A multi-stage sorting device for spherical fruits

Abstract

The present invention provides a spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device, comprising: a frame; a feeding box; a track, which is tilted and arranged below the feeding box outlet, and the fruit rolls along the track by its own weight; an image capture device, which captures the appearance information of the fruit; an information processing system, which receives the information; a fruit receiver, which is arranged at the end of the track; a screening device, which is arranged downstream of the fruit receiver; the fruit receiver is rotatably mounted on the frame, and a rotating power mechanism connected to the information processing system is arranged on the frame, and the information processing system controls the rotating power mechanism to rotate forward or reverse according to the appearance information of the fruit, so that the fruit receiver has a forward rotation and a reverse rotation station, and the fruit is transferred to a defective fruit collection box at the reverse rotation station, and the fruit is transferred to the screening device at the forward rotation station. The present invention can simultaneously realize the screening of size and appearance quality, and one device can also sort out fruits with good or bad appearance at the same time, without the need for manual sorting, thereby reducing the labor intensity of manual labor, improving work efficiency, and making fruit sorting more accurate and efficient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of fruit sorting devices, and in particular to a spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device. Background Art

[0002] A spherical fruit, taking apple as an example, is one of the common spherical fruits in our daily life. It is deeply loved by consumers because of its rich minerals, vitamins and calcium content. Among the many fruit industries in my country, the apple industry has always been a pillar industry. At present, the total output of apples in my country accounts for about half of the world's total output, and people's consumption demand is very large. In order to increase the value of goods, apples cannot be put on the market directly after picking. They need to go through sorting, packaging and other processes before they can be put on the market.

[0003] The existing apple sorting device can only sort apples by size. If the sorted apples are not of good quality in appearance (color, peel, etc.), they need to be sorted again manually, which increases the labor intensity and cost of workers and reduces work efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device which can realize both size screening and appearance quality screening.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device of the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device, comprising:

[0007] frame;

[0008] A feeding box is installed on the frame and is used to contain and transport the spherical fruits. The feeding box is provided with a feeding port and a discharging port for discharging the spherical fruits;

[0009] A track is installed on the frame and is tilted below the discharge port, so that the spherical fruit can fall onto the track and roll along the track under the action of its own weight;

[0010] An image capturing device, mounted on the frame, for capturing appearance information of the spherical fruit on the track;

[0011] an information processing system connected to the image capturing device and configured to receive information captured by the image capturing device;

[0012] A fruit receiver is arranged at the end of the track and is used to receive the spherical fruits falling on the track;

[0013] A screening device is arranged downstream of the fruit receiving device and is used for conveying and screening spherical fruits of different sizes. The screening device is provided with a plurality of screening holes with gradually increasing apertures along the conveying direction of the spherical fruits;

[0014] Among them, the fruit receiver is rotatably installed on the frame, and a rotating power mechanism for driving the fruit receiver to rotate is provided on the frame. The rotating power mechanism is connected to the information processing system so that the information processing system controls the rotating power mechanism to rotate forward or reverse according to the appearance information of the spherical fruit, so that the fruit receiver has a forward rotation position and a reverse position. When the fruit receiver is in the reverse position, it is used to transfer the spherical fruit to a defective fruit collection box. When the fruit receiver is in the forward rotation position, it is used to transfer the spherical fruit to a screening device.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows: the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device of the present invention comprises a track arranged below the discharge port of the feeding box, and the track is arranged obliquely, so that the spherical fruit falling on the track can roll along the track under the action of its own weight; and an image capturing device is installed on the frame, and in the process of the spherical fruit rolling along the track, the appearance information of the spherical fruit can be fully captured, and the information is transmitted to the information processing system; a fruit receiver is arranged at the end of the track, which can receive the spherical fruit falling on the track, and the fruit receiver is rotatably installed on the frame, and a rotating power mechanism is also arranged on the frame The rotating power mechanism is connected to the information processing system, and the information processing system can control the rotating power mechanism to rotate forward or reverse according to the appearance information of the spherical fruit, so that the fruit receiver has a forward rotation position and a reverse position. When the fruit receiver is in the reverse position, it is used to transfer the spherical fruit to a defective fruit collection box to realize the sorting and removal of the defective fruit; when the fruit receiver is in the forward rotation position, it is used to transfer the spherical fruit to a screening device. The screening device is provided with a plurality of screening holes with gradually increasing apertures along the conveying direction of the spherical fruit, so that the spherical fruit can be conveyed and screened at the same time to realize the sorting of fruits of different sizes.

