A large seed positioning and orienting planting device and method for a drum seed meter

Abstract

The application discloses a large-grain seed positioning and directional seeding device and method for a drum seed metering device, and relates to the technical field of facility seedling raising precision seeding machinery. The positioning and directional seeding device for the pneumatic drum seed metering device comprises a pneumatic drum seed metering device, a single-grain long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism, a directional seed dropping mechanism and a plug tray conveying mechanism. The single-grain long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism is used for receiving the seeds discharged from the pneumatic drum seed metering device and performing single-grain long-axis positioning on the seeds. The tail section of the positioning groove body is provided with a long-axis directional circular groove used for positioning the seeds. The end of the long-axis directional circular groove is provided with a directional profile. The seed supporting plate is provided with a positioning profile groove. Through the cooperation of the positioning profile groove and the directional profile, the positioning and long-axis direction of the seeds are realized. In the directional seed dropping mechanism, the lifting driving module drives the seed suction and direction adjusting module to lift. The seed suction and direction adjusting module can perform bud opening direction adjusting after the seeds are adsorbed, so that directional seed dropping is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of precision seeding machinery technology for facility seedling cultivation, and in particular to a large-seed positioning and orientation seeding device for a pneumatic roller seed metering device, and also to a large-seed positioning and orientation seeding method. Background Technology

[0002] Pneumatic drum seeders, with their advantages of high efficiency, low seed damage rate, and suitability for high-speed precision seeding, have been widely used in agricultural production in my country. Their typical structure consists of a pneumatic drum seed metering device with multiple rows of seed suction holes evenly spaced circumferentially on its surface. During operation, the drum rotates continuously, causing the suction holes to pass through the seed box sequentially and absorb the seeds. The seed-absorbing holes continue to rotate with the drum, and when they reach the scraper plate, the seeds are scraped off and placed into the holes of the seed tray below, thus achieving continuous precision seeding. Furthermore, by changing the drum with different suction hole diameters and spacings, the seeding needs of medium and small-diameter seeds can be met.

[0003] However, in fully automated grafting of large-seeded plants such as watermelon, pumpkin, and zucchini, uniform seedling growth and consistent emergence direction are required, meaning that stem thickness, plant height, and cotyledon unfolding direction must be basically the same. Therefore, when sowing large-seeded seeds in plug trays, not only is precise sowing of one seed per cell necessary, but the seed bud must also be centered in the hole of the plug tray and facing the same direction. However, large seeds are randomly attracted by the roller seed metering device and then scraped into the plug tray holes by a scraper. This sowing process cannot accurately position and orient the bud of the large seeds. Therefore, existing pneumatic roller seed metering devices cannot yet meet the requirements for precise positioning and orientation of large-seeded seeds in plug tray seedling cultivation.

[0004] To address the need for precise positioning and orientation of large-seed tray seedling cultivation, existing technologies have designed specialized seeding devices for large seeds, incorporating functional components such as quantitative seed supply, seed arrangement and positioning, bud orientation adjustment, and adsorption seed dispensing. For example, the "Precision Seeding Device for Oriented Positioning of Large Seeds" (application number 202010567377.0) uses a grooved wheel mechanism for quantitative seed supply and multiple seed guide tubes to achieve seed arrangement and positioning. Based on the flat shape of large seeds and the different smoothness at their ends, positive pressure pneumatically guides the seeds to fall into the seed guide tubes with the head and tail facing the same direction, thus achieving bud orientation adjustment for seeding. Application No. 202510794458.7, entitled "A Large-Grained Seed Positioning and Orientation Sowing Device and Method," involves feeding a quantitative amount of seeds into a seed scraping mechanism via a grooved wheel seed supply mechanism. The scraping mechanism causes the seeds to flow rapidly and fill the positioning holes. The seeds, falling into the positioning holes, achieve long-axis orientation and bud orifice orientation under the action of vibration, directional bosses, and positive pressure in the air blowing holes. Finally, a pneumatic seed-dispensing mechanism places the positioned and oriented seeds into the planting holes. Application No. 202511128182.5, entitled "A Cucurbit Rootstock Seed Orientation Sowing Device and Sowing Method," uses a linear vibrating seed box and a conveyor belt to supply quantitative seeds at a differential speed. The seeds are evenly spread and transported to the seed collection area, and images of the seeds in the collection area are captured. The geometric center, bud position, and bud angle of each seed are identified. Finally, a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm completes the seed grasping, positioning, bud orifice orientation, and precise placement. The application number 202511554527.3, entitled "A method and device for directional sowing of pumpkin rootstock seeds in a seed tray", uses a seed suction and pre-sowing device to suck up seeds from the seed box to the pre-sowing area to achieve quantitative seed supply. A visual recognition device is used to collect seed image information, and a negative pressure seed suction and orientation device sucks up seeds from the pre-sowing area. Based on the visual recognition results, the seeds are oriented and dropped into the corresponding seed tray holes.

[0005] The aforementioned large-seed positioning and orientation sowing device can achieve precise positioning and orientation sowing of large seeds, but its sowing efficiency is low, making it difficult to use for high-speed and precision sowing of small and medium-sized seeds. Its application range is limited, and in actual seedling production, it is easy to lead to low equipment reuse rate, which in turn increases production costs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application aims to at least partially solve one of the aforementioned technical problems in the prior art. To this end, embodiments of this application provide a large-seed positioning and orientation sowing device for a pneumatic drum seed metering device, which, while retaining the high-speed, precise tray sowing function of the pneumatic drum seed metering device for small and medium-diameter seeds, achieves the arrangement, positioning, and precise bud orientation sowing of large seeds.

