart from the furrow-forming tool. Preferably, the skid element can be arranged at least partially between two coulter discs and / or at least partially behind the two coulter discs. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable for the skid element to be arranged at least partially behind the furrow-forming tool in the direction of travel.

[0013] The furrow-extracting tool prepares the furrow for the release of the first material, meaning that the first material can be introduced into the furrow. However, it may be the case, for example in soft or sandy soil, that after the furrow has been opened or formed by the furrow-extracting tool, the furrow is not stable enough and is partially closed again due to soil and / or existing organic material collapsing in, and / or the furrow is not sufficiently formed. The skid element is intended and designed to form or clear the furrow according to requirements so that, for example, material or distribution material can be optimally introduced into the furrow.Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the furrow can be formed by means of the skid element for the delivery of the at least one further material, so that the delivery of the at least one further material is possible with as little disruption as possible.

[0014] The series element further preferably has a dosing device. The dosing device can preferably be a separating device. The dosing device can preferably be a dosing device that operates on the differential pressure principle. The dosing device can preferably be a dosing device that can be operated with overpressure. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the dosing device to be operated with negative pressure. The dosing device is particularly preferably an overpressure separating device. The dosing device can particularly preferably be a so-called shot doser.

[0015] The dosing device can preferably be configured to dispense a first material. The first material can preferably be dispensed into a dispensing device, wherein the dispensing device preferably has at least one outlet opening.

[0016] The dispensing device can, for example, be a pipe into which the dosing device can dispense the first material. Preferably, the first material can then be conveyed further, preferably toward the agricultural area. The dispensing device is preferably a pipe, preferably a hollow pipe, more preferably a seed pipe.

[0017] Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the first material can be accelerated in the dispensing device, preferably due to external influences, such as an additional air flow or the like. It is also conceivable and / or possible that the acceleration of the first material is generated and / or can be generated by the overpressure for separating the first material.

[0018] According to the invention, it can be provided that the discharge of the first material from the discharge device into the furrow takes place at a higher speed, preferably a significantly higher speed, than a speed based on the acceleration due to gravity.

[0019] Preferably, the dosing device can be arranged at a specific height above the agricultural area. When the first material is introduced from the dosing device into the dispensing device, the first material, without external influences, will fall toward the agricultural area due to gravity, accelerated by gravity, and then exit the dispensing device through the outlet opening at a certain (final) velocity.

[0020] According to the invention, the speed at which the first material emerges from the discharge device, in particular the outlet opening, is significantly higher than the certain speed in the case of free fall of the first material. This makes it possible to deposit the first material precisely in the furrow.

[0021] A significantly higher speed can preferably mean at least 1.5 times, more preferably at least 2 times, more preferably 3 times, particularly with respect to the speed exhibited by the first material upon exiting the dispensing device due to gravitational acceleration. In absolute terms, the significantly higher speed can preferably be at least 20 km / h, more preferably at least 30 km / h, and further preferably at least 40 km / h.

[0022] The row unit preferably has the catching element, which is preferably configured to decelerate the first material discharged by the discharge device. The catching element is particularly advantageous in preventing the first material from jumping or even being carried out of the furrow upon impact with the agricultural area, in particular into the furrow.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the first material may be seeds and / or fertilizer.

[0024] According to the invention, the skid element should have at least one line section with at least one skid outlet opening. Preferably, the skid element can be configured to discharge additional material. Preferably, the at least one skid outlet opening is configured to discharge at least one additional material. Particularly preferably, the skid element or the at least one skid outlet opening is configured to discharge the at least one additional material into the furrow.

[0025] As mentioned, the skid element should have at least one line section. It is therefore conceivable for the skid element to have one or more line sections, preferably a first line section, or a first line section and a second line section, which can be continued as desired.

[0026] Preferably, each line section has at least one skid outlet opening. This can preferably mean that one or more skid outlet openings can be provided. This can preferably mean that a first skid outlet opening, a first skid outlet opening, and a second skid outlet opening can be provided, whereby the list can be continued indefinitely. This can apply to each of the line sections.

[0027] Particularly preferably, it is provided that at least one further material can be dispensed via the skid element or the skid outlet openings. This can mean that a second material, a second and / or third material, can be dispensed. This can depend in particular on the design of the skid element with regard to the number of skid outlet openings and / or the number of line sections.

