An adjustable posture tobacco leaf picking device, harvester and method

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of agricultural machinery technology and discloses an adjustable tobacco leaf harvesting device, harvester, and method. It includes a device frame, a support frame, a harvesting mechanism, an adjustment mechanism, and a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism is connected to the top of the device frame, and its output end is connected to the support frame via a transmission component, driving the support frame to perform reciprocating vertical lifting motion. A harvesting mechanism is installed inside the support frame, comprising a crossbar, multiple connecting rods, and multiple finger wheels. The first end of each connecting rod is hinged to the inside of the support frame, and the second end is connected to the crossbar. The multiple finger wheels are rotatably connected to the bottom surface of the crossbar, and the two sets of harvesting mechanisms are staggered along the direction of travel. The support frame is equipped with an adjustment mechanism, the first end of which is hinged to the support frame, and the second end of which is hinged to the harvesting mechanism of the support frame, driving the harvesting mechanism to switch between a horizontal harvesting posture and an inclined avoidance posture. This invention can prevent the harvesting mechanism from damaging unharvested tobacco leaves and facilitates the trapping and removal of fallen tobacco leaves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of agricultural machinery technology, specifically relating to an adjustable tobacco leaf picking device, harvester, and method. Background Technology

[0002] Tobacco harvesting is a crucial step in tobacco production, determining both leaf quality and economic benefits. Traditional tobacco harvesting relies primarily on manual labor, which suffers from high labor intensity, low efficiency, and high labor costs. Currently, rotary beater harvesters are widely used to improve efficiency, but these machines result in a higher rate of leaf breakage.

[0003] To address this issue, existing technology discloses a harvesting mechanism for an intermittent tobacco harvester. This mechanism employs a staggered roller system combined with a spring-floating structure, achieving tobacco leaf stripping through overall vertical lifting. Compared to rotary tapping harvesting, this harvesting mechanism reduces the tobacco leaf breakage rate.

[0004] However, the above solution still has the following drawbacks: The harvesting rollers maintain a relatively close contact posture, which can easily scrape and squeeze the immature tobacco leaves on the upper part of the tobacco plant when the harvesting mechanism moves upward and resets. In addition, the gaps between the harvesting rollers can easily trap residual leaves, which not only damages the tobacco plant but also affects the stability of continuous operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an adjustable tobacco leaf picking device, harvester and method, which can solve the technical problem in the prior art that the harvesting mechanism is prone to damaging the tobacco plant and affecting the stability of continuous operation.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In one aspect, an adjustable tobacco leaf picking device is provided, including a device frame, a support frame, a picking mechanism, an adjustment mechanism, and a lifting mechanism, with two support frames slidably connected to each other within the device frame. The lifting mechanism is connected to the top of the device frame. The output end of the lifting mechanism is connected to the support frame through a transmission component, driving the support frame to perform reciprocating lifting motion in the vertical direction. Each support frame is equipped with a picking mechanism. The picking mechanism includes a crossbar, multiple connecting rods and multiple finger wheels. The first end of the connecting rod is hinged to the inside of the support frame, the second end of the connecting rod is connected to the crossbar, and the multiple finger wheels are rotatably connected to the bottom surface of the crossbar. The two picking mechanisms are staggered along the direction of travel. Each support frame is equipped with an attitude adjustment mechanism. The first end of the attitude adjustment mechanism is hinged to the support frame, and the second end of the attitude adjustment mechanism is hinged to the harvesting mechanism of the support frame, driving the harvesting mechanism to switch between a horizontal harvesting posture and an inclined avoidance posture.

[0007] Furthermore, the attitude adjustment mechanism includes a first drive mechanism and a fixed frame; the fixed frame is fixed to the top surface or side wall of the support frame, the first end of the first drive mechanism is hinged to the top of the fixed frame, and the second end of the first drive mechanism is hinged to the top surface of the connecting rod or crossbar.

[0008] Furthermore, the attitude adjustment mechanism also includes a limiting plate, which is connected to the inside of the support frame and is located on the top surface of the hinge point between the connecting rod and the support frame.

[0009] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism includes a second drive mechanism, and the transmission assembly includes a crank and a transmission rod; The second drive mechanism is fixed to the top of the device frame. Its output shaft is connected to a crank, and the end of the crank is hinged to a transmission rod. The lower end of the transmission rod is hinged to the support frame.