[0007] This application also provides a method for directional sowing of large seeds using the above-described device.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, a large-seed positioning and directional sowing device for a pneumatic roller seed meterer is provided, comprising a pneumatic roller seed meterer, a single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism, a directional seed feeding mechanism, and a seed tray conveying mechanism.

[0009] The single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism is located below the pneumatic roller seed metering device, used to receive the seeds discharged by the pneumatic roller seed metering device and perform single-seed long-axis positioning on the seeds. The single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism includes a single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply module and a seed-supporting misalignment module. Multiple single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply modules are arranged side-by-side. Each single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply module includes an inclined positioning groove. The tail section of the positioning groove has a long-axis directional circular groove for positioning the seeds, and the end of the long-axis directional circular groove is provided with a directional surface. The bottom of the long-axis oriented circular groove is provided with a seed inlet; the seed-supporting misalignment module includes multiple seed-supporting plates and a first driving component that drives each seed-supporting plate to move laterally. The seed-supporting plate has a seed-supporting state and a misalignment state through the lateral movement. In the seed-supporting state, the seed-supporting plate is located directly below the seed inlet, thereby supporting the seeds located in the long-axis oriented circular groove. The seed-supporting plate is provided with a positioning groove. In the seed-supporting state, the positioning groove and the oriented surface work together to achieve seed positioning and long-axis orientation. In the misalignment state, the seed-supporting plate is completely offset from the seed inlet.

[0010] The seed tray conveying mechanism is located below the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism. The seed tray conveying mechanism is equipped with a seed tray, which has several sets of seed holes.

[0011] A directional seed-feeding mechanism is used to pick up a group of seeds from the single-seed long-axis positioning seed-feeding mechanism and place them into the corresponding holes in the seed tray. The directional seed-feeding mechanism includes a camera, a seed-suction and orientation module, and a lifting drive module. The camera is used to identify the seeds on the seed tray and the direction of the seed buds. Multiple seed-suction and orientation modules are provided and are respectively set above each of the long-axis orientation circular grooves. Each seed-suction and orientation module includes a rotary drive component and a seed-suction tube connected to the output end of the rotary drive component. The seed-suction tube is connected to a negative pressure air source to generate a negative pressure airflow field at the lower end of the seed-suction tube. When the seed tray is in a misaligned state, the seed-suction tube can pass through the seed-feeding port to place seeds with the same bud direction into the corresponding holes in the seed tray.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the positioning groove includes a first groove, a second groove, and a third groove that are sequentially connected and inclined from top to bottom. The first groove is used to receive the seeds discharged by the pneumatic roller seed meterer. The second groove is formed with a tapered guide groove to guide the seeds in the first groove into the third groove. The long axis directional circular groove is formed in the third groove.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, a sliding notch is provided on one side of the third groove, and an inclined surface is provided on the upper surface of the seed tray facing the sliding notch. The positioning groove is located on the inclined surface, thereby guiding excess seeds on the long axis directional circular groove to be discharged towards the sliding notch.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, a first sensor electrically connected to the camera is provided on the other side of the third trough to detect the seed arrival signal of the seed tray, thereby triggering the camera's recognition action.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism further includes a seed recycling box. The seed recycling box is mounted on the seed tray conveying mechanism via a cross-bracing bracket. The third groove and the first groove of the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply module are respectively fixed at the front and rear ends of the seed recycling box. The front end of the seed recycling box is provided with a plurality of clearance holes, each of which is located below the corresponding seed inlet.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, each of the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply modules has a groove at its bottom. The seed-supporting misalignment module includes a hollow slide plate that passes through each of the grooves in sequence. Each seed-supporting plate is fixed on the hollow slide plate. The first driving component is a linear driving source. The output end of the first driving component is connected to the hollow slide plate to drive the hollow slide plate to move laterally left and right, thereby switching each seed-supporting plate between a seed-supporting state and a misalignment state.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the first trough is formed with a converging V-shaped groove, the converging V-shaped groove having a guide slope at the bottom and converging slopes on both sides, through which seeds falling into the first trough are conveyed to the second trough; the tapered guide groove has tapered walls on both sides, the tapered guide groove using the tapered walls on both sides to guide the seeds to slide into the long axis oriented circular groove.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the directional seeding mechanism includes a mounting bracket fixed on the seed tray conveying mechanism, the camera is mounted on the top of the mounting bracket, the lifting drive module includes a second drive component and a lifting beam driven by the second drive component, the second drive component is fixed on the mounting bracket, the second drive component is a linear drive source, the output end of the second drive component is connected to the lifting beam to drive the lifting beam to reciprocate vertically, and each of the seed suction and orientation modules is fixed on the lifting beam.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the upper end of the seed suction tube is fixed to the output end of the rotary drive component, an L-shaped flow channel is provided inside the seed suction tube, a negative pressure inlet for connecting an external negative pressure air source is provided on the side end of the L-shaped flow channel, and a negative pressure airflow field is generated at the lower end of the L-shaped flow channel.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the second aspect of this application, a method for directional sowing of large seeds is provided, using the large seed positioning and directional sowing device for a pneumatic drum seed metering device described in the first aspect of this application, comprising several operating cycles, each cycle including the following steps:

[0021] In the seed metering step, the pneumatic roller seed meterer delivers the seeds to the positioning slots of each of the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply modules;

[0022] The seed positioning and long axis orientation steps involve controlling the seed tray to be in a seed-holding state, with the seed tray located directly below the seed inlet. Seeds slide from the first section to the last section of the positioning groove. Through the combined action of the positioning groove of the long axis orientation circular groove and the orientation surface of the seed tray, the seeds falling into the positioning groove are positioned and oriented along their long axis.

