EP4044787A1

EP4044787A1 - Agricultural distribution machine

Info

Publication number: EP4044787A1
Application number: EP20789864.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Florenz Hilbert; Stefan Jan Johannaber; Stephan Teckemeyer; Thomas Wessels; Markus Trentmann
Original assignee: Amazonen Werke H Dreyer SE and Co KG
Current assignee: Amazonen Werke H Dreyer SE and Co KG
Priority date: 2019-10-17
Filing date: 2020-10-01
Publication date: 2022-08-24
Also published as: CA3153749A1; US11785882B2; DE102019128003A1; WO2021073879A1; US20220361396A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an agricultural distribution machine for the combined distribution of seeds and granulate material on agricultural land (100), comprising a separation unit (10) having a rotationally driveable separation element (12) for separating seed grains (S), a portioning unit (14) having a rotationally driveable portioning element (16) for generating granulate material portions (D), and a control unit which is designed to coordinate the rotational movements of the separation element (12) and of the portioning element (16) in order to transfer a predefined depositing ratio of the seed grains (S) and the granulate material portions (D) on the agricultural land (100).

Description

Agricultural spreading machine

description

The invention relates to an agricultural spreading machine according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for the combined spreading of seeds and granules on an agricultural area according to the preamble of claim 13.

In the prior art, agricultural spreading machines are known, with which seeds and granules, such as fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides and / or other pesticides, can be applied to an agricultural area at the same time. The agricultural spreading machine can have a

Have separating device which comprises a rotationally drivable separating element. In order to save on granules, efforts are being made to apply the granules by dispensing individually by applying tape, which has been customary up to now

To replace granulate portions. When the granulate is dispensed in portions, the individual granulate portions are to be deposited in the vicinity of the individual seeds. In this context, there is the problem that the grain separation and the granulate portioning are to be synchronized in a suitable manner, so that the seeds and the granulate portions assigned to the individual seeds are deposited essentially at the same location on the agricultural area.

The synchronized placement of the seeds and the granulate portions has so far only been possible with a high level of control effort. The known synchronization solutions are comparatively susceptible to failure and tend to inaccuracies in the placement of the seeds and the granulate portions.

The object on which the invention is based is thus to simplify the synchronized placement of seeds and granulate portions. The object is achieved by an agricultural spreading machine of the type mentioned at the outset, the agricultural spreading machine according to the invention having a control device which is set up to coordinate the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element in order to implement a predetermined relationship between the seeds and the granulate portions on the agricultural area .

The invention makes use of the knowledge that rotational movements of two rotationally drivable elements can be coordinated with one another with comparatively little effort. In the agricultural spreading machine according to the invention, the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element are synchronized with one another in order to implement a predetermined placement relationship of the seeds and the granulate portions on the agricultural area. The control device is preferably set up to automatically initiate and / or carry out the coordination of the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element with one another.

In a preferred embodiment of the agricultural spreading machine according to the invention, the control device is set up to coordinate the rotational speeds of the separating element and the portioning element to implement a predetermined placement relationship between the seeds and the granulate portions. A granulate portion is preferably assigned to each seed, so that the placement frequency of the seeds and the granulate portions match or is identical. The separating device is preferably set up to provide several separated seeds for placement on the agricultural area during one revolution of the separating element. The portioning device is preferably set up to provide one or more granulate portions for storage on the agricultural area during one revolution of the portioning element. The number of separated seeds provided during one revolution of the separating element preferably deviates from the number of granulate portions provided during one revolution of the portioning element. For synchronization of the deposit cycle of the separating device and the portioning device, the speeds of rotation of the separating element and the portioning element must therefore be coordinated with one another. It is consequently necessary to set a suitable transmission ratio between the separating element and the portioning element. The transmission ratio can be 1:42, for example, if the separating device provides separated seeds for placement on the agricultural area during one rotation of the separating element 42 and the portioning device provides a granulate portion for placement on the agricultural useful area during one rotation of the portioning element. The separating element can be, for example, a separating disc with 42 grain receiving recesses. The portioning element can, for example, be a portioning wing which, with one rotation, collects several granules located in a portioning chamber of the portioning device and brings them together to form a granule portion.

The agricultural spreading machine according to the invention is further advantageously developed in that the control device is set up to coordinate the angles of rotation of the separating element and the portioning element to implement a predetermined longitudinal distance between the seeds and the granulate portions on the agricultural area. Since the rotary movements of the separating element and the portioning element are periodic, a suitable phase shift between the rotary movements of the separating element and the portioning element is set by coordinating the angles of rotation of the separating element and the portioning element. Despite a synchronized placement frequency of the seeds and the granulate portions, an unintentional longitudinal distance between the seeds and the granulate portions can result. This longitudinal distance is due to an unsuitable angle of rotation relationship or an unsuitable phase shift between the rotary movements of the separating element and the portioning element. To coordinate the angles of rotation of the separating element and the portioning element with one another or to set the suitable phase shift between the rotary movements of the separating element and the portioning element, for example, the The speed of rotation of the separating element and / or the portioning element can be changed temporarily. The separating element and / or the portioning element can, for example, be temporarily braked or accelerated. In order to change the longitudinal distance between the seeds and the granulate portions on the agricultural area, the phase relationship of the separating element and the portioning element must therefore be adapted. The intended longitudinal spacing of the individual seeds and the individual granulate portions assigned to the individual seeds on the agricultural area can be, for example, zero if the seeds and the granulate portions are deposited at different placement depths on the agricultural area. The intended one

