Electrospinning seed coating apparatus and method

Abstract

The application discloses electrostatic spinning seed coating equipment and a method, which combines the advantages of electrostatic spinning technology and seed coating technology, uses high-voltage static electricity generated by a high-voltage static electricity generator to spray polymer solution into fine fibers, and uniformly coats the seed surface to form a protective film, which can not only slowly release the effective components in the seed coating agent, but also improve the stress resistance and germination rate of the seeds, and has very important significance in high-value crops such as ginseng. Moreover, the application has a wide application prospect, can significantly improve the quality and efficiency of seed coating, can play an important role in agricultural production, and can promote agricultural yield and income.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of agricultural equipment, and more particularly to an electrostatic spinning seed coating device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Seed coating is a technique that involves uniformly coating a protective film onto the surface of seeds to improve germination rate and growth quality. It's a new seed processing technology developed from traditional soaking and mixing techniques. It involves evenly coating the seeds with a chemical agent (seed coating agent) to prevent seedling diseases and pests, promote growth and development, and increase crop yield. Current seed coating technologies mainly use mechanical or manual methods to uniformly coat seeds with seed coating agents containing insecticides, fungicides, compound fertilizers, trace elements, plant growth regulators, etc. However, these methods suffer from low automation and poor sealing. Currently, seed coating mainly uses two methods: liquid-phase coating and dry powder coating. Liquid-phase coating involves soaking seeds in a liquid containing coating material and then drying to form a film. Dry powder coating involves mixing seeds with powdered coating material and then spraying an adhesive to make the powder adhere to the seed surface.

[0003] However, these methods have some problems, such as uneven coating thickness, easy peeling, and poor environmental friendliness. Electrospinning is a technique that uses electrostatic forces to prepare nanofibers. Its basic principle is to place a polymer solution or melt in a high-voltage electrostatic field, causing it to become charged and produce fine fibers. This technology has advantages such as simple manufacturing equipment, low spinning cost, a wide variety of spinnable materials, and controllable processes. In recent years, electrospinning technology has been widely used in agriculture, especially for high-value seeds such as ginseng, and for pest and disease control. Electrospinning technology is also widely used in various fields, including filter materials, energy materials, and biomedical materials. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides an electrostatic spinning seed coating device and method.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] An electrostatic spinning seed coating device includes: an electrostatic coating work box, a control unit, a coating liquid spraying system, a coating liquid spraying system moving slide, a seed supply unit, a seed plate adjusting robotic arm unit, a seed storage box, a seed plate transmission system, a seed plate mechanism, a temperature control system, and a high-voltage electrostatic generator; wherein, the control unit and the high-voltage electrostatic generator are fixedly installed on the upper edge of the electrostatic coating work box; the coating liquid spraying system and the coating liquid spraying system moving slide are installed inside the electrostatic coating work box, and the coating liquid spraying system is fixed on the coating liquid spraying system moving slide; the temperature control system is installed on the right side wall inside the electrostatic coating work box; a seed leakage hole is provided at the lower center of the electrostatic coating work box, and the seed storage box is located below the seed leakage hole; a support leg is provided at the lower end of the electrostatic coating work box; the seed supply unit and the electrostatic coating work box are connected through the seed plate transmission system; and the seed plate adjusting robotic arm unit is installed on the electrostatic coating work box.

[0007] Preferably, the coating liquid injection system includes a nozzle, a coating liquid injector, a coating liquid injection adjustment mechanism, a coating liquid injection propulsion motor, and a coating liquid storage unit.

[0008] Preferably, the seed plate adjusting robotic arm unit includes a robotic arm and a robotic hand.

[0009] Preferably, the seed plate transmission system includes a transmission device and a transmission device.

[0010] Preferably, the seed plate mechanism includes a seed plate, a coupling, a connecting bracket, and a motor.

[0011] Preferably, the left side wall of the electrostatic coating work box is also provided with a seed sorting and turning brush.

[0012] Preferably, the control unit and the high-voltage electrostatic generator are arranged side by side.

[0013] Preferably, the seed-leaking hole is rectangular in shape.

[0014] Preferably, the support legs are provided in four parts.

