A vacuum seeder

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of sowing, and more specifically to a vacuum seeder. A vacuum seeder includes a handheld seed plate, a seed adsorption plate, and a vacuum chamber sealed to the seed adsorption plate. The seed adsorption plate has evenly distributed adsorption holes. A vacuum machine is connected to the vacuum chamber via a negative pressure pipe. A seed release control component is used to control the vacuum machine to stop and release pressure. This utility model improves the precision and uniformity of sowing and effectively avoids mechanical damage to seeds during sowing, thereby improving seed germination rate and seedling health.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sowing, and more specifically to a vacuum seeder. Background Technology

[0002] In agricultural production, sowing is a crucial step, but traditional sowing methods often suffer from low efficiency and precision. Manual sowing easily leads to seed waste and makes it difficult to ensure even sowing. While mechanical sowing improves efficiency, it still presents problems such as missed sowing and double sowing for small or irregularly shaped seeds. Furthermore, traditional sowing methods are difficult to adapt to the needs of different seeds and seedling trays, lacking flexibility.

[0003] Accurate and efficient sowing of seeds into seedling trays is crucial for improving seedling success rates during seedling cultivation. However, existing sowing equipment often suffers from the following problems: unstable seed adsorption, easily leading to missed sowing or double sowing; difficulty adapting to seeds of different sizes and shapes; inability to precisely control the location and timing of seed release; significant damage to seeds, affecting germination rates; complex operation requiring professional personnel; and large equipment size, making it inconvenient for small-scale or home use. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vacuum seeder that has the advantages of improving sowing efficiency and accuracy, reducing seed waste, adapting to different seed and seedling tray requirements, and being easy to operate.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the following technical solution is adopted.

[0006] A vacuum seeder, comprising,

[0007] A handheld seed-attaching plate includes a seed adsorption plate and a vacuum chamber that is hermetically connected to the seed adsorption plate. The seed adsorption plate is provided with evenly distributed adsorption holes.

[0008] The vacuum machine is connected to the vacuum chamber via a negative pressure tube;

[0009] The seed release control component is used to control the vacuum machine to stop and release pressure.

[0010] Optionally, the seed-dropping control component includes a contact sensor located at the bottom of the handheld seed-attaching plate, which triggers the vacuum machine to stop and release pressure when the seed adsorption plate is a preset distance from the bottom surface of the seedling tray.

[0011] Optionally, the seed adsorption plate is rectangular, the seedling tray is rectangular, the width of the seedling tray matches the width of the seed adsorption plate, and the length of the seedling tray is greater than the length of the seed adsorption plate.

[0012] Optionally, the adsorption pores have a diameter of 0.5-0.7 mm, a horizontal spacing of 4.2-4.6 mm, and a vertical spacing of 4.8-5.2 mm.

[0013] Optionally, the seed adsorption plate is made of epoxy glass cloth laminate.

[0014] Optionally, the working negative pressure range of the vacuum chamber is 6-15.5 kPa, and the contact stress during seed adsorption is ≤0.02 MPa.

[0015] Optionally, the seed adsorption plate is provided with a shielding component to shield part of the adsorption holes when necessary.

[0016] Optionally, the seed adsorption plate is detachably connected to the vacuum chamber to allow for the replacement of seed adsorption plates with different adsorption hole specifications.

[0017] Optionally, a filter screen is also provided inside the vacuum chamber to filter impurities entering the vacuum chamber.

[0018] Optionally, it may also include a power-on control component, which is used to control the vacuum machine to start adsorption.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] This invention achieves precise adsorption and dispensing of tiny seeds through the organic combination of a handheld seed attachment plate, a vacuum machine, and a seed dispensing control component. The seed adsorption plate on the handheld attachment plate has evenly distributed adsorption holes, which firmly adsorb the seeds. Simultaneously, the vacuum machine provides a stable negative pressure to the vacuum chamber through a negative pressure tube, ensuring that the seeds do not fall off during adsorption. The seed dispensing control component precisely controls the stopping and depressurization of the vacuum machine, achieving accurate seed dispensing. This design not only improves the accuracy and uniformity of sowing but also effectively avoids mechanical damage to the seeds during sowing, thereby improving the germination rate and seedling health.

