Distributing device for root crops

Abstract

The invention relates to a distributing device (2) for root crops, said distributing device preferably being designed in the form of a potato distributing machine, comprising a storage container (4) for propagation crops (5) to be distributed and at least one distributing wheel (6) which is rotatably mounted about a central axis (8) in a frame (10) of the distributing device, wherein the distributing wheel has receiving areas (12) for propagation crops, said receiving areas being arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction of the distributing wheel, and comprising a drive device for driving the distributing wheel. Each of the receiving areas has a receiving opening (19) for supplying an individualized propagation crop into the receiving area.

Description

[0001] Planting device for root crops

[0002] The present invention relates to a planting device for root crops, in particular a root crop planting device, preferably designed as a potato planting machine, with a storage container for propagation crops to be planted and at least one laying wheel which is mounted in a frame of the planting device so as to be rotatable about a central axis, wherein the laying wheel has receptacles for propagation crops arranged one behind the other in its circumferential direction, and with a drive device for driving the laying wheel.

[0003] Planting devices for root crops, in particular root crop planting devices, have been known for a long time, for example from GB 241664 A or DE 22 00 562 A1.

[0004] Based on the prior art, the object of the present invention is to treat the propagation crops, in particular potato tubers, more gently during the laying process and to place them more precisely.

[0005] The object is achieved by an article according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and the following description. According to the invention, the receptacles each have a receiving opening for feeding a separated propagating crop into the receptacle. By means of this receiving opening, which enables a dedicated transfer of a propagating crop, for example a potato tuber, into the receptacle, the singling and dispensing process can be better controlled. In particular, the size of the receiving opening can be matched to the propagating crops typically to be distributed before the laying wheel is installed, so that double occupancy of the receptacle with more than one propagating crop is avoided.

[0006] Preferably, the receiving opening is offset from an outer circumference of the laying wheel, defined by its greatest radial extent, in the direction of the rotational axis. This allows the propagation crops to be separated to be picked up closer to the axis and thus at a lower relative speed before being accelerated to the discharge speed. This allows for more gentle treatment of the potatoes, which is particularly advantageous for seedlings that have already formed sprouts.

[0007] Advantageously, the receptacles each have their respective receiving opening on their side closest to the central axis. The separation of the propagating fruits can therefore take place even closer to a central axis, which during operation corresponds to the axis of rotation of the laying wheel. The receiving opening is thus formed on an inner side of the receptacle with respect to the central axis. This inner side can, for example, be formed by an annular frame element of the laying wheel in which the respective receiving opening is arranged. In comparison to separation and transfer of the propagating fruits that takes place radially further outwards and into the receptacle, in this embodiment of the invention the separated potato tuber must be accelerated to a lower speed for the transfer into the respective receptacle of the laying wheel, which rotates about the central axis.The impulse acting on the propagating crops for transfer into the intake is reduced, resulting in gentler handling of the potatoes. The potatoes are therefore not immediately accelerated to their final peripheral speed in the intake. Part of the acceleration can take place before being fed into the intake.

[0008] Preferably, the holder forms a holding chamber in which the propagation crops can be loosely contained during operation. The propagation crops are therefore not actively held in their respective holders by clamping devices, pins, or other holding devices. They therefore lie in the chamber without any holding devices, and their position is defined during operation solely by the acting centrifugal and weight forces. During operation, the propagation crops therefore align themselves in the chamber due to centrifugal and gravitational forces, resulting in optimal alignment depending on the size, shape, and weight of the respective propagation crop. This leads to more controlled discharge in a lower discharge area of ​​the laying wheel, with the discharge direction resulting from the holder depending on the discharge time. In particular, when discharged in a 6-hour position of the holder or the propagation crop, discharge occurs as a horizontal throw to the rear, against the direction of travel.Due to gravity, the propagating fruit accelerates toward the bottom of the furrow. The propagating fruit is preferably released from the respective receptacle between the 4 and 6 o'clock positions, particularly between the 5 and 6 o'clock positions, in each case relative to the rotating laying wheel, which is considered to rotate clockwise.

[0009] Each receiving space is limited during the circumferential movement occurring during operation such that the propagating crop cannot penetrate through any of the sides of the receiving space that define the receiving space, at least during a certain section of movement in the laying wheel. The receiving space is thus limited specifically for each propagating crop, whereby these limits can be, for example, closed lateral boundaries, e.g., continuous walls, bars, and / or even grids.