[0023] In the directional seeding step, the camera identifies the bud direction of the seeds on each of the seed trays and obtains the bud direction information; the lifting drive module drives the seed suction and orientation module to descend and pick up the seeds; after the seed suction and orientation module absorbs the seeds, it rises and completes the seed orientation according to the obtained bud direction information; the seed tray is moved laterally to a misaligned state; the lifting drive module is lowered to move the seeds through the seeding port to the top of the corresponding hole and release the seeds;

[0024] In the reset step, the seed suction and adjustment module rises and resets, the seed support plate resets to the seed support state, and the next operation cycle begins.

[0025] It has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0026] (1) Simple overall structure. Seeds fall from the pneumatic roller seed metering device into the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism. The seeds are positioned and oriented along their long axis in the positioning groove of the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply module. Specifically, the seeds collide, slide, and decelerate in the first and second grooves. The seed posture changes from bouncing and rolling to lying flat and sliding into the long-axis orientation circular groove of the third groove. The positioning groove of the seed support plate and the orientation surface of the long-axis orientation circular groove work together to achieve seed positioning and long-axis orientation. Then, the seed suction tube only needs two degrees of freedom, namely lifting and rotating, to perform directional seeding. The large-seed positioning and orientation sowing device for pneumatic roller seed metering device of this application has a simple overall structure and can achieve directional seeding without the need for too many instruments to adjust multiple degrees of freedom.

[0027] (2) Wide range of applications. A single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism and a directional seeding mechanism can be installed on the existing pneumatic drum tray seeder, so that it can be adapted to the precise positioning and directional sowing of large seeds, realizing the mechanized positioning and directional sowing of large seeds.

[0028] (3) Modular design with good versatility. The single-seed long-axis directional seed feeding mechanism is set as an independent functional module, which can be adjusted or replaced according to the shape and size characteristics of different large seeds such as watermelon, pumpkin, and zucchini. This design enhances the versatility of the seed metering device, which can be adapted to a variety of seeds without replacing the whole machine, thus reducing the equipment procurement cost. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments;

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the large-grain seed positioning and directional sowing device for a pneumatic drum seed metering device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic drum seed metering device in this application;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism in this application;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the seed recycling bin in this application;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply module in this application;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the seed misalignment module in this application;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the long axis positioning, orientation, and seed cleaning process of this application;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of redundant seed cleanup in this application;

[0038] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Sectional view along the middle AA direction;

[0039] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the targeted seed distribution agency in this application;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the seed-absorbing and directing module in this application;

[0041] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the acupuncture plate transport mechanism in this application;

[0042] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the targeted seeding process in this application.

[0043] Figure label:

[0044] 100 pneumatic roller seed meterer, 110 seed meterer fixing bracket, 111 lifting column, 112 fixing plate, 120 roller, 121 seed suction hole, 130 seed box, 140 seed scraper.

[0045] The single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism 200, seed recycling box 210, cross support 211, recycling box body 212, movable top plate 213, recycling inclined plate 214, clearance hole 215, single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply module 220, first groove 221, guide inclined surface 2211, gathering inclined surface 2212, second groove 222, tapering wall surface 2221, third groove 223, long-axis directional circular groove 2231, directional surface 2232, seed inlet 2233, first sensor 224, detection area 2241, sliding notch 225, chute 226, seed holding misalignment module 230, pad block 231, first drive assembly 232, mounting part 233, hollow sliding plate 234, seed holding plate 235, inclined surface 2351, positioning groove 2352;

[0046] 300 directional seed delivery mechanism, 310 mounting bracket, 320 camera, 321 identification area, 330 lifting drive module, 331 second drive component, 332 lifting crossbeam, 340 seed suction and adjustment module, 341 rotation drive component, 342 seed suction pipe, and 3421 L-shaped flow channel.

[0047] 400, 410, 421, 422, 430, 440; 400, 421, 422, 430, 440 ...

[0048] Acupuncture plate 510, acupuncture hole 520;

[0049] 600 seeds. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0051] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0052] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0053] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0054] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0055] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0056] The following reference Figures 1 to 12 This embodiment describes a large-seed positioning and directional sowing device for a pneumatic roller seed meterer, including a pneumatic roller seed meterer 100, a single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism 200, a directional seed feeding mechanism 300, and a seed tray conveying mechanism 400.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the pneumatic roller seed metering device 100 is located directly above the seed tray conveying mechanism 400; the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism 200 is located between the pneumatic roller seed metering device 100 and the seed tray conveying mechanism 400, and is installed across the seed tray conveying mechanism 400; the directional seed feeding mechanism 300 is located directly above the end of the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism 200.

