Row unit and sowing machine for depositing seed

Abstract

The invention relates to a row unit (10) for depositing seed on an agricultural land plot, said row unit having: a grain guiding device (24) for guiding seed grains (S) in the direction of a deposition furrow (F); a catching element (28) with a catching surface (34) on the underside, said surface being designed to brush over the furrow base (G) of the deposition furrow (F) in such a way that the seed grains dispensed via the grain guiding device (24) are caught by the underside catching surface (34) and pressed into the furrow base (G); a support device (12) for the catching element (28).

Description

[0001] Row unit and seed drill for placing seeds

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a row unit according to the preamble of claim 1 and a seed drill according to the preamble of claim 18.

[0004] Seed placement devices for sowing seeds on agricultural land often use a catching roller to capture and embed the dispensed seeds. Under damp and sticky conditions, the catching roller can become clogged with soil and stop moving, thus impairing the seed capture process. Furthermore, because the catching roller is clogged with soil, seeds can unintentionally stick to it and be flung back out of the placement furrow.

[0005] To ensure the intended capture and embedding of seeds even under moist and sticky conditions, seed fixers are known in the prior art. These fixers are pulled across the soil without rolling to capture and embed seeds. A rigid seed fixer with a hinged attachment is known from US 2018 / 0098489 A1. A flexible spreading element attached to a carrier device via a rigid attachment is known from DE 10 2016 112 635 A1.

[0006] The object underlying the invention is to improve the catching, fixing and embedding of seeds in a sowing furrow.

[0007] The problem is solved by a series unit of the type mentioned above, wherein the catch element of the series unit according to the invention is elastically deformable at least in sections and a fastening section of the catch element is movably attached to the support device in the vertical direction by means of a fastening device.

[0008] The catching element is preferably positioned such that the seeds discharged via the seed guide are launched into a catching area below the underside of the catching surface. This occurs in such a way that, due to the forward movement of the seed drill, a seed discharged via the seed guide is immediately captured by the catching element and thus clamped between the catching surface and the furrow bottom. Advantageously, this prevents the seeds from scattering.

[0009] Due to its elastic deformability, the catching element is flexible. This allows it to follow the contour of the furrow, thereby improving seed retention. The catching element can have a first deformation zone with a primary elastic deformability and a second deformation zone with a secondary elastic deformability, the first and second being different. For example, the catching element might be harder in the front section and softer in the rear. The movable attachment to the support device allows the catching element to be deflected. This deflectability further improves contour following.

[0010] The catch element is preferably curved in sections or arc-shaped. The arc preferably points forward in the direction of travel.

[0011] The seed drill is preferably a precision seeder. The catching element is preferably arranged behind the seed guide in the direction of travel. The row unit can have a furrow former attached to the carrier for forming the furrow and / or a furrow clearer for clearing the furrow. The catching element is preferably a single-piece body, for example made of rubber or plastic. The mounting section of the catching element is movable vertically relative to the carrier.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the row unit according to the invention, the fastening device is arranged sectionally or completely behind the seed guide in the direction of travel. By arranging the fastening device behind the seed guide in the direction of travel, the catching element can be positioned behind the discharge opening of the seed guide without causing any space constraints, with the seeds leaving the seed guide via the discharge opening in the direction of the sowing furrow.

[0013] Furthermore, a series unit according to the invention is preferred in which the fastening device comprises a parallelogram linkage. The parallelogram linkage can form a pushed parallelogram or a drawn parallelogram. With a drawn parallelogram, extremely precise tracking of the furrow contour by the catch element can be achieved. In addition, the drawn parallelogram results in a lower susceptibility to clogging at the catch element. The disadvantage that a catch element can bore into the ground when using a pushed parallelogram is compensated for by the elastic deformability of the catch element.

[0014] The parallelogram linkage allows the catch element to perform lifting movements. The parallelogram linkage preferably has an upper link and a lower link, the upper link and the lower link being connected to each other by two connecting struts in the manner of a parallelogram.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment of the inventive series unit, the fastening device comprises a pressure spring which is configured to exert a pressure force on the catching element to press the lower catching surface down onto the furrow bottom. If the fastening device is a parallelogram linkage, the pressure spring is pivotally attached to the upper link and pivotally attached to the lower link of the parallelogram linkage. The parallelogram linkage is pre-tensioned by the pressure spring in order to deform and / or pre-tension the elastic catching element in a defined manner and to press the catching element onto the furrow bottom of the furrow with a defined force.