[0021] The contact sensor monitors the distance between the seed adsorption plate and the bottom of the seedling tray in real time, and triggers the vacuum machine to stop and release pressure when the preset seeding distance is reached. This design further improves the accuracy of seeding, ensuring that seeds fall accurately into the seedling tray and avoiding seed waste and uneven sowing.

[0022] The design of the seed adsorption plate and adsorption holes, along with the control of the working negative pressure range and contact stress of the vacuum chamber, enables this vacuum seeder to adapt to different types and sizes of seeds, making it widely applicable. For example, the optimized design of the pore diameter, horizontal spacing, and vertical spacing of the adsorption holes ensures that the seeds are evenly distributed on the adsorption plate, while avoiding seed overlap or omission. Furthermore, the control of the negative pressure range and contact stress of the vacuum chamber effectively protects the seeds from damage, improving seed survival rate.

[0023] The design of the shielding component, detachable connection structure, and filter screen further enhances the flexibility and reliability of the equipment. The shielding component can partially block the adsorption holes as needed, thereby adjusting the sowing density to adapt to different seed types and planting requirements. The detachable connection structure between the seed adsorption plate and the vacuum chamber allows users to replace adsorption plates of different specifications according to actual needs, improving the equipment's versatility and lifespan. The filter screen effectively prevents impurities from entering the vacuum chamber, protecting the normal operation of the vacuum machine and reducing equipment maintenance costs.

[0024] The start-up control unit enables automatic start and stop of the vacuum machine, improving the automation level and ease of operation. Operators can easily control the equipment's operation through simple button operation or sensor triggering, further improving seeding efficiency.

[0025] In summary, this novel vacuum seeder, through its unique structural design and working principle, achieves high-precision and high-efficiency sowing while protecting seeds from damage, reducing labor costs and intensity, and demonstrating significant economic and social benefits. This equipment is not only suitable for large-scale vegetable seedling factories and flower planting bases, but also meets the needs of small-scale planting and special planting scenarios, playing a vital role in promoting the modernization of agriculture. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vacuum seeder according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the seed adsorption plate of an embodiment of a vacuum seeder according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of an embodiment of the vacuum seeder of this utility model;

[0029] The components include: 1. Seed adsorption plate; 2. Vacuum chamber; 3. Adsorption holes; 4. Vacuum machine interface; and 5. Seedling tray. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0031] The following detailed description is exemplary and intended to provide further detailed explanation of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention.

[0032] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this utility model relates to a vacuum seeder, which achieves precise sowing of tiny seeds through the principle of vacuum adsorption. The device mainly consists of a handheld seed-attaching plate, a vacuum machine, and a seed-dropping control assembly. The specific implementation method will be described in detail below, including the structure, connection relationship, and working principle of each component.

[0033] The handheld seed plate is one of the core components of the vacuum seeder, mainly consisting of a seed adsorption plate 1 and a vacuum chamber 2. The seed adsorption plate 1 is made of epoxy fiberglass cloth laminate, possessing good mechanical strength and airtightness. The plate is 1.6mm thick, and its surface is evenly distributed with adsorption holes 3 for adsorbing seeds. The adsorption holes 3 have a diameter of 0.6mm, a horizontal spacing of 4.4mm, and a vertical spacing of 5mm, with a total adsorption capacity of 2420 seeds. This hole diameter and spacing design ensures uniform seed distribution during adsorption, avoiding overlap or omissions, thus achieving high-precision sowing.

[0034] The seed adsorption plate 1 is rectangular in shape, and its dimensions match those of the seedling tray 5. The seedling tray 5 is also rectangular, with a width matching the width of the seed adsorption plate 1 and a length greater than that of the seed adsorption plate 1. In actual operation, the seed adsorption plate 1 needs to be placed close to the edge of the seedling tray 5 to ensure accurate seed placement. To further improve the accuracy of sowing, the edge of the seed adsorption plate 1 is designed to fit snugly against the edge of the seedling tray 5, thus achieving seamless connection during seed placement.

