Planting machine and method for planting a plant

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a planting machine for planting bare-root plants in soil according to claim 1. The soil can be covered with a covering, in particular a film. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method according to claim 9 for planting a plant using a planting machine. State of the art

[0002] Plants are usually planted by hand, meaning they are planted in the soil. For example, in the specialty crop sector, strawberries are primarily grown on soil ridges, which are usually covered with a waterproof covering, usually a film. To ensure the plants receive targeted water and nutrients despite the film covering, at least one supply hose for drip irrigation is usually installed beneath the film.

[0003] To facilitate this process, also known as planting, and to achieve consistent planting spacing, pre-perforated plastic sheets are sometimes used. These sheets lie on the soil and thus specify the planting position. A device is also known for punching holes through the plastic sheet into the soil, thus specifying the planting positions where the plants should be planted.

[0004] Depending on the design of the device, water and / or other substances are added to the holes at the same time as they are dug to accelerate plant growth. These substances can be, in particular, a nutrient solution and / or a seed dressing. After the holes are dug, the plants are planted by hand, while simultaneously pressing soil down to ensure immediate root contact. The person planting can either sit on a seat attached to the device or walk across the field.

[0005] The procedure described has proven problematic in that the planting depth at which the plants are planted by hand is uneven, which in turn leads to uneven soil contact of the planted plants.

[0006] As an alternative to manual planting, automated planting using appropriate devices is also known. Reference is made, for example, to German Offenlegungsschrift DE 10 2020 206 738 A1. This describes a device for the automated planting of seedlings. The device provides that the seedlings are gripped from a magazine by a gripper arm and placed into a feed device. With each action of the gripper arm, several adjacent seedlings are gripped and placed together in the feed device, which has its own feed channel for each seedling. The feed channels are shaped such that they converge towards a lower end to form a dense circular area. A planting unit is provided below the feed device, which gradually takes the seedlings from the feed device and plants them in the soil.

[0007] For this purpose, the seedlings are placed from above into the planting unit, which has a hollow internal channel. The respective seedling then falls through the hollow channel to a lower end of the planting unit, where a planting mouth is formed. With this downwardly tapered planting mouth, the planting unit is driven into the soil, possibly through a cover placed on the soil. There, the planting mouth is opened and the respective seedling is released. The planting unit is then lifted again, leaving the seedling in the soil. During this planting process, the "planting mouth" is opened as described after penetrating the soil to release the seedling. This pushes soil away from the plant to be planted, preventing the necessary contact of the roots with the surrounding soil.This type of planting machine can therefore only plant plants whose root mass has developed in a ball of soil or suitable substrate and is planted together with this ball. Accordingly, the device is not suitable for planting bare-rooted plants. Further planting machines are disclosed in FR 2 498 045 A1 and JP 2021 136866 A. Task

[0008] The present application is therefore based on the object of providing a planting machine which is suitable for planting bare-root plants. Solution

[0009] The underlying object is achieved according to the invention by means of a planting machine having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the associated subclaims.

[0010] According to the invention, a planting machine for planting bare-root plants in soil is provided, comprising a frame, which can in particular represent a supporting structure of the planting machine, and a coupling for attaching the frame to a towing vehicle. The planting machine can be moved along a planting path by means of the towing vehicle. The planting machine further comprises a carrier for attaching a planting unit to the frame, a planting unit for planting the plants in the soil, and an actuator for operating the planting unit. The planting unit comprises a planting spade and a hold-down device. Furthermore, the actuator is suitable for moving the planting spade and the hold-down device independently of one another and / or the planting unit as a whole up and down perpendicular to a soil surface.Preferably, the actuator is suitable for moving both the planting spade and the hold-down device independently of each other and jointly, i.e., the planting unit as a whole. Furthermore, the support with the planting unit attached thereto is arranged on the frame of the planting machine in such a way that the planting unit can be positioned above the soil during operation of the planting machine, so that at least the planting spade can be immersed in the soil as a result of a downward movement relative to the frame. If the soil is covered by a covering, in particular a film, this covering can be pierced by the planting spade when immersed in the soil. The hold-down device can, for example, have a hold-down element suitable for "holding down" a plant in the vertical direction, i.e., in particular, preventing it from moving upwards out of the soil.