[0016] Furthermore, a series unit according to the invention is preferred in which the contact force for pressing the lower collecting surface down onto the furrow bottom is adjustable. The contact force to be set can, for example, depend on the seed type, the sowing depth, the soil moisture, and / or the soil properties. The contact spring can, for example, be remotely adjustable. The contact force can be set alternatively or additionally using an application map. Alternatively or additionally, the contact force can also be set using data from a soil moisture sensor and / or a sowing depth sensor and / or a position sensor. The contact force can also be set predictively and / or based on sensor measurements.

[0017] The seed drill includes a control and / or regulating unit for adjusting the seeding force. This unit may be configured to process data from sensors, particularly the soil moisture sensor, the planting depth sensor, and / or the position sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the control and / or regulating unit may be configured to process data stored in a memory, particularly an application map, within the control and / or regulating unit itself. The control and / or regulating unit is configured to generate a control signal for adjusting the seeding force from the sensor data and / or the stored data, particularly automatically.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment of the series unit according to the invention, the pressure spring for adjusting the contact force can be fixed in the mounting device in various installation orientations. In this case, the pressure spring is, for example, a mechanical spring, in particular a helical spring. Alternatively, the pressure spring can also be a hydraulic or pneumatic spring. A pressure control and / or an additional actuator can be used to adjust the contact force of the pressure spring. A hydraulic or pneumatic setting pressure can be set via the pressure control. The spring preload can, for example, be adjusted via the pressure control and / or the additional actuator. The pressure control and / or the actuation of the additional actuator can be carried out by the control and / or regulating device in the manner described.The inventive series unit is further advantageously developed in that the mounting device is length-adjustable in the direction of travel, so that the relative position of a discharge opening of the grain guide device and the catching element, in particular the underside catching surface of the catching element, is adjustable in the direction of travel. The mounting device can comprise a telescopic mechanism for length adjustment. The mounting device can also comprise a longitudinal adjustment mechanism with a perforated track for length adjustment. Alternatively, the mounting device can have a controllable actuating element for length adjustment, for example, an actuating cylinder or an electric motor.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the series unit according to the invention has a support mounting by means of which the support device can be movably attached to a support beam or support frame. The support mounting can comprise a parallelogram linkage.

[0020] The fastening device and / or the retaining element can be pivoted about a vertical axis in order to follow the discharge groove, for example when driving around curves.

[0021] The inventive series unit is further advantageously developed in that the fastening device has a quick-release fastener by which the catching element is fixed to the fastening device, wherein the catching element can be detached from the quick-release fastener without tools and / or reversibly and without damage. The quick-release fastener allows a damaged catching element to be replaced quickly and easily. Furthermore, the quick-release fastener allows for the effortless replacement of all catching elements of the seed drill, so that catching elements can be used that are adapted to the seed and / or the soil conditions.

[0022] Furthermore, a row unit according to the invention is advantageous in which the catching element has lateral material ribs. The lateral material ribs preferably extend over the mounting section of the catching element. The lateral material ribs provide stiffening of the catching element in a stiffening area, so that the deformation behavior of the catching element depends on the presence and design of the lateral material ribs. The material ribs and / or the stiffening area ensure sufficiently high stiffness of the catching element in the lateral direction and / or in the direction of travel, so that the catching element exerts a sufficiently high contact force to fix the seed at the bottom of the furrow.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment, the row unit according to the invention has a singling device for singulating the seeds before they are introduced into the seed guide. The singling device is preferably attached to the support device. The singling device is configured to provide the seed guide with singulated seeds.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the row unit according to the invention, the singulation device is configured to be pneumatically operated, in particular with positive pressure. Preferably, the singulation device is a positive pressure singulation device. Due to the positive pressure singulation, the singulated seeds are preferably shot into the seed guide device and guided by the seed guide device in the direction of the sowing furrow. Alternatively, the singulation device can also be a negative pressure singulation device.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment of the row unit according to the invention, the seed guide device can be pressurized at least partially without damage. The seed guide device can be designed, at least partially, as a pressurized discharge tube or hose. The pressurized discharge tube can be used with a pressurized singulator or with a vacuum singulator with a downstream pressure booster. Due to the pressurization in the singulator and / or in the seed guide device, the seed to be deposited is transported into the furrow by means of a pressurized airflow.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the row unit according to the invention comprises a furrow opener for opening the placement furrow, wherein the catching element is not located at least partially within the furrow opener and / or wherein the catching element is arranged at least partially behind the furrow opener in the direction of travel. The furrow opener can comprise a tine or one or more cutting discs. The row unit can comprise a furrow former for forming a placement furrow and / or a furrow cleaner for clearing the placement furrow. The furrow former and / or the furrow cleaner can be arranged behind the furrow opener in the direction of travel. In particular, the furrow former and / or the furrow cleaner can be arranged between the cutting discs. The furrow former is designed to completely form the furrow opened by the furrow opener and has lateral surfaces for this purpose.This prevents the furrow opened by the furrow opener from closing up before the seeds are deposited.

