Air flow distribution and seed disturbing structure of a seed metering device
By integrating an airflow distribution and seed-disrupting structure into the front housing of the seed metering device, the problems of loose structure and inaccurate airflow adjustment in pneumatic seed metering devices are solved, achieving compact and efficient airflow control and improving seed suction success rate.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NANJING AGRI MECHANIZATION INST MIN OF AGRI
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
The existing pneumatic seed metering device has a loose airflow distribution system structure, resulting in a large overall size, high manufacturing cost, and insufficient precision and stability of airflow adjustment, which affects the stability of seed metering operations and the success rate of seed suction.
An airflow distribution and seed-disrupting structure is integrated into the front housing of the seed metering device, including a transition air chamber, a connecting air chamber, and an adjustment mechanism. The airflow distribution is changed by adjusting the position of the blocking component. The design is compact and precise, and the mechanical stability is improved by using elastic arms and limiting structures.
This has improved the compactness of the seed metering device, enabled precise control of airflow distribution, enhanced seed suction success rate and crop applicability, and reduced manufacturing costs and assembly complexity.
Smart Images

Figure CN122139529A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of seed metering technology, and in particular to an airflow distribution and seed disturbance structure for a seed metering device. Background Technology
[0002] Seed metering devices are the core components of precision seeding machinery, and their performance directly determines the uniformity and quality of seeding. Among various seed metering technologies, pneumatic seed meterers are widely used in agricultural production due to their low seed damage, high operating speed, and strong adaptability.
[0003] To improve seed absorption success rates, existing technologies typically utilize airflow to disturb the seed population, placing the seeds in an active state conducive to absorption. For example, the applicant's prior application CN111642197A discloses an air-driven precision seed metering device. This device uses an independently configured Y-shaped airflow distributor to divide the airflow into two paths, injecting them into a first chamber and a second chamber respectively. The airflow entering the second chamber passes through a seed net and enters the first chamber, causing the seeds to exhibit a pulsating, "boiling" state. While this device improves the seed absorption environment to some extent, it still has the following drawbacks in practical applications:
[0004] First, its airflow system structure is relatively loose. Because components such as the airflow distributor and intake pipes are all independently located outside the casing, this not only results in a large overall size of the seed metering device, reducing structural compactness, but also increases the number of parts and assembly processes, leading to higher manufacturing costs. Second, its airflow regulation lacks precision and stability. Using a simple distribution plate to adjust the airflow ratio has limited effect on airflow distribution, making it difficult to maintain stable airflow volume between the two airflow paths, thus compromising the stability of the seed metering operation. Summary of the Invention
[0005] Purpose of the invention: In order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides an airflow distribution and seed disturbance structure for a seed meter that is more compact, more precise in adjustment, and more stable and reliable.
[0006] Technical solution: To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an airflow distribution and seed-dispersing structure for the seed metering device, which is placed on the front housing of the seed metering device. The front housing and the seed metering disc of the seed metering device enclose the main cavity. The seed metering disc has seed suction holes arranged in a circular array. The seed metering device also has a seed conveying mechanism for inputting seeds into the main cavity; including:
[0007] The transition air chamber is offset from the main cavity along the axial direction of the seed metering disc, and its axial projection contour is located within the contour range of the main cavity; the transition air chamber has an air inlet, a first air outlet communicating with the main cavity, and also includes a second air outlet;
[0008] The connecting air chamber is connected to the second air outlet and is connected to the main cavity through a partition with a vent hole; the axial projection profile of the connecting air chamber has a portion that extends beyond the profile of the main cavity;
[0009] The adjustment mechanism includes a blocking element placed in the transition air chamber for adjusting the ventilation area of the second air outlet.
