A method and apparatus for collecting fruit

Abstract

The application discloses a fruit collecting method and device, and belongs to the field of fruit picking. The fruit collecting device comprises a plurality of supporting rods surrounding a tree root, a main rod horizontally arranged on one side of the supporting rods, a sub rod arranged on one side of the main rod, a connecting sleeve arranged at one end of the main rod and abutting against the tree root, a first pull rope sequentially penetrating through the supporting rods close to the tree root from the main rod and then penetrating out from the sub rod, and a bottom net arranged below the supporting rods and fixed with the supporting rods, one end of the bottom net being connected with the main rod and the other end of the bottom net being connected with the sub rod. The fruit collecting device can clamp and adapt to tree roots with different diameters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fruit harvesting, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for collecting fruits. Background Technology

[0002] Most fruit trees are planted in mountainous areas, and many are quite tall, requiring ladders for harvesting. However, the uneven terrain and irregular branching of fruit trees make it difficult to maintain balance when setting up a ladder. Even if balance is temporarily achieved, the limited reach while standing on the ladder restricts movement, requiring the person to lean out in different directions to reach further fruits, increasing the risk of slipping and falling. Even maintaining balance for extended periods while standing on the ladder or climbing branches is tiring due to the contorted body posture. Furthermore, ladders can only be leaned against sturdy branches, further limiting the reach. Therefore, the ladder's position must be constantly adjusted to maintain balance, which is time-consuming and laborious. Fruits at the edge of the canopy are particularly difficult to reach because the branches are thin and flexible, making it impossible to lean on a regular ladder or climb.

[0003] Therefore, to facilitate fruit collection, the common method is to set up a collection net under the fruit tree, and then tap the fruit tree to make the ripe fruit fall from the tree into the collection net for harvesting.

[0004] Chinese utility model patent CN213755761U discloses a multifunctional camellia fruit harvesting device, relating to the technical field of harvesting devices. This multifunctional camellia fruit harvesting device includes a first semi-circular ring and a second semi-circular ring. The first semi-circular ring is hinged to the second semi-circular ring. A collecting net, in the shape of a ring, is fixedly connected to the outer surfaces of both the first and second semi-circular rings. The collecting net has an elongated notch at the point where the first and second semi-circular rings meet. A first half-zipper is located on the left side of the elongated notch, and a second half-zipper is located on the right side of the elongated notch. The first and second half-zippers are closed by a zipper pull. This utility model, by setting up a first semi-circular ring, a second semi-circular ring, a collecting net, a zipper pull, and a fixing mechanism, solves the problem that current camellia fruit harvesting generally results in fruit falling directly to the ground, leading to missed fruits, difficulty in comprehensive collection, and cumbersome collection methods.

[0005] In the above structure, since the diameters of the first and second half-rings are fixed, the first and second half-rings cannot be adapted to the size of the tree root diameter. If the paving is installed on fruit trees whose root diameter exceeds the diameters of the first and second half-rings, there will be gaps between the tree roots and the collecting net, and fallen fruits will easily roll out of these gaps. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a method and apparatus for collecting fruits. This application allows the support rods to be tightened by pulling the first rope, so that the circle formed by the support rods can be adapted to the thickness of the tree roots.

[0007] The summary section of this application is intended to provide a brief overview of the concepts, which will be described in detail in the detailed description section below. This summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed technical solutions, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed technical solutions.

[0008] To address the technical problems mentioned in the background section above, some embodiments of this application provide a fruit collection device, including:

[0009] Support poles, in several quantities, are placed around the tree roots;

[0010] The main pole is placed horizontally and is located on one side of one of the support poles;

[0011] The secondary shaft is located on one side of the main shaft;

[0012] The connecting sleeve is located at one end of the main trunk and abuts against the tree root;

[0013] The first rope passes through the main pole, then through the end of the branch pole closest to the tree root, and finally comes out from the secondary pole.

