Spreading machine and method for spreading seed onto agricultural land

Controllable catch roller drives with adjustable speeds and modes address the limitations of ground-contact-dependent catch rollers, enhancing seed spreading machines' adaptability and efficiency in diverse agricultural conditions.

WO2026068124A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-04-02AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-08-28
Publication Date
2026-04-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Catch rollers in seed spreading machines are limited to a single function due to reliance on ground contact for rotation, restricting their functional range and efficiency in varying soil conditions and speeds.

Method used

Implementing controllable catch roller drives, such as brushless DC motors, to independently rotate catch rollers, allowing for adjustable rotational speeds and modes to adapt to varying soil conditions and speeds, and incorporating electronic control for precise management of these drives.

Benefits of technology

Enables reliable seed capture across different soil conditions and speeds, enhances cleaning capabilities, and allows for adaptive seed placement and soil interaction, improving operational flexibility and efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a spreading machine (10) and to a method for spreading seed (S) onto agricultural land (N). The machine (10) has a plurality of row units (18, 18a-18j) arranged next to one another transversely to the travel direction (FR) for spreading the seed in rows. The row units each comprise a seed dispensing device (24, 24a-24j) for dispensing seed in the direction of the agricultural land and a catching roller (26, 26a-26j) for catching the seed dispensed by the seed dispensing device.
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Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Seed spreading machine for spreading seed onto agricultural land and method for spreading seed onto agricultural land

[0003] The invention relates to a spreading machine for spreading seed onto an agricultural area according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for spreading seed onto an agricultural area according to the preamble of claim 17.

[0004] For row-based seed application, seed drills can comprise several row units arranged side-by-side, transverse to the direction of travel. These row units typically feature a seed delivery device for distributing the seed towards the agricultural field.

[0005] The row units of such seed spreaders can also include a catching roller for capturing the seed dispensed by the seed delivery device. Ground contact with the catching rollers sets them in rotation, causing them to perform a rotary motion during the capture process.

[0006] Since the catch rollers are currently only set in rotation by contact with the ground, a functional extension beyond the catch function is not yet possible.

[0007] The object underlying the invention is therefore to expand the functional range of the catch rollers of spreading machines.

[0008] The task is solved by an application machine of the type mentioned above, wherein the row units each have a controllable catch roller drive for rotary driving of the catch roller.

[0009] P24-049 By having each row unit have a controllable catch roller drive for rotary driving of the catch roller, the dependence of the rotational movement on ground contact and thus also on the driving speed of the application machine is eliminated, so that suitable rotational speeds can be set on the catch rollers.

[0010] The catch roller drives of the series units can be designed as electric motors. These electric motors can be brushless DC motors (BLDC motors). The catch roller drives of the series units can be integrated into the respective catch roller. Alternatively, the catch roller drives can also be positioned outside the catch roller and kinematically coupled to it. The catch roller drives can be hub motors. A drive module encompassing the catch roller drive can be mounted on the catch roller, for example, laterally. The mounted drive module can be retrofitted. A transmission can be present, which converts the drive speed and / or drive torque into a roller speed and / or roller torque at the catch roller.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the dispensing machine according to the invention, the row units in the immediate vicinity of the catch roller have a scraper element by means of which adhering material to the catch roller can be scraped off by a rotational movement of the catch roller. The scraper elements are preferably stationary, so that a rotational movement of the catch roller generates a relative movement between the catch roller and the scraper element. The catch rollers can be kept clean by the scraper elements. The braking torque caused by the scraper elements can be compensated by the catch roller drives. For cleaning, the catch rollers can also be moved into a cleaning position in which the scraper element is held against the catch roller. Alternatively, the scraper element can also be movable and move towards the respective catch roller.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment, the spreading machine according to the invention has an electronic control device for controlling the catch roller drives. The electronic control device is preferably configured to control the catch roller drives in such a way that

[0013] P24-049 allows for different rotational speeds to be established at the catching rollers. Different rotational speeds are advantageous if the soil conditions vary across the working width due to local soil changes and / or if the working speeds of the individual seed delivery units differ, for example, due to driving around a curve. The electronic control unit can also be configured to control the catching roller drives in such a way that the rotational speeds at the catching rollers are identical. Identical rotational speeds are advantageous if the soil conditions are essentially the same across the working width.The control unit can also be configured to control the capture roller drives in such a way that the rotational speed of the capture rollers is adjusted depending on the ground speed of the spreading machine, whereby the rotational speed of the capture rollers is maintained at a minimum speed within a certain ground speed range, independent of the ground speed of the spreading machine. Thus, at low ground speeds, the rotational speed of the capture rollers does not fall below the minimum speed. This ensures a reliable capture process even at low ground speeds. If the rotational speed is too low, the seed could unintentionally bounce off the capture roller.