[0058] like Figure 12 As shown, the acupuncture plate conveying mechanism 400 is equipped with an acupuncture plate 510, and the acupuncture plate conveying mechanism 400 is used to control the movement of the acupuncture plate 510. The acupuncture plate 510 has a number of acupuncture holes 520.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the pneumatic roller seed metering device 100 includes a seed metering device fixing bracket 110, a roller 120, a seed box 130, and a seed scraper 140. The seed box 130 is arranged diagonally above the roller 120, and the seed scraper 140 is arranged directly below the roller 120. The seed metering device fixing bracket 110 includes a fixing plate 112 and two lifting columns 111. The roller 120, the seed box 130, and the seed scraper 140 are all mounted on the fixing plate 112. The two lifting columns 111 are fixed to the seed tray conveying mechanism 400. The fixing plate 112 is mounted on the two lifting columns 111 and can be adjusted in height along the axial direction of the lifting columns 111. When the pneumatic roller seed metering device 100 is in operation, the seeds 600 in the seed box 130 flow to the surface of the roller 120 under the action of gravity. The negative pressure airflow field formed at the seed suction hole 121 in the negative pressure chamber inside the roller 120 adsorbs the seeds 600 onto the outer surface of the roller 120, and they rotate with the roller 120. When the seed suction hole 121 carrying the seeds 600 rotates to directly below the roller 120, the seed scraper 140 scrapes the seeds 600 off the roller 120, achieving orderly separation of the seeds from the seed population. The pneumatic roller seed metering device 100 is prior art; the specific principles can be obtained by those skilled in the art from relevant technical documents.

[0060] Combination Figure 3 The single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism 200 is located below the pneumatic roller seed metering device 100, and is used to receive the seeds 600 discharged by the pneumatic roller seed metering device 100 and perform single-seed long-axis positioning on the seeds 600. The single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism 200 includes a single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply module 220 and a seed tray misalignment module 230.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, multiple single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply modules 220 are arranged side by side. (Refer to...) Figure 5 The single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply module 220 includes an inclined positioning groove. The tail section of the positioning groove has a long-axis directional circular groove 2231 for positioning the seed 600. The positioning groove includes a first groove 221, a second groove 222, and a third groove 223 that are connected in sequence and inclined from top to bottom. The first groove 221 is used to receive the seeds 600 discharged by the pneumatic roller seed metering device 100. Specifically, the first groove 221 is formed with a converging V-shaped groove. The converging V-shaped groove has a guide slope 2211 at the bottom and converging slopes 2212 on both sides. The seeds 600 falling into the first groove 221 are conveyed to the second groove 222 through the converging V-shaped groove. The second groove 222 is formed with a tapered guide groove to guide the seed 600 in the first groove 221 into the third groove 223. The tapered guide groove has tapered walls 2221 on both sides, which guide the seed 600 into the third groove 223. In addition, the width of the inner side of the end of the second groove 222 is smaller than the major axis dimension of the seed 600, so as to guide the seed 600 into the third groove 223 in the direction of its major axis.

[0062] A long-axis oriented circular groove 2231 is formed within a third groove 223. An oriented surface 2232 is provided at the end of the long-axis oriented circular groove 2231, and a seed inlet 2233 is provided at the bottom of the long-axis oriented circular groove 2231. In some embodiments, a sliding notch 225 is provided on one side of the third groove 223, and a first sensor 224 is provided on the other side of the third groove 223. The detection area 2241 of the first sensor 224 covers the long-axis oriented circular groove 2231, and the first sensor 224 is used to detect whether seeds 600 have entered the long-axis oriented circular groove 2231.

[0063] Reference Figure 6 The seed tray misalignment module 230 includes multiple seed trays 235 and a first drive assembly 232 for driving the lateral movement of each seed tray 235. The first drive assembly 232 is mounted on the seed tray conveying mechanism 400 via a pad 231. The first drive assembly 232 is a linear drive source, specifically a linear motor. Figure 5As shown, each single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply module 220 has a sliding groove 226 at its bottom, referring to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The seed-supporting misalignment module 230 includes a hollow slide plate 234 that passes sequentially through each slide groove 226. Each seed-supporting plate 235 is fixed on the hollow slide plate 234. The output end of the first drive component 232 is connected to the hollow slide plate 234 to drive the hollow slide plate 234 to move laterally left and right, thereby switching each seed-supporting plate 235 between a seed-supporting state and a misalignment state. The end of the hollow slide plate 234 is connected to the output end of the first drive component 232 via a mounting member 233. The hollow slide plate 234 of the seed-supporting misalignment module 230 forms a sliding pair with the slide groove 226 at the end of each single-seed long-axis positioning seed-supply module 220. The first drive component 232 drives the hollow slide plate 234 to move laterally left and right along the slide groove 226.

[0064] It is understandable that the seed-supporting plate 235 has a seed-supporting state and a misaligned state through lateral movement. In the seed-supporting state, the seed-supporting plate 235 is located directly below the seed inlet 2233, thereby supporting the seed 600 located in the long axis orientation groove 2231. In the misaligned state, the seed-supporting plate 235 is completely offset from the seed inlet 2233. The seed-supporting plate 235 is provided with a positioning groove 2352. In the seed-supporting state, the positioning groove 2352 and the orientation surface 2232 work together to achieve the positioning and long axis orientation of the seed 600.

