Seed on-demand system

Abstract

The invention relates to a seed on-demand system (1) for granular material, comprising at least one storage container (2) for granular material, at least one fan (3) in order to provide a conveyor air flow (6), and a distributing device (4) with a distributor housing (9), which is designed to receive material from the storage container (2) by means of a material inlet opening (10) and which has a conveyor air opening (11a – f, 11'a - f) to guide the conveyor air flow (6) in the direction of the received material in order to generate a mixed flow (7) from the conveyor air and the material, and with at least one distributing segment (12a – f), which forms at least one first line (13a - f) with a first receiving opening (14a - f) and a first outlet opening (15a - f), wherein the line (12a - f) is designed to receive at least one part of the mixed flow (7) by means of the receiving opening (14a - f) and discharge same out of the outlet opening (15a - f). The aim of the invention is to prevent disruptions while distributing the material and simultaneously generate the mixed flow (7) in an energy-efficient manner. This is achieved in that at least one stirring element (16) is arranged between the material inlet opening (10) and the first receiving opening (14a - f) in order to loosen the material in the region where the conveyor air flow (6) is directed towards the material.

Description

[0001] Seed-on-Demand System

[0002] The invention relates to a seed on demand system according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0003] Such a Seed on Demand system is described in US Pat. No. 7,182,029 B2. These systems are used in seed drills to distribute granular material from a central storage hopper to decentralized application devices. The Seed on Demand system comprises the storage hopper for the granular material, at least one fan to provide a conveying air flow, and a distribution device. The distribution device has a distributor housing, which is configured to receive material from the storage hopper by means of a material inlet opening. Furthermore, the distributor housing has a conveying air opening for directing the conveying air flow toward the received material in order to create a mixed flow of conveying air and material.In addition, the distribution device has a distribution segment which forms at least one line with a receiving opening and an outlet opening, wherein the line is arranged to receive at least a part of the mixed flow by means of the receiving opening and to discharge it from the outlet opening.

[0004] Since the mixed flow of conveying air and material in such seed-on-demand systems must be generated solely by the energy of the conveying air flow, problems arise with the current technology when the granular material, especially seed and / or fertilizer, is sticky, for example, due to the influence of moisture or the use of dressing. This sometimes leads to undesirable intermittent conveying or the complete breakdown of material distribution.

[0005] The object underlying the invention is therefore to avoid disruptions in the distribution of the material while simultaneously generating the mixed flow in an energy-efficient manner. This object is achieved by a seed-on-demand system having the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] To achieve the stated object, the invention proposes a seed-on-demand system for granular material, comprising a storage container for granular material, at least one blower for providing a conveying air flow, and a distribution device. The distribution device has a distributor housing, which is configured to receive material from the storage container by means of a material inlet opening. The material inlet opening can be arranged on the top side of the distributor housing so that the material slides into the distributor housing under the effect of gravity. The distributor housing further has at least one conveying air opening for directing the conveying air flow toward the received material, thereby creating a mixed flow of conveying air and material.The at least one conveying air opening is arranged in particular such that granular material is swirled up and entrained by the conveying air flow without the need for an actively driven metering element that delivers material in controlled quantities into the conveying air flow. The metering method of the distribution device can therefore also be described as automatic. In the Seed on Demand system according to the invention, the conveying air flow is thus responsible not only for conveying the material but also for its metering.