The longitudinal distance between the individual seeds and the individual granulate portions assigned to the individual seeds on the agricultural area can, however, be a defined distance value greater than zero, for example if the spreading machine does not provide a sufficient one

Can realize the height spacing of the placement depths. If the placement machine does not provide a sufficient vertical spacing of the placement depths, a minimum longitudinal spacing between the seeds and the granulate portions assigned to the individual seeds is often to be set, which prevents the seeds from being scorched by the granulate. Depending on the specific implementation of the

Rotation angle adjustment can also initially tolerate an unintentional phase shift in the rotary movements of the separating element and the portioning element, which is then reduced or eliminated gradually or once.

The agricultural spreading machine according to the invention is further advantageously developed in that the separating element and the portioning element are mechanically coupled to one another. The coupling can be implemented, for example, by means of a mechanical transmission which is set up to transmit the rotary movement of the portioning element to the separating element while adapting the rotational speed. As an alternative, the mechanical transmission can be set up to transmit the rotary movement of the separating element to the portioning element while adapting the rotary speed. The mechanical one Transmission can comprise a chain or belt drive. The angle of rotation relationship between the separating element and the portioning element can be adjusted by means of a chain or belt tensioner.

In a further preferred embodiment of the agricultural spreading machine according to the invention, it is provided that the singling device has a grain depositing channel and the portioning device has a granulate depositing channel, and that an opening of the grain depositing channel facing away from the singling device is arranged in front of an opening of the granule depositing channel facing away from the portioning device in the working direction of the spreading machine in such a way that the separating device and the portioning device are set up to dispense into the same storage area. In particular, it is provided that the portioning device and the separating device are thus set up to dispense into the same furrow. This can be advantageous in order to supply the seed with granules as optimally as possible, be it by covering the seed with granules, placing the granules between the seeds or immediately next to, i.e. in front of or behind, the seeds.

In a further preferred embodiment of the agricultural spreading machine according to the invention, the control device is set up to, when coordinating the rotational movements of the

Isolation element and the portioning element on each other to take into account the current angle of rotation of the isolation element and / or the current angle of rotation of the portioning element. The current angle of rotation of the

The portioning element can be derived from the power consumption of the portioning drive if it is designed as an electric motor. The

Current consumption of the portioning drive can also be evaluated to detect blockages, foreign bodies or increasing soiling, for example in the housing of the portioning device. Furthermore, the power consumption of the portioning drive can be used to check whether granules are being portioned in the portioning device. If this is not the case, it can be assumed that the granulate conveyance in front of or behind the portioning device is impaired, for example due to a blockage in a conveying line or in a dosing system for the granulate. If the agricultural spreading machine has several portioning devices, the power consumption of the individual portioning drives can be compared with one another. This comparison enables the application of a uniform amount of granulate to be monitored in the individual rows. Furthermore, the constant amount of granulate per granulate portion can be monitored via the power consumption of the portioning drive. If the power consumption follows a constant pattern during the rotation cycles of the portioning element, the individual granulate portions produced have the same or approximately the same size. If the current consumption pattern of the portioning drive shows irregularities, this indicates a varying amount of granulate in the individual granulate portions. The power consumption of the portioning drive can also be evaluated in order to compare an amount of granules turned off by a central or decentralized dosing device with the amount of granules dispensed. If the flight time of the granulate portion until it is dispensed onto the agricultural area depends on coefficients of friction or other granulate properties, the flight time can be forecast via the power consumption of the portioning drive. The amount of each granulate portion can be determined via the torque of the portioning drive, which means that the machine no longer needs to be turned off. The time at which the portion is dispensed at the portioning device can be determined by a sudden drop in power consumption or a sudden drop in torque. In this way, the time of deposit on the agricultural area can also be predicted.

Alternatively or in addition, the control device of the agricultural spreading machine according to the invention is set up to, when coordinating the rotational movements of the separating element and the

Portioning element to take into account the times of presence of separated seeds within a grain detection area in the grain depositing channel behind the separating device and / or times of presence of granulate portions generated within a granule detection area in the granule depositing channel behind the portioning device. The times of presence of isolated seeds can be detected by means of a sensor, in particular an optical transmitter, which monitors the grain detection area in the grain depositing channel. The times of presence generated Granulate portions can be detected by means of a sensor, in particular an optical transmitter, which monitors the granulate detection area in the granulate depositing channel. The following sensors can be used to detect the granulate portions or the seeds: acoustic sensors, optical sensors, radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors, contact and / or impact sensors, for example in the housing of the separating device or the portioning device or in the grain depositing channel or in the granule depositing channel. The following approaches are conceivable for detecting the angle of rotation of the separating element and / or the portioning element: encoder / rotary encoder, inductive sensor, optical sensor, reed switch and / or current consumption measurement. The accuracy of the placement synchronization can be determined by several sensors in the grain placement channel or the

Granulate deposit channel for recording several times of presence of individual seeds or generated granulate portions can be improved. An improvement in the placement synchronization can also be improved by calculating the flight speeds of the separated seeds and / or the granulate portions produced through the grain placement channel or the granulate placement channel.