[0010] The drive device for driving the laying wheel can be purely mechanical and, for example, be coupled to a ground wheel or other means of contact with the subsoil in such a way that the movement of the laying device along the subsoil and, if used with an optional adjustment gear, generates a torque and causes the wheel to rotate. Using an adjustment gear, different laying distances can be set. However, it can also be a drive in the form of a hydraulic motor coupled to the tractor's hydraulics, a hydraulic motor independent of the tractor's hydraulics, or an electric motor, each of which can be part of the laying device. The drive can also be part of the drive device as an electric motor.The drive acts in particular on a shaft of the respective laying wheel 6. In a laying device with multiple laying wheels, these can be arranged together on the same shaft and can be designed to be individually switchable. The drive device comprises in particular a control unit, which can be part of the (machine) control system of the laying device.

[0011] Advantageously, the respective receptacles are at least partially formed by two side boundaries in the direction of the longitudinal center axis. The receiving space of the receptacle is located at least partially between these fixed side boundaries, which can be formed, for example, by continuously closed, rod-like and / or grid-like elements. Instead of fixed side boundaries or side walls, tarpaulin-like boundaries, for example made of PU, can also be used, which reduces manufacturing costs.

[0012] Advantageously, the guide wheel has at least one preferably circular frame element, which also forms the receptacle. The circular frame element can, for example, form one of the previously described sides or hold it. It serves in particular for attaching additional parts of the receptacle or guide wheel. The struts used for mounting in the area of ​​the central axis or other frame elements of the guide wheel that hold the receptacle can be attached to a circular frame element.

[0013] A circular element is defined as a frame element that has a closed shape running around the central axis without extending to the central axis. It does not have to be an exact ring shape, but merely has a web running completely around the longitudinal central axis, thus creating a closed shape.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, a side boundary or side of the receiving space can also be formed by a disc-shaped or approximately disc-shaped frame element which extends up to the central axis.

[0015] The storage container is preferably arranged at least partially on the inside between the receptacles. On the inside between the receptacles means that the storage container is crossed or at least tangent to a straight line running perpendicular to the central axis, which runs from one receptacle to a receptacle located on an opposite side of the central axis. This straight line intersects or at least tangent to the receptacle. The propagation fruits can thus be stored in an area that is formed between the receptacles and therefore within the laying wheel. This makes particularly good use of the available installation space. The laying wheel therefore has an interior space that, viewed in a direction transverse to the central axis, is swept over or possibly covered by the parts of the laying wheel forming the receptacles.Advantageously, the laying device is designed with an internal scooping area through which scooping elements of the laying device can reach. This scooping area can be part of the storage container. The scooping area can alternatively be designed as a scooping chamber or scooping container, a part of the laying device separate from the storage container, which is filled from the storage container, which can be located separately at a different position, outside the laying wheel. Such filling can take place via one or more feed elements in the form of, for example, a belt conveyor. This enables optimal filling of the scooping area regardless of the fill level of the storage hopper. The boundaries of the storage area as well as the scooping area are formed, in particular, at least partially by closed walls, bars, or grids.

[0016] If the scooping area is designed as a scooping chamber or scooping container, its walls have a downwardly tapered cross-section to allow for efficient filling of the scooping elements. During operation, the scooping elements pass through the scooping area from bottom to top.

[0017] The formation of an inner scooping area, i.e. an area which, viewed in the direction transverse to the central axis, is formed on the same axial position as the receptacles and in particular with a receptacle opening of the receptacles, enables the use of scooping elements known per se, which are used, for example, in so-called cup-laying machines in which the scooping elements are fastened on the outside to a rotating belt.

[0018] In particular, during operation, separation takes place within the laying wheel from the scooping area toward the receiving opening, with the scooping elements arranged on the laying wheel. During operation, the respective scooping elements of the laying wheel describe curved paths within and above a scooping area, particularly depending on their mounting position, thus effectively preventing any double loading on a scooping element.

[0019] In particular, the scooping container can be monitored by means of a fill level sensor, for example in the form of an ultrasonic sensor or in the form of a camera.

[0020] Advantageously, each scooping element is arranged on the laying wheel in such a way that, during operation, it describes a path extending through the scooping area and circumferentially closed around the central axis. The scooping elements are part of the laying wheel and are preferably located on the inside thereof, so that they can be moved through a scooping area at a reduced circumferential speed compared to other drive elements of previous laying wheels.