[0010] Furthermore, the transmission rod adopts a screw-type adjustable connecting rod to adjust the harvesting height range of the harvesting mechanism.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a lifting guide assembly, which is disposed between the support frame and the device frame; the device frame includes multiple columns, and the lifting guide assembly includes a guide wheel, a wheel mounting seat, and a wheel mounting rod; The grooved wheel mounting base is fixed to the top surface of the support frame by the grooved wheel mounting rod. The guide grooved wheel is rotatably assembled in the grooved wheel mounting base, and the wheel surface of the guide grooved wheel is in contact with and abuts against the inner surface of the column.

[0012] Furthermore, the finger wheel has a multi-lobed, pointed tooth disc structure with tapered ends, and is made of polyurethane material.

[0013] Secondly, a harvester is provided, including the aforementioned adjustable tobacco leaf picking device.

[0014] Thirdly, a method for harvesting tobacco leaves is provided, using the aforementioned harvesting machine, including the following steps: The harvester moves at a constant speed along the tobacco ridges, and the tobacco plants enter the working area between the two harvesting mechanisms; The lifting mechanism drives the support frame and the picking mechanism to descend, the posture adjustment mechanism keeps the picking mechanism in a horizontal harvesting posture, the finger wheel is in contact with the surface of the tobacco rod and passively rotates with the body, and the mature tobacco leaves are peeled off the tobacco rod by the load of the downward motion. After the picking mechanism descends to the lowest point of its travel, the posture adjustment mechanism drives the picking mechanism to switch to a tilted avoidance posture, and then the lifting mechanism drives the picking mechanism to rise and reset. During the upward reset process of the harvesting mechanism, the posture adjustment mechanism gradually drives the harvesting mechanism to swing back. When the harvesting mechanism rises to the highest point of its stroke, the harvesting mechanism returns to a horizontal harvesting posture.

[0015] Furthermore, within a single lifting cycle, the forward distance of the harvester is less than the coverage length of the harvesting mechanism along the direction of travel, forming a continuous re-harvesting operation mode with overlapping harvesting areas.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this invention are: This invention discloses an adjustable tobacco leaf harvesting device. By incorporating an adjustment mechanism, the harvesting mechanism switches between a horizontal harvesting posture and an inclined avoidance posture. In the horizontal harvesting posture, the rollers effectively contact the surface of the tobacco stem. Simultaneously, as the lifting mechanism moves the support frame downwards, relative motion occurs between the rollers and the tobacco stem. The rollers also passively rotate around their own axis, applying a peeling force to the mature tobacco leaves. In the inclined avoidance posture, the harvesting mechanism completes the tobacco leaf peeling operation, forming a relative angle between the harvesting mechanism and the support frame. This increases the distance between the two sets of harvesting mechanisms, thereby increasing the distance between the harvesting mechanism and the tobacco plant. This prevents the harvesting mechanism from scraping or squeezing unharvested tobacco leaves when the support frame returns to its upward position, and also facilitates the trapping of fallen tobacco leaves. The entire process of lifting and adjusting is cyclical, enabling continuous automated harvesting of tobacco leaves while minimizing damage to the tobacco plant and avoiding jamming problems in the harvesting mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the harvesting device according to Embodiment 1, 2, or 3 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of the harvesting device according to embodiment 1, 2, or 3 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a side view of the harvesting device according to embodiment 1, 2, or 3 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the support frame of embodiment 1, 2, or 3 of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the finger wheel in embodiment 1, 2, or 3 of the present invention; In the picture: 1. Finger wheel; 2. Crossbar; 3. Support frame; 31. Limiting plate; 4. Connecting rod; 5. Crank; 51. Transmission rod; 6. Second drive mechanism; 7. First drive mechanism; 71. Fixing frame; 8. Device frame; 81. Column; 9. Lifting guide assembly; 91. Guide wheel; 92. Wheel mounting seat; 93. Wheel mounting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0019] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0020] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Example 1 This embodiment discloses an adjustable tobacco leaf harvesting device, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a frame 8, a support frame 3, a picking mechanism, an adjustment mechanism, and a lifting mechanism. In this embodiment, the support frame 3 supports the picking mechanism and the adjustment mechanism, and reciprocates vertically under the drive of the lifting mechanism, thereby achieving vertical picking of tobacco leaves. Specifically, as... Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, two support frames 3 are slidably connected to each other within the device frame 8. The lifting mechanism is connected to the top of the device frame 8. The output end of the lifting mechanism is connected to the support frame 3 through a transmission component, driving the support frame 3 to perform reciprocating lifting motion along the vertical direction.

