Drone seeder for row sowing of rice grains and method for row sowing of rice grains

Abstract

This invention provides a drone seeder capable of stably sowing rice grains in multiple rows at a constant width, and a row-sowing method using the seeder. [Solution] A drone seeder for sowing rice grains in rows, comprising a drone body, a rice grain tank, and legs, wherein the rice grain tank has a divider at the bottom for dividing the rice grains into at least two parts, and a rice grain feeder connected to the divider for further subdividing the rice grains into multiple parts, the rice grain feeder having a feed roll having multiple feed grooves separated by a divider wall, a control motor for rotating the feed roll, and multiple feed ports for individually discharging the multiple subdivided rice grains, a feed hose connected to the feed ports having an outlet at its tip for discharging the rice grains to the ground, each of which has an elongated oval shape at the outlet cross-section and is arranged at predetermined intervals on a feed port support frame held by a connecting frame connected to the legs via a connecting part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drone seeder suitable for strip seeding of rice momi and a strip seeding method of rice momi using the seeder.

Background Art

[0002] In Japanese rice farming, the germination and seedling establishment work of rice momi and the transplantation work of young seedlings to the field are the most labor-intensive tasks.

[0003] In order to solve this problem, direct seeding of rice momi using drones has been proposed and is actually expanding. The current situation of drone direct seeding is a method of broadcasting rice momi.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a drone spraying device comprising a hopper tank for storing granular material, a discharge device for dropping and discharging the granular material, an impeller that is rotationally driven to spray the granular material, and a spraying guide cover that guides the spraying direction. The spraying guide cover has side wall guides on both sides that guide the spraying direction of the granular material in the left-right direction, and the impeller has a disc section and multiple fin sections. It is described that this allows the granular material to be sprayed more linearly in the left-right direction and more uniformly over a wide area. Patent Document 2 also discloses a sprayer comprising a storage section for storing granular material to be sprayed and a fan that discharges the material supplied from the storage section in a predetermined direction of travel. This fan has a rotating body that rotates around a rotation axis, and three types of fins formed between the rotation axis and the outer edge of the rotating body, with each fin having a different radius of curvature. It is described that this allows the material supplied from the storage section onto the rotating body to be sprayed in a balanced manner to the left, right, and center. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a spraying tank mounted on an agricultural drone, comprising a tank body having a granular material discharge port at its bottom, a partition plate provided to divide the inner space, and a sliding plate on its inner wall that slopes downward toward the discharge port. It is stated that this prevents bridging of granular material in the spraying tank and makes it possible to uniformly spray granular material even when it has absorbed water. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-154143 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7090361 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-029116 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, even though the technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 can uniformly scatter granular materials such as rice grains over a wide area, uniform row sowing, similar to the conventional manual transplanting of young rice seedlings into paddy fields, was difficult. Furthermore, compared to the conventional manual planting method, the rice plants grow densely and haphazardly, resulting in an unsightly appearance of the paddy field. In addition, because these conventional technologies are not row sowing methods, sunlight is blocked due to the dense growth, leading to problems with photosynthesis, poor airflow during rice growth, disease problems such as rice blast, and difficulties in mechanical weeding. Therefore, there was a strong demand for the development of a row sowing method using drones that allows for row sowing, has minimal variation in row spacing, and produces aesthetically pleasing row sowing results, as well as a drone sowing machine to use for this purpose.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a drone seeder capable of stably sowing multiple rows of rice grains at a constant width, and a row-sowing method using the seeder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the inventors of this invention have diligently conducted research on a drone seeder and seeding method suitable for row sowing.

[0009] First, we examined the challenges and countermeasures for row planting using drones. For all of these examinations, we used an 8-row planter, which is the configuration for planting in eight rows.

[0010] We believe that the following conditions are important for ensuring that rice grains are sown in rows: (a) dropping the rice grains to the correct positions, and (b) stably discharging the rice grains to be sown in rows.

