DEVICE AND METHOD FOR NON-CONTACT COLLECTION OF GRANULAR MATERIAL INSIDE AN AGRICULTURAL SPREADER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic device for detecting granular material according to the preamble of claim 1, a method for non-contact detection of granular material according to claim 7 and an agricultural distribution machine for spreading granular material according to claim 10.

[0002] In the field of agriculture, a wide variety of distribution machines for spreading granular material, especially seeds and / or fertilizer, are known. These include pneumatic and / or mechanical seed drills as well as precision seed drills, which are suitable for depositing the granular material on agricultural land. Such distribution machines also have at least one storage hopper and at least one conveying line through which the granular material can be supplied as needed, or in adjustable quantities, to at least one downstream application device.

[0003] Within distribution machines of this type, electronic devices for material detection, particularly particle detection, are increasingly being used. These devices are arranged along the conveying and / or metering section of the distribution machines. Such electronic devices allow, among other things, the quantity, especially the number, and / or the spacing of the dispensed and / or deposited granular material, particularly the individual particles, to be detected and / or determined with relative precision.

[0004] Such an electronic device for detecting granular material, in particular seeds and / or fertilizer, is described, for example, in DE 20 2004 003 702 A1. The electronic device described here comprises at least one conveying line, which in cross-section is at least partially circular, through which the granular material can be conveyed in adjustable quantities and in one conveying direction by means of pressure differential and / or gravity. The electronic device further comprises at least one sensor device configured to detect the granular material, in particular in the form of individual grains, without contact within a measuring chamber of the sensor device arranged along the conveying line.

[0005] Such an electronic device is also known from US 6,332,413 B1.

[0006] In practice, however, it has been found that the precision and / or reliability of such electronic devices is affected with increasing operating time. This can be caused, for example, by contact between the granular material and the electronic device, especially the sensor elements, and / or by contamination in the measuring chamber.

[0007] To reduce the particularly negative influence of granular material, especially individual grains, and / or contaminants on the electronic device, especially the sensor device, electronic devices for detecting granular material, such as those described in US 5,533,458 A, are known. Accordingly, an edge or step arranged in the area of ​​the measuring chamber, especially in the conveying direction immediately in front of the measuring chamber, is known, by means of which the granular material and / or contaminants are at least partially guided past the measuring chamber, especially the sensor device, during dispensing.

[0008] However, it has been shown that with increasing operating time, even with electronic devices designed in this way, sufficient reliability and / or precision in detecting the granular material cannot be achieved. One problem is the enlarged area, particularly in the conveying direction immediately behind the edge or step. Due to a sharp transition, the enlarged cross-sectional area is not, at least in sections, significantly permeated by the air carried by the granular material and / or the airflow resulting from the pressure difference. This creates a kind of flow separation and / or a dead zone within which, especially fine particles, contaminants can continue to accumulate and affect the electronic device, particularly the sensor assembly.

[0009] The object underlying the invention is therefore to design an electronic device for detecting granular material within an agricultural spreading machine in such a way that the operational reliability of such electronic devices is further improved using particularly simple means and / or the precision and / or reliability of the detection is at least almost maintained with increasing operating time. In particular, the disadvantages of the described prior art are to be at least partially eliminated.

[0010] This problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

[0011] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the term "solids" in the following refers to material conveyed by the electronic device, in particular the conveying line, in the form of granular material to be applied, especially seeds and / or fertilizer, and / or contaminants, especially dust and / or dirt particles. Furthermore, it may also refer to liquids conveyed or transported by the electronic device, in particular the conveying line, for example in the form of water particles, and / or seed dressing, especially seed dressing.

[0012] As a result of the measure according to the invention, both the air or airflow and the solids in the conveying direction can be deflected in front of the measuring chamber, in particular immediately in front of the sensor device. The multiphase flow resulting from the solids and the air within the electronic device is thus deflected at least partially, preferably immediately, within the transition in front of the measuring chamber towards the center point of a radius of curvature of the curved section of the conveying line. In particular, the multiphase flow in the region of an inner wall of the conveying line is affected. In other words, the trajectory of the solids and / or the air is thereby changed in a direction away from the inner wall. By means of such an embodiment, it is thus achieved that both the solids and the air are deflected inwards, in particular towards a center of the conveying line cross-section.Accumulations of solids in the area of ​​the measuring chamber, especially the sensor device, are therefore at least almost entirely ruled out.