[0022] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a harvesting mechanism is provided inside each support frame 3. The harvesting mechanism includes a crossbar 2, multiple connecting rods 4, and multiple finger wheels 1. In this embodiment, the crossbar 2 is used to connect the multiple connecting rods 4 and serves as the mounting base for the finger wheels 1. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the first end of the connecting rod 4 is hinged to the inner side of the support frame 3, the second end of the connecting rod 4 is connected to the crossbar 2, and multiple finger wheels 1 are rotatably connected to the bottom surface of the crossbar 2, as shown. Figure 4 As shown, the two sets of harvesting mechanisms are staggered along the direction of travel; each support frame 3 is equipped with an attitude adjustment mechanism, the first end of which is hinged to the support frame 3, and the second end of which is hinged to the harvesting mechanism of the support frame 3, driving the harvesting mechanism to switch between a horizontal harvesting posture and an inclined avoidance posture.

[0023] It should be noted that the horizontal harvesting posture refers to the horizontal working state maintained by the harvesting mechanism during tobacco leaf stripping operations. In this posture, the roller 1 effectively adheres to the surface of the tobacco stalk. Simultaneously, the lifting mechanism moves the support frame 3 downwards, creating relative motion between the roller 1 and the tobacco stalk (plant). The roller 1 also passively rotates around its own axis, applying a stripping force to the mature tobacco leaves. When the roller 1 descends to the petiole of the tobacco leaf, the mature leaf is flexibly stripped from the stalk. The stripped tobacco leaves fall naturally under gravity and are collected by the conveyor belt below the device. The tilting avoidance posture refers to the harvesting mechanism forming a relative angle with the support frame 3 after completing the tobacco leaf stripping operation. In this embodiment, the posture adjustment mechanism causes the crossbar 2 and roller 1 of the harvesting mechanism to rotate downwards and outwards as a whole, thereby increasing the distance between the two sets of harvesting mechanisms and, consequently, the distance between the harvesting mechanism and the tobacco plant. This prevents the harvesting mechanism from causing scratching or squeezing damage to the unharvested tobacco leaves when the support frame 3 returns to its upward position, while also facilitating the trapping of fallen tobacco leaves.

[0024] It should also be noted that after a single tobacco leaf harvest, the lifting mechanism reverses its direction, causing the support frame 3 and the harvesting mechanism to return to their vertical position. Before the harvesting mechanism reaches its highest point, the posture adjustment mechanism gradually drives the harvesting mechanism from an inclined avoidance posture back to a horizontal harvesting posture, preparing it for the start of the next harvesting cycle. This entire process repeats continuously, enabling continuous and automated tobacco leaf harvesting. Through this coordinated operation of lifting and posture adjustment, tobacco leaf harvesting can be completed efficiently while minimizing damage to the tobacco plants and preventing jamming of the harvesting mechanism.

[0025] It is also understandable that, compared to existing technologies that use a roller system combined with a spring floating structure, the harvesting rollers maintain a relatively fixed contact posture throughout the operation, making them prone to contact with immature tobacco leaves at the top of the tobacco plant. This embodiment introduces a posture adjustment mechanism. When the harvesting mechanism returns to its original position after harvesting, the posture adjustment mechanism drives the harvesting mechanism to switch to an inclined avoidance posture, preventing the finger rollers 1 from scraping and squeezing the immature tobacco leaves at the top of the tobacco plant. Furthermore, it helps tobacco leaf fragments stuck between the finger rollers 1 to fall off by gravity, reducing the risk of leaf entrapment and improving the quality and efficiency of tobacco leaf harvesting.

[0026] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the two sets of harvesting mechanisms are staggered along the direction of travel, with the stagger distance between the two sets of harvesting mechanisms being 1 / 2 of the diameter of the finger wheel 1, forming a cross-shaped arrangement structure; as Figure 3 As shown, the finger wheels 1 of the two sets of picking mechanisms are provided with a vertical height difference, which can avoid tooth interference between the two finger wheels 1 when the two sets of picking mechanisms are in a horizontal posture.