[0011] Regarding the precise placement of rice grains as described in (a) above, we found that the rice grains could not fall accurately to the intended location due to disturbances such as wind from the drone's propellers, and we investigated means to suppress these disturbances. As a result, we found that if the distance between the propeller and the rice grain discharge port is too short, the rice grains are scattered due to the downdraft from the propeller. We also found that the effect of air resistance during the fall of rice grains can be suppressed by shortening the distance between the ground surface of the rice field and the rice grain discharge port. Furthermore, we found that changing the cross-sectional shape of the rice grain discharge port from the conventional round shape to an elongated oval shape makes it possible to sow rice in rows.

[0012] Next, we found that for the stable discharge of rice grains as described in (i) above, it is important to distribute the rice grains evenly from the rice grain tank to the final even-numbered discharge ports, for example, eight ports, and to ensure that the rice grains flow smoothly to the discharge ports. We then investigated methods to achieve this. As a result, we found that it is important to prevent clogging of the rice grains when dispensing them in a narrow space when distributing them from the rice grain tank to multiple even-numbered rows. As a countermeasure, we found that a dispensing machine that first divides the central part of the outlet of the rice grain tank into two, and then divides each of these two divided groups into an even number, for example, four, is effective. Furthermore, we also gained insights into the shape of the conduit (hose) from the dispensing machine to the final discharge port.

[0013] This invention was obtained by conducting intensive research on the structure of the seeding machine and the flight method of the drone, in addition to the above findings, and its gist is as follows. [1] A drone seeder for sowing rice grains in rows, comprising a drone body, a rice grain tank, and legs, The rice grain tank has a divider at the bottom that divides the rice grain into at least two parts, and a rice grain dispensing machine connected to the divider that further subdivides the rice grain into multiple parts. The rice grain dispensing machine has a dispensing roll having a plurality of dispensing grooves separated by partition walls, a control motor for rotating the dispensing roll, and a plurality of dispensing ports for individually discharging the plurality of subdivided rice grains. One end of a dispensing hose is connected to the aforementioned dispensing port, and the other end of the dispensing hose has a discharge port for discharging the rice grains to the ground surface. Each of the discharge ports is positioned on a discharge port support frame, which is held by a connecting frame connected to the legs via a connecting portion, with a predetermined distance w between adjacent discharge ports. A drone-type seed planter for sowing rice grains in rows, characterized by the following features. [2] A drone seeder for sowing rice grains in rows, characterized in that the predetermined interval w in [1] is 25 cm to 35 cm. [3] The drone seeder for sowing rice grains in rows, as in [1] or [2] above, wherein the shape of the discharge port is such that the cross-section of the part connected to the dispensing hose is round, it is narrowed in the middle of reaching the outlet of the discharge port, the cross-section of the straight portion up to the outlet is elongated oval, and the length t of the elongated oval straight portion is 30 mm or more. [4] A drone seeder for sowing rice grains, characterized in that, in any one of [1] to [3] above, the downward angle θ of the dispensing hose with respect to the horizontal reference is 40° or more. [5] A method for sowing rice grains in rows using a drone seeder, The aforementioned rice grains are distributed and discharged onto the ground surface from a plurality of discharge ports arranged at predetermined intervals w from the lower part of the drone seeder. The aircraft is flown while controlling the height position h of the discharge port so that it is within 50 cm of the ground surface. A method for sowing rice seeds in rows, characterized by the features of this method. [6] A method for sowing rice grains in rows, characterized in that the predetermined interval w in [5] is 25 cm to 35 cm. [7] A method for sowing rice grains in rows, characterized in that, in [5] or [6], the distance d from the height position of the propellers provided on the drone body of the drone seeder to the height position of the discharge port is 1.5 m or more when the drone is flying. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to perform stable drilling seeding operations, improve the growth status of rice, have a good appearance of the paddy field after seeding, improve the efficiency and safety of rice cultivation operations, and achieve an industrially excellent effect.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a front view of the appearance of an 8-row seeding machine, which is an embodiment of the drone seeding machine according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a side view of the appearance of an 8-row seeding machine, which is an embodiment of the drone seeding machine according to the present invention. (a) is a side view of the flying state, and (b) is a side view of the folded state when landing. [Figure 3] It is an external view showing an example of a classifier inside the drone seeding machine. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal structure of a rice threshing machine. (a) is an exploded view, and (b) is a front view of the feeding roll and the feeding port part. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the feeding port. (a) is a perspective view, and (b) is a side view. [Figure 6] It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the discharge port. (a) is a state perpendicular to the ground surface, and (b) is a state parallel to the ground surface. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the feeding hose.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] [Drone Seeding Machine] The drone seeding machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 shows an 8-row seed planter 1, which is one embodiment of the drone seed planter according to the present invention. The drone body 2 is equipped with four sets of propellers 4, each having two blades, and motors 3 that rotate the propellers, via arms 5. Here, the propellers 4 have two blades and there are four sets of motors 3, but the number is not limited to these. The number of blades can be appropriately selected from about 2 to 6, and the number of motors 3 can be selected from about 2 to 8.