[0014] In a further development of the spreading machine according to the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to control the catch roller drives in a drive-slip mode such that the peripheral speed of one, several, or all catch rollers is higher than the travel speed of the spreading machine. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to control the catch roller drives in a brake-slip mode such that the peripheral speed of one, several, or all catch rollers is lower than the travel speed of the spreading machine. Furthermore, the electronic control unit can be configured to control the catch roller drives in an anti-slip mode such that the peripheral speed of one, several, or all catch rollers corresponds to the travel speed of the spreading machine. The control unit can thus

[0015] The P24-049 can be configured to control the seed roller drives depending on a set operating mode. This operating mode-based control of the seed roller drives can be configured individually for each drive. In drive slip mode, the set peripheral speed can be adjusted proportionally to the ground speed of the seed drill. With fast-moving seeds, drive slip reduces the relative speed between the seed roller and the seeds, thus improving seed capture. Drive slip can also influence the surface of the seed furrow, for example, by smoothing it. In brake slip mode, the set peripheral speed can be adjusted proportionally to the ground speed of the seed drill. Brake slip can roughen the seed furrow.In cleaning mode, the control unit can actuate one, several, or all of the catch roller drives in such a way that a predefined cleaning speed or slippage is established at one or more of the catch rollers. Different cleaning speeds can also be set in cleaning mode, or a speed range or pattern can be cycled through. For example, it is conceivable to set a cleaning speed that is particularly high compared to the operating speed, so that material adhering to the respective catch roller is flung off.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment of the application machine according to the invention, each of the series units has a speed detection device configured to detect the rotational speed of the catch roller and / or the catch roller drive of the series unit. The speed detection devices preferably detect the rotational speed of the catch roller and / or the catch roller drive using sensors. The speed detection devices can be speed sensors. The speed detection devices can be integrated into the catch roller and / or the catch roller drive. The speed detection allows for the detection of contamination of a catch roller and / or a standstill of a catch roller.

[0017] P24-049 Furthermore, an application machine according to the invention is advantageous in which the control device is configured to compare the rotational speeds of several or all catch rollers and / or catch roller drives with each other. Alternatively or additionally, the control device can be configured to compare the rotational speeds of a catch roller and / or a catch roller drive, several or all catch rollers and / or catch roller drives with one or more target rotational speeds. By comparing the rotational speeds, stiffness of catch rollers can be detected. If stiffness of a catch roller is detected, a corresponding message can, for example, be generated so that the operator can initiate or carry out measures to eliminate the stiffness.Different rotational speeds or deviations from a target speed can be caused by the removal of debris adhering to the collection rollers, for example, by means of scraper elements. Alternatively or additionally, differing rotational speeds or deviations from a target speed can be caused by varying soil conditions across the working width of the spreading machine. Different rotational speeds or deviations from a target speed can be an indication of moist soil.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment of the application machine according to the invention, the series units each have a torque detection device configured to detect the torque at the catch roller and / or at the catch roller drive of the series unit. Alternatively or additionally, the series units each have a current measuring device configured to detect the current consumption of the catch roller drive of the series unit. The torque detection devices preferably detect the torque of the catch roller and / or the catch roller drive by means of sensors. The torque detection devices can be torque sensors. The torque detection devices can be integrated into the catch roller and / or the catch roller drive. The torque detection allows for the detection of contamination of a catch roller and / or a standstill of a catch roller. The current measuring device can be part of a

[0019] The P24-049 is a torque detection device. The torque at the catch roller drive of the series unit can be determined via the current consumption.