[0028] Preferably, the further material(s) can be seed and / or fertilizer. Preferably, it can be liquid fertilizer. The seed can preferably be a different variety from the first material (if this is seed), for example, a fine seed or the like.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one skid outlet opening is arranged such that the discharge of the at least one further material is substantially unaffected by the discharge of the first material.

[0030] By the fact that the discharge of the first material by means of the discharge device is predetermined with respect to the catching element and / or with the catching element, namely preferably by the fact that a flight direction of the first material, based on the higher speed, should be substantially tangential or in an area in front of the catching element and close to the catching element, a particularly good deposition of the first material in the furrow can be achieved.

[0031] Preferably, the release of the at least one further material and the release of the first material are and / or cannot be substantially influenced by each other. This can mean that the release of the first material and the at least one further material do not interfere with each other. Thus, optimal release of each material can be ensured individually, without having to pay attention to external influences that could affect the quality of the release.

[0032] In particular, if the higher speed of the first material is caused by an overpressure air flow, this overpressure air flow should not overlap and / or intersect with any discharge flow of the at least one further material, since otherwise a deflection of the discharge flow of the at least one further material and / or the first material is to be expected and / or can be expected.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one skid outlet opening is configured so that the at least one further material can be released to the left and / or right of the catch element with respect to a direction of travel. Alternatively or cumulatively, it can be conceivable for the at least one further material to be released before the catch element and / or after the catch element with respect to the direction of travel. In particular, it can be provided alternatively or cumulatively that the at least one further material can be released into an area aligned with the catch element.

[0034] The at least one additional material can therefore be placed precisely at the desired location. Especially with a fertilizer that can correspond to at least one additional material, it can prove advantageous to place it next to a seed and / or on and / or near the seed, whereby the seed can correspond to the first material. Especially with liquid fertilizer, it can be advantageous to apply it laterally.

[0035] Furthermore, lateral application is particularly advantageous in the case of liquid fertilizer, since the catching element cannot stick to the fertilizer, which could cause soil to accumulate on the catching element and disrupt and / or hinder the application of the first material by impairing the braking of the first material, such as seeds.

[0036] According to a further preferred embodiment, the skid element can be configured to leave a deposition area of ​​the furrow, into which the first material can be deposited, essentially unchanged. Alternatively or additionally, the skid element can be configured to process the furrow in such a way that the furrow, as produced in particular by the furrow-forming element, is brought into this produced state.

[0037] Purely by way of example, the furrow deposition area can be understood as the area, preferably extending in the direction of travel, in which the first material can be deposited. This is explained using two coulter discs, which define the furrow-forming tool, as an example. The coulter discs are angled to each other and cut the agricultural area essentially in a V-shape. The first material is deposited in such a way that it ends up at the tip and / or near the tip of the V.

[0038] To achieve the most even distribution into the furrow, the placement area should remain unchanged. Otherwise, plants could grow to the left or right of the intended row and hinder further treatment, such as spraying, hoeing, or the like. The same applies to the furrow depth, which should remain unchanged, as this could, for example, impair plant growth.

[0039] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the skid element and / or the at least one skid outlet opening is arranged at least partially above the storage area. Alternatively or cumulatively, it can be provided that the at least one skid outlet opening is arranged at least partially below the storage area. Alternatively or cumulatively, the

[0040] Alternatively or cumulatively, it could be provided that the skid element is designed in such a way that the furrow can be formed again in the previous state as produced by the furrow-forming tool.

[0041] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that - the at least one skid outlet opening is arranged vertically below and / or above the outlet opening, and / or - the at least one skid outlet opening is arranged in the direction of travel in front of and / or at the same height and / or after the outlet opening.

[0042] It may be preferable, for example, for fertilizer to be applied vertically downwards, as this is the direction plants root and can therefore support their subsequent growth. The same can apply to lateral application.

[0043] A levy above may mean that fertilizer can be applied directly to the seed to support the seed from the start.

[0044] Additional distribution locations can be used to adjust dispensing depending on needs and requirements.

[0045] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the runner element has at least two runner outlet openings, preferably at least three runner outlet openings, wherein the runner outlet openings, preferably viewed in pairs, are spaced apart from one another transversely to the direction of travel and / or in the vertical direction and / or in the direction of travel.

[0046] This makes it possible to apply additional material relative to the catching element at the respective locations or points where additional material is required.

[0047] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the at least two skid outlet openings are fluidically connected to one another and / or separated from one another.

