Seedling raising hole tray with holes formed in side face and application of seedling raising hole tray in seedling raising

Abstract

The invention relates to a seedling-raising hole tray with holes formed in the side face and application of the seedling-raising hole tray to seedling raising. The seedling-raising hole tray comprises a hole tray body. The hole tray further comprises a plurality of groups of side holes which are symmetrically formed in the hole tray body; multiple groups of guide rails; the switching frame is slidably embedded with the guide rail, a top plate is arranged in the switching frame, and the switching frame and the top plate are provided with a first channel and a second channel respectively; the first channel and the second channel are hermetically connected through a gasket; the rotary knob can drive the switching frame to slide on the guide rail so as to switch the gaskets with different hole diameters to be matched with the side holes; the side holes are formed, so that the problem that a root system drills out of the bottom can be effectively avoided, and the probability that a main root is pulled apart during seedling lifting is reduced; water cannot be directly and quickly lost from the bottom, so that the water retention time of the substrate is remarkably prolonged, and the watering frequency is reduced; the air root cutting effect is effectively improved through the side holes; the formation of developed and full root clusters of seedling root systems in the seedling culture substrate is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a seedling tray, specifically a seedling tray with side openings and its application in seedling cultivation. Background Technology

[0002] In agricultural production, seedling raising is the first and most crucial step in crop cultivation, as its quality directly determines the crop's later growth, resilience, and even final yield. Traditional seedling raising methods mainly include bare-root seedling raising in the field, seedling raising in nutrient pots, and seedling raising in plug trays. While bare-root seedling raising in the field is inexpensive, it requires a large area, is difficult to control for pests and diseases, causes severe root damage, and has a long recovery period after transplanting, making it unsuitable for the demands of modern, intensive agricultural production. Seedling raising in nutrient pots (such as plastic pots and clay pots) protects the root system to some extent, but it still has inherent limitations such as low production efficiency, poor standardization, high labor intensity, and inconvenience for long-distance transportation. In contrast, plug tray seedling raising has the advantages of precision sowing, environmental control, and industrialized water and fertilizer management compared to bare-root seedling raising in the field and seedling raising in nutrient pots, making it the core of modern seedling raising.

[0003] Common plug seedling cultivation uses plastic trays with standardized holes (holes at the bottom) as containers, filled with lightweight artificial substrate for seedling cultivation. This greatly improves space utilization and production efficiency, enabling mass and standardized production of seedlings. Furthermore, the lightweight substrate and independent hole design allow the seedling roots to form independent root balls within the holes, facilitating mechanized transplanting and long-distance transportation. It also enables precise environmental control (temperature, light, water, air, and fertilizer), which is beneficial for cultivating uniform, robust, and high-quality seedlings.

[0004] However, in seedling trays with holes at the bottom, once the roots grow downwards and reach the bottom of the tray, they sense changes in light, air, and humidity from the holes, resulting in a strong "burrowing" effect. The main root and some lateral roots quickly penetrate the holes, either embedding themselves in the gaps of the tray below or being exposed to the air. This inevitably leads to these protruding roots being forcibly broken off during transplanting, causing severe mechanical damage. This "root damage" not only significantly prolongs the recovery period after transplanting, causing plant growth stagnation, but also opens the door for soil-borne pathogens (such as Fusarium and Pythium), increasing the risk of disease. At the same time, the outward drilling of roots disrupts the root ball morphology within the tray, preventing the formation of a full and compact root ball, thus weakening the core advantages of seedling tray cultivation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a seedling tray with side openings and its application in seedling cultivation, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A seedling tray with side openings, comprising a tray body; It also includes multiple sets of symmetrically arranged side holes opened on the body of the acupuncture plate; Multiple sets of guide rails are mounted on the body of the acupuncture plate and are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the side hole; A switching frame is slidably fitted with the guide rail. A top plate is slidably disposed within the switching frame. Multiple sets of first and second channels with increasing apertures along the length of the guide rail are respectively opened on the switching frame and the top plate. The first and second channels are sealed and connected by gaskets. A knob is rotatably mounted on the switching frame; the knob can drive the switching frame to slide on the guide rail to switch the fit of washers with different hole diameters with the side hole. It also includes a seal, which, when the knob is turned, can move the seal to move the gasket closer to or further away from the cavity plate body via the top plate.

