Single-layer feeding mechanism for small-particle seeds

By designing a single-layer feeding mechanism for small seeds and using an electromagnetic vibrator and a grooved wheel to control the seed flow rate, the problem of uneven distribution of small seeds in high-voltage electric field treatment was solved, achieving uniform single-layer feeding of seeds and consistent treatment results.

CN224178630UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-01SHANDONG AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SHANDONG AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
Filing Date
2025-05-21
Publication Date
2026-05-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing high-voltage electric field treatment equipment has difficulty in accurately controlling the distribution and feeding amount of small seeds, resulting in seed stacking and agglomeration, which affects the consistency and efficiency of the treatment effect.

Method used

A single-layer feeding mechanism for small seeds was designed. An electromagnetic vibrator drives the vibrating trough to vibrate, so that the seeds are spread in a single layer in the vibrating trough. The flow rate is adjusted by the groove wheel and the amount of material is monitored by a photoelectric sensor to achieve uniform feeding of seeds.

Benefits of technology

This ensures that the seeds are evenly spread in a single layer during the high-voltage electric field treatment, avoiding stacking and improving the consistency of treatment results and production efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224178630U_ABST
    Figure CN224178630U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model relates to a small particle seed single-layer feeding mechanism which comprises a machine frame and a hopper fixedly arranged on the machine frame, a discharging port of the hopper is arranged downwards, a vibration groove is formed below the discharging port of the hopper, the groove bottom of the vibration groove extends in the transverse direction, the front end and the upper end of the vibration groove are both open, and the vibration groove is provided with a feeding port. And an electromagnetic vibrator which is fixedly arranged relative to the rack is arranged below the vibration groove and is fixedly connected with the vibration groove. The electromagnetic vibrator drives the vibration groove to vibrate, so that small-particle seeds flow forwards in a single-layer tiled state, the seed treatment effect in the next electric field treatment procedure is ensured, the situation that the small-particle seeds pass through an electric field in a stacked state due to small particle sizes is avoided, and the seed treatment efficiency is improved. In addition, by controlling the rotating speed of the grooved wheel, the feeding speed is regulated and controlled, and the feeding speed and the vibration frequency of the vibration groove are always kept to be coordinated and matched.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of agricultural equipment technology, and in particular to the feeding of small seeds, specifically a single-layer feeding mechanism for small seeds. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of modern agricultural technology, treating seeds with high-voltage electric fields to enhance seed vigor and promote germination and growth has become an important research direction and technical means. High-voltage electric field treatment can effectively alter seed cell membrane permeability and regulate enzyme activity, thereby enhancing seed resistance and growth potential.

[0003] However, when treating small seeds with a particle size between 1 mm and 5 mm with a high-voltage electric field, most existing treatment equipment is unable to accurately control the distribution and feeding amount of small seeds, which easily leads to seed stacking and agglomeration. This results in uneven treatment of the seeds by the electric field, and some seeds cannot be effectively treated, which not only reduces the treatment efficiency but also makes the treatment effect inconsistent.

[0004] Furthermore, due to the small particle size and poor flowability of small seeds, existing conveying and spreading mechanisms lack the ability to control the movement trajectory and distribution density of seeds, making it difficult to achieve stable and uniform single-layer spreading according to the characteristics of different seeds and the requirements of electric field treatment.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a uniform single-layer feeding mechanism specifically designed for small seeds to solve the technical problem of single-layer seed spreading during high-voltage electric field treatment, and to ensure the consistency and effectiveness of the electric field treatment effect. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a single-layer feeding mechanism for small seeds, enabling single-layer feeding of small seeds into a high-voltage electric field and ensuring the effectiveness of the high-voltage electric field in treating the seeds.

[0007] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: a single-layer feeding mechanism for small seeds is provided, including a frame and a hopper fixed on the frame. The outlet of the hopper is arranged downward, and a vibration groove is provided below the outlet of the hopper. The bottom of the vibration groove extends laterally, and the front end and the top end of the vibration groove are both open. An electromagnetic vibrator is provided below the vibration groove and is fixedly arranged relative to the frame. The electromagnetic vibrator is fixedly connected to the vibration groove.

[0008] The feeding mechanism of this solution uses an electromagnetic vibrator to drive the vibration trough to vibrate, so that the small seeds falling from the hopper into the vibration trough are spread out flat under the vibration of the trough and move forward. They flow out in a single layer through the opening at the front end of the vibration trough, realizing the feeding of a single layer of small seeds into the next processing step.