[0048] If it is preferred to discharge the same additional material at different positions relative to the catching element, a line section can be provided with two skid outlet openings, which makes it possible to simplify the design of the skid element. This can apply to any possible sensible combination of line sections and skid outlet openings. It may preferably be expedient for outlet openings to be separated from one another, particularly if different additional materials are to be discharged and / or material is to exit only from one skid outlet opening.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the dispensing device can be at least partially connected to the skid element. Preferably, the dispensing device can be firmly connected to the skid element. This can offer the advantage that the respective outlet openings are fixed to one another, allowing for repeatable, accurate dispensing from the respective outlet openings. Furthermore, the stability and arrangement of the respective parts, preferably the skid element and the dispensing device, can be improved.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided, alternatively or additionally, that the dispensing device and the skid element are arranged at a distance from each other. This makes it possible to adjust the relative position of the skid element to the dispensing device, if necessary. Likewise, easier replacement of the components can be possible.

[0051] Alternatively, it may be provided that the skid element and the dispensing device have no connection to each other.

[0052] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one skid outlet opening and / or the at least one line section are each designed to be openable and / or closable, wherein in an open state further material can escape and / or flow through and in a closed state further material cannot escape and / or flow through.

[0053] This can be particularly advantageous in preventing the discharge of additional material(s), for example, during excavation, turning, and / or during a standstill, by closing the skid outlet openings and / or line sections to prevent wasting and over-application of material. Accidental discharge of material can also be prevented during transport, for example, on the road, between agricultural fields, or the like.

[0054] It's also conceivable that the skid outlets and / or pipe sections are and / or will be opened when there's actual need. For example, it's conceivable that no material can be applied during lowering, but only once the correct working depth has been reached.

[0055] An open and a closed skid outlet opening can also make sense, especially in edge areas, such as tendrils, field boundaries or the like, where no material is to be applied.

[0056] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one runner outlet opening and / or the at least one line section are designed such that the further material emerges from the at least one runner outlet opening parallel to the direction of travel or transversely to the direction of travel, or at an acute angle, preferably less than 45°, more preferably less than 25°, to the direction of travel and / or transversely to the direction of travel.

[0057] This makes it possible to precisely apply the material emerging from the at least one skid outlet opening close to the furrow or the formed furrow. Likewise, scattering effects on the material, such as jumping, fanning out of a liquid, and the like, can be minimized, allowing the material to be applied precisely and exactly where it is needed.

[0058] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the skid element is designed to form the furrow in such a way that the at least one further material can be applied higher and / or deeper in the height direction than the first material.

[0059] This can vary depending on the needs or intended use. Preferably, the application of the at least one additional material can depend on the type or quality of the at least one additional material. It is preferably conceivable for fertilizer, for example, to be applied vertically downwards, since plants root in this direction and can therefore support subsequent growth.

[0060] A levy above may mean that fertilizer may be applied and / or spread directly on, immediately adjacent to, or close to the seed to assist the seed from inception.

[0061] If the at least one further material is, for example, a fine seed or another seed, it may be preferable to dispense it above the first material, in particular if a preferred sowing depth differs from the sowing depth of the first material and should be closer to the surface.

[0062] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the skid element has a forming section which is designed to form an area in front of the catching element in alignment with the catching element.

[0063] Preferably, the forming section can be detachably mounted on the skid element, allowing for easy replacement of the skid element. Because the forming element is intended for forming the furrow, it is in almost constant contact with the agricultural surface during use of the row unit, so that wear on the forming element can be observed. Furthermore, interchangeability can be useful for quickly and easily adapting the skid element to the existing or desired working conditions.

[0064] Further preferably, the molding section can be configured to form an area in front of the catching element that is wider than the catching element. This can be advantageous if a left-side and / or right-side discharge of the at least one additional material is to be provided.

[0065] By shaping the area flush with the catching element, a discharge location of the first material can be adapted to the first material, thus providing optimal conditions for the first material upon discharge.

[0066] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one skid outlet opening is connected to the skid element by means of at least one wing-like connecting element, wherein the at least one wing-like connecting element preferably extends downwards at an angle, preferably an acute angle.

[0067] This allows a particularly simple shape or design of the skid element to be provided.

[0068] In particular, it can be provided that the at least one skid outlet opening is arranged in and / or on the at least one wing-like connecting element.