[0020] The spreading machine according to the invention is further advantageously developed in that the control device is configured to compare torques at several or all catch rollers and / or several or all catch roller drives with each other. Alternatively or additionally, the control device is configured to compare current draws of several or all catch roller drives with each other. Alternatively or additionally, the control device is configured to compare torques at several or all catch rollers and / or at several or all catch roller drives with one or more target torques. Alternatively or additionally, the control device is configured to compare current draws of several or all catch roller drives with one or more target current draws. By comparing the torque and current draw, stiffness of the catch rollers can be detected.If a catch roller becomes stiff, a corresponding message can be generated, allowing the operator to initiate or carry out measures to eliminate the stiffness. Differing torques and / or current draws, or deviations from a target torque and / or current draw, can be caused by the scraping of debris from the catch rollers, for example, by scraper elements, and / or by varying soil conditions across the working width of the spreader. Differing torques and / or current draws, or deviations from a target torque and / or current draw, can indicate damp soil.

[0021] The spreading machine according to the invention is further advantageously developed in that the control device is configured to determine braking torques acting on the catch rollers and / or to control the catch roller drives in such a way that braking torques acting on the catch rollers are determined.

[0022] P24-049 Brake torques are compensated. Brake torque compensation allows an intended rotational speed to be maintained.

[0023] The spreading machine according to the invention is further advantageously developed in that the control device is configured to compare the braking torques acting on several or all of the catch rollers with one another and / or to compare the braking torques acting on several or all of the catch rollers with one or more target braking torques. By comparing the braking torques, stiffness in the catch rollers can be detected. If stiffness in a catch roller is detected, a corresponding message can be generated, for example, so that the operator can initiate or carry out measures to eliminate the stiffness. Different braking torques or deviations from a target braking torque can be caused by scraping due to adhesion to the catch rollers, for example by scraper elements, and / or by differing soil conditions across the working width of the spreading machine.Different braking torques or deviations from a target braking torque can be indicators of damp soil.

[0024] The spreading machine according to the invention is further advantageously developed in that the control device is configured to determine the idling torques acting on the catch rollers and / or catch roller drives in order to determine the braking torques acting on the catch rollers and, based on the idling torques, to perform a system calibration for the braking torque measurement to compensate for differing idling torques on the catch rollers and / or catch roller drives. For system calibration, any ground contact of the catch rollers is removed and a calibration speed is set on the catch rollers. Before system calibration, the catch rollers can be cleaned, for example by setting a cleaning mode.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment of the spreading machine according to the invention, the control device is configured to control the coulter pressure of the seed coulters of the agricultural spreading machine.

[0026] P24-049 Dependence on the rotational speed of a catch roller and / or a catch roller drive or the rotational speed in several or all catch rollers and / or catch roller drives and / or the torque on a catch roller and / or on a catch roller drive or the torques of several or all catch rollers and / or catch roller drives and / or the current consumption of a catch roller drive and / or the current consumption of several or all catch roller drives and / or the braking torque acting on a catch roller or the braking torques acting on several or all catch rollers.Alternatively or additionally, the control device is designed to adjust the seed placement depth on the agricultural land depending on the rotational speed of a seed roller and / or a seed roller drive, or the rotational speed in several or all seed rollers and / or seed roller drives, and / or the torque at a seed roller and / or a seed roller drive, or the torques of several or all seed rollers and / or seed roller drives, and / or the current consumption of a seed roller drive, and / or the current consumption of several or all seed roller drives, and / or the braking torque acting on a seed roller, or the braking torques acting on several or all seed rollers.Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is configured to adjust the travel speed of the agricultural spreading machine depending on the rotational speed of a catch roller and / or a catch roller drive, or the rotational speed of several or all catch rollers and / or catch roller drives, and / or the torque at a catch roller and / or a catch roller drive, or the torques of several or all catch rollers and / or catch roller drives, and / or the current draw of a catch roller drive, and / or the current draws of several or all catch roller drives, and / or the braking torque acting on a catch roller, or the braking torques acting on several or all catch rollers. The rotational speeds of the catch rollers, the torques at the catch rollers and / or catch roller drives, the current draws at the catch roller drives, and / or the braking torques acting on the catch rollers can correlate with soil moisture.If the soil moisture changes, the coulter pressure and / or the sowing depth and / or the driving speed can be adjusted.