[0018] Furthermore, the motor 3 must have the capability to lift the entire weight suspended by the drone body, including the tank 8 for storing rice grains (described later), the legs 7, the feeder 10, the feeder hose 18, and the discharge port 21, and to enable flight. Generally, for agricultural drones, a payload of 10 kg or more and wind resistance (speed capability to withstand crosswinds, etc.) of 10 m / s or more are considered desirable.

[0019] The drone body 2 is equipped with legs 7 for support during landing. The shape of the legs 7 is not particularly limited, but a four-legged shape is preferable for stability during landing.

[0020] [Storage tank for rice grains] A tank 8 for storing rice grains is fixed to the underside of the drone body 2 by a tank support frame 6. The shape of this tank 8 is not particularly limited, but its capacity V is preferably 10L to 30L. If it is less than 10L, the amount of rice grains that can be sown in a single flight will be small and inefficient. If it exceeds 30L, the weight of the rice grains will be large and will interfere with the flight of the drone. More preferably, it is 15L to 20L.

[0021] Furthermore, the top of the tank 8 is provided with an inlet (not shown) for loading rice grains, and the bottom of the tank 8 is provided with an outlet (not shown) for discharging the rice grains to the sorter 9, which will be described later.

[0022] [Separator] A divider 9 is provided connected to the discharge port described above, which divides the rice grains into two. As shown in Figure 3, the divider 9 has a mountain-shaped protrusion in the center of its interior, and is positioned so that the rice grains discharged from the tank 8 are divided equally to the left and right. The number of divisions is at least two, but since it is difficult to distribute the rice grains evenly into three or more with a simple structure, it is preferable to divide them into two. For example, in the case of even-numbered row planting, the rice can first be divided into systems that are multiples of two. It is preferable to further subdivide these into even numbers, for example, 4 to 12. In the 8-row planting of one embodiment of the present invention, by first dividing the rice into two and then using two of the later-described dispensing machines 10 to divide each into four, the final distribution into 8 rows is more evenly distributed and the amount of rice grains distributed to each row is more easily equalized.

[0023] [Rice grain dispensing machine] The two groups of rice grains separated to the left and right by the divider 9 are sent to two rice grain dispensers 10 connected to the lower side of the divider 9. An example of the structure of these rice grain dispensers 10 is shown in the exploded view in Figure 4(a). In Figure 4(a), the uppermost part is the inlet 11 into which the rice grains from the divider 9 are introduced. The inlet 11 is covered with a rubber sheet to ensure that the rice grains from the divider 9 are smoothly dispensed to the next dispensing roll 12. Protecting the inlet 11 with this rubber sheet prevents the rice grains from getting jammed and allows for smooth and stable dispensing. It is also necessary to prevent the grains from falling off the shaft.

