Active gripper potato planter

Abstract

This patent relates to the field of agricultural planting machinery technology, specifically an active clamping potato planting device. It includes a frame, a power mechanism, a seed box, and a seed metering mechanism. The seed metering mechanism comprises two slide rails, several sliders, several seed-taking units, and a shaped cam. The power mechanism drives the sliders to circulate along the slide rails. Each seed-taking unit includes a first mounting plate, a push rod, a second mounting plate, an elastic reset component, a flexible clamping component, and a contour baffle. During the push stroke of the shaped cam, the push rod extends outward, and the flexible clamping component moves towards the vertical side of the contour baffle and clamps the potato seed. During the return stroke, the push rod retracts under the elastic force of the elastic reset component, and the flexible clamping component moves away from the contour baffle and releases the potato seed. This invention employs an active clamping seed-taking method, achieving active clamping and placement of the potato seed. This solves the problems of high missed and replanting rates and poor adaptability to seed potato shapes in existing mechanical potato planters due to passive seed taking during the seed metering stage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of agricultural planting machinery technology, specifically an active clamping potato planting device. Background Technology

[0002] Potatoes are rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fats. They are the world's fourth largest staple food and one of the most promising crops, holding an important position in agricultural production planning.

[0003] The most crucial part of a potato planter is its seed metering device. Currently, potato planters are mainly divided into two categories based on their seed-collecting principle: mechanical and pneumatic (suction) types. Mechanical planters can be further subdivided into various structural forms such as spoon-belt (chain) type, conveyor belt type, plate clamp type, needle-piercing type, rotary table type, and finger clamp type. Currently, the most widely used potato planters are still those with passive spoon-chain seed metering devices.

[0004] The existing seed metering devices have the following shortcomings: (1) Traditional mechanical spoon (belt) chain seed metering devices achieve seed collection by passively scooping the seed with a seed spoon, which has poor adaptability to seed potato size and shape, and the replanting rate and missed seeding rate are high during the seed collection process; the positioning accuracy of the seed spoon connected by the chain is poor, making it difficult to install electrification upgrade devices, or the effect is not good after the installation of electrical devices; when the operating speed is increased, the stability of the seed potato in the spoon decreases, and it is easy to jump and fall off, resulting in a significant increase in the missed seeding rate. The gap between the three claws of the three claws of the three claws of the seed metering device is easy to get stuck in small pieces of seed potato or broken pieces, resulting in poor seed cleaning effect, and the clamping and positioning accuracy of irregularly cut potato pieces is also limited. (2) Pneumatic (suction) seed metering devices have a low potato damage rate, but the cost is high, and they need to be equipped with fans, air distribution valves, sealing systems, etc., making maintenance difficult. (3) Conveyor belt type is suitable for whole potato sorting, but cut seed potatoes have poor rolling properties, irregular shapes, and are easy to block the inlet and outlet, making it difficult to achieve orderly arrangement. (4) The needle-type seed metering device is highly adaptable to the shape of the potato seed, but the needle strength is low and it is easy to deform and break. The seed seed is easily cross-infected with pathogens. The rotary seed metering device can adapt to different sizes of potato seed, but it requires manual seeding and is also easy to get clogged. The finger-clamp seed metering device has a flat surface, making it difficult to pick up and plant seeds. It has a high rate of missed planting and has high requirements for shape. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an active clamping potato planting device to solve the problems of high missed planting and replanting rates and poor adaptability to seed potato shape caused by passive seed picking in the seeding stage of existing mechanical potato planters.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the basic solution of the present invention is as follows: an active clamping potato planting device, comprising a frame, a power mechanism, a seed box, and a seed metering mechanism, wherein the power mechanism, the seed box, and the seed metering mechanism are all mounted on the frame; The seed metering mechanism includes two slide rails, several sliders, several seed-taking units, and a shaped cam. The two slide rails are closed annular rings and are symmetrically mounted on the frame. The several sliders are slidably connected to the two slide rails. The power mechanism drives the several sliders to circulate along the slide rails. Each seed-taking unit is installed between two symmetrically arranged sliders on both sides. Each seed-taking unit includes a first mounting plate, a push rod, a second mounting plate, an elastic reset member, a flexible clamping member, and a contour baffle. The first mounting plate is installed between the two sliders. The shaped cam is mounted on the frame. One end of the push rod abuts against and is slidably connected to the edge of the shaped cam. The other end of the push rod is fixed to the flexible clamping member. The second mounting plate is slidably connected to the push rod. The elastic reset member is sleeved on the push rod and abuts against the second mounting plate. The second mounting plate is fixed to the first mounting plate. The first mounting plate has a clearance hole in the middle for the flexible clamping member to extend. The contour baffle is L-shaped, and the horizontal side of the contour baffle is fixed to the edge of the first mounting plate. The seed box is mounted on the frame and located on the side of the seed dispensing mechanism. The bottom of the seed box has an opening that matches the seed taking unit. The push stroke of the irregular cam pushes the push rod outward, and the flexible clamping member moves toward the vertical side of the conforming baffle and clamps the potato seed. When the seed taking unit moves to the seed feeding area with the slider, the irregular cam enters the return stroke, the push rod retracts under the elastic force of the elastic reset member, and the flexible clamping member moves away from the conforming baffle and releases the potato seed.

