Horizontal seed metering device with controllable seed row number and seed number per hole

Abstract

The application relates to a horizontal seed sowing device with controllable sowing paths and single-hole seed numbers, which comprises an outer seed distribution mechanism, the inner side of which is provided with a coaxial inner seed distribution mechanism through an intermediate bearing; the two seed distribution mechanisms are connected with respective driving mechanisms and rotate along a horizontal axis; the inner seed distribution mechanism is cylindrical, and the outer wall thereof is provided with two groups of groove positions distributed along a circumference of 180 DEG, each group of groove positions comprising a plurality of distribution grooves distributed along an axial direction; the outer seed distribution mechanism comprises a central cavity on the inner side for placing the inner seed distribution mechanism, an odd number of storage bins uniformly distributed along a circumference outside the central cavity, and a plurality of seed feeding channels distributed along an axial direction; a plurality of seed sowing channels are distributed along an axial direction on the seed sowing part between two adjacent storage bins; when the two seed distribution mechanisms rotate relative to each other, the seed feeding channel outlets are communicated with the distribution grooves to realize seed feeding, or the distribution grooves are communicated with the seed sowing channels to realize seed sowing. The application meets the requirements of different sowing paths and single-hole seed numbers, is convenient to disassemble and assemble, and saves space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sowing technology, and in particular to a horizontal seed metering device with controllable sowing path and number of seeds per hole. Background Technology

[0002] Various agricultural seeding equipment are increasingly developing towards features such as energy saving, convenient operation, compact structure, safety and efficiency, and multi-functionality. As the core component of the seeder, the seed metering device directly determines the seeding accuracy and seed utilization rate, making it an indispensable key piece of equipment in agricultural production. Its technological upgrades also follow this development trend.

[0003] In existing technologies, common seed metering devices include finger-clamp seed metering devices, see the literature "Performance Test of Adjustable Brush Finger-Clamp Maize Precision Seeder" (Hu Yue, Yi Shujuan, Li Yifei, et al. Agricultural Mechanization Research, 2026, 48(10):17-26). The main drawback of this type of seed metering device is that it can only sow one seed, the number of seeds cannot be adjusted, or it is not easy to adjust; when clamping, it is easy to miss seeds or repeat seeds, which may cause irreversible damage to the seeds. In addition, the overall mechanical structure is relatively complex, and the size and weight are large. In actual use, it not only has low space utilization, but also brings a large load to the agricultural machinery, which has an adverse effect on the terrain adaptability of the agricultural machinery, and the cost of maintenance and debugging is high. In addition, the finger-clamp mechanism also has the problems of high installation difficulty and difficulty in disassembly, so its adaptability to different seeds is not good. Another common type is the vertically mounted rolling disc seed metering device, see the literature "Design and Experiment of Double-Compartment Rotary Cotton Vertical Disc Seeder" (Zhang Xuejun, Chen Yong, Shi Zenglu, et al. Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering, 2021, 37(19):27-36). This seed metering device uses a grooved structure, which enables three-way seeding, but its adjustability is poor, its structure is somewhat complex to assemble and disassemble, its space utilization is low, and its adaptability to various seed types and its ability to adjust for multi-way seeding are inadequate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a horizontal seed metering device with controllable sowing path and number of seeds per hole.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: A horizontal seed metering device with controllable sowing path number and number of seeds per hole includes an outer seeding mechanism, and an inner seeding mechanism coaxial with the outer seeding mechanism is provided on the inner side of the outer seeding mechanism through an intermediate bearing. The two sorting mechanisms are each connected to their respective drive mechanisms and rotate along the horizontal axis; The inner sorting mechanism is cylindrical, and its outer wall is provided with two sets of slots distributed at 180° intervals along the circumference. Each set of slots includes several distribution slots distributed at intervals along the axial direction, and the number and position of the distribution slots in the two sets of slots correspond. The structure of the external seeding mechanism includes: A central cavity located at the center, used to house the internal sorting mechanism; An odd number of storage bins are located on the outer ring of the central cavity and evenly distributed along the circumference; A plurality of seed-infeeding channels are spaced apart along the axial direction, with the inlet of each seed-infeeding channel located on the inner wall of the storage bin and the outlet located on the inner wall of the central cavity; A seed dispensing section formed between two adjacent storage bins; A plurality of seeding channels are spaced apart along the axial direction, with the entrance of each seeding channel located on the inner wall of the central cavity and the exit located on the outer wall of the seeding section; The number and axial position of the plurality of distribution slots, plurality of seed inlet channels and plurality of seed outlet channels correspond one-to-one, so that when the two seeding mechanisms rotate relative to each other, the seed inlet channel outlet is connected to the distribution slot to achieve seed inlet, or the distribution slot is connected to the seed outlet channel to achieve seed outlet. The outer casing of the external seeding mechanism is fixed in a fixed state during operation. The end face of the casing has several inlets for feeding materials into the odd number of storage bins. The side of the casing has several outlets for connecting with the outlet of the seeding channel.