[0027] If the furrow opener has several cutting discs, similar to a double-disc coulter, the catching element can be positioned between the cutting discs. In this case, the material ribs of the catching element reduce the escape of the pressurized airflow transporting the seed between the cutting discs. This has the advantage that the seed is not blown out of the furrow by the pressurized airflow but is securely fixed at the bottom of the furrow by the catching element.

[0028] The row unit according to the invention is advantageously further developed in that an end section of the seed guide, comprising a discharge opening, extends vertically in an operating orientation of the row unit or in a direction of travel that is inclined no more than 10 degrees forwards in the direction of travel or backwards in the opposite direction of travel, so that the seeds are given a direction of movement before leaving the seed guide via the discharge opening, which corresponds to the vertical direction or the direction of travel of the end section. The end section of the seed guide can be a straight pipe section. By imposing a corresponding direction of movement on the seeds before they leave the seed guide, the tendency of the seeds to roll within the furrow is significantly reduced.The imprinted direction of movement ensures that the seeds are preferably released into the furrow in such a way that they are intentionally wedged between the sides of the furrow and / or work themselves into the furrow bottom. This effectively prevents the seeds from unintentionally rolling within the furrow.

[0029] In a further development of the row unit according to the invention, the seed guide has a tubular shape at least in sections, and the end section of the tubular seed guide, or the entire tubular seed guide, is formed by a straight section of tubing. Because at least the end section of the tubular seed guide is straight, it is effectively prevented that the seeds are subjected to rotational movement. The seeds can thus be released into the furrow with a desired orientation. In the desired orientation, for example, the seed tip can point downwards, with the flat sides of the seeds facing the furrow.

[0030] Furthermore, a row unit according to the invention is preferred in which the end section of the grain guidance device has a length of at least 2 cm. Preferably, the end section of the grain guidance device has a length of at least 4 cm. For example, the end section can have a length in a range between 2 and 6 cm, in particular a length in a range between 2 and 4 cm. A corresponding length of the end section ensures that the seeds are imprinted with a direction of movement before leaving the grain guidance device, which corresponds to the vertical direction or the direction of travel of the end section. Furthermore, a corresponding length of the end section of the grain guidance device ensures that the imprinting of an unintentional rotational movement is prevented.

[0031] Furthermore, a series unit according to the invention is preferred in which the end section of the grain guidance device is partially or completely removable and / or replaceable without damage. The end section of the grain guidance device can, for example, be formed by a removable sleeve. An interchangeable system can, for example, comprise the series unit and several end sleeves, wherein the several end sleeves can have different lengths and / or cross-sections and / or profiles.

[0032] Furthermore, a row unit according to the invention is advantageous in which the seed guide, in particular the end section of the seed guide, has a changing cross-section and / or at least a teardrop-shaped cross-section in certain areas. The changing cross-section and the teardrop-shaped cross-section allow the seeds to be aligned and / or their trajectory to be stabilized. This enables precise placement of the seeds in the furrow, particularly with intended seed alignment.