[0013] According to the invention, the conveying line is oval in the conveying direction, at least in sections, upstream of the transition. The oval shape offers significant advantages in guiding the multiphase flow, particularly of the solids, resulting in a surprisingly smoother flow of the multiphase flow, especially of the conveyed solids. In a downstream section, particularly within which the measuring chamber is located, the cross-section of the conveying line is at least nearly circular. This essentially circular shape allows for particularly simple and precise alignment of the sensor device, especially of individual, mutually associated sensor elements, which is especially advantageous for reliable and / or precise detection of the granular material.

[0014] The sensor device is preferably designed as an optical sensor, in particular an infrared or radar sensor, and is configured to detect the granular material, especially in the form of individual grains, without contact. Furthermore, in a preferred sensor device designed as an infrared sensor, a plurality of sensor elements, which are in particular designed as light-emitting diodes, are arranged in relation to one another and / or aligned circumferentially around the conveying line.

[0015] In the device according to the invention, an outer and inner wall of the conveying line have different radii of curvature in the transition area, particularly at the transition point. The inner walls of the conveying line are the inner surfaces or walls of the conveying line that are in contact with the multiphase flow, especially with the solids. The outer inner wall is located on a side of the conveying line facing away from the center point of the radius of curvature, while the inner inner wall is located on a side of the conveying line facing the center point of the radius of curvature. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the outer inner wall is smaller than the radius of curvature of the inner inner wall. Alternatively or additionally, the radii of curvature can also be at least nearly the same, with the respective centers of curvature being offset from each other.In such an embodiment, the center point of the radius of curvature of the outer inner wall is offset towards the conveying line. As a result, the curvature of the outer inner wall is more pronounced compared to the inner inner wall, at least within the transition area. The inner inner wall is preferably essentially linear, and in particular curvature-free, in the transition area, while the outer inner wall forms a kind of, and in particular curved, ramp to the interior of the conveying line. In other words, the conveying line, and in particular the outer inner wall, forms a kind of overshoot in the conveying direction upstream of the measuring chamber, and in particular the sensor device.As a result, a crossflow is created that is directed towards the actual conveying direction of the granular material and is designed to convey and / or redirect the solids and / or the air at least partially towards the interior of the conveying line, in particular the cross-section.

[0016] In a further development of the device according to the invention, the transition is designed to be at least nearly step-free or seamless. In particular, the transition from the at least substantially oval to the round cross-section of the conveying line is designed to be at least nearly step-free and / or seamless. In other words, the transition, especially the area of ​​the conveying line immediately before the measuring chamber and / or the sensor device, is designed to be at least nearly free of edges and / or steps. With this embodiment, at least nearly the entire cross-section in the area of ​​the sensor device and / or the measuring chamber is permeated by the carried and / or conveyed air, thus at least nearly eliminating the accumulation or adhesion of solids in the area of ​​the sensor device and / or the measuring chamber.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the cross-section narrows in the conveying direction at the transition. The transition is preferably designed in the form of a nozzle. This results in at least a local acceleration or nozzle effect of the entrained and / or conveyed air in the area of ​​the transition. The resulting particularly high velocities of the air and / or solids achieve a kind of self-cleaning effect of the inner walls and / or the sensor assembly.

[0018] In another embodiment of the device according to the invention, the conveying line has at least one section adjoining the transition, which is in particular curved, and which is at least partially linear, in particular curvature-free, wherein the measuring chamber is preferably arranged within the linear, in particular curvature-free, section. The linear section is particularly preferably at least almost completely circular. The sensor device can thus be attached particularly well to the linear or at least almost curvature-free section of the conveying line, which is preferably particularly short. In particular, the majority of the associated and / or aligned sensor elements can thus be attached to the conveying line particularly easily. The reliability and / or precision of the material and / or particle detection is thus increased in a particularly simple manner.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, at least one first flattening is formed on the conveying line, particularly on the inner and / or outer inner wall, along the at least one oval and / or round cross-section. The at least partially circular and / or arc-shaped geometry of the conveying line, particularly the cross-section, has, in cross-section, at least a linear, and in particular at least nearly straight, wall. Such flattenings and / or cross-sections represent a particularly aerodynamically efficient shape for the conveyed air and / or solids. It is particularly preferred that at least one second flattening is formed on the conveying line, particularly on the inner and / or outer inner wall, opposite the at least one first flattening. The at least one second flattening is preferably mirror-symmetrical to the at least one first flattening.Such an embodiment achieves a particularly stable and / or "calmed" conveying of the air and / or the solids, especially the granular material.