[0007] As described above, the side-perforated seedling tray includes a sealing element comprising a rotating shaft rotatably mounted on the top plate, the rotating shaft being fixedly connected to the knob; symmetrically arranged top blocks are mounted on the rotating shaft; and a mating block that abuts against the top blocks is mounted on the switching frame.

[0008] As described above, the seedling tray with side openings has two sides that are inclined.

[0009] As described above, the side-perforated seedling tray has multiple sets of sliders installed on the switching frame; and a groove is provided on the top plate to slide and engage with the sliders.

[0010] As described above, the side-perforated seedling tray has multiple sets of equidistant locking grooves on its side; and multiple sets of equidistant locking blocks that cooperate with the locking grooves are installed on the top plate.

[0011] As described above, the side-perforated seedling tray has a locking block that is triangular in shape.

[0012] As described above, the side-perforated seedling tray has the following features: a positioning plate is mounted on the knob; a fixing plate is mounted on the guide rail, and multiple sets of positioning blocks are mounted on the fixing plate; the positioning blocks can cooperate with the positioning plate.

[0013] As described above, the side-perforated seedling tray has multiple sets of protruding blocks installed circumferentially on the knob.

[0014] As described above, in the side-perforated seedling tray: the outer diameter of each washer is larger than the diameter of the side hole.

[0015] The application of the side-perforated seedling trays as described above in seedling cultivation.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: The side holes effectively prevent roots from emerging from the bottom, thus reducing the probability of the taproot being broken during seedling removal. They also greatly reduce root damage during transplanting and lower the risk of disease caused by wound infection, laying a solid foundation for rapid seedling recovery and healthy growth after transplanting. Furthermore, the side holes prevent water from flowing directly out of the bottom and instead allow it to diffuse laterally and penetrate downwards within the substrate of the seedling tray. This water distribution pattern significantly extends the water retention time of the substrate, reducing the frequency of watering.

[0017] Meanwhile, it ensures more uniform moisture throughout the substrate, providing a more stable and superior moisture environment for seed germination and seedling growth. The side holes effectively increase the effect of air-induced root pruning; this helps seedling roots form a well-developed and plump root ball in the seedling substrate; and this root ball structure allows for easy and complete removal from the seedling tray during transplanting, without breaking the root ball or damaging the roots, achieving truly non-destructive transplanting; crops experience little or no recovery period after transplanting, quickly adapting to the new soil environment, accelerating growth, and ensuring increased yield and income. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a seedling tray with side openings.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram from a cross-sectional perspective.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a seedling tray with side openings from another perspective.

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram from a cross-sectional perspective.

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure at point B.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the guide rail structure in a seedling tray with side openings.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning block in a seedling tray with side openings.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the top plate of a seedling tray with side openings.

[0027] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the knob structure in a seedling tray with side openings.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Hole plate body; 101. Side hole; 102. Locking groove; 2. Guide rail; 3. Fixing plate; 301. Positioning block; 4. Switch frame; 401. Slider; 402. First channel; 403. Mating block; 5. Top plate; 501. Slide groove; 502. Second channel; 503. Locking block; 6. Washers; 7. Rotating shaft; 701. Top block; 8. Knob; 801. Positioning plate; 802. Protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0029] 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.

[0030] Furthermore, elements in this invention are referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, which may be directly on the other element or may also include an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or may also include an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementations.