For example, the grain singling can set the timing for the synchronization. This is a kind of forecast model if the granulate depositing device of the agricultural spreading machine is in front of the grain depositing device of the agricultural machine in the direction of travel

The spreading machine is running and the portioning device cannot react directly to a detected seed. The times when the individual seeds are present in the detection area of the grain depositing channel or the current angle of rotation of the isolating element specify the locations at which the granulate portions are to be deposited in the furrow on the agricultural area. The time it takes for the seed to fly to the bottom of the furrow must be taken into account. Since the sowing rate and thus the theoretical grain spacing are known, all further points in time can be calculated in advance using the time the seed is placed. The granulate deposit, for example, leads 5 to 7 grains, this depending on the structure of the sowing unit. The current travel speed of the agricultural spreading machine can then be used to determine the path that has taken place since the collected seed was put back. If the distance covered corresponds to the grain spacing, the portioning device must have deposited the granulate portion in the furrow. If the portioning device is driven by an electric motor, the speed must change briefly to coordinate the two cycles with one another. During this time, the rotational speed ratio between the separating element and the portioning element also changes temporarily. Alternatively, the granulate portioning can set the timing for the synchronization. In this case, the granulate portioning forwards the deposit cycle to the separating device via the control device. The times of presence of the granulate portions produced in the

The granulate detection area of the granulate depositing channel or the current angle of rotation of the portioning element determine when the seed is to be deposited in the furrow. The flight time of the granulate to the bottom of the furrow must be taken into account. The distance traveled is calculated using the current speed of the spreading machine, but the

In this case, the separation device reacts to the recorded granulate portion, since the seed is deposited after the granulate portion is deposited. If the separating device is driven by an electric motor, the speed must be changed briefly to coordinate the two cycles with one another. During this time, the rotational speed ratio between the separating element and the portioning element also changes temporarily. In this case it is also not necessary to calculate the seed placement in advance using the theoretical seed spacing. After using the spreading machine, a seed can be assigned to each granulate portion. A signal could also be passed on before the discharge machine is lifted out, so that either the granulate portioner stops before the separation or the separation runs longer. Alternatively, neither the grain separation nor the granulate portioning set the timing for the synchronization. In this case, the storage time is specified by a control routine. The grain singling and the granulate portioning adapt their cycles to the specified storage times. As a result, all rows on the spreading machine can be forced to deliver in parallel across the direction of travel, so that then, for example, processing across the rows is possible, for example for weed control and / or by means of cross hoes.

There can be filing relationships between the rows. For example, the seeds are placed offset from row to row. This results in a better division of the standing area and an improved availability of nutrients. A reduction in the row spacing would also be conceivable.

In a further preferred embodiment of the agricultural spreading machine according to the invention, the control device is set up to take into account, when coordinating the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element, the times of depositing isolated seeds on the agricultural area and / or the times of depositing granulate portions produced on the agricultural area. The times of deposit of individual seeds and / or generated granulate portions can be recorded by means of a sensor and / or a camera which is aligned with the agricultural area, in particular the seed furrow. The camera-based detection of the times when individual seeds are deposited and / or the times when granulate portions are deposited is particularly advantageous when light-colored, for example pickled, seeds and / or light-colored granules are applied to the agricultural area. Because of the contrast to the dark earth of the agricultural area, the camera-based or sensor-based detection of seeds and / or granulate portions can take place particularly precisely. Furthermore, an agricultural spreading machine according to the invention is advantageous in which the control device is set up, when coordinating the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element, the length of a grain depositing channel behind the separating device, the length of a granulate depositing channel behind the portioning device, the length of a grain depositing channel behind a Grain detection area in the grain depositing channel, in which the presence of isolated seeds is monitored, and / or the length of a granule depositing channel behind a granule detection area in the Granulate deposit channel, in which the presence of generated granulate portions is monitored, to be taken into account. Furthermore, the speed of rotation of the separating element, the speed of rotation of the

Portioning element, the current driving speed of the agricultural spreading machine, the intended sowing rate and / or the intended application rate of seed by the control device when coordinating the rotational movements of the singling element and the

Portioning elements are taken into account on each other. In addition, the conveying time of a seed through the grain depositing channel or the conveying time of a granule portion through the granule depositing channel through the

Control device are taken into account. The speed of movement of the separated seeds within the grain depositing channel is dependent on the speed of rotation of the separating element. The

The speed of movement of the granulate portions produced within the granulate depositing channel depends on the speed of rotation of the

Portioning element dependent. The driving speed must be taken into account, since the release of the individual seeds and the granulate portions produced at points spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the agricultural

Spreading machine takes place. In a further development of the agricultural according to the invention

The control device is set up, when coordinating the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element, to determine the time which the seeds and / or the granulate portions need to be deposited on the agricultural area. For this purpose, the control device preferably takes into account the grain weight of the seeds, the portion weight of the granulate portions, the grain shape of the seeds, the granulate shape, the grain size of the seeds, the surface properties of the seeds, the surface properties of the granules, a blower pressure of a fan which generates an air flow that transports the seeds , and / or a blower pressure of a blower which generates an air flow that transports the granules. The surface quality of the seeds provides information about the frictional behavior of the seeds. The The surface quality of the granulate provides information about this

Friction behavior of the granulate.