[0035] The vacuum chamber 2 and the seed adsorption plate 1 are assembled into a single unit through bonding and sealing. The cross-sectional dimensions of the vacuum chamber 2 are the same as those of the seed adsorption plate 1, measuring 255mm × 238mm × 25mm. The main function of the vacuum chamber 2 is to provide a stable negative pressure environment for the seed adsorption plate 1, ensuring that the seeds can be firmly adsorbed. The vacuum chamber 2 is connected to the vacuum machine via a 25mm diameter negative pressure pipe. The length of the negative pressure pipe can be extended according to actual needs to meet the requirements of different working scenarios.

[0036] In the actual manufacturing process, the assembly of the seed adsorption plate 1 and the vacuum chamber 2 requires strict control over airtightness. First, the contact surfaces of the seed adsorption plate 1 and the vacuum chamber 2 are cleaned to remove impurities and oil. Then, high-performance sealant is used to bond them together, ensuring no air leakage occurs during operation. To further improve airtightness, an airtightness test can be performed after bonding by injecting gas at a certain pressure into the vacuum chamber 2 and observing for any gas leaks. If a leak is found, it needs to be repaired promptly.

[0037] The vacuum pump is the power source of the vacuum seeder. Its main components include a precisely adjustable negative pressure range and a microcomputer controller. The negative pressure range is 6 kPa-15.5 kPa, which can meet the adsorption requirements of different seed types and sowing needs. The microcomputer controller is used to precisely control the working status of the vacuum pump, including starting, stopping, and adjusting the negative pressure. A vacuum pump interface 4 is provided on the vacuum chamber 2 for connecting the vacuum pump via a negative pressure pipe.

[0038] The vacuum machine, model Vi500, is a patented product characterized by high efficiency and stability. During operation, the vacuum machine provides a stable negative pressure to the vacuum chamber 2 through a negative pressure pipe, enabling the seed adsorption plate 1 to firmly adsorb seeds. When the handheld seed plate is brought close to the seedling tray 5 and reaches the preset seed dropping distance, the seed dropping control component triggers the vacuum machine to stop and release pressure, thus completing one seed dropping action.

[0039] To ensure the stable operation of the vacuum machine, regular maintenance and upkeep are necessary. First, check that the negative pressure pipe is unobstructed to prevent blockages or leaks. Second, regularly clean impurities and dust from inside the vacuum machine to maintain its efficiency. Furthermore, the software of the microcomputer controller needs to be updated promptly to ensure accurate control of the vacuum machine's operating status.

[0040] The seed dispensing control component is a key part for achieving precise seeding, and its main function is to control the shutdown and depressurization of the vacuum machine. In this invention, the seed dispensing control component includes a contact sensor located at the bottom of the handheld seed plate. When the distance between the seed adsorption plate 1 and the bottom surface of the seedling tray 5 reaches the preset safe seed dispensing distance (0.2-0.5mm), the contact sensor triggers the vacuum machine to shut down and depressurize, thereby achieving precise seed dispensing.

[0041] The installation position and sensitivity of the contact sensor are crucial to the accuracy of seed placement. During actual installation, the contact sensor needs to be fixed to the bottom of the handheld seed attachment plate, ensuring it is parallel to the surface of the seed adsorption plate 1. Simultaneously, the sensitivity of the contact sensor should be adjusted according to the actual working scenario so that it can be accurately triggered when the seed adsorption plate 1 reaches a preset distance from the bottom surface of the seedling tray 5.

[0042] To further improve the accuracy of seed placement, an adjustable bracket can be installed on the handheld seed attachment plate to adjust the distance between the seed adsorption plate 1 and the bottom surface of the seedling tray 5. By adjusting the height of the bracket, it can be ensured that the seed adsorption plate 1 is always kept within a safe seed placement distance range from the bottom surface of the seedling tray 5 during seed placement. In addition, an indicator light can be installed on the handheld seed attachment plate. When the contact sensor is triggered, the indicator light illuminates to remind the operator that the seed placement action has been completed.