[0027] P24-049 In a further preferred embodiment of the spreading machine according to the invention, the control device is configured to adapt the operation and / or control of soil cultivation tools of the spreading machine depending on the rotational speed of a catch roller and / or a catch roller drive or the rotational speed of several or all catch rollers and / or catch roller drives. Alternatively or additionally, the control device is configured to adapt the operation and / or control of soil cultivation tools of the spreading machine depending on the torque at a catch roller and / or at a catch roller drive or the torques of several or all catch rollers and / or catch roller drives.Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is configured to adjust the operation and / or control of soil cultivation tools of the spreading machine depending on the current draw of a catch roller drive and / or the current draw of several or all catch roller drives. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is configured to adjust the operation and / or control of soil cultivation tools of the spreading machine depending on the braking torque acting on a catch roller or the braking torques acting on several or all catch rollers. The rotational speeds of the catch rollers, the torques at the catch rollers and / or catch roller drives, the current draw at the catch roller drives, and / or the braking torques acting on the catch rollers can correlate with soil crumbling.The soil cultivation tools can be tines or rollers of a cultivator section of the spreading machine or a harrow section of the spreading machine.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment of the spreading machine according to the invention, the control device is configured to adapt the operation and / or control of forward cutting and / or clearing tools of the spreading machine depending on the rotational speed of a catch roller and / or a catch roller drive or the rotational speed of several or all catch rollers and / or catch roller drives. Alternatively or additionally, the control device is configured to adapt the operation and / or control of forward cutting and / or clearing tools of the

[0029] The P24-049 spreading machine is configured to adjust the operation and / or control of forward cutting and / or clearing tools of the spreading machine based on the torque applied to a catch roller and / or a catch roller drive, or the torques of several or all catch rollers and / or catch roller drives. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is configured to adjust the operation and / or control of forward cutting and / or clearing tools of the spreading machine based on the current draw of a catch roller drive and / or the current draw of several or all catch roller drives. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is configured to adjust the operation and / or control of forward cutting and / or clearing tools of the spreading machine based on the braking torque acting on a catch roller or the braking torques acting on several or all catch rollers.The rotational speeds of the mulching rollers, the torques at the mulching rollers and / or mulching roller drives, the current draw at the mulching roller drives, and the braking torques acting on the mulching rollers can correlate with the amount of mulch on the ground. The leading cutting and / or clearing tools can be star scrapers or the blades of a knife roller on the spreading machine.

[0030] Furthermore, a spreading machine according to the invention is preferred in which the control device is configured to determine one or more soil properties of the soil of the agricultural land based on the rotational speed of a catch roller and / or a catch roller drive, or the rotational speed of several or all catch rollers and / or catch roller drives, and / or the torque at a catch roller and / or at a catch roller drive, or the torques of several or all catch rollers and / or catch roller drives, and / or the current consumption of a catch roller drive, and / or the current consumption of several or all catch roller drives, and / or the braking torque acting on a catch roller, or the braking torques acting on several or all catch rollers. The soil properties may relate to soil moisture and / or soil crumb structure.

[0031] Furthermore, an application machine according to the invention is advantageous in which the working position, in particular the working height of the catch rollers, is adjustable. For example, the catch roller of the respective row unit is rigidly fixed with respect to

[0032] P24-049 has a furrow former suspended from the row unit. The seed catcher roller of the respective row unit can also be movably and / or spring-loaded suspended relative to a furrow former and / or a seeding channel of the row unit. The seed catcher roller and the furrow former can be spring-loaded together with respect to the ground. The seed catcher rollers can be configured to operate with or without ground contact. For example, the seed catcher rollers can run 2 to 5 mm above the seed furrow, so that the seeds are still pressed into the soil by the seed catcher roller. In this way, a seed retention function is implemented without the seed catcher rollers making contact with the ground.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment of the seed-distributing machine according to the invention, the catching rollers are arranged such that they function as a transfer element between the seed delivery guide track and the soil of the agricultural area. The catching rollers pick up the seeds at the end of a firing section of a firing tube. The seeds picked up by the catching rollers are decelerated to a target speed. The seeds, now decelerated to the target speed, are conveyed by the catching rollers to the soil or into the furrow. An elastic element, for example a leaf spring, can project into the furrow. The seeds are pressed down or held in place in the furrow.