[0011] During operation of the planting machine, it travels over the planting path, typically as a result of being driven by a towing vehicle, for example a tractor. The planting machine is designed to plant the plants in the soil at predefined planting positions. For this purpose, the plants can be positioned in advance, for example by hand or - in an advantageous embodiment of the planting machine - by means of a conveyor device of the planting machine at the respective planting positions above the soil or placed on the soil. Preferably, the plants are positioned on or near the soil by means of the conveyor device independently of the planting unit. For this purpose, the conveyor device can comprise, for example, a conveyor belt, by means of which plants are transported from a storage area to or from the soil.The plants placed on the soil or held on or near the soil by means of the conveyor system can then be planted into the soil using the planting unit.

[0012] In this context, the planting unit is located at least substantially above a planting position where a plant is to be planted. The actuator actuates the planting unit in such a way that the planting spade is inserted at least substantially vertically into the soil at the planting position, if necessary after piercing a cover lying on the soil, in particular a film. The aim here is for the planting spade to press onto the plant positioned on or above the soil and / or its roots in such a way that the latter in particular are, as it were, drawn into the soil. This process forces the bare roots of the plants, i.e. those not surrounded by soil or similar, into the soil surrounding the planting spade and mixes with it. This ensures direct contact with the moisture-storing soil.At the same time as or at a different time (either before or after) inserting the planting spade into the soil together with the plant or its roots, the hold-down device is moved downwards. The hold-down device is moved downwards at least until it reaches the upper part of the plant, i.e. comes into contact with it. In this context, the hold-down device can, for example, be moved downwards at least temporarily at the same time as the planting spade. It is also conceivable that the hold-down device is only moved downwards when the planting spade is no longer being moved. The hold-down device and the planting spade can therefore basically be moved independently of one another. In addition, it is conceivable that the planting spade is lowered more than the hold-down device, i.e. that it covers a greater distance overall.

[0013] In practice, the soil can be formed into a dam, for example, with a roughly semicircular or trapezoidal cross-section. Furthermore, the dam can be at least partially covered with a film.

[0014] Because plants can vary greatly depending on their type and condition, it can happen that plants placed on the soil, particularly on the embankment, which have been placed on the soil, for example by means of a conveying device as described above, slip before planting using the planting spade or even slide down the embankment. This has the consequence that the plants cannot be grasped and planted by the planting spade. Therefore, the invention provides that the planting machine comprises a holding device by means of which a respective plant can be fixed by the planting spade until planting, until the planting spade grasps it and presses it into the soil. This holding device can be designed, for example, as part of a conveying device by means of which the plants are transported and placed on the soil or can be positioned on the soil.In such a design, the conveyor system can, for example, have receptacles that form the holding device. The holding device only releases the plant when it is grasped by the planting spade. This significantly increases the rate of successfully planted plants.

[0015] Alternatively or in addition to a holding device formed on a conveyor device, it is conceivable for the holding device to be designed in the form of a gripping arm separate from any conveyor device. By means of such a gripping arm, a respective plant can be grasped and held in a desired position until it is planted into the soil by the planting spade. In this embodiment, the planting machine can nevertheless have a conveyor device by means of which the plants are guided to the soil. There, they are held by the holding device only for planting, which is carried out using the planting spade.

[0016] It is also conceivable for a gripper arm to serve both as the holding device and the conveying device. This could be the case, for example, if plants to be planted are moved from a plant supply to a designated planting location using a gripper arm, and are immediately held there by the gripper arm until planting. In such a configuration, the gripper arm ensures both the transport of the plant to the respective location and its securement before being picked up by the planting spade.

[0017] Once the desired planting depth has been reached, the planting spade is raised again, thus pulling it out of the soil. The hold-down device is not moved during this process, thus preventing the plant from being pulled out of the soil by holding it down. Once the planting spade is completely out of the hole, the hold-down device is also moved upward. The planting unit can then be moved to the next planting position. The hold-down device and the planting spade, which together form the planting unit, can also be moved together, which can be particularly useful for an upward movement following the planting of a plant.

[0018] If the planting spade is particularly slim in shape, meaning it has a narrow or flat cross-section, it creates very little open space in the soil. This ensures that the newly planted plant comes into particularly good contact with the soil, allowing it to grow particularly well. This has the advantage that plants can be planted using the planting machine particularly gently and successfully (in terms of lasting growth and a good supply of nutrients via the roots). Since bare-rooted plants have no contact with the soil, they must be supplied with moisture or water immediately, at the latest within a few hours, through contact with the surrounding soil.

[0019] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one supply line is provided, by means of which a liquid can be supplied to a plant planted using the planting unit during the planting process. This liquid can be, for example, water and / or a mixture of water and other substances. Such substances can be, for example, a seed dressing or a fertilizer. In other words, such an addition can be adapted to the respective requirements of the plant and / or conditions, for example, of the soil. This results in the advantage that the plant is supplied particularly according to its needs and thus thrives particularly well.