[0027] It should be explained that the staggered spacing between the two sets of harvesting mechanisms is set to half the diameter of the finger wheel 1. This results in the finger wheels 1 of the two sets of harvesting mechanisms forming an interlaced arrangement in the direction of travel, creating a continuous harvesting coverage area in the lateral direction, thus forming a cross-shaped arrangement structure. This arrangement aims to optimize harvesting efficiency, ensuring that the tobacco leaves can be continuously and completely contacted and peeled by the finger wheels 1 during the device's movement. The vertical height difference is a preset height difference between the finger wheels 1 of the two sets of harvesting mechanisms in the vertical direction. This is to provide sufficient vertical clearance for the teeth of adjacent finger wheels 1 when the finger wheels 1 are in a horizontal harvesting posture, avoiding physical contact or collision when the opposing finger wheels 1 are closely interlaced in the horizontal direction.

[0028] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, the attitude adjustment mechanism includes a first drive mechanism 7 and a fixed frame 71. The fixed frame 71 is vertically fixed to the top surface or side wall of the support frame 3, providing a stable mounting point for the first drive mechanism 7. The first end of the first drive mechanism 7 is hinged to the top of the fixed frame 71, and the second end (output end) of the first drive mechanism 7 is hinged to the top surface of the crossbar 2 or a certain connecting rod 4.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first drive mechanism 7 is an electric push rod, and the second end of the first drive mechanism 7 is hinged to the top surface of the crossbar 2 or a certain connecting rod 4 via a hinged base. In some embodiments, the first drive mechanism 7 may also be a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, the support frame 3 has a U-shaped structure, and the inner side of the support frame 3 is hinged to the connecting rod 4. The second end (output end) of the first drive mechanism 7 is hinged to the rod of one of the connecting rods 4. It should be noted that the support frame 3 has a U-shaped structure, forming an open side shape, which can provide good structural strength and stability, and provide sufficient installation space and protection for internal components (such as the picking mechanism).

[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, the posture adjustment mechanism also includes a limiting plate 31, which is connected to the inner side of the support frame 3 and is located on the top surface of the hinge point between the connecting rod 4 and the support frame 3. In this embodiment, the limiting plate 31 can be made of metal and fixed to the inner side of the support frame 3 by bolts or welding. It can be understood that the limiting plate 31 is located on the top surface of the hinge point between the connecting rod 4 and the support frame 3, and its main function is to provide a physical boundary for the horizontal posture, thereby limiting the range of motion of the picking mechanism. It can effectively limit the upward swing stroke of the connecting rod 4 and prevent the picking mechanism from excessively tilting upward when in a horizontal posture.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the lifting mechanism includes a second drive mechanism 6, and the transmission assembly includes a crank 5 and a transmission rod 51. The second drive mechanism 6 is fixedly mounted on the top of the device frame 8, and its output shaft is fixedly connected to the crank 5. The end of the crank 5 is hinged to the transmission rod 51, and the lower end of the transmission rod 51 is hinged to the support frame 3. In this embodiment, an L-shaped connecting plate is fixedly connected to the top surface of the support frame 3 for hinged transmission rod 51.

[0033] In this embodiment, the second drive mechanism 6 can be a motor, and the output end of the motor is set horizontally. When the motor rotates, the rotation can be converted into linear reciprocating movement through the crank 5 and the transmission rod 51, thereby driving the support frame 3 to move up and down relative to the device frame 8.

[0034] In one specific embodiment, the second drive mechanism 6 can be a dual-output motor, i.e., a motor with two output shafts. The two output shafts are arranged opposite each other and are connected to transmission components. During operation, this ensures the synchronous movement of the transmission components on both sides, thereby improving the consistency of the lifting and lowering of the harvesting mechanisms on both sides. A motor fixing plate is fixedly provided on the top of the device frame 8 for fixing the second drive mechanism 6.

[0035] In this embodiment, the transmission rod 51 is a lead screw type adjustable connecting rod used to adjust the harvesting height range of the harvesting mechanism. The lead screw type adjustable connecting rod typically consists of an outer cylinder and an internally threaded rod. One end of the outer cylinder is hinged to the end of the crank 5, and the other end of the outer cylinder has an internal thread. One end of the internally threaded rod is hinged to the support frame 3, and the other end of the internally threaded rod is machined with an external thread that mates with the internal thread. The total length of the transmission rod 51 is adjusted by rotating the internally threaded rod.