[0007] The distribution device further comprises at least one distribution segment which forms at least one first line with a first receiving opening and a first outlet opening. The line is arranged such that at least a portion of the mixed flow, in particular automatically, enters the receiving opening and can be discharged from the outlet opening. Preferably, the receiving opening is arranged in the region where material is swirled in the conveying air flow, thus creating the mixed flow, so that the mixed flow can enter the line directly and easily. In order to loosen the material in the region where the conveying air flow is directed onto the material, at least one stirring element is arranged between the material inlet opening and the first receiving opening. The stirring element is thus arranged in the flow direction of the material on the path from the material inlet opening to the receiving opening.The invention takes advantage of the knowledge that the use of a stirring element makes it much easier to create a mixed flow. Firstly, clumping and sticky material is broken up, making it easier for the conveying air flow to swirl it into the receiving opening as a mixed flow. Secondly, the mixed flow is homogenized, resulting in a more even distribution of the material overall. The conveying air flow therefore requires less energy, improving the efficiency of the Seed on Demand system and increasing functional reliability. Bridging of the material can be effectively prevented, particularly when the material enters the distributor housing under the effect of gravity and, unlike systems with an active dosing element, fills the lower area.

[0008] The use of a passive, i.e., non-driven, stirring element is conceivable. The stirring element is preferably spaced from the receiving opening at a distance that corresponds at least to the inside diameter of the receiving opening. A passive stirring element can be configured to direct a portion of the received material over the stirring element and a portion under the stirring element, thus loosening the bed. The stirring element can be spaced from a side wall, particularly an outer side wall, of the distributor housing at least approximately the same distance as it is from the receiving opening.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the Seed on Demand system according to the invention, the stirring element can be driven to rotate about a rotational axis. The rotational axis is preferably at a distance from the receiving opening that corresponds to at least twice the radius of the stirring element. The stirring element can be designed like a whisk. The stirring element can be a shaft with stirring fingers, whereby the radius of the stirring element can correspond to the radius of the shaft or the radius of the fingers. The drive speed of the stirring element can be independent of the travel speed of the Seed on Demand system. The drive mode can be intermittent. In particular, the stirring element can be driven when the Seed on Demand system is at a standstill and / or can be at a standstill at least temporarily during use of the Seed on Demand system for the active distribution of granular material.

[0010] In a further particularly advantageous development of the Seed on Demand system according to the invention, the rotation axis is at least as far apart from a side wall, particularly the outer one, of the distribution housing as it is from the receiving opening. The rotation axis can be arranged equidistant from both the receiving opening and the side wall. As a result of this development, the risk of bridging and blockages is further reduced.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the seed-on-demand system according to the invention, the distribution segment has at least two conveying air openings, the directions in which the conveying air flow is emitted enclose an angular range of less than 180 degrees, wherein the stirring element at least temporarily sweeps through the angular range. The stirring element preferably has stirring fingers which at least temporarily comb through the angular range, particularly preferably when the stirring element is driven in rotation. The directions in which the conveying air is emitted from the conveying air openings are decisive for the area of ​​grain intake, so that as a result of this measure, the grain intake area, which corresponds to the enclosed angular range, is loosened by the stirring element and thus improved.