[0015] A method for electrospinning seed coating includes the following steps:

[0016] Step 1: Inject the coating solution or melt into the nozzle to form small droplets;

[0017] Step 2: The high-voltage electrostatic generator generates high-voltage static electricity, which charges the droplets and causes them to begin forming fibers;

[0018] Step 3: The seed plate mechanism captures the formed nanofibers and distributes them evenly below the nozzle;

[0019] Step 4: The seed plate conveying system delivers the seeds to be coated to the area below the nozzle, so that they are evenly distributed in the fiber layer;

[0020] Step 5: The temperature control system adjusts the internal temperature of the equipment to ensure that the seed coating agent cures at the appropriate temperature.

[0021] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art:

[0022] (1) The present invention can maintain a constant temperature in the coating area. The temperature control system can ensure that coating is carried out at a constant temperature, thereby improving the uniformity of the coating. This constant temperature control helps to reduce the changes in the diameter and morphology of the coating liquid caused by temperature fluctuations, thereby ensuring the consistency of coating quality.

[0023] (2) The present invention can adapt to the needs of different coating liquids. The temperature control system can adjust the temperature according to the characteristics of different coating liquids. For high boiling point coating liquids, the coating temperature can be increased appropriately to promote the volatilization of the coating liquid and the rapid solidification of the jet. For low boiling point coating liquids, the coating temperature can be reduced to avoid uneven coating of the coating liquid due to excessive solvent evaporation.

[0024] (3) The present invention can optimize environmental conditions. In addition to directly controlling the temperature of the coating solution, the temperature control system can also be used in combination with the humidity control system to achieve more complex environmental condition control. The ambient temperature and humidity can be comprehensively adjusted by changing the humidity at a constant temperature or changing the temperature at a constant humidity to further optimize the electrospinning process. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of an electrostatic spinning seed coating device and method according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a side view of an electrostatic spinning seed coating device and method according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the coating liquid spraying system of an electrostatic spinning seed coating device and method according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the seed plate mechanism of an electrostatic spinning seed coating device and method according to the present invention.

[0029] In the diagram: 1. Electrostatic coating work box; 2. Control unit; 3. Coating liquid spraying system; 4. Coating liquid spraying system moving slide; 5. Seed sorting and turning brush; 6. Seed supply unit; 7. Seed plate adjustment robotic arm unit; 8. Seed storage box; 9. Seed plate transmission system; 10. Seed plate mechanism; 11. Temperature control system; 12. High-voltage electrostatic generator; 301. Nozzle; 302. Coating liquid injector; 303. Coating liquid injection adjustment mechanism; 304. Coating liquid injection propulsion motor; 305. Coating liquid storage unit; 701. Robotic arm; 702. Robotic hand; 901. Transmission device; 902. Transmission device; 101. Seed plate; 102. Coupling; 103. Linking bracket; 104. Motor. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] An electrostatic spinning seed coating device includes: an electrostatic coating work box 1, a control unit 2, a coating liquid spraying system 3, a coating liquid spraying system moving slide 4, a seed supply unit 6, a seed plate adjusting robotic arm unit 7, a seed storage box 8, a seed plate transmission system 9, a seed plate mechanism 10, a temperature control system 11, and a high-voltage electrostatic generator 12.

[0032] Control Unit 2: The control unit is the nerve center of the entire system, responsible for coordinating the work of each module, ensuring the automation and intelligence of the entire coating process, managing the program flow of the entire equipment, and coordinating the collaborative work of each component; it can significantly improve the automation level of the equipment, and introduce a microcomputer control system to realize multiple safety protections and one-button shutdown function, ensuring that the equipment can be stopped quickly in an emergency.

[0033] Coating liquid spraying system 3: During operation, coating agent powder and spray binder aqueous solution are repeatedly added in stages; the coating liquid is atomized into the finest droplets and sprayed out to hit the seeds, even through the seeds. This atomization technology can ensure that the drug components are evenly attached to the seed surface.

[0034] Seed supply unit 6: used to automatically supply seeds to the seed plate or seed strip. At the same time, the seed supply unit is responsible for providing seeds to be coated to the coating system, ensuring that seeds continuously enter the coating area.