[0010] During operation, the seed conveying mechanism feeds seeds into the main chamber, ensuring seeds are present at the bottom and partially spread above the separator. An air inlet connected to an air pipe allows positive pressure airflow into the transition chamber. Part of this airflow enters the main chamber through the first outlet, while the remaining airflow enters through the first outlet, the connecting chamber, and the vent, following a U-shaped path. The airflow entering the main chamber through the vent agitates the seeds on the separator, causing them to "boil" and jump, thus increasing the seed suction success rate. By adjusting the actual ventilation area of the second outlet using the aforementioned adjustment mechanism, the jumping amplitude of the seeds on the separator can be altered, allowing for fine-tuning of the seed suction success rate and adapting to different seed types.
[0011] Furthermore, the blocking member can rotate and change position relative to the transition air chamber; the blocking member is composed of an arc-shaped plate and two fan-shaped plates located on both sides of the arc-shaped plate; the arc-shaped plate can partially or completely block the second air outlet.
[0012] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism also includes a knob connected to the blocking member.
[0013] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism also includes:
[0014] A limiting structure having a hollow portion, around which are retaining grooves arranged in a circular array;
[0015] An adjusting member is fixed relative to the blocking member or the knob and placed within the hollow portion; the adjusting member has a radial extension and an elastic arm extending circumferentially from the end of the radial extension, the end of the elastic arm having a protrusion capable of being inserted into the retaining groove.
[0016] When in use, turning the knob allows the adjusting member and the blocking member to rotate synchronously. When the adjusting member rotates, the elastic arm deforms, allowing the protrusion to disengage from the current retaining groove and enter a new retaining groove.
[0017] Furthermore, there are multiple radial extensions, and each radial extension has two bidirectionally extending elastic arms at its end.
[0018] Furthermore, the front housing has a primary recess and a secondary recess that is recessed downwards based on the bottom of the primary recess; the top of the secondary recess has a first cover plate, and the two together enclose the transition air chamber; the first air outlet is formed on the first cover plate.
[0019] Furthermore, the first air outlet is composed of multiple hexagonal holes arranged in a honeycomb pattern; and the axial projection of the first air outlet is offset from the axial projection of the air inlet. Here, axial direction refers to the axial direction of the seed metering disc.
[0020] Furthermore, the four sides of the communicating air chamber are part of the front housing, and the two axial sides of the communicating air chamber are located on both sides of the cover plate; the end of the communicating air chamber has a detachable second cover plate.
[0021] Furthermore, the partition is part of the front housing.
[0022] Furthermore, the partition has two rows of ventilation holes, and a partition is provided between the two rows of ventilation holes; the row of ventilation holes closer to the seed metering tray contains more holes than the row of ventilation holes farther from the seed metering tray.
[0023] Beneficial effects: The airflow distribution and seed-dispersing structure of the seed metering device of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0024] (1) The airflow distribution and disturbance structure of the seed metering device of the present invention designs or integrates the main structure on the front shell of the seed metering device, and by rationally arranging the transition air chamber, the connecting air chamber and the adjustment mechanism, the space occupied by the airflow distribution and disturbance mechanism is significantly reduced, and the structural compactness of the seed metering device is improved.
[0025] (2) The structural design of the blocking component in the adjustment mechanism enables precise blocking and adjustment of the ventilation area of the second air outlet. The specific shape design of the blocking component allows it to be highly compatible with the shape of the air outlet and ensures the smoothness of the adjustment process. By changing the air volume, this structure can precisely control the jumping amplitude of the seeds above the separator, thereby optimizing the seed absorption success rate according to the physical characteristics of different seeds and enhancing the crop applicability of the seed metering device.
[0026] (3) The limiting structure and the adjusting part with the elastic arm cooperate to form a reliable indexing and positioning mechanism; through the elastic engagement of the protrusion and the retaining groove, the position of the blocking part can be effectively locked to prevent angular displacement under the action of working vibration or gravity. The design of multiple sets of radial extensions and bidirectional elastic arms realizes the balance of forces in all directions, which significantly enhances the mechanical stability and bidirectional anti-rotation effect of the mechanism.