[0014] The bottom net is laid below the support poles and fixed to them; one end of the bottom net is connected to the main pole; the other end of the bottom net is connected to the secondary pole.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a barrier net assembly, which is located at the outer edge of the bottom net;

[0016] The blocking team includes:

[0017] A railing is installed on a support post at the end furthest from the tree roots;

[0018] The railings are vertical or inclined upwards; the bottom netting is fixed to the upper end of the railings.

[0019] Furthermore, the end of the support pole near the tree root is also equipped with an abutment sleeve, which abuts against the tree root.

[0020] Furthermore, the railing is equipped with a tightening assembly; the tightening assembly includes:

[0021] The first fixing sleeve is located on the end of the railing away from the support rod;

[0022] The second fixing sleeve is located on the main trunk at the end furthest from the tree roots;

[0023] The third fixing sleeve is located on the end of the secondary pole furthest from the tree root;

[0024] The second pull rope passes through the second fixing sleeve, through the first fixing sleeve, and then out through the third fixing sleeve;

[0025] The edge of the bottom net is fixed to the second pull rope.

[0026] Furthermore, the abutment sleeve includes:

[0027] The connecting part is sleeved on the support rod;

[0028] The abutting part, provided on the connecting part, has a through hole for the first pull rope to pass through;

[0029] In this case, the projection of the railing extending along the direction of the support on the abutment is perpendicular to the connecting part.

[0030] Furthermore, the connecting sleeve has a slot;

[0031] The auxiliary rod is inserted into the slot.

[0032] Furthermore, a locking block is provided on the main rod;

[0033] The card block has a card slot;

[0034] The auxiliary rod is inserted into the slot.

[0035] Furthermore, the main pole, auxiliary pole, and support pole are all telescopic poles.

[0036] Furthermore, both ends of the first and second pull ropes are equipped with self-locking buckles;

[0037] The self-locking buckles at both ends of the first and second pull ropes abut against the second and third fixing sleeves, respectively.

[0038] A method for collecting fruits using a fruit collecting device includes the following steps:

[0039] S1. Lay out the support poles, main poles, and auxiliary poles to surround the tree roots;

[0040] S2. Tighten the first rope to make the support pole close to the tree roots;

[0041] S3. Place the main pole and the secondary pole close together so that the bottom netting is spread all under the tree;

[0042] S4. Tap the fruit tree to make the fruit fall into the bottom net.

[0043] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0044] 1. The tree roots are wrapped around the support rod, and the support rod is tightened by pulling the first rope. This allows the support rod to be quickly adjusted to adjust the diameter of the circle formed by the support rod according to the diameter of the tree roots. This makes the collection net adaptable to tree roots of different sizes, allowing for the collection of fruit from fruit trees of different thicknesses. This improves adaptability, and the structure is simple, with low manufacturing cost, reducing subsequent maintenance costs and making it easy to operate.

[0045] 2. By setting up a barrier net, the edges of the collection net are raised to form a net wall, preventing the fruit from rolling out of the flat collection net.

[0046] 3. By setting the abutment sleeve perpendicular to the railing, the railing can be erected after the first rope is tightened to make the abutment sleeve horizontal, thus ensuring the formation of the net wall.

[0047] 4. By tightening the second rope, the edge of the collection net is tightened, increasing the support of the edge of the collection net and effectively preventing the collection net from collapsing due to fruit falling on it.

[0048] 5. The telescopic design of the main rod, secondary rod, and support rod facilitates the storage of the fruit collection device and reduces the space occupied by the fruit collection device after it is folded up. Attached Figure Description

[0049] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the application and to make other features, objects, and advantages of the application more apparent. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain the application and do not constitute an undue limitation of the application.

[0050] Furthermore, throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic, and the elements are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0051] In the attached diagram:

[0052] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram based on an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a part of the embodiment, mainly showing the structure after the support rod, main rod and auxiliary rod are laid out;

[0054] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of part A;

[0055] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of a part of the embodiment, mainly showing the abutment sleeve structure;

[0056] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of part B;

[0057] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of a part of the embodiment, mainly showing the main rod structure;

[0058] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of a part of the embodiment, mainly showing the secondary rod structure;

[0059] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram as part of an embodiment, mainly showing the support rod structure.