[0031] Please see Figures 1-10 As an embodiment of the present invention, the seedling tray with side openings includes a tray body 1; It also includes multiple sets of symmetrically arranged side holes 101 formed on the body 1 of the acupuncture plate; Multiple sets of guide rails 2 are installed on the acupuncture plate body 1 and are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the side hole 101; The switching frame 4 is slidably fitted with the guide rail 2. A top plate 5 is slidably disposed inside the switching frame 4. Multiple sets of first channels 402 and second channels 502 with increasing diameters along the length direction of the guide rail 2 are respectively opened on the switching frame 4 and the top plate 5. The first channel 402 and the second channel 502 are sealed and connected by a gasket 6. The knob 8 is rotatably mounted on the switching frame 4; the knob 8 can drive the switching frame 4 to slide on the guide rail 2 to switch the fit of the washer 6 with different hole diameters with the side hole 101. It also includes a sealing element. When the knob 8 is rotated, it can drive the sealing element to move, so as to drive the gasket 6 to move closer to or away from the cavity plate body 1 through the top plate 5.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first channel 402, the second channel 502, and the washer 6 form a through hole for the circulation of water and air inside and outside the seedling tray body 1; and through holes of different diameters are used to cooperate with the side holes 101 at various stages of seedling cultivation, thereby changing the effective conduction area of ​​the side holes 101.

[0033] In the early stage of seedling cultivation, the smallest through hole is matched with the side hole 101 to meet the air and water supply for seedling growth, and to prevent the seedling substrate in the seedling tray body 1 from being lost (because the roots of seedlings are not well developed in the early stage of seedling planting, and their anchoring ability to the seedling substrate is not strong; and in order to meet the root growth of seedlings, the seedling substrate is in a relatively loose state, so the side hole 101 with a relatively large conducting area is prone to substrate loss).

[0034] As the seedlings grow, their roots gradually become stronger, thus increasing their demand for water and air. Furthermore, as the roots grow stronger, their anchoring ability to the seedling substrate also increases, effectively reducing the probability of substrate loss. By driving the switching frame 4 to slide on the guide rail 2, the through holes with different diameters (the diameter gradually increases with the growth process) are matched with the side holes 101, thereby gradually increasing the effective conduction area of ​​the side holes 101 to meet the usage requirements.

[0035] During the switching process, an external force is first applied to rotate the knob 8, which causes the top plate 5 to slide inward within the switching frame 4, thereby causing the washer 6 to move synchronously. This gradually reduces the squeezing force between the washer 6 and the periphery of the side hole 101, thus reducing the moving resistance of the switching frame 4.

[0036] Then, an external force is applied to make the switching frame 4 slide on the guide rail 2 to replace another through hole with a larger diameter to fit with the side hole 101. After fitting, the knob 8 is rotated to drive the washer 6 closer to the cavity plate body 1 through the top plate 5, thereby increasing the squeezing force to increase the sealing between the side hole 101 and the through hole, preventing moisture and air from entering or leaking out from the connection between the through hole and the side hole 101, thus ensuring the stability of the effective area control of the side hole 101.

[0037] Furthermore, when the through hole with the largest diameter is switched to match the side hole 101, the conduction area of ​​the side hole 101 is the largest. At this time, the amount of air entering the seedling tray body 1 is the largest. Due to the drying effect of the air, the root tip will stop growing (air-induced root severance), thereby stimulating the growth of more lateral roots and capillary roots inside the seedling tray body 1, forming a well-developed and full root ball.

[0038] The side holes 101 effectively prevent roots from emerging from the bottom, thus reducing the probability of the taproot being broken during seedling removal. This significantly reduces root damage during transplanting and lowers the risk of disease caused by wound infection, laying a solid foundation for rapid seedling establishment and healthy growth after transplanting. Furthermore, the side holes 101 prevent water from rapidly escaping directly from the bottom, instead allowing it to diffuse laterally and penetrate downwards within the seedling substrate. This water distribution pattern significantly extends the substrate's water retention time, reducing watering frequency. Simultaneously, it ensures more uniform moisture throughout the substrate, providing a more stable and superior moisture environment for seed germination and seedling growth. The side holes 101 effectively enhance the effect of air-root pruning, helping seedling roots form a well-developed and full root ball in the seedling substrate. This root ball structure allows for easy and complete removal from the seedling tray during transplanting, without breaking or disintegrating the root ball, achieving truly non-destructive transplanting. Crops experience little or no recovery period after transplanting, quickly adapting to the new soil environment, accelerating growth, and ensuring increased yield and income.

