A monitoring method for potato tuber planter

Abstract

The present invention discloses a monitoring method for a potato tuber seeder, which includes a tuber storage box, a chain, a seed spoon and a seed discharge pipe, and also includes a seed spoon detection sensor and a seed collection monitoring sensor; the chain is provided with multiple seed collection groups, each seed collection group includes two seed spoons of the same height and arranged on both sides of the chain; the seeder also includes a switching mechanism capable of changing the state of the seed spoon; the monitoring method includes: obtaining the seed holding status of each seed spoon in the seed spoon group passing through the seed collection monitoring sensor, and obtaining the seed holding status of the seed spoon group based on this; counting the comprehensive seed holding status of N consecutive seed spoon groups; managing the status of the seed spoons of each group according to the comprehensive seed holding status; by arranging the seed spoons in groups on the chain and managing the status of the seed spoons as needed, seed collection backup can be achieved, and the backup tubers can be transferred to the seed spoon group that lacks seeds or the excess tubers can be discarded as needed, so that the problem of seed leakage in the seed spoon type seeder can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of potato sowing, in particular to a monitoring method for a potato tuber seeder. Background Art

[0002] Potatoes, a globally cultivated and important crop, are not only a primary source of food in many countries but are also crucial to human health due to their rich nutritional value, including carbohydrates, vitamin C, and minerals. They hold an irreplaceable position in the agricultural economy. Furthermore, their adaptability allows them to grow in a wide range of climates, contributing to food security and increasing farmers' incomes. The automatic potato tuber seeder is a product of modern agricultural mechanization, designed to improve seeding efficiency and quality. While traditional scoop seeders offer mechanized operation, they suffer from several drawbacks: unstable seed placement with the scoop can easily lead to missed seeds.

[0003] In the prior art, patent CN 107703831 A discloses a missed seeding detection and replanting system, an integrated potato missed seeding detection and replanting control system, and a method thereof. The system uses photoelectric, piezoelectric, and Hall sensor signals to accurately detect missed seeding locations and uses counting to accurately determine the replanting time. During replanting, an acceleration control method is used to bypass the missing seeding spoon and replant with the next available seeding spoon. In this patent solution, when the acceleration control method is used to bypass the missing seeding spoon and replant with the next available seeding spoon, there is a delay in motor acceleration, which affects the planting spacing. In this method, the chain speed needs to be adjusted according to the machine operating speed to maintain the plant spacing, which increases the control difficulty. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Purpose of the invention: In order to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides a monitoring method for a potato tuber planter that can monitor missed seeds and replant them in time without affecting the sowing spacing.

[0005] Technical solution: To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides a monitoring method for a potato tuber planter, wherein the planter includes a tuber storage box, a chain, a seed spoon, and a seed discharging pipe, wherein the seed spoons are equidistantly installed on the chain; the planter also includes a seed spoon detection sensor and a seed removal monitoring sensor, wherein the seed removal monitoring sensor is used to detect whether there are potato tubers in the seed spoon; when the chain is running, the seed spoon can circulate in and out of the tuber storage box, and the seed spoon can take out the potato tubers in the tuber storage box to achieve seed separation; as the chain runs, the seed spoon carries the potato tubers into the seed discharging pipe, and the seed discharging pipe puts the potato tubers into the furrow opened in the ground to achieve seeding; the drive sprocket corresponding to the chain is driven by the ground wheel, and the speed of the ground wheel changes dynamically with the vehicle speed;

[0006] All the seed spoons installed on the chain form a plurality of seed taking groups, each of which includes two seed spoons of the same height and disposed on both sides of the chain; the seed spoons can switch between a seed holding state and a release state relative to the chain;

[0007] The planter further includes a switching mechanism capable of changing the state of the seed scoop; the seed taking monitoring sensor is located below the switching mechanism;

[0008] The monitoring method includes the following steps S101-S103:

[0009] Step S101, obtaining the seed holding status of each seed spoon in the seed spoon group passing through the seed collection monitoring sensor, and obtaining the seed holding status of the seed spoon group based on the seed holding status, wherein the seed holding status of the seed spoon group includes: double seed holding, single seed holding, and double empty spoons; the double seed holding status means that both seed spoons in the seed spoon group have potato tubers, the single seed holding status means that only one seed spoon in the seed spoon group has potato tubers, and the double empty spoon status means that neither seed spoon in the seed spoon group has potato tubers;

[0010] Step S102, counting the comprehensive seed holding status of N consecutive seed spoon groups, where N is a preset fixed value; in this solution, N=3 is used for illustration;

[0011] Step S103, managing the status of the seed spoons of each group according to the comprehensive seed holding situation; specifically: when a seed spoon group at a lower position is short of seeds, the seed spoon group at a higher position transfers excess tubers to the seed spoon group that is short of seeds; when no seed spoon group is short of seeds, the seed spoon group at a higher position releases and discards the excess tubers and returns them to the tuber storage box.