[0020] A further particularly advantageous embodiment is characterized by an upper limit switch and a lower limit switch, wherein a lower end position of at least the planting spade can be set by means of the lower limit switch and an upper end position of at least the planting spade can be set by means of the upper limit switch, wherein the planting spade can be moved up and down between the end positions. In other words, a stroke - namely between the lower end position and the upper end position - of the planting spade can be set. Depending, for example, on a plant species, the depth to which it should be planted in the soil can be set. In this context, it can be useful, for example, to plant so-called taproots (plants with deep roots) particularly deeply by inserting the planting spade deep into the soil.Accordingly, it may be advisable to plant shallow-rooted plants particularly shallowly, meaning you should dig the spade very shallowly into the soil. This offers the advantage of allowing the planting machine to be operated very individually and thus suitable for a wide range of plant species.

[0021] The hold-down device can also interact with a lower limit switch and an upper limit switch, whereby it is also conceivable that the hold-down device and the planting spade are each assigned their own limit switches.

[0022] Furthermore, the invention is particularly advantageous when the actuator is formed by a linear drive, wherein the linear drive preferably comprises an electric, hydraulic, and / or pneumatic drive. In practice, it has been shown that the linear drive is particularly resistant to failure. This results in the advantage that the planting machine can be operated particularly reliably and with low maintenance.

[0023] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the latter comprises a gear mechanism that interacts with the actuator, wherein the gear mechanism is preferably suitable for translating a rotary movement of the actuator into a linear movement of the planting spade and / or the hold-down device. This results in the advantage that a drive torque typically provided by a towing vehicle, for example, taken over by a power take-off shaft of the towing vehicle, can be utilized by means of the gear mechanism for the linear operation of the planting spade.

[0024] A further advantage arises when the hold-down device interacts with a contact switch that is suitable for detecting contact between the hold-down device and a plant, so that when contact is detected or at least in causal connection with such detection, the downward movement of the hold-down device can be stopped. The hold-down device is therefore brought into contact with the upper part of the plant and, depending on this contact, the downward movement is stopped. The hold-down device can stop either immediately when contact is detected or only after a time delay, for example 1 s. In any case, it is ensured that the hold-down device is in contact with the plant, which enables it to exert a holding-down force on the plant, so that it is not pulled out of the soil when the planting spade moves upwards.Particularly with particularly sensitive plant species, there is a risk that the plant will be damaged or destroyed if the hold-down device presses too far or too hard on it. In this context, a design is particularly conceivable in which an electronically detected contact between the hold-down device and the planted plant can be used to limit the planting depth. Furthermore, not all plants are the same; some have a larger upper part, others a smaller one. The contact-dependent movement control of the hold-down device therefore allows the movement of the hold-down device to be adapted to each individual plant. The design according to the invention has the advantage that the hold-down device holds the plants down particularly gently and at the same time reliably.

[0025] In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the planting spade has an internal line which extends to a lower end of the planting spade, wherein the line is preferably formed by a recess in the planting spade. In this case, it is particularly conceivable for the planting spade to be hollow at least in some regions. Through this line, for example, a liquid as already mentioned above can be introduced into the soil. In this context, it is particularly advantageous that the liquid can be introduced directly into the soil, in particular into a root area of ​​the plant. The liquid can in particular be introduced as drip irrigation, i.e. it is introduced at least essentially drop by drop. As a result, the liquid can be introduced in a particularly targeted manner and losses, for example due to evaporation at the surface of the soil, are minimized.Furthermore, any nutrient additives can be applied directly to the plant's roots using the planting spade, making the nutrients immediately available to the plant. This has the advantage of allowing the planting machine to operate particularly efficiently. Furthermore, it ensures sufficient soil moisture during planting, eliminating the need for intensive root pressing, allowing the plants to be handled particularly gently.

[0026] According to a further particularly advantageous embodiment, the frame of the planting machine is suspended at one end from at least one running wheel, preferably a plurality of running wheels. The frame thus rests at least indirectly, namely by means of the at least one running wheel, on the soil, with the running wheel rolling on or over the soil. This ensures that the frame is aligned at a constant distance from the soil, regardless of whether the running wheel is traveling over a hollow or a hill, for example. This has the advantage that the planting unit arranged on the frame can be operated particularly consistently regardless of the nature of the soil, and thus the plants can be planted with particularly uniform results.