[0020] Furthermore, a device according to the invention is preferred in which the device, in particular the conveying line, is at least partially made of a material that is at least nearly wear-resistant, in particular metallic, in the conveying direction upstream of the measuring chamber. In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the conveying line is made of the material that is at least nearly wear-resistant, preferably metal, at an inlet opening and / or at the curved section of the conveying line. Alternatively, a glass fiber reinforced and / or at least partially coated plastic material is also conceivable. The areas of the inlet opening and / or the curved section of the conveying line are subjected to particularly high stress, especially due to contact with the solids, which results in this preferred embodiment achieving a particularly high level of operational reliability compared to conventional embodiments.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the at least nearly wear-resistant material can also be arranged at least partially on the outside of the conveying line, particularly in the form of an insert at the inlet opening. The wear-resistant material is preferably connected to the conveying line by a form-fit, force-fit, and / or material-fit connection, with a variant that is at least partially bonded being particularly preferred. The wear-resistant material, arranged at least partially on the outside, increases the impact resistance of the conveying line in this area, especially against external influences, thereby achieving even greater operational reliability of the electronic device.

[0022] The problem underlying the invention is also solved by a method of the type mentioned at the outset. In this method, the granular material, in particular seeds and / or fertilizer, is conveyed through an electronic device with at least one sensor unit by means of a pressure differential, which can be generated, and / or by gravity. The granular material, in particular the individual grains, is detected by the at least one sensor unit, which is configured to generate a sensor signal depending on the detected material and based on a sensitivity that is adjustable for the sensor unit. Subsequently, an actual frequency is determined based on the sensor signal, at which the granular material passes through the electronic device, in particular the sensor unit.

[0023] The method according to the invention comprises comparing the determined actual frequency with a retrievable and / or predefinable target frequency at which the granular material is conveyed through the electronic device. Furthermore, any deviation between the actual and target frequencies is determined. Subsequently, the sensor signal and / or the sensitivity is adjusted until a predefinable acceptance range for the deviation is reached. With such an embodiment, signal changes caused by accumulations of solids, in particular contaminants, in the area of ​​the electronic device, especially the sensor assembly, are at least partially, and preferably at least almost completely, compensated. The electronic device is configured at least according to the device according to the invention.

[0024] It is particularly preferred that the sensor signal and / or the sensitivity are automatically adjusted by a control and / or regulation system assigned to the electronic device and / or the distribution machine.

[0025] Sensitivity, in this context, represents a minimum, measure, or threshold of the signal level or amplitude of the sensor signal at which granular material passed by the sensor device is detected by the electronic device, particularly the sensor device. Thus, with high sensitivity, comparatively low signal levels or amplitudes are sufficient to detect granular material, especially individual grains, while with low sensitivity, comparatively high signal levels or amplitudes are necessary to detect granular material.

[0026] Preferably, the method according to the invention is carried out within a regular, in particular daily and / or annual, calibration process. Alternatively or additionally, such a calibration process can also be carried out during an interruption of the application process and / or before the start of application. The target frequency is preferably determined and / or specified based on at least one environmental condition, the granular material to be applied, and / or the operating state of the distribution machine. Alternatively or additionally, the target frequency is determined and / or adjusted within a model test. In such a model test, the target frequency can be determined and / or specified using model or test materials, such as steel or wooden bodies, or the like, instead of the material to be applied. Furthermore, the target frequency is determined and / or retrieved based on at least one stored functional curve.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the sensor signal is adapted by means of a variably adjustable electronic signal amplification. As a result of the detected material and the signal level of the sensor signal subsequently generated by the electronic device, in particular the sensor assembly, the signal level is automatically increased or decreased until the actual frequency reaches at least nearly the target frequency, particularly within the acceptance range. The signal amplification is preferably designed in the manner of an electronic "magnifying glass," which is adjustable in steps. The signal level or amplitude of the sensor signal, generated in particular by the sensor assembly, is lower at low signal amplification or steps than at high signal amplification or steps.Thus, the actual signal level or deflection of the sensor signal generated due to a detected material can be increased many times over, especially depending on the set level.