[0006] As a preferred technical solution: The inner seeding mechanism has a central shaft running through it. One end of the shaft is connected to the inner side of the outer seeding mechanism via the intermediate bearing, and the other end is fitted with a left flange and is connected to the left drive mechanism via a left coupling. The left flange is fixedly connected to the inner seeding mechanism.

[0007] The external sorting mechanism has a connecting section at one end near the intermediate bearing, with a connecting shaft at its center and a right flange at its end, which is connected to the right drive mechanism via a right coupling; the right flange is fixedly connected to the connecting section.

[0008] The outer casing includes a main casing and an end cap detachably connected thereto, the end cap being located on the side near the left drive mechanism for closing the storage bin; the plurality of feed inlets are provided on the end cap.

[0009] One end of the inner seeding mechanism extends out of the outer seeding mechanism and engages with the end cover via a left bearing; the end of the main housing away from the end cover engages with the connecting section via a right bearing.

[0010] Both the left drive mechanism and the right drive mechanism include motors.

[0011] The storage bins are three in number, distributed at 120° intervals along the circumference.

[0012] The volume of the dispensing slot is sufficient to hold at least one seed.

[0013] The feed inlet is equipped with a cover for opening or closing.

[0014] The bottom of the outer casing is provided with a base, and the bottom of the base is provided with a through hole for connecting with the discharge port.

[0015] The technical solution of the present invention can achieve at least some of the following beneficial effects: This invention designs two independently driven, radially distributed inner and outer seeding mechanisms, and coaxially arranged along the axial direction. The outer seeding mechanism integrates seed storage and seed dispersing functions, eliminating the need for an additional independent seed storage structure. The inner seeding mechanism is used to distribute seeds according to the set number of sowing paths and the number of seeds per hole. The two seeding mechanisms work together to complete the seeding, which greatly simplifies the overall mechanical structure of the seed meterer, reduces the space occupied by the whole machine, and significantly improves the space utilization rate. At the same time, the lightweight layout of the whole machine effectively reduces the load carried by the agricultural machinery, improves the terrain adaptability of the agricultural machinery, and is easy to disassemble and assemble, greatly reducing the cost of later maintenance and debugging.

[0016] This invention can adapt to various types of seeds of different sizes by replacing the inner seeding mechanism with different slot sizes; by replacing the inner seeding mechanism with different numbers of distribution slots, the number of sowing paths can be flexibly switched. It fundamentally solves the technical drawbacks of traditional finger clip and disc seed metering devices, which can only sow in a single path, have difficulty in adjusting the number of paths, have poor seed versatility, and have limited row spacing adaptability, as well as the difficulty in installing and disassembling traditional finger clip structures. It achieves multi-purpose functionality and significantly improves adaptability.

