A whole grass type traditional Chinese medicinal material harvesting machine and harvesting method

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of Chinese herbal medicine harvesting machinery, and particularly relates to a whole-plant Chinese herbal medicine harvesting machine and a harvesting method. The harvesting machine comprises a machine body, a cutting device and a negative pressure device. The machine body comprises a frame and a material collecting bin arranged on the frame. The front end of the material collecting bin is provided with side-by-side air vents. An air flow guide partition plate is arranged in the material collecting bin between the air vents. The air vent on the first side of the air flow guide partition plate is connected with a negative pressure fan. The cutting device is rotatably arranged on the frame at the front end of the machine body. The front end of the cutting device is provided with a cutting knife. The negative pressure device is rotatably arranged on the cutting device. The negative pressure device comprises a negative pressure hose. The negative pressure hose is connected with the air vent on the second side of the air flow guide partition plate. The harvesting machine effectively improves the efficiency of the whole harvesting operation and can be used as a special machine for harvesting stems and leaves of Chinese herbal medicines.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machinery technology for harvesting Chinese medicinal materials, and in particular to a harvesting machine and harvesting method for whole-herb Chinese medicinal materials. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most harvesting machinery for Chinese medicinal herbs is designed for the underground root system, while machinery for harvesting the above-ground stems and leaves is scarce and ineffective. For example, relying on manual harvesting or using ordinary vegetable harvesters as an auxiliary method presents numerous problems, such as low efficiency, damage to stems and leaves, and potential damage to the root system. Especially for the stems and leaves, due to the unique characteristics of Chinese medicinal herbs, such as open-center stems and leaves or stems and leaves that are prone to lodging, traditional methods often fail to collect them effectively, leading to harvest losses and increased workload for subsequent manual sorting.

[0003] Therefore, the current methods of harvesting Chinese medicinal herbs have the following technical problems:

[0004] Traditional manual harvesting methods are inefficient and labor-intensive.

[0005] When using a regular vegetable harvester for auxiliary operations, the unsuitable cutting method may result in the cutting of some of the crooked stems and leaves of the medicinal herbs during the harvesting process, and some of the stems and leaves lying flat on the ground may not be collected.

[0006] Some Chinese medicinal herbs require the above-ground stems and leaves to be collected separately from the underground rhizomes. If the above-ground stems and leaves are collected by cutting them in the soil, it will cause damage and loss to the rhizomes.

[0007] After harvesting, the stems and leaves of Chinese medicinal herbs are mixed with impurities and withered leaves, which increases the workload of subsequent sorting. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a whole-herb Chinese medicinal material harvesting machine that uses negative pressure airflow to suck up the stems and leaves, facilitating cutting from the bottom with a cutter, effectively preventing cutting waste, and through a subsequent collection device, effectively improving the overall harvesting efficiency. It can be used as a dedicated machine for harvesting the stems and leaves of Chinese medicinal materials.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions:

[0010] A harvesting machine for whole-herb Chinese medicinal materials includes: a machine body, a cutting platform device, and a negative pressure device; the machine body includes a frame and a material collection bin mounted on the frame, the front end of the material collection bin has parallel ventilation openings, and an airflow guiding baffle is installed inside the material collection bin between the ventilation openings, the ventilation opening on the first side of the airflow guiding baffle is connected to a negative pressure fan; the cutting platform device is rotatably mounted on the frame at the front end of the machine body, and the front end of the cutting platform is provided with a cutting blade; the negative pressure device is rotatably mounted on the cutting platform device, and the negative pressure device includes a negative pressure hose, the negative pressure hose is connected to a ventilation opening on the second side of the airflow guiding baffle.

[0011] Optionally, the rear end of the material collection bin is provided with a discharge mechanism, which includes a discharge gate and a hydraulic jack. The top of the discharge gate is hinged to the material collection bin, and the hydraulic jack has a fixed end and a free end. The fixed end of the hydraulic jack is fixed to the side of the material collection bin, and the free end of the hydraulic jack is hinged to the discharge gate.

[0012] Optionally, the cutting platform device includes a cutting platform adjustment mechanism, which includes a lifting arm, a lifting support, and a lifting hydraulic cylinder. The rear end of the lifting arm is hinged to the frame, the lifting support is disposed at the front end of the lifting arm, the fixed end of the lifting hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the frame, and the free end of the lifting hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the lifting arm.