[0069] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one further material can be dispensed at intervals. Intermittently can mean that the at least one further material can be dispensed at specific time intervals. For example, it can be conceivable that the at least one further material can be dispensed at an interval that correlates with the dispensing of the first material. In particular, the dispensing of the at least one further material can be designed such that the material can be dispensed in the immediate vicinity of the first material. Preferably, the dispensing can depend on the type of respective material and / or the relative spatial relationship between the outlet opening and the at least one skid outlet opening.

[0070] Particularly preferably, the interval-like application allows the quantity of at least one additional material to be saved and the work to be carried out in a particularly resource-efficient manner.

[0071] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one further material can be dispensed depending on the dispensing of the first material. Particularly preferably, the dispensing of the further material can be simultaneous, staggered, in the same local area and / or offset to a different local area compared to the local area of ​​dispensing of the first material. The further material can preferably be deposited close to the first material if it is fertilizer and seed. Likewise, by way of example, further material can be introduced between the first material, for example individual grains, as seen in the direction of travel. This can depend on the respective requirements.

[0072] In particular, the discharge of the at least one additional material can be configured such that the material can be discharged in the immediate vicinity of the first material. This can depend on the type of material in question and / or the relative spatial relationship between the discharge opening and the at least one skid discharge opening.

[0073] According to a further preferred embodiment, a valve unit can be provided. Preferably, the valve unit can influence the release of the at least one further material. Further preferably, the valve unit can be operated with pulse width modulation or intermittently.

[0074] The series unit preferably comprises the valve unit. Particularly preferably, the valve unit can have one or more valves. The number of valves can depend, for example, on the number of skid outlet openings and / or the number of line sections and / or the intended position of the valve(s) and / or the desired mode of operation.

[0075] A possible arrangement is described purely as an example, which can be applied accordingly to other designs. Two skid outlet openings are to be provided, which are connected to a single line section. If the same additional material is to be dispensed from both skid outlet openings at the same time, a valve could be assigned according to the line section, or each skid outlet opening could have its own valve, which are controlled simultaneously. However, if material is to be dispensed at different times, it is necessary to provide each skid outlet opening with a valve, which can be controlled independently of one another.

[0076] The valve unit can be controlled by a control unit, preferably according to the user's specifications and / or the specifications for processing the agricultural area. The control unit is preferably configured to control the valve unit. In particular, the valve unit can be controlled using pulse width modulation. The control unit is preferably configured to control the valve unit using pulse width modulation.

[0077] Further preferably, the control unit can be configured to control the dispensing of the at least one additional material depending on the dispensing of the first material. Preferably, the at least one additional material can be dispensed such that the dispensing location of the at least one additional material substantially corresponds to the dispensing location of the first material, preferably with respect to the direction of travel and / or transversely to the direction of travel and / or in the vertical direction, depending on the desired application.

[0078] According to a further preferred embodiment, the row unit can be provided with a furrow-closing tool for closing the furrow. Such a furrow-closing tool is advantageous for ensuring optimal conditions for the respective materials, particularly for seeds, but also for fertilizers. Granular fertilizers preferably cannot be eaten by animals, carried away by strong winds, or dissolved prematurely by precipitation or moisture. Likewise, with liquid fertilizers, the fertilizer is not diluted and / or washed out by precipitation or moisture.

[0079] Preferably, the furrow-closing tool is arranged behind the catching element in the direction of travel.

[0080] Alternatively or additionally, according to a further preferred embodiment, the row unit may have a depth control element, which is preferably configured to adjust the depth of the furrow. Preferably, the penetration depth, which influences the depth of the furrow, can be adjusted by adjusting the depth control element.

[0081] According to a further preferred embodiment, the catching element can comprise a wheel element rotatable about a rotational axis. It is also possible for the catching element to be formed by the wheel element. The wheel element can make it possible to prevent one-sided material removal from the catching element by means of a rotational movement about the rotational axis.

[0082] The underlying problem is also solved by an agricultural machine which has or comprises at least one row unit according to one embodiment.

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment, the agricultural machine may have at least two row units, more preferably at least three row units, and particularly preferably four or more than four row units. This can increase the efficiency of the agricultural machine.

[0084] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that adjacent row units have a row spacing of at least 12.5 cm, more preferably at least 15 cm, more preferably at least 20 cm, and at most up to 75 cm or 80 cm.

[0085] Preferably, the agricultural machine can be adapted to the first material, which can be seed, in particular to the variety of the seed.