In a further preferred embodiment of the agricultural spreading machine according to the invention, the separating device has a separating drive for the separating element. The separating drive can be an electrical, mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic drive. Alternatively or additionally, the

Portioning device on a portioning drive for the portioning element. The portioning drive can be an electrical, mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic drive. In particular, the control device is set up to control the separating drive and / or the portioning drive for setting a rotational speed ratio between the separating element and the portioning element. The rotational speed ratio relates to the ratio between the rotational speed of the separating element and the rotational speed of the portioning element. A suitable rotation speed ratio is in particular dependent on the number of separated seeds which the separating device provides during one revolution of the separating element and the number of granulate portions which the portioning device provides during one rotation of the portioning element. In particular, the control device is set up to control the separating drive and / or the portioning drive in order to set a rotational angle ratio between the separating element and the portioning element. Since the speeds of rotation of the separating element and the portioning element preferably differ from one another, the angle of rotation ratio is a dynamic value, the course of the values being repeated periodically.

The agricultural spreading machine according to the invention is further developed advantageously in that the control device is set up to control the separating drive in such a way that the rotational speed of the separating element is temporarily adapted to change the rotational angle ratio between the separating element and the portioning element becomes. To change the angle of rotation ratio between the separating element and the portioning element, the separating element can, for example, be temporarily accelerated or decelerated. The temporary acceleration or braking of the separating element results in a phase shift between the

Rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element, so that the longitudinal distance between the deposited seeds and the deposited granulate portions is changed.

In another preferred embodiment of the agricultural spreading machine according to the invention, the control device is set up to control the portioning drive in such a way that the rotational speed of the portioning element is temporarily adapted to change the rotational angle ratio between the separating element and the portioning element. To change the angle of rotation ratio between the separating element and the portioning element, the portioning element can, for example, be temporarily accelerated or decelerated. The temporary acceleration or braking of the portioning element sets a phase shift between the rotary movements of the separating element and the portioning element. In this way, the longitudinal distance between the deposited seeds and the deposited granulate portions is adjusted.

In another preferred embodiment of the agricultural spreading machine according to the invention, the control device is set up to control the portioning drive in such a way that a band application of the granulate is implemented on the agricultural area. The agricultural spreading machine is thus able to switch from a synchronized seed and granulate deposit to a belt application of the granulate. In particular, if the quality of the granulate is poor, for example if the granulate is moist, lumpy or covered with foreign bodies, during braking and / or acceleration processes or in the event of other malfunctions, there is a high risk of incorrect placement with synchronized seed and granulate placement, so that in these cases the granulate is applied by tape is more advantageous. The band application of the granules can, for example, thereby be implemented that the portioning element is stopped so that no portioning takes place by the portioning device. In this case, the granulate can be conveyed through the housing of the portioning device without portioning taking place. The granules can be conveyed through the housing of the portioning device, for example, pneumatically or by gravity. In this case it can be advantageous to stop the portioning element between the inlet for granulate and the outlet from the housing. Furthermore, high-speed operation of the

Portioning element conceivable in which the portioning element rotates so quickly that no granulate portions are produced, but instead a continuous granulate flow results.

In a further preferred embodiment of the agricultural spreading machine according to the invention, it has an input device by means of which a user can enter an actual placement relationship of individual seeds and granulate portions produced on the agricultural area that is achieved during a calibration run of the agricultural spreading machine. The control device is preferably set up to coordinate the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element to implement a predetermined placement relationship between the seeds and the granulate portions on the basis of the actual placement relationship entered by the user and relating to the calibration run. The calibration run must be carried out by the user at the intended application speed. To determine the actual deposition relationship of the seeds and granulate portions deposited during the calibration trip, they must first be identified on the agricultural area. For this purpose, it may be necessary, for example, to dig up the deposited seeds and / or granulate portions. To determine the actual placement relationship, the longitudinal offset between the placed seeds and granulate portions must be recorded by the user. This can be done, for example, by manual distance measurement using a distance measuring device such as a tape measure. The control device of the agricultural spreading machine is preferably set up to provide a suitable data based on the data entered relating to the calibration run Setting the rotational speed ratio between the separating element and the portioning element and / or a suitable rotational angle ratio between the separating element and the portioning element. The object on which the invention is based is also achieved by a method of the type mentioned at the outset, the method according to the invention comprising coordinating the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element with one another to implement a predetermined placement relationship of the seeds and the granulate portions by means of a control device of the agricultural spreading machine Method by means of an agricultural