[0027] (4) The transition chamber, connecting chamber, and partition are molded together with other parts of the front shell. Together with the first cover plate and the second cover plate, they form the main structure of the airflow distribution disturbance structure, which reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies the assembly process, and the one-piece molding can effectively improve the structural compactness.
[0028] (5) The structure of double rows of different numbers of ventilation holes combined with partitions can significantly change the jumping state of seeds at different axial positions on the partition and improve the seed suction success rate of the suction hole. Attached Figure Description
[0029] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the seed metering device.
[0030] Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the structure for distributing airflow disturbances;
[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 1 DD cross-sectional structural diagram in the middle;
[0032] Figure 4 Exploded view of the front shell, first cover plate, and seed metering disc;
[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 1 FF cross-sectional structural diagram;
[0034] Figure 6 Exploded view of the regulating mechanism;
[0035] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram showing the fit between the adjusting component and the limiting structure.
[0036] In the diagram: 1-Transition air chamber; 1a-Air inlet; 1b-First air outlet; 1c-Second air outlet; 2-Connecting air chamber; 3-Separator; 3a-Ventilation hole; 3b-Baffle; 4-Adjusting mechanism; 41-Blocking component; 42-Knob; 43-Limiting structure; 43a-Holding groove; 44-Adjusting component; 44a-Radial extension; 44b-Elastic arm; 44c-Protrusion; 5-First cover plate; 6-Second cover plate; A-Front shell; A1-Main cavity; A2-First-level recess; A3-Second-level recess; B-Seed metering disc; B1-Seed suction hole; C-Seed conveying mechanism. Detailed Implementation
[0037] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0038] The airflow distribution and seed-disrupting structure of the seed metering device of the present invention is placed as follows: Figure 1 On the front housing A of the seed metering device shown, as Figure 3 As shown, the front housing A and the seed metering disc B of the seed metering device together enclose the main cavity A1; as Figure 4 As shown, the seed metering disc B has seed suction holes B1 arranged in a circular array; the seed meterer also has a seed conveying mechanism C for inputting seeds into the main cavity A1; as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the airflow distribution disturbance structure includes:
[0039] The transition air chamber 1 is offset from the main cavity A1 along the axial direction of the seeding disc B, and its axial projection contour is located within the contour range of the main cavity A1; the transition air chamber 1 has an air inlet 1a, a first air outlet 1b communicating with the main cavity A1, and also includes a second air outlet 1c.
[0040] The connecting air chamber 2 is connected to the second air outlet 1c and is connected to the main cavity A1 through the partition 3 with a vent 3a; the axial projection contour of the connecting air chamber 2 has a portion that extends beyond the contour range of the main cavity A1.
[0041] Adjustment mechanism 4 is used to adjust the ventilation area of the second air outlet 1c.
[0042] During operation, the seed delivery mechanism C inputs seeds into the main chamber A1, ensuring that seeds are present at the bottom of the main chamber A1, with some seeds spread above the partition 3; the air inlet 1a of the transition air chamber 1 is connected to an air pipe, which introduces a positive pressure airflow into the transition air chamber 1, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a portion of the airflow enters the main cavity A1 through the first air outlet 1b, while the other portion enters the main cavity A1 via a U-shaped path through the first air outlet 1b, the connecting air chamber 2, and the vent 3a. The airflow entering the main cavity A1 through the vent 3a agitates the seeds on the separator 3, causing them to "boil" and jump, thus increasing the seed absorption success rate of the seed suction hole B1. By changing the actual ventilation area of the second air outlet 1c through the adjustment mechanism 4, the jumping amplitude of the seeds on the separator 3 can be altered, allowing for fine optimization of the seed absorption success rate and adapting to different seed planting operations.
[0043] The airflow distribution and disturbance structure of the seed metering device of the present invention designs or integrates the main structure on the front shell A of the seed metering device, and by rationally arranging the transition air chamber 1, the connecting air chamber 2 and the adjustment mechanism 4, the space occupied by the airflow distribution and disturbance mechanism is significantly reduced, and the structural compactness of the seed metering device is improved.