[0027] A further advantage arises if the planting machine has a conveyor device by means of which the plants can be placed on the soil or brought into a respective planting position and / or held in this position. The conveyor device can, for example, have a conveyor belt and a conveyor belt drive by means of which the conveyor belt can be driven in rotation. The plants can be fed to the conveyor belt automatically, for example from a plant supply on the planting machine itself or from a trailer carried on the machine. It is also conceivable for the plants to be fed to the conveyor belt manually, i.e. placed on it by hand. By means of the conveyor device, the plants can advantageously be positioned particularly evenly and with particularly little effort on or above the soil. Preferably, the plants can also be held in planting position under the planting spade until the planting spade grips them.Such a design has already been described above. It provides, for example, that the conveyor device comprises receptacles, each of which is configured to receive and hold a plant. In such a configuration, a holding device of the planting machine is arranged on its conveyor device. Such a conveyor device prepares the plants particularly well for planting by means of the planting unit. This offers the advantage that the planting machine can be operated particularly efficiently.

[0028] According to a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the planting machine comprises a transmission device, by means of which the planting unit or the support on which the planting unit is arranged is fastened to the frame. The transmission device is preferably designed to move the planting unit, in particular in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of the planting machine and at least substantially parallel to the ground. In other words, the planting unit can be moved in such a way that it comes into particularly favorable contact with the plant to be planted, so that it can plant the plant particularly precisely. This results in the advantage that the planting machine can be operated particularly precisely and error-free. In particular, a linear drive can be used to move the planting unit along the transmission device. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the planting unit orthe support on which the planting unit is arranged is movable along a slide rail of the transmission device.

[0029] In a further particularly advantageous embodiment, the planting machine comprises a sensor, which can be designed, for example, in the form of an ultrasonic sensor. The sensor is assigned to the planting unit and is preferably arranged in front of the planting unit, viewed in the direction of travel of the planting machine. By means of the sensor, the position of a plant to be planted next on the soil can be determined, so that the planting unit, in particular the planting spade, can be brought into a corresponding position depending on the determined position. In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the planting unit, in particular by means of the aforementioned transmission device, can be moved transversely to the direction of travel and at least substantially parallel to the soil in such a way that the planting spade is aligned particularly precisely, in particular over the roots, so that it can grasp them and plant them in the soil.This advantageously prevents damage to the plant and also allows the plant to be planted into the soil with particular precision.

[0030] The invention also relates to a method for planting a plant using a planting machine according to claim 9. Advantageous embodiments of the method emerge from the associated subclaims. The procedure and the resulting advantages have already been described above. Statements regarding the planting machine and the resulting advantages apply equally to the method and vice versa. For the implementation of the method, it is not important whether the soil in which the plant(s) is(are) covered by a covering, in particular a film, or not. Such a covering can be useful for the reasons stated above. If such a covering is present, it is pierced by the planting spade immediately before it penetrates the soil and - if no opening already exists - an opening is created in this way.

[0031] The method is particularly advantageous when the lower end position of the planting spade and / or the lower end position of the hold-down device is set relative to a reference point on the planting machine or relative to a soil surface. This advantageously ensures that the plant is planted at the planting depth tailored to its needs. In this context, the planting depth relative to the soil surface at the planting position is particularly crucial. By setting the planting depth relative to the soil surface, for example, unevenness, for example in the form of hills and / or hollows, can be taken into account. In other words, a particularly uniform planting depth can be achieved, at least essentially regardless of the soil condition at the planting position.This has the advantage that the process is particularly versatile and can be used according to requirements.

[0032] A further advantage arises when the soil is covered with a waterproof covering, particularly a film, with at least one plant to be planted resting on the film or held above it, and the planting spade, as it moves downwards, pierces the film, creating a hole through which the planting spade pushes the roots of the plant to be planted into the soil. The advantages have already been sufficiently explained.

[0033] In a further particularly advantageous embodiment, the planting unit, when both the planting spade and the hold-down device are present, is arranged in their upper end positions at a distance vertically above the soil that exceeds the vertical extension of a plant directly or indirectly resting on the soil. This advantageously ensures that the planting unit can be positioned above the plant during movement of the planting machine along a planting path without colliding with it. This results in the advantage that the method can be used in a particularly plant-friendly manner.

[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, the plant, when present in a position on or above the soil, can be held by a holding device of the planting machine until it is grasped by the planting spade. This has already been explained above in connection with the planting machine. By holding the plants, the rate of successfully planted plants can be increased, in particular, since the planting spade can reliably grasp the plants held in a defined position.