[0009] As an optimization, an elastic block is fixedly mounted on the frame below the electromagnetic vibrator, and a mounting plate extending above and supported on the elastic block is fixedly mounted on the electromagnetic vibrator. This optimization reduces the impact of the electromagnetic vibrator's vibration on the frame by setting the elastic block and fixing the electromagnetic vibrator to the elastic block via the mounting plate.

[0010] As an optimization, support plates extending away from the hopper are fixed to at least two opposite sidewalls of the hopper, and the support plates extend above the top of the frame. A screw rod passing upward through the support plates is fixed to the top of the frame, and support nuts located on the upper and lower sides of the support plates are threaded onto the screw rod. In this optimized solution, the material head is mounted on the frame via the support plates, and the distance between the hopper and the vibrating trough can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the support nuts, thereby further improving the working efficiency of the vibrating trough.

[0011] As an optimization, a grooved wheel adapted to the hopper's inlet is rotatably installed inside the hopper. The grooved wheel is located above the hopper's outlet, and a stepper motor connected to the wheel axle of the grooved wheel is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the hopper. This optimized solution, by setting the grooved wheel, facilitates changing the flow rate and velocity of seeds flowing through the hopper's outlet by adjusting the rotation speed of the grooved wheel.

[0012] As an optimization, the Geneva wheel includes a drive shaft and a wheel body slidably mounted on the drive shaft. Axial positioning devices are provided at both ends of the wheel body. A hopper extends from both ends of the drive shaft. Through holes adapted to the wheel body are formed on the left and right side walls of the hopper. Support seats for supporting the drive shaft are fixed on both sides of the hopper. The wheel body includes a grooved section and a smooth section arranged adjacent to each other along the axial direction. This optimized design allows the wheel body of the Geneva wheel to move axially, thereby changing the length of the grooved section within the hopper, and consequently changing the effective groove width of the Geneva wheel, achieving dynamic adjustment.

[0013] As an optimization, a photoelectric sensor is installed on the inner wall of the feed inlet of the hopper, and the photoelectric sensor is electrically connected to the control system. This optimized solution uses the photoelectric sensor to dynamically monitor the seed quantity in the hopper, so as to facilitate timely understanding of the material filling status in the hopper.

[0014] This solution also provides a method for using the above-mentioned single-layer feeding mechanism for small-particle seeds, including the following steps:

[0015] a. Pour the seeds into the hopper, and drive the groove wheel to rotate through the stepper motor. The seeds falling into the groove of the groove wheel will be moved to the top of the hopper outlet as the groove wheel rotates, and fall into the vibrating trough through the outlet under their own gravity. The seed flow rate is regulated by controlling the speed of the groove wheel.

[0016] b. Use an electromagnetic vibrator to drive the vibration trough to vibrate. The continuous vibration of the vibration trough causes the seeds in the trough to spread out and flow forward, maintaining a single layer of flatness as they flow out of the trough. The seed feeding speed is controlled by adjusting the vibration frequency and amplitude of the electromagnetic vibrator.

[0017] c. The amount of material in the hopper is detected by a photoelectric sensor installed on the hopper. When the material in the hopper is insufficient, a signal is transmitted to the control system. After receiving the signal, the control system reminds the mechanism that it is in a material shortage state through an indicator light.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: by setting an electromagnetic vibrator to drive the vibration trough to vibrate, the small seeds are made to flow forward in a single layer, which ensures the treatment effect of the seeds in the next electric field treatment process, avoids the situation where the small seeds are piled up due to their small particle size when passing through the electric field, and by controlling the rotation speed of the groove wheel, the feeding speed is regulated, and the feeding speed and the vibration frequency of the vibration trough are always coordinated. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a partial schematic diagram of the hopper and vibrating trough;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the vibration groove and the electromagnetic vibrator.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the vibration groove structure;

[0023] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the internal grooved wheel assembly of the hopper;

[0024] Figure 6 Top view of the hopper groove wheel assembly;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a Geneva wheel structure;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the control system structure;

[0027] As shown in the figure:

[0028] 1. Hopper, 2. Stepper motor, 3. Electromagnetic vibrator, 4. Control system, 5. Foot, 6. Frame, 7. Positioning plate, 8. Vibration groove, 9. Elastic block, 10. Photoelectric sensor, 11. Grooved wheel, 12. Brush, 13. Touch screen, 14. Pause button, 15. Start button, 16. Speed ​​adjustment knob, 17. Emergency stop button, 18. Axial positioning device, 19. Drive shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To clearly illustrate the technical features of this solution, the following detailed implementation method will be used to explain the solution.