[0013] Optionally, the header device further includes a header swing mechanism, which includes a header frame, a connecting shaft, and a pin. The header frame is located at the front end of the lifting arm, and the middle of the header frame is rotatably connected to the middle of the lifting arm via the connecting shaft. The pin is used to insert and fix the header frame onto the lifting arm when not in operation.

[0014] Optionally, the cutting table device further includes a cutting blade lifting mechanism, which includes a mounting plate, a lead screw nut, a lifting hydraulic drive, and a lifting lead screw. The cutting blade is mounted on the mounting plate, the lead screw nut is fixed on the mounting plate, the lifting hydraulic drive is mounted on the cutting table frame, the upper end of the lifting lead screw is mounted on the lifting hydraulic drive, and the lower end of the lifting lead screw cooperates with the lead screw nut.

[0015] Optionally, the cutting tool lifting mechanism further includes a lifting guide rail and a lifting sleeve. The lifting sleeve is fixed on the mounting plate and located on both sides of the lead screw nut. The upper end of the lifting guide rail is mounted on the cutting table frame, and the lower end of the lifting guide rail is inserted into the through hole of the lifting sleeve and the mounting plate.

[0016] Optionally, the cutting table device further includes a negative pressure lifting mechanism, which includes a fixed support, a lifting hydraulic cylinder and a connecting plate. The fixed support is fixed on the cutting table frame, the lifting hydraulic cylinder is installed on the side of the fixed support, the connecting plate is fixed on the bottom side of the negative pressure device, and the top of the lifting hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the connecting plate.

[0017] Optionally, the negative pressure device further includes a variable diameter pipe and an air inlet. The variable diameter pipe is located on the bottom side of the negative pressure hose, and the air inlet is located on the bottom side of the variable diameter pipe. The air inlet is equipped with an inlet adjustment mechanism.

[0018] Optionally, the inlet adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment plate and an adjustment plate hydraulic cylinder. The adjustment plate is located inside the air intake, and its top is rotatably connected to the air intake. The adjustment plate hydraulic cylinder is installed on the side of the variable diameter pipe to drive the adjustment plate to rotate. The inlet adjustment mechanism also includes a hinged support, a first adjustment shaft, a first connecting block, a second adjustment shaft, and a second connecting block. The hinged support is fixed to the side of the variable diameter pipe. The upper end of the adjustment plate hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the hinged support, and the lower end of the adjustment plate hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the second connecting block. The lower end of the second connecting block is hinged to the first connecting block via the second adjustment shaft. The first connecting block is fixedly connected to the adjustment plate, and the upper end of the adjustment plate is rotatably installed on the air intake via the first adjustment shaft.

[0019] This invention also provides a method for harvesting whole-herb Chinese medicinal materials, including: a harvester straddling the ridge of the medicinal material crop, with a negative pressure device horizontally attached to the surface above the stems and leaves; starting a negative pressure fan, using the negative pressure airflow generated by the negative pressure device to suck up the stems and leaves of the medicinal material, causing the stems and leaves to stand upright at the air inlet, and using a cutter to cut the upright stems and leaves; transporting the cut stems and leaves to a material collection bin through a negative pressure hose, where the airflow guide baffle in the material collection bin causes the stems and leaves to settle, while lighter impurities are discharged by the fan.

[0020] One or more technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0021] 1. This harvester straddles the ridges of medicinal herb crops. The negative pressure harvesting device, consisting of a negative pressure unit and a cutting platform, lies horizontally above the stems and leaves. During operation, the machine pushes the negative pressure harvesting device forward. The negative pressure unit and the cutting platform are connected by an articulation, allowing the machine to automatically adjust its posture according to changes in terrain to adapt to different terrain conditions. This improves the level of automated harvesting of medicinal herbs and effectively reduces labor costs.

[0022] 2. When the negative pressure fan is activated, it generates a powerful airflow that lifts the stems and leaves of the medicinal herbs at the suction port of the harvesting device, making them upright. Working in conjunction with the cutter, it precisely cuts the stems and leaves. This design not only efficiently collects tilted or fallen stems and leaves but also significantly improves overall harvesting efficiency while reducing losses of medicinal herbs during the harvesting process.