[0012] In order to distribute the granular material among a plurality of dispensing devices, the Seed on Demand system can have a plurality of distribution segments arranged next to one another on an axis. A particularly simple and expedient design of the agitator element is achieved by embodying the agitator element as an agitator shaft extending parallel to the axis. In a further advantageous development of the Seed on Demand system, a distribution segment forms at least one second line with a second receiving opening and a second outlet opening. Preferably, at least one, in particular further, agitator element, preferably embodied as an agitator shaft, is arranged between the material inlet opening and the second receiving opening. Each agitator element can be assigned its own drive.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the line has a bypass opening between the receiving opening and the outlet opening in order to introduce a bypass flow of the conveying air flow, wherein the bypass opening is arranged directly above the receiving opening. The bypass flow can therefore be introduced into the line without further flow obstructions or deflections in the flow direction of the mixed flow, thereby further increasing energy efficiency. A first bypass opening can be arranged between the first receiving opening and the first outlet opening. A second bypass opening can be arranged between the second receiving opening and the second outlet opening. The bypass openings are preferably located horizontally next to one another so that the bypass flows are introduced into the respective line at the same height above the receiving opening. The conveying is thus further homogenized.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the Seed on Demand system according to the invention, a common drive is provided which is designed to drive both stirring elements, in particular stirring shafts. For this purpose, a chain or belt and / or at least two drive elements, such as gears, can be provided. Thus, expediently, only a single drive is required for two stirring elements. A further advantage here is that both stirring elements can preferably be driven in the same way. The drive can be controlled independently of the travel speed of the Seed on Demand system. The drive mode can be intermittent; in particular, the stirring elements can be driven when the Seed on Demand system is at a standstill.In order to facilitate the manufacture of the distribution device, in particular of a distribution segment, and to make it particularly economical, it is provided that the first line is and / or the stirring elements are symmetrical with respect to a vertical axis of the distribution segment or a point on the vertical axis. A symmetrical arrangement of the first and second lines to one another with respect to the vertical axis or a point on the vertical axis also improves the absorption of the mixed flow by means of the receiving openings. A symmetrical arrangement of the stirring elements in the manner described above also ensures particularly homogeneous generation of the mixed flow. Preferably, the first and second lines and the stirring elements are arranged symmetrically with respect to the same point on the vertical axis. Particularly preferably, the first and second lines are arranged symmetrically with respect to the stirring elements with respect to the vertical axis or a point on the vertical axis.There may be axial symmetry with the vertical axis. There may be point symmetry with the point on the vertical axis.

[0015] The homogenization of the mixed flow, and thus the energy efficiency and operational reliability of the Seed on Demand system, is further enhanced by arranging the agitator elements in a common horizontal plane. Since the sliding of granular material under gravity during the generation of the mixed flow has a significant effect on the turbulence caused by the conveying air flow, arranging the agitator elements, especially the agitator shafts, at the same height has proven particularly beneficial.

[0016] In a further advantageous development of the Seed on Demand system according to the invention, the stirring element extends between opposite end faces of the distributor housing, in particular through all distribution segments. The mounting of the stirring element in the end faces of the distributor housing allows for simple assembly and functional testing. The Seed on Demand system according to the invention is further advantageously further developed by at least one overpressure-operated separating device for the granular material. The use of an overpressure-operated separating device results in a special synergy with the stirring element: An overpressure prevails in the separating device, which ensures that granular material accumulates on a preferably rotating separating element.The granular material enters the singulating device via the mixed flow, whereby the mixed flow also has a positive air pressure in order to be able to convey the granular material. A singulating air flow for singulating can have a lower air pressure than the mixed flow. The conveyance of the mixed flow occurs, so to speak, against the air pressure of the singulating air flow. Since, as a result of the stirring element according to the invention, at least the air pressure required to convey the granular material can be reduced, the pressure difference between the mixed flow and the singulating air flow decreases. The Seed on Demand system is thus designed to be particularly efficient. Preferably, the Seed on Demand system has at least as many singulating devices as outlet openings. An energy reduction element, in particular a capture roller, can be assigned to the singulating device for the individual discharge of the granular material.

[0017] In a further advantageous development of the Seed on Demand system according to the invention, the stirring element is rotatably driven about a rotational axis, wherein the direction of rotation is reversible, preferably within one revolution. As a result of this development, interval operation can be implemented, wherein the direction of rotation changes after a predetermined number of revolutions, thus ensuring particularly thorough mixing. This is particularly advantageous for preventing the formation of bridges in treated seeds. Particularly preferably, the direction of rotation is reversible within one revolution, thus creating a pendulum motion.

[0018] Further details of the invention can be found in the example description and the drawings. The drawings show Fig. 1 a Seed on Demand system according to the invention in a symbolic representation,

[0019] Fig.2 a distribution device in perspective view,

[0020] Fig.3 the distribution device according to Fig.2 in a first sectional view,

[0021] Fig.4 the distribution device according to Fig.2 in a second sectional view, and

[0022] Fig.5 the distribution device according to Fig.2 in a third sectional view.