[0086] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the skid element is fluidically connected to at least one tank comprising the at least one further material, wherein preferably at least one dosing element is provided which is suitable for dosing an application quantity of the liquid fertilizer.

[0087] It is preferably conceivable for each row unit to have at least one such tank. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the tank to be connected as a central tank of the agricultural machine to each row unit or any number of row units.

[0088] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the row unit and / or the agricultural machine have at least one control unit and / or are connected to an external control unit.

[0089] Preferably, it is possible by means of the control unit to control components of the series unit accordingly in order to set parameters, values ​​and / or the like.

[0090] This can be, for example, with regard to the dosage of the dosing device, the discharge rate of the first material, the discharge times of the first material, the discharge rate of the at least one further material, the discharge times of the at least further material, the discharge through a specific or several specific skid outlet openings, the relative position of the discharge location and / or discharge time of the materials to one another, the control of the valve unit or the valves, the control of the dosing element, any combination thereof, and / or the like.

[0091] According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the agricultural machine is designed to control each row unit independently of other row units with regard to the delivery of first and / or at least one further material.

[0092] This may depend in particular on the nature of the agricultural land, in particular as regards the fineness of the soil, the moisture content of the soil, the nutrient content of the soil, the position of the machine on the agricultural land and / or the requirements of the first material, in particular if the first material is seed.

[0093] On the other hand, it may also be conceivable to control the row units independently of each other when the machine has to be turned and / or driven into edge areas, so that over-application of material in this area can be prevented.

[0094] Particularly preferably, the agricultural machine can have a so-called single row connection or single row shutdown.

[0095] According to a preferred embodiment, it is conceivable that the agricultural machine has one or more control units for controlling the row units or is at least connected to them by signaling.

[0096] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that a specific amount of first material and / or at least one further material can be applied by each row unit. Further preferably, the specific amount of material is adjustable for each row unit.

[0097] In particular, it can be provided that several row units are interdependent, meaning that the amount of material to be applied is preferably the same for all row units. This could be the case, for example, for the row units on one side of the agricultural machine. Other possibilities are also conceivable, such as alternating application and / or the like. This list is purely exemplary and is not exhaustive.

[0098] For the purposes of the application, features disclosed in conjunction with other features may also be considered as being disclosed on their own.

[0099] All features disclosed for the row unit and / or the agricultural machine can be used in a corresponding manner with each other.

[0100] Further advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0101] Further objects, advantages, and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 a row unit according to an embodiment in a side view; Fig. 2 the series unit according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view from the front; Fig. 3 the series unit according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view from behind; Fig. 4 an enlarged section of the Fig. 3; Fig. 5 schematic representation of the skid element in the furrow; Fig. 6A schematic representation of the skid element in one embodiment; Fig. 6B Skid element according to Fig. 6A in a partially transparent representation; Fig. 7 Row unit with the skid element after Fig. 6A or Fig. 6B; Fig. 8 a schematic representation of an agricultural machine with multiple row units.

[0102] In the figures, identical components are designated by the same reference symbols, although in some figures the reference symbols may be omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0103] In the Fig. 1 schematically shows a series unit 1 according to an embodiment, with some components omitted or shown schematically. Fig. 1 shows the row unit 1 in a side view.

[0104] It is shown purely schematically that the row unit 1 is mounted on an agricultural machine 100. Preferably, the row unit 1 is mounted to the agricultural machine 100 by means of a coupling unit 18.

[0105] The row unit 1 comprises a metering device 5, which is connected to a delivery device 6, in this case a seed tube, wherein the delivery device 6 has an outlet opening 7. By means of the metering device 5, a first material 34 can be metered and delivered into the delivery device 6. By means of the delivery device 6, the first material 34 can then be transported towards an agricultural area A. It should be provided that the speed of the first material 34, at which the first material 34 emerges from the delivery device 6, in particular through the outlet opening 7, is significantly higher than the speed that would prevail upon exit due to gravitational acceleration; this essentially corresponds to a free fall of the first material 34.

[0106] The exit direction 13 of the first material from the dispensing device 6, in particular the outlet opening 7, is shown schematically in dashed lines. The first material 34 hits the ground near the catching element 14 and / or at least partially hits the catching element 14.

[0107] The dosing device 5 can preferably be an overpressure separation device. Particularly preferably, the first material 34 can be accelerated in the dispensing device 6, for example, by an air stream. The air stream can be an overpressure air stream, wherein the air stream can preferably be provided by the separation of the first material.