[0024] Below the inlet 11, a dispensing roll 12 is provided, and on this roll, four dispensing grooves 14 for storing rice grains are arranged in parallel, and the entire outside is covered with an outer wall. To prevent rice grains from getting caught between the dispensing roll and the outer wall, the dispensing roll is supported by a rubber sheet covering it.

[0025] These four dispensing grooves 14 are arranged in a horizontal row along the longitudinal direction of the dispensing roll 12, and all four are the same size, with a storage capacity of preferably 25g to 35g. The dispensing grooves do not necessarily have to be aligned in a horizontal row. For example, it is preferable that the first groove and the second groove are positioned at a 90° angle between the centerlines of the first and second grooves in a cross-sectional view of the roll, and that subsequent grooves are similarly positioned at 90° angles. Furthermore, dispensing grooves can be provided not just in one location on the circumference of the roll, but in two to four locations. For example, when providing grooves in two locations on the circumference of the roll, it is preferable that they be positioned symmetrically with respect to the roll's central axis. When there are three or more locations, it is preferable that the grooves be spaced at the same intervals from each other.

[0026] Furthermore, to separate the space on the dispensing roll 12 between the four dispensing grooves 14, a total of five partition walls 15 are provided: one between each groove and one on each side. These partition walls 15 ensure that the rice grains are securely stored and that the amount of rice dispensed from each dispensing groove is equal.

[0027] As described above, the rice grains sent from the sorter 9 are distributed in equal amounts into a total of eight dispensing grooves 14 of the two rice grain dispensing machines 10 and stored, and the rice grains, evenly distributed into eight portions, are discharged from the two rice grain dispensing machines 10.

[0028] [Motor for feeding] A feeding motor 13 for rotating the feeding roll 12 is mounted on one end of the feeding roll 12.

[0029] Here, we investigated the relationship between the output of the dispensing motor 13 and the amount of rice grain discharged from the rice grain dispensing machine 10. The dispensing motor used was a servo type with a maximum output of 30W. We varied the ratio (%) of the motor's output to its maximum output and examined the discharge rate (g / 30s) from the rice grain dispensing machine, and counted the number of times rice grain jams occurred. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0030] [Table 1]

[0031] The results above show that the maximum discharge rate was 1380g / 30s at a motor output of 30%. As the motor output decreased below 30%, the roll rotation speed slowed down, causing clogging of the rice grains. Conversely, as the motor output increased above 30%, the roll rotation speed became too fast, making it difficult for the rice grains to be stored in the feed furrows, and the discharge rate decreased. From these results, it was found that the discharge rate was high and clogging of rice grains did not occur when the motor output was in the range of 25% to 35%. From these findings, it was found that there is an optimal range for motor output (%), and that even and stable row planting can be achieved by appropriately adjusting the output according to the motor being used.

[0032] [Placement of rice grain dispensing machine] Next, two of these rice grain dispensers 10 are installed in parallel, distributing the rice grains into four portions each, and sending them to a total of eight dispensers 17 via the dispenser connection section 16 located below them. Here, the centerlines of the dispenser rolls 12 of the two rice grain dispensers 10 do not need to be on the same line. In the side view shown in Figure 5(b), the centerlines of the two rice grain dispensers are installed so that they lie on the same centerline, but the centerlines of the two rice grain dispensers may be installed so that they are parallel to each other, for example, front to back. By arranging the two rice grain dispensers front to back, the leg portion of the seed planter becomes more compact. Furthermore, the centerlines of the two dispensers do not need to be parallel, but may have a certain angle to each other. Thus, even if the position of the dispensing port 17 is misaligned, the dispensing hose 18 connected to its lower part uses a flexible pipe. Therefore, even if the dispensing ports 17 are not aligned in a single horizontal line, as long as the positions of the discharge ports 21 are aligned in a single horizontal line, uniform row sowing is possible.