[0012] In the above method, by arranging seed spoons in groups on the chain and managing the status of the seed spoons as needed, seed backup can be achieved, and the backup tubers can be transferred to the seed spoon group that is short of seeds or the excess tubers can be discarded as needed. In this way, the problem of seed spoon-type seeders easily missing seeds can be solved.

[0013] In the prior art, a motor is used to accelerate the tubers of the next seed scoop into the seeding pipe to make up for the missing seeds. However, there is a delay in the acceleration of the motor in the prior art, which will affect the planting spacing. In the prior art, the running speed of the chain needs to be adjusted according to the running speed of the machine to maintain the spacing. In comparison, in the present invention, the chain can be driven by the ground wheel to maintain the consistent spacing. The monitoring and adjustment process will not affect the spacing, and no additional computing power is required to maintain the spacing.

[0014] Furthermore, the management of the status of the seed spoons of each group according to the seed distribution status in the above step S103 includes the following steps S201-S202:

[0015] Step S201, when the seed spoon detection sensor generates a trigger signal each time, determining whether the current N seed spoon groups are all single-holding seeding or double-holding seeding, and obtaining a first determination result;

[0016] Step S202, when the first judgment result is yes: when the seed spoon group at the highest position among the N groups is in a double-holding seeding situation, the switching mechanism is used to discard excess tubers;

[0017] Step S203, when the first judgment result is no: for the seed spoon group in the double empty spoon situation, determine whether there are extra tubers in the seed spoon group located higher than it. If so, the seed spoon group in the double empty spoon is supplemented by transferring tubers so that it has potato tubers. Otherwise, an alarm is issued.

[0018] In addition, after executing the above steps S201-S203, the seed holding status of the seed spoon group with the highest position is eliminated, and the seed holding status of a new group of seed spoon groups is added after the seed spoon detection sensor generates a trigger signal next time. In this way, the above steps S201-S203 are continued to be executed for continuous operation.

[0019] Furthermore, the seed spoon comprises a seed spoon body and a seat fixed on the link of the chain, and further comprises a support rod; the seed spoon body is rotatably mounted relative to the seat, the support rod can slide relative to the seat, and a spring is provided between the support rod and the seat; a guide rod is fixed on the support rod;

[0020] The switching mechanism includes a transverse pushing block capable of acting on the guide rod and a transverse pushing unit for causing the transverse pushing block to translate.

[0021] In the seed holding state, the supporting rod presses against the bottom of the seed spoon body, so that the seed spoon body is placed horizontally; the horizontal pushing unit acts on the guide rod through the horizontal pushing block, so that the supporting rod leaves the bottom of the seed spoon body, and the seed spoon body rotates downward to release the tuber.

[0022] Furthermore, the seed spoon detection sensor is a proximity sensor.

[0023] Furthermore, the seed collection monitoring sensor is a camera, which determines whether there are potato tubers in the seed spoon through image recognition.

[0024] Furthermore, two sets of the switching mechanisms are provided on each side of the chain, which are respectively used for discarding the tubers on the seed spoon and transferring the tubers on the seed spoon downward.

[0025] To prevent the seed spoon from impacting the seed spoon below when discarding tubers, the tuber storage box is equipped with an inclined guide plate, a limit plate, and a tension spring acting on the guide plate. The limit plate limits the guide plate's lowest position, allowing it to rotate upward from the limit plate's position, while the tension spring forces the guide plate to rotate downward. During operation, the seed spoon ascends, pushing the guide plate upward to pass over its edge and reach its upper position. When the seed spoon needs to discard tubers, a switching mechanism releases the seed spoon, allowing the tubers to fall onto the guide plate and then back into the tuber storage box, preventing them from impacting the seed spoon below.

[0026] In order to prevent the tubers from falling when the upper seed spoon transfers the tubers to the lower seed spoon, resulting in transfer failure, a seed protection channel is provided in the tuber storage box. The seed spoon can pass through the seed protection channel, and the operation of transferring the tubers is carried out in the seed protection channel to ensure successful transfer.

[0027] Beneficial effects: The potato tuber planter monitoring method of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0028] (1) By arranging seed spoons in groups on the chain and managing the status of the seed spoons as needed, it is possible to achieve seed backup and transfer the backup tubers to the seed spoon group that is short of seeds or discard the excess tubers as needed. In this way, the problem of seed spoon-type seeders easily missing seeds can be solved.