[0021] Advantageously, the laying wheel is equipped with two offset rows of scooping elements, viewed transversely to the central axis. This allows for improved use of the available space for collecting the propagation crops from the scooping area. The scooping elements of the two rows are distributed so evenly around the circumference that, viewed in the direction of the central axis, the scooping elements of the two rows alternate evenly. Accordingly, successive scooping element receptacles in the circumferential direction, which are assigned to different rows of scooping elements, are filled.

[0022] The scooping elements are preferably arranged movably on the laying wheel in such a way that they can transport the propagation fruits at least in the direction of the receiving opening and in particular at least partially through it.

[0023] Advantageously, the receiving opening can be closed on the inside by at least one movable inner closure element, wherein the inner closure element can form a boundary of the receiving space in the direction of the longitudinal center axis. This applies to the movement phases of the laying wheel in which, during operation, a propagating crop is arranged within the receiving space and has not yet been released. In particular, the inner closure element is arranged on a frame element or part of the laying wheel so that it can be moved relative to other elements forming the receiving space and is preferably pivotable.

[0024] In its closed position, the inner closure element prevents propagation fruits from transferring between the receptacle and an inner region of the laying wheel, in particular a scooping region. To assume a forced position, at least one inner closure spring element and / or an inner closure cam track element that guides the inner closure element during operation can advantageously be assigned to each respective inner closure element. By using, in particular, an inner closure spring element in combination with an inner closure cam track element, a forced movement can be triggered during the movement of the laying wheel around the central axis via an associated guide mechanism that guides the inner closure element by means of the inner closure cam track element.The guide mechanism comprises, for example, a guide roller which is pressed against the inner closure cam track element by means of the inner closure spring element and which at least indirectly controls a movement of the inner closure element via a lever.

[0025] The inner locking element can be opened and closed in a targeted manner during a rotational movement of the guide wheel by means of a contour of the inner locking cam track element, its end, and / or a positive guide of the inner locking element into a position due to a spring element. To prevent damage due to jamming, the guide mechanism for the inner locking element and / or the inner locking element itself can be provided with an overload and / or breakage protection device. In the event of an overload or breakage, for example, an electrical signal is varied, which can be indicated to an operator as an error. The inner locking element can advantageously be pivoted about a pivot axis that runs at least approximately parallel to the central axis, whereby "at least approximately parallel" in this case is defined as a deviation of less than 20° between the central axis and the pivot axis.This allows for better utilization of the available installation space. The pivoting is achieved primarily by means of a pivoting element, which is moved by a lever to which the guide roller is attached.

[0026] In particular, the inner closure element is formed by the scooping element and / or pivotable together with it. The scooping element can be guided along an inner closure cam track by means of an inner closure cam track element and a possible inner closure spring element, in particular at least partially positively guided and designed as a relatively movable part of the laying wheel. In a one-sided contact with a cam track, also referred to as positive guidance, the inner closure cam track element can be subjected to force, for example, by a spring, so that, except in the event of any overload, a positive guidance of the scooping element is achieved.In the event of an overload, sufficient play can be provided against the movement of the spring in order to, for example, prevent damage to the propagation fruit or the mechanism for transferring the propagation fruit into the respective opening that would otherwise occur due to a jamming of the propagation fruit in the receiving opening.

[0027] To avoid overfeeding, an internal closure cam track element can be provided with a profile to generate a vibrating motion, which helps prevent double loading of a scooping element. Alternatively or additionally, the internal closure cam track element can be actively stimulated, for example, via a vibrating motor and a sufficiently flexible mounting of the internal closure cam track element.

[0028] In particular, the inner closure element can be formed by the scooping element, which serves on the one hand to receive propagation fruits from the scooping area and on the other hand to close the receiving space on the inside after the transfer of a propagation fruit into the receptacle.

[0029] In particular, the scooping element directly forms the receiving opening and / or delimits it, in particular in such a way that the scooping element is at least moved through the receiving opening or closes it.

[0030] In a first scooping position, the scooping element advantageously extends with its largest planar extent at least approximately in the direction of the central axis, while in the closed position it is angled accordingly and pivoted inward, delimiting the receiving space. In this position in particular, the scooping element acts as an internal closure element.

[0031] If an internal closure element is present in addition to the scooping element, this extends with its planar extension in particular transversely to a planar extension of the scooping element, so that in the scooping position of the scooping element the receiving opening is closed and no propagation fruits can penetrate uncontrollably into the receptacle or the receiving space.