[0036] Understandably, by adjusting the total length of the transmission rod 51, the actual lifting range of the harvesting mechanism can be adjusted, enabling the harvesting device to adapt to the harvesting needs of tobacco leaves at different heights, varieties, and growth stages, thereby improving the versatility and adaptability of the harvesting device.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, it also includes a lifting guide assembly 9, which is disposed between the support frame 3 and the device frame 8. It is used to form a rolling guide limit for the lifting movement of the support frame 3, restricting the lateral and torsional degrees of freedom of the support frame 3, so that it can only move smoothly along a predetermined vertical direction.

[0038] Specifically, the device frame 8 includes multiple columns 81 (four in this embodiment), and the lifting guide assembly 9 includes a guide groove wheel 91, a groove wheel mounting seat 92, and a groove wheel mounting rod 93. The groove wheel mounting seat 92 is fixed to the top surface of the support frame 3 through the groove wheel mounting rod 93. The guide groove wheel 91 is rotatably assembled in the groove wheel mounting seat 92, and the wheel surface of the guide groove wheel 91 is in contact with and abuts against the inner surface of the column 81 of the device frame 8.

[0039] Understandably, when the support frame 3 moves up and down under the drive of the lifting mechanism, the wheel surface of the guide wheel 91 will closely adhere to and abut against the surface of the column 81 of the device frame 8. This rolling contact mechanism reduces motion friction and ensures the smoothness of the lifting process. On the other hand, the continuous contact and cooperation between the guide wheel 91 and the surface of the column 81 restricts the degree of freedom of the support frame 3 in the horizontal direction, preventing it from shifting or tilting laterally. This ensures the accuracy and stability of tobacco leaf harvesting and avoids a decrease in harvesting efficiency or damage to the tobacco plants caused by shaking.

[0040] In some implementations, the lifting guide assembly 9 can also adopt a sliding guide method, for example, through the cooperation of a guide rail and a slider.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, the finger wheel 1 has a multi-lobed, toothed disc-shaped structure and is made entirely of polyurethane material. A bearing hole is opened in the center of the finger wheel 1 for mounting a bearing, and the inner ring of the bearing can be connected to the crossbar 2 via a pin. This allows the finger wheel 1 to rotate freely around the pin, thus passively rotating with the movement of the tobacco rod when in contact with it, achieving rolling contact rather than sliding friction.

[0042] In this embodiment, the crossbar 2 adopts a hollow square tube structure, and the crossbar 2 has multiple finger wheel mounting holes along the axial direction. The center distance between adjacent mounting holes is equal to the diameter of the finger wheel 1.

[0043] In this embodiment, a double-hole base is fixedly provided on the inner side of the crossbar 2, and a single-hole base is fixedly provided on the inner side of the support frame 3; the two ends of the connecting rod 4 are fixedly connected to hinged ends, one end of which is a single-ear hinged end with a pin hole, which is hinged to the single-hole base on the inner side of the support frame 3; the other end is an insertion hinged end with double pin holes, which is hinged to the double-hole base on the inner side of the crossbar 2.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, the teeth of the guide wheel 1 gradually narrow at the ends. This tapering design helps the guide wheel 1 to smoothly cut into the connection between the tobacco leaf and the tobacco stem when it contacts the stem, reducing scratches and damage to the stem's surface. Simultaneously, the tapering design also helps guide the stem into the effective peeling area of ​​the guide wheel 1. This allows the guide wheel 1 to make flexible contact with the stem and passively rotate with movement during operation, achieving adaptive contact with the stem surface without damaging it.

[0045] In this embodiment, the finger wheel 1 is made of polyurethane because polyurethane has excellent elasticity, wear resistance, tear resistance and good coefficient of friction, which can ensure that the finger wheel 1 has sufficient flexibility when in contact with the tobacco rod, thereby achieving flexible contact, effectively buffering impact and reducing mechanical damage to the tobacco rod.

[0046] In this embodiment, the finger wheel 1 has an eight-lobed, toothed disc-shaped structure, meaning that eight lobed structures with pointed teeth are distributed circumferentially around the finger wheel 1. These lobed structures radiate outward from the center of the finger wheel 1, forming multiple contact points. This structural design ensures that the finger wheel 1 provides multi-angle, multi-point peeling action when in contact with the tobacco stem, while avoiding excessive local stress caused by a single contact point. Alternatively, the finger wheel 1 can also be designed as a six-lobed or ten-lobed, toothed disc-shaped structure to adapt to different harvesting needs and tobacco stem characteristics.