[0033] [Dispensing opening] As mentioned above, there are a total of eight dispensing ports 17 connected to the dispensing port connecting section 16 at the bottom of the rice grain dispensing machine 10. The upper part of each dispensing port 17 is connected to the dispensing port connecting section 16, and the lower part is connected to one end of the dispensing hose 18, which is a conduit for rice grains that leads to the discharge port 21 that discharges the rice grains to the ground. As shown in Figure 5, the structure of the dispensing port 17 has a bending section 22 that can be bent in the middle. In other words, the part that connects to the dispensing hose 18 is oriented downwards when in flight, and has a bending mechanism that allows it to bend almost at a right angle to the side when the machine is stopped and on the ground, in order to position the dispensing hose 18 sideways.

[0034] [Retractable hose] The dispensing hose 18, which connects the dispensing port 17 and the discharge port 21, uses a flexible pipe to allow rice grains to flow smoothly through it. The material of this flexible pipe can be vinyl material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), soft plastic material such as polyethylene (PE), as well as rubber material and carbon fiber material. Using this flexible pipe is effective in maintaining the drone seeder because it acts as a buffer even if the discharge port 21 comes into contact with the ground or water surface.

[0035] The inner diameter of this dispensing hose is preferably 15mm to 25mm. If it is less than 15mm, the descent of the rice grains will not be smooth, and if it exceeds 25mm, the weight may make flight difficult. More preferably, it is 16mm to 20mm.

[0036] If there are eight dispensing hoses, it is undesirable for the flight stability to be compromised if each hose is connected individually and separately. Therefore, it is preferable to tie together the four hoses from one of the rice grain dispensing machines 10 in the middle of the hose.

[0037] Furthermore, in order to ensure smooth discharge of rice grains, it is preferable that each hose be positioned so that it points downwards. As a guideline, as shown in Figure 7, it is preferable that the downward angle θ of each hose relative to the horizontal reference is 40° or more. If the angle θ is less than 40°, it means that the hose is closer to a horizontal position, making it difficult for the rice grains to descend. Therefore, the angle θ is specified as 40° or more. More preferably, it is between 40° and 140°.

[0038] [Discharge port] A discharge port 21 is attached to the other end of the above-mentioned dispensing hose 18, which is different from the end connected to the aforementioned dispensing port.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, the shape of the discharge port 21 is such that the cross-section of the part that connects to the dispensing hose 18 is round, and it narrows before reaching the outlet of the discharge port 21 where the rice grains are discharged, with the cross-section of the straight section from there to the outlet being elongated oval. Preferably, the length t of the straight section of this elongated oval cross-section is 30 mm or more. In this way, by making the outlet at the tip of the discharge port an elongated oval shape, which is like a round shape that has been flattened, rather than the round shape of a typical conduit, the rice grains can maintain the spacing between rows and enable neat row planting. Furthermore, it is preferable that the length t of the straight section leading to the outlet be elongated to 30 mm or more. By making this straight section long, the rice grains collide with the inner wall of the discharge port in the straight section, converge and fall straight down, and are planted in rows directly below the discharge port, preventing the rice grains from scattering. However, if it is less than 30 mm, the rice grains will scatter around the outlet, overlapping with adjacent rows and making it impossible to plant neat rows.

[0040] The discharge port 21 is attached to the discharge port support frame 20 and is arranged with a predetermined distance w between adjacent discharge ports. The predetermined distance w in this case depends on the shape and condition of the field where row sowing is performed, but it is preferably 25 cm to 30 cm.

[0041] If this spacing w is less than 25 cm, the spacing is too narrow and may overlap with adjacent rows of seeds. If the spacing exceeds 30 cm, it spreads out too much, increasing the overall length of the discharge port support frame 20 and making flight difficult due to its weight.