[0016] In summary, the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device of the present invention can realize both size screening and appearance quality screening. One device can sort out fruits of good quality and different sizes without manual sorting, which greatly reduces the labor intensity, improves work efficiency, and makes the sorting of spherical fruits more accurate and efficient.

[0017] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the processing and manufacturing of the screening device, reduce the lateral space occupied by the screening device, facilitate screening and use, and ensure screening accuracy, the screening device includes a circular bottom plate and an annular enclosure fixed around the circular bottom plate, a rotating device is arranged in the annular enclosure, and a plurality of arc grooves are arranged on the circumference of the rotating device. The arc grooves and the side walls of the annular enclosure form a accommodating cavity for accommodating spherical fruits, and the screening holes are arranged on the annular enclosure.

[0018] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the discharge of the fruits in the accommodating cavity through the corresponding sieve holes, the circular bottom plate is arranged obliquely, and the arrangement position of each sieve hole corresponds to the lower position of the circular bottom plate.

[0019] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the spherical fruits to enter the screening device, a notch is provided on the annular enclosure at a position corresponding to the fruit receiver.

[0020] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the processing and manufacturing of the rotating device, simplify the structure and reduce the weight, the rotating device includes a turntable, a plurality of fixed rods fixed on the outer periphery of the turntable, and an arc plate fixed on the end of each fixed rod, and the arc groove is formed by the arc plate.

[0021] Furthermore, in order to convey the spherical fruits and facilitate subsequent image capture, a screw conveyor is provided in the feeding box, and the screw conveyor is used to continuously convey the spherical fruits one by one, and the discharge port is used for discharging single spherical fruits.

[0022] Furthermore, in order to prevent the auger from cutting the spherical fruit, the auger has a spiral blade, and the cross section of the edge of the spiral blade is T-shaped.

[0023] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the processing, manufacturing and use of the fruit receiver, the fruit receiver includes a support plate, a baffle connected to the support plate, and a rotating shaft fixedly connected to the baffle. The support plate is a curved support plate, and the rotating shaft is rotatably installed on the frame.

[0024] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the rolling of the spherical fruits and prevent the fruits from falling, the track is arc-shaped.

[0025] Furthermore, in order to facilitate image capture and ensure accurate results, the image capture device is a camera, and a camera mounting frame for mounting the camera is provided on the frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device according to the present invention from one viewing angle;

[0027] Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device of the present invention from another perspective;

[0028] Figure 3 A three-dimensional diagram of the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device of the present invention from another perspective;

[0029] Figure 4 A three-dimensional diagram of the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device of the present invention from another viewing angle;

[0030] Figure 5 It is a front view of the multi-stage sorting device for spherical fruits in the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 It is a right side view of the multi-stage sorting device for spherical fruits in the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7It is a top view of the multi-stage sorting device for spherical fruits in the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 for Figure 1 An enlarged view of the fruit catcher part;

[0034] Fig. 9 It is a partial structural diagram of the spiral conveyor of the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device in the present invention.

[0035] In the figure: 1, first frame; 11, mounting plate; 111, through port; 12, shaft mounting frame; 13, camera mounting frame; 14, camera; 15, first motor; 16, transmission belt; 2, second frame; 21, second motor; 22, bevel gear transmission structure; 3, feeding box; 31, feeding port; 32, discharging port; 33, curved guide wall; 34, spiral conveyor; 341, spiral blade; 35, conveying pipe; 4, track; 5, fruit receiver; 51, supporting plate; 52, baffle; 53, shaft; 6, third motor; 7, defective fruit collection box; 8, screening device; 81, circular bottom plate; 82, annular enclosure; 821, screening hole; 822, notch; 83, turntable; 84, fixing rod; 85, arc plate; 9, qualified fruit collection box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention, that is, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0037] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed for protection, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] It should be noted that relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprise a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the elements.