[0032] Alternatively, the scooping element can also form a surface angled relative to the actual receiving surface, which closes the receiving opening when the scooping element is in the scooping position. The scooping element can then be pivoted into a position due to its movable mounting and a motorized or other guide, e.g., a cam-controlled guide, in which it at least partially, and in particular completely, transfers the propagating fruit into the receptacle, with the scooping element closing the receiving opening.

[0033] Advantageously, the receptacles each have a dispensing opening which, with respect to a respective receiving space, is arranged on a circumferential side opposite the receiving opening. This side is a side of the laying wheel which is offset radially outwards from the receiving opening with respect to the central axis. The propagating fruits are dispensed below the laying wheel through the dispensing opening, which is unlocked or open at least briefly during operation of the laying wheel to dispense the propagating fruits. While in the receiving space, the propagating fruits are additionally accelerated. Due to centrifugal and gravity forces, they align themselves during rotation in the laying wheel in front of or, depending on the dispensing opening, already in the dispensing opening. In particular, the receptacle is formed by at least one side section which is angled and / or oblique with respect to a vertical to the central axis.The side section delimits the receiving space formed by the holder. It can be a section or part of a side boundary or side wall, and therefore a boundary in the circumferential direction or in the direction of the central axis. Alternatively or additionally, it can be a boundary on the circumferential side, so that a radial, outer side boundary or outer wall is formed by elements having correspondingly angled areas. In particular, each holder has two conical or towards each other sides or side sections, viewed in the circumferential direction, which result in a centrifugal and weight-induced positioning of the propagating crop during its movement around the central axis. The shape of the sides forces the propagating crop into a corresponding position during operation and aligns itself appropriately for discharge into a discharge area of ​​the laying wheel during operation.

[0034] In particular, a respective dispensing opening can be closed by at least one outer closure element, preferably two, in particular, flap-shaped outer closure elements. The peripheral side can be formed, in particular, by the outer closure element(s) in their closed position. In particular, the outer closure element is movably attached to a frame part of the guide wheel, for example, the aforementioned annular frame element. To assume a forced position, a respective outer closure element is preferably assigned at least one outer closure spring element and / or an outer closure cam track element that guides the outer closure element during operation. As a result, during the rotation of the guide wheel about the central axis, the outer closure element describes a predefined movement, depending on the course of the outer closure cam track element, which movement, for example, occurs synchronously with the rotation.By abruptly changing the contour of the outer closure cam track element, a targeted and, in particular, sufficiently rapid opening of the outer closure element(s) in the release area can be achieved, ensuring the release of the propagation fruit in a targeted and as controlled a manner as possible. Like the inner closure elements, the outer closure elements can also be guided along the outer closure cam track element via a respective guide mechanism and transferred by it into the required position.

[0035] In particular, the inner closure element and the outer closure element of a respective receptacle can be moved in a coupled manner via the same guide mechanism.

[0036] The opening of the outer closure elements, for example due to a change in the shape of the curved track element, preferably takes place in the contact areas of the propagation fruits, in particular in the area of ​​the ends remote from a pivot axis of the outer closure elements with an acceleration of the outer closure elements in particular greater than the acceleration due to gravity, so that the propagation fruits to be released in the direction of the ground are not influenced by contact with the outer closure element.

[0037] A (external closure and / or internal closure) curved track element is a guide element formed at least partially around the central axis and fixed relative to the laying wheel. A coupling element, e.g., a guide wheel, that moves with the laying wheel is guided along the contour or surface of the guide element. Movement of the coupling element is induced via contour changes. It is also conceivable for a curved track on both sides to provide a positive guide for a guided element that is connected to the scooping element or internal closure element.

[0038] The outer closure and inner closure curved track elements can in particular be formed by the same curved track element, whereby the movement of the inner and outer closure elements is mechanically coupled to one another and these closure elements have the same guide mechanism. Accordingly, the outer closure spring element can simultaneously be the inner closure spring element. For example, the outer closure element closes simultaneously with the transfer of the propagation crop into the receptacle, and the respective scooping element transitions into a position suitable for scooping a propagation crop when the associated outer closure element(s) is / are transferred into the open position of the receptacle. The movement of the two closure elements is then synchronized. The inner and / or outer closure elements can alternatively be opened and closed by motors, for which purpose electric motors can be used in particular.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the dispensing opening can be covered by a cover element arranged at least partially around the laying wheel. This can be a flat element made of plastic or sheet metal. According to an advantageous development of the invention, the cover element is a belt which rotates during operation and can rest partially on the laying wheel and thereby drive it if necessary, or which, alternatively or additionally, runs so close to the laying wheel in terms of its path that the propagation fruits do not fall out of the holder. In particular, the belt has a polygonal or curved path along the laying wheel. As an alternative to driving the laying wheel via the cover element designed as a rotating belt, the laying wheel itself can drive the cover element. Likewise, both the cover element and the laying wheel can have their own drives.