[0028] For the method according to the invention, an adjustable electrical power supply is preferably provided for the at least one sensor device, wherein the brightness of a light source assigned to the sensor device for detecting the granular material can be adjusted depending on the power supply. The light source can alternatively or additionally be designed as part of a sensor element configured as a light-emitting diode.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the electrical power supply is automatically increased or decreased until the acceptable range for the deviation is reached. In particular, a darkening of the measuring chamber due to accumulations of solids in the area of ​​the sensor device, especially the light source, is thus compensated for by increasing the power supply, especially the electrical power, to the at least one light source. A sensor signal that changes with increasing operating time, especially with increasing contamination, compared to an initial state of the sensor signal, can therefore be adjusted by changing the power supply towards the initial state. Preferably, the power supply, especially the electrical power, to the sensor device, especially the light source, is increased when the degree of contamination of the sensor device is high or increasing.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the electronic device is designed according to at least one of the aforementioned embodiments of the electronic device according to the invention for detecting the granular material within the agricultural distribution machine.

[0031] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by an agricultural distribution machine, in particular a seed drill, of the type mentioned above, wherein the distribution machine, in particular a control and / or regulation system associated with the distribution machine, is equipped to carry out the method according to the invention according to at least one of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0032] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the distribution machine according to the invention, the electronic device for detecting the granular material is designed according to at least one of the aforementioned embodiments of the electronic device for detecting the granular material according to the invention.

[0033] Further details of the invention can be found in the description of the example and the drawings. The drawings show Fig. 1 an agricultural distribution machine according to the invention with seeding units arranged side by side in a perspective view from the rear; Fig. 2A a sectional view from the side of a seeding unit with a metering device; Fig. 2B the metering device made of Fig.2A with an electronic device according to the invention in an enlarged sectional view; Fig. 3A an enlarged schematic sectional view of the electronic device from the Fig.2BFig. 3: Enlarged section of the electronic device Fig. 3A Fig. 3C A cross-section of a conveying line of the electronic device in section II; Fig. 3A cross-section of the conveying line in section II-II; Fig. 3E Another schematic sectional view of the electronic device from the Fig. 3A ; and Fig. 4 a method according to the invention for capturing granular material in a schematic flowchart.

[0034] An agricultural distribution machine 10 designed as a trailed seed drill, in particular a precision seed drill, for spreading granular material G, in particular seed and / or fertilizer, is in the Fig. 1 The distribution machine 10 has at least one storage hopper 11 and a frame oriented horizontally transversely to the direction of travel F. Several seeding units 20 are attached to the frame by means of support elements.

[0035] Each seeding unit 20 has a storage container 22 for holding the granular or pebbled material G to be applied. The lower part of the storage container 22 is designed as a discharge area, in which at least one discharge opening is arranged. The material G to be applied is conveyed via the discharge opening to a metering device 30, designed as a singulation device, which is arranged below the storage container 22.

[0036] The dosing device 30, in enlarged sectional view in Fig.2AThe metering device 30 is designed as an overpressure singulation device and is configured to dispense the feedable material G as needed and / or in adjustable quantities, particularly in the form of individual granules. For this purpose, a singulation element 31, which is rotatably driven about a rotary axis and is at least partially rotationally symmetrical, is arranged within the metering device 30. The singulation element 31 is at least partially designed as a circular disk. Alternatively to the illustrated embodiment, the singulation element 31 can also be at least partially drum- or cylinder-shaped. Furthermore, the metering device 30 can alternatively also be designed as a vacuum singulation device. In addition, it is conceivable, alternatively or additionally, that the granular material G can be conveyed at least partially by gravity from the storage container 31 and / or through the metering device 30.

[0037] The granular material G is at least partially transported and / or carried in a rotational direction by the singulation element 31 and dispensed and / or transferred to a downstream electronic device 40 located on and / or at the metering device 30. The granular material G is then conveyed by the electronic device 40 and transferred to a dispensing element 21 at a defined position.

[0038] The spreading device 21 comprises furrow opening elements 210 designed as disc shares, depth control elements 211 and devices 212 for closing a furrow.