Spreading machine carried out according to one of the embodiments described above. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the method according to the invention, reference is therefore first made to the advantages and modifications of the agricultural spreading machine according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the rotational speeds of the separating element and the portioning element are coordinated with one another by means of the control device in order to implement a predetermined placement frequency of the seeds and the granulate portions. Alternatively or additionally, the angles of rotation of the separating element and the portioning element are coordinated with one another by means of the control device in order to implement a predetermined longitudinal distance between the seeds and the granulate portions on the agricultural area. The matching of the angles of rotation of the separating element and the portioning element to one another preferably includes setting a periodically repeating phase shift pattern between the

Rotation angles of the separating element and the portioning element.

The method according to the invention is further advantageously developed in that the coordination of the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element to one another takes place by a mechanical coupling of the separating element and the portioning element. Due to the mechanical coupling, the speeds of rotation and / or the angles of rotation of the separating element and the portioning element can be coordinated with one another. In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, the current angle of rotation of the separating element and / or the current angle of rotation of the portioning element is taken into account when coordinating the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element. Alternatively or additionally, when coordinating the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element, the times of presence of separated seeds within a grain detection area in a grain depositing channel behind the separating device and / or times of presence of granulate portions generated within a granulate detection area in a

Granulate deposit channel behind the portioning device taken into account.

A method according to the invention is also advantageous in which, when the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element are coordinated with one another, deposit times of isolated seeds on the agricultural area and / or deposit times are generated

Granulate portions on the agricultural area are taken into account. In particular, the method includes the detection of individual seeds and / or generated granulate portions on the agricultural area. The detection of the individual seeds and / or the granulate portions produced on the agricultural area can be based on cameras and / or sensors, for example.

A method according to the invention is also advantageous in which, when coordinating the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element, the length of a grain depositing channel behind the separating device, the length of a granulate depositing channel behind the portioning device, the length of a grain depositing channel behind a grain detection area in the grain depositing channel in which the presence of isolated seeds is monitored, and / or the length of a granulate depositing channel behind a granulate detection area in the granulate depositing channel, in which the presence of generated granulate portions is monitored, is taken into account. In addition, it is advantageous if, when coordinating the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element, the rotational speed of the Isolation element, the rotational speed of the portioning element, the current speed of the agricultural spreading machine, the intended sowing rate and / or the intended amount of seed is taken into account. When coordinating the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element with one another, the time which the separated seeds need for the movement through the grain depositing channel or a section of the grain depositing channel can also be taken into account. Furthermore, when coordinating the rotational movements of the separating element and the portioning element, the time required for the granulate portions to move through the granulate storage channel or a section of the granulate storage channel can be taken into account.

In addition, a method according to the invention is advantageous in which the separating device has a separating drive for the separating element and the portioning device has a portioning drive for the portioning element. The method preferably includes controlling the separating drive to set a rotational speed ratio and / or a rotational angle ratio between the separating element and the portioning element. As an alternative or in addition, the method comprises controlling the portioning drive in order to set a rotational speed ratio and / or a rotational angle ratio between the separating element and the portioning element. In particular, the method comprises the temporary acceleration and / or braking of the separating element and / or the portioning element in order to set a suitable angle of rotation ratio between the separating element and the portioning element. Alternatively or additionally, the method comprises setting a rotation speed of the separating element and / or the portioning element in order to implement an intended rotation speed ratio between the separating element and the portioning element. Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show: 1 shows a separating device and a portioning device of a dispensing machine according to the invention in a schematic representation;

FIG. 2 shows a granulate portion produced with the portioning device shown in FIG. 1 in a schematic representation; FIG.

3 shows several seeds separated with the separating device depicted in FIG. 1 in a schematic representation;

4 shows several separated seeds and several granulate portions produced after the rotation speeds of the separating element and the portioning element have been coordinated with one another; and

5 shows several separated seeds and several granulate portions produced after coordinating the angles of rotation of the separating element and the portioning element with one another. 1 shows a separating device 10 and a portioning device 14 of an agricultural spreading machine, which is set up for the combined spreading of seeds and granules on an agricultural area 100. In the present exemplary embodiment, the separating device 10 is arranged behind the porting device 14 in the working direction of the discharge machine. In an exemplary embodiment of the spreading machine, not shown, an opening of a granulate depositing channel 20 connected to the portioning device 14 is arranged behind an opening of a grain depositing channel 18 connecting to the singling device 10 in such a way that the portioning device 14 and the singling device 10 are set up to place seeds and granules in the same depositing area submit. It can be advantageous in this case to dispense granules into a furrow on the seeds previously dispensed by the singling device 10. It can also be advantageous to dispense granules, for example in the form of slug pellets, onto the area of the usable area located above a seed pellet. It is also conceivable that granules are dispensed between the areas located between the seeds. In this Exemplary embodiment not shown, the portioning device 14 can be arranged under a separate storage container, for example for storing microgranulate.