[0034] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a method of the type mentioned at the outset, wherein the catch rollers are rotaryally driven in the inventive method by means of controllable catch roller drives of the row units. In the inventive method, a spreading machine according to one of the embodiments described above is preferably used. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the inventive method, reference is therefore made to the advantages and modifications of the inventive spreading machine.

[0035] P24-049 Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a spreading machine according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a series unit of an application machine according to the invention in a schematic side view;

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of a row unit of another application machine according to the invention;

[0039] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of several series units of an application machine according to the invention connected to an electronic control device;

[0040] Fig. 5 shows a schematic side view of a series unit of an application machine according to the invention;

[0041] Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of a row unit of another application machine according to the invention; and

[0042] Fig. 7 shows the current consumption of the catch roller drives of the spreading machine during operation according to the invention in a diagrammatic representation.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a combination 200 consisting of a tractor 100 and a seed drill 10. The seed drill 10 is a rear-mounted implement. The seed drill 10 is carried by the tractor 100, so that the tractor 100 acts as the carrier vehicle. In other embodiments, the seed drill 10 can be a trailed implement, so that the tractor 100 acts as the towing vehicle.

[0044] P24-049 The spreading machine 10 comprises a machine frame 12 on which a central storage container 14 is arranged. The central storage container 14 can, for example, carry fertilizer, which can be deposited onto the agricultural area N via fertilizer coulters (not shown). Alternatively, the central storage container 14 contains seed, which can be conveyed to the decentralized storage containers 20a-20j of the row units 18a-18j. In this case, the decentralized storage containers 20a-20j of the row units 18a-18j serve as buffer storage.

[0045] The machine frame 12 further comprises a support beam 16. The row units 18a-18j are attached to the support beam 16. The row units 18a-18j are arranged side by side transversely to the direction of travel FR and serve for the row-specific application of the seed S. The row units 18a-18j each have a seed delivery device 24a-24j. The seed delivery device 24a-24j allows the seed S to be dispensed in the direction of the agricultural area N.

[0046] The row units 18a-18j each have a capture roller 26a-26j, the capture rollers 26a-26j serving to capture the seed S dispensed by the seed delivery devices 24a-24j. The row units 18a-18j each have a controllable capture roller drive 28 (concealed) for rotary driving of the capture roller 26a-26j. The capture roller drives 28 of the row units 18a-18j are designed as electric motors, specifically as brushless DC motors.

[0047] Fig. 2 shows a row unit 18 with a seed delivery device 24 and a catching roller 26. The seed delivery device 24 comprises a discharge tube 30 through which the seed S is discharged in the direction of the agricultural area N. In the direction of travel FR, in front of the discharge tube 30, is a furrow opener 32 designed as a tine share. The furrow opener 32 creates a placement furrow for the seed S. In an embodiment not shown, the furrow opener 32 is arranged between two V-shaped cutting discs and serves more to shape the placement furrow than to open the soil.

[0048] P24-049 The catch roller 26 is rotaryally driven by a catch roller drive 28. The catch roller 26 is attached to a roller carrier 34 such that the outer surface of the catch roller 26 is in contact with the ground of the agricultural area N, so that the catch roller 26 is configured to operate in contact with the ground. The spreading machine moves at ground speed in the direction of travel FR. The catch roller 26 rotates at a speed in the direction of rotation DR.

[0049] An electronic control device 36 of the spreading machine 10 serves to control all catch roller drives 28 of the spreading machine 10. The electronic control device 36 is configured to control the catch roller drives 28 in such a way that different rotational speeds are established at the catch rollers 26 and / or the rotational speed of the catch rollers 26 is adjusted depending on the travel speed of the spreading machine 10, whereby the catch rollers 26 are operated at a minimum rotational speed in a travel speed range independent of the travel speed of the spreading machine 10.

[0050] The electronic control unit 36 ​​is configured to control the catch roller drives 28 in a drive-slip mode such that the peripheral speed of the catch rollers 26 is higher than the travel speed of the spreading machine 10. Furthermore, the electronic control unit 36 ​​is configured to control the catch roller drives 28 in a brake-slip mode such that the peripheral speed of the catch rollers 26 is lower than the travel speed of the spreading machine 10. The electronic control unit 36 ​​is also configured to control the catch roller drives 28 in an anti-slip mode such that the peripheral speed of the catch rollers corresponds to the travel speed of the spreading machine 10 or the working speed of the respective row unit 18a-18j, e.g., during cornering.