[0065] Combination Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The third trough 223 has a sliding notch 225 on one side, and the upper surface of the seed tray 235 has an inclined surface 2351 facing the sliding notch 225. The positioning groove 2352 is located on the inclined surface 2351, thereby guiding excess seeds 600 on the long-axis oriented circular groove 2231 to be discharged towards the sliding notch 225. In some embodiments, the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism 200 also includes a seed collection box 210, which is mounted on the seed tray conveying mechanism 400 via a cross bracket 211. Specifically, as shown in the figure... Figure 4 As shown, the recycling bin 210 includes a recycling bin body 212 and a movable top plate 213 hinged to the rear end of the recycling bin body 212. A recycling ramp 214 is formed at the front end of the recycling bin body 212, and a support plate is installed on the top of the recycling ramp 214. The third groove 223 and the first groove 221 of the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply module 220 are respectively fixed at the front and rear ends of the seed recycling bin 210. Specifically, the third groove 223 is fixed on the movable top plate 213, and the first groove 221 is installed on the support plate. In addition, the front end of the seed recycling bin 210 has multiple clearance holes 215, which are located on the recycling ramp 214, each clearance hole 215 being located below the corresponding seed inlet 2233.

[0066] The working principle of the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism 200 can be combined with... Figures 7 to 9 To understand this, the gathering V-shaped groove of the first trough 221 gathers the seeds 600 dropped by the pneumatic roller seed meterer 100 to the guide slope 2211, where they slide out. Simultaneously, through the collision and friction between the seeds 600 and the gathering slope 2212 and guide slope 2211, the movement speed of the seeds 600 is slowed down, changing their posture from bouncing and rolling along the guide slope 2211 to sliding flat along it. The seeds 600 then slide into the tapering guide groove of the second trough 222. The tapering guide groove uses the tapering walls 2221 on both sides to guide the seeds 600 into the long-axis oriented circular groove 2231 of the third trough 223. After sliding into the long-axis oriented circular groove 2231, the seeds 600 are positioned and oriented along their long axis by the combined action of the oriented surface 2232 and the positioning groove 2352. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the positioned and long-axis oriented seeds 600 are tilted along the inclined surface 2351 of the seed tray 235. If excess seeds 600 slide into the long-axis oriented circular groove 2231, they will collide with the seeds in the groove and turn, then slide down through the sliding notch 225 on the side of the long-axis oriented circular groove 2231 and slide into the seed collection box 210 along the collection ramp 214. Specifically, because the inclined surface 2351 is tilted towards the sliding notch 225, the positioned and long-axis oriented seeds 600 are also tilted as a whole. At this time, if excess seeds 600 slide into the long-axis oriented circular groove 2231, such as Figure 9 As shown, the collision point is near the sliding gap 225, so that the excess seed 600 will slide out from the sliding gap 225.

[0067] Furthermore, the vertical distance h between the bottom of the sliding notch 225 and the bottom of the positioning groove 2352 is defined as follows, and the thickness t of the seed 600 is defined as follows, where h ∈ (t / 2, t). Thus, the sliding notch 225 ensures that the positioning groove 2352 can accommodate the seed 600 that needs to be positioned, while also allowing excess seeds 600 to slide out. In practical applications, h is slightly greater than t / 2. It can be understood that the height of the side wall of the third groove 223 on the side where the sliding notch 225 is located is slightly higher than the height of the edge of the positioned seed 600 facing the sliding notch 225.

[0068] Refer again Figure 5 and 8The directional surface 2232 is located at the front section of the long-axis directional circular groove 2231, and the seed inlet 2233 is located at the front and middle sections of the long-axis directional circular groove 2231. The positioned and long-axis oriented seeds 600 will be located at the front and middle sections of the long-axis directional circular groove 2231. With the addition of the inclined surface 2351, the seeds 600 are tilted overall. The sliding notch 225 extends from the middle section to the rear section of the long-axis directional circular groove 2231. If excess seeds 600 slide into the long-axis directional circular groove 2231, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the collision point occurs in the middle and rear section of the long axis oriented circular groove 2231, and is close to the sliding gap 225. The excess seeds 600 will then slide out from the sliding gap 225.

[0069] It should be mentioned that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by "front", "middle" and "rear" in this application is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the attached drawings. For example, the third trough 223 and the first trough 221 are respectively fixed at the front and rear ends of the seed recycling box 210. The orientation or positional relationship indicated by "first" and "last" in this application is identified from the movement relationship of the structure itself. For example, the seed 600 slides from the first section to the last section of the positioning trough. Another example is that the end of the long axis oriented circular groove 2231 is provided with an oriented surface 2232.

[0070] Reference Figure 10 The directional seed dispensing mechanism 300 is used to pick up a set of seeds 600 from the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism 200 and put them into the corresponding holes 520 in the seed tray 510. The directional seed dispensing mechanism 300 includes a camera 320, a seed suction and orientation module 340, and a lifting drive module 330.

[0071] Camera 320 is used to identify seeds 600 on seed trays 235 and to identify the direction of the bud opening of seeds 600. A first sensor 224, located on the side of the third groove 223, is electrically connected to camera 320. When a seed positioning signal is detected on the seed tray 235, the camera 320 is triggered to identify the seed. The identification area 321 of camera 320 covers each seed tray 235 of the seed misalignment module 230.