[0042] Furthermore, the discharge port support frame 20 is connected to a connecting frame 19 attached to the leg portion 7 of the drone seeder, and is suspended from the connecting frame 19 so as to be kept parallel to the ground surface during flight.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the leg section 7 and the connecting frame 19 have a foldable connecting section 24 equipped with a folding mechanism, similar to the structure of the discharge port 17 described above. That is, during flight as shown in Figure 2(a), the foldable connecting section 24 moves in a straight line, and during landing as shown in Figure 2(b), the foldable connecting section 24 is bent at almost a right angle, allowing the discharge port support frame 20 to land.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the discharge port 21 has a discharge port bending portion 23 that is freely rotatable on the frame axis of the discharge port support frame 20, so that the discharge port 21 is not fixed to the discharge port support frame 20, and the orientation of the discharge port can be freely changed. During flight, as shown in Figure 6(a), the discharge port is positioned perpendicular to the ground and the outlet is facing downwards, but during landing, as shown in Figure 6(b), the discharge port is positioned parallel to the ground and its outlet can be directed sideways or upwards.

[0045] [Row sowing method] This section explains the row-seeding method using a drone-based seeding machine, specifically the 8-row seeding method using the aforementioned 8-row seeding machine.

[0046] The present invention relates to an eight-row seeding method in which rice grains are distributed and discharged onto the ground surface from eight discharge ports 21 arranged at predetermined intervals w at the bottom of the aforementioned drone seeding machine 1, and is characterized by controlling the height position h of the discharge ports 21 so that they are within 50 cm of the ground surface during flight.

[0047] First, as mentioned above, it is preferable that the predetermined distance w between adjacent discharge ports 21 be 25 cm to 35 cm.

[0048] Next, it is important to control the height position h of the discharge port 21 so that it is within 50 cm of the ground surface during flight. This is set to minimize the impact of the downdraft generated by the drone's propellers 4 on the rice grains falling from the discharge port 21.

[0049] In other words, by discharging the rice grains as close to the ground surface as possible, the row planting of the rice grains becomes more stable. The preferred distance for this height position h is 30cm to 50cm.

[0050] Furthermore, it is preferable to fly the drone with a distance d of 1.5 m or more between the height position of the propeller 4 on the drone body 2 and the height position of the discharge port 21. This distance d, like the height position h from the ground surface mentioned above, is set to minimize the impact of the downdraft generated by the propeller 4 on the rice grains falling from the discharge port 21.

[0051] In other words, increasing the distance between the discharge port and the propeller as much as possible ensures stable row planting of rice grains. A distance d of 1.5m to 2.5m is preferable.

[0052] Furthermore, in order to control the height h of the discharge port from the ground surface and the distance d between the propeller and the discharge port to constant values, the drone body is equipped with a sensor (not shown) that measures the height relative to the ground surface. By continuously notifying the drone operator of the height measured by this sensor, the height can be kept constant and stable flight can be achieved.

[0053] Furthermore, the flight speed of the drone body 2 should preferably be between 4 m / s and 5 m / s. Below 4 m / s, row planting takes too long and is inefficient, and above 5 m / s, it moves too fast and row planting becomes unstable.

[0054] Furthermore, the rice grain discharge rate is preferably between 900g / min and 1500g / min. Below 900g / min is inefficient because it takes too long to sow in rows, and above 1500g / min the weight becomes excessive and the flight becomes unstable. [Examples]

[0055] The following describes the row-sowing drone seeder and row-sowing method according to the present invention, based on examples (examples of the present invention and comparative examples) in which rice grain growth tests were conducted.