[0108] Preferably, a catching element 14 can be provided, which is preferably designed to slow down the first material 34, which exits from the outlet opening 7 at an increased speed.

[0109] To enable the first material to be introduced into a required furrow 3, a furrow-forming tool 2 is preferably provided. The furrow-forming tool 2 can be configured as one or two cutting discs 19 or as coulter discs 19. The furrow 3 can be opened or formed by the furrow-forming tool 2.

[0110] In order to further adapt the furrow 3 to the requirements for spreading material and the conditions of the agricultural area A, the row unit 1 has a skid element 4 suitable for forming the furrow 3. Preferably, the skid element 4 is associated with the furrow-forming tool 2, in particular such that the skid element 4 follows the furrow-forming tool 2 in the longitudinal direction L or the direction of travel F, or is arranged downstream of it, or behind it.

[0111] Preferably, the skid element 4 has at least one skid outlet opening 9, which is connected to at least one line section 8. Particularly preferably, the skid element 4 can be fluidically connected to a tank 20, into which the at least one further material 35 is introduced, wherein the tank 20 can preferably be assigned to the row unit 1 and / or the agricultural machine 100.

[0112] In addition, a furrow-closing tool 16 and / or a depth control tool 17 can be provided. Preferably, both tools 16, 17 can be arranged behind the catching element 14 in the direction of travel F.

[0113] Particularly preferably, the skid element 4 is designed to deliver and / or introduce the at least one further material 35 into the furrow 3. This can well be the Fig. 2. The furrow 3 can have a depositing area 12 into which the first material 34, for example, seed, can be deposited. Further preferably, a maximum furrow area 36 is shown, represented by dashed lines, wherein the furrow area 36 has a maximum width, preferably due to the design of the skid element 4.

[0114] The Fig. 3 shows the series unit 1 according to the Fig. 2 in another view, namely perspective from behind.

[0115] According to the Fig. 3, the skid element 4 has two skid outlet openings 9, 10, 11, namely a first skid outlet opening 10 and a second skid outlet opening 11. The locations at which the at least one additional material 35 can be dispensed are shown schematically. This is represented by the lines 21.

[0116] The Fig. 4 shows a section of the Fig. 3 in an enlarged view, so that the skid element 4 is shown in more detail. Within the skid element 4, a fluidic connection between the line section 8 and the skid outlet openings 9, 10, 11 is also schematically shown.

[0117] The at least one line section 8 can have a line branch 23, on which branches 24, 25 are more preferably arranged, which lead to the skid outlet openings 9, 10, 11 and fluidly connect them to the line section 8.

[0118] A valve unit 22 is also shown, wherein a first valve 26 may be provided, which is assigned to the line section 8. Alternatively, a first valve 26 and a second valve 27 may be provided, each of which may be assigned to one of the branches 24, 25. In principle, a combination of the valves shown could also be possible, i.e., three valves could be arranged. More preferably, the valve unit 22 or the valves 26, 27 can be connected to a control unit 30, at least by signaling, either wired or wireless.

[0119] In the Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a section through the furrow 3, into which first material 34 has been deposited. Furthermore, the runner element 4 is partially shown, wherein the runner element 4 preferably has a first wing-like connecting element 31 and a second wing-like connecting element 32, wherein the respective connecting element 31, 32 preferably extends at an angle to the width direction B. The first runner outlet opening 10 is arranged in or on the first wing-like connecting element 31, and the second runner outlet opening 11 is arranged in the second wing-like connecting element 32.

[0120] Furthermore, according to the Fig. 5 shows that the wing-like connecting elements 31, 32 can be arranged at different heights, represented by solid lines and dotted lines. This can preferably depend on the overall design of the skid element 4 and / or on external conditions on the furrow 3. Preferably, in the region of the deposition area 12, the skid outlet openings 9, 10, 11 are arranged at least partially above the furrow 3, in particular the first material 34, so that preferably areas to the left and right of the deposition area 12 can be influenced or processed by the wing-like connecting elements 31, 32. Preferably, it can also be provided that the skid element 4 has a clearing element (not shown here, in the Fig. 6B), which is suitable for clearing the furrow 3, as produced by the furrow-forming tool 2, of soil.

[0121] In the Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B shows the skid element 4 according to an embodiment, wherein the Fig. 6B is shown at least partially transparent.