[0040] Advantageously, the drive device comprises a belt drive for the belt and is configured such that the belt speed is greater than or equal to the circumferential speed of the part of the laying wheel that is furthest away in the radial direction. This has an additional influence on the positioning of the propagating crop in the receiving chamber, in particular in a lower region of the laying wheel. In the direction of rotation of the laying wheel, a belt that runs faster than the laying wheel on the outside in the same direction and also closes the discharge opening, in addition to the acting centrifugal and gravitational forces, additionally positions the propagating crop relative to the leading wall orside, so that in the event of an abrupt release of the discharge opening, for example due to an abrupt deflection of the belt or an abrupt opening of the outer closure elements, the propagating fruit falls out of the receiving space without receiving an additional impulse from a subsequent wall that would change its trajectory. At the same time, the force of gravity acts directly on the propagating fruit, so that it is accelerated towards the ground in a controlled manner. It goes without saying that the relative speeds between the laying wheel and the belt should be kept as small as possible (speed difference in particular less than 10%), since otherwise the propagating fruit would start to rotate on the belt. The belt wraps tightly around the laying wheel, so that no significant slippage should occur here.

[0041] A belt drive can, for example, incorporate an electric motor as its drive. However, the belt drive can also be coupled to the drive of the guide wheel and adjusted to the outer circumference of the receiving space by means of appropriate gearing. The belt drive can also be coupled to the guide wheel itself.

[0042] Viewed in the direction of the central axis, the receiving space expands radially outward in the circumferential direction. A point located correspondingly farther from the central axis thus also ensures a more defined release position. The resulting centrifugal and centrifugal forces prepare the release of the respective propagation fruit from a receptacle via the movement of the laying wheel around the central axis.

[0043] Preferably, a control unit is provided for driving the laying wheel.

[0044] This control unit of the laying device drives the laying wheel around its longitudinal axis and can also be configured to drive the associated belt and, if necessary, any other controllable parts of the laying wheel. The laying device can have one drive per laying wheel; however, if multiple laying wheels are used, it can also have a common drive for all laying wheels, for example, with a continuous shaft and a decoupling option for individual tramlines. The control unit processes, in particular, travel speed signals to adjust the wheel speed accordingly and maintain it as precisely as possible without major fluctuations.

[0045] According to a further development of the invention, the control unit can have an automatic speed control, in particular depending on a fill level of the storage container and / or the scooping area, so that, for example, a feed element can be made to run faster in order to effect an improved filling of the scooping area from a storage container.

[0046] Advantageously, the control unit is designed to process signals from a fill level sensor of the storage container or the scooping chamber and its scooping container in order to adjust a feed and / or discharge speed of the propagation fruits.

[0047] Preferably, the control unit is configured to process signals from the travel speed and / or an inclination sensor of the planting device to adjust the delivery of propagation crops. For example, if the planting device is tilted about a transverse axis parallel to the center axis of the planting device, the impact position of the propagation crop on the ground can be varied by changing the delivery speed and thus the rotational speed. If the travel speed is reduced, the control unit can adjust the rotational speed of the planting wheel to maintain the desired planting distance.

[0048] According to a further development of the invention, the dispensing time or location can also be varied by pivoting the curved track element around the central axis. For this purpose, the curved track element can be pivotably mounted, for example, via elongated holes, with an adjusting means, e.g., in the form of a cylinder, holding the curved track element pivotable around the central axis.

[0049] To maintain precise laying distances, the control unit can be configured to take into account the data from one or more speed sensors of the laying wheel in order to adjust the speed of the laying wheel if necessary. The scooping area is formed by a container that tapers downwards, thus reducing the width of the scooping area toward an inlet opening for any scooping elements.

[0050] In particular, the control unit is designed to control at least one actuating means of a furrow-opening and / or ridge-forming element, so that the furrow is filled in earlier or later by releasing a propagating crop onto the ground, depending on the ambient conditions.