[0039] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element includes a rotating shaft 7 rotatably mounted on the top plate 5, the rotating shaft 7 being fixedly connected to the knob 8; a top block 701 symmetrically arranged is mounted on the rotating shaft 7; and a mating block 403 that abuts against the top block 701 is mounted on the switching frame 4.

[0040] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the two sides of the top block 701 are inclined.

[0041] In this embodiment, rotating the knob 8 will cause the rotating shaft 7 to rotate synchronously, thereby causing the top block 701 to rotate synchronously.

[0042] When the top plate 5 is relatively far from the cavity plate body 1, the squeezing force between the washer 6 and the cavity plate body 1 is minimal, and the resistance to moving the switching frame 4 is minimal. Simultaneously, the sealing between the through hole and the side hole 101 is relatively poor. At this time, the distance between the top block 701 and the switching frame 4 is minimal. When the top block 701 is rotated, the inclined surface on one side of the top block 701 will abut against the mating block 403. Through the squeezing action of the mating block 403 on the top block 701, the top plate 5 can be moved outward within the switching frame 4, thereby causing the washer 6 to squeeze the cavity plate body 1, thus increasing the resistance between the through hole and the side hole 101. The sealing between the side holes 101 is maintained; the knob 8 is rotated to make the top surface of the top block 701 abut against the top surface of the mating block 403. At this time, the top block 701 is limited by the mutual compression of the two, so that the top plate 5 remains in a fixed position, thereby maintaining the sealing between the through hole and the side hole 101. This avoids the loss of effective control over the conduction area of ​​the side hole 101 due to the failure of the seal caused by external interference during use. In addition, during the switching process, the wear of the gasket 6 is reduced by reducing the compressive force between the gasket 6 and the cavity plate body 1, which can effectively improve the service life of the cavity plate.

[0043] As a further embodiment of the present invention, multiple sets of sliders 401 are installed on the switching frame 4; and a groove 501 is provided on the top plate 5 to slide and engage with the sliders 401.

[0044] In this embodiment, by sliding the slider 401 and the groove 501, the top plate 5 can move parallel to or away from the cavitation plate body 1 within the switching frame 4, thereby ensuring that the squeezing force between the gasket 6 and the cavitation plate body 1 is relatively uniform and avoiding lateral pressure.

[0045] As a further embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of equidistant locking grooves 102 are provided on the side of the acupuncture plate body 1; a plurality of equidistant locking blocks 503 that cooperate with the locking grooves 102 are installed on the top plate 5.

[0046] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the locking block 503 is triangular in shape.

[0047] In this embodiment, the locking block 503 is triangular, which makes the stress distribution relatively reasonable and less prone to breakage or excessive wear due to repeated engagement and disengagement, thus having good durability.

[0048] When the through hole and the side hole 101 are engaged, the locking block 503 and the locking groove 102 are aligned with each other. Then, as the knob 8 is rotated, the top plate 5 will drive the locking block 503 to approach the cavity plate body 1, so that the locking block 503 enters the locking groove 102 and squeezes the groove wall of the locking groove 102. Through the action of the locking block 503 and the groove wall of the locking groove 102, the resistance to the movement of the switching frame 4 can be further increased, thereby preventing the through hole and the side hole 101 from separating accidentally.

[0049] Furthermore, when switching through holes, the rotating knob 8 will cause the locking block 503 to separate from the locking groove 102 through the top plate 5, thereby reducing the switching resistance.

[0050] As a further embodiment of the present invention, a positioning plate 801 is installed on the knob 8; a fixing plate 3 is installed on the guide rail 2, and multiple sets of positioning blocks 301 are installed on the fixing plate 3; the positioning blocks 301 can cooperate with the positioning plate 801.

[0051] In this embodiment, when the squeezing force between the washer 6 and the cavity plate body 1 is minimal, the positioning plate 801 is located on the side closer to the guide rail 2; when the switching frame 4 slides, it will drive the positioning plate 801 to slide synchronously; and when the positioning plate 801 and the positioning block 301 are in contact, the through hole and the side hole 101 are in a concentric state, thereby improving the effective control of the conduction area of ​​the side hole 101.