[0017] After multiple laboratory experiments, with 100 seeding attempts per experiment and different seeding cycles designed, the seeding accuracy rate reached a maximum of 98.5% and an average of 97.2%.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description or may be learned by practicing the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure from a three-dimensional perspective, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the external sorting mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sorting mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Sectional view of section BB.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the inner and outer sorting mechanisms during operation in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 10 This is an exploded structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Left support; 2. Left motor; 3. Left coupling; 4. Left flange; 5. Left bearing; 6. End cover; 7. Bin cover; 8. Main housing; 9. Right motor; 10. Base; 11. Right bearing; 12. External seeding mechanism; 13. Right flange; 14. Right coupling; 15. Right support; 16. Intermediate bearing; 17. Internal seeding mechanism; 18. Central shaft; 19. Connecting shaft; 20. First shaft hole; 21. Storage bin; 22. Seed dispensing channel; 23. Seed inlet channel; 24. Right flange threaded hole; 28. Central cavity; 25. Second shaft hole; 26. Left flange threaded hole; 27. Distribution groove; 61. Inlet; 81. Outlet; 121. Connecting section; 101. Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The specific embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] See Figures 1 to 10 The horizontal seed metering device of this embodiment, which controls the number of sowing paths and the number of seeds per hole, includes an outer seeding mechanism 12, and an inner seeding mechanism 17 coaxial with it is provided on the inner side of the outer seeding mechanism 12 through an intermediate bearing 16. The two sorting mechanisms are each connected to their respective drive mechanisms and rotate along the horizontal axis; The inner seeding mechanism 17 is cylindrical, and its outer wall is provided with two sets of slots distributed at 180° intervals along the circumference. Each set of slots includes several distribution slots 27 distributed at intervals along the axial direction, and the number and position of the distribution slots 27 in the two sets of slots correspond. The structure of the external seeding mechanism 12 includes: A central cavity 28 located in the center for housing the internal seeding mechanism 17; An odd number of storage bins 21 are located on the outer ring of the central cavity 28 and are evenly distributed along the circumference; Several seed inlet channels 23 are distributed at intervals along the axial direction. The inlet of each seed inlet channel 23 is located on the inner wall of the storage bin 21, and the outlet is located on the inner wall of the central cavity 28. A seed dispensing section is formed between two adjacent storage bins 21; Several seeding channels 22 are distributed at intervals along the axial direction. The entrance of each seeding channel 22 is located on the inner wall of the central cavity 28, and the exit is located on the outer wall of the seeding section. The number and axial position of the several distribution grooves 27, several seed inlet channels 23, and several seed outlet channels 22 are in one-to-one correspondence, so that when the two seeding mechanisms rotate relative to each other, the outlet of the seed inlet channel 23 is connected to the distribution groove 27 to realize seed inlet, or the distribution groove 27 is connected to the seed outlet channel 22 to realize seed outlet. That is, the seeds enter the inner seeding mechanism from the storage bin 21 through the seed inlet channel 23, and then are discharged to the outside from the seed outlet channel 22 of the inner seeding mechanism. The outer shell of the external seeding mechanism 12 is fixed in the working state. The end face of the shell is provided with several inlets 61 for feeding materials into an odd number of storage bins 21 respectively. The side of the shell is provided with several outlets 81 for connecting with the outlet of the seeding channel 22.

[0032] In this embodiment of the horizontal seed metering device, both seeding mechanisms are configured to rotate around the same horizontal axis. Multi-channel synchronous sowing is achieved through the rotation control of these two mechanisms. The rotation of the outer seeding mechanism disperses the seeds, allowing them to fall more smoothly into the inner seeding mechanism. The inner seeding mechanism selects and transports seeds from top to bottom. The size and depth of the distribution troughs are designed to accommodate different types of seeds.