[0072] Multiple seed suction and orientation modules 340 are provided, and each is positioned above a long-axis directional circular groove 2231. For example... Figure 11As shown, the seed suction and orientation module 340 includes a rotary drive component 341 and a seed suction tube 342 connected to the output end of the rotary drive component 341. The seed suction tube 342 is externally connected to a negative pressure air source to generate a negative pressure airflow field at its lower end. Specifically, the upper end of the seed suction tube 342 is fixed to the output end of the rotary drive component 341. An L-shaped flow channel 3421 is provided inside the seed suction tube 342, and a negative pressure inlet for connecting an external negative pressure air source is provided on the side end of the L-shaped flow channel 3421. The negative pressure airflow field is generated at the lower end of the L-shaped flow channel 3421. The rotary drive component 341 can be a rotary motor capable of controlling the rotation angle, rotating the seed suction tube 342 that adsorbs the seeds 600, thereby orienting the seeds 600 at the bud opening.

[0073] like Figure 10 As shown, the lifting drive module 330 includes a second drive component 331 and a lifting beam 332 driven by the second drive component 331. Each seed-adjusting module 340 is fixed on the lifting beam 332. Specifically, the directional seeding mechanism 300 includes a mounting bracket 310 fixed on the seed tray conveying mechanism 400. The camera 320 is mounted on the top of the mounting bracket 310. The second drive component 331 is fixed on the mounting bracket 310 and is a linear drive source, specifically a linear motor. The output end of the second drive component 331 is connected to the lifting beam 332 to drive the lifting beam 332 to reciprocate vertically.

[0074] With the seed tray 235 in a misaligned state, the seed suction tube 342 can pass through the seed inlet 2233 to place seeds 600 with the same bud direction into the corresponding holes 520 in the seed tray 510. It can be understood that the seed suction orientation module 340 rotates and adjusts according to the identified seed bud direction, finally moving the seed 600 with the bud direction adjusted downwards, passing through the misaligned seed inlet 2233 of the seed tray misalignment module 230, and reaching the top of the seed tray 510 to complete the sowing, achieving consistent seed bud direction placement into the corresponding holes 520 in the seed tray 510. In this embodiment, the seed suction tube 342 only requires two degrees of freedom—lifting and rotating—to perform directional sowing.

[0075] In some embodiments, at least one set of single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism 200 is provided according to the specifications of the seed tray 510, the number of single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply modules 220 matches the number of a set of holes 520 in the seed tray 510, and the number of seed suction and orientation modules 340 matches the number of single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply modules 220.

[0076] Reference Figure 12The seed tray conveying mechanism 400 includes a conveyor belt frame 410 and a conveyor belt assembly 430. The conveyor belt frame 410 is equipped with two seed tray guide rails 421, which are mounted on the conveyor belt frame 410 via seed tray guide rail fixing seats 422. The two seed tray guide rails 421 are arranged in parallel to form a seed tray conveying channel. The conveyor belt assembly 430 includes a conveyor belt and a conveyor belt drive component, both of which are existing technologies and will not be described in detail. The conveyor belt is tensioned in the middle of the conveyor belt frame 410 and located below the seed tray guide rails 421. A second sensor 440 is provided on the outer side of the seed tray guide rails 421 to detect whether a seed tray 510 passes through the seed tray conveying channel, providing a trigger signal for starting the pneumatic roller seed metering device 100.

[0077] This embodiment also provides a method for directional sowing of large seeds, using the above-mentioned large seed positioning and directional sowing device for a pneumatic drum seed meterer, which includes several working cycles, and the cyclic operation includes the following steps:

[0078] In step S0, the seed tray conveying mechanism 400 drives the seed tray 510 to move. After the second sensor 440 detects the seed tray 510, it triggers the pneumatic roller seed metering device 100 to start, and the roller 120 rotates. The seed conveying linear speed of the roller 120 is consistent with the moving speed of the seed tray 510.

[0079] In the seed metering step S1, the pneumatic roller seed meterer 100 delivers the seeds 600 to the first trough 221 of each single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply module 220, and the number of large seeds dropped into each single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply module 220 is 0 to 2.

[0080] In the seed positioning and long axis orientation step S2, the seed tray 235 is controlled to be in the seed-holding state, with the seed tray 235 located directly below the seed inlet 2233. The seed 600 slides from the first section to the last section of the positioning groove, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the seed 600 slides from the first groove 221 through the second groove 222 to the third groove 223. The seed 600 collides, slides, and decelerates within the first and second grooves 221 and 222. The seed 600's posture changes from bouncing and rolling to lying flat and sliding, and it slides into the long axis oriented circular groove 2231 of the third groove 223.

[0081] When there is a single seed, the seed 600 falling into the third groove 223 is positioned and oriented along its long axis by the combined action of the positioning groove 2352 of the long axis oriented circular groove 2231 and the oriented surface 2232 of the seed support plate 235. When there are two seeds, after the first seed 600 is positioned and oriented along its long axis, it lies flat on the inclined surface 2351. The second seed 600 collides with the first seed 600 and changes direction, sliding out from the sliding gap 225.