[0023] 3. The cut stems and leaves are then transported to the material collection bin via a negative pressure hose. The material collection bin has a spacious interior and is equipped with airflow guide baffles, which help guide the airflow and prevent it from flowing directly from the hose's orifice to the blower's orifice. This design allows for better settling of the stems and leaves within the collection bin, while lighter impurities such as dust are discharged by the blower. Impurities and dead leaves are removed simultaneously with the harvesting and collection process, saving on subsequent sorting and processing work.

[0024] 4. Using a cutting blade control can increase the harvesting rate of ordinary machinery from about 80% to over 90%. This special machinery for harvesting the stems and leaves of Chinese medicinal herbs can work for 8 hours a day and can harvest an area of ​​about 10 acres, which can replace the harvesting efficiency of at least 10 people. Compared with auxiliary machinery harvesting operations, it can save 3-5 people for picking and transporting.

[0025] Advantages of additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of the harvester according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of the harvester according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the cutting platform device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting table swing mechanism of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cutter lifting mechanism of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first state of the inlet adjustment mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the second state of the inlet adjustment mechanism in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a front view of the inlet adjustment mechanism of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0035] In the diagram: 1. Whole herb medicinal material; 2. Inlet regulating mechanism; 3. Negative pressure device; 4. Cutting platform device; 5. Negative pressure hose; 6. Negative pressure fan; 7. Material collection bin; 8. Airflow guide baffle; 9. Hydraulic jack; 10. Discharge gate; 11. Frame; 12. Engine; 13. Hydraulic station; 14. Steering wheel; 15. Electrical control device; 16. Cutting platform hinge.

[0036] 2-1. Hinge support; 2-2. Adjusting plate hydraulic cylinder; 2-3. Adjusting plate; 2-4. First adjusting shaft; 2-5. First connecting block; 2-6. Second adjusting shaft; 2-7. Second connecting block;

[0037] 4-1. Lifting boom; 4-2. Lifting hydraulic cylinder; 4-3. Lifting support; 4-4. Connecting shaft; 4-5. Pin; 4-6. Cutting table frame; 4-7. Fixed support; 4-8. Lifting hydraulic cylinder; 4-9. Connecting plate; 4-10. Lifting hydraulic drive; 4-11. Lifting guide rail; 4-12. Lifting screw; 4-13. Screw nut; 4-14. Lifting sleeve; 4-15. Cutting blade hydraulic drive; 4-16. Cutting blade; 4-17. Mounting plate; 4-18. Support wheels;

[0038] The distances or dimensions between parts have been exaggerated to show their positions; the diagram is for illustrative purposes only. Detailed Implementation

[0039] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof. The terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" appearing in the embodiments of this invention only indicate that they correspond to the up, down, left, right, front, and back directions of the drawings themselves, and do not limit the structure. They are merely for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] To address the current problems of low efficiency and incomplete harvesting in the harvesting of Chinese medicinal herbs, especially the above-ground stems and leaves, this embodiment proposes a whole-herb harvesting machine suitable for collecting the stems and leaves of various herbaceous medicinal herbs, such as Isatis tinctoria, Hemerocallis fulva, and Vaccinium bracteatum. Its working principle is based on negative pressure airflow and precision cutting technology to improve harvesting efficiency and maintain the integrity of the medicinal materials.

[0042] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention proposes a whole-herb Chinese medicinal material harvesting machine, including: a machine body, a cutting platform device 4, and a negative pressure device 3; the machine body includes a frame 11 and a material collection chamber 7 disposed on the frame 11, the front end of the material collection chamber 7 is provided with parallel ventilation openings, and an airflow guiding baffle 8 is disposed in the material collection chamber 7 between the ventilation openings, the ventilation opening on the first side of the airflow guiding baffle 8 is connected to a negative pressure fan 6; the cutting platform device 4 is rotatably mounted on the frame 11 at the front end of the machine body, and the front end of the cutting platform is provided with cutting blades 4-16; the negative pressure device 3 is mounted on the cutting platform device 4, and the negative pressure device 3 includes a negative pressure hose 5, the negative pressure hose 5 is connected to the ventilation opening on the second side of the airflow guiding baffle 8.

[0043] The material collection bin 7 has two holes and a connection port at its upper end, which are connected to the negative pressure fan 6 and the negative pressure hose 5 via flanges, respectively. Inside the material collection bin 7, an airflow guide baffle 8 is installed at the connection port of the negative pressure fan 6. The bottom of the negative pressure fan 6 is fixed to the frame 11 via a mounting base. Other auxiliary devices are also included, such as an electrical control device 15, a hydraulic station 13, an engine 12, and steering wheels 14. The electrical control device 15, hydraulic station 13, engine 12, and material collection bin are respectively located at the front, middle, and rear ends of the frame 11.