The separating device 10 has a separating element 12 which is designed as a separating disk and can be driven in rotation for separating seeds S. The separating device 10 is set up to provide several separated seeds S for placement on the agricultural area 100 during one revolution of the separating element 12. This is implemented in that the separating element 12, designed as a separating disk, has a plurality of grain receiving recesses which are angularly spaced Da from one another. With one rotation of the separating element 12, the individual grain receiving recesses each receive a single seed S and then deliver the separated seed to a grain depositing channel 18 in a specific angle of rotation of the separating element 12. The

Separating device has a separating drive for separating element 12. The separating drive can be an electrical, mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic drive. After the isolated seeds S have moved through the grain depositing channel 18, they are deposited on the agricultural area 100. The grain depositing channel 18 has a length L _K.

The portioning device 14 has a portioning element 16, designed as a portioning wing, which can be driven in rotation for producing granulate portions D. The portioning device 14 is set up to produce a granulate portion D for the

To provide storage on the agricultural area 100. The

Portioning device 14 has a portioning drive for portioning element 16. The portioning drive can be an electrical, mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic drive. The granulate portions D provided by the portioning device 14 are deposited on the agricultural area 100 via a granulate depositing channel 20. The granulate depositing channel 20 has a length L _D. The portioning device 14 is also set up to implement a band application of granules. For this purpose, the portioning drive can be controlled in such a way that either the portioning element 16 is stopped in the position indicated by the dashed line between the granule depositing channel 20 and an inlet for the granules (not shown) so that the granules are pneumatically removed from the inlet in the direction of rotation indicated by the curved arrow through the portioning device 14 flows and is deposited as a band on the agricultural area via the granulate deposit channel 20, or that the portioning element 16 is driven very quickly, so that an almost continuous granule flow results, which is deposited via the granule deposit channel 20 on the agricultural area.

The agricultural spreading machine also has a control device, the separating device 10 and the portioning device 14 being connected to the control device. The control device is set up to coordinate the rotational movements of the separating element 12 and the portioning element 16 to implement a predetermined placement relationship of the seeds S and the granulate portions D on the agricultural area 100. The rotational movements of the separating element 12 and the portioning element 16 are synchronized with one another by the control device in order to implement a predetermined placement relationship of the seeds S and the granulate portions D on the agricultural area 100. For this purpose, the control device is set up to automatically cause the rotational movements of the separating element 12 and the portioning element 16 to be coordinated with one another.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show that the number of granulate portions D provided during one revolution of the portioning element 16 differs from the number of individual seeds S provided during one revolution of the separating element 12. To synchronize the delivery cycle of the separating device 10 and the portioning device 14, the rotational speeds of the separating element 12 and the portioning element 16 must therefore be coordinated with one another. It is therefore a suitable gear ratio between the separating element 12 and the portioning element 16 if the placement frequency of the seeds S and the granulate portions D is to be identical.

2 shows that the portioning device 14 provides a granulate portion D when the portioning element 16 is provided at an angle. The

Granule portion D requires a specific duration for the movement through the granule depositing channel 20, so that the granule portion D is deposited on the agricultural area 100 _{at the deposit position x D1.} The figure also shows that with one revolution of the portioning element 16, only one granulate portion D is provided by the portioning device 14. In other embodiments, however, a plurality of granulate portions D can also be provided by the portioning device 14 during one revolution of the portioning element 16.

3 shows that the separating device 10 at the readiness angles of the singling element 12 provides a singulated seed S in each case. The separated seeds S require a specific time to move through the grain depositing channel 18, which is located behind the separating device 10. The isolated seeds S are then at the storage positions on the agricultural Usable area 100 filed.

In order to implement a predetermined placement frequency of the seeds S and the granulate portions D, the control device is set up to coordinate the rotational speeds of the separating element 12 and the portioning element 16 with one another. As soon as a suitable transmission ratio has been set between the separating element 12 and the portioning element 16, the separated seeds S and the granulate portions D produced are deposited on the agricultural area 100 with an identical depositing frequency. 4 shows such a combined seed and granulate deposit. It can be seen that despite a synchronized placement frequency of the seeds S and the granulate portions D, an unintentional longitudinal distance between the seeds S and the granulate portions D can result, provided that the intended longitudinal distance is zero in the event that the seeds S and granulate portions D are at different placement depths be filed. This unintentional longitudinal distance is due to an unsuitable rotational angle relationship between the separating element 12 and the portioning element 16. The unsuitable angle of rotation relationship can be corrected by setting a suitable phase shift between the rotary movements of the separating element 12 and the portioning element 16. For this purpose, the control device is set up to _{coordinate the angles of rotation α K} , α _{D of} the separating element and the portioning element 16 to implement a predetermined longitudinal distance between the seeds S and the granulate portions D on the agricultural area 100. The intended longitudinal spacing of the isolated seeds S and the individual granulate portions D each assigned to the isolated seeds S on the agricultural area 100 is preferably zero, as shown in FIG. 5, since the seeds S and the granule portions D are deposited at different depths on the agricultural area 100 can be filed. The different placement depths are spaced sufficiently apart to prevent the seeds S from being scorched by the granulate D.