[0035] Furthermore, it can be particularly advantageous if the plants are transported to the soil by means of a conveyor device on the planting machine, so that the plants are positioned on or next to the soil. This transport takes place independently of the planting unit. For example, the plants can be placed on the soil at a planting position by means of the conveyor device or held in a certain position on or above the soil by means of a holding device until the respective plant is reached by the planting spade and inserted into the soil by means of the latter. Feeding the plants to the soil by means of a conveyor device has the advantage that the plants are moved independently of the planting unit of the planting machine, so that the planting unit is only responsible for planting the plants in a respective planting position. Examples of implementation

[0036] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures. It shows: Fig. 1: a schematic view of a planting unit of a planting machine according to the invention, with a planting spade in an upper end position; Fig. 2: a schematic view of the planting unit of the planting machine according to the invention, with the planting spade in a lower end position; Fig. 3: a schematic view of the planting unit with a hold-down device holding down a plant; Fig. 4: a schematic view of the planting machine in a front region of a frame; Fig. 5: a schematic representation of an arrangement of several planting units; and Fig. 6: a schematic view of a planting unit according to a further embodiment.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a planting unit 3a planting machine according to the invention, which is not shown as a whole for reasons of clarity. The planting unit 3 is by means of a carrier 13 here indirectly via a transmission device 25 on a frame 23 the planting machine and includes a planting spade 5 and a hold-down device 6. Both the planting spade 5 as well as the hold-down device 6 such on the carrier 13 stored so that they are relative to the carrier 13 - and therefore relative to the frame 23 - can be moved up and down. For this purpose, the planting unit 3 in this case an actuator 4 which is designed here as a linear drive. In this context, the planting spade 5 and the hold-down device 6 between an upper end position 11, which in Figure 1 shown, and a lower end position 10,which in Figure 2 shown, is movable. In addition, a gear 15 provided, by means of which at least the planting spade 5 and the hold-down device 6 can be moved independently of each other. The transmission 15 is designed to translate a rotary movement into a linear movement.

[0038] In the upper end position 10 are the planting spade 5 and the hold-down device 6 at least substantially completely, thus to the carrier 13 Accordingly, the planting spade 5 and the hold-down device 6 in the lower end position 10 moved downwards as far as possible. In the lower end position 10 is the planting spade 5 at least essentially by a surface 7 of a soil 2 (and if necessary by a ground-based 2underlying cover, especially a film) has penetrated into it. In other words, the planting spade is 5 at least predominantly in the soil 2, as in Figure 2 is recognizable.

[0039] For example, in Figure 1 can be seen, the plant includes 1 a top 16 and roots 12. Usually the top is 16 particularly sensitive, as these can be, for example, delicate leaves, flowers and / or fruits. The upper part 16 is the part of the plant 1, which after planting the plant 1 above ground 2 remains and does not enter the soil 2 is pressed in.

[0040] To create a plant 1 using the planting unit 3 into the ground 2 To plant, the following steps are carried out: In advance, the plants are1 at a predefined distance from the surface 7 of the soil 2 or to one on the ground 2 This can be done manually or by means of a conveyor 20 which are examples of Figure 4 can be seen. In addition, the planting spade 5 and the hold-down device 6 in their respective upper end positions 11, as in Figure 1 is recognizable.

[0041] Then at least the planting spade 5 by means of the actuator 4 downwards in such a way that it 1 and at the same time by piercing the film into the soil 2 In other words, the planting spade is used to 5 an opening in the film 2 which then causes the plant 1 is pressed into the soil. The plant 1is thus planted so that the roots 12 at least essentially completely in the ground 2 are arranged.

[0042] Because the planting spade 5 at least the roots 12 into the ground 2 or pushes it into it, the surface of the 7 upper part 16 at least partially. In this upright state, the upper part 16 especially good for the hold-down device 6 Consequently, the hold-down device 6 with a time delay, especially with regard to the penetration of the planting spade 5 into the ground 2 In this way, the hold-down device can 6 the now at least partially erected plant 1, especially their upper part 16,contact and thus hold down. Here, the hold-down device is 6 adjusted in such a way that it 1 in a final planting position, but does not exert too much pressure on it. The hold-down device 6 thus serves to protect the plant 3 in its planting position, at least temporarily, and especially by holding it down. This is necessary because the plant 1 when pulling out the planting spade 5 otherwise it could be pulled out with this.

[0043] In the next step, the planting spade 5 upwards from the ground 2 pulled out, while the hold-down 6 in its lower end position 10 so that he can pull out the plant 1 from the ground 2 This is prevented in Figure 2 As soon as the planting spade 5at least essentially completely from the ground 2 is pulled out, the hold-down device is also 6 pulled upwards and thus into its upper end position 11 This is in Figure 3 recognizable.