[0122] As can be seen, the runner element 4 has the first wing-like connecting element 31 and the second wing-like connecting element 32. The wing-like connecting elements 31, 32 can preferably be at least partially spaced from one another in the width direction B. It can preferably be provided that a spacer element 37 is provided, which is designed to space the wing-like connecting elements 31, 32 from one another. It can preferably be provided that the spacer element 37 is formed by a first spacer element part 38 and a second spacer element part 39, wherein the first spacer element part 38 is preferably connected to the first wing-like connecting element 31 and the second spacer element part 39 is preferably connected to the second wing-like connecting element 32.Preferably, it can be provided that the spacer element parts 38, 39 can only contact each other, i.e., preferably, that there is no fixed connection between the spacer element parts 38, 39. Preferably, the spacer element parts 38, 39 can be designed to be at least partially elastically deformable, so that relative movements of the wing-like connecting elements 31, 32, i.e., movements of the connecting elements 31, 32 relative to one another, can be cushioned and / or damped.

[0123] Preferably, it can be provided that the skid element 4 has a base body 40. Preferably, the connecting elements 31, 32 can be fastened to the base body 40. The base body 40 is in the Fig. 6B and is used in conjunction with the Fig. 6B is explained in more detail.

[0124] Preferably, the first skid outlet opening 10 can be arranged and / or integrated on the first wing-like connecting element 31, and the second skid outlet opening 11 can be arranged and / or integrated on the second wing-like connecting element 32. The same also applies to the line section 8 associated with the respective skid outlet opening 9, 10, 11, wherein each skid outlet opening 9, 10, 11 is preferably connected to its own line section 8.

[0125] Preferably, it can be provided that the skid outlet openings 9, 10, 11 are arranged in the longitudinal direction L or direction of travel F behind the base body 40.

[0126] Preferably, it can be provided that the base body 40 has and / or forms the clearing element 41, which is provided for clearing the furrow 3, so that the first material 34 can be introduced into an optimally formed furrow 3. It can be provided that the wing-like connecting elements 31, 32 are directly adjacent to the base body 40 and / or are connected to it, so that a collapse of the furrow 3 by the connecting elements 31, 32 can be prevented. Particularly preferably, the wing-like connecting elements 31, 32 are formed almost or completely flat, i.e., that no through openings or at most smaller openings can be present.

[0127] The base body 40 and the spacer element 37 can be spaced apart from each other in the direction of travel F, so that a free space 42 can be formed, preferably by the wing-like connecting elements 31, 32 spaced apart from each other in the width direction B. Preferably, the dispensing device 6 can be at least partially incorporated into the free space 42, for example, thereby enabling a space-saving arrangement. This can, for example, be the Fig. 7 can be found.

[0128] The Fig. 7 shows a space-saving arrangement of the respective elements relative to one another, in particular the skid element 4, the furrow-forming tool 2, which is preferably represented by a coulter disc 19, and the catching element 14.

[0129] In the Fig.Figure 8 schematically shows an agricultural machine 100 in one embodiment. The agricultural machine preferably has four or more row units 1; in the present case, six row units 1 are shown. Likewise, the respective metering device 5 is now shown more clearly, each of which is connected to a storage container 28, wherein the first material can be introduced into the storage container 28.

[0130] Further preferably, the respective row units 1, viewed in pairs from one another, are arranged at a distance 29 or row spacing 29.

[0131] All features disclosed in the application documents are claimed as essential to the invention, provided that they are new, individually or in combination, compared to the prior art. List of reference symbols 1 row unit 2 furrowing tools 3 furrow 4 runner element 5 Dosing device 6 Dispensing device 7 Outlet opening 8 line section 9 Skid outlet opening 10 first skid outlet opening 11 second skid outlet opening 12 Storage area 13 Exit direction 14 Catch element 15 mold section 16 furrow closing tool 17 Pressure tool / depth control tool 18 Coupling unit 19 Cutting disc / coulter disc 20 tanks 21 Line 22 Valve unit 23 Line branching 24 first branch 25 second junction 26 first valve 27 second valve 28 storage containers 29 Spacing / Row spacing 30 Control unit 31 first wing-like connecting element 32 second wing-like connecting element 33 Wheel element 34 first material 35 second material 36 (maximum) furrow area 37 spacer element 38 first spacer element part 39 second spacer element part 40 basic bodies 41 Clearing element 42 open space 100 agricultural machines A agricultural area F Direction of travel L longitudinal direction B Width direction H Altitude direction