[0035] Seed plate adjustment robotic arm unit 7: Used to adjust the position and angle of the seed plate to adapt to different electrospinning conditions. This unit uses a robotic arm to precisely adjust the seed plate to accommodate seeds of different sizes and shapes, ensuring the efficiency and accuracy of the coating process.

[0036] Seed storage box 8: Used to store and manage coated seeds, making it convenient for users to classify and store different types of seeds;

[0037] Seed plate transfer system 9: Used to continuously transfer seed plates to ensure uniform seed distribution. This system is responsible for transferring seeds from one location to another, ensuring that seeds continuously pass through the coating liquid spraying system 3 and the electrospinning zone during the coating process.

[0038] Seed plate mechanism 10: The seed plate mechanism is used to fix and move seeds, ensuring that the seeds remain stable and uniform during the coating process; the seed plate can be adjusted by a robotic arm to accommodate seeds of different sizes and shapes, and to ensure the consistency of coating of all seeds during the coating process; the seed belt is also used to fix and transport seeds.

[0039] Temperature control system 11: used to regulate the temperature during the electrospinning process to ensure that the viscosity and flowability of the seed coating agent are suitable, thereby obtaining a uniform coating effect; at the same time, it is used to dry the coated seeds to form a stable coating layer. The drying device can be hot air drying, vacuum drying or other forms.

[0040] High voltage electrostatic generator 12: Used to generate high voltage electrostatics, usually between 10-50KV. The high voltage electrostatic generator generates a strong electric field by converting low voltage to high voltage, which causes the polymer solution or melt to form fine fibers under the action of the electric field.

[0041] The control unit 2 and the high-voltage electrostatic generator 12 are fixedly installed on the edge of the top side of the electrostatic coating work box 1. The coating liquid spraying system 3 and the coating liquid spraying system moving slide 4 are installed inside the electrostatic coating work box 1, and the coating liquid spraying system 3 is fixed on the coating liquid spraying system moving slide 4. The temperature control system 11 is installed on the right side wall inside the electrostatic coating work box 1. A seed leakage hole is provided in the middle of the bottom of the electrostatic coating work box 1, and a seed storage box 8 is provided below the seed leakage hole. A support leg 13 is provided at the bottom of the electrostatic coating work box 1. The seed supply unit 6 and the electrostatic coating work box 1 are connected through the seed plate transmission system 9. The seed plate adjustment robotic arm unit 7 is installed on the electrostatic coating work box 6.

[0042] The coating fluid injection system 3 includes a nozzle 301, a coating fluid injector 302, a coating fluid injection adjustment mechanism 303, a coating fluid injection propulsion motor 304, and a coating fluid storage unit 305.

[0043] The seed plate adjustment robotic arm unit 7 includes a robotic arm 701 and a robotic hand 702.

[0044] The seed plate transmission system 9 includes transmission device 901 and transmission device 902.

[0045] The seed plate mechanism 10 includes a seed plate 101, a coupling 102, a connecting bracket 103, and a motor 104.

[0046] The left side wall of the electrostatic coating work box 1 is also equipped with a seed sorting and turning brush 5.

[0047] The control unit 2 and the high-voltage electrostatic generator 12 are arranged side by side.

[0048] The seed-leaking hole is set to a rectangular shape.

[0049] There are 4 supporting legs 13.

[0050] Includes the following steps:

[0051] Step 1: Inject the coating solution or melt into the nozzle 301 to form small droplets;

[0052] Step 2: The high-voltage electrostatic generator 12 generates high-voltage static electricity, which charges the droplets and begins to form fibers;

[0053] Step 3: The seed plate mechanism 10 captures the formed nanofibers and distributes them evenly below the nozzle 301;

[0054] Step 4: The seed plate conveying system 9 delivers the seeds to be coated to below the nozzle 301, so that they are evenly distributed in the fiber layer;

[0055] Step 5: Temperature control system 11 adjusts the internal temperature of the equipment to ensure that the seed coating agent cures at the appropriate temperature.