[0044] Depending on how deep the plant 1 should or must be planted, you can adjust how far the planting spade 5 into the ground 2 In this case, the plant is 1 It is a deep-rooted taproot, so it should be planted particularly deep. For this purpose, a lower limit switch 8 the lower end position 10 for example the planting spade 5 In addition, an upper limit switch can be used to adjust 9 the upper end position 11 for example the planting spade 5 and the hold-down device 6In other words, you can adjust how far the planting spade 5 into the ground 2 penetrates and how far the hold-down 6 downwards in order to remove the plant 1 to keep them down and thus prevent them from being hit with the planting spade 5 from the ground 2 is pulled out.

[0045] For this purpose, it is provided in this case, for example, that the hold-down device 6 with a contact switch 14 which is suitable for contact of the hold-down device 6 with a plant 1 so that when contact is detected, the hold-down device moves downwards 6 It is conceivable that the downward movement of the hold-down device 6 not immediately, but with a preset delay, in this case for example 1s, after the contact has been established. It is also conceivable that the downward movement of the planting spade 5 upon contact of the hold-down device 6 with the plant to be planted 1 This has the advantage that the planting depth is exactly adjusted to the upper part 16 the plant 1 can be set or limited.

[0046] Furthermore, it is provided that the planting spade 5 an internal cable 17 This has a lower end of the planting spade 5 an opening 18 so that the line 17 a liquid into the soil 2The liquid in this case is water or a mixture of water and other substances, which may be fertilizers, seed dressings, pesticides, or the like. The liquid is discharged through the opening, in particular, when the planting spade 5 as far as possible into the ground 2 has penetrated, thus reaching its lower end position 10 In this way, the liquid of the plant 1, especially their roots 12, delivered in a targeted manner.

[0047] Figure 4 shows a front section of the planting machine, which has a frame 23 and two with the frame 23 connected wheels 24 of which Figure 4 only one is shown. The frame 23 is at one end - in Figure 4left, but not shown - coupled to a towing vehicle (also not shown) by means of a coupling and at the opposite end - in Figure 4 right - on the wheel 24 hung. In this way the frame 23 indirectly via the impeller 24, on the ground 2 The impeller 24 rolls on the ground 2 and drives over hollows and hills alike, whereby it 23 always at a constant distance from the ground 2 holds.

[0048] How Figure 4 also shows, the planting machine further comprises a conveyor device 20. By means of this, the plants 1 on the soil 2 can be laid down or positioned on the ground. In this case, the conveyor system includes 20 a treadmill 21 and a treadmill drive 22, by means of which the treadmill 21In this context, the plants 1 the treadmill 21 either automatically, for example from a sidecar, or manually by placing the plants 1 on the treadmill 21 be placed.

[0049] As soon as the plants 1 from the treadmill 21 on the ground 2 fall down, the plants lie 1 on the foil or the soil 2 and are ready to plant using the planting unit 3 into the ground 2 to be planted. Here the plants are 1 not all exactly the same on the ground 2. Reasoned by the fact that the plants 1 themselves are different from each other, for example different sizes and / or weights, and by falling off the treadmill 21, the plants are 1 not evenly distributed on the ground 2or on a film lying on top of it.

[0050] As in Figure 4 can be seen, the planting unit 3 a sensor 19 , which in this case is designed as an ultrasonic sensor. Using this sensor 19 it is possible to determine how the next plant 1 will be planted on the soil 2 In other words, the sensor can be used 19 determine whether or how obliquely the plant 1 is moved by the conveyor belt 21 In this context, the planting unit 3 or the carrier assigned to it 13 by means of a transmission device 25 on the frame 23 arranged. By means of the transmission device 25, which is formed here by an elongated C-profile, it is possible to plant the unit 3 across the direction of travel, thus in the direction of Figure 4arrow shown 26, This makes it possible to move the planting unit 3 in the direction of the arrow 26 forward or backward so that the planting spade 5 the plant 1 depending on their position on the ground 2, In other words, the sensor 19 determines how plant 1 on the soil 2 and then the planting unit 3 in the direction of the arrow 26 proceed accordingly so that the planting spade 5 the plant 1 and plant it in the manner described above.

[0051] In a particularly preferred manner, the planting machine is further equipped with a holding device, which here is part of the conveyor device 20 As can be seen from the design according to Figure 6 The treadmill 21the funding institution 20 For this purpose, in the example shown, recordings 31 Using these recordings 31 can a particular plant 1 captured and held in a defined position so that the plant 1 not only by means of the conveyor belt 21 to a designated planting position, but also by means of the recordings 31 in a defined position under the planting unit 3 placed and held. This is explained below in connection with Figure 6 explained. The position of the respective plant 1 can be done using the sensor 19 be determined so that the planting process can be triggered depending on this.