[0060] Figure label:

[0061] 100. Fruit collection device;

[0062] 101. Bottom net;

[0063] 102. Support rod;

[0064] 103. Abutment sleeve; 103a. Connecting part; 103b. Abutment part;

[0065] 104. Main rod;

[0066] 105. Secondary pole;

[0067] 106. Connecting sleeve; 106a. Slot;

[0068] 107. First rope pull;

[0069] 108. Netting assembly; 108a. Railing;

[0070] 109. Tightening assembly; 109a. First fixing sleeve; 109b. Second fixing sleeve; 109c. Third fixing sleeve; 109d. Second pull rope;

[0071] 110. Self-locking latch;

[0072] 111, Card block; 111a, Card slot. Detailed Implementation

[0073] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While some embodiments of this disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of this disclosure. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings and embodiments of this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0074] It should also be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0075] It should be noted that the concepts of "first" and "second" mentioned in this disclosure are used only to distinguish different devices, modules or units, and are not used to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, modules or units or their interdependencies.

[0076] It should be noted that the terms "a" and "a plurality of" used in this disclosure are illustrative rather than restrictive, and those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".

[0077] This disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0078] Reference Figure 1-8 The fruit collection device 100 includes: a bottom net 101, support rods 102, abutment sleeves 103, a main rod 104, a secondary rod 105, a connecting sleeve 106, a first pull rope 107, and a barrier net assembly 108; the support rods 102 are numerous and surround the tree roots with the tree roots as the center. The support rods 102 are placed on the ground, and the bottom net 101 is tied to the support rods 102 and located below the support rods 102. The support rods 102 support the bottom net 101 and are constructed as hollow long straight rods; the abutment sleeves 103 are fitted on the end of the support rods 102 near the tree roots and abut against the tree roots.

[0079] A main pole 104 is placed on the ground, located on one side of any branch pole 102, and works with the branch pole 102 to surround the tree roots. A secondary pole 105 is located between the main pole 104 and its adjacent branch pole 102, and works with the branch pole 102 to surround the tree roots. A connecting sleeve 106 is fixed to the end of the main pole 104 near the tree roots, and the connecting sleeve 106 abuts against the tree roots. The connecting sleeve 106 has a slot 106a, into which the secondary pole 105 is inserted. One end of a first pull rope 107 passes through the main pole 104 and then through the abutting sleeve 103 surrounding the tree roots, and then exits from the secondary pole 105. The first pull rope 107 circles the tree roots. A barrier net assembly 108 is set on the branch pole 102 to prevent the fruit inside the bottom net 101 from rolling out of the bottom net 101.

[0080] When using the bottom net fruit collection device 100, the user unfolds the support rod 102 and lays it flat on the ground. The support rod 102, the main rod 104, and the auxiliary rod 105 surround the tree roots. Then, the auxiliary rod 105 is inserted into the slot 106a to provide support. The user then pulls the first pull rope 107 to tighten the support rod 102, so that the abutment sleeve 103 is in close contact with the tree roots. Then, the two ends of the first pull rope 107 are fixed to the main rod 104 and the auxiliary rod 105 respectively to prevent the first pull rope 107 from slipping. After the bottom net fruit collection device 100 is installed, the user taps and shakes the tree roots to make the fruit fall into the bottom net 101.

[0081] By placing the support rod 102 around the tree roots and then tightening the support rod 102 with the first pull rope 107, the bottom net fruit collection device 100 can quickly adapt to tree roots of different diameters. It is simple and quick to operate, and can be laid under the fruit trees quickly and conveniently. It also has a simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and is easy to maintain and promote in the later stages.

[0082] The barrier net assembly 108 includes: a railing 108a, which is fixed to the end of the support rod 102 away from the tree roots. The railing 108a is set vertically upward or inclined upward with outward expansion. The bottom net 101 extends and is fixed to the outside of the railing 108a, surrounding the support rod 102.