[0044] The harvester straddles the ridge of whole-herb medicinal plant 1. The negative pressure harvesting device, consisting of a negative pressure device 3 and a cutting platform 4, lies horizontally above the stems and leaves. During operation, the machine pushes the negative pressure harvesting device forward. The negative pressure device 3 and the cutting platform 4 are hinged, allowing the machine to adjust its posture according to the terrain to harvest stems and leaves, improving the automation level of whole-herb medicinal plant 1 harvesting and reducing labor costs. The negative pressure airflow generated by the fan causes the stems and leaves of the medicinal plant to stand upright at the air intake of the harvesting device, where they are cut by the cutting device. Through the negative pressure airflow of the negative pressure device 3 and the cooperation of the cutting blades 4-16, the machine can effectively collect tilted or flattened stems and leaves, improving harvesting efficiency and reducing harvest losses. After being cut, the stems and leaves pass through the negative pressure hose 5 to the material collection chamber 7. Because the space in the material collection chamber 7 increases instantly and is equipped with an airflow guide baffle 8, the airflow does not flow directly from the round hole of the hose to the round hole of the blower. This results in better settling of the stems and leaves in the collection chamber, while lighter dust and impurities are discharged from the blower outlet, reducing the workload of subsequent sorting and greatly improving the quality of Chinese medicinal materials.

[0045] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the airflow guide baffle 8 consists of three parts: a side plate, a cross plate, and a bottom plate. The side plate is arranged along the forward direction of the harvester, and the cross plate has sieve holes to prevent stems and leaves from being discharged. The airflow guide baffle forms a square-like channel, allowing airflow to pass only through the rear cross plate, thus lengthening the airflow distance and effectively preventing the material to be collected from being carried away by the airflow, thereby increasing the settling effect.

[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a discharge mechanism is provided at the rear end of the material collection bin 7. The discharge mechanism includes a discharge gate 10 and a hydraulic jack 9. The top of the discharge gate 10 is hinged to the material collection bin 7. The hydraulic jack 9 has a fixed end and a free end. The fixed end of the hydraulic jack 9 is fixed to the side of the material collection bin 7, and the free end of the hydraulic jack 9 is hinged to the discharge gate 10.

[0047] The hydraulic jack 9 is hinged at one end to the side of the rear of the material collection bin 7, and at the other end to the side of the discharge gate 10. The upper end of the discharge gate 10 is connected to the upper end of the rear of the material collection bin 7 via a hinge. The opening and closing of the discharge gate 10 is controlled by the extension and retraction of the hydraulic jack 9. When unloading is required, the hydraulic jack 9 is operated to open the discharge gate 10, allowing the material to be discharged from the material collection bin 7. This unloading mechanism design improves unloading efficiency and reduces manual labor.

[0048] like Figure 3As shown, the cutting platform device 4 includes a cutting platform adjustment mechanism, which includes a lifting arm 4-1, a lifting support 4-3, and a lifting hydraulic cylinder 4-2. The rear end of the lifting arm 4-1 is hinged to the frame 11, the lifting support 4-3 is located at the front end of the lifting arm 4-1, the fixed end of the lifting hydraulic cylinder 4-2 is hinged to the frame 11, and the free end of the lifting hydraulic cylinder 4-2 is hinged to the lifting arm 4-1.

[0049] The rear end of the header device 4 is connected to the frame 11 by a header hinge 16 and a lifting hydraulic cylinder 4-2, forming a header lifting and adjustment mechanism. The lifting and adjustment of the header is achieved by extending and retracting the hydraulic cylinder. The height of the header is adjusted according to the height of the medicinal herbs by operating the lifting hydraulic cylinder 4-2 to adapt to different cutting needs. The design of the header adjustment mechanism allows for flexible height adjustment, ensuring the optimal distance between the header and the ground, optimizing the cutting effect, and improving the adaptability and efficiency of harvesting.