[0033] Furthermore, a row unit according to the invention is preferred in which the seed guidance device has a conditioning section, which is preferably arranged upstream of the end section in the direction of seed movement. The conditioning section is preferably configured to decelerate and / or align the seeds moving along it. By decelerating the seeds moving through the conditioning section, a desired flight speed or a desired release speed can be achieved. By aligning the seeds along the conditioning section, the seeds can be released in a desired orientation, so that a desired impact orientation of the seeds within the seed furrow can be achieved.In a further development of the series unit according to the invention, the conditioning section of the grain guiding device is formed by a pipe section with one or more pipe bends and / or pipe bends in one or more spatial directions. Preferably, the grain guiding device has a straight end section and a conditioning section having one or more pipe bends and / or pipe bends. The tubular conditioning section preferably has a helical-free or twist-free geometry.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment of the row unit according to the invention, one or more pipe bends define a seed guidance path, with the main guidance direction pointing downwards and / or towards the agricultural area along the entire seed guidance path. The entire tubular conditioning section preferably lies in a guidance plane extending in the direction of travel. Such a seed guidance path prevents the seeds from moving against gravity within the seed guidance device, thereby avoiding twisting effects that would affect seed orientation.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment of the inventive row unit, the conditioning section of the grain guidance device is formed by an S-shaped pipe section. The S-shaped pipe section aligns the seeds against the pipe wall. Thus, the desired grain alignment can be achieved upon exiting the discharge opening.

[0036] Furthermore, a row unit according to the invention is advantageous in which the conditioning section of the seed guide is formed by a spiral or helical pipe section. The spiral pipe section has a helical shape. The kinetic energy of the seeds is reduced by the spiral pipe section. The seeds are slowed down by the spiral pipe section. The spiral pipe section can be a corkscrew-shaped pipe section. A row unit according to the invention is also advantageous in which the conditioning section of the seed guide has one or more vent slots. Air can be discharged from the seed guide through the one or more vent slots. The movement speed of the seeds within the seed guide can be reduced by the air discharge.Furthermore, the shape and / or arrangement of the vent slots can lead to flow channeling within the grain guidance device, thereby reducing the rotational movement of the seeds within the grain guidance device.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, the row unit according to the invention comprises a furrow former for forming a placement furrow, particularly one that tapers to a point at the base, and / or a furrow clearer for clearing the placement furrow. The tapered placement furrow serves to wedge in the released seeds. The seeds are caught by the furrow flanks. The furrow former is preferably wedge-shaped. The wedge-shaped furrow former creates a wedge-shaped furrow cross-section. Preferably, the release opening is oriented transversely centrally to the tip of the furrow former so that the seeds strike both furrow flanks as simultaneously as possible, thus preventing the seeds from scattering within the placement furrow.

[0038] The furrow former's forming depth is preferably greater than the opening depth of the furrow opener. The furrow former therefore preferably operates deeper than the furrow opener. The furrow opener can comprise a tine or one or more cutting discs. The seed guide preferably runs section by section between two cutting discs of the furrow opener. In particular, the conditioning section, comprising one or more pipe bends and / or curves, is located between two cutting discs of the furrow opener. The furrow can collapse between the furrow opener and the furrow former. To prevent furrow collapse before seed placement, the furrow former clears the collapsed furrow or keeps the furrow open.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment, the row unit according to the invention has a furrow opener arranged in the direction of travel upstream of the furrow former for opening the placement furrow. The forming depth of the furrow former is preferably greater than the opening depth of the furrow opener. The furrow former thus preferably operates at a deeper depth than the furrow opener. The furrow opener can comprise one or more cutting discs. The seed guide preferably runs section by section between two cutting discs of the furrow opener. In particular, the conditioning section, comprising one or more pipe bends and / or curves, is located between two cutting discs of the furrow opener. The placement furrow can collapse between the furrow opener and the furrow former. To prevent furrow collapse before the seeds are placed, the furrow former clears the collapsed placement furrow or keeps the placement furrow open.

[0040] Furthermore, a row unit according to the invention is preferred in which the grain guidance device runs beyond the furrow opener. If the furrow opener has two cutting discs, the grain guidance device preferably does not run between the two cutting discs of the furrow opener. Alternatively or additionally, the grain guidance device is not located within the coverage area of ​​the furrow opener. In this case, the sowing furrow can be formed as intended before the seeds are deposited.