[0052] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a complete cycle that the planting unit 3 in the course of planting a plant 1For simplicity, Figure 5 different states of the planting unit 3 shown immediately one after the other.

[0053] In summary, the Figures 4 and 6 It is clearly visible that the treadmill 21 dissolved with a plurality of conveying elements 32 is formed, wherein each conveying element 32 according to the design in Figure 6 a recording 31 The conveying elements include 32 one bridge each 29 and a holding part 30. In addition, the treadmill 21 in this case by means of four pulleys 28 which are on waves 22 At least one of the pulleys 24 can be driven by means of a rotary drive (not shown), so that the treadmill 21 in Figure 6 viewed counterclockwise.

[0054] The holding part 30 of a respective conveyor element 32 is so articulated on the bridge 29 arranged so that the holding part 30 relative to the bridge 29 In this way, the conveyor element can 32 from a release position in which the recording 31 is open, that is, the holding part 30 is opened, into a closed position in which the recording 31 is closed, that is, the holding part 30 In other words, by unfolding the holding part 30 relative to the bridge 29 the conveying element 32 into the release position so that the plant 1 into the recording 31 can be moved. By subsequently pivoting the holding part 30 relative to the bridge ("folding the holding part 30 ") the conveyor element 32into the closed position so that the plant 1 in the recording 31 In this way, the plant can 1 using the treadmill 21 along the conveying direction (arrow 27 ) are transported.

[0055] As the treadmill moves 21 the plant being kept 1 over the ground 2 The plant is 1 due to storage in the recording 31 and the bracket between the holding part 30 and bridge 29 in a defined position in which it remains fixed. This is the design of the holding device described above as part of the conveyor system 20. The plant 1 is held until the planting spade 5 captures and plants them. In this context, the conveyor element opens 32 only when the planting spade 5 the plant 1so that they no longer rest on the ground 2 can slip. For this purpose, sensors are 19 provided that a position of the plant 1 and / or the recording 31 and / or the treadmill 21 The rate of successfully planted plants 1 is due to the defined positioning and support of the plants 1 by means of the conveyor elements 32 particularly high. List of reference symbols

[0056] 1 Plant 2 Soil 3 Planting unit 4 Actuator 5 Planting spade 6 Hold-down clamp 7 Surface 8 Lower limit switch 9 Upper limit switch 10 Lower end position 11 Upper end position 12 Root 13 Support 14 Contact switch 15 Gear 16 Upper part 17 Cable 18 Opening 19 Sensor 20 Conveyor device 21 Conveyor belt 22 Conveyor belt drive 23 Frame 24 Wheel 25 Transmission device 26 Arrow 27 Arrow 28 Deflection pulley 29 Web 30 Holding part 31 Mount 32 Conveyor element

Claims

1. A planting machine for planting bare-root plants (1) in soil (2), comprising - a frame (23); - a coupling for attaching the frame (23) to a towing vehicle such that the planting machine can be moved along a planting section by means of the towing vehicle, - a support (13) for indirectly or directly attaching a planting unit (3) to the frame (23), - a planting unit (3) for planting the plants (1) in the soil (2) and - an actuator (4) for operating the planting unit (3), wherein the planting unit (3) comprises a planting spade (5) and a hold-down device (6), wherein the actuator (4) is designed to move the planting spade (5) and the hold-down device (6) independently of one another and / or the planting unit (3) as a whole up and down perpendicular to a surface (7) of the soil (2), wherein the support (13) with the planting unit (3) attached thereto is arranged on the frame (23) in such a way that the planting unit (3) can be positioned above the soil (2) when the planting machine is in operation such that at least the planting spade (5) can plunge into the soil (2) as a result of a downward movement relative to the frame (23), characterized by a holding device, by means of which the at least one respective plant (1) can be held in position on or above the soil until the planting spade (5) grips it for the purpose of planting it in the soil (2).

2. The planting machine according to Claim 1, characterized by an upper limit switch (9) and a lower limit switch (8), wherein a lower end position (10) of at least the planting spade (5) can be set by means of the lower limit switch (8) and an upper end position (11) can be set by means of the upper limit switch (9), wherein the planting spade (5) can be moved up and down between the end positions (10, 11).

3. The planting machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a gearbox (15), which interacts with the actuator (4), wherein the gearbox (15) is preferably designed to convert a rotary movement of the actuator (4) into a linear movement of the planting spade (5) and / or the hold-down device (6).