[0023] A seed-on-demand system 1 according to the invention for granular material is symbolically represented in Fig. 1. The seed-on-demand system 1 comprises a storage container 2, a blower 3, and a distribution device 4, as well as a plurality of overpressure-operated separating devices 5, although for the sake of clarity, only three separating devices 5 are shown here. The seed-on-demand system 1 is intended to distribute granular material from the storage container 2 to the separating devices 5 by means of the distribution device 4 with the aid of the blower 3. For this purpose, the blower 3 provides a conveying air stream 6, which swirls granular material in the distribution device 4, thus generating a mixed flow 7. The granular material is made available to the separating devices 5 via the mixed flow 7.The distribution device 4 can, as shown in this figure, be arranged below the storage container 2, so that the granular material slides down under the influence of gravity. The Seed on Demand system 1 can comprise several storage containers 2 with an associated distribution device 4. Furthermore, unlike the illustration here, more than a single blower 3 can be provided to provide the conveying air flow 6 and the singling air flows 8. In an embodiment not shown, the Seed on Demand system 1 has a separate blower for each of the conveying air flow 6 and the singling air flows 8. In this embodiment not shown, the flow path designated by reference number 8 is fed by a second additional blower 3. The singling air flow 8 has a lower air pressure than the mixed flow 7.

[0024] Such a distribution device 4 is shown in perspective in Fig. 2. The distribution device 4 has a distributor housing 9, which is configured to receive material from the storage container 2 by means of a material inlet opening 10 on its upper side. A circular air inlet is arranged on the front side of the distributor housing 9 to introduce the conveying air flow 6 into the distributor housing 9.

[0025] The conveying air flow 6 is directed toward the collected material by means of several conveying air openings 11a-f to generate the mixed flows 7. The conveying air openings 11a-f can be seen in sectional view II in Fig. 3. This also clearly shows that the distribution device 4 has several distribution segments 12a-f. Each of the distribution segments 12a-f has two conveying air openings 11a-f, as is further illustrated by the sectional view II-II in Fig. 5.

[0026] The distribution segments 12a-f each form a first line 13a-f and a second line 13'a-f. The lines 13a-f, 13'a-f each have a receiving opening 14a-f, 14'a-f and an outlet opening 15a-f, 15'a-f. The lines 13a-f, 13'a-f are arranged such that the granular material, after being swirled by the conveying air flow 6, i.e., as a mixed flow 7, is automatically received through the receiving openings 14a-f, 14'a-f, rises, and is finally discharged from the outlet openings 15a-f, 15'a-f. To improve the above-described generation and reception of the mixed flows 7, a stirring element designed as a stirring shaft 16 is arranged between the material inlet opening 10 and the first reception opening 14a-f. The stirring shaft 16 loosens the material in the area where the conveying air flow 6 is directed onto the material.The agitator shaft 16 is arranged between the two openings in the direction of material flow from the material inlet opening 10 to the receiving openings 14a-f, 14'a-f. On the opposite side of the distribution segments 12a-f, another agitator shaft 16' is arranged between the material inlet opening 10 and the second receiving openings 14'a-f.

[0027] A common drive 17 is assigned to the agitator shafts 16, 16' to drive them rotatably about their rotational axes. The direction of rotation of the agitator shafts 16, 16' can be reversible, in particular within one revolution, to enhance the mixing effect and prevent bridging. In the illustrated embodiment of the Seed on Demand system, the drive 17 is connected to the two agitator shafts 16, 16' via gears, so that, assuming the gear ratios are the same, the agitator shafts 16, 16' can be driven in a similar manner. The drive can be controlled independently of the travel speed and / or intermittently. As an alternative to the gears, a drive connection via at least one chain, belt, or the like is also conceivable.