[0030] like Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a single-layer feeding mechanism for small seeds, comprising a frame 6 and a hopper 1 fixed to the frame 6. The hopper is located at the top of the entire feeding mechanism, with a feed inlet at its upper end and a downward-facing discharge outlet. A vibrating groove 8 is located below the discharge outlet of the hopper. Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the vibrating trough 8 extends laterally, and both the front and top ends of the trough are open. Seeds in the hopper fall into the vibrating trough through the top opening. An electromagnetic vibrator 3 is fixedly mounted to the frame below the vibrating trough. The electromagnetic vibrator 3 is fixedly connected to the vibrating trough 8, and its vibration frequency is adjustable. The vibration of the vibrating trough driven by the electromagnetic vibrator enables the seeds to flow out in a single layer.

[0031] Throughout the entire operation, to ensure that only the electromagnetic vibrator and the upper vibrating groove are vibrating, and to prevent other components from vibrating excessively, thus avoiding unnecessary vibrations that could affect equipment operation, an elastic block 9 is installed below the electromagnetic vibrator. Specifically, an elastic block 9 is fixed to the frame below the electromagnetic vibrator 3, and a mounting plate extending above and supporting the elastic block is fixed to the electromagnetic vibrator. A positioning plate 7 is fixed to the frame, and the elastic block 9 is fixed to the positioning plate 7, facilitating the installation of the elastic block. The elastic block can effectively absorb and isolate the vibration generated by the electromagnetic vibrator, preventing the vibration from being transmitted to other parts of the equipment. In addition, feet 5 are installed at the lower end of the frame. The feet are rectangularly distributed, and the entire machine is firmly fixed to the work site by the feet 5, further preventing the possibility of shaking during operation, thereby ensuring that the entire feeding operation can be carried out smoothly and efficiently.

[0032] At least two opposite sidewalls of the hopper are respectively fixed with support plates extending away from the hopper, and the support plates extend above the top of the frame. A screw rod is fixed to the top of the frame, passing upward through the support plates. Support nuts located on the upper and lower sides of the support plates are threaded onto the screw rod. By adjusting the height of the support nuts on the screw rod, the height of the hopper can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the vertical distance between the hopper and the vibrating trough. To avoid interference between the support plates and the stepper motor, this embodiment provides support plates on the front and rear sidewalls of the hopper, with two support plates on each sidewall.

[0033] Based on the physical characteristics of different seeds, and to accelerate the feeding efficiency of the feeding mechanism, prevent excessive accumulation of seeds flowing from the hopper onto the vibrating trough, and avoid excessively rapid seed accumulation that makes it difficult to synchronize the seed spreading speed, resulting in poor seed spreading effect, a support plate mounting structure is designed. This structure allows for adjustment of the distance between the hopper and the vibrating trough according to different seed characteristics, further improving the working efficiency of the vibrating trough. This enables more stable and efficient material feeding, effectively ensuring the operation of the entire production process.

[0034] To facilitate seed flow rate control and prevent uncontrolled seed flow, a grooved wheel 11 adapted to the hopper inlet is rotatably installed inside the hopper. A brush 12 tangential to the grooved wheel is fixed inside the hopper, used to scrape away excess material protruding from the groove of the grooved wheel, facilitating accurate seed quantity control. The grooved wheel 11 is located above the hopper outlet, and a stepper motor 2, driven by the wheel axle of the grooved wheel, is fixed to the outer wall of the hopper. The wheel axle axis of the grooved wheel extends in the left-right direction, and a base plate extending away from the hopper is fixed to the left side wall of the hopper. The stepper motor is fixed to the base plate, and the output shaft of the stepper motor is coaxially fixed to the wheel axle of the grooved wheel. The structure of the grooved wheel can adopt existing technology. In this embodiment, by setting the grooved wheel, the grooved wheel can be adjusted to cooperate with the electromagnetic vibrator according to the required seed feeding speed and amount. The control system will control the stepper motor to drive the grooved wheel according to the required feeding speed and amount. By changing the speed of the grooved wheel, the flow rate and velocity of the seeds flowing through the hopper outlet are changed.

[0035] To address the characteristics of small seeds, this embodiment employs an inclined grooved wheel for more suitable quantitative feeding of small seeds. Specifically, the grooves on the grooved wheel are inclined, with the angle between the grooves and the wheel's axial direction greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 15 degrees. The grooved wheel includes a drive shaft and a wheel body slidably mounted on the drive shaft. The drive shaft and wheel body are coaxial, and axial positioning devices are provided at both ends of the wheel body. Both ends of the drive shaft extend into hoppers, and the left and right side walls of the hoppers have through holes adapted to the wheel body. Support seats for supporting the drive shaft are fixedly mounted on both sides of the hopper, and the drive shaft is rotatably connected to the support seats. One end of the drive shaft is coaxially fixed to a stepper motor.