[0007] Furthermore, the flexible clamping component is an inflatable flexible balloon, which is fixedly installed at the end of the push rod.

[0008] Furthermore, the contoured baffle has irregular protrusions on the side surface facing the flexible clamping member, which are used to conform to the irregular outer contours of whole potatoes and cut potatoes.

[0009] Furthermore, the end of the push rod that contacts the irregularly shaped cam is provided with a roller, and the roller makes rolling contact with the contour surface of the irregularly shaped cam.

[0010] Furthermore, the power mechanism includes two drive shafts, two sprockets, and a chain wound around the sprockets. The two sprockets are rotatably connected to the frame via the two drive shafts, and one of the sprockets is poweredly connected to the seeder. Several sliders of the seed metering mechanism are connected to the chain.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a guide tube, which is fixedly installed on the frame and located opposite the seed box. The released potato seeds fall into the guide tube under the action of gravity and complete the planting.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this solution are: (1) This invention adopts an active clamping seed picking method. By changing the contour of the irregular cam and using the elastic force of the elastic recovery component to drive the push rod to move left and right, the active clamping and placement of potato seeds can be achieved. Compared with the traditional passive scooping seed metering device, it effectively reduces the missed planting caused by vibration, and the planting success rate is higher, which helps to improve the efficiency of potato production.

[0013] (2) The push rod seed-taking end of the present invention uses an inflatable flexible balloon to contact the seed potato. The flexible balloon deforms and wraps the seed potato when clamping, avoiding damage to the seed potato during seed taking, resulting in a low seed potato damage rate. At the same time, the cyclical movement of the seed-taking device in the seed box can break the arching of the seed potato in the seed box, improve the fluidity of the seed potato in the seed box, and thus ensure the reliability of seed taking.

[0014] (3) The present invention adopts a structure that combines a flexible balloon and a contoured baffle with irregular protrusions, which can fit the irregular contours of different types of potato tubers such as whole potatoes or cut potatoes. The seed potatoes are widely adaptable and compatible with both whole potatoes and cut potatoes, preventing the seed potatoes from falling off under vibration.

[0015] (4) The present invention has a simple structure, high reliability, no need for auxiliary devices such as fans and air circuits, low manufacturing and maintenance costs, and is suitable for large-scale promotion and application. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the seed metering mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the seed-collecting unit in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a top view of the seed-taking unit in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: frame 1, power mechanism 2, seed box 3, guide tube 4, seed dispensing mechanism 5, slide rail 6, slider 7, seed taking unit 8, irregular cam 9, drive shaft 10, sprocket 11, chain 12, first mounting plate 13, push rod 14, second mounting plate 15, spring 16, flexible clamping component 17, contour baffle 18, bracket 19, roller 20, irregular protrusion 21. Example