[0051] The series units 18 each comprise a speed detection device 40, which is configured to sensorially detect the rotational speed of the catch roller 26 of the series unit 18. The speed detection devices 40 are speed sensors that are integrated into the catch roller 26.

[0052] P24-049 Figure 3 shows a row unit 18 in which the seed catcher 26 operates without ground contact. At the lower apex of the seed catcher 26, the outer circumference of the seed catcher 26 has a distance A from the soil of the agricultural area N. The distance A is chosen such that the seed catcher is suitable for partially pressing upright seed S into the soil of the agricultural area N.

[0053] Fig. 4 shows the control device 36 of a spreading machine 10, wherein the control device 36 is configured to compare the rotational speeds of several catch rollers 26a-26c. The catch rollers 26a-26c are components of row units 18a-18c, wherein the row units 18a-18c each have a furrow opener 32a-32c designed as a tine share. By comparing the rotational speeds, the control device 36 can detect stiffness in individual catch rollers 26a-26c. If stiffness is detected in a catch roller 26a-26c by comparing the rotational speeds, a corresponding message can be generated, for example, so that the operator can initiate or carry out measures to eliminate the stiffness. Alternatively or additionally, the control device can be configured to measure current consumption l GThe current consumption of several catch roller drives 28a-28c can be compared. By comparing current consumption, stiffness in catch rollers 26a-26c can be detected. If stiffness in a catch roller 26a-26c is detected by comparing current consumption, a corresponding message can be generated, allowing the operator to initiate or carry out measures to eliminate the stiffness.

[0054] The control unit 36 ​​can measure the evaluated rotational speeds of the catch rollers 26a-26c and / or the evaluated current consumption l G The data for the catch roller drives 28 are stored in an internal or external database 38. The data stored in the database 38 can be taken into account in future processing operations or used to generate and / or modify application maps.

[0055] P24-049 Fig. 5 shows a series unit 18 in which the catch roller drive 28, designed as an electric motor, is integrated into the catch roller 26 as a hub motor.

[0056] Fig. 6 shows a series unit 18 in which the catch roller drive 28 is arranged at a distance from the catch roller 26. A gearbox for speed and torque conversion can be located between the catch roller drive 28 and the catch roller 26.

[0057] Figure 7 shows current measurements I of the catch roller drives 28 of the series units 18a-18j. The bar graph shows that the catch roller drives 28 of the series units 18a-18j have different no-load currents l. These differing no-load currents l can arise due to manufacturing tolerances, wear, and permanently stiff catch rollers 26a-26j. Because of these differing no-load currents l, system calibration is advantageous.

[0058] The control device 36 of the spreading machine 10 is configured to determine the idling torques at the catch rollers 26a-26j in order to determine the braking torques acting on the catch rollers 26a-26j. The idling torques at the catch rollers 26a-26j are determined via the idling currents l L The idle torques are determined at a calibration speed. Based on the idle torques, the control unit 36 ​​performs a system calibration for the brake torque measurement to compensate for differing idle torques at the catch rollers 26a-26j.

[0059] For brake torque measurement, the total current consumption IG of the catch roller drives 28 of the series units 18a-18j can then be determined in order to obtain an idle-adjusted current consumption l by subtracting the series-specific no-load current l. A i, IA2 ZU to be calculated. In the example shown, the catch roller drives 28 of the series units 18a-18c have a higher no-load adjusted current consumption l Aias the catch roller drives 28 of the series units 18i, 18j, which of the idle-adjusted current consumption l Ä 2 corresponds. This indicates that the catch rollers 26i, 26j of the series units 18i, 18j run with more resistance than the catch rollers 26a-26c of the

[0060] P24-049 Series units 18a-18c. The operator of the spreading machine 10 can be informed about the stiffness of the catch rollers 26i, 26j, so that cleaning of the catch rollers can be initiated or carried out to eliminate the stiffness.

