Device for introducing seeds into a soil substrate

Abstract

Device (100) for introducing seed, in particular forest seed, into a soil substrate, comprising: - a handle part (110) intended for operating the device (100); - an active part (120) designed to be inserted into soil (E); and - a joint connection (130) by means of which the working part (120) is movably arranged on the handle part (110); wherein - the handle part (110) is mounted to tilt over the working part (120) by means of the joint connection (130), in particular such that a first end (122) of the handle part moves away from a first end (112) of the working part in order to create a volume (V) between the first ends (112, 122) in order to fill this volume (V) with seed from a seed receptacle (170).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for introducing seeds into a soil substrate, in particular a hand-operated seed drill for forest seeding.

[0002] The reforestation of tree populations is of fundamental importance, for example in forestry or for stabilizing erosion-prone soils and areas.

[0003] Reforestation is usually carried out by planting new trees, meaning that the desired tree species are planted by hand or machine as one- to three-year-old plants.

[0004] Reforestation efforts focus primarily on sowing the seeds in the shortest possible time and in the largest possible quantity over the largest possible area. The seeds must also be sown at the correct rate and depth to maximize the likelihood of successful germination.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to improve the known state of the art and in particular to create a device with which it is possible to sow seeds effectively and cost-efficiently with a minimum of infrastructure and physical labor.

[0006] According to the invention, a device for introducing seeds is thus proposed, comprising a handle part intended for operating the device; an working part designed to be inserted into soil; and a hinge connection by means of which the working part is movably attached to the handle part; wherein the handle part is mounted to tilt over the working part by means of the hinge connection, in particular such that a first end of the handle part moves away from a first end of the working part in order to create a volume between the first ends in order to fill this volume with seeds from a seed receptacle.

[0007] A mechanical device for sowing seeds is therefore proposed. Such a device belongs to the category of garden and forestry tools and can also be called a seed stick. The device proposed herein is specifically not a planting stick, i.e., a device for planting seedlings.

[0008] Preferably, the device is made of a weather-resistant and / or rust-free material, such as steel or aluminum. Preferably, the device is essentially made of bright steel and / or stainless steel.

[0009] Preferably, the device has a length that allows for ergonomic work while standing, in particular so that the user of the device does not have to bend over during sowing, or only rarely, for example between 90 cm and 150 cm, preferably between 120 cm and 140 cm, and more preferably approximately 130 cm. More preferably, the device is essentially rod-shaped and can therefore also be referred to as a sowing stick.

[0010] The device is preferably designed for sowing forest seeds, such as coniferous and / or deciduous trees – for example, spruce, Douglas fir, fir, beech, hornbeam, maple, beech nut, acorn, or the like. However, the device can also be used for sowing shrub species.

[0011] The device proposed herein essentially comprises at least three components: a handle, an operating part, and a hinged connection. The handle and the operating part are preferably connected by means of the hinged connection such that the handle can be tilted over the operating part to create a volume in the soil into which the seed is then placed.

[0012] Preferably, the handle part is essentially designed as an elongated shaft and serves for handling the device. In particular, the handle part is at least partially hollow or has a cavity that can preferably be used as a seed receptacle.

[0013] Preferably, the working part is essentially formed from a toothed section and a lever, wherein the toothed section serves to insert and anchor the device at the correct soil depth and the lever serves to free the soil accordingly for sowing.

[0014] The joint connection is essentially designed as a movable connection with one degree of freedom, i.e., the joint connection has only one direction of movement, which preferably allows the handle part to tilt over the working part.

[0015] The excavation of the soil, or a corresponding volume, is essentially achieved by inserting the device with the working part into the ground and then tilting the handle part over the working part. This operation is similar to the use of a spade, although a hinged connection is provided for tilting the handle part, so that the working part essentially acts as a bearing for the handle part. This is, for example, Fig. 4B is shown.

[0016] Preferably, the device also has a seed receptacle, in particular a chamber for receiving the seed, which is preferably formed from the handle part and the working part.

[0017] It is therefore proposed that the seed receptacle be an integral part of the device, and in particular be formed by the handle and the working part. For example, the seed receptacle is located in the handle part and closed off by the working part. The seed receptacle can then only be opened and the seed released, for example, by the working part releasing the seed receptacle through movement.

[0018] Preferably, the device further comprises a cover for the seed intake, which is designed to retain and / or release the seed when the handle part is tilted over the working part.