[0052] Positioning blocks 301 are provided on the fixing plates 3 on both sides of the side hole 101, and the positioning blocks 301 on both sides are symmetrical and staggered. Therefore, after a through hole is concentric with the side hole 101, the positioning plate 801 will only abut against the positioning block 301 on one side. When it is necessary to switch to the next through hole, turn the knob 8 to make the positioning plate 801 rotate towards the fixing plate 3 on the other side. After the rotation is completed, the through hole is switched. When the positioning plate 801 abuts against the positioning block 301 on this side, the through hole is concentric with the side hole 101.

[0053] As a further embodiment of the present invention, multiple sets of protrusions 802 are installed circumferentially on the knob 8.

[0054] In this embodiment, the surface roughness of the knob 8 is increased by the protrusion 802, thereby reducing the difficulty of rotating the knob 8 and improving the efficiency of switching through holes.

[0055] As a further embodiment of the present invention, the outer diameter of each washer 6 is larger than the diameter of the side hole 101.

[0056] In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the gasket 6 is larger than the diameter of the side hole 101. Therefore, when any through hole is concentric with the side hole 101, the gasket 6 can abut against the periphery of the side hole 101, thereby ensuring the reliability of the seal.

[0057] The application of side-perforated seedling trays in seedling cultivation, as described above.

[0058] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0059] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A seedling tray with side openings, comprising a tray body (1); Its features are, It also includes multiple sets of symmetrically arranged side holes (101) on the body of the acupuncture plate (1); Multiple sets of guide rails (2) are installed on the body of the acupuncture plate (1) and are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the side hole (101); The switching frame (4) is slidably fitted with the guide rail (2). A top plate (5) is slidably arranged inside the switching frame (4). Multiple sets of first channels (402) and second channels (502) with increasing aperture along the length direction of the guide rail (2) are respectively opened on the switching frame (4) and the top plate (5). The first channel (402) and the second channel (502) are sealed and connected by a gasket (6). The knob (8) is rotatably mounted on the switching frame (4); the knob (8) can drive the switching frame (4) to slide on the guide rail (2) to switch the fit of the washer (6) with different apertures with the side hole (101); It also includes a seal, which can be driven to move when the knob (8) is turned, so as to drive the gasket (6) to move closer to or away from the cavitation plate body (1) through the top plate (5).

2. The seedling tray with side openings according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing element includes a rotating shaft (7) rotatably mounted on the top plate (5), the rotating shaft (7) being fixedly connected to the knob (8); a top block (701) symmetrically arranged is mounted on the rotating shaft (7); a mating block (403) that abuts against the top block (701) is mounted on the switching frame (4).

3. A seedling tray with side openings according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top block (701) is inclined on both sides.

4. A seedling tray with side openings according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple sets of sliders (401) are installed on the switching frame (4); the top plate (5) is provided with a sliding groove (501) that slides and engages with the sliders (401).

5. A seedling tray with side openings according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the acupuncture plate body (1) has multiple sets of equidistant locking grooves (102); the top plate (5) is equipped with multiple sets of equidistant locking blocks (503) that cooperate with the locking grooves (102).

6. A seedling tray with side openings according to claim 5, characterized in that, The locking block (503) is triangular in shape.

7. A seedling tray with side openings according to claim 1, characterized in that, A positioning plate (801) is installed on the knob (8); a fixing plate (3) is installed on the guide rail (2), and multiple positioning blocks (301) are installed on the fixing plate (3); the positioning blocks (301) can cooperate with the positioning plate (801).

8. A seedling tray with side openings according to claim 7, characterized in that, The knob (8) is circumferentially mounted with multiple sets of protrusions (802).

9. A seedling tray with side openings according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameter of each washer (6) is larger than the diameter of the side hole (101).

10. The application of the side-perforated seedling tray as described in any one of claims 1-9 in seedling cultivation.

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