[0051] According to a further development of the invention, the receiving openings are located on sides of the receptacles extending away from the central axis, which can facilitate the feeding of propagation fruit from a hopper. The receiving openings can, for example, be arranged on a left and / or right side of the respective receptacles, viewed transversely to the central axis, in particular alternating in the circumferential direction. Alternatively or additionally, they can be arranged partially on the sides facing the central axis, on the inner side of the receptacle with respect to this axis, and thus also be formed at an angle.

[0052] Further advantages and details of the invention can be found in the following description of the figures. Schematically shown:

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a laying device according to the invention in a first view, Fig. 2 shows a laying wheel of a device according to the invention,

[0054] Fig. 3 is a partial view of a section of the article according to Fig. 2 transverse to the central axis,

[0055] Fig. 4 is a view of the article according to Fig. 3 in a further operating position and a section according to IV-IV

[0056] Fig. 5 is a detailed view of the article according to Fig. 2,

[0057] Fig. 6 a laying wheel of a further embodiment of the laying device according to the invention,

[0058] Fig. 7 shows a section through the object according to Fig. 6,

[0059] Fig. 8 is a partial view of another object according to the invention.

[0060] Individual technical features of the exemplary embodiments described below can also be combined with previously described exemplary embodiments as well as the features of the independent claim and any further claims to form subject matter according to the invention. Where appropriate, elements that are at least partially functionally equivalent are provided with identical reference numerals.

[0061] A planting device 2 according to the invention, in the present case designed as a potato planter, has a bunker 4 in which propagation crops 5 in the form of potato tubers are stored (Fig. 1). Furthermore, the planting device 2 has a plurality of planting wheels 6, the central axis 8 of which (Fig. 2) is aligned transversely to the direction of travel F. The planting wheels 6 are rotated by means of a drive 9 of a drive device, which can be designed as an electric or hydraulic motor and acts on a shaft (not shown) of the respective planting wheel 6. The planting wheels 6 can generally be driven on a common shaft and can be individually switched off. They can also be driven individually via their own drives.

[0062] The drive device comprises a control unit 44, which can be part of the control system of the planting device 2. For this purpose, the planting wheels 6 are rotatably mounted in a frame 10 of the planting device 2 and each have receptacles 12, partially shown in dashed lines, for the separated propagation crops 5 along their circumference (see Figs. 1 and 2). Propagation crops 5 are transferred from the storage container 4 toward a scooping area 14 and collected therein for transfer to the receptacles 12. The planting wheels 6 rotate in the circumferential direction U during operation. Furrow-pulling elements 50 form furrows for depositing the propagation crops 5. The scooping area 14 or the container forming it is provided with a tapered cross-section towards the bottom and with funnel-shaped walls 15 which converge towards one another and has at its lower end one or two through-openings 13 for internal closure elements designed as scooping elements 16 (Fig. 3).

[0063] The scooping elements 16 are pivotally mounted on an annular frame element 18 forming the inner sides of the receptacles 12 and, viewed in a direction transverse to the central axis 8, form two rows of scooping elements 16 arranged alternately and offset from one another. Each scooping element 16 is assigned a further closure element 17 arranged at an angle thereto, by means of which an inner receiving opening 19 of the receptacles 12 is closed when the scooping elements 16 are moved through the scooping chamber or scooping area 14. The receiving openings 19 are thus formed in the inner sides of the receptacles located towards the central axis 8. Radially offset outwards, the receptacles 12 have discharge openings 20 (cf. Fig. 4), through which the propagation fruits fall out of the laying wheel 6 at the lower end due to gravity. In general, a receptacle 12 thus has a receiving chamber with its lateral boundaries and openings.

[0064] The receiving space of the receptacles 12 tapers radially outward due to converging side walls or side boundaries 21 (Fig. 4). During operation, the propagating fruits 5, which are moved outward due to centrifugal force during rotation about a rotational axis or central axis 8, are centered outward toward a central and discharge position.

[0065] On the circumference, each receptacle 12 is provided with flap-shaped outer closure elements 22, which are guided by a curved track element 24 forming an outer closure curved track element, the shape of which corresponds to that of the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 7 (Fig. 5). Due to a mechanical coupling, further (inner) closure elements 17 on the inside and outer closure elements 22 of a respective receptacle are synchronized in terms of movement. In general, each receptacle 12 has its own guide mechanism, whereby only one and the same, possibly multi-part, outer closure curved track element 24 is used. Closing the inner receptacle opening 19 is accompanied by a transfer of the respective outer closure elements 22 into the closed position. An inner closure curved track element and the outer closure curved track element are both formed by the curved track element 24.