[0019] Preferably, the cover is mounted on the working part, for example by means of a quick-release fastener. Particularly preferably, the cover is designed as a brass tongue and has a central opening that can be moved under the seed hopper to release the seed.

[0020] Depending on the size and type of seed, different covers with varying openings can be used. The quick-release mechanism, which might consist of a screw that can be manually opened, allows for easy replacement of the covers during sowing. The combination of the quick-release mechanism and the different covers thus enables the user to quickly and easily switch to different seeds during sowing without having to change the device.

[0021] Preferably, the device further comprises a first hook extending into the seed receptacle to loosen the seed and which can be operated by a user from outside the device; and / or a second hook extending into the seed receptacle to loosen the seed and which is activated or moved when the handle part is tilted over the working part. Additional hooks may also be provided.

[0022] The hooks are specifically designed to prevent the forest seed from clumping together within the seed hopper, for example, by compacting the seed when the device is driven into the ground. The hooks thus ensure free-flowing properties and therefore a controlled, unclumped release of the seed from the hopper.

[0023] Preferably, the hooks are made of bare steel and / or stainless steel.

[0024] Preferably, the device further comprises a preload, in particular in the form of a spring element, preferably a compression spring, which presses the first end of the working part against the first end of the handle part.

[0025] This preload is used to press the working part against the handle and / or to hold the seed hopper in a closed position. The seed hopper is therefore closed when the device is at rest and can only be opened by operating the device.

[0026] Preferably, the handle part further comprises a piercing and / or spreading element, in particular a prong at a first end of the handle part.

[0027] Preferably, the handle part further comprises a handle element, in particular a handle piece, at a second end of the handle part, which is opposite a first end of the handle part.

[0028] Preferably, the handle part also has an opening for dispensing seed material, which is preferably concealed by the working part.

[0029] Preferably, the working part further comprises at least one piercing element, preferably two prongs, at a first end of the working part.

[0030] Preferably, the working part also has a penetration limiter, in particular to limit the penetration depth of the working part and preferably the handle part into the soil.

[0031] Preferably, the device is designed using its own weight in such a way that penetration up to the insertion limit occurs via its own weight and no "stepping" is necessary as with a spade.

[0032] Preferably, the device also has a penetration limiter, in particular to limit the penetration depth of the working part and preferably the handle part into a floor.

[0033] Preferably, the device is designed as a manual planting tool, in particular as a hand-operated sowing stick for forest seeding, and has, for example, a protective cap.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, the device is intended to be attached to a forestry machine, in particular to be attached in multiple locations, for example by means of a bracket which is preferably attached to the handle part.

[0035] For example, the forestry machine is designed as a climbing robot or mountain harvester and features a mounting rail to which a variety of the devices described herein can be attached. Using this mounting rail, the function of the device described herein can then be performed simultaneously and multiple times, thus accelerating replanting many times over.

[0036] Preferably, the device described herein is proposed for the greening of a forest stand by a targeted distribution of seeds on the area to be afforested.

[0037] Preferably, the device described herein has no electric and / or motor drive and is designed in particular as a purely manual device. Nevertheless, the device described herein can be attached to or mounted on a forestry machine.

[0038] For example, the forestry machine is designed as a climbing robot or mountain harvester and has a mounting rail to which a variety of the devices described herein can be attached. Using this mounting rail, the function of the device described herein can then be performed simultaneously and multiple times, which significantly accelerates replanting.

[0039] The foregoing invention is explained in more detail below by way of example with reference to accompanying figures. Fig. Figure 1 shows a seeder stick in one view. Fig. Figure 2 shows a handle part of a sowing stick. Fig. Figure 3 shows an active part of a sowing stick. Fig. 4a shows a closed joint in further views. Fig. 4b shows a hinge connection (open) in further views. Fig. Figure 5 shows a seed photograph.

[0040] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic and exemplary seed drill 100.

[0041] The seeding rod 100 comprises a handle part 110, an working part 120 and a joint connection 130. Preferably, the essential components of the handle part 110, the working part 120 and the joint connection 130 are made of a metal, for example, stainless steel.

[0042] The handle part 110 is specifically designed as shown in Fig. 2 shown. The working part 120 is specifically designed as shown in Fig. 3 shown. The joint connection is designed in particular as shown in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B shown.