[0033] Taking three storage bins 21 spaced 120° apart along the circumference, three distribution troughs 27 spaced equally along the axial direction in each group, and three seed dispensing channels 22 spaced equally along the axial direction in each seed dispensing section as an example, the seed dispensing method of the seed meterer is explained, including the following steps: The seeds to be sown are fed into each storage bin 21 through several feed inlets 61; After feeding is complete, the feed inlet 61 can be closed by the cover 7, which makes it easier for the storage bin 21 to store seeds during rotation; The internal and external sorting mechanisms, through the coordination of their respective drive mechanisms, rotate to their initial state before each operation. (See [link]). Figure 9 As shown in (a), at this time, one of the storage bins 21 of the outer seeding mechanism 12 faces directly upward, and a set of slots of the inner seeding mechanism 17 faces directly upward, in the initial state of receiving seeds; The drive mechanism of the inner seed-distributing mechanism 17 continues to operate, causing the inner seed-distributing mechanism 17 to rotate 60° clockwise carrying the seeds. See [link / reference] Figure 9 As shown in (b); Then, driven by their respective drive mechanisms, the inner and outer seeding mechanisms rotate clockwise 120° together, thus discharging the seeds. See the diagram for the current state. Figure 9 As shown in (c); while discharging the seeds, another set of slots in the inner seeding mechanism 17 faces directly upwards and is once again in the seed receiving state, that is, returning to the initial state; Subsequently, the inner and outer seeding mechanisms continue to move and cycle repeatedly, so that the number of seeds discharged synchronously each time (i.e., the number of sowing rows) is the same as the number of distribution slots 27 contained in each group of slots of the inner seeding mechanism 17.

[0034] The volume of each distribution slot 27 can be set as needed, for example, so that each distribution slot 27 can hold only one seed each time it is planted, thereby ensuring that a single seed is planted in each hole.

[0035] It is understandable that the axial spacing between several distribution slots in each group of slots, the axial spacing between several seed inlet channels, and the axial spacing between several seed outlet channels are all set to the same length, so as to ensure that during use, seeds can smoothly enter the distribution slots through the seed inlet channels. At this time, one seed inlet channel corresponds to one distribution slot. Similarly, seeds can be discharged from the distribution slots through the seed outlet channels. At this time, one seed outlet channel corresponds to one distribution slot.

[0036] In this embodiment, the seed metering effect described above can be achieved as long as the number of storage bins is odd. For any odd number of storage bins, the working method of the seed metering device in this embodiment is summarized as follows: S1. Feed the seeds to be sown into the storage bin through the feed inlet; S2. Driven by their respective drive mechanisms, one set of slots of the inner seeding mechanism is positioned directly above and the outer seeding mechanism is rotated until one of the storage bins is directly above, thus entering the initial state of receiving seeds. S3. The inner seeding mechanism is rotated by an angle through the corresponding drive mechanism. In the initial state, the set of slots directly above and the seeding channel of the outer seeding mechanism with the smallest included angle are aligned. S4. Driven by their respective drive mechanisms, the inner and outer seeding mechanisms rotate together until a set of aligned slots and seed discharge channels are directly below, so that the seeds are discharged through the seed discharge channel directly below and through the discharge port on the outer shell directly below; at the same time as the seeds are discharged, the other set of slots of the inner seeding mechanism is facing directly upward and is in the seed receiving state again, that is, returning to the initial state. S5. Repeat S3 to S4 to achieve continuous sowing until all seeds in the storage bin are sown. This achieves sowing of a single batch of seed material.

[0037] Furthermore, the storage silo, which also serves as a seed box, can be connected to an external seed box via a hose through the inlet to expand its capacity.

[0038] The seed metering device in this embodiment achieves different sowing speeds by adjusting the rotation speeds of the two sowing mechanisms. It can also adjust the number of sowing cycles within the sowing interval to meet different seed requirements for the number of seeds per hole. Furthermore, different types of seeds can be sown by replacing the inner sowing mechanism with one of different distribution slot sizes. In addition, without changing the outer sowing mechanism, the number of sowing paths can be adjusted simply by replacing the inner sowing mechanism with one of different numbers of distribution slots. For example, for an outer sowing mechanism with three storage bins, setting the number of distribution slots in each group of slots in the inner sowing mechanism to one, two, or three can achieve single-path, two-path, or three-path sowing. Theoretically, by changing the axial length of the seed metering device in this embodiment and setting appropriate sowing channels and the number of slots, any number of seed paths can be sown.