[0066] According to the exemplary embodiment, the inner and outer closure elements 16 and 22 are coupled via a common guide mechanism, with Fig. 5 showing a perspective view of a receptacle 12 in an approximately 12 o'clock position. Each inner closure element is pivotally mounted on the frame element 18 via a pivot element 33 having a pivot axis 23. The frame element 18 rotates, as part of the laying wheel 6, along the curved track element 24, which is fixedly arranged on the frame 10 of the laying device 2. Via a lever arm 26, a guide roller 28 on a surface 29 of the curved track element 24 causes a controlled movement of the pivot axis 23 and, consequently, of the inner closure element formed by the scooping element 16 and of the further closure element 17.The movement occurs against the force of a spring 25, which acts on the pivot axis 23 via a pivot lever 26 and presses the guide roller 28 against the surface 29 of the curved track element 24. Without the curved track element 24, the scooping element 16 would be in an open position, and the receiving opening 19 would be closed by the additional closure element 17. A wall 27 (see Fig. 3) circumferentially delimiting the receiving space is not shown in Fig. 5. A spring 31 serves as an overload protection device in the connection between the inner closure element and the additional closure element 17.

[0067] The position of surface 29 controls the relative movement of the scooping elements 16 during their movement through the scooping area 14 until they reach the closed position at the 12 o'clock position (see Figs. 2 and 3). A propagating fruit 5 still rests on the inner closure element in the 12 o'clock position due to gravity. Due to the positively guided movement of the guide roller 28 along surface 29, the outer closure elements 22, controlled by a lever 32, remain in the closed position shown (Fig. 5). The outer closure element 22 is pivotally mounted on the side walls or side boundaries 21. A change in the contour of the curved track element 24 leads to a sudden opening of the outer closure elements 22 in the 6 o'clock position of the holder 12 due to the guide roller 28 guided along surface 29.The greater the change in the surface contour, the faster the spring-force-supported subsequent movement of the inner and outer closure elements will occur. Due to the strength of the spring 25, the outer closure elements 22 accelerate faster than the acceleration of gravity in the sections where the respective propagating fruit rests due to centrifugal and gravitational forces (see Fig. 7), so that the propagating fruit 5 enters free fall unaffected by the outer closure elements. Furthermore, when released at the 6 o'clock position, release occurs opposite to the direction of movement of the laying device, so that the relative speed of the propagating fruit 5 to the ground is reduced to a maximum.

[0068] In an alternative embodiment, a belt 38 represents a covering element that covers the outside of a plurality of receptacles 12 in the lower right quadrant of the laying wheel 6, thus preventing unwanted removal of the propagation crops from the receptacles 12 (Fig. 6). In the present case, the belt is driven by an electric motor 42 as a belt drive, which receives signals from the control unit 44 during operation. This control unit 44, which is designed as part of the machine control system of the laying device, also controls the feeding of propagation crops into the scooping area 14.

[0069] The belt 38 rests circumferentially against the receptacles 12 and can drive the laying wheel 6 via this contact, in particular a frictional and / or positive connection. The sectional view according to Fig. 7 shows the movement sequence of the propagation fruits 5 separated from the scooping area 14. Starting from the scooping area 14, the propagation fruits 5 are transferred into the receiving space of the respective receptacle 12 by means of a movement of the scooping elements 16 controlled by a further curved track element 24. The closed position of the scooping elements 16 from the 12 o'clock position to the 6 o'clock position corresponds to the starting position of the opening and closing mechanism. This starting position is assumed due to the force exerted by springs 25 on the mechanism of the individual receptacles 12.Through the contact of a respective guide roller 28 with the cam track element 24, which in the present embodiment represents an internal closure cam track element, the scooping elements 16 are moved into a position or open position suitable for scooping propagation crops 5. With the rotation of the guide wheel 6 and the associated transition from the 6 o'clock position of a receptacle to the 12 o'clock position, the cam track element 24 moves away from the receptacle space, so that the scooping elements successively move into the closed position reached at the 12 o'clock position. From the 9 o'clock position, the cam track runs in such a way that the scooping elements 16 are aligned approximately horizontally with their receptacle area and the propagation crops remain on the scooping element 16.

[0070] The belt 38 closes the receiving space of the receiving device 12 on the outside so that the propagating fruits 5, which are further accelerated by centrifugal and gravity forces, remain in the receiving device, particularly at the 6 o'clock position. An abrupt deflection of the belt 38, achieved with a deflection roller 40 dimensioned as small as possible, results in a defined transition of the propagating fruits into free fall and in a direction opposite to the direction of travel F, so that after a gentle pickup and two-part acceleration phase of the propagating fruit, it is precisely delivered into the furrow.