[0061] P24-049 Reference mark

[0062] 10 spreading machine

[0063] 12 machine frames

[0064] 14 central storage containers

[0065] 16 support beams

[0066] 18, 18a-18j series units

[0067] 20a-20j decentralized storage containers

[0068] 24, 24a-24j Seed distribution facility

[0069] 26, 26a-26j Reels

[0070] 28 Catch roller drive

[0071] 30-shot tube

[0072] 32, 32a-32c Furrow opener

[0073] 34 roller carriers

[0074] 36 Control unit

[0075] 38 database

[0076] 40 Speed ​​detection device

[0077] 100 tractor

[0078] 200 team

[0079] A distance

[0080] DR Direction of rotation

[0081] FR direction of travel

[0082] I Current consumption

[0083] IAI, IA2 idle-adjusted current consumption

[0084] IG Total current consumption

[0085] II Idle current

[0086] N Usable area

[0087] S Seed

[0088] P24-049

Claims

Patent claims 1. Seeding machine (10) for spreading seed (S) onto an agricultural area (N), with several row units (18, 18a-18j) arranged side by side transversely to the direction of travel (FR) for row-related seeding, wherein the row units (18, 18a-18j) each comprise a seed delivery device (24, 24a-24j) for dispensing the seed (S) in the direction of the agricultural area (N) and a catch roller (26, 26a-26j) for catching the seed (S) dispensed by the seed delivery device (24, 24a-24j); characterized in that the row units (18, 18a-18j) each have a controllable catch roller drive (28) for rotary driving of the catch roller (26, 26a-26j).

2. Application machine (10) Claim 1 , characterized in that the row units (18, 18a-18j) in the vicinity of the catch roller (26, 26a-26j) have a scraping element by means of which adhesions on the catch roller (26, 26a-26j) can be scraped off by a rotary movement of the roller.

3. Spreading machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by an electronic control device (36) for controlling the catch roller drives (28), wherein the electronic control device (36) is preferably configured to control the catch roller drives (28) such that different rotational speeds are established at the catch rollers (26, 26a-26j); and / or the rotational speed of the catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) is adjusted depending on the travel speed of the spreading machine (10), wherein the catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) are operated within a travel speed range independently of the P24-049 Driving speed of the spreading machine (10) with a Minimum speed must be operated.

4. Spreading machine (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the electronic control device (36) is configured to control the catch roller drives (28) in a drive slip mode such that the peripheral speed of one, several or all catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) is higher than the travel speed of the spreading machine (10); and / or to control the catch roller drives (28) in a brake slip mode such that the peripheral speed of one, several or all catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) is lower than the travel speed of the spreading machine (10).

5. Spreading machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the row units (18, 18a-18j) each have a speed detection device (40) which is configured to detect the speed of the catch roller (26, 26a-26j) and / or the catch roller drive (28) of the row unit (18, 18a-18j).

6. Spreading machine (10) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the control device (36) is configured to compare the rotational speeds of several or all catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) and / or catch roller drives (28) with each other; and / or to compare the rotational speeds of a catch roller (26, 26a-26j) and / or a catch roller drive (28), several or all catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) and / or catch roller drives (28) with one or more target rotational speeds.

7. Application machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the row units (18, 18a-18j) each P24-049 have a torque detection device which is configured to detect the torque at the catch roller (26, 26a-26j) and / or at the catch roller drive (28) of the series unit (18, 18a-18j); and / or have a current measuring device which is configured to detect the current consumption (IG) of the catch roller drive (28) of the series unit (18, 18a-18j).

8. Dispensing machine (10) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the control device (36) is configured to to compare torques at several or all catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) and / or at several or all catch roller drives (28); and / or to compare current draws (IG) of several or all catch roller drives (28); and / or to compare torques at several or all catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) and / or at several or all catch roller drives (28) with one or more target torques; and / or current consumption (l G ) several or all of the catch roller drives (28) with one or more rated current draws (l G to compare.

9. Spreading machine (10) according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the control device (36) is configured to determine braking torques acting on the catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) and / or to control the catch roller drives (28) in such a way that braking torques acting on the catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) are compensated.

10. Dispensing machine (10) according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the control device (36) is configured to P24-049 to compare the braking torques acting on several or all of the catch rollers (26, 26a-26j); and / or to compare the braking torques acting on several or all of the catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) with one or more target braking torques.

11. Spreading machine (10) according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the control device (36) is configured to determine idle torques on the catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) and / or catch roller drives (28) in order to determine the braking torques acting on the catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) and to perform a system calibration for the braking torque detection on the basis of the idle torques in order to compensate for differing idle torques on the catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) and / or catch roller drives (28).