4. The planting machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hold-down device (6) interacts with a contact switch (14), which is designed to determine contact of the hold-down device (6) with a plant (1) such that a downwards movement of the hold-down device (6) can be stopped when contact is determined.

5. The planting machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the planting unit (3) can be moved in a transverse direction relative to a direction of travel of the planting machine such that the planting unit (3) can be positioned relative to a plant (1) to be planted next as a function of an exact position of said plant, whereupon the planting unit (3) can interact with the plant (1) in the desired manner.

6. The planting machine according to Claim 5, characterized by at least one sensor (19), preferably in the form of an ultrasonic sensor, which is associated with the planting unit (3), wherein a position of a plant (1) to be planted next can be detected by means of the sensor (19).

7. Planting machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a conveying device (20), by means of which plants (1) can be moved from a plant supply to the soil (2), preferably directly to a respectively provided planting position at which a respective plant (1) is to be planted in the soil (2).

8. The planting machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device is designed in the form of a gripper arm or as part of a conveying device (20).

9. A method for planting a plant (1) by means of a planting machine, the planting machine comprising - a frame (23); - a coupling for attaching the frame (23) to a towing vehicle such that the planting machine can be moved along a planting section by means of the towing vehicle, - a support (13) for attaching a planting unit (3) to the rest of the planting machine, - a planting unit (3) for planting the plant (1) in the soil (2) and - an actuator (4) for operating the planting unit (3), wherein the planting unit (3) comprises a planting spade (5) and a hold-down device (6), wherein the actuator (4) is designed to move the planting spade (5) and the hold-down device (6) both independently of one another and the planting unit (3) as a whole up and down perpendicular to a surface (7) of the soil (2), wherein the support (13) with the planting unit (3) attached thereto is arranged on the rest of the planting machine in such a way that the planting unit (3) is positioned above the soil (2) when the planting machine is in operation such that at least the planting spade (5) plunges into the soil (2) as a result of a downward movement, the method comprising the following method steps: a) the planting unit (3) is positioned above a plant (1) positioned indirectly or directly on or above the soil (2); b) the planting spade (5) is moved downwards from its upper end position, wherein it grips the plant (1); c) the planting spade (5) is moved further downwards, wherein it plunges into the soil (2) and in the course of this presses the roots (12) of the plant (1) into the soil (2); d) the hold-down device (6) is moved downwards from its upper end position (11) to a lower end position (10) at the same time as the movement of the planting spade (5) or after the movement of the planting spade (5), at which point the hold-down device (6) is in contact with an upper part of the plant (1) which remains above the soil (2); e) the planting spade (5) is moved upwards and hereby pulled out of the soil (2), wherein the plant (1) is held down by means of the hold-down device (6) remaining in its lower end position such that the roots (12) remain in the soil (2) despite the upwards movement of the planting spade (5); f) once the planting spade (5) has left the soil (2), the planting spade (5) and the hold-down device (6) are moved upwards to their respective upper end positions (11).

10. The method according to Claim 9, characterized in that the lower end position (10) of the planting spade (5) and / or the lower end position (10) of the hold-down device (6) is set relative to a reference point located on the planting machine or relative to a surface (7) of the soil (2).

11. The method according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the hold-down device (6) is moved downwards until it comes into contact with the upper part (16) of the plant (1), wherein the hold-down device (6) preferably interacts with a contact switch, which emits an electrical signal when contact is made with the upper part (16) of the plant (1), as a result of which the downwards movement of the hold-down device (6) is stopped, preferably immediately.

12. The method according to one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the soil (2) is covered by a waterproof cover, in particular a film, wherein at least one plant (1) to be planted rests on the film or is held via it and wherein the planting spade (5) penetrates the cover as it moves downwards and creates a hole, through which the planting spade (5) presses the roots (12) of the plant (1) to be planted into the soil (2).

13. The method according to one of Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the planting unit (3) is arranged at a distance vertically above the soil (2) when both the planting spade (5) and the hold-down device (6) are present in their respective upper end positions (11), which distance exceeds an extension measured vertically to the soil (2) of a plant (1) positioned indirectly or directly on or above the soil (2) such that the planting unit (3) can be positioned above the plant (1) during a movement of the planting machine along a planting section without colliding with it.

14. The method according to one of Claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the plant (1), when present in a position on or above the soil (2), is held by means of a holding device of the planting machine until it is gripped by the planting spade (5) for the purpose of planting in the soil (2).

15. The method according to one of Claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the plants (1) are moved from a plant supply to the soil (2), preferably to a respective planting position, by means of a conveying device (20).