[0043] The handle part 110 and the working part 120 are connected by means of the joint connection 130, in particular in such a way that the handle part 110 can be tilted or tilted over the working part 130 by means of the joint connection 130.

[0044] Fig. Figure 2 schematically and exemplarily shows a handle part 110 of a saw stick, in particular as in Fig. 1 shown.

[0045] The handle part 110 essentially consists of a prong 112, a shaft 114 and a handle piece 116.

[0046] The prong 112 is located at the lower end of the shaft 114 and the handle piece 116 is located at the upper end of the shaft 114.

[0047] The handle 116 serves to handle the seed drill 110. Preferably, the handle 116 is made of rubber, preferably non-slip, and is pulled over the upper end of the shaft 114.

[0048] The shaft 114 has, at its lower end but above the tine 112, a dispensing opening 118 for the seed and two slots 119, 119'. The slots 119, 119' are located above the dispensing opening 118 and on opposite sides of the shaft 114. The technical effect of the dispensing opening 118 and the two slots 119, 119' is described in the Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B and Fig. 5 shown.

[0049] In the present embodiment of the saw rod 100, the shaft 114 also has a receptacle 142 for a spring and a receptacle 132 for a bolt of the joint connection. These components can be part of the shaft 114 and / or additionally mounted on the shaft 114. The technical effect of the receptacle 142 for the spring and the receptacle 132 for the bolt of the joint connection are described in the Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B and Fig. 5 shown.

[0050] Fig. Figure 3 schematically and exemplarily shows an active part 120 of a seeding rod 100, in particular as in Fig. 1 shown.

[0051] The working part 120 essentially consists of two prongs 122 and a lever 124, wherein the two prongs 122 are arranged at the lower end of the lever 124.

[0052] Preferably, the lever 124 has the shape of a tab and is slightly bent outwards at its upper end. Furthermore, the lever includes an opening at its upper end, in particular in the form of a bore 126, and a corresponding slot 128 in the center.

[0053] In the present embodiment of the seed stick 100, the lever 114 also has a shaft 134 in the center for a bolt of the joint connection and a receptacle 129 for a cover of a seed receptacle.

[0054] Fig. 4a and Fig. Figure 4b shows a seed drill 100, in particular as shown in Fig. 1 shown, in a side view. Fig. Figure 4a shows a joint connection (closed or seed intake closed) and Fig. 4b a joint connection (open or seed intake open).

[0055] Fig. Figure 4a shows a closed joint. Provided the joint is as shown in Fig. As shown in 4a, if the opening is closed, no seed can be dispersed with the seed drill 100.

[0056] The seed drill 100 is designed in particular as shown in Fig. 1 shown and includes a handle part 110, an working part 120 and a joint connection 130.

[0057] The handle part 110 and an action part 120 together form a seed receptacle 170, specifically in the form of a chamber. The seed receptacle 170 is formed by the shaft 114 of the handle part 110 and a cover 172, in the form of a brass tongue.

[0058] The cover 172 is attached to the receptacle 129, preferably by means of a quick-release fastener.

[0059] To keep the seed intake 170 closed by means of the cover 172 until the handle part 110 is tilted over the working part 120 by means of the joint connection 130, the working part 120 is held in position by means of the pretension 140.

[0060] The preload 140 is essentially formed from a spring 144, which is arranged between the handle part 110 and the working part 120 by means of the receptacle 142 and, by means of a spring tension force, brings the working part 120 to rest against the handle part 110, thereby bringing the cover at the lower end of the seed receptacle 170 into contact and thus closing it.

[0061] To open the seed intake 170, the handle part 110 must be tilted over the working part 120 by means of the joint connection 130 - this is shown by way of example in Fig. Figure 4B shows the process, with a soil E indicated. For example, the seed drill 100 is driven into a soil E and then tipped over the working part 120, and in particular over the tines 122 of the working part. The tipping is indicated by the arrow K.

[0062] Tilting K opens the soil E and simultaneously releases the cover 172 from the handle part 110 to open the seed receptacle 170. To prevent all the seeds from falling out of the seed receptacle 170 at once, the cover 172 has a dispensing opening adapted to the respective seeds.

[0063] The seed then falls out of the seed intake 170 and is deposited in the soil E between the tine 112 of the handle part 110 and the tines 122 of the working part 120.