[0029] (2) In the prior art, a motor is used to accelerate the tubers of the next seed scoop into the seeding pipe to make up for the missing seeds. However, there is a delay in the motor acceleration in the prior art, which affects the planting spacing. In addition, the chain speed needs to be adjusted according to the machine running speed to maintain the plant spacing. In comparison, in the present invention, the chain can be driven by the ground wheel to maintain the consistent plant spacing. The monitoring and adjustment process will not affect the plant spacing, and no additional computing power is required to maintain the plant spacing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sowing part of the seeder;

[0031] Figure 2 It is a side view of the sowing part of the seeder;

[0032] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Middle AA cross-sectional structural diagram;

[0033] Figure 4 This is the combined structure diagram of the seed spoon and chain;

[0034] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The enlarged structural diagram of part B;

[0035] Figure 6 This is the structural diagram of the switching mechanism.

[0036] In the figure: 1-tuber storage box; 2-chain; 3-seeding spoon; 31-seeding spoon body; 32-base; 33-support rod; 34-spring; 35-guide rod; 4-seeding pipe; 5-seeding spoon detection sensor; 6-seed taking monitoring sensor; 7-switching mechanism; 71-transverse pushing block; 72-transverse pushing unit; 81-guide plate; 82-limiting plate; 83-tension spring; 9-seed protection channel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 3 The potato tuber planter monitoring method shown in the figure includes a tuber storage box 1, a chain 2, a seed scoop 3, and a seed discharge pipe 4. The seed scoops 3 are evenly spaced on the chain 2. The planter also includes a seed scoop detection sensor 5 and a seed removal monitoring sensor 6. The seed removal monitoring sensor 6 is used to detect whether there are potato tubers in the seed scoop 3. In this embodiment, the seed scoop detection sensor 5 is a proximity sensor. The seed removal monitoring sensor 6 is a camera that determines whether there are potato tubers in the seed scoop 3 through image recognition.

[0039] When the chain 2 is running, the seed spoon 3 can circulate in and out of the tuber storage box 1, and the seed spoon 3 can take out the potato tubers in the tuber storage box 1 to achieve seeding. As the chain 2 runs, the seed spoon 3 carries the potato tubers into the seeding pipe 4, and the seeding pipe 4 puts the potato tubers into the furrow opened in the land to achieve sowing; the driving sprocket corresponding to the chain 2 is driven by the ground wheel, and the speed of the ground wheel changes dynamically with the vehicle speed;

[0040] All the seed spoons 3 installed on the chain 2 form a plurality of seed taking groups, each of which includes two seed spoons 3 of the same height and disposed on both sides of the chain 2; the seed spoons 3 can switch between a seed holding state and a release state relative to the chain 2;

[0041] The planter further includes a switching mechanism 7 capable of changing the state of the seed scoop 3; the seed taking monitoring sensor 6 is located below the switching mechanism 7;

[0042] The monitoring method includes the following steps S101-S103:

[0043] Step S101, obtaining the seed holding status of each seed spoon 3 in the seed spoon group through the seed taking monitoring sensor 6, and obtaining the seed holding status of the seed spoon group based on the seed holding status, which includes: double seed holding, single seed holding and double empty spoons; the double seed holding status means that both seed spoons 3 in the seed spoon group have potato tubers, the single seed holding status means that only one seed spoon 3 in the seed spoon group has potato tubers, and the double empty spoon status means that both seed spoons in the seed spoon group have no potato tubers;

[0044] Step S102, counting the comprehensive seed holding status of N consecutive seed spoon groups, where N is a preset fixed value; in this embodiment, N=3 is used for illustration;

[0045] Step S103, managing the status of the seed spoons 3 of each group according to the comprehensive seed holding situation; specifically: when a seed spoon group at a lower position is short of seeds, the seed spoon group at a higher position transfers excess tubers to the seed spoon group that is short of seeds; when no seed spoon group is short of seeds, the seed spoon group at a higher position releases and discards the excess tubers and returns them to the tuber storage box 1.

[0046] In the above method, by arranging seed spoons 3 in groups on the chain 2 and managing the status of the seed spoons 3 as needed, seed backup can be achieved, and the backup tubers can be transferred to the seed spoon group that is short of seeds or the excess tubers can be discarded as needed. In this way, the problem of seed spoon-type seeders easily missing seeds can be solved.