[0039] The features and performance of the present invention are further described in detail below in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0040] An embodiment of the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device of the present invention is as follows: Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the machine comprises a frame, the frame comprises a first frame 1 and a second frame 2, a feeding box 3 is mounted on the first frame 1, and the feeding box 3 is used to contain and transport spherical fruits. The spherical fruits referred to in this embodiment are apples. Figure 7 As shown, the feeding box 3 is provided with a feed port 31 and a discharge port 32 for discharging apples. The feeding box 3 is provided with a screw conveyor 34, which is used to continuously convey apples one by one, so the discharge port 32 is only for discharging a single apple. Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, in order to facilitate the transportation of apples, the feeding box 3 includes a curved guide wall 33 connected to the feeding port 31, which can provide a buffer and guide effect for the poured apples. Fig. 9 As shown, the auger 34 has a spiral blade 341. In order to prevent the auger 34 from cutting the apple, the cross-section of the edge of the spiral blade 341 is T-shaped.

[0041] like Figure 1~Figure 5As shown, a mounting plate 11 is provided in the middle of the first frame 1, and a first motor 15 is installed on the mounting plate 11. The first motor 15 drives the screw conveyor 34 to rotate through a transmission belt 16. A track 4 is also installed on the mounting plate 11. The track 4 is tilted below the discharge port 32 so that apples can fall onto the track 4 and roll along the track 4 under the action of their own weight. In order to facilitate the rolling of apples on the track 4 and prevent apples from falling, the track 4 is arc-shaped. At the same time, in order to facilitate the apples to fall onto the track 4, a conveying pipe 35 is connected to the discharge port 32, and the bottom of the conveying pipe 35 is bent toward the track 4, so that the apples roll onto the track 4 along the conveying pipe 35 under the action of gravity. The present invention ensures that apples fall onto the track 4 one by one through the arrangement of the screw conveyor 34, the discharge port 32 and the conveying pipe 35 to avoid blockage.

[0042] An image capturing device is also installed on the first frame 1 to capture the appearance information of the apples on the track 4. Specifically, the image capturing device is a camera 14, and a camera mounting frame 13 for mounting the camera 14 is fixed on the mounting plate 11, so that the camera 14 is arranged directly opposite the track 4, ensuring that the field of view of the camera 14 is wider, and the monitoring range includes the outlet of the conveying pipe 35 and the entire track 4, and because the track 4 is at a certain angle to the ground, the entire appearance of the apple can be presented in the image capturing device when it rolls on the track 4.

[0043] The spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device of the present invention also includes an information processing system (not shown in the figure) connected to the camera 14. The image information captured by the camera 14 is sent to the information processing system, and the size, color, peel quality, etc. of the apples are judged and processed by the system.

[0044] The spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device further comprises a fruit receiver 5 and a screening device 8 arranged downstream of the fruit receiver 5. The fruit receiver 5 is arranged at the end of the track 4 and is used to receive apples dropped from the track 4. In addition, the fruit receiver 5 is rotatably mounted on a frame, and a rotating power mechanism for driving the fruit receiver 5 to rotate is arranged on the frame. Specifically, as Figure 8 As shown, the fruit receiving device 5 comprises a support plate 51, a baffle plate 52 connected to the support plate 51, and a rotating shaft 53 fixedly connected to the baffle plate 52. The support plate 51 is a curved support plate. A rotating shaft mounting frame 12 is fixed on the mounting plate 11, and the rotating shaft 53 is rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft mounting frame 12.

[0045] The above-mentioned rotating power mechanism is a third motor 6 which is transmission-connected to the rotating shaft 53. The third motor 6 is a controllable steering motor and is connected to the information processing system, so that the information processing system controls the third motor 6 to rotate forward or reverse according to the appearance information of the apple, thereby making the fruit receiving device 5 have a forward rotation position and a reverse rotation position. When the fruit receiving device 5 is in the reverse rotation position, it is used to transfer the apple to the defective fruit collection box 7. For example, when the apple is too small or has problems with the color or peel quality, it is considered unqualified. At this time, the information processing system controls the third motor 6 to reverse, so that the fruit receiving device 5 is in the reverse rotation position, so that the apples falling on the supporting plate 51 slide directly into the defective fruit collection box 7. In order to facilitate the falling of the apple, a through hole 111 is provided on the mounting plate 11 at a position directly opposite to the supporting plate 51.

[0046] When the apple size meets the requirements and there are no problems with the color and peel quality, it is considered qualified. The information processing system controls the third motor 6 to rotate forward, so that the fruit receiver 5 is in the forward rotation position, so that the apples that fall on the support plate 51 slide directly into the screening device 8.