[0041] A row unit according to the invention is also advantageous, comprising a furrow opener for opening the sowing furrow. The seed guide is partially or fully covered on one or both sides by the cutting discs of the furrow opener, and the row unit, in addition to the furrow opener, does not include a furrow former for shaping the opened sowing furrow. This allows the seeds to be deposited immediately after the sowing furrow is opened by the furrow opener. In a further preferred embodiment of the row unit according to the invention, the seed guide terminates at the discharge opening on the side facing the agricultural area. Alternatively or additionally, the contour of the discharge opening lies in an opening plane that is oriented perpendicular to the direction of travel of the seed guide, particularly along the end section. The opening plane is preferably a horizontal plane.

[0042] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a seed drill of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein several or all of the row units of the seed drill according to the invention are designed according to one of the embodiments described above. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the seed drill according to the invention, reference is therefore made to the advantages and modifications of the row unit according to the invention.

[0043] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0044] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the series unit according to the invention in a schematic side view;

[0045] Fig. 2 shows a snap-action element of a series unit according to the invention in a perspective view; and

[0046] Fig. 3 shows another series unit according to the invention in a side view.

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a row unit 10 for placing seeds on the ground B of an agricultural area.

[0048] The row unit 10 comprises a multi-part support device 12. The support part 14a of the support device 12 can be attached, in particular via the pivot point 16, to a support mounting (not shown). The support device 12 is movably hinged to a crossbeam or support frame via the support mounting. The support mounting 12 can include a parallelogram linkage. The support part 14b is rigidly connected to the support part 14a. A furrow opener 18 is attached to a support strut of the support device 12. The furrow opener 18 can comprise a tine or one or more cutting discs. In the illustrated embodiment, the furrow opener 18 is designed as a double-disc share, with only one cutting disc shown for clarity. The furrow opener 18 serves to open a furrow F. The furrow F is closed at the bottom by the furrow base G.The row unit 10 further comprises a furrow former 20 for forming the sowing furrow F. The furrow former 20 is arranged in the direction of travel FR behind the furrow opener 18 or between the cutting discs. The furrow former 20 is designed to fully form the furrow F opened by the furrow opener 18 and has lateral surfaces 20a for this purpose. This prevents the furrow F opened by the furrow opener 18 from closing before the seeds S are sown. This keeps the furrow F open for seed sown.

[0049] The row unit 10 further comprises a singling device 22 for singling out seeds S. A seed guide 24 is connected to the singling device 22. The singling device 22, which is attached to the support device 12, directs the singulated seeds S into the seed guide 24. The singling device 22 is designed to be pneumatically operated under overpressure. The seed guide 24 is tubular and serves to guide the singulated seeds S towards the sowing furrow F. The seed guide 24 can be pressurized without damage. In this case, the seed guide 24 is designed as a pressurized discharge tube.

[0050] The row unit 10 further comprises a catching element 28, wherein a fastening section 30 of the catching element 28 is movably attached in the vertical direction to the support device 12 by means of a fastening device 32. The catching element 28 has an underside catching surface 34, which is configured to sweep over the furrow bottom G of the sowing furrow F in such a way that seed grains S discharged via the seed guide device 24 are captured by the underside catching surface 34 and pressed into the furrow bottom G. The fastening device 32 is articulated to the support part 14b of the support device 12. The catching element 28 is positioned such that the seed grains S discharged via the discharge opening 26 of the seed guide device 24 are propelled into a catching area below the underside catching surface 34.

[0051] The trapping element 28 is designed to be elastically deformable in sections. This elastic deformability makes the trapping element 28 flexible. The trapping element 28 can thus follow the contour of the furrow F, thereby improving seed fixation. Due to its movable attachment to the carrier device 12, the trapping element 28 can be deflected. This deflectability of the trapping element 28 further improves contour following.

[0052] The catch element 28 is segmentally arc-shaped, with the arc of the catch element 28 pointing forward in the direction of travel FR. The catch element 28 is arranged behind the grain guide device 24 in the direction of travel FR. The catch element 28 is a single-piece body, which may be made of, for example, rubber or plastic. The mounting section 30 of the catch element 28 is movable in the vertical direction relative to the support device 12.