[0071] The laying wheel 6 shown in Fig. 8 has a series of receptacles whose receiving openings, viewed in the circumferential direction, are located alternately on the left and right sides—viewed transversely to the central axis 8 of the laying wheel 6. The arrangement on different left and right sides in the side walls or boundaries 21 there improves the separation of the propagation fruits.

Claims

Claims 1 . Planting device for root crops, in particular a root crop planting device, preferably designed as a potato planter, with a storage container (4) for propagation crops (5) to be planted and at least one laying wheel (6) which is mounted in a frame (10) of the planting device so as to be rotatable about a central axis (8), wherein the laying wheel (6) has receptacles (12) for propagation crops (5) arranged one behind the other in its circumferential direction (U), and with a drive device for driving the laying wheel (6), characterized in that the receptacles (12) each have a receptacle opening (19) for feeding an isolated propagation crop (5) into the receptacle (12).

2. Planting device for root crops according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving openings (19) of the receptacles (12) are each formed on their side towards the central axis (8).

3. Laying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receptacles (12) are formed in the direction of the central axis by two side boundaries (21).

4. Laying device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laying wheel (6) has at least one preferably circular ring-shaped frame element (18) which also forms the receptacle (12).

5. Laying device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage container (4) is arranged at least partially on the inside between the receptacles (12).

6. Laying device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an inner scooping area (14) which is designed to be passable by scooping elements (16) of the laying device (2).

7. Laying device according to claim 6, characterized in that a respective scooping element (16) is arranged on the laying wheel (6) in such a way that, during operation, it describes a path extending through the scooping area (14) and closed in the circumferential direction (U) around the central axis (8).

8. Laying device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the laying wheel (6) has two offset rows of scooping elements (16) viewed in the direction transverse to the central axis (8).

9. Laying device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving opening (19) can be closed on the inside by at least one movable inner closure element.

10. Laying device according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one inner closure spring element and / or one inner closure cam track element guiding the inner closure element during operation is assigned to a respective inner closure element for assuming a forced position.

11. Laying device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the inner closure element is pivotable about a pivot axis (23) running at least approximately parallel to the central axis (8).

12. Laying device according to one of claims 9 to 11 and including claim 6, characterized in that the inner closure element is formed by the scooping element (16) or is pivotable together with the latter.

13. Laying device according to claim 12, characterized in that a respective scooping element (16) forms and / or delimits a respective receiving opening (19).

14. Laying device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacles (12) each have a discharge opening (20) which is arranged on a circumferential side opposite the receiving opening (19) with respect to a respective receiving space.

15. Laying device according to claim 14, characterized in that the receptacle (12) is formed at least by a side section which is angled and / or oblique with respect to a vertical to the central axis (8).

16. Laying device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that a respective dispensing opening (20) can be closed by at least one external closure element (22), preferably two in particular flap-shaped external closure elements (22).

17. Laying device according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one outer closure spring element (25) and / or one outer closure cam track element guiding the outer closure element during operation is assigned to a respective outer closure element (22) for assuming a forced position.

18. Laying device according to one of the preceding claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the discharge opening (20) is covered by a cover element arranged at least partially around the laying wheel.

19. Laying device according to claim 18, characterized in that the covering element is formed by a belt (38) which rotates during operation.

20. Laying device according to claim 19, characterized in that the drive device comprises a belt drive of the belt (38) and is configured such that the belt speed is greater than or equal to the circumferential speed of the part of the laying wheel (6) which is furthest away in the radial direction. 21 . Laying device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (12) enlarges radially outwards in the circumferential direction when viewed in the direction of the central axis (8).

22. Laying device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control unit (44) is provided for driving the laying wheel (6).

23. Planting device according to claim 22, characterized in that the control unit (44) is designed to process signals of the driving speed and / or an inclination sensor of the planting device (2) for adjusting the delivery of propagation fruits (5).

24. Laying device according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the control unit (44) is designed to process signals from a fill level sensor of the storage container (4) for adjusting a feed and / or discharge speed of the propagation fruits (5).

25. Laying device according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the control unit (44) is designed to control at least one actuating means of a furrow-forming element (50) and / or ridge-forming element.

26. Laying device according to one of the preceding claims, including claim 3, characterized in that the receiving openings (19) are located on at least one side of the receptacles (12) extending away from the central axis (8).

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