[0047] like Figure 1 to Figure 7 As shown, the screening device 8 is installed on the second frame 2, and is used to transport and screen apples of different sizes. The screening device 8 includes a circular bottom plate 81 and an annular enclosure 82 fixed around the circular bottom plate 81. A rotating device is provided in the annular enclosure 82, and a plurality of arc grooves are provided on the circumference of the rotating device. Specifically, the rotating device includes a turntable 83, a plurality of fixed rods 84 fixed to the outer periphery of the turntable 83, and an arc plate 85 fixed to the end of each fixed rod 84. The turntable 83 drives each arc plate 85 to rotate through the fixed rod 84. In order to facilitate the rotation of the turntable 83, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, a second motor 21 is disposed below the frame 2 , and the second motor 21 drives the turntable 83 to rotate through the bevel gear transmission structure 22 .

[0048] The arc groove is formed by an arc plate 85. The arc groove and the side wall of the annular enclosure plate 82 form a receiving cavity for receiving apples. Since the arc plates 85 are continuously arranged, the formed receiving cavities are also continuous and multiple. The position of each receiving cavity changes continuously with the rotation of the arc plate 85, thereby realizing the transportation of apples.

[0049] The annular enclosure 82 is provided with a plurality of sieve holes 821 with gradually increasing apertures along the conveying direction of the apples. In this embodiment, there are four sieve holes 821, which can realize the sieving of apples of four different sizes. Correspondingly, a qualified fruit collection box 9 is provided below each sieve hole 821. When the arc plate 85 pushes the apple to rotate to the appropriate sieve hole 821, the apple falls into the qualified fruit collection box 9 through the sieve hole 821.

[0050] In order to facilitate the apples to leak out of the sieve hole 821, Figure 6 As shown, the circular bottom plate 81 is tilted, and the setting position of each screening hole 821 corresponds to the lower position of the circular bottom plate 81. That is, if the apple is defined to roll from left to right on the track 4, the circular bottom plate 81 gradually tilts downward from back to front, and each screening hole 821 is set on the front side of the annular enclosure 82, so that when the apple reaches a suitable screening hole 821, it can directly slide out of the screening hole 821 under the action of gravity.

[0051] The highest position of the circular bottom plate 81 is located below the fruit receiving device 5. At the same time, in order to facilitate the apples to enter the screening device 8, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a notch 822 is provided on the annular enclosure 82 at a position corresponding to the support plate 51 of the fruit receiver 5, so as to facilitate the apples to fall onto the circular bottom plate 81. In addition, the circular bottom plate 81 is inclined, so the apples can easily slide to contact the arc plate 85, thereby facilitating subsequent transportation.

[0052] The working principle of the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device in the present invention is:

[0053] When in use, apples are poured into the feeding box 3 along the feeding port 31, and the first motor 15 drives the screw conveyor 34 to rotate, giving the apples a lateral force so that the apples can move horizontally to the discharging port 32, and fall into the track 4 under the action of gravity through the conveying pipe 35, and the apples roll along the track 4 to the fruit receiver 5. During the rolling of the apples, the camera 14 captures the appearance information of the apples and sends it to the information processing system. If the size of the apples exceeds the specified range, the color ratio does not meet the index, and the peel is seriously damaged, the information processing system will control the third motor to reverse and put the fruit receiver in the reverse position. At this time, when the apples fall on the supporting plate 51, they are directly thrown into the defective fruit collection box 7. Other apples are thrown onto the rotating circular bottom plate 81 through the forward rotation position of the fruit receiver. Under the action of the second motor 21, the arc plate 85 drives the apples to rotate, and finally flows out through the appropriate screening holes 821 and falls into the corresponding qualified fruit collection box 9, so as to achieve the screening of apples of different sizes.

[0054] Therefore, the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device of the present invention can realize both size screening and appearance quality screening. One device can sort out fruits of good quality and different sizes without manual sorting, which greatly reduces the labor intensity, improves work efficiency, and makes the sorting of spherical fruits more accurate and efficient.

[0055] In other embodiments of the multi-stage sorting device for spherical fruits, the multi-stage sorting device for spherical fruits can also be used for sorting other spherical fruits such as pears and oranges.

[0056] In other embodiments of the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device, the image capturing device may also be a camera.

[0057] In other embodiments of the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device, the track may be U-shaped instead of arc-shaped.

[0058] In other embodiments of the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device, the fruit receiver may also be a bowl-shaped fruit receiving container, with a rotating shaft fixedly connected to the container. In this case, the fruit receiver first receives the fruit and then switches to the forward rotation station or the reverse rotation station.