[0050] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the header device 4 also includes a header swing mechanism, which includes a header frame 4-6, a connecting shaft 4-4, and a pin 4-5. The header frame 4-6 is located at the front end of the lifting arm 4-1. The middle of the header frame 4-6 is rotatably connected to the middle of the lifting arm 4-1 via the connecting shaft 4-4. The pin 4-5 is used to insert and fix the header frame 4-6 onto the lifting arm 4-1 when not in operation. The header frame 4-6 is connected to the lifting arm 4-1 via the connecting shaft 4-4. When not in operation or when transfer is required, the pin 4-5 is inserted to prevent the header frame 4-6 from rotating.

[0051] During operation, the header frame 4-6 can swing left and right around the connecting pivot 4-4 to adapt to crop ridges of different widths and uneven terrain. The design of the header swing mechanism allows the header device 4 to better adapt to different working environments, improving operational flexibility and efficiency. When not in operation, the header frame 4-6 can be inserted into the lifting arm 4-1 to reduce mechanical oscillation wear and increase its service life.

[0052] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the cutting table device 4 also includes a cutting blade lifting mechanism. The cutting blade lifting mechanism includes a mounting plate 4-17, a lead screw nut 4-13, a lifting hydraulic drive 4-10, and a lifting lead screw 4-12. The cutting blade 4-16 is mounted on the mounting plate 4-17. The lead screw nut 4-13 is fixed on the mounting plate 4-17. The lifting hydraulic drive 4-10 is mounted on the cutting table frame 4-6. The upper end of the lifting lead screw 4-12 is mounted on the lifting hydraulic drive 4-10, and the lower end of the lifting lead screw 4-12 cooperates with the lead screw nut 4-13.

[0053] The cutting section consists of a cutting blade 4-16 and a hydraulic drive 4-15. A mounting plate 4-17 is welded to the cutting blade, and the supporting wheels 4-18 are fixed to the lower part of the cutting frame 4-6 via bearings. The cutting method utilizes existing technology, including but not limited to reciprocating saws, and may also include band saws or other methods capable of cutting the stems and leaves of medicinal herbs.

[0054] The lifting hydraulic drive 4-10 is fixed to the upper part of the cutting table frame 4-6. The upper end of the lifting screw 4-12 is a smooth shaft, connected to the lifting hydraulic drive 4-10 via a key. The lower end is a screw, connected to the mounting plate 4-17 via a screw nut 4-13. The screw nut 4-13 and the mounting plate 4-17 are welded together. By operating the lifting hydraulic drive 4-10, the rotation of the lifting screw 4-12 is controlled, thereby adjusting the height of the cutter 4-16 to accommodate the stems and leaves of medicinal herbs at different heights. The design of the cutter lifting mechanism allows for precise adjustment of the cutter height 4-16, ensuring cutting accuracy and improving operational adaptability.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the cutting tool lifting mechanism also includes a lifting guide rail 4-11 and a lifting sleeve 4-14. The lifting sleeve 4-14 is fixed on the mounting plate 4-17 and located on both sides of the lead screw nut 4-13. The upper end of the lifting guide rail 4-11 is mounted on the cutting table frame 4-6, and the lower end of the lifting guide rail 4-11 is inserted into the through hole of the lifting sleeve 4-14 and the mounting plate 4-17.

[0056] The upper part of the lifting guide rail 4-11 is a lead screw, which is fixed to the cutting table frame 4-6 by upper and lower lead screw nuts 4-13. The lower part is a smooth shaft, which passes through the lifting sleeve 4-14 and the mounting plate 4-17. The lifting sleeve 4-14 and the mounting plate 4-17 are welded together. During the lifting of the cutter 4-16, the lifting guide rail 4-11 and the sleeve work together to ensure the smooth lifting and precise positioning of the cutter 4-16. The design of the lifting guide rail 4-11 and the sleeve improves the stability and reliability of the cutter lifting mechanism.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the cutting table device 4 also includes a negative pressure lifting mechanism, which includes a fixed support 4-7, a lifting hydraulic cylinder 4-8, and a connecting plate 4-9. The fixed support 4-7 is fixed on the cutting table frame 4-6, the lifting hydraulic cylinder 4-8 is installed on the side of the fixed support 4-7, the connecting plate 4-9 is fixed on the bottom side of the negative pressure device 3, and the top of the lifting hydraulic cylinder 4-8 is hinged to the connecting plate 4-9.