[0043] To improve the versatility and flexibility of the seed adsorption plate 1, this invention includes a blocking component on the seed adsorption plate 1. The blocking component can block some of the adsorption holes 3, thereby allowing adjustment for different seed types and sowing densities. For example, when sowing larger seeds, some adsorption holes 3 can be blocked to reduce the number of adsorption holes 3, thus increasing the seed adsorption rate. When sowing smaller seeds, the blocking component can be omitted to fully utilize the number of adsorption holes 3 and improve sowing efficiency.

[0044] The shading assembly can be designed in various ways. A common design uses a detachable shading plate, which is fixed to the seed adsorption plate 1 by snaps or magnets. The shape and size of the shading plate can be customized to meet the requirements of different seed varieties and sowing densities. Another design uses an adjustable shading device, where the position of the shading plate can be adjusted by rotation or sliding to achieve both shading and exposure of the adsorption holes 3.

[0045] Furthermore, the connection between the seed adsorption plate 1 and the vacuum chamber 2 can also be optimized. In this invention, the seed adsorption plate 1 and the vacuum chamber 2 are detachably connected. This design allows users to replace seed adsorption plates 1 with different adsorption hole 3 specifications as needed. For example, when different types of seeds need to be sown, users can replace them with seed adsorption plates 1 with different hole diameters and spacings, thereby achieving precise adsorption and sowing of different seeds. This detachable connection not only improves the versatility of the equipment but also reduces its maintenance costs.

[0046] The vacuum chamber 2 is a crucial component of the vacuum seeder, and its design and manufacturing quality directly affect the equipment's performance and lifespan. In this invention, a filter screen is installed inside the vacuum chamber 2 to filter impurities entering the vacuum chamber 2. The filter screen effectively prevents impurities from entering the vacuum chamber 2, thereby avoiding damage to the vacuum machine and the seed adsorption plate 1.

[0047] The material and pore size of the filter screen need to be selected based on the actual working environment. Generally, the filter screen should be made of corrosion-resistant, high-strength materials to ensure its long-term use in harsh working environments. The pore size of the filter screen should be designed according to the size of the seeds and the particle size of the impurities to achieve the best filtration effect. In actual use, it is necessary to clean the impurities on the filter screen regularly to ensure its filtration effect.

[0048] Furthermore, the working negative pressure range of the vacuum chamber 2 also significantly affects the seed adsorption effect and safety. In this invention, the working negative pressure range of the vacuum chamber 2 is 6 kPa-15.5 kPa, which can meet the adsorption requirements of different seed types and sowing needs. Simultaneously, during seed adsorption, the contact stress should be controlled at ≤0.02 MPa to avoid damaging the seeds. To ensure seed safety, a pressure sensor can be installed inside the vacuum chamber 2 to monitor changes in negative pressure and contact stress in real time. When the negative pressure or contact stress exceeds the set range, the pressure sensor will issue an alarm, reminding the operator to adjust the equipment's operating status promptly.

[0049] To further improve the automation level and ease of operation of the vacuum seeder, this invention also includes a start-up control component. The start-up control component is used to control the vacuum machine's start-up and adsorption; its main function is to achieve automatic start-up and stop of the equipment.

[0050] The start-up control component can be designed in several ways. A common design uses a push-button switch, allowing the operator to start or stop the vacuum machine by pressing the button. Another design uses a sensor switch; when the seed attachment plate is held close to the seed tray, the sensor switch automatically triggers the vacuum machine to start, thus achieving automatic seed adsorption. Additionally, a timer can be set in the start-up control component to control the adsorption time of the vacuum machine. By setting a timer, a stable negative pressure can be maintained on the seed adsorption plate 1 during the adsorption process, thereby improving the seed adsorption rate.

[0051] In practical use, the installation location and operation method of the power-on control component need to be adjusted according to actual needs. Generally, the power-on control component should be installed in a location easily accessible to the operator, such as the handle of the seed plate. At the same time, the operation method of the power-on control component should be adjusted according to the actual working scenario to improve the automation level and ease of operation of the equipment.