[0036] The wheel body includes an axially adjacent grooved section and a smooth section. The grooves are inclined, with the inclination direction such that when the wheel rotates, the seeds in the grooves flow along the grooves towards the inside of the hopper. The smooth section has no grooves and is a circumferentially closed smooth surface, preventing seeds from passing through. When the grooved section is moved out of the hopper by a certain length, the smooth section moves into the hopper by a certain length, thus adjusting the feed width. A protective side cover is fixed to the side of the hopper corresponding to the grooved section of the grooved wheel. The protective side cover is located below the grooved section that has been moved out of the hopper, further preventing seeds from spilling out of the groove outside the hopper. The lower end of the protective side cover has a through hole in the side wall of the hopper, allowing the seeds collected by the protective side cover to slide into the hopper. The protective side cover is an arc-shaped plate structure, with its curvature matching the outer contour of the grooved wheel. The protective side cover is fixed to the side wall of the hopper with screws. The distance between the protective side cover and the edge of the grooved wheel is set to 1-3mm, preventing seed overflow and avoiding interference with the rotation of the grooved wheel.

[0037] The axial positioning device 18 includes a positioning ring sleeved on the drive shaft 19. The positioning ring is fixedly connected to the wheel body. The side wall of the positioning ring is provided with a positioning bolt that pushes radially towards the drive shaft. The positioning bolt is connected to the side wall of the positioning ring by a thread. After the wheel body moves into place, the wheel body is fixed by the positioning bolt, thereby fixing the adjusted grooved wheel and preventing axial shaking when the grooved wheel is working.

[0038] The grooved wheel configuration in this embodiment allows the wheel body to be adjusted axially, thereby changing the effective groove width of the grooved wheel. According to different feeding needs, the seed drop width can be changed by adjusting the effective width of the grooved wheel, thus achieving adjustment of the feeding width.

[0039] A photoelectric sensor 10 is installed on the inner wall of the feed inlet of the hopper, and the photoelectric sensor 10 is electrically connected to the control system 4. The control system interacts with the outside world through a controller, which is equipped with a touch screen 13, a speed adjustment knob 16, a start button 15, an emergency stop button 17, and a pause button 14, for convenient control of the stepper motor's speed, start, and stop. In this embodiment, the control system can control the stepper motor's speed and direction, as well as the vibration frequency and amplitude of the electromagnetic vibrator, by inputting data. The buttons enable the start, stop, and emergency stop of the feed wheel in case of emergency. The start, stop buttons, and speed adjustment knob control the feeding mechanism. The photoelectric sensor inside the hopper can dynamically monitor the seed level in the hopper, provide real-time feedback on the material filling status, and trigger early warning prompts.

[0040] In this embodiment, the vibrating trough is closely connected to an electromagnetic vibrator. During operation, the electromagnetic vibrator efficiently drives the vibrating trough to vibrate synchronously. By precisely controlling the vibration frequency and amplitude of the electromagnetic vibrator, precise control over the seed feeding effect and speed can be achieved. The seeds falling from the hopper are spread out evenly and flow at a uniform speed, maintaining a single layer as they flow forward out of the vibrating trough, ensuring that the seeds remain spread out evenly when fed into the subsequent device. During operation, the control of the feeding speed and the vibration frequency of the vibrating trough are always coordinated. By matching the parameters of the two, the seeds can be discharged and spread evenly in the subsequent device in a uniform and stable state, improving the accuracy and uniformity of feeding and fully meeting the requirements of agricultural production for high-quality feeding.

[0041] This embodiment describes a method for using a single-layer feeding mechanism for small-particle seeds, including the following steps:

[0042] a. Pour the seeds into the hopper, and drive the groove wheel to rotate through the stepper motor. The seeds falling into the groove of the groove wheel will be moved to the top of the hopper outlet as the groove wheel rotates, and fall into the vibrating trough through the outlet under their own gravity. The seed flow rate is regulated by controlling the speed of the groove wheel.

[0043] b. Use an electromagnetic vibrator to drive the vibration trough to vibrate. The continuous vibration of the vibration trough causes the seeds in the trough to spread out and flow forward, maintaining a single layer of flatness as they flow out of the trough. The seed feeding speed is controlled by adjusting the vibration frequency and amplitude of the electromagnetic vibrator.

[0044] c. The amount of material in the hopper is detected by a photoelectric sensor installed on the hopper. When the material in the hopper is insufficient, a signal is transmitted to the control system. After receiving the signal, the control system reminds the mechanism that it is in a material shortage state through an indicator light.