[0058] The fixed support 4-7 is welded to the upper part of the cutting table frame 4-6. The lifting hydraulic cylinder 4-8 is fixed to the side of the fixed support 4-7 by bolts. One side of the connecting plate 4-9 is welded to the lower part of the negative pressure air duct diameter change, and the other side is connected to the upper part of the lifting hydraulic cylinder 4-8 by hinge.

[0059] By operating the lifting hydraulic cylinder 4-8, the height of the negative pressure device 3 (i.e., the air intake) is controlled. The design of the negative pressure lifting mechanism enables the negative pressure device 3 to work in conjunction with the cutting blade 4-16 to adapt to the stems and leaves of Chinese medicinal materials at different heights.

[0060] like Figure 1 , Figure 6 As shown, the negative pressure device 3 also includes a variable diameter pipe and an air inlet. The variable diameter pipe is located on the bottom side of the negative pressure hose 5, and the air inlet is located on the bottom side of the variable diameter pipe and is fixedly connected by a pipe clamp. The air inlet is equipped with an inlet adjustment mechanism 2.

[0061] A negative pressure airflow channel is formed by connecting the air intake, a variable diameter pipe, and the negative pressure hose 5. During operation, the negative pressure airflow draws in the stems and leaves of the medicinal herbs through the air intake and enters the negative pressure hose 5 through the variable diameter pipe. The design of the variable diameter pipe and air intake optimizes the distribution of the negative pressure airflow, improves collection efficiency, and reduces damage to the medicinal herbs.

[0062] The inlet adjustment mechanism 2 can adjust the size of the air inlet, thereby adjusting it according to the different characteristics of Chinese medicinal materials and the airflow requirements, so as to adapt to different collection needs and meet the operational needs under different working conditions.

[0063] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the inlet adjustment mechanism 2 includes an adjustment plate 2-3 and an adjustment plate hydraulic cylinder 2-2. The adjustment plate 2-3 is located inside the air intake, and its top is rotatably connected to the air intake. The adjustment plate hydraulic cylinder 2-2 is installed on the side of the variable diameter pipe to drive the adjustment plate 2-3 to rotate. Further, the inlet adjustment mechanism 2 also includes a hinge support 2-1, a first adjustment shaft 2-4, a first connecting block 2-5, a second adjustment shaft 2-6, and a second connecting block 2-7. The hinge support 2-1 is fixed to the side of the variable diameter pipe. The upper end of the adjustment plate hydraulic cylinder 2-2 is hinged to the hinge support 2-1, and the lower end of the adjustment plate hydraulic cylinder 2-2 is hinged to the second connecting block 2-7. The lower end of the second connecting block 2-7 is hinged to the first connecting block 2-5 via the second adjustment shaft 2-6. The first connecting block 2-5 is fixedly connected to the adjustment plate 2-3, and the upper end of the adjustment plate 2-3 is rotatably installed on the air intake via the first adjustment shaft 2-4.

[0064] The adjusting plate 2-3 is located below the diameter changer in the negative pressure duct. The first adjusting shaft 2-4 passes through the entire air intake and extends to both sides of the air intake. The first adjusting shaft 2-4 is welded to the adjusting plate 2-3. The first connecting block 2-5 has round holes at both ends. The round hole at the right end passes through the first adjusting shaft 2-4 and is welded to its shaft end. The angle between the first connecting block 2-5 and the side of the adjusting plate 2-3 is approximately 90 degrees. The round hole at the other end of the first connecting block 2-5 passes through the second adjusting shaft 2-6. A retaining spring on the outside of the second adjusting shaft 2-6 restricts the axial movement of the first connecting block 2-5. The second connecting block 2-7 has round holes at both ends. The lower end passes through the second adjusting shaft 2-6, and the upper end is connected to the lower part of the hydraulic cylinder via a hinge. The upper part of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the hinge support 2-1 via a hinge. The hinge support 2-1 is welded to the upper surface of the diameter changer in the negative pressure duct.

[0065] The hydraulic cylinder 2-2, through the hinge of the adjusting shaft and connecting block, enables precise positioning and stable rotation of the adjusting plate 2-3. The adjusting plate 2-3 can rotate to change the opening and closing degree of the air inlet, thereby adjusting the magnitude of the negative pressure airflow. The design of the inlet adjusting mechanism 2 allows for flexible adjustment of the negative pressure airflow according to different operating conditions and the characteristics of the medicinal materials, improving the adaptability and efficiency of collection. The design of the adjusting shaft and connecting block provides a stable adjustment mechanism, ensuring that the adjusting plate 2-3 can maintain stable and precise adjustment under different operating conditions.