[0059] In other embodiments of the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device, the cross-section of the spiral blade of the auger may not be T-shaped, and the wall thickness of the spiral blade is uniform.

[0060] In other embodiments of the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device, the feeding box may not be provided with a screw conveyor, but the feeding box may be configured to be funnel-shaped or the bottom wall of the feeding box may be gradually inclined.

[0061] In other embodiments of the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device, the rotating device can be a large turntable, and the arc-shaped groove is directly arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the turntable.

[0062] In other embodiments of the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device, the annular enclosure may not be provided with a notch, and the annular enclosure is a complete circular ring.

[0063] In other embodiments of the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device, the circular bottom plate may not be inclined but horizontal. In this case, the centrifugal force of the apples during rotation may be utilized to make the apples flow out of the screening holes.

[0064] In other embodiments of the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device, the screening device may not be in the form of a circular bottom plate and annular enclosure, but an inclined roller, which transports the fruit while rotating, and a plurality of screening holes with gradually increasing apertures are provided on the roller along the inclined direction to achieve screening of large and small fruits; or, the screening device is a screen plate that is inclined in sections, and the aperture of the screening holes on the screen plate gradually increases, so as to achieve screening of the fruit while achieving fruit transportation.

[0065] In other embodiments of the spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device, the delivery port may not be connected to the delivery pipe, and the track is then directly disposed below the delivery port.

[0066] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. The patent protection scope of the present invention shall be based on the claims. All equivalent structural changes made using the contents of the description and drawings of the present invention should also be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-stage sorting device for spherical fruits, characterized in that: include: frame; A feeding box is installed on the frame and is used to contain and transport the spherical fruits. The feeding box is provided with a feeding port and a discharging port for discharging the spherical fruits; A track is installed on the frame and is tilted below the discharge port, so that the spherical fruit can fall onto the track and roll along the track under the action of its own weight; An image capturing device, mounted on the frame, for capturing appearance information of the spherical fruit on the track; an information processing system connected to the image capturing device and configured to receive information captured by the image capturing device; A fruit receiver is arranged at the end of the track and is used to receive the spherical fruits falling on the track; A screening device is arranged downstream of the fruit receiving device and is used for conveying and screening spherical fruits of different sizes. The screening device is provided with a plurality of screening holes with gradually increasing apertures along the conveying direction of the spherical fruits; The fruit receiver is rotatably mounted on a frame, and a rotating power mechanism for driving the fruit receiver to rotate is arranged on the frame. The rotating power mechanism is connected to an information processing system, so that the information processing system controls the rotating power mechanism to rotate forward or reversely according to the appearance information of the spherical fruit, thereby making the fruit receiver have a forward rotation position and a reverse rotation position. When the fruit receiver is in the reverse rotation position, it is used to transfer the spherical fruit to a defective fruit collection box. When the fruit receiver is in the forward rotation position, it is used to transfer the spherical fruit to a screening device. The screening device includes a circular bottom plate and an annular enclosure fixed around the circular bottom plate. A rotating device is arranged in the annular enclosure. A plurality of arc grooves are arranged on the circumference of the rotating device, and the arc grooves and the side walls of the annular enclosure form a receiving cavity for receiving spherical fruits. The screening holes are arranged on the annular enclosure, and the circular bottom plate is arranged obliquely. The setting position of each screening hole corresponds to the lower position of the circular bottom plate. A notch is arranged on the annular enclosure at a position corresponding to the fruit receiver. The rotating device includes a turntable, a plurality of fixed rods fixed on the outer circumference of the turntable, and an arc plate fixed on the end of each fixed rod. The arc groove is formed by the arc plate. The fruit receiver includes a support plate, a baffle connected to the support plate, and a rotating shaft fixedly connected to the baffle. The support plate is a curved support plate, and the rotating shaft is rotatably installed on the frame.

2. The spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A screw conveyor is arranged in the feeding box, and the screw conveyor is used for continuously conveying the spherical fruits one by one, and the discharge port is used for discharging the single spherical fruits.

3. The spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The auger has a spiral blade, and the cross section of the edge of the spiral blade is T-shaped.

4. The spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The track is curved.

5. The spherical fruit multi-stage sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The image capturing device is a camera, and a camera mounting frame for mounting the camera is provided on the frame.

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