Authors

Abstract

Currently, most vegetable transplanters are semi-automatic and require manual seedling picking and feeding into the transplanting mechanism. To achieve fully automatic seedling picking and feeding, this study developed an automatic seedling feeding device for a typical single-disc vegetable transplanter. The device consists of three main functional components designed to ensure accurate and continuous seedling delivery: a seedling conveying unit, a seedling feeding unit, and a seedling guiding unit. The seedling feeding success rate was selected as the evaluation indicator, while root plug moisture content, pick-up needle angle, and seedling height were chosen as test factors. Experimental results showed that the optimal conditions - root plug moisture content of 45%, pick-up needle angle of 9°, and seedling height of 50 mm - resulted in a feeding success rate of 92.4%. These findings demonstrate that the proposed device meets the required transplanting efficiency and precision standards for vegetable transplanters. Overall, the developed seedling feeding device provides a theoretical and technical basis for advancing automation in vegetable transplanting equipment.

Abstract in Chinese

目前，蔬菜移栽机大多为半自动，需要人工取苗并将其送入移栽机构。为了实现蔬菜移栽机的自动取苗和送苗，本研究为一种典型的单圆盘蔬菜移栽机设计了一种自动送苗装置。该送苗装置主要有三个重要部分，即苗传输部分、苗送入部分和苗导向部分，以满足自动和精确送苗的要求。以送苗成功率为测试指标，选取苗墩含水量、取苗爪针角度和苗高作为测试因素。送苗试验结果表明，当苗墩含水量为 45%、取苗爪针角度为 9°、苗高为 50 毫米时，送苗成功率为 92.4%。试验结果表明，所设计的送苗装置能够满足移栽机的移栽效率和精度要求。本研究设计的育苗喂送装置为改进蔬菜移栽机的自动化发展奠定了理论基础。