[0083] The abutment sleeve 103 consists of a connecting part 103a and an abutment part 103b. The connecting part 103a is constructed as a cylindrical shape with both ends through it, and is fitted onto the end of the support rod 102 near the tree root. The abutment part 103b is constructed as a cylindrical shape with both ends through it, and is integrally formed on the abutment sleeve 103 at the end away from the support rod 102. The abutment part 103b and the connecting part 103a are perpendicular to each other, forming a T-shape. The first pull rope 107 passes through the abutment part 103b. The projection of the railing 108a along the direction of the support rod 102 onto the abutment part 103b is perpendicular to the abutment part 103b.

[0084] When the first rope 107 is tightened, the abutment sleeve 103 is pulled horizontally by the tension of the first rope 107. At this time, the railing 108a is lifted upward by the support rod 102. The railing 108a pulls up the outer side of the bottom net 101 to form a net wall, preventing the fruit in the bottom net 101, which is laid flat on the ground, from rolling out.

[0085] A tightening assembly 109 is provided on the railing 108a. The tightening assembly 109 includes: a first fixing sleeve 109a, a second fixing sleeve 109b, a third fixing sleeve 109c, and a second pull rope 109d. The first fixing sleeve 109a is fixed to the upper end of the railing 108a and is located at the end of the railing 108a away from the support rod 102. The second fixing sleeve 109b is fitted on the main rod 104 at the end away from the tree root. The third fixing sleeve 109c is fitted on the secondary rod 105 at the end away from the tree root.

[0086] The first fixing sleeve 109a, the second fixing sleeve 109b, and the third fixing sleeve 109c are all constructed as T-shaped hollow sleeves, each with an opening at one of its three ends, and the openings at the three ends are interconnected. One end of the second pull rope 109d passes through the second fixing sleeve 109b and then sequentially through the nearest first fixing sleeve 109a. After passing through all the first fixing sleeves 109a, the second pull rope 109d passes through the third fixing sleeve 109c and exits from the third fixing sleeve 109c, forming a loop that surrounds the tree roots. The edge of the bottom net 101 is fitted onto the second pull rope 109d, and the second pull rope 109d can extend and slide within the bottom net 101.

[0087] After tightening the first pull rope 107, the user then tightens the second pull rope 109d. The second pull rope 109d tightens the edge of the bottom net 101, improving the support of the bottom net 101 and effectively preventing the net wall formed by the edge of the bottom net 101 from collapsing when the fruit falls.

[0088] To facilitate the fixing of the second pull rope 109d, self-locking buckles 110 are provided at both ends of the second pull rope 109d. The self-locking buckles 110 at both ends of the second pull rope 109d abut against the second fixing sleeve 109b and the third fixing sleeve 109c, respectively.

[0089] Similarly, to facilitate the fixing of the first pull rope 107, self-locking buckles 110 are provided at both ends of the first pull rope 107. The self-locking buckles 110 at both ends of the first pull rope 107 abut against the second fixing sleeve 109b and the third fixing sleeve 109c, respectively.

[0090] The self-locking buckle 110 can use a pig nose buckle.

[0091] A locking block 111 is provided at the end of the main pole 104 away from the tree root. The locking block 111 has a locking groove 111a. The secondary pole 105 is locked into the locking groove 111a to fix the secondary pole 105 and limit the displacement and shaking of the secondary pole 105.

[0092] To facilitate storage, the main pole 104, secondary pole 105, and support pole 102 are all telescopic poles, which can reduce their volume when stored. At the same time, due to the telescopic design of the main pole 104, secondary pole 105, and support pole 102, the bottom net 101 can expand or shrink the collection range of the fruit, adapting to fruit trees with different fruit drop areas.