[0047] Example 2 This embodiment discloses a harvester, including as follows: Figures 1 to 5 The embodiment 1 shown discloses an adjustable tobacco leaf picking device.

[0048] In this embodiment, as the harvester moves continuously and at a constant speed along the tobacco ridges, the tobacco plants naturally enter the working area between the two sets of harvesting mechanisms. The lifting mechanism drives the support frame 3 and the harvesting mechanism downwards, while the attitude adjustment mechanism maintains the harvesting mechanism in a horizontal harvesting posture. The finger wheel 1 adheres to the surface of the tobacco stem and passively rotates with the machine's movement, using the load of the downward motion to peel mature tobacco leaves from the stem. The peeled leaves naturally fall onto the conveyor belt below the harvesting device. When the harvesting mechanism reaches its lowest point, the attitude adjustment mechanism drives it to switch to an inclined avoidance posture, increasing the distance between the two harvesting mechanisms. This posture change avoids scraping unharvested tobacco leaves during the upward movement and also facilitates the removal of leaves stuck between the wheel teeth by their own weight. Subsequently, the lifting mechanism drives the harvesting mechanism upwards to reset; during the upward reset process, the attitude adjustment mechanism gradually drives the harvesting mechanism to swing back, restoring the horizontal harvesting posture when it reaches its highest point. This cycle repeats to achieve continuous automated tobacco harvesting.

[0049] This embodiment achieves dynamic adjustment of the harvesting mechanism's posture through the coordinated operation of the posture adjustment mechanism and the lifting mechanism. During the harvesting stage, it maintains a horizontal posture, ensuring that the index wheel 1 adheres to the tobacco stalk to complete the stripping operation. During the upward reset stage, it switches to an inclined avoidance posture, increasing the horizontal distance between the harvesting mechanism and the tobacco plant, preventing scraping and squeezing of immature tobacco leaves on the upper part of the plant during the upward movement. Simultaneously, it allows tobacco leaf fragments stuck between the index wheels 1 to easily detach under gravity, avoiding downtime for cleaning and ensuring continuous operation.

[0050] Example 3 This embodiment discloses a method for harvesting tobacco leaves, which uses a harvesting machine disclosed in Embodiment 2, and specifically includes the following steps: The harvester, equipped with a picking device, moves along the tobacco ridge at a constant speed and continuously, and the tobacco plants naturally enter the working area between the two sets of picking mechanisms. The lifting mechanism drives the support frame 3 and the picking mechanism to descend, the posture adjustment mechanism keeps the picking mechanism in a horizontal harvesting posture, the finger wheel 1 is in contact with the surface of the tobacco rod and passively rotates with the body, and the mature tobacco leaves are peeled off the tobacco rod by the load of the downward motion; the peeled tobacco leaves fall naturally onto the conveyor belt below the picking device. After the picking mechanism descends to the lowest point of its travel, the posture adjustment mechanism drives the picking mechanism to switch to an inclined avoidance posture; the distance between the two picking mechanisms increases, which not only avoids scraping the unharvested tobacco leaves during the upward process, but also makes it easier for the tobacco leaves stuck between the gear teeth to fall off by their own weight. Subsequently, the lifting mechanism drives the harvesting mechanism to move upward and reset; during the upward reset process, the posture adjustment mechanism gradually drives the harvesting mechanism to swing back, and when the harvesting mechanism rises to the highest point of its stroke, the harvesting mechanism returns to a horizontal harvesting posture. Repeating the above steps allows for continuous automated tobacco harvesting.

[0051] In actual operation, if the speed of the harvester does not match the coverage capacity of the harvesting mechanism, it may lead to omissions in the harvesting area, reduce harvesting efficiency and integrity, and affect the quality of tobacco harvesting.

[0052] In this embodiment, the forward distance of the harvester during a single lifting cycle is less than the coverage length of the harvesting mechanism along the direction of travel, thus forming a continuous re-harvesting operation mode with overlapping harvesting areas.

[0053] Understandably, after completing a full lifting and lowering harvesting cycle (including downward harvesting, posture switching, and upward reset), the harvester's forward movement will not exceed the area effectively covered by the harvesting mechanism in its direction of travel. This ensures that when the harvesting mechanism begins the next harvesting cycle, its working area will overlap to some extent with the working area of ​​the previous cycle in the direction of travel. This forms a continuous, overlapping harvesting operation mode. This overlapping harvesting mechanism effectively compensates for the potential for missed harvests or incomplete harvesting in a single harvesting stroke, ensuring complete stripping of tobacco leaves and improving the integrity and efficiency of the harvest.