[0028] As can be seen in Fig. 5, the first and second lines 13a - f, 13'a - f and the agitator shafts 16, 16' are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical axis V. In particular, the first and second lines 13a - f, 13'a - f and the agitator shafts 16, 16' are arranged symmetrically with respect to one, preferably each, point on the vertical axis V. Also clearly visible in this sectional view II-II, cf. Fig. 2, is that the agitator shafts 16, 16' are arranged in a common horizontal plane H and their axis of rotation is each at a distance from the receiving opening 14f, 14'f which corresponds to at least twice the radius of the agitator shaft 16, 16'. As tests have shown, this distance represents an optimal compromise between an arrangement close to the grain intake and sufficient distance to avoid bridging, so that the loosening of the granular material near the intake opening 14a - f, 14'a - f is improved.Furthermore, the axes of rotation of the agitator shafts 16, 16', which in Fig. 5 run perpendicular to the sectional or image plane, are at least as far apart from the side walls 18, 18' as they are from the respective receiving opening 14a - f, 14'a - f. Such an at least equidistant arrangement of the agitator shafts 16, 16' further reduces the tendency for bridging and thus contributes to the functional reliability of the distribution device 4, even when the agitator shafts 16, 16' are at a standstill. The agitator shafts 16, 16' extend between opposite end faces of the distributor housing 9 through all distribution segments 12a - f, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The distribution segments 12a - f are arranged next to one another on an axis, with the agitator shafts 16, 16' being arranged parallel to this axis.Each distribution segment (12a - f) has two conveying air openings (11 a - f, 11 'a - f) on opposite sides, the directions in which the conveying air flow (6) is emitted enclose an angular range of less than 180 degrees, wherein the stirring element (16) at least temporarily sweeps through the angular range.

[0029] The operation of the distribution device 4 can be clearly explained using the sectional view II-II through the distribution segment 12f, shown in Fig. 5. The granular material slides from above through the material inlet opening 10 into the distributor housing 9 and is distributed to the left and right via the upwardly directed wedge, which serves to supply the conveying air flow 6 to the conveying air openings 11a-f, 11'a-f. In the lower part of the distributor housing 9, a bed forms on the inclined side walls 18, 18' in front of the conveying air openings 11a-f, 11'a-f and the receiving openings 14a-f, 14'a-f. The conveying air flow 6 emerging from the conveying air openings 11f, 11'f is directed towards the granular material, which is loosened by the agitator shafts 18, 18' - the turbulence of the granular material and the generation of the mixed flow 7 is thus improved.The mixed flow 7 enters the intake openings 14f, 14'f and rises in the lines 13f, 13'f. The lines 13a - f, 13'a - f each have a bypass opening 19, 19' between the intake opening 14a - f, 14'a - f and the outlet opening 15a - f, 15'a - f to introduce a bypass flow of the conveying air flow 6. The bypass openings 19, 19' are arranged directly above the intake openings 14a - f, 14'a - f, so that the bypass flow is introduced without deflecting the bypass flow and the ascending mixed flow 7. The combined flow, each consisting of a mixed flow 7 and a bypass flow, then continues to rise in the lines 13f, 13'f and exits them via the outlet openings 15f, 15'f. From the outlet openings 15f, 15'f, the material is then distributed to the overpressure-operated separating devices 5.Since the grain uptake is improved due to the arrangement of stirring elements designed as stirring shafts 16, 16', the mixed flow 7 has a reduced air pressure. This is particularly advantageous because the singulating air flow 8 has a lower air pressure than the mixed flow 7 and can therefore also be generated with reduced energy consumption. The Seed on Demand System 1 is thus improved not only in terms of its functional reliability but also in its energy efficiency.