[0045] The feeding mechanism in this embodiment ensures that small seeds are fed into the subsequent electrostatic treatment device in a uniform, single-layered state. This uniform layering is maintained throughout the high-voltage electrostatic field treatment process, ensuring optimal seed treatment results. Furthermore, it effectively prevents seed blockage during feeding, guaranteeing continuous production and improving efficiency.

[0046] In the actual experimental analysis using alfalfa seeds as the object, after the machine starts running, the alfalfa seeds flow into the hopper 1 through the feed inlet. Under the natural action of gravity, the alfalfa seeds gradually slide down into the grooves on the grooved wheel. The side plates on the hopper, which are adapted to the grooved wheel, brush away excess alfalfa seeds from the grooved wheel and provide support for the alfalfa seeds. According to the feeding speed, the rotation speed of the grooved wheel 11 is controlled, and the alfalfa seeds fall onto the vibrating trough 8. As the vibrating trough 8 continues to vibrate, the alfalfa seeds begin to move forward slowly and uniformly. At the same time, seeds in the hopper will continuously fall one after another. According to the feeding speed required by the overall mechanism, the rotation speed of the grooved wheel 11 is adjusted to match the amplitude and frequency of the electromagnetic vibrator 3 to replenish the seeds moving forward on the vibrating trough 8 in a timely manner.

[0047] During the feeding process, when the two photoelectric sensors 10 detect that the material in the hopper 1 is insufficient, they will send a signal to the control system. After receiving the signal, the intelligent control system will remind the mechanism that it is in a material shortage state through indicator lights, reminding it that the material needs to be replenished in time.

[0048] The flow rate and spreading effect of alfalfa seeds are controlled by adjusting the vibration frequency and amplitude of the electromagnetic vibrator according to the required feeding speed. Driven by the vibrating trough 8, the seeds move slowly and gradually disperse. The originally piled alfalfa seeds are gradually spread evenly on the vibrating trough 8, eventually forming a single layer that flows forward continuously and at a uniform speed. Throughout the process, the distribution of seeds becomes increasingly uniform. Finally, the alfalfa seeds flow smoothly and stably out of the vibrating trough outlet, completing a smooth conveying process from feeding to discharging, demonstrating the equipment's excellent spreading and conveying effect when processing alfalfa seeds.

[0049] Of course, the above description is not limited to the examples above. Technical features of this utility model not described can be implemented by or using existing technology, and will not be repeated here. The above embodiments and drawings are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model. This utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that any changes, modifications, additions or substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of this utility model do not depart from the spirit of this utility model and should also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A small-particle seed single-layer feeding mechanism, characterized by: The device includes a frame (6) and a hopper (1) fixed on the frame (6). The outlet of the hopper (1) is set downwards, and a vibrating groove (8) is provided below the outlet of the hopper. The bottom of the vibrating groove (8) extends laterally, and the front end and the top end of the vibrating groove are both open. An electromagnetic vibrator (3) is fixedly set below the vibrating groove relative to the frame, and the electromagnetic vibrator (3) is fixedly connected to the vibrating groove (8).

2. The single-layer feeding mechanism for small-particle seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that: An elastic block (9) located below the electromagnetic vibrator (3) is fixed on the frame, and an installation plate extending above the elastic block and supported and fixed on the elastic block is fixed on the electromagnetic vibrator.

3. A small particle seed single layer feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least two opposite side walls of the hopper are respectively fixed with support plates extending away from the hopper, and the support plates extend above the top of the frame. The top of the frame is fixed with a screw that passes upward through the support plate, and the screw is threadedly connected with support nuts located on the upper and lower sides of the support plate respectively.

4. A small particle seed single layer feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hopper is rotatably installed with a grooved wheel (11) adapted to the hopper inlet. The grooved wheel (11) is located above the hopper outlet. The outer wall of the hopper is fixed with a stepper motor (2) that is connected to the wheel shaft of the grooved wheel.

5. The single-layer feeding mechanism for small-particle seeds according to claim 4, wherein the grooved wheel is a slanted grooved wheel, characterized in that: The grooved wheel includes a drive shaft and a wheel body slidably mounted on the drive shaft. The two ends of the wheel body are respectively provided with axial positioning devices. The two ends of the drive shaft extend into the hopper. The left and right side walls of the hopper are provided with through holes adapted to the wheel body. Support seats for supporting the drive shaft are respectively fixed on both sides of the hopper. The wheel body includes a grooved section and a smooth section arranged adjacent to each other along the axial direction.

6. A small particle seed single layer feeding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: A photoelectric sensor (10) is installed on the inner wall of the feed inlet of the hopper, and the photoelectric sensor (10) is electrically connected to the control system.