[0066] Example 2

[0067] Based on the harvester of Embodiment 1, this embodiment proposes a harvesting method, including the following steps:

[0068] The straddle positioning step: Use the whole herb harvester to straddle the ridge of the medicinal herb crop, so that the negative pressure device of the machine is horizontally attached to the surface above the stems and leaves.

[0069] Negative pressure suction procedure: Start the negative pressure fan, and the negative pressure airflow generated by the negative pressure device will suck up the stems and leaves of the Chinese medicinal materials, making the stems and leaves stand up at the air inlet;

[0070] Cutting steps: Use a cutting knife to cut the upright stems and leaves. The height of the cutting knife can be adjusted according to the height of the Chinese medicinal material.

[0071] Collection steps: The cut stems and leaves are transported to the material collection chamber through a negative pressure hose. The material collection chamber is equipped with an airflow guide baffle to improve the settling effect.

[0072] Impurity separation step: Lighter dust and impurities are discharged from the collection chamber by the action of the fan, achieving the initial cleaning of the medicinal materials;

[0073] Adaptive adjustment steps: Based on the terrain and the height of the stems and leaves of Chinese medicinal herbs, the height of the cutter and the air inlet are automatically adjusted through the cutting platform device and the negative pressure lifting mechanism to adapt to different harvesting conditions;

[0074] Unloading procedure: The opening and closing of the unloading gate is controlled by operating the hydraulic jack to unload the Chinese medicinal materials from the collection bin.

[0075] In the negative pressure suction step, the size of the suction port of the negative pressure device can be adjusted by the inlet adjustment mechanism to accommodate Chinese medicinal materials with different characteristics. In the collection step, the unloading mechanism of the material collection bin is driven by a hydraulic jack to improve unloading efficiency and reduce manual labor. In the adaptive adjustment step, the cutting platform device includes a cutting platform adjustment mechanism and a cutting platform swing mechanism to adapt to crop ridges of different widths and uneven terrain. In the cutting step, the lifting guide rail and lifting sleeve ensure the smooth lifting and precise positioning of the cutter.

[0076] Specifically: The harvester straddles the ridges of medicinal herb crops, with the negative pressure harvesting device at the front lying horizontally on the surface above the stems and leaves, and the wheels on both sides moving in the furrows on either side of the ridge. During operation, the machine pushes the negative pressure harvesting device forward. The negative pressure device 3 and the cutting platform device 4 are connected by a hinge, allowing the machine to adjust its posture according to the terrain. The cutting blade of the harvesting device can be adjusted up and down in height by an electronically controlled hydraulic system according to the cutting location of the medicinal herb. At the same time, the height of the air intake can also be adjusted according to the height of the stems and leaves of different medicinal herbs, and the required negative pressure of the airflow at the air intake can also be adjusted by adjusting the size of the air intake.

[0077] When the machine is operating, the negative pressure airflow generated by the fan causes the stems and leaves of the Chinese medicinal materials to stand up at the air inlet of the negative pressure device 3. The cutting device behind the air inlet cuts the stems and leaves. The cut stems and leaves pass through the air inlet channel to the material collection chamber 7. Because the space of the material collection chamber 7 increases instantly and is equipped with an airflow guide baffle 8, the airflow will not flow directly from the round hole of the air duct to the round hole of the fan. This makes the stems and leaves settle better in the material collection chamber 7, while lighter dust and impurities are discharged from the fan outlet.