[0056] [Example of the present invention] An 8-row seed planter was used as the drone seed planter. Its specifications are as follows: • Tank capacity V: 16L • Output of the propeller drive motor: 460W / 1 revolution • Storage capacity of the rice grain dispensing machine's dispensing grooves: 30g x 4 locations x 2 units • Material of the retractable hose: Polyvonyl alcohol-based resin • Inner diameter of the extension hose: φ18mm • Distance between adjacent outlets: w: 30cm • Distance d between propeller and outlet: 1.5m • Distance between the ground surface and the discharge port: h: 50cm • Drone flight speed: 5 m / s (maximum: 18 m / s) Using the drone-based seeding machine described above, we carried out eight-row rice seed sowing.

[0057] The row planting area is 10a (=1000m). 2 ) was used, and 8 rows of seeds were sown five times in that area (total length: 100m).

[0058] Observing the growth of the rice grains one month later, we found that the spacing between rows of seedlings was even, and the plants appeared to be growing beautifully.

[0059] [Comparative Example] A growth test similar to the above-described example of the present invention was conducted using a conventional spray-type drone seeder.

[0060] As a result, the fertilizer was scattered over a wide area, leaving no space between the rice plants, resulting in a haphazard and uneven growth of the seedlings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1. Drone seed planter (row seed planter) 2. Drone body 3. Motor (for propeller drive) 4 propellers 5 Arms 6 Tank support frame 7 Legs 8 tanks (for storing rice grains) 9 Separator 10. Rice grain dispensing machine 11 Inlet 12 feeding rolls 13. Feed motor 14. Dispensing furrow (for storing rice grains) 15 Division wall 16 Dispensing port connection section 17. Dispensing opening 18. Dispensing hose 19 Connecting Frame 20 Discharge port support frame 21 Discharge port 22. Folding mechanism (folding part) 23 Discharge port bending section 24 Foldable connecting section

Claims

1. A drone seeder for sowing rice grains in rows, comprising a drone body, a rice grain tank, and legs, The rice hull tank has a divider at the bottom that divides the rice hulls into at least two parts, and a rice hull dispensing machine connected to the divider that further subdivides the rice hulls into multiple parts. The rice grain dispensing machine has a dispensing roll having a plurality of dispensing grooves separated by partition walls, a control motor for rotating the dispensing roll, and a plurality of dispensing ports for individually discharging the plurality of subdivided rice grains. One end of a dispensing hose is connected to the aforementioned dispensing port, and the other end of the dispensing hose has a discharge port for discharging the rice grains to the ground surface. Each of the discharge ports is positioned on a discharge port support frame, which is held by a connecting frame connected to the legs via a connecting portion, with a predetermined distance w between adjacent discharge ports. A drone-type seed planter for sowing rice grains in rows, characterized by the following features.

2. The drone seeder for sowing rice grains in rows according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined interval w is 25 cm to 35 cm.

3. The shape of the discharge port is such that the cross-section of the part connected to the dispensing hose is round, it is narrowed in the middle of the discharge port leading to the outlet, the cross-section of the straight portion to the outlet is elongated and rounded, and the length t of the elongated and rounded straight portion is 30 mm or more, as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. The drone seeder for sowing rice grains in rows according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the downward angle θ of the discharge hose with respect to the horizontal reference is 40° or more.

5. The drone seeder for sowing rice grains in rows according to claim 3, characterized in that the downward angle θ of the discharge hose with respect to the horizontal reference is 40° or more.

6. A method for sowing rice grains in rows using a drone seeder, The aforementioned rice grains are distributed and discharged onto the ground surface from a plurality of discharge ports arranged at predetermined intervals w from the lower part of the drone seeder. The aircraft is flown while controlling the height position h of the discharge port so that it is within 50 cm of the ground surface. A method for sowing rice seeds in rows, characterized by the features of this method.

7. The method for sowing rice grains in rows according to claim 6, characterized in that the predetermined interval w is 25 cm to 35 cm.

8. The method for sowing rice grains in rows according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the drone seeder flies with a distance d of 1.5 m or more between the height position of the propellers provided on the drone body and the height position of the discharge port.

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