[0053] The fastening device 32 is arranged behind the grain guidance device 24 in the direction of travel FR. The fastening device 32 has a parallelogram linkage, wherein the catch element 28 can perform a lifting movement by means of the parallelogram linkage. The parallelogram linkage preferably has a lower link 36 and an upper link 38, wherein the lower link 36 and the upper link 38 are connected to each other by two connecting struts in the manner of a parallelogram. One connecting strut is formed by the fastening section 30 of the catch element 28. Another connecting strut is formed by the support part 14b of the support device 12. The fastening device 32 includes a pressure spring 40, which is configured to exert a pressure force on the catch element 28 to press down the lower catching surface 34 onto the furrow bottom G.The pressure spring 40, for example, is a coil spring which is pivotally attached to the lower link 36 and the upper link 38. The parallelogram linkage is pre-tensioned by the pressure spring 40 in order to deform and / or pre-tension the elastic catch element 28 in a defined manner and to press the catch element 28 with a defined force onto the furrow bottom G of the furrow F.

[0054] The pressure force for pressing the lower catching surface 34 down onto the groove base G is adjustable. The pressure spring 40 can be fixed in the mounting device 32 to adjust the pressure force in different installation orientations.

[0055] The fastening device 32 is length-adjustable in the direction of travel FR, so that the relative position of the discharge opening 26 of the grain guide device 24 and the catch element 28, namely the lower catch surface 34 of the catch element 28, is adjustable in the direction of travel FR. The fastening device 32 has a longitudinal adjustment mechanism with a slotted track for length adjustment.

[0056] Fig. 2 shows a retaining element 28 for a series unit 10. The retaining element 28 is a one-piece body, with a mounting section 30 of the retaining element 28 provided for attachment to a fastening device 32. The mounting section 30 has an annular material projection 42, which encloses a receiving opening for a fastening element, for example, a screw or a bolt. The material projection 42 provides increased strength in the area of ​​the mounting section 30.

[0057] The trapping element 28 further comprises a stiffening area 44 with reduced elasticity. The wing-like lateral material webs 46a, 46b extend along the stiffening area 44 and provide stiffening to the trapping element 28. The lower trapping surface 34, which is swept over the furrow bottom G of the sowing furrow F during operation in such a way that the released seeds S are captured by the lower trapping surface 34 and pressed into the furrow bottom G, is part of a deformation area 48 of the trapping element 28. In the deformation area 48, the trapping element 28 is arc-shaped, with the arc pointing forward in the direction of travel FR.

[0058] Fig. 3 shows a row unit 10 in which the tubular seed guide 24 comprises a conditioning section 52, an end section 50, and a discharge opening 26. The conditioning section 52 is arranged upstream of the end section 50 in the direction of seed movement S. The conditioning section 52 serves to decelerate and align the seed S as they move along it. The conditioning section 52 is formed by a pipe section with a bend, the bend resulting in an S-shaped pipe section. The S-shaped pipe section aligns the seed S against the pipe wall. This ensures the desired seed alignment upon exiting the discharge opening 26. The end section 50 of the seed guide 24 runs vertically V in the operating orientation of the row unit 10.The seed grains S are given a direction of movement by the end section 50, which runs vertically S, before leaving the seed guide device 24. This direction of movement corresponds to the vertical direction V. In the area of ​​the end section 50, the seed guide device 24 is designed without curvature. The end section 50 of the seed guide device 24 has a length L of at least 2 cm.

[0059] The forming depth T2 of the furrow former 20 is greater than the opening depth T1 of the furrow opener 18. Therefore, the furrow former 20 works deeper than the furrow opener 18. The seed furrow F can collapse between the furrow opener 18 and the furrow former 20. To prevent furrow collapse before seed placement S, the furrow former 20 clears the collapsed seed furrow F or keeps the seed furrow F open.

[0060] The row unit 10 includes a catching element 28. The catching element 28 serves to capture the seeds S and to press the captured seeds S onto the furrow bottom and is designed as a seed fixer. The catching element 28, designed as a seed fixer, can be attached to the support device 12, for example, rigidly or via a parallelogram linkage. The seed fixer has an underside catching surface which is designed to sweep across the furrow bottom of the placement furrow F in such a way that seeds S released by the seed guide 24 are captured by the underside catching surface and pressed into the furrow bottom. The catching depth of the catching element 28, designed as a seed fixer, corresponds to the opening depth T1 of the furrow opener 18.