[0054] While the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adjustable tobacco leaf picking device, characterized in that, It includes a device frame, a support frame, a picking mechanism, an attitude adjustment mechanism, and a lifting mechanism, with two of the support frames slidably connected within the device frame; The lifting mechanism is connected to the top of the device frame, and the output end of the lifting mechanism is connected to the support frame through a transmission component, driving the support frame to perform reciprocating lifting motion in the vertical direction; Each of the support frames is provided with a set of picking mechanisms inside. The picking mechanism includes a crossbar, multiple connecting rods and multiple finger wheels. The first end of the connecting rod is hinged to the inside of the support frame, the second end of the connecting rod is connected to the crossbar, and the multiple finger wheels are rotatably connected to the bottom surface of the crossbar. The two sets of picking mechanisms are staggered along the direction of travel. Each of the aforementioned support frames is provided with an attitude adjustment mechanism. The first end of the attitude adjustment mechanism is hinged to the support frame, and the second end of the attitude adjustment mechanism is hinged to the harvesting mechanism of the support frame, driving the harvesting mechanism to switch between a horizontal harvesting posture and an inclined avoidance posture.

2. The adjustable tobacco leaf picking device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The posture adjustment mechanism includes a first drive mechanism and a fixed frame; the fixed frame is fixed to the top surface or side wall of the support frame, the first end of the first drive mechanism is hinged to the top of the fixed frame, and the second end of the first drive mechanism is hinged to the top surface of the connecting rod or crossbar.

3. The adjustable tobacco leaf picking device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The posture adjustment mechanism also includes a limiting plate, which is connected to the inner side of the support frame and is located on the top surface of the hinge point between the connecting rod and the support frame.

4. The adjustable tobacco leaf picking device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism includes a second drive mechanism, and the transmission components include a crank and a transmission rod. The second drive mechanism is fixed to the top of the device frame. Its output shaft is connected to a crank, and the end of the crank is hinged to a transmission rod. The lower end of the transmission rod is hinged to the support frame.

5. The adjustable tobacco leaf picking device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The transmission rod is a lead screw type adjustable connecting rod, used to adjust the harvesting height range of the harvesting mechanism.

6. The adjustable tobacco leaf picking device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a lifting guide assembly, which is disposed between the support frame and the device frame; the device frame includes multiple columns, and the lifting guide assembly includes a guide wheel, a wheel mounting seat, and a wheel mounting rod; The grooved wheel mounting base is fixed to the top surface of the support frame by the grooved wheel mounting rod. The guide grooved wheel is rotatably assembled in the grooved wheel mounting base, and the wheel surface of the guide grooved wheel is in contact with and abuts against the inner surface of the column.

7. The adjustable tobacco leaf picking device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The finger wheel has a multi-lobed, pointed tooth disc structure with tapered ends, and is made of polyurethane material.

8. A harvester, characterized in that, Including an adjustable tobacco leaf picking device as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. A method for harvesting tobacco leaves, using the harvester as described in claim 8, comprising the following steps: The harvester moves at a constant speed along the tobacco ridges, and the tobacco plants enter the working area between the two sets of harvesting mechanisms; The lifting mechanism drives the support frame and the picking mechanism to descend, the posture adjustment mechanism keeps the picking mechanism in a horizontal harvesting posture, the finger wheel is in contact with the surface of the tobacco rod and passively rotates with the body, and the mature tobacco leaves are peeled off the tobacco rod by the load of the downward movement. After the picking mechanism descends to the lowest point of its travel, the posture adjustment mechanism drives the picking mechanism to switch to a tilted avoidance posture, and then the lifting mechanism drives the picking mechanism to rise and reset. During the upward reset process of the harvesting mechanism, the posture adjustment mechanism gradually drives the harvesting mechanism to swing back. When the harvesting mechanism rises to the highest point of its stroke, the harvesting mechanism returns to a horizontal harvesting posture.

10. A method for harvesting tobacco leaves as described in claim 9, characterized in that, During a single lifting cycle, the forward distance of the harvester is less than the coverage length of the harvesting mechanism along the direction of travel, thus forming a continuous re-harvesting operation mode with overlapping harvesting areas.

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