[0039] The one in Fig.2BThe electronic device 40, shown in closer view, is designed like an optical sensor and is configured to detect the material G conveyed by the agricultural spreading machine 10. The electronic device 40 comprises at least one conveying line 41, which in cross-section is at least partially circular, through which the granular material G, in particular depending on the embodiment of the metering device 30, is conveyed by means of a pressure differential and / or gravity. Furthermore, the electronic device 40 comprises at least one sensor device 50, which is configured to detect the granular material G, in particular in the form of individual grains, without contact within a measuring chamber 51 of the sensor device 50 arranged along the conveying line 41.

[0040] As in the Fig. 3AAs can be seen more clearly, the conveying line 41 is curved, at least in sections. The conveying line 41 also has a transition 42 which, in a conveying direction R, changes from a substantially oval cross-section I to an at least nearly round cross-section II, as can be seen in particular from the Fig. 3C and 3D The transition 42 is located upstream of the measuring room 51, in particular immediately, and is designed to direct the air L, shown schematically here using streamlines, and / or to deflect the granular material G at least partially to the interior 412 of the conveying line 41.

[0041] In addition to the air L and / or the granular material G, contaminants conveyed within the conveying line, for example in the form of dust particles, liquids and / or pickling solution, are also deflected. An accumulation of such contaminants within the measuring chamber 51, in particular the sensor device 50, is thus at least almost completely prevented.

[0042] The transition 42 is designed to be at least almost step-free or seamless and tapers at the transition 42 in the conveying direction R. An enlarged section of the conveying line 41, in which the transition 42 and the measuring chamber 51 are particularly visible, is shown in the Fig.3B shown.

[0043] Furthermore, the conveying line 41 has at least a course that follows the transition 42, which is in particular curved, and is at least partially linear or at least almost uncurved, with the measuring chamber 51 being arranged in particular within the linear course.

[0044] The conveying line 41 is formed from at least one outer and one inner wall 410, 411. The outer and inner walls 410, 411 of the conveying line 41 have unequal radii of curvature R1, R2 in the area of ​​the transition 42, in particular at the transition 42, as shown in the Fig.3EThis is clearly visible. The outer inner wall 410 is arranged on a side of the conveying line 41 facing away from a center point M1, M2 of the radius of curvature R1, R2, while the inner inner wall 411 is consequently arranged on a side of the conveying line 41 facing the center point M1, M2 of the radius of curvature R1, R2. The radius of curvature R1 of the outer inner wall 410 is smaller than the radius of curvature R2 of the inner inner wall 411. Alternatively or additionally, the radii of curvature R1, R2 can also be at least nearly equal, with the respective centers M1, M2 of the radii of curvature R1, R2 being offset from each other. In the embodiment shown, the center point M1 of the radius of curvature R1 of the outer inner wall 410 is offset towards the conveying line 41. As a result, the curvature of the outer inner wall 410 is more pronounced compared to the inner inner wall 411, at least within the transition 42.The inner wall 411 is essentially linear, and in particular almost completely free of curvature, in the area of ​​the transition 42, while the outer inner wall 410 forms a kind of, in particular curved, ramp to the interior 412 of the conveying line 412. In other words, the conveying line 41 forms a kind of overshoot in the conveying direction R upstream of the measuring chamber 51, in particular the sensor device 50. As a result, a crossflow is generated, directed with respect to the actual conveying direction R of the granular material G, which is designed to convey and / or deflect the granular material G and / or the air L at least partially towards the interior 412 of the conveying line 41, in particular its cross-section.

[0045] Furthermore, at least one oval and / or round cross-section is present. I,II at least one first flattening 413, 414 is formed on the conveying line 41, in particular on the inner and / or outer inner wall 410, 411. The conveying line 41 has at least a partially circular and / or arc-shaped geometry, in particular an oval cross-section. I,In cross-section, it has at least one linear, and in particular at least nearly straight, wall. Such flattened surfaces and / or cross-sections represent a particularly aerodynamically efficient shape for the conveyed air L and / or the granular material G. In the exemplary embodiment shown, at least one second flattened surface 414 is formed opposite the at least one first flattened surface 413 on the conveying line 41, in particular on the inner and / or outer inner wall 410, 411. The at least one second flattened surface 414 is mirror-symmetrical to the at least one first flattened surface 413. Such an embodiment achieves a particularly stable conveying of the air L and / or the granular material G.