[0039] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 10 As a preferred embodiment, the inner seeding mechanism 17 is provided with a central shaft 18, one end of which is engaged with the inner side of the outer seeding mechanism 12 through an intermediate bearing 16 to ensure coaxiality under the premise of smooth relative rotation, and the other end is fitted with a left flange 4, which is poweredly connected to the left drive mechanism through a left coupling 3; the left flange 4 is fixedly connected to the inner seeding mechanism 17.

[0040] See Figure 2 As a preferred embodiment, the outer sorting mechanism 12 is provided with a connecting section 121 at one end near the intermediate bearing 16, with a connecting shaft 19 at its center and a right flange 13 sleeved at its end, and is poweredly connected to the right drive mechanism through a right coupling 14; the right flange 13 is fixedly connected to the connecting section 121.

[0041] See Figure 2 As a preferred embodiment, the outer casing includes a main housing 8 and an end cap 6 detachably connected thereto. The end cap 6 is located near the left drive mechanism and is used to close the storage bin 21. Several feed inlets 61 are provided on the end cap 6. One end of the inner seeding mechanism 17 extends out of the outer seeding mechanism 12 and cooperates with the end cap 6 through a left bearing 5, ensuring coaxiality under the premise of smooth relative rotation. The end of the main housing 8 away from the end cap 6 cooperates with the connecting section 121 through a right bearing 11, ensuring coaxiality under the premise of smooth relative rotation. The detachable structure of the outer casing facilitates the removal of the inner seeding mechanism 17 from the end cap 6 side, making it easy to replace.

[0042] Preferably, the outer seeding mechanism 12 comprises two coaxially arranged cylinders of different sizes. The larger cylinder houses the inner seeding mechanism 17, and the smaller cylinder serves as the connecting section 121, which is used to connect with the connecting shaft 19 and the outer casing. The axes of the entire seed metering device's outer casing and the large and inner seeding mechanisms coincide.

[0043] See Figure 2and Figure 7 Specifically, the bottom of the outer casing is provided with a base 10, and the bottom of the base 10 is provided with a through hole 101 for docking with the discharge port 81. Specifically, the bolts on the lower half of the end cover 6 are engaged with two mounting slots on the base 10 to keep the two relatively stationary.

[0044] See Figure 2 , Figure 10 As a preferred embodiment, the left drive mechanism includes a left motor 2, which is fixed on the left bracket 1, and the right drive mechanism includes a right motor 9, which is fixed on the right bracket 15.

[0045] See Figure 4 Specifically, the connecting section 121 of the outer seeding mechanism has a first shaft hole 20 at its center for mounting a connecting shaft 19; the outer ring of the first shaft hole 20 has a right flange threaded hole 24 for connecting a right flange 13. The central cavity 28 of the outer seeding mechanism is a cylindrical cavity that matches the structure of the inner seeding mechanism, such as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0046] See Figure 6 In a specific manner, the center of the inner subdivision mechanism is provided with a second shaft hole 25 for mounting the central shaft 18, and its outer ring is provided with a left flange threaded hole 26, which is connected to the left flange 4.

[0047] In summary, the seed metering device in this embodiment features a clever and reasonable structural design, saving space and facilitating easy assembly, disassembly, and operation. Compared to traditional vertical rolling disc seed metering devices that use finger clamps, it facilitates simultaneous multi-path sowing. The design of the seed inlet channel, seed metering channel, and distribution slots meets the sowing needs for different numbers of sowing paths and seed counts per hole.