12. Seed spreader (10) according to one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that the control device (36) is configured to control the coulter pressure of the seed coulters of the agricultural seed spreader (10); and / or the seed placement depth (S) on the agricultural land (N); and / or the driving speed of the agricultural seed spreader (10) as a function of the rotational speed of a catch roller (26, 26a-26j) and / or a catch roller drive (28) or the rotational speeds of several or all catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) and / or catch roller drives; and / or the torque at a catch roller (26, 26a-26j) and / or at a catch roller drive (28) or the torques of several or all catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) and / or catch roller drives; and / or P24-049 the current consumption (l G ) a catch roller drive (28) and / or the current draws (l G) of several or all of the catch roller drives; and / or of the braking torque acting on one catch roller (26, 26a-26j) or of the braking torques acting on several or all of the catch rollers (26, 26a-26j).

13. Spreading machine (10) according to one of claims 3 to 12, characterized in that the control device (36) is configured to control the operation and / or the control of soil cultivation tools of the spreading machine (10) depending on the rotational speed of a catch roller (26, 26a-26j) and / or a catch roller drive (28) or the rotational speeds of several or all catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) and / or catch roller drives; and / or the torque at a catch roller (26, 26a-26j) and / or at a catch roller drive (28) or the torques of several or all catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) and / or catch roller drives; and / or the current consumption (l G ) a catch roller drive (28) and / or the current draws (l G) of several or all of the catch roller drives; and / or of the braking torque acting on one catch roller (26, 26a-26j) or of the braking torques acting on several or all of the catch rollers (26, 26a-26j).

14. Dispensing machine (10) according to one of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that the control device (36) is configured to control the operation and / or the control of forward cutting and / or reaming tools of the dispensing machine (10) depending on P24-049 to adapt to the rotational speed of a catch roller (26, 26a-26j) and / or a catch roller drive (28) or the rotational speeds of several or all catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) and / or catch roller drives; and / or the torque on a catch roller (26, 26a-26j) and / or on a catch roller drive (28) or the torques of several or all catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) and / or catch roller drives; and / or the current consumption (IG) of a catch roller drive (28) and / or the current consumption (IG) of several or all catch roller drives; and / or the braking torque acting on a catch roller (26, 26a-26j) and the braking torques acting on several or all catch rollers (26, 26a-26j).

15. Spreading machine (10) according to one of claims 3 to 14, characterized in that the control device (36) is configured to determine the speed of a catch roller (26, 26a-26j) and / or a catch roller drive (28) or the speeds of several or all catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) and / or catch roller drives; and / or the torque at a catch roller (26, 26a-26j) and / or at a catch roller drive (28) or the torques of several or all catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) and / or catch roller drives; and / or the current consumption (IG) of a catch roller drive (28) and / or the current consumption (IG) of several or all catch roller drives; and / or the braking torque acting on a catch roller (26, 26a-26j) or the braking torques acting on several or all catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) P24-049 to determine one or more soil properties of the soil of the agricultural land (N).

16. Spreading machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the working position, in particular the working height, of the catch rollers (26, 26a-26j) is adjustable; and / or the catch roller (26, 26a-26j) of the respective row unit (18, 18a-18j) is rigidly suspended with respect to a furrow former of the row unit (18, 18a-18j); or the catch roller (26, 26a-26j) of the respective row unit (18, 18a-18j) is movable and / or spring-elastically suspended with respect to a furrow former and / or a shot channel of the row unit (18, 18a-18j).

17. Method for spreading seed (S) onto an agricultural area (N) by means of a spreading machine (10), in particular by means of a spreading machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: Dispensing the seed (S) towards the agricultural area (N) by means of seed delivery devices (24, 24a-24j) from row units (18, 18a-18j) of the spreading machine (10) for row-related sowing of the seed (S); and Capture of the seed (S) dispensed by the seed delivery device by means of capture rollers (26, 26a-26j) of the row units (18, 18a-18j); characterized by the step: rotary driving of the capture rollers (26, 26a-26j) by means of controllable capture roller drives (28) of the row units (18, 18a-18j). P24-049

Citation Information

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