[0082] Targeted seeding step S3, refer to Figure 13 After the first sensor 224 detects the presence of seeds 600 above the seed tray 235, it triggers the camera 320 to acquire an image of the recognition area 321. The camera 320 identifies the bud direction of the seeds 600 on each seed tray 235 and acquires the bud direction information. The lifting drive module 330 drives the seed suction and orientation module 340 to descend and pick up the seeds. After the seed suction and orientation module 340 absorbs the seeds 600, it rises and completes the orientation of the seeds 600 according to the acquired bud direction information. The seed tray 235 is moved horizontally to a misaligned state. The lifting drive module 330 descends and transfers the seeds 600 through the seed inlet 2233 to the corresponding hole 520 and releases the seeds 600.

[0083] In reset step S4, the seed suction and adjustment module 340 rises and resets, the seed support plate 235 resets to the seed support state, and the next operation cycle begins.

[0084] Specifically, in Figure 13 middle, Figure 13 -a indicates that the camera 320 identifies the direction of the bud opening of seed 600; Figure 13 -b indicates that the lifting drive module 330 lowers to suck up seeds and raises to adjust direction, and that the horizontally moving seed support plate 235 puts it in a misaligned state; Figure 13 -c indicates that the lifting drive module 330 lowers the seeding unit; Figure 13 -d indicates that the seed intake and orientation module 340 is reset.

[0085] Reference Figure 13 As shown in -a, when seed 600 enters the detection area 2241 of the first sensor 224, the camera 320 is triggered to identify the bud direction of seed 600. The identification area 321 is as follows: Figure 13 -a is shown.

[0086] like Figure 13 As shown in -b, after the bud direction is identified, the seed suction and orientation module 340 descends to suction the seed 600, then rises and rotates the seed 600 that needs to be oriented. Figure 13 The two seeds 600 shown in -b have different orientations; one seed 600 needs to be rotated, while the other does not. Simultaneously, the seed-holding misalignment module 230 completes the misalignment action, that is, it moves the seed-holding plate 235 laterally, exposing the seed-feeding opening 2233. Figure 13 In -b, operation numbers I, II, and III represent the order of operations in that process.

[0087] like Figure 13 As shown in -c, the seed suction and orientation module 340 carries a set of seeds 600 that have been oriented and descends through the seed inlet 2233 to reach the hole 520 to complete the seeding action.

[0088] like Figure 13As shown in -d, after the seeding action is completed, the seed suction and orientation module 340 rises and resets, and then the seed placement misalignment module 230 resets and closes.

[0089] Reference Figure 13 In this embodiment, two seeds 600 are used. One seed 600 needs to be rotated and oriented by rotating 180° via the seed suction and orientation module 340, while the other seed does not require rotation and orientation. In other embodiments, if the seed bud needs to be planted at a set angle, all seeds need to be rotated and oriented. After all seed buds are oriented, planting is performed. If the seed bud's planting angle is too large, and the seed inlet 2233 cannot allow the seed to pass through, then after the seed suction tube 342 absorbs the seed and passes through the seed inlet 2233, the rotation drive component 341 drives the seed suction tube 342 to rotate, adjusting the seed bud to the planting angle. The directional seed-dispensing mechanism 300 of this application is intended to adjust the bud orientation of pre-positioned seeds with their long axis oriented, aligning the bud orientations of various seeds before dispensing. The timing of the rotation drive component 341 driving the seed suction tube 342 to rotate—whether before or after the seed suction tube 342 passes through the seed dispensing port 2233—can be adjusted by those skilled in the art based on the actual seed bud orientation setting angle. However, it should be noted that before the seed suction tube 342 passes through the seed dispensing port 2233, the seed support plate 235 needs to be moved laterally to a misaligned state. When understanding the technical solution of this application, it is not advisable to interpret it in a purely theoretical way. Figure 13 The circumstances presented are used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0090] The aforementioned large-seed positioning and orientation sowing device for pneumatic drum seed meterers can be manufactured as a whole or modified from an existing pneumatic drum tray seeder. The pneumatic drum seed meterer and tray conveying mechanism directly utilize the original structure of the existing seeder, and then the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism 200 and the orientation seed feeding mechanism 300 of this application are added, so that the existing pneumatic drum tray seeder can also be adapted to precise positioning and orientation sowing of large seeds. The modification cost is low and the service expansion is wide.

[0091] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this application.

Claims

1. A device for positioning and directional sowing of large seeds using a pneumatic drum seed metering system, characterized in that: include Pneumatic roller seed metering device; A single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism is located below the pneumatic roller seed metering device, used to receive the seeds discharged by the pneumatic roller seed metering device and perform single-seed long-axis positioning on the seeds. The single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism includes a single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply module and a seed tray misalignment module. Multiple single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply modules are arranged side-by-side. Each single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply module includes an inclined positioning groove. The tail section of the positioning groove has a long-axis directional circular groove for positioning the seeds. The end of the long-axis directional circular groove is provided with a directional surface. The bottom of the axially oriented circular groove is provided with a seed inlet; the seed holding and misalignment module includes multiple seed holding plates and a first driving component for driving each seed holding plate to move laterally. The seed holding plate has a seed holding state and a misalignment state through lateral movement. In the seed holding state, the seed holding plate is located directly below the seed inlet, thereby holding the seeds located in the long axis oriented circular groove. The seed holding plate is provided with a positioning groove. In the seed holding state, the positioning groove and the orientation surface work together to achieve seed positioning and long axis orientation. In the misalignment state, the seed holding plate is completely offset from the seed inlet. A seed tray conveying mechanism is located below the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism. The seed tray conveying mechanism is equipped with a seed tray, which has several sets of seed holes. as well as A directional seed dispensing mechanism is used to pick up a set of seeds from the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism and put them into the corresponding holes in the seed tray; the directional seed dispensing mechanism includes a camera, a seed suction and adjustment module, and a lifting drive module for driving the seed suction and adjustment module to rise and fall. The camera is used to identify the seeds on the seed tray and the direction of their bud openings. Multiple seed suction and orientation modules are provided, each positioned above a long-axis directional groove. Each module includes a rotary drive component and a seed suction tube connected to the output end of the rotary drive component. The seed suction tube is externally connected to a negative pressure air source to generate a negative pressure airflow field at its lower end. When the seed tray is in a misaligned state, the seed suction tube can pass through the seed inlet to insert seeds with the same bud opening direction into the corresponding holes in the seed tray.