Claims

[1] Row unit (1) of an agricultural machine (100), at least comprising: - a furrow-forming tool (2) which is designed to form a furrow (3); - a skid element (4) which is arranged to form the furrow (3); - a dosing device (5), in particular an overpressure separating device, which is designed to dispense a first material (34) into a dispensing device (6) which has an outlet opening (7) for dispensing the first material (34) into the furrow (3), - a catching element (14) which is designed to slow down the first material (34) delivered by the delivery device (6), wherein the skid element (4) comprises at least one line section (8) with at least one skid outlet opening (9, 10, 11) which is designed to discharge at least one further material (35) into the furrow (3), characterized by , that the discharge of the first material (34) from the discharge device (6) into the furrow (3) takes place at a substantially higher speed than a speed based on the acceleration due to gravity. [2] Series unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one skid outlet opening (9, 10, 11) is arranged such that the discharge of the at least one further material (35) is substantially unaffected by the discharge of the first material (34). [3] Series unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the at least one skid outlet opening (9, 10, 11) is designed to discharge the at least one further material (35) to the left and / or right of the catching element (14) with respect to a direction of travel (F). [4] Series unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that - the at least one skid outlet opening (9, 10, 11) is arranged in the height direction (H) below and / or above the outlet opening (7), and / or - the at least one skid outlet opening (9, 10, 11) is arranged in front of and / or at the same height and / or behind the outlet opening (7) as seen in the direction of travel (F). [5] Series unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the at least one further material (35) can be deployed higher and / or lower and / or at the same height as the first material (35) in the height direction (H) by means of the skid element (4). [6] Series unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by in that the runner element (4) has at least two runner outlet openings (10, 11), preferably at least three runner outlet openings (9, 10, 11), wherein the runner outlet openings (9, 10, 11), preferably viewed in pairs, are spaced apart from one another transversely to the direction of travel (F) and / or in the height direction (H). [7] Series unit (1) according to claim 6, characterized by that the at least two skid outlet openings (9, 10, 11) are fluidically connected to one another and / or separated from one another. [8] Series unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the at least one skid outlet opening (9, 10, 11) and / or the at least one line section (8) are each designed to be openable and / or closable, wherein in an open state further material can escape and / or flow through and in a closed state further material cannot escape and / or flow through. [9] Series unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized bythat the at least one runner outlet opening (9, 10, 11) is designed such that the at least one further material (35) emerges from the at least one runner outlet opening (9, 10, 11) parallel to the direction of travel (F) or transversely to the direction of travel (F), or at an acute angle, preferably less than 45°, more preferably less than 25°, to the direction of travel (F) and / or transversely to the direction of travel (F). [10] Series unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the at least one runner outlet opening (9, 10, 11) is connected to the runner element (4) by means of at least one wing-like connecting element (31, 32), wherein the at least one wing-like connecting element (31, 32) preferably extends downwards at an acute angle. [11] Series unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the at least one further material (35) can be applied at intervals. [12] Series unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that the at least one further material (35) can be released depending on the release of the first material (34), wherein the release of the materials (34, 35) is preferably dependent on one another in terms of time and / or location. [13] Series unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by in that the row unit (1) has a furrow-closing tool (16) for closing the furrow (3), wherein the furrow-closing tool (16) is preferably arranged behind the catching element (14) in the direction of travel (F), and / or wherein the row unit (1) has a depth control element (17) which is preferably designed to adjust a depth of the furrow (3). [14] Series unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that the catching element has a wheel element that can rotate about an axis of rotation. [15] Agricultural machine (100), characterized bythat the agricultural machine (100) has at least one row unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14. [16] Agricultural machine (100) according to claim 15, characterized by that the agricultural machine (100) has at least four row units (1), wherein preferably adjacent row units (1) have a row spacing (29) of at least 15 cm, preferably 20 cm, to 75 cm or 80 cm. [17] Agricultural machine (100) according to one of claims 15 to 16, characterized by in that the agricultural machine (100) is designed to control each row unit (1) independently of further row units (1) with regard to the delivery of first and / or at least one further material (34, 35). [18] Agricultural machine (100) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized bythat a specific amount of first material (34) and / or at least one further material (35) can be applied by each row unit (1), wherein the specific amount of material is preferably adjustable for each row unit (1).

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