[0030] List of reference symbols

[0031] 1 Seed on Demand System

[0032] 2 storage containers

[0033] 3 fans

[0034] 4 Distribution device

[0035] 5 Separation device

[0036] 6 Conveying air flow

[0037] 7 Mixed flow

[0038] 8 Separation air flow

[0039] 9 Distribution housing

[0040] 10 Material inlet opening

[0041] 11a - f, 11'a - f Conveying air opening 12a - f Distribution segment

[0042] 13a - f, 13'a - f Line 14a - f, 14'a - f Inlet opening 15a - f, 15'a - f Outlet opening 16, 16' Agitator shaft

[0043] 17 Drive

[0044] V vertical axis

[0045] H Horizontal plane

[0046] 18, 18' side wall

[0047] 19, 19' bypass opening

Claims

[Patent Claims] Seed on Demand System (1) for granular material comprising at least one storage container (2) for granular material, at least one blower (3) to provide a conveying air flow (6), and a distribution device (4) with - A distribution housing (9) which is equipped by means of a material inlet opening (10) to receive material from the storage container (2) and has a conveying air opening (11a - f, 11'a - f) to direct the conveying air flow (6) towards the received material in order to generate a mixed flow (7) of conveying air and material, and - At least one distribution segment (12a - f), which at least a first The system comprises a conduit (13a-f) with a first receiving opening (14a-f) and a first outlet opening (15a-f), wherein the conduit (12a-f) is arranged to receive at least a portion of the mixing flow (7) via the receiving opening (14a-f) and discharge it from the outlet opening (15a-f), characterized in that at least one stirring element (16) is arranged between the material inlet opening (10) and the first receiving opening (14a-f) to loosen the material in the area where the conveying air flow (6) is directed towards the material. The Seed on Demand System (1) according to claim 1 is characterized in that the stirring element (16) is rotatably driven about an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation is at a distance from the receiving opening (14a-f) that corresponds to at least twice the radius of the stirring element (16).Seed on Demand System (1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the axis of rotation to a, in particular outer, side wall (18, 18') of the distribution housing (9) has at least the same distance as to the receiving opening (14a - f). Seed on Demand System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distribution segment (12a-f) has at least two conveying air openings (11a-f, 11'a-f) whose directions in which the conveying air flow (6) is discharged include an angular range of less than 180 degrees, and that the stirring element (16) at least temporarily passes through this angular range. Seed on Demand System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of distribution segments (12a-f) arranged side by side on an axis, wherein the stirring element (16, 16') is designed as a stirring shaft (16, 16') extending parallel to the axis.Seed on Demand System (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the line (13a - f, 13'a - f) between receiving opening (14a - f, 14'a - f) and outlet opening (15a - f, 15'a - f) has a bypass opening (19, 19') to introduce a bypass flow of the conveying air flow (6), characterized in that the bypass opening (19, 19') is arranged directly above the receiving opening (14a - f, 14'a - f). Seed on Demand System (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a distribution segment (12a - f) forms at least a second line (13'a - f) with a second receiving opening (14'a - f) and a second outlet opening (15'a - f), and that at least one, in particular a further, preferably designed as a stirring shaft (16') is arranged between the material inlet opening (10) and the second receiving opening (14'a - f).Seed on Demand System (1) according to claim 7, characterized by a common drive (17) configured to drive both stirring elements (16, 16'), in particular stirring shafts (16, 16'). Seed on Demand System (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the first line (13a - f) to the second line (13'a - f) and / or the. Agitation elements (16, 16') are symmetrical with respect to a vertical axis (V) of the distribution segment (12a-f) or a point on the vertical axis (V). Seed on Demand (1) System according to claim 7, characterized in that the agitation elements (16, 16') are arranged in a common horizontal plane (H). Seed on Demand System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the agitation element (16, 16') extends between opposite end faces of the distributor housing (9), in particular through all distribution segments (12a-f). Seed on Demand System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one overpressure-operated singulation device (5) for the granular material.Seed on Demand System (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that a singulation airflow (8) used for singulation by the singulation device (5) has a lower air pressure than the mixing flow (7). Seed on Demand System (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stirring element (16) is rotatably driven about an axis of rotation, the direction of rotation being reversible, preferably within one revolution.

Images