[0044] Preferably, the adjusting mechanism 4 includes a blocking member 41 that can rotate and change position relative to the transition air chamber 1; the blocking member 41 is composed of an arc-shaped plate and two fan-shaped plates located on both sides of the arc-shaped plate; the arc-shaped plate can partially or completely block the second air outlet 1c.
[0045] The structural design of the blocking component 41 in the adjustment mechanism 4 enables precise blocking and adjustment of the ventilation area of the second air outlet 1c. The specific shape design of the blocking component 41 allows it to be highly adapted to the shape of the air outlet and ensures the smoothness of the adjustment process. By changing the air volume, this structure can precisely control the jumping amplitude of the seeds above the separator, thereby optimizing the seed absorption success rate according to the physical characteristics of different seeds and enhancing the crop applicability of the seed metering device.
[0046] Preferably, the adjustment mechanism 4 further includes a knob 42 connected to the blocking member 41.
[0047] Preferably, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the adjustment mechanism 4 further includes:
[0048] The limiting structure 43 has a hollow part, and the hollow part is surrounded by a retaining groove 43a arranged in a circular array.
[0049] An adjusting member 44 is fixed relative to the blocking member 41 or the knob 42 and is placed inside the hollow portion; the adjusting member 44 has a radially extending portion 44a and an elastic arm 44b extending circumferentially from the end of the radially extending portion 44a, the end of the elastic arm 44b having a protrusion 44c that can be inserted into the retaining groove 43a.
[0050] In use, rotating the knob 42 can make the adjusting member 44 and the blocking member 41 rotate synchronously. When the adjusting member 44 rotates, the elastic arm 44b deforms, allowing the protrusion 44c to disengage from the current retaining groove 43a and enter the new retaining groove 43a.
[0051] Preferably, there are multiple radial extensions 44a, and each radial extension 44a has two bidirectionally extending elastic arms 44b at its end.
[0052] The limiting structure 43, in conjunction with the adjusting member 44 with the elastic arm 44b, constitutes a reliable indexing and positioning mechanism. The elastic engagement of the protrusion 44c with the retaining groove 43a effectively locks the position of the blocking member 41, preventing angular displacement under operational vibration or gravity. The design of multiple radial extensions 44a and bidirectional elastic arms 44b achieves balanced force distribution in all directions, significantly enhancing the mechanical stability and bidirectional anti-rotation effect of the mechanism.
[0053] Preferably, the front housing A has a primary recess A2 and a secondary recess A3 that is recessed downward based on the bottom of the primary recess A2; the top of the secondary recess A3 has a first cover plate 5, and the two together enclose the transition air chamber 1; the first air outlet 1b is formed on the first cover plate 5.
[0054] Preferably, the first air outlet 1b is composed of multiple hexagonal holes arranged in a honeycomb pattern; and the axial projection of the first air outlet 1b is offset from the axial projection of the air inlet 1a. Here, axial direction refers to the axial direction of the seed metering disc B. The honeycomb hole design of the first air outlet 1b enables the airflow to be uniform and dispersed. At the same time, the design of offsetting the axial projections of the air inlet and outlet forces the airflow to change direction and diffuse, avoiding interference from direct airflow on the seed absorption process.
[0055] Preferably, the four sides of the communicating air chamber 2 are part of the front housing A, and the two axial sides of the communicating air chamber 2 are located on both sides of the first cover plate 5; the end of the communicating air chamber 2 has a detachable second cover plate 6.
[0056] Preferably, the partition 3 is part of the front housing A.
[0057] Preferably, such as Figure 5 As shown, the partition 3 has two rows of ventilation holes 3a, and a partition 3b is provided between the two rows of ventilation holes 3a; the row of ventilation holes 3a closer to the seed metering tray B contains more holes than the row of ventilation holes 3a farther from the seed metering tray B.