2. The large-seed positioning and directional sowing device for a pneumatic drum seed metering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning groove includes a first groove, a second groove, and a third groove that are connected in sequence and inclined from top to bottom. The first groove is used to receive the seeds discharged by the pneumatic roller seed meterer. The second groove is formed with a tapered guide groove to guide the seeds in the first groove into the third groove. The long axis directional circular groove is formed in the third groove.

3. The large-seed positioning and directional sowing device for a pneumatic drum seed metering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The third trough has a sliding notch on one side, and the upper surface of the seed tray has an inclined surface facing the sliding notch. The positioning groove is located on the inclined surface, thereby guiding excess seeds on the long axis directional circular groove to be discharged towards the sliding notch.

4. The large-seed positioning and directional sowing device for a pneumatic drum seed metering device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A first sensor, electrically connected to the camera, is provided on the other side of the third trough to detect the seed arrival signal of the seed tray, thereby triggering the camera's recognition action.

5. The large-seed positioning and directional sowing device for a pneumatic drum seed metering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply mechanism also includes a seed recycling box, which is mounted on the seed tray conveying mechanism via a cross-bracing bracket. The third groove and the first groove of the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply module are respectively fixed at the front and rear ends of the seed recycling box. The front end of the seed recycling box is provided with multiple clearance holes, each clearance hole being located below the corresponding seed inlet.

6. The large-seed positioning and directional sowing device for a pneumatic drum seed metering device according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each of the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply modules has a groove at its bottom. The seed-supporting misalignment module includes a hollow slide plate that passes through each of the grooves in sequence. Each seed-supporting plate is fixed on the hollow slide plate. The first driving component is a linear driving source. The output end of the first driving component is connected to the hollow slide plate to drive the hollow slide plate to move laterally left and right, thereby switching each seed-supporting plate between the seed-supporting state and the misalignment state.

7. The large-seed positioning and directional sowing device for a pneumatic drum seed metering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first trough is formed with a converging V-shaped groove, which has a guide slope at the bottom and converging slopes on both sides. The seeds falling into the first trough are conveyed to the second trough through the converging V-shaped groove. The tapered guide groove has tapered walls on both sides, which guide the seeds to slide into the long axis oriented circular groove.

8. The large-seed positioning and directional sowing device for a pneumatic drum seed metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The directional seeding mechanism includes a mounting bracket fixed on the seed tray conveying mechanism. The camera is mounted on the top of the mounting bracket. The lifting drive module includes a second drive component and a lifting beam driven by the second drive component. The second drive component is fixed on the mounting bracket and is a linear drive source. The output end of the second drive component is connected to the lifting beam to drive the lifting beam to reciprocate vertically. Each seed suction and orientation module is fixed on the lifting beam.

9. The large-seed positioning and directional sowing device for a pneumatic drum seed metering device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The upper end of the seed suction tube is fixed to the output end of the rotary drive component. An L-shaped flow channel is provided inside the seed suction tube. A negative pressure inlet for connecting an external negative pressure air source is provided on the side end of the L-shaped flow channel. The negative pressure airflow field is generated at the lower end of the L-shaped flow channel.

10. A method for directional sowing of large seeds, characterized in that, The large-seed positioning and orientation sowing device for a pneumatic drum seed metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 includes several working cycles, and the cyclic operation includes the following steps: In the seed metering step, the pneumatic roller seed meterer delivers the seeds to the positioning slots of each of the single-seed long-axis positioning seed supply modules; The seed positioning and long axis orientation steps involve controlling the seed tray to be in a seed-holding state, with the seed tray located directly below the seed inlet. Seeds slide from the first section to the last section of the positioning groove. Through the combined action of the positioning groove of the long axis orientation circular groove and the orientation surface of the seed tray, the seeds falling into the positioning groove are positioned and oriented along their long axis. In the directional seeding step, the camera identifies the bud direction of the seeds on each of the seed trays and obtains the bud direction information; the lifting drive module drives the seed suction and orientation module to descend and pick up the seeds; after the seed suction and orientation module absorbs the seeds, it rises and completes the seed orientation according to the obtained bud direction information; the seed tray is moved laterally to a misaligned state; the lifting drive module is lowered to move the seeds through the seeding port to the top of the corresponding hole and release the seeds; In the reset step, the seed suction and adjustment module rises and resets, the seed support plate resets to the seed support state, and the next operation cycle begins.

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