[0052] The following are the specific operating procedures for a vacuum seeder:

[0053] First, place the vacuum machine on a stable workbench and connect the negative pressure hose. Connect the handheld seed plate to the negative pressure hose, ensuring a good seal at the connection. Check that all components of the equipment are functioning properly, including the vacuum machine, contact sensor, and filter.

[0054] Place the seed tray on the workbench and fill it with a large quantity of seeds to be sown. Hold the seed plate close to the seed tray and start the vacuum machine via the power control unit. The vacuum machine provides negative pressure to the vacuum chamber 2 through the negative pressure pipe, and the adsorption holes 3 on the seed adsorption plate 1 begin to adsorb seeds under the action of negative pressure. During the adsorption process, the operator can observe the distribution of seeds on the seed adsorption plate 1 and adjust the negative pressure of the vacuum machine to ensure that the seeds are adsorbed evenly.

[0055] Once the seed adsorption plate 1 is full of seeds, the operator holds the seed attachment plate close to the seedling tray 5. The seed adsorption plate 1 is placed close to the edge of the seedling tray 5, maintaining a safe seed dropping distance (0.2-0.5mm). At this point, the contact sensor triggers the vacuum machine to stop and release pressure, allowing the seeds to fall into the seedling tray 5 under gravity. After one seed dropping cycle, the operator moves the seed attachment plate back to the seed tray and repeats the adsorption and dropping process to complete the seed dropping on the other side of the seedling tray 5 along its length.

[0056] After sowing, turn off the vacuum machine and clean the seed residue and impurities from the equipment. Check all parts of the equipment for proper functioning; if any are damaged or worn, repair or replace them promptly. Regularly maintain the vacuum machine, cleaning the negative pressure pipes and filters to ensure its normal operation.

[0057] As is known from common technical knowledge, this utility model can be implemented through other embodiments that do not depart from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments described above are merely illustrative in all respects and are not the only ones. All modifications within the scope of this utility model or its equivalents are included in this utility model.

Claims

1. A vacuum seeder, characterized in that, include, The handheld seed attachment plate includes a seed adsorption plate (1) and a vacuum chamber (2) that is sealed to the seed adsorption plate (1). The seed adsorption plate (1) is provided with uniformly distributed adsorption holes (3). The vacuum machine is connected to the vacuum chamber (2) via a negative pressure tube; The seed release control component is used to control the vacuum machine to stop and release pressure.

2. A vacuum seeder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seed-dropping control component includes a contact sensor located at the bottom of the handheld seed-attaching plate. When the seed adsorption plate (1) is at a preset distance from the bottom surface of the seedling tray (5), the vacuum machine is triggered to stop and depressurize.

3. A vacuum seeder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The seed adsorption plate (1) is rectangular, the seedling tray (5) is rectangular, the width of the seedling tray (5) matches the width of the seed adsorption plate (1), and the length of the seedling tray (5) is greater than the length of the seed adsorption plate (1).

4. A vacuum seeder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adsorption pores (3) have a diameter of 0.5-0.7 mm, a horizontal spacing of 4.2-4.6 mm, and a vertical spacing of 4.8-5.2 mm.

5. A vacuum seeder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seed adsorption plate (1) is made of epoxy glass cloth laminate.

6. A vacuum seeder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The working negative pressure range of the vacuum chamber (2) is 6-15.5 kPa, and the contact stress during seed adsorption is ≤0.02 MPa.

7. A vacuum seeder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seed adsorption plate (1) is provided with a shielding component, which is used to shield part of the adsorption holes (3) when necessary.

8. A vacuum seeder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seed adsorption plate (1) is detachably connected to the vacuum chamber (2) for replacing the seed adsorption plate (1) with different adsorption hole (3) specifications.

9. A vacuum seeder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum chamber (2) is also equipped with a filter screen to filter impurities that enter the vacuum chamber (2).

10. A vacuum seeder according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a power-on control component, which is used to control the vacuum machine to start adsorption.

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