To eliminate the longitudinal distance between the seeds S and the granulate portions D assigned to the respective seeds S, the control device is set up to control the separating drive and / or the portioning drive in such a way that the speed of rotation of the separating element 12 and / or the speed of rotation of the portioning element 16 is temporarily reduced Change in the angle of rotation ratio between the separating element 12 and the portioning element 16 is adapted. For this purpose, the separating element 12 can be temporarily accelerated or decelerated. Alternatively or additionally, the portioning element 16 can be temporarily accelerated or decelerated. After the angle of rotation of the separating element 12 and the portioning element 16 have been coordinated with one another, the deposit image shown in FIG. 5 results. The individual storage positions of the granulate portions now essentially correspond to the storage positions of the isolated seeds S. Thanks to the synchronized seed and

On the one hand, there is a considerable saving of the required granulate material and, on the other hand, an improved granulate supply in the vicinity of the seeds S.

For example, the separating element 12 and the portioning element 16 can be mechanically coupled to one another. The coupling can be implemented, for example, by means of a mechanical transmission. The mechanical transmission can comprise a chain or belt drive. The angle of rotation relationship between the separating element 12 and the portioning element 16 can be adapted by means of a chain or frame tensioner. The coordination of the rotary movements of the separating element 12 and the portioning element 16 can also be achieved by suitable control of the separating drive and / or the portioning drive by the

Control device are implemented. Here, for example, current angles of rotation of the separating element 12 and / or the Portioning element 16 are taken into account by the control device. Alternatively or in addition, times of presence of separated seeds S can be generated within a detection area in a grain depositing channel 18 behind the separating device 10 and / or times of presence generated

Granule portions D within a granule detection area in a granule depositing channel 20 behind the portioning device 14 of the

Control device are taken into account.

Furthermore, the agricultural spreading machine can comprise a camera and / or sensor system, by means of which deposited seeds S and / or deposited granulate portions D on the agricultural area 100 can be detected. Thus, the control device in the

Coordination of the rotational movements of the separating element 12 and the portioning element 16 with one another and / or take into account the times when granulate portions D are deposited on the agricultural area 100.

List of reference symbols

10 Separation device

12 separating element 14 portioning device

16 portioning element

18 Grain depositing channel

20 Granulate deposit channel 100 usable area

S seeds

D Granulate _{portions L K} Length of the grain storage channel

L _D Length of the granulate _{storage channel x D1} - x _D9 storage positions x _K1 - x _K15 storage positions Angle of rotation Angle of rotation

Deployment angle

Angular distance

Claims

1. Agricultural spreading machine for the combined spreading of seeds and granules, in particular fertilizer and / or pesticides, on an agricultural area (100), with a separating device (10) which has a rotary drivable separating element (12) for separating seeds (S) and a portioning device (14) which has a portioning element (16) that can be driven in rotation for producing granulate portions (D); characterized by a control device which is set up to the

Coordinate rotational movements of the separating element (12) and the portioning element (16) to implement a predetermined placement relationship of the seeds (S) and the granulate portions (D) on the agricultural area (100).

2. Agricultural spreading machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device is set up to coordinate the rotational speeds of the separating element (12) and the portioning element (16) to implement a predetermined placement frequency of the seeds (S) and the granulate portions (D).

3. Agricultural spreading machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control device is set up to adjust the angle of rotation of the separating element (12) and the portioning element (16) for implementing a predetermined longitudinal distance between the seeds (S) and the

To match granulate portions (D) on the agricultural area (100) to one another.

4. Agricultural spreading machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (12) and the

Portioning element (16) are mechanically coupled to one another.

5. Agricultural spreading machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating device (10) has a grain depositing channel (18) and the portioning device (14) has one

Granulate depositing channel (20) has that an opening of the grain depositing channel (18) facing away from the separating device (10) in the working direction of the The dispensing machine is arranged in front of an opening of the granulate storage channel (20) facing away from the portioning device (14) in such a way that the separating device (10) and the portioning device (14) are set up to dispense into the same storage area, in particular into the same furrow.

6. Agricultural spreading machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device is set up to take into account one or more of the following parameters when coordinating the rotational movements of the separating element (12) and the portioning element (16) with one another:

- The current angle of rotation (α _K ) of the separating element (12);

- The current angle of rotation (α _D ) of the portioning element (16);

Times of presence of separated seeds (S) within a grain detection area in the grain depositing channel (18) behind the separation device (10);

Times of presence of generated granulate portions (D) within a granulate detection area in the granulate depositing channel (20) behind the portioning device (14).

7. Agricultural spreading machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device is set up to take into account one or both of the following parameters when coordinating the rotational movements of the separating element (12) and the portioning element (16): (S) on the agricultural

Usable area (100)

Deposition times of generated granulate portions (D) on the agricultural area (100).