[0047] In the prior art, a motor is used to accelerate the tubers of the next seed scoop into the seeding pipe to make up for the missing seeds. However, there is a delay in the acceleration of the motor in the prior art, which will affect the planting spacing. In the prior art, the running speed of the chain needs to be adjusted according to the running speed of the machine to maintain the spacing. In comparison, in the present invention, the chain 2 can be driven by the ground wheel to maintain the consistent spacing. The monitoring and adjustment process will not affect the spacing, and no additional computing power is required to maintain the spacing.

[0048] Preferably, the management of the status of the seed spoons 3 of each group according to the seed distribution status in the above step S103 includes the following steps S201-S202:

[0049] Step S201, when the seed spoon detection sensor 5 generates a trigger signal each time, it is determined whether the current N seed spoon groups are all single-holding seeding or double-holding seeding, and a first determination result is obtained;

[0050] Step S202, when the first judgment result is yes: when the seed spoon group at the highest position among the N groups is in a double-holding seeding situation, the switching mechanism 7 is used to discard excess tubers;

[0051] Step S203, when the first judgment result is no: for the seed spoon group in the double empty spoon situation, determine whether there are extra tubers in the seed spoon group located higher than it. If so, the seed spoon group in the double empty spoon is supplemented by transferring tubers so that it has potato tubers. Otherwise, an alarm is issued.

[0052] In addition, after executing the above steps S201-S203, the seed holding status of the seed spoon group with the highest position is eliminated, and the seed holding status of a new group of seed spoon groups is added after the seed spoon detection sensor 5 generates a trigger signal next time. In this way, the above steps S201-S203 are continued to be executed for continuous operation.

[0053] In the above method, when the value of N is appropriate, continuous and trouble-free operation of the machine can be achieved.

[0054] When N = 3, if the seed counts of the three seeding spoon groups are 2, 2, 0 or 1, 2, 0, the middle seeding spoon group will reseed the seeding spoon group at the bottom. If the seed counts of the three seeding spoon groups are 2, 1, 0, the highest seeding spoon group will reseed the seeding spoon group at the middle, and the middle seeding spoon group will reseed the seeding spoon group at the bottom. If the seed counts of the three seeding spoon groups are 1, 1, 0, an alarm will be issued.

[0055] Preferably, if Figure 4 As shown, the seed spoon 3 includes a seed spoon body 31 and a base 32 fixed to the link of the chain 2, and also includes a support rod 33; the seed spoon body 31 is rotatably mounted relative to the base 32, the support rod 33 can slide relative to the base 32, and a spring 34 is provided between the support rod 33 and the base 32; a guide rod 35 is fixed to the support rod 33;

[0056] like Figure 6As shown, the switching mechanism 7 includes a transverse pushing block 71 capable of acting on the guide rod 35 and a transverse pushing unit 72 for causing the transverse pushing block 71 to translate. In addition, it also includes a guide plate 73 with a guide groove, and the guide rod 35 can move in the guide groove. The guide groove has a vertically arranged main groove 73a. When the guide rod 35 moves in the main groove 73a, the seed spoon 3 is in a seed holding state (in the seed holding state, the seed spoon body 31 is placed horizontally, and there is not necessarily a tuber in it). The guide groove also includes a branch groove 73b deviating from the main groove and an inclined groove 73c connecting the branch groove 73b and the main groove 73a. When the guide rod 35 is placed in the branch groove 73b, the seed spoon 3 is in a released state. The horizontal pushing block 71 has a slot 71a for the guide rod 35 to pass through. After the guide rod 35 of the seed spoon 3 enters the slot 71a, when it is necessary to switch the seed spoon 3 to the released state, the horizontal pushing unit 72 causes the horizontal pushing block 71 to translate horizontally so that the slot 71a is docked with the branch groove 73b. After the guide rod 35 enters the branch groove 73b, the horizontal pushing unit 72 resets the horizontal pushing block 71. When the guide rod 35 moves in the branch groove 73b, the seed spoon 3 is maintained in the released state, and then the guide rod 35 returns to the main groove 73a through the inclined groove 73c, so that the seed spoon 3 returns to the seed holding state.

[0057] In the seed holding state, the supporting rod 33 presses against the bottom of the seed spoon body 31, so that the seed spoon body 31 is placed horizontally; the horizontal pushing unit 72 acts on the guide rod 35 through the horizontal pushing block 71, so that the supporting rod 33 leaves the bottom of the seed spoon body 31, and the seed spoon body 31 rotates downward to release the tuber.

[0058] Preferably, two sets of the switching mechanisms 7 are provided on each side of the chain 2, which are respectively used to discard the tubers on the seed spoon 3 and transfer the tubers on the seed spoon 3 downward.