[0064] The appropriate filling of the seed receptacle 170 with the appropriate seed can be done, for example, via a filling device 178, which is located in the upper end of the handle part 110.

[0065] Fig. Figure 5 shows a seed recording 170, in particular of a seed stick 100 as in Fig. 1 shown.

[0066] The seed intake 170 is located inside the handle part 110, for example inside the shaft, and is covered by the cover 172.

[0067] The cover 172 has an opening 173 through which the seed can fall out. As long as the hinge is closed, the opening 173 is located next to the seed receptacle 170 – the seed receptacle 170 is thus completely covered by the cover 172 and no seed can escape downwards.

[0068] If the handle part 110 is now tilted over the working part 120, as for example in Fig. As shown in 4B, the cover is pulled out of the handle part 110, in particular to the extent that the opening 173 of the cover 172 comes to be centered below the seed receptacle 170, allowing seeds to fall downwards into the soil E - this is indicated by the arrow A.

[0069] The first slot 119, the second slot 119' and the corresponding slot 128, as in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown, therefore serve in particular to guide the cover 172.

[0070] If the user of the seeder rod 100 no longer applies force, the spring 144 pushes the joint connection 130 back into the closed position, as shown in Fig. 4A shown.

[0071] The insertion limit 160 is also arranged transversely to the tines 122 of the working part. Reference sign 100 Device, in particular seed drill 110 Handle part 112 first end of the handle part, especially prongs 114 shaft 116 handle pieces 118 Drop-off opening 119 first slit 119' second slit 120 active part 122 prongs of the working part 124 levers 126 Opening, in particular bore 128 corresponding slots 130 Joint connection 132 recording 134 shaft 136 pens 140 preload 142 recording 143 bolts 144 spring 146 Opening 160 insertion limit 170 Seed intake 172 Cover, in particular brass tongue 173 Opening in the cover 174 first hook 174' Makeshift hook 176 second hook 178 Filling 180 Quick release 190 Protective cap E Soil K tilting movement Volume

Claims

[1] Device (100) for introducing seeds, in particular forest seeds, into a soil substrate, comprising: - a handle part (110) intended to operate the device (100); - an active part (120) which is designed to be introduced into a soil (E); and - a joint connection (130) by means of which the active part (120) is movably arranged on the handle part (110); wherein - the handle part (110) is tiltably mounted by means of the articulated connection (130) over the active part (120), in particular such that a first end (122) of the handle part moves away from a first end (112) of the active part in order to span a volume (V) between the first ends (112, 122) in order to fill this volume (V) by means of seed from a seed receptacle (170). [2] The device (100) of claim 1, further comprising: - a seed receptacle (170), in particular a chamber for receiving a seed, which is preferably formed from the handle part (110) and the active part (120). [3] Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: - a cover (172) for the seed receptacle, which is arranged to retain and / or release the seed when the handle part (110) is tilted over the active part (120). [4] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - the cover has an opening to release the seeds and / or - the cover is attached using a quick-release fastener. [5] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a first hook (174) extending into the seed receptacle (170) to loosen the seed and can be operated by a user from outside the device (100); and / or - a second hook (176) which extends into the seed receptacle (170) in order to loosen the seed and is activated or moved when the handle part (110) is tilted (K) over the active part (120). [6] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a prestress (140), in particular in the form of a spring element, preferably a compression spring (144), which presses the first end of the active part (120) against the first end of the handle part (110). [7] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle part (110) comprises at least: - a piercing and / or spreading element, in particular a prong (112) at a first end of the handle part; and / or - a handle element, in particular a handle piece (116), at a second end of the handle part, which is opposite a first end of the handle part (110); and / or - an opening (118) for dispensing a seed, which is preferably covered by the active part (120). [8] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the active part (120) comprises at least: - at least one piercing element, preferably two prongs, at a first end of the active part; and / or - a penetration limiter, in particular to limit the penetration depth of the active part and preferably the handle part into the ground. [9] Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the device (100) is designed as a manual planting tool, in particular as a hand-operated sowing rod for forestry seeding, and has, for example, a protective cap; and / or - the device (100) is intended to be fastened to a forestry machine, in particular to be fastened in a plurality of ways, for example by means of a holder which preferably comes into contact with the handle part. [10] Use of a device (100) according to one of the preceding claims for greening a forest stand by targeted application, for example distribution of seeds on the area to be afforested.

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