[0093] The complete process of using the fruit collection device is as follows: Place the fruit collection device 100 under the fruit tree, so that the tops of the abutment sleeve 103, the connecting sleeve 106, and the secondary rod 105 all abut against the tree roots. Then, fix the main rod 104 or the secondary rod 105 in place. Then, pick up the unfixed secondary rod 105 or the main rod 104 and walk around the tree roots 360°. Pull out the collection net. After reaching the starting position, insert the secondary rod 104 into the slot 106a. Then, place the main rod 104 and the secondary rod 105 side by side, so that the secondary rod 105 is inserted into the slot 111a. Then, tighten the first pull rope 107 to lock the abutment sleeve 103 and the connecting sleeve 106 around the tree roots tightly. Then, tighten the second pull rope 109d to tighten the railing 108a, completing the installation of the collection net 101. After that, you can start knocking the branches to make the ripe fruit fall into the collection net 101.

[0094] This application improves upon the traditional method of harvesting fruit, which involves fruit scattering everywhere after falling to the ground, making collection troublesome, time-consuming, inefficient, and costly. It also improves upon the current market method of tying nets to other tree branches with ropes, which is not only inefficient and difficult but also practically unusable on slopes greater than 15 degrees.

[0095] The above description is merely a selection of preferred embodiments of this disclosure and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in the embodiments of this disclosure is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described inventive concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above-described features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A fruit collecting device, characterized in that: include: Support poles (102), in several quantities, are wrapped around the tree roots; The main rod (104) is placed horizontally and is located on one side of the support rod (102); The secondary rod (105) is located on one side of the main rod (104); A connecting sleeve (106) is provided at one end of the main rod (104) and abuts against the tree root; The first pull rope (107) passes through the main pole (104) and then through the end of the support pole (102) near the tree root before exiting from the secondary pole (105); A bottom net (101) is laid below the support rod (102) and fixed to the support rod (102); one end of the bottom net (101) is connected to the main rod (104); the other end of the bottom net (101) is connected to the auxiliary rod (105); It also includes a barrier net assembly (108), which is located at the outer edge of the bottom net (101); The barrier assembly (108) includes: A railing (108a) is provided on the support (102) at the end away from the tree roots; The railing (108a) is vertical / inclined upwards; the bottom net (101) is fixed to the upper end of the railing (108a); The railing (108a) is provided with a tightening assembly (109); the tightening assembly (109) includes: A first fixing sleeve (109a) is provided on the railing (108a) at one end away from the support rod (102); The second fixing sleeve (109b) is provided on the main pole (104) at one end away from the tree root; The third fixing sleeve (109c) is provided on the secondary rod (105) at the end away from the tree root; The second pull rope (109d) passes through the second fixing sleeve (109b), through the first fixing sleeve (109a), and then exits through the third fixing sleeve (109c); The edge of the bottom net (101) is fixed to the second pull rope (109d).

2. The fruit collecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support rod (102) is also provided with an abutment sleeve (103) at one end near the tree root, and the abutment sleeve (103) abuts against the tree root.

3. The fruit collecting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The abutment sleeve (103) comprises: The connecting part (103a) is sleeved on the support rod (102); The abutting part (103b) is provided on the connecting part (103a) and has a through hole for the first pull rope (107) to pass through; Wherein, the projection of the railing (108a) extending along the direction of the support (102) onto the abutment (103b) is perpendicular to the connecting part (103a).

4. The fruit collecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting sleeve (106) has a slot (106a); The auxiliary rod (105) is inserted into the slot (106a).

5. A fruit collecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main rod (104) is provided with a locking block (111); The card block (111) has a card slot (111a); The auxiliary rod (105) is inserted into the slot (111a).

6. A fruit collecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main rod (104), the secondary rod (105), and the support rod (102) are all telescopic rods.

7. A fruit collecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both ends of the first pull rope (107) and the second pull rope (109d) are provided with self-locking buckles (110); The self-locking buckles (110) at both ends of the first pull rope (107) and the second pull rope (109d) respectively abut against the second fixing sleeve (109b) and the third fixing sleeve (109c).

8. The collection method of the fruit collection device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The steps include the following: S1. Lay out the support poles, main poles, and auxiliary poles to surround the tree roots; S2. Tighten the first rope to make the support pole close to the tree roots; S3. Place the main pole and the secondary pole close together so that the bottom netting is spread all under the tree; S4. Tap the fruit tree to make the fruit fall into the bottom net.

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