[0019] The basics are as follows: Figure 1 As shown: An active clamping potato planter is installed on a planter for automatic planting. It includes a frame 1, a power mechanism 2, a seed box 3, a guide pipe 4, and a seed metering mechanism 5. The power mechanism 2, the seed box 3, and the seed metering mechanism 5 are all installed on the frame 1. The frame 1 consists of two symmetrically arranged side plates. Combination Figure 2 As shown, the seed metering mechanism 5 includes two slide rails 6, several sliders 7, several seed-collecting units 8, and a shaped cam 9. The two slide rails 6 are closed annular rings and are symmetrically mounted on the frame 1. The several sliders 7 are slidably connected to the two slide rails 6 respectively. The power mechanism 2 drives the several sliders 7 to circulate along the slide rails 6. The power mechanism 2 includes two drive shafts 10, two sprockets 11, and a chain 12 wound around the sprockets 11. The two sprockets 11 are rotatably connected to the frame 1 through the two drive shafts 10 respectively. One of the sprockets 11 is powered by the seeder. The several sliders 7 of the seed metering mechanism 5 are all connected to the chain 12. Each seed-collecting unit 8 is installed between two symmetrically arranged sliders 7 on both sides. Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the seed-taking unit 8 includes a first mounting plate 13, a push rod 14, a second mounting plate 15, a spring 16, a flexible clamping member 17, and a contour baffle 18. The first mounting plate 13 is installed between two sliders 7. The irregularly shaped cam 9 is installed on the frame 1. One end of the push rod 14 abuts against and slides against the edge of the irregularly shaped cam 9, and the other end of the push rod 14 is fixed to the flexible clamping member 17. The flexible clamping member 17 is an inflatable flexible balloon. A bracket 19 is fixed to the end of the push rod 14 that contacts the irregularly shaped cam 9. A roller 20 is rotatably connected to the bracket 19. The roller 20 is connected to the irregularly shaped cam. 9. The contour surface rolls in contact; the second mounting plate 15 is slidably connected to the push rod 14, the spring 16 is sleeved on the push rod 14 and abuts against the second mounting plate 15, the second mounting plate 15 is fixed on the first mounting plate 13, the first mounting plate 13 has a clearance hole in the middle for the flexible clamping member 17 to extend out, the contour baffle 18 is L-shaped, the horizontal side of the contour baffle 18 is fixed to the edge of the first mounting plate 13, the contour baffle 18 has an irregular protrusion 21 on the side surface facing the flexible clamping member 17, the irregular protrusion 21 is used to fit the irregular outer contour of the whole potato and the cut potato; Seed box 3 is installed on frame 1 and is located on the side of seed dispensing mechanism 5. Seed box 3 has an opening at the bottom that matches seed taking unit 8. The push section of the irregular cam 9 pushes push rod 14 outward. Flexible clamping member 17 moves to the vertical side of the conformal baffle 18 and clamps the potato seed. When seed taking unit 8 moves to seeding area with slider 7, irregular cam 9 enters return section. Push rod 14 retracts under the elastic force of elastic reset member. Flexible clamping member 17 moves away from conformal baffle 18 and releases potato seed. Guide tube 4 is fixedly installed on frame 1 and is located opposite seed box 3. The released potato seed falls into guide tube 4 under gravity and is planted.

[0020] The specific implementation process is as follows: The rotation of the ground wheel of the potato planter transmits power to the drive shaft 10, the drive shaft 10 drives the sprocket 11 to rotate, the sprocket 11 drives the chain 12 to move in a cycle, and the chain 12 drives the slider 7 and the seed picking unit 8 to move along the slide rail 6 through the chain 12 lock.

[0021] When the seed-taking unit 8 moves from bottom to top with the slider 7 to the seed-taking area in the seed box 3, the push rod 14 and roller 20 roll along the contour surface of the irregular cam 9 and enter the push stroke section. The cam contour extends outward, applying a pushing force to the roller 20, causing the push rod 14 to overcome the elastic force of the spring 16 and extend outward (towards the contour baffle 18). The flexible balloon at the seed-taking end of the push rod 14 moves towards the contour baffle 18, pushing the seed in the seed-taking area towards the contour baffle 18. The flexible balloon undergoes flexible deformation and tightly wraps the seed, cooperating with the irregular protrusion 21 on the contour baffle 18 to achieve reliable clamping of the seed. At this time, the spring 16 is in a compressed state.