[0048] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A horizontal seed metering device with controllable sowing path number and seed count per hole, characterized in that, It includes an outer seeding mechanism (12), and an inner seeding mechanism (17) coaxial with the outer seeding mechanism (12) is provided on the inner side of the outer seeding mechanism (12) through an intermediate bearing (16). The two sorting mechanisms are each connected to their respective drive mechanisms and rotate along the horizontal axis; The inner seeding mechanism (17) is cylindrical, and its outer wall is provided with two sets of slots distributed at 180° intervals along the circumference. Each set of slots includes several distribution slots (27) distributed at intervals along the axial direction, and the number and position of the distribution slots (27) of the two sets of slots correspond. The structure of the external seeding mechanism (12) includes: The central cavity (28) is located in the center and is used to house the inner seeding mechanism (17); An odd number of storage bins (21) are located on the outer ring of the central cavity (28) and evenly distributed along the circumference. A plurality of seed-infeeding channels (23) are spaced apart along the axial direction. The inlet of each seed-infeeding channel (23) is located on the inner wall of the storage bin (21), and the outlet is located on the inner wall of the central cavity (28). A seed dispensing section formed between two adjacent storage bins (21); A plurality of seeding channels (22) are spaced apart along the axial direction. The entrance of each seeding channel (22) is located on the inner wall of the central cavity (28), and the exit is located on the outer wall of the seeding section. The number and axial position of the plurality of distribution slots (27), plurality of seed inlet channels (23), and plurality of seed outlet channels (22) correspond one to one, so that when the two seeding mechanisms rotate relative to each other, the outlet of the seed inlet channel (23) connects with the distribution slot (27) to realize seed inlet, or the distribution slot (27) connects with the seed outlet channel (22) to realize seed outlet; The outer shell of the external seeding mechanism (12) is fixed in a fixed state during operation. The end face of the outer shell is provided with several inlets (61) for feeding materials into the odd number of storage bins (21) respectively. The side of the outer shell is provided with several outlets (81) for connecting with the outlet of the seeding channel (22). The inner seeding mechanism (17) has a central shaft (18) inside, one end of which is engaged with the inner side of the outer seeding mechanism (12) through the intermediate bearing (16), and the other end is fitted with a left flange (4) and is poweredly connected to the left drive mechanism through the left coupling (3); the left flange (4) is fixedly connected to the inner seeding mechanism (17). The external seeding mechanism (12) has a connecting section (121) at one end near the intermediate bearing (16), with a connecting shaft (19) at its center and a right flange (13) at its end. It is connected to the right drive mechanism via a right coupling (14). The right flange (13) is fixedly connected to the connecting section (121).

2. The horizontal seed metering device with controllable sowing path number and number of seeds per hole as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing includes a main housing (8) and an end cap (6) detachably connected thereto, the end cap (6) being located on the side near the left drive mechanism for closing the storage bin (21); the plurality of feed inlets (61) are provided on the end cap (6).

3. The horizontal seed metering device with controllable sowing path number and seed count per hole as described in claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the inner seeding mechanism (17) extends out of the outer seeding mechanism (12) and is engaged with the end cap (6) via a left bearing (5); the end of the main housing (8) away from the end cap (6) is engaged with the connecting section (121) via a right bearing (11).

4. The horizontal seed metering device with controllable sowing path number and number of seeds per hole as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Both the left drive mechanism and the right drive mechanism include motors.

5. The horizontal seed metering device with controllable sowing path number and seed count per hole as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The storage bins (21) are provided in three locations, distributed at 120° intervals along the circumference.

6. The horizontal seed metering device with controllable sowing path number and number of seeds per hole as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The volume of the distribution slot (27) is sufficient to hold at least one seed.

7. The horizontal seed metering device with controllable sowing path number and number of seeds per hole as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The feed inlet (61) is provided with a cover (7) for opening or closing.

8. The horizontal seed metering device with controllable sowing path number and number of seeds per hole as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the outer shell is provided with a base (10), and the bottom of the base (10) is provided with a through hole (101) for docking with the discharge port (81).

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