FIELD: machine building.
SUBSTANCE: seed count sensor for pneumatic sowing machines comprises a detection chamber inside housing (204) configured to pass seeds through a sensor and having central axis (211) in the direction of flow of seeds (102). Inside sensor housing (204) and outside the detection chamber at a predetermined distance from each other in a plane substantially perpendicular to said sensor central axis, a plurality of light sources (240) and a plurality of light detectors (250) are placed. Number of light detectors is equal to the number of light sources. Sensor also has a signal processing module for controlling operation of light sources (240) and for processing electronic signals generated by light detectors (250), as well as optical masks (230). Latter are made of opaque material and are arranged before light sources (240) and light detectors (250) and contain multiple parallel channels opening into the detection chamber. Number of channels is equal to at least the number of light sources or light detectors, and the diameter of the channels is less than the diameter of the optical lenses of light sources and light detectors. Optical lenses of light sources and light detectors are tightly fitted to outer ends of channels. Light sources (240) are separated from each other by opaque dividers. Shortest length of the channels is such that it is possible to emit substantially the entire amount of incident light received by light detector (250), light source (240) directly opposite.
EFFECT: invention will make it possible to increase accuracy of counting seeds passing through the sensor, and reliable detection of contamination of the seed feed tube.
6 cl, 30 dwg