[0022] When the seed-taking unit 8 moves to the seed-injection area with the slider 7, the roller 20 enters the return section along the contour surface of the irregular cam 9. The cam contour shrinks inward, and the thrust of the irregular cam 9 on the roller 20 gradually decreases until it disappears. The push rod 14 retracts under the elastic force of the spring 16. The flexible balloon at the seed-taking end of the push rod 14 gradually moves away from the contour baffle 18. The clamping space between the flexible balloon and the contour baffle 18 increases, releasing the potato seed. The potato seed falls into the guide tube 4 under the action of gravity, completing the seed-injection.

[0023] Driven by the chain 12, the seed-collecting unit 8 continuously circulates along the slide rail 6, repeating the above-mentioned seed-collecting and seed-planting process to achieve continuous potato planting operations. At the same time, the reciprocating motion of the seed-collecting unit 8 within the seed box 3 can disturb the potato seeds within the seed box 3, breaking up the seed clusters, improving the fluidity of the seeds within the seed box 3, and further reducing the missed planting rate.

[0024] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0025] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention. Commonly known structures and characteristics of the solutions are not described in detail here. Those skilled in the art are aware of all common technical knowledge in the field prior to the application date or priority date, are aware of all existing technologies in that field, and have the ability to apply conventional experimental methods prior to that date. Those skilled in the art can, under the guidance of this application, improve and implement this solution in combination with their own capabilities. Some typical known structures or methods should not be obstacles for those skilled in the art to implement this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of the present invention. These should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention, and will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. An active clamping potato planting device, characterized in that: It includes a frame, a power mechanism, a seed box, and a seed metering mechanism, all of which are mounted on the frame. The seed metering mechanism includes two slide rails, several sliders, several seed-taking units, and a shaped cam. The two slide rails are closed annular rings and are symmetrically mounted on the frame. The several sliders are slidably connected to the two slide rails. The power mechanism drives the several sliders to circulate along the slide rails. Each seed-taking unit is installed between two symmetrically arranged sliders on both sides. Each seed-taking unit includes a first mounting plate, a push rod, a second mounting plate, an elastic reset component, a flexible clamping component, and a contour baffle. The first mounting plate is installed between the two sliders. The shaped cam is mounted on the frame. One end of the push rod abuts against and is slidably connected to the edge of the shaped cam. The other end of the push rod is fixed to the flexible clamping component. The second mounting plate is slidably connected to the push rod. The elastic reset component is sleeved on the push rod and abuts against the second mounting plate. The second mounting plate is fixed between the two sliders. The first mounting plate has a clearance hole in the middle for the flexible clamping component to extend. The contour baffle is L-shaped, and the horizontal side of the contour baffle is fixed to the edge of the first mounting plate. The seed box is mounted on the frame and located on the side of the seed dispensing mechanism. The bottom of the seed box has an opening that matches the seed taking unit. The push stroke of the irregular cam pushes the push rod outward, and the flexible clamping member moves toward the vertical side of the conforming baffle and clamps the potato seed. When the seed taking unit moves to the seed feeding area with the slider, the irregular cam enters the return stroke, the push rod retracts under the elastic force of the elastic reset member, and the flexible clamping member moves away from the conforming baffle and releases the potato seed.

2. The active clamping potato planting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible clamping component is an inflatable flexible balloon, which is fixedly installed at the end of the push rod.

3. The active clamping potato planting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The contoured baffle has irregular protrusions on the side of the flexible clamping member, which are used to conform to the irregular outer contours of whole potatoes and cut potatoes.

4. The active clamping potato planting device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end of the push rod that contacts the irregularly shaped cam is provided with a roller, and the roller makes rolling contact with the contour surface of the irregularly shaped cam.

5. The active clamping potato planting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power mechanism includes two drive shafts, two sprockets, and a chain wound around the sprockets. The two sprockets are rotatably connected to the frame via the two drive shafts. One of the sprockets is powered by the seeder. Several sliders of the seed metering mechanism are connected to the chain.

6. The active clamping potato planting device according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a guide tube, which is fixedly installed on the frame and located opposite the seed box. The released potato seeds fall into the guide tube under the action of gravity and complete the planting.

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