[0058] The transition chamber 1, the connecting chamber 2, and the partition 3 are all molded together with the other parts of the front shell A. Together with the first cover plate 5 and the second cover plate 6, they form the main structure of the airflow distribution disturbance structure, which reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies the assembly process, and the one-piece molding can effectively improve the structural compactness.
[0059] The structure of double rows of ventilation holes 3a with different numbers of ventilation holes 3b can significantly change the jumping state of seeds at different axial positions on the partition 3, and improve the seed suction success rate of seed suction hole B1.
[0060] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. An airflow distribution and seed-dispersing structure for a seed metering device, which is placed on the front housing (A) of the seed metering device, wherein the front housing (A) and the seed metering disc (B) of the seed metering device enclose a main cavity (A1); characterized in that, include: The transition air chamber (1) is offset from the main cavity (A1) along the axial direction of the seeding disc (B), and its axial projection contour is located within the contour range of the main cavity (A1); the transition air chamber (1) has an air inlet (1a), a first air outlet (1b) communicating with the main cavity (A1), and also includes a second air outlet (1c). The connecting air chamber (2) is connected to the second air outlet (1c) and is connected to the main cavity (A1) through a partition (3) with a vent (3a); the axial projection profile of the connecting air chamber (2) has a portion that extends beyond the profile range of the main cavity (A1); The adjustment mechanism (4) includes a blocking member (41) placed in the transition air chamber (1) for adjusting the ventilation area of the second air outlet (1c).
2. The airflow distribution and seed-dispersing structure of the seed metering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blocking member (41) can rotate and change position relative to the transition air chamber (1); the blocking member (41) is composed of an arc plate and two fan plates located on both sides of the arc plate; the arc plate can partially or completely block the second air outlet (1c).
3. The airflow distribution and seed-dispersing structure of the seed metering device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism (4) also includes a knob (42) connected to the blocking member (41).
4. The airflow distribution and seed-disrupting structure of the seed metering device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism (4) further includes: The limiting structure (43) has a hollow portion and a retaining groove (43a) arranged in a circular array around the hollow portion. An adjusting member (44) is fixed relative to the blocking member (41) or the knob (42) and placed within the hollow portion; the adjusting member (44) has a radial extension (44a) and an elastic arm (44b) extending circumferentially from the end of the radial extension (44a), the end of the elastic arm (44b) having a protrusion (44c) capable of being inserted into the retaining groove (43a).
5. The airflow distribution and seed-disrupting structure of the seed metering device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The radial extensions (44a) are multiple, and each radial extension (44a) has two bidirectionally extending elastic arms (44b) at its end.
6. The airflow distribution and seed-disrupting structure of the seed metering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front housing (A) has a primary recess (A2) and a secondary recess (A3) that is recessed downward based on the bottom of the primary recess (A2); the top of the secondary recess (A3) has a first cover plate (5), which together enclose the transition air chamber (1); the first air outlet (1b) is formed on the first cover plate (5).
7. The airflow distribution and seed-dispersing structure of the seed metering device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first air outlet (1b) is composed of a plurality of hexagonal holes in a honeycomb pattern; and the axial projection of the first air outlet (1b) is offset from the axial projection of the air inlet (1a).
8. The airflow distribution and seed-disrupting structure of the seed metering device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The four sides of the connecting air chamber (2) are part of the front housing (A), and the two axial sides of the connecting air chamber (2) are located on both sides of the cover plate (5); the end of the connecting air chamber (2) has a detachable second cover plate (6).
9. The airflow distribution and seed-disrupting structure of the seed metering device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The partition (3) is part of the front housing (A).
10. The airflow distribution and seed-disrupting structure of the seed metering device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The partition (3) has two rows of ventilation holes (3a) and a partition (3b) between the two rows of ventilation holes (3a); the row of ventilation holes (3a) closer to the seed tray (B) contains more holes than the row of ventilation holes (3a) farther away from the seed tray (B).