[0061] Reference mark

[0062] 10 row unit 12 T carrier device 14a, 14b carrier parts

[0063] 16 Pivot point for carrier attachment 18 Furrow opener 20 Furrow former

[0064] 22 Singling device 24 Grain guiding device 26 Dispensing opening

[0065] 28 Catching element 30 Mounting section 32 Mounting device

[0066] 34 Catching area

[0067] 36 Lower links 38 Top links

[0068] 40 Pressure spring 42 Material protrusion

[0069] 44 Stiffening area

[0070] 46a, 46b Material webs 48 Deformation area 50 End section

[0071] 52 Conditioning section

[0072] B Floor

[0073] F Discharge furrow FR Direction of travel G Furrow bottom

[0074] S Seeds

[0075] T1 opening depth

[0076] T2 Forming depth V Vertical direction

Claims

Claims 1. Row unit (10) for placing seed on an agricultural area, comprising a seed guide device (24) for guiding seeds (S) in the direction of a sowing furrow (F); a catching element (28) with an underside catching surface (34) which is configured to sweep over the furrow bottom (G) of the sowing furrow (F) in such a way that seeds (S) released via the seed guide device (24) are caught by the underside catching surface (34) and pressed into the furrow bottom (G); and a support device (12) for the catching element (28); characterized in that the catching element (28) is elastically deformable at least in sections and a fastening section (30) of the catching element (28) is movably attached to the support device (12) by means of a fastening device (32), in particular in the vertical direction.

2. Row unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening device (32) is arranged sectionally or completely in the direction of travel (FR) behind the grain guidance device (24).

3. Series unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fastening device (32) has a parallelogram linkage.

4. Series unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening device (32) comprises a pressure spring (40) which is configured to exert a pressure force on the catching element (28) to press down the lower catching surface (34) onto the groove base (G).

5. Series unit (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the pressure force for pressing down the lower catching surface (34) onto the groove base (G) is adjustable.

6. Series unit (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the pressure spring (40) for adjusting the pressure force can be fixed in the fastening device (32) in different installation orientations.

7. Row unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening device (32) is variable in length in the direction of travel (FR) so that the relative position of a discharge opening (26) of the grain guidance device (24) and the catching element (28), in particular the lower catching surface (34) of the catching element (28), is adjustable in the direction of travel (FR).

8. Series unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a support attachment by means of which the support device (12) can be movably attached to a crossbeam or support frame.

9. Series unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening device (32) has a quick-release fastener by means of which the catch element (28) is fixed to the fastening device (32), wherein the catch element (28) is connected to the quick-release fastener in a tool-free and / or reversible and non-destructive manner for removal of the catch element (28).

10. Row unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the catching element (28) has lateral material webs (46a, 46b).

11. Series unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a singling device (22) for singling the seed grains (S) before introducing them into the grain guiding device (24).

12. Series unit (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the singulation device (22) is designed to be operated pneumatically, preferably with overpressure.

13. Row unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grain guidance device (24) can be subjected to overpressure at least sectionally without damage.

14. Row unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a furrow opener (18) for opening the laying furrow (F), wherein the catching element (28) is not in coverage of the furrow opener (18) at least partially and / or wherein the catching element (28) is arranged at least partially in the direction of travel (FR) behind the furrow opener (18).

15. Row unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an end section (50) of the seed guidance device (24) comprising a discharge opening (26) extends in an operating orientation of the row unit in the vertical direction (V) or in a direction of travel which is inclined not more than 10 degrees to the vertical direction (V) forwards in the direction of travel (FR) or backwards in the opposite direction of travel (FR), so that the seed grains (S) are given a direction of movement before leaving the seed guidance device (24) via the discharge opening (26) which corresponds to the vertical direction (V) or the direction of travel.

16. Row unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grain guidance device (24) has a conditioning section (52) which is preferably located in the direction of movement of the seed grains (S) before the end section (50) is arranged, wherein the conditioning section (52) is configured to slow down and / or align the seed grains (S) moving along the conditioning section (52).

17. Row unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a furrow former (20) for forming a placement furrow (F), in particular tapering to a point at the furrow base (G).

18. Seed drill, with several row units (10) arranged side by side transversely to the direction of travel (FR) for depositing seed on an agricultural area; characterized in that several or all of the row units (10) are designed according to one of the preceding claims.

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