[0056] The principle of electrostatic coating is as follows:

[0057] An electric field is generated through charge separation, which in turn produces high voltage. Specifically, the power supply inputs electrical energy into the control circuit, which then controls the transformer's operation as needed. The transformer increases the input voltage to the required high voltage, and the alternating current is converted to direct current by a rectifier. The energy is then stored in an energy storage device and finally output as high voltage through the output electrodes. Furthermore, an electrostatic generator can also separate charges through friction or ionization, causing positive and negative charges to accumulate on two different electrodes, creating a high potential difference.

[0058] In the seed coating process, the high-voltage electrostatic generator plays a specific role in changing the charge properties of the seed surface by using the high voltage it generates. When the seed passes through the electrostatic generator, the seed becomes charged, usually with a negative charge. This charged seed can better contact and adsorb with the coating material, thereby achieving a uniform coating effect.

[0059] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any limitation on the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, any minor modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrospinning seed coating apparatus, characterized by, Comprise: Electrostatic coating work box (1), control unit (2), coating liquid injection system (3), coating liquid injection system mobile sliding table (4), seed supply unit (6), seed plate adjusting mechanical arm unit (7), seed storage box (8), seed plate transmission system (9), seed plate mechanism (10), temperature control system (11) and high voltage electrostatic generator (12); wherein, the control unit (2) and the high voltage electrostatic generator (12) are fixedly arranged on the edge of the upper right side of the electrostatic coating work box (1), the coating liquid injection system (3) and the coating liquid injection system mobile sliding table (4) are arranged inside the electrostatic coating work box (1), and the coating liquid injection system (3) is fixed on the coating liquid injection system mobile sliding table (4), the temperature control system (11) is arranged on the right side wall inside the electrostatic coating work box (1), the electrostatic coating work box (1) is provided with a seed leakage hole in the middle position of the lower surface, and the seed storage box (8) is arranged below the seed leakage hole; the electrostatic coating work box (1) is provided with supporting legs (13) at the lower end; the seed supply unit (6) and the electrostatic coating work box (1) are connected through the seed plate transmission system (9), and the seed plate adjusting mechanical arm unit (7) is arranged on the electrostatic coating work box (6); Wherein, the high voltage electrostatic generator (12) generates high voltage electrostatic, makes the liquid droplet charge and begins to form fiber; the seed plate mechanism (10) captures the formed nanofiber and uniformly distributes it below the spray head (301); the temperature control system (11) adjusts the internal temperature of the equipment to ensure that the seed coating agent is solidified at an appropriate temperature.

2. The electrospinning seed coating apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The coating liquid injection system (3) comprises a spray head (301), a coating liquid injector (302), a coating liquid injection adjusting mechanism (303), a coating liquid injection propelling motor (304) and a coating liquid storage unit (305).

3. The electrospinning seed coating apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The seed plate adjusting mechanical arm unit (7) comprises a mechanical arm (701) and a mechanical hand (702).

4. The electrospinning seed coating apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The seed plate transmission system (9) comprises a transmission device (901) and a transmission device (902).

5. The electrospinning seed coating apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The seed plate mechanism (10) comprises a seed plate (101), a shaft coupling (102), a linkage bracket (103) and a motor (104).

6. The electrospinning seed coating apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The left side wall of the electrostatic coating work box (1) is further provided with a seed arrangement and turnover brush (5).

7. The electrospinning seed coating apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The control unit (2) and the high voltage electrostatic generator (12) are arranged side by side.

8. The electrospinning seed coating apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The shape of the seed leakage hole is rectangular.

9. The electrospinning seed coating apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The supporting legs (13) are provided with four.

10. An electrospinning seed coating method, characterized by, Comprise the following steps: Step 1: inject the coating liquid solution or melt into the spray head (301) to form small droplets; Step 2: the high voltage electrostatic generator (12) generates high voltage electrostatic, makes the liquid droplet charge and begins to form fiber; Step 3: the seed plate mechanism (10) captures the formed nanofiber and uniformly distributes it below the spray head (301); Step 4: the seed plate transmission system (9) transports the seed to be coated to the lower side of the spray head (301) to make it uniformly distributed in the fiber layer; Step 5: The temperature control system (11) adjusts the temperature inside the device to ensure that the seed coating agent is cured at the appropriate temperature.

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