8. Agricultural spreading machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device is set up to take into account one or more of the following parameters when coordinating the rotational movements of the separating element (12) and the portioning element (16): - the length ( L _K ) a grain depositing channel (18) behind the

Separating device (10); the length (L _D ) of a granulate depositing channel (20) behind the portioning device (14); the length (L _K ) of a grain depositing channel (18) behind a grain detection area in the grain depositing channel (18) in which the presence of isolated seeds (S) is monitored; the length (L _D ) of a granulate deposit channel (20) behind a granule detection area in the granule deposit channel (20), in which the presence of generated granule portions (D) is monitored; the speed of rotation of the separating element (12); - The speed of rotation of the portioning element (16); the current travel speed of the agricultural spreading machine; the intended sowing rate and / or the intended application rate of seed.

9. Agricultural spreading machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device is set up to determine the time which the seeds (S) and / or the granulate portions (D) need to be deposited on the agricultural area (100), the control device preferably for this purpose

- the grain weight of the seeds (S),

- the portion weight of the granulate portions (D),

- the grain shape of the seeds (S), - the granulate shape,

- the grain size of the seeds (S),

- the surface quality of the seeds (S),

- The surface quality of the granulate, a blower pressure of a blower which generates an air flow that transports the seeds (S); and / or a blower pressure of a blower, which generates an air flow transporting the granulate, takes into account.

10. Agricultural spreading machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating device (10) has a separating drive for the separating element (12) and / or the Portioning device (14) has a portioning drive for the portioning element (16), the control device preferably being set up to control the separating drive and / or the portioning drive for setting a rotational speed ratio and / or a rotational angle ratio between the separating element (12) and the portioning element (16) to control.

11. Agricultural spreading machine according to claim 10, characterized in that the control device is set up to control the separating drive in such a way that the rotational speed of the separating element (12) is temporarily adapted to change the rotational angle ratio between the separating element (12) and the portioning element (16) becomes.

12. Agricultural spreading machine according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the control device is set up to control the portioning drive in such a way that the rotational speed of the portioning element (16) is temporarily used to change the rotational angle ratio between the separating element (12) and the portioning element (16 ) is adjusted.

13. A method for the combined application of seeds and granules on an agricultural area (100) by means of an agricultural application machine, in particular an agricultural application machine according to one of the preceding claims, with the following steps: rotationally driving a separating element (12) of a separating device (10) of the agricultural Spreading machine for separating seeds (S), and rotary driving of a portioning element (16) of a portioning device (14) of the agricultural spreading machine for producing granulate portions (D); characterized by the step:

Coordination of the rotational movements of the separating element (12) and the portioning element (16) with one another to implement a predetermined placement relationship of the seeds (S) and the granulate portions (D) on the agricultural area (100) by means of a control device of the agricultural spreading machine.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized by at least one of the following steps:

Coordination of the rotational speeds of the separating element (12) and the portioning element (16) to one another to implement a predetermined placement frequency of the seeds (S) and the granulate portions

(D) by means of the control device;

Matching the angle of rotation of the separating element (12) and the portioning element (16) on top of one another for implementing a predetermined longitudinal distance between the seeds (S) and the granulate portions (D) on the agricultural area (100) by means of the control device.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the coordination of the rotational movements of the separating element (12) and the portioning element (16) to one another by a mechanical coupling of the separating element (12) and the

Portioning element (16) takes place.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that when coordinating the rotational movements of the separating element (12) and the portioning element (16) one or more of the following parameters are taken into account:

- The current angle of rotation (α _K ) of the separating element (12);

- The current angle of rotation (α _D ) of the portioning element (16);

Times of presence of isolated seeds (S) within a grain detection area in a grain depositing channel (18) behind the

Separating device (10);

Presence times of generated granulate portions (D) within a granulate detection area in a granulate depositing channel (20) behind the portioning device (14).

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that one or more of the following parameters are taken into account when coordinating the rotational movements of the separating element (12) and the portioning element (16): agricultural

Usable area (100); Deposition times of generated granulate portions (D) on the agricultural area (100).

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that when coordinating the rotational movements of the separating element (12) and the portioning element (16) one or more of the following parameters are taken into account: the length (L _K ) of a grain depositing channel ( 18) behind the separating device (10); the length (L _D ) of a granulate depositing channel (20) behind the portioning device (14); the length (L _K ) of a grain depositing channel (18) behind a

Grain detection area in the grain depositing channel (18), in which the presence of isolated seeds (S) is monitored; the length (L _D ) of a granulate storage channel (20) behind a

Granulate detection area in the granulate depositing channel (20) in which the

Presence of generated granulate portions (D) is monitored; the speed of rotation of the separating element (12); the speed of rotation of the portioning element (16); the current travel speed of the agricultural spreading machine; the intended sowing rate and / or the intended application rate

Seeds.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the separating device (10) has a separating drive for the

Has a separating element (12) and / or the portioning device (14) has a portioning drive for the portioning element, characterized by at least one of the following steps:

Controlling the separating drive for setting a rotational speed ratio and / or a

Rotation angle ratio between the separating element (12) and the portioning element (16);

Controlling the portioning drive for setting a rotational speed ratio and / or a rotational angle ratio between the separating element (12) and the

Portioning element (16).