[0059] In order to prevent the seed spoon 3 from affecting the seed spoon 3 below when discarding the tuber, Figure 5 As shown, the tuber storage box 1 is equipped with an inclined guide plate 81, a limit plate 82, and a tension spring 83 acting on the guide plate 81. The limit plate 82 limits the lowest position of the guide plate 81, allowing the guide plate 81 to rotate upward from the position of the limit plate 82. The tension spring 83 forces the guide plate 81 to rotate downward. During operation, the seed scoop 3 ascends, pushing the guide plate 81 upward to pass the edge of the guide plate 81 and reach the top of the guide plate 81. When the seed scoop 3 needs to discard tubers, the switching mechanism 7 switches the seed scoop 3 to a released state. The tubers released by the seed scoop 3 fall onto the guide plate 81 and fall back along the guide plate 81 into the tuber storage box 1, preventing them from hitting the seed scoop 3 below.

[0060] In order to prevent the tubers from falling when the upper seed spoon 3 is transferred to the lower seed spoon 3, resulting in transfer failure, a seed protection channel 9 is provided in the tuber storage box 1. The seed spoon 3 can pass through the seed protection channel 9, and the operation of transferring the tubers is carried out in the seed protection channel 9 to ensure successful transfer.

[0061] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring a potato tuber planter, the planter comprising a tuber storage box (1), a chain (2), a seed scoop (3), and a seed discharge pipe (4), wherein the seed scoops (3) are equidistantly mounted on the chain (2); a seed scoop detection sensor (5) and a seed removal monitoring sensor (6); and characterized in that: All the seed spoons (3) installed on the chain (2) form a plurality of seed spoon groups, each seed spoon group comprising two seed spoons (3) of the same height and disposed on both sides of the chain (2); the seed spoons (3) are capable of switching between a seed holding state and a release state relative to the chain (2); The seed drill further comprises a switching mechanism (7) capable of changing the state of the seed scoop (3); Monitoring methods include: Obtaining the seed holding status of each seed spoon (3) in the seed spoon group through the seed taking monitoring sensor (6), and obtaining the seed holding status of the seed spoon group based on the information, the seed holding status of the seed spoon group including: double seed holding, single seed holding and double empty spoons; Counting the comprehensive seed holding status of N consecutive seed spoon groups, where N is a preset fixed value; The status of the seed spoons (3) of each group is managed according to the comprehensive seed holding situation; specifically, when a seed spoon group at a lower position is short of seeds, the seed spoon group at a higher position transfers excess tubers to the seed spoon group that is short of seeds; when no seed spoon group is short of seeds, the seed spoon group at a higher position releases and discards excess tubers; The state of the seed spoons (3) of each group is managed according to the comprehensive seed holding situation, including: When the seed spoon detection sensor (5) generates a trigger signal each time, it is judged whether the current N seed spoon groups are all single-holding seeding or double-holding seeding, and a first judgment result is obtained; When the first judgment result is yes: when the seed spoon group at the highest position in the N groups is in a double-holding seeding situation, the switching mechanism (7) is used to cause it to discard excess tubers; When the first judgment result is no: for the seed spoon group with two empty spoons, determine whether there are extra tubers in the seed spoon group located higher than it, and if so, make up for the extra tubers in the seed spoon group with two empty spoons by transferring tubers, otherwise, issue an alarm; The seed spoon (3) comprises a seed spoon body (31) and a seat body (32) fixed on the link of the chain (2), and also comprises a supporting rod (33); the seed spoon body (31) is rotatably mounted relative to the seat body (32), the supporting rod (33) is capable of sliding relative to the seat body (32), and a spring (34) is provided between the supporting rod (33) and the seat body (32); a guide rod (35) is fixed on the supporting rod (33); The switching mechanism (7) comprises a transverse pushing block (71) capable of acting on the guide rod (35) and a transverse pushing unit (72) for causing the transverse pushing block (71) to move in translation; Two sets of switching mechanisms (7) are provided on each side of the chain (2), respectively used for discarding the tubers on the seed spoon (3) and transferring the tubers on the seed spoon (3) downward; A seed protection channel (9) is provided in the tuber storage box (1), and the seed spoon (3) can pass through the seed protection channel (9), and the operation of transferring the tubers is performed in the seed protection channel (9).

2. The potato tuber planter monitoring method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seed spoon detection sensor (5) is a proximity sensor.

3. The potato tuber planter monitoring method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seeding monitoring sensor (6) is a camera.

4. The potato tuber planter monitoring method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two sets of the switching mechanisms (7) are provided on each side of the chain (2).

Images