[0046] Furthermore, the electronic device 40, in particular the conveying line 41, is at least partially constructed of a material that is at least nearly wear-resistant, in particular metallic, in the conveying direction R upstream of the measuring chamber 51. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one metallic insert 44 is arranged at an inlet opening 43, in particular at which the granular material G is transferred from the singulation element 31 to the electronic device 40 and / or the conveying line 41. The metallic insert 44 is designed to be at least nearly wear-resistant and / or impact-resistant compared to the material of the conveying line 41. As an alternative to the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device 40, in particular the conveying line 41, can be at least partially constructed of wear-resistant material and / or coated in the area of ​​the curved section, in particular in the area of ​​the transition 42.

[0047] Furthermore, the sensor device 50 shown in the exemplary embodiment is designed as an optical sensor and configured to detect the granular material G, particularly in the form of individual grains, without contact. The sensor device 50 comprises a plurality of sensor elements 52 arranged around the circumference of the conveying line 41, particularly in the area of ​​the measuring chamber 51 and / or immediately behind the transition 42. The sensor elements 52 are designed as light-emitting diodes and are at least partially aligned and / or oriented relative to one another. Alternatively, other types of sensors that detect without contact, particularly via radar and / or light waves, such as radar sensors, are also conceivable.

[0048] The granular material G is produced according to the illustrated embodiment and the schematic flow diagram in Fig. 4The procedure is recorded according to the following description. The procedure is initiated by the following step: 100) Conveying the granular material G by means of pressure difference and / or gravity through the electronic device 40 with at least one sensor device 50.

[0049] After the granular material G passes the sensor device 50, in particular the plurality of mutually assigned and / or aligned sensor elements 52, the following step is carried out: 101) Detection of the granular material G by means of at least one sensor device 50.

[0050] The sensor device 50 is further designed to generate a sensor signal depending on the detected material G and based on a sensitivity adjustable for the sensor device 50. The sensor signal is transmitted via an electronic signal line 53 to a control and / or regulation system 200 associated with the electronic device 40 and / or the agricultural distribution machine 10.

[0051] After the sensor signal has been transmitted to the control and / or regulation system 200, the following step is performed: 102) Determining the actual frequency at which the granular material G passes the electronic device 40, in particular the sensor device 50, based on the sensor signal.

[0052] Once the actual frequency has been determined, the following steps are carried out according to the invention: 110) Comparing the determined actual frequency with a retrievable and / or predefinable target frequency at which the granular material G is conveyed through the electronic device 40; and 111) Determining a deviation between the actual frequency and the target frequency.

[0053] As soon as a deviation is detected that is not within a retrievable and / or predefined acceptance range, the following step is carried out: 120) Automatic adjustment of the sensor signal and / or sensitivity until the predefined acceptance range for the deviation is reached.

[0054] According to the invention, this step can be supplemented by modifying the sensor signal using a variably adjustable electronic signal amplification. The operation of the electronic signal amplification corresponds to a type of electronic, in particular stepwise adjustable, magnifying glass. Thus, the signal level of the sensor signal generated as a result of the detected granular material G can be corrected and / or adjusted accordingly, so that the determined actual frequency is changed in the direction of the target frequency.

[0055] In In an alternative or additional step 121), an adjustable electrical power supply can be provided to the sensor device 50, in particular to the sensor elements 52. The sensor device 50, in particular at least one sensor element 52, is designed in the manner of a light source. InIn an alternative embodiment, the sensor device 50 can also be assigned an alternative and / or additional light source. The light source generates brightness within the conveying line 41, particularly within the measuring chamber 51, which serves to enable the sensor device 50 to detect the granular material G. The brightness can be adjusted accordingly depending on the power supply, whereby the determination of the actual frequency is influenced by the brightness. The electrical power supply is thus automatically increased or decreased until the acceptable range for the deviation is reached.

[0056] The described steps are carried out, in particular, within a regular calibration process of the electronic device 40, preferably at least partially automated by the control and / or regulation system 200. The calibration process can be performed, for example, annually, daily, or during an interruption of the application process. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the calibration process of the electronic device 40 takes place at least almost simultaneously with and / or at the same time as the application process.