[0078] While the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A harvesting machine for whole-herb Chinese medicinal materials, characterized in that, include: Machine body, cutting table assembly, and negative pressure device; The machine body includes a frame and a material collection bin mounted on the frame. The front end of the material collection bin is provided with parallel ventilation openings. An airflow guide baffle is provided inside the material collection bin between the ventilation openings. The ventilation opening on the first side of the airflow guide baffle is connected to a negative pressure fan. The airflow guide baffle consists of a side plate arranged along the forward direction of the harvester, a horizontal plate with sieve holes, and a bottom plate, forming a square channel so that the airflow can only flow to the fan through the horizontal plate. The cutting platform device is rotatably mounted on the frame at the front end of the machine body, and a cutting blade is provided at the front end of the cutting platform; the cutting platform device includes a cutting platform adjustment mechanism, which includes a lifting arm, a lifting support, and a lifting hydraulic cylinder. The rear end of the lifting arm is hinged to the frame, the lifting support is located at the front end of the lifting arm, the fixed end of the lifting hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the frame, and the free end of the lifting hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the lifting arm. The cutting platform device also includes a cutting platform swing mechanism, which includes a cutting platform frame, a connecting shaft, and a pin. The cutting platform frame is located at the front end of the lifting arm, and the middle of the cutting platform frame is rotatably connected to the middle of the lifting arm through the connecting shaft. The pin is used to insert and fix the cutting platform frame onto the lifting arm when not in operation. The cutting table device also includes a negative pressure lifting mechanism, which includes a fixed support, a lifting hydraulic cylinder and a connecting plate. The fixed support is fixed on the cutting table frame, the lifting hydraulic cylinder is installed on the side of the fixed support, the connecting plate is fixed on the bottom side of the negative pressure device, and the top of the lifting hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the connecting plate. The negative pressure device is rotatably mounted on the cutting table device. The negative pressure device includes a negative pressure hose, which is connected to the vent on the second side of the airflow guide baffle. The negative pressure device also includes a variable diameter pipe and an air inlet. The variable diameter pipe is located on the bottom side of the negative pressure hose, and the air inlet is located on the bottom side of the variable diameter pipe. The air inlet is equipped with an inlet adjustment mechanism. The harvester straddles the ridge of medicinal herb crops, and the negative pressure device is horizontally attached to the surface above the stems and leaves. The negative pressure device is hinged to the cutting platform and can automatically adjust its posture according to changes in terrain.

2. The whole-herb medicinal herb harvesting machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rear end of the material collection bin is provided with a discharge mechanism, which includes a discharge gate and a hydraulic jack. The top of the discharge gate is hinged to the material collection bin. The hydraulic jack has a fixed end and a free end. The fixed end of the hydraulic jack is fixed to the side of the material collection bin, and the free end of the hydraulic jack is hinged to the discharge gate.

3. The whole-herb medicinal herb harvester as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting table device also includes a cutting blade lifting mechanism, which includes a mounting plate, a lead screw nut, a lifting hydraulic drive, and a lifting lead screw. The cutting blade is mounted on the mounting plate, and the lead screw nut is fixed on the mounting plate. The lifting hydraulic drive is mounted on the cutting table frame, and the upper end of the lifting lead screw is mounted on the lifting hydraulic drive, while the lower end of the lifting lead screw cooperates with the lead screw nut.

4. The whole-herb medicinal herb harvester as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The cutting tool lifting mechanism also includes a lifting guide rail and a lifting sleeve. The lifting sleeve is fixed on the mounting plate and located on both sides of the lead screw nut. The upper end of the lifting guide rail is mounted on the cutting table frame, and the lower end of the lifting guide rail is inserted into the through hole of the lifting sleeve and the mounting plate.

5. The whole-herb medicinal herb harvester as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment plate and an adjustment plate hydraulic cylinder. The adjustment plate is located inside the air intake, and the top of the adjustment plate is rotatably connected to the air intake. The adjustment plate hydraulic cylinder is installed on the side of the variable diameter pipe to drive the adjustment plate to rotate.

6. The whole-herb medicinal herb harvester as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The inlet adjustment mechanism further includes a hinged support, a first adjustment shaft, a first connecting block, a second adjustment shaft, and a second connecting block. The hinged support is fixed to the side of the variable diameter pipe. The upper end of the adjusting plate hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the hinged support, and the lower end of the adjusting plate hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the second connecting block. The lower end of the second connecting block is hinged to the first connecting block through the second adjustment shaft. The first connecting block is fixedly connected to the adjusting plate, and the upper end of the adjusting plate is rotatably mounted on the air intake through the first adjustment shaft.

7. A harvesting method for whole-herb medicinal materials as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, include: The harvester straddles the ridges of medicinal herb crops, with the negative pressure device positioned horizontally above the stems and leaves: Turn on the negative pressure fan. The negative pressure airflow generated by the negative pressure device will suck up the stems and leaves of the Chinese medicinal materials, making the stems and leaves stand up at the air inlet. Use a cutter to cut the standing stems and leaves. The cut stems and leaves are transported to the material collection chamber through a negative pressure hose. The airflow guide baffle in the material collection chamber causes the stems and leaves to settle inside, while lighter impurities are discharged by the fan.

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