[0057] It is understood that the features mentioned in the previously described embodiments are not limited to these specific combinations and are also possible in any other combination. Furthermore, it is understood that the geometries shown in the figures are only examples and are also possible in any other configuration. Reference symbol list

[0058] 10 Agricultural distribution machine 11 Storage hopper 20 Seeding unit 21 Spreading device 210 Furrow opening elements 211 Depth control elements 212 Furrow closing device 22 Storage hopper 30 Metering device 31 Singulation element 40 Electronic device 41 Conveyor line 410 Outer inner wall 411 Inner inner wall 412 Inner of the conveying line 413 First flattening 414 Second flattening 42 Transition 43 Inlet opening 44 Metallic insert 50 Sensor device 51 Measuring chamber 52 Sensor elements 53 Signal line 200 Control and / or regulation system F Direction of travel G Granular material I Oval cross-section II Round cross-section L Air, flow M1, M2 Center of the radius of curvature RF Conveying direction R1, R2 Radius of curvature

Claims

1. Electronic device (40) for detecting granular material (G), in particular seed and / or fertilizer, within an agricultural distribution machine (10), comprising - at least one conveying line (41) which, when viewed in cross section, is round at least in portions, through which conveying line the granular material (G) can be conveyed in settable quantities and in a conveying direction (R) by means of pressure difference and / or gravity, - and at least one sensor apparatus (50) configured to detect the granular material (G), in particular in the form of single grains, in a contact-free manner within a measuring space (51) of the sensor apparatus (50), which measuring space is arranged along the conveying line (41), the conveying line (41) being curved at least in portions and having at least one transition (42) which changes in the conveying direction (R) from a substantially oval cross section (I) to an at least approximately round cross section (II), the transition (42) being located upstream, in particular directly upstream, of the measuring space (51), characterized in that the transition is configured to divert the air (L) and / or the granular material (G) at least partially to an interior (412) of the conveying line (41), an outer and an inner internal wall (410, 411) of the conveying line (41) having different curvature radii (R1, R2) than one another in the region of the transition (42), in particular at the transition (42).

2. Device (40) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transition (42) is at least approximately stepless or seamless.

3. Device (40) according to at least one of preceding claims 1 and 2, characterized in that at the transition (42), the cross section tapers in the conveying direction (R).

4. Device (40) according to at least one of preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the conveying line (41) has at least one profile which follows the in particular curved transition (42) and is linear at least in portions, the measuring space (51) preferably being arranged within the linear profile.

5. Device (40) according to at least one of preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one first flattened portion (413) is formed on the conveying line (41), in particular on the inner and / or outer internal wall (410,411), along the at least one oval and / or round cross section (I, II).

6. Device (40) according to at least one of preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that upstream of the measuring space (51) in the conveying direction (R), the device (40), in particular the conveying line (41), is at least partially formed from a material that is at least approximately wear-resistant, in particular from a metal material.

7. Method for detecting granular material (G) in a contact-free manner within an agricultural distribution machine (10), comprising the steps of: - conveying the granular material (G) through an electronic device (40) comprising at least one sensor apparatus (50) by means of pressure difference and / or gravity; - detecting the granular material (G) by means of the at least one sensor apparatus (50); wherein the sensor apparatus (50) is configured to generate a sensor signal depending on the detected material (G) and on the basis of a sensitivity which can be set for the sensor apparatus (50); - determining an actual frequency at which the granular material (G) passes the electronic device (40), in particular the sensor apparatus (50), on the basis of the sensor signal, - comparing the determined actual frequency to a retrievable and / or predefinable target frequency at which the granular material (G) is conveyed through the electronic device (40); - determining a deviation of the actual frequency from the target frequency; - automatically adjusting the sensor signal and / or the sensitivity until a predefinable acceptance range for the deviation is reached; and wherein the electronic device (40) is designed according to at least one of preceding claims 1 to 6.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the sensor signal is adjusted by means of electronic signal amplification which can be variably controlled in a closed loop.

9. Method according to at least one of preceding claims 7 and 8, comprising the step of: - providing an adjustable electrical power supply for the at least one sensor apparatus (50), it being possible for a brightness of a light source assigned to the sensor apparatus (50) to be adjusted depending on the power supply in order to detect the granular material (G); characterized in that the electrical power supply is automatically increased or decreased until the acceptance range for the deviation is reached.

10. Agricultural distribution machine (10), in particular a precision seed drill, for spreading granular material (G), in particular seed and / or fertilizer, which distribution machine comprises an electronic device (40) for detecting granular material (G) and an associated open- and / or closed-loop control system (200), wherein the open- and / or closed-loop control system (200) is configured to carry